A Midsummer Derby’s Dream
The story of this year’s Travers Stakes goes back nearly three-quarters of a century to a converted Saddlebred farm in rural Western Kentucky that is now a close-knit family run operation.~ Steve Haskin
A Midsummer Derby’s Dream
By Steve Haskin
I normally avoid interjecting myself into a column unless I considered myself an integral part of the story, whether it is through my memory of a particular time period or an event or though tributes to my wife, daughter, and father. But I am going to make an exception this time because it is a very brief intrusion and caught me by surprise as I was preparing to tell the story of the 2022 Travers Stakes.
As a member of the Hall of Fame Historic Review Committee I strongly campaigned for several years to get My Juliet inducted and finally succeeded in 2019. It was a great thrill to be at the induction ceremony and hear her jockey Tony Black thank me, although no thanks were needed. I was merely trying to keep history in proper perspective and reward an amazing filly who deserved to be enshrined.
My Juliet was bred by J.R. Bettersworth at his one-time Saddlebred farm in Bowling Green, located in Western Kentucky, far removed from the state’s leading breeding farms in Lexington. Rex Ladd broke My Juliet at tiny Fonner Park in Nebraska, where she made her second start for Bettersworth before being sold to George Weasel for $50,000. She would go on to win 24 of her 36 starts, defeating Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Bold Forbes in the Vosburgh Stakes and finishing ahead of Preakness winner Master Derby in the Omaha Gold Cup.
Bettersworth’s grandson, Mike Harris, was in high school at the time and remembered My Juliet very well. He and his brothers Brent and Kevin eventually took over the operation and did business under the name Bettersworth Westwind Farms. With Mike’s sons Tyler and Justin and daughter Chelsea, who is married and has two children, it is truly a family operation. Of the farm’s 1,000 acres, 300 is for the horses and the rest is leased to a neighbor who grows soybeans, corn, and wheat. That is where they get all their straw, raise their own alfalfa and mix their own feed. In short, they do pretty much everything themselves.
Over the years, Westwind Farms bred several top-class horses, but it wasn’t until 2019, the same year they saw My Juliet inducted into the Hall of Fame and 47 years after their great filly was born that they bred their next potential champion, a bay colt by Not This Time eventually to be named Epicenter, who after tough defeats in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness has now vaulted to the head of the 3-year-old class with impressive victories in the Jim Dandy and Travers, the latter an emphatic 5 ¼-length drubbing of most of the leading 3-year-olds in the country.
For the Harris family, Epicenter came along at a time when they needed a major boost, and he gave it to them at the Keeneland September yearling sale.
“He was a special colt from the get-go,” Mike Harris said. “He was a well-balanced individual with a gorgeous walk. He wasn’t real big but he was very athletic and by June of his yearling year his butt was nice and broad and he had filled out in all the right places. But the best thing about him was his intelligence. He was very smart. A lot of young horses will get scared at little things that surprise them. He would just go up to something new and sniff it and that was it. Nothing bothered him. He was just so easy to handle.”
So when they consigned him to the Keeneland September yearling sale, along with two other horses, they knew they were bringing over a colt who was going to appeal to buyers.
“The pressure was on,” Harris said. “We’re just a family run farm and we had a run of bad luck for a couple of years. We had him in Book 3 and the other two in Book 2. We had a $125,000 reserve on him and were confident he’d bring over $100,000. But that was a Covid year and the foreign buyers didn’t show up. When we had to buy the first two yearlings back after they failed to meet their reserve we started to panic and lowered his reserve to $75,000.
“Because there were so few handlers there that year my son led him into the ring. He wound up selling for $260,000, which made him the highest-priced yearling we ever sold. When my son led him back out I met him and we both had tears in our eyes. We had been struggling at the time and he pulled us out.”
Harris was thrilled when he learned the colt had been been purchased by Ron Winchell, who had owned Tapit, Gun Runner, Midnight Bourbon, Untapable, and so many other top-class horses, and would be trained by Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen.
“Steve originally flagged him and we ran him though the rest of our team,” Winchell said. “He was a standout all the way around.”
Harris then told Winchell something that surprised and delighted him. “What was ironic is that Ron Winchell owns part of Kentucky Downs, which is located in Bowling Green, about 20 miles from our farm,” Harris said. “He didn’t realize the colt he had just bought had been born and raised right here in Bowling Green close to the racetrack he is part owner of.”
After breaking his maiden impressively going a flat mile at Churchill Downs in late November, 2021, Epicenter burst onto the Kentucky Derby scene with a rousing 6 ½-length victory in of all races the Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds. He kept learning and improving and developing physically just as Mike Harris thought he would, and following a head defeat in the Lecomte Stakes when he got a bit rank fighting for the lead he scored impressive victories in the Risen Star Stakes and Louisiana Derby by 2 ¾ and 2 ½ lengths, respectively.
Then on April 17, about three weeks before the Derby, the Winchell and Asmussen team suffered a devastating gut punch when their classy and gutsy colt Midnight Bourbon died suddenly at Churchill Downs from “acute gastrointestinal distress.”
“That was definitely a sad and tough loss on so many levels,” Winchell said.
That was followed by tough second-place finishes by Epicenter in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. In the Derby he apparently had the race won nearing the sixteenth pole, holding off the charge of the Blue Grass winner Zandon after being close to brutal factions when an 80-1 shot named Rich Strike came charging up inside him and snatched victory by three-quarters of a length. This was eerily similar to the way the Midnight Bourbon would run his guts out only to find a way to lose in deep stretch.
“The Derby was a tough beat,” Winchell said. “Epicenter was so prepared and ready for a top performance. It’s a tough one to accept. But I don’t want to take anything away from the winner.”
Mike Harris admits he was torn watching the race. “On one hand we were happy to have bred the post-time favorite for the Kentucky Derby and he ran a great second,“ he said. “But on the other hand it was tough seeing him run into a suicidal pace and still open up by daylight approaching the eighth pole and then get caught in the final yards. But we were very proud of him”
Then in the Preakness it looked like Epicenter’s hind end slipped a little coming out of the gate and he quickly lost all position. Joel Rosario chose not be aggressive and move him into position and he ran into more traffic problems, dropping back to eighth in the nine-horse field. He rallied through more traffic along the inside, but had no chance to catch Early Voting, again having to settle for second.
After a brief layoff during which he grew stronger mentally and physically, he returned in the 1 1/8-mile Jim Dandy Stakes as prep for the historic Travers. When he was taken back to fourth in the four-horse field it looked like the Preakness all over again. Had he lost that sharp tactical speed he had shown earlier in the year? But when Joel Rosario asked him he accelerated, swung to the outside and drew off from Zandon, Tawny Port, and Early Voting to win by 1 ½ lengths in the solid time of 1:48 4/5.
“I’m just happy he got to show his talent without any outside variables,” Winchell said after the race. “I think he’s learning how to win at the wire, which is what Gun Runner finally learned in his last year.”
Epicenter was now the favorite for the Travers and was one race away from taking over the top spot in the 3-year-old division. But Winchell couldn’t help but think back to last year’s Travers when Midnight Bourbon ran his heart out down the stretch only to get beat a neck by eventual 3-year-old champion Essential Quality.
“I thought about Midnight Bourbon many times leading up to this year’s Travers and watched his race several times,” Winchell said. “It was like he had left us with unfinished business. I thought his Travers was one of his best races and his toughest loss. That was probably one of my toughest losses ever until Epicenter’s Derby. It was hard to put that one into words.”
It wasn’t hard to put Epicenter’s Travers into words. All you need are the stats. He got bet down to even-money favorite and blew his field away after finally getting a perfect trip, winning by 5 ¼ lengths in 2:00 3/5, the fourth fastest time in the history of the race, which was first run during the Civil War. It was also the second fastest time in the last 43 years.
“I couldn’t have dreamt a better way for Epicenter to run in the Travers,” Winchell said. “Rarely do you feel comfortable throughout a race in regard to where you are and how you’re going. Between where he was placed and the fractions (:23 1/5, :47 3/5, and 1:11 2/5) he always seemed to be well within himself. He somehow avoided all traffic and showed dominance over the field with little effort. Races like this are hard to win, and we couldn’t be more proud of him.”
Epicenter’s performance did not come as a big surprise to the Asmussen barn. “He has developed physically so much this summer at Saratoga,” said assistant trainer Scott Blasi. “He’s put on a lot of muscle and even after the Jim Dandy he still moved forward. He’s an elite talent. Like Curlin and Gun Runner he makes you believe in him. He can accelerate and put himself in position at any point in the race. By winning the Travers he’s done something for us no horse has been able to do.”
But in the end the Travers is about tradition, which makes winning it all the more gratifying. “To have your name on that cup is very special,” Asmussen said. “What Saratoga means to American racing and what the Travers means to Saratoga, I want to help paint the canoe. For Epicenter to have competed in the Derby and Preakness and still have this much horse now, we’re extremely proud of that.”
For Mike Harris and his family, they should be reaping the rewards of Epicenter’s Travers victory for quite a while. At this year’s Keeneland November breeding stock sale they will be selling the colt’s dam Silent Candy, who is in foal to Epicenter’s sire Not This Time, which means the buyer will be getting the dam and eventually a full brother to the Travers winner. The family will also be selling Epicenter’s half-brother, by Tapiture, at the Keeneland September yearling sale.
Unlike Ron Winchell, who had a “thorough celebration” after the Travers, Mike Harris spent that evening with his family, who came over to watch the race. It was him and his wife Susan, his son Justin and his wife Alex and their two girls (Blake, 4, and June, 1,), his son Tyler, and his daughter Chelsea and her husband Terence and their daughter Harper (7), and son, Noah (2). This was the second major chapter in the legacy left by his grandfather some 70 years ago that has culminated with the Hall of Fame induction of My Juliet in 2019 and continuing with a victory in the historic Travers Stakes and a possible championship.
While Richard Dreyfuss in the movie “Let it Ride” uttered his now famous closing line at the racetrack after winning the final race by a nose, Mike Harris was grilling hamburgers with his family when the same words came to him: “I’m having a very good day.”
Photos courtesy of the New York Racing Association, Blood-Horse Library, and Christian Hansen.
I saw the Cave Rock team work….not all that fast—it looked GOOD. ..
Flavien Prat won the finale at Saratoga which tied him with Luis Saez for 2nd place in the standings behind Irad Ortiz. Prat won at 20% for the Saratoga meeting. Not the 27% that he used to win at in California, but, pretty darn good against the best riders in the country. Most importantly, Prat has “got his foot in the door” with some really good stables: Chad Brown, Todd Pletcher, Brad Cox, Christophe Clement, and even Steve Asmussen. Of course, Prat has his “Ace in the Hole”, Flightline.
Prat was the only rider at Saratoga with a positive ROI on dirt…and a positive ROI on turf…..which means if you gbet him to win in all of his races you would have finished with profit….the morning line maker compiled those stats as of Aug 25th, and promised to have numbers for the complete meeting presently….Prat in the last couple of weeks did so well…his ROI could only have been larger…what surprised me was how low Irad was, on dirt …as of Aug 25th he was 10th, on dirt, with a stunning $1.00 ROI, meaning if you bet him to win every dirt race you would have lost 50% of your moolah. ….in fairness, it’s hard for the #1 rider to get a profitable ROI, as they ride so many low prices..
Well, that BC Future Wager finally closed. Late money on Olympiad drove Flightline’s price up to 4-5. Epicenter 7-1. Both Olympiad and Life Is Good at 8-1. I know that Express Train has his fans. He closed at 99-1. Which is as high the tote shows. By my calculations, Express Train is closer to 170-1.
Flightline, Epicenter, Life Is Good, and Olympiad are the only ones under 10-1. In fact, all other betting interests are 30-1 or better. Not much betting action on anyone other than the top four horses.
The 4/5 on Flightline is really the odds on him making the race….
Agreed.
Forte, by Violence, out of a Blame mare, looked super impressive in winning the G1 Hopeful, going 7 furlongs in 1:22 and change, on an off track.
It would appear that he should have no problem going long. He’s a real beauty, with a coat that just gleams.
He could be the best 2yr. old in the Pletcher barn, time will tell.
With less than an hour until the Breeders Cup Future Wager closes at 6pm, Flightline is holding at 3-5. I know he’s a “super-horse”, but, what if Keenland comes up muddy on November 5th? Has the SuperStar ever set foot on anything less than a “fast” track? I know that I sound like a “Negative Nelly”, but, I wouldn’t bet on Secretariat in a Future Wagering Pool at 3-5 for a race that’s still just shy of 9 weeks away. So many things can happen.
Would the connections of Flightline even run him on an “off-track”? He might be too valuable.
Where do you go after a 126 BSF? Faster? Has any horse ever run two BSFs over 120? I don’t think so. Does Flightline regress? More than likely. If so, enough to let Life Is Good or Epicenter into the race? Like I typed into my keyboard yesterday, Ghostzapper won his next 2 races in 2004 after his 128 BSF. I have no idea what kind of numbers he ran in those races though. Is there any sport better than horseracing? It’s so darn interesting.
After 128 on a sloppy track, Ghostzapper got 114 in the Woodward, 124 in the BCC and 122 in the Metropolitan his last race…
Thanks for providing the BSF speed figures. I’m curious to see number Flightline received from Thor-o-graph?
That’s amazing. I’m very impressed that you found those numbers. So, Ghostzapper cracked 120 three times. I don’t think that I’ve ever fully appreciated Ghostzapper. He should be considered one of the greats of the game.
I was just looking at next Saturday’s card at Kentucky Downs. I hope it doesn’t get rained out. 12 races. Every one with 10 runners or more. Most with the maximum 12 along with 4 also-eligibles. Purses over $6million(apparently 2 of the purses are being bumped up because Grade I winners were entered). Most of the top jockeys and trainers will be there(I don’t think I saw Luis Saez). It’s going to be a handicapping nightmare with the turf likely “soft” and rain expected. Some popular horses I noticed: Princess Grace, Wesley Ward’s Arrest Me Red, Arklow, and Gufo(back on short rest-didn’t he just win at Saratoga a couple of weeks ago?). On first look, most of those races look wide open. I even saw some Canadien horses and connections entered.
I understand the economics of the sport, his insurance premiums would be off the charts, would they decide on a five year old campaign (in other words three more races..)….PLEASE… .RUN HIM NEXT YEAR! He might service 100 mares, for 15 years. …he is not going to sire himself! RUN HIM! (please..)..
Del Mar Sat was not souped up fast….I was present, for Bid’s Strub, and that surface WAS fast, but Saturday….Flightline went his second quarter in :22.36, according to prominent Florida handicapper Toby T….from there he made separation, and it was quick…..I’m fortunate to have been present for Bid’s Strub…and Flightline’s Pac Classic, I also got to see his Malibu, where his reins were shook and sayanora….I didn’t see Arrogate, or Skip Away, whom I also thought was great…..but I’m fortunate. ..
Maiden 2yo races in open company go for purses in the 100k range at Saratoga’s meet. The Grade 1 Hopeful carries a purse of 300k. I’m of the opinion horses of the future should be running for higher purses in Grade 1’s.
A Saratoga gr1 carries a value 10x its purse….
Not if your horse is a gelding.
Touche..
After watching Flightline’s ‘magnus opus’ in the Pacific Classic, half a dozen times, I started thinking back of Spectacular Bid’s walkover in the 1980 Woodward Stakes. Not that this would happen these days with Flightline but why other trainers gave up competing against Spectacular Bid. They had no chance.
Flightline must look invincible to all the other trainers no matter what they profess to say to the racing media. If you owned Life is Good, arguably the second best horse in the US, would you send him to the Breeders’ Cup Classic and get demolished by the mighty Flightline or send him to the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile with an excellent chance of winning? I know what I’d be doing, running for cover.
I think the trainers meant it when they said they’re going to the BCC. I guess they should have checked with you before making their press statements.
The days when I took in what a trainer said to the racing press – hook, line, and sinker – was when I was 5 years old. Lol. Good luck.
It’s not that simplistic. They’re giving themselves a chance, that’s what you do when you’re an underdog. I think going after this horse and pressing him might yield results but they have to do it right away.
Yes, that’s fair enough but it’s also quite futile trying to turn a mile – 9f specialist into a competitive 10f runner at the highest level. Especially, when Flightline thrashed Country Grammer by almost 20 lengths in the Pacific Classic on the weekend, the same horse who ran past Life is Good in the 10f, Dubai World Cup in March, 2022.
At least with Country Grammer, Hot Rod Charlie there are no distance questions on whether 10f is a furlong too far. I haven’t seen any signs of a chink in Flightline’s armor, if anything Flightline shows utter contempt of his opponents. Wouldn’t you rather see Life is Good have a ding dong battle with Jack Christopher in the Dirt Mile than see him being swallowed up in the Breeders’ Cup Classic?
I think there are lots of reasons for other horses to be in the starting gate at the BCC, but perhaps not LIG, because s you wrote he has a very good chance of winning the mile. First, as Steve has reminded us with his columns about Alan Jerkens, even great horses have inexplicably “off” days. It seems unlikely with Flightline, as he doesn’t race often, but it is still possible. More likely is that the rest are running for second money, which in the BCC, is considerable. It will not tarnish a horse’s record to be second to Flightline. If Epicenter runs second, especially within five lengths, he has marked himself as a great horse. Remember that he is just three, and Flightline is four. I think any of the top tier 3YOs could consider running in the Classic for the same reasons. And for the older horses, I go back to my first point. Hitting the Board in the BCC is a big payday, no matter what. I hope I am right, because seeing some version of a walkover will be no fun at all.
Yes, all valid points for Life is Good to run in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. I should have been clearer, I think Life is Good is more likely to be off the board than placing in the Breeders’ Cup Classic due to distance limitations and completion. Overall, there seems half a dozen runners who are better equipped to run a better 10f than Life is Good. However, at a mile – 9f, Life is Good would appear only second to Flightline.
As everyone knows, anything can happen in a race, but securing a win in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile rather than placing, at best, in the Breeders’ Cup Classic seems the positive option. I know Steve Haskin would disagree as he has little time for the Dirt Mile but that’s another debate.
I think the Dirt Mile is best for Life Is Good even if Flightline doesn’t run in the BC Classic. That being said, Todd Pletcher doesn’t usually duck anybody. The owners might have a different idea though.
I hope we get more than a 6-horse field for the BC Classic.
Not sure about that with Pletcher. Andy Beyer was beside himself when Pletcher did not run Liam’s Map against American Pharoah in the BCC. Instead he put him in the mile (he won Beyer was pretty emphatic Liam’s Map could beat AP
I remember that. I was a fan of both horses and wanted Liam’s Map to go in the BC Dirt Mile. Todd Pletcher is already in the Hall-of-Fame. Nothing he can do can get him thrown out of there.
Remember Liam’s Map Dirt Mile? He got himself in so much trouble you thought he was going to beat himself but being the champion he was not defeated and broke through with pure grit and determination.
Yes Tommy, that’s how I see it and I agree with both your assumption about Todd Pletcher and the hope that the Breeders’ Cup Classic field is not limited to six runners.
Interesting take around Flightline’s perceived invincibility. No matter how much I do agree with that impression I also believe that the best horses should meet in the best races. The key is how each trainer defines success. In this exceptional case it could be just trying to fetch the Million Dollar for second place and even the third place will yield $540K (20K more than the pursue for 1st in the Mile).
The only thin gleam of hope for the other leading horses is that Flightline has not faced a rival as fast as Life is Good. The latter not only has already won the BC mile but also needs to turn the tables on Country Grammar. Life is Good is a proven high-class frontrunner who will be helping the 2022 Classic to be a memorable one (i.e. aiding in a New Track Record) by pushing Flightline a tad during the first 6 furlongs… and, who knows, the Pletcher trainee might even hold for second since there are no other speed horses running at him during the first mile at least…
I am with you in that Flightline appears to be the surest winner of the BCC since American Pharoah and would like to see the son of Tapit overwhelming the best horses in his steady and unhurried flight to greatness.
Would Mohammad Ali still be considered the greatest without the great Foreman, Norton, Frazier and Spinks?
You left out “The Bayou Bleeder”, Chuck Webner. Just kidding. You make a good point. The best horses should face each other. Do it for the fans if for no other reason.
It is said that Sylvester Stallone wrote the script for Rocky after watching the Ali/Wepner fight.
Well Nelson, first things first. Ha ha It doesn’t matter who Mohammed Ali fought he was the greatest boxer, period.
I’d rather see a competitive Life is Good Vs Jack Christopher in a scintillating Dirt Mile than see the former being overwhelmed by Flightline then being passed by a handful in the latter stages of the 10f Classic.
I also remember the 1987 Prix de Diane, it was supposed to be a battle Royal ‘Miesque Vs Indian Skimmer’ and was being promoted as the race of the decade. There was no battle, Indian Skimmer simply waltzed past Miesque as if she wasn’t there – the distance totally favored Indian Skimmer.
Let’s have two fantastic races come the Breeders’ Cup Festival.
To date LIG has a wee bit over 4 million in winnings and a record of 10 starts with 8 wins and 1 show.
His pedigree and his record have already established him as stallion quality that will mostly result in a very valuable stud deal.
His ownership invludes China Horse Club and Winstar. As a rule CHC does not keep their horses when their racing career has ended. Winstar may or may not stand him but if not the farm will be very involved in brokering the best deal and will get a handsome return on their investment.
I agree with Profsdottir. Losing to Flightline in the BCC will not tarnish his record and he places in the top 3 the money will a boost to his earnings.
CHC has a racing manager and will probably be the one to make the final decision, not Todd.
Lynda, the prize money in the Breeders’ Cup races is simply insignificant compared to stud fees, shares etc when retiring a horse like Life is Good. Everyone gets a piece of the action. Moreover, there isn’t a great difference in prize money between the winning purse of the Dirt Mile or running third in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
If all the consideration is a ‘chance’ at the maximum prize money possible then go for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, if Life is Good runs last then, bad luck. There have been lots of great horses having in-noble endings running unplaced in their last race. Frankly, I hate seeing that but to each his own. Ask Steve Haskin about Damascus’ end of an illustrious racing career.
There is a reason why Frankel never ran in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.
Life is Good probably already has a stallion deal. Of course there might be additional incentives aka bonuses if he wins the BCC or if he runs and wins the Pegasus next year. Zayat had such a deal with Coolmore. There might have been bonuses involved for Justify as well, however he retired with an injury in the Belmont.
I cannot speak for European stallions but I am somewhat familiar with the process here in the United States and I know that Chiba Horse Club has a racing manager who makes the final decisions.
Yes, that’s right Lynda. Once a colt with a sire’s pedigree starts winning Grade/Group 1 races a deal for standing that colt are set in motion. There is no guessing where Flightline will be standing.
With Europe the champion racehorses are somewhat cosseted while the Breeders’ Cup races are viewed as wonderful should the European horse win but merely a trifle if they are beaten. It doesn’t matter, having your cake and eating it.
Coolmore definitely don’t accept loses once they have ‘made a deal’ for a colt to stand there. Swift retirement saves the asset.
We know that Flightline earned a 126 BSF for his big win at Del Mar yesterday. The second highest BSF ever since Andy Beyer invented BSFs. Ghostzapper earned a 128 BSF for his win in the Philip H. Iselin at Monmouth in 2004. So, I started wondering about a “bounce” for Flightline going into the Breeders Cup. Many people don’t believe in the “bounce theory”. But, I absolutely do. So, I looked at what Ghostzapper did back in ’04. Just 3 weeks after his lifetime best at Monmouth, Ghostzapper won the Woodward at Belmont. A month and a half later, Ghostzapper blitzed an over-matched field in the Breeders Cup Classic at Lone Star. Ghostzapper would only run one more time before being retired. Bobby Frankel obviously found a way to avoid a “bounce” by running him back just 3 weeks later. I doubt that John Sadler runs Flightline again before the BC Classic. Different horse and different times. But, who knows. Even though he’ll probably be facing better horses than Stiletto Boy and Express Train in the BC Classic, Flightline has to be considered as a “single” in all Multi-race wagers if he makes it into the starting gate on November 5th.
BTW, I just checked the Breeders Cup Future Wager that is going on until tomorrow afternoon. Flightline is 1-2 as of about 2 minutes ago. Yikes!!!! 1-2 in a FUTURE WAGER! Still another day for those odds to change.
I’ll keep saying it: this Breeders Cup Future Wager is not very interesting without exacta wagering being offered IMO.
BTW#2, speaking of Andy Beyer, he was a guest handicapper at NYRA yesterday replacing Anthony Sabille who may be on vacation. Who knows? Anyway, Beyer had eight(8) on-top winners on the 13-race Saratoga card. Those included the first time Brad Cox starter that paid $31 to win. Beyer had the last 3 winners on the card, 6 of the last 7, and 5 of 6 in the pick-6. His only loss in the pick-6 being the “botched” ride on Warlike Goddess. He did have Virginia Joy picked for 2nd in that race. He had a much better day than I did. I’ll bet that Steve Haskin knows Andy Beyer.
On to Kentucky Downs next Saturday(weather permitting) and Parx of all places on September 24th for Pennsylvania Derby Day before starting to concentrate on prepping for the Breeders Cup on November 4th & 5th. Can’t wait to see what sort of shenanigans those Parx jockeys have in store for us this year. The Breeders Cup should be really good. We have lots of Stars: Flightline, Olympiad, Life Is Good, Warlike Goddess, Clairiere, Malathaat, and a bunch of up emerging Juveniles. Can Jackie’s Warrior finally get his BC win? Can Aidan O’Brien sweep the trifecta again in the BC Mile at Keenland?
I forgot about Epicenter who also has to be considered one of the stars of the sport now. You know Steve Asmussen will have him ready. And Golden Pal for Wesley Ward. I think Ward has another turf sprinter for the BC as well.
And Nest.
Hi Steve. I loved your piece on Epicenter and Westwind Farms. It is inspiring to read that a smaller, less well known breeding operation such Westwind can produce a champion of the quality of Epicenter, who I have loved since he started on the Kentucky Derby trail. I would love to breed these great horses myself but that is an unattainable dream without the resources. So it is so nice to learn about smaller breeders who have achieved this kind of success, especially after struggling financially. Although, Epicenter’s performance in the Travers was overshadowed by the jaw-dropping run of Flightline in the Pacific Classic, the fact that his time was the second fastest in 43 years is nothing to sneeze at.
EP has no chance, Asmussen has zero horses who could warm up FL.
Lost in all the excitement of Flightline’s tremendous victory in The Pacific Classic, was Jockey Joel Rosario getting himself into a “jackpot” with Warlike Goddess in the Flower Bowl. Going into the race, it was obvious that there wasn’t the slightest bit of pace signed up. Irad Ortiz on Virginia Joy went to the lead and was able to get away with 6-furlongs in 1:19. Meanwhile, Warlike Goddess was in behind horses and finally got some room in the stretch. But, I don’t care how good a horse is. If you spot another horse an easy lead like Virginia Joy got, it’s going to be very difficult to catch her.
I think Warlike Goddess will make up for it in the Breeders Cup. No matter which race she runs in. Trainer Bill Mott says he is leaning towards the mile and a half of the BC Turf instead of the mile and three sixteenths of the BC F&M Turf. Wouldn’t it be great to see a U.S. horse win the BC Turf? Probably at a decent price too. All she needs is a contested pace in front of her.
Mott didn’t seem too upset after the race. I even saw him shake Rosario’s hand. Things happen. Maybe Mott was feeling good about Olympiad coming up in the very next race. I remember Blame getting beat by a runaway Haynesfield in a race before his BC Classic win over Zenyatta.
Flightline’s race ranks up there with Secretariat’s Belmont, Damascus’ Woodword, Zenyatta’s BC, and Arrogate’s Travers among others….a truly stunning display of power.
Perhaps most impressive was how Flightline looked to run so easily.
126 beyer for Flightline!
Where is Eddie? Never see him here.
I haven’t seen anything from Eddie in a while. He always had interesting things to read. I hope he’s OK.
Me also.
The highs and lows of this sport have been so emotionally draining the past 24 hours.
The death of Jack De Bromhead, son of the top Irish trainer in a pony race.
Flightline’s win.
The death of Corebus today after a fatal injury.
Tears of joy seem to turn into tears of sadness in the blink of an eye.
Heartfelt condolences to young Jack’ s family and to rhe connections of Corebus.
What a terrible, heart-wrenching loss! That young man had a promising future! Life can turn on a dime, and what is today could be gone—all gone–tomorrow..
Matthew W, yes it can. In an instant. Just heartbroken for his family.
Lynda, it’s always the same the highs are so high and the lows so low. Joan Armatrading’s song “Down to Zero” captures the intense feelings so well.
143 Time Form
Linda, numbers mean zero for me. People are hung up on numbers.
Mike I do not necessarily get hung up on speed figures either. I do think however that they can be measurement or indicator of a horse’s performance in a race and for comparison purposes. They are also used I guess by professional handicappers of which I am not.
I actually actually got the number off West Wind’s FB posting from this morning.
Also read part of an interview with John Sadler during which he mentioned that Flightline will be trained up for the BCC and will not be racing before the BC.
It is my opinion that regardless of the numbers, that if Flightline runs the same race in the BCC as he did on Saturday that he will the Classic barring any glitches.
As much as I like Epicenter, just do not think he is in Flightline’s league, not yet anyway.
I read, do not know if true, that Country Grammer ran faster than he has before.
Flightline just shot off like a rocket and was as smooth as silk and left everyone else in the dust.
Agreed! He’s in league of his own………..for real!
Your suspicions are confirmed when we see that the AVERAGE Equibase Speed Figures for Country Grammar’s 3-prior races was 109 but suddenly drops to 97 in the Pacific Classic despite being a similar or better race for him defeating Royal Ship by 7 lengths.
Let’s see how Brisnet comes up to confirm the inaccuracy of those numbers when trying to measure superb talents…
That’s an historic number..
And I agree w/ u. However, some place overkill on numbers. I mean he’s special for sure.
No question….I was at Spectacular Bid’s world record Strub, if Flying Paster doesn’t run his career best race there’s no world record! Prat slowed his horse down, a remarkable horse that when he draws away he keeps extending his lead, most horses as they near the wire they lose some but not him…
I’m impressed, S. Bid. Glad u saw FL.
Secretariat ran 21 times at two and three, and so did Spectacular Bid….in two years Flightline will run 6 times, and likely win all 6….When Zenyatta finally lost I wished they kept her racing at age seven, because there was not another one like her….I want to see Flightline RACE—-there would never be another like Zenyatta, RACE her! RACE Flightline, I couldn’t care less about his progeny! He won’t sire himself, RACE him!
Exactly. Arrogate broke a 100 year old? track record, won a few more then went away. They probably won’t run him again at 5. Even Man O War ran 21 times. Riddle retired him because of the handicap weight, something that never happens today. Secretariat retired because of the syndication.
That was an impressive race. My only thing from calling him the best thing ever is only 5 races. Sorry.
Now we wait for your impressions Steve!
Oh happy day!
So happy for you Matthew W that you made that trip and that he won!
Tapit may hold the so many records as a sire but siring Flightline is his Opus Maximus.
Great description!
I am just delighted! Happy too for his connnections.
His pedigree speaks volumes on breeding for speed AND stamina.
He just had that look yesterday in the video of him in the paddock.
One record could be siring his best son when he was 17 years old… Bold Ruler was 16 when Secretariat was foaled.
I think I witnessed the next Secretariat, which is fitting for this site. Trevor Denman said it perfectly, you may never seen this again…and all time great in 5 races. Flightline BSF will be between 125 to 130.
126 BSF; Flightline in his 5th start recorded the second fastest BSF in modern history; in 5 starts has won 3 Grade 1’s, 3 different distances. This horse is an all time great and it’s only going to get better.
I see! So, five races? Ask Cigar, 33 races, Zen, Kelso, on and on.
Just because a horse races more doesn’t make him an all time great. Cigar couldn’t be in same area code with Flightline, sorry but that’s the facts.
lol And ur hero has zero horses in his barn who could even warm up FL. Ask C. Gram!
Flightline could never have maintained Cigar’s schedule and won.
Agree 100%. No chance! Cigar was a CHAMPION! Saw him 2 weeks prior of passing,saw him much.
Of course Flightline couldn’t have the same schedule, it’s a case by case situation. But head to head, Cigar didn’t face anyone like Flightline.
Yes I was fortunate. ..a horse that had never gone two turns, running in the heat….does that, eased up ….too much to fathom, I thought it was ridiculous yo bet him like that—but when he started to lose contact….and it was quick, 6…8..
10….15…it was quick! He opened up on them QUICK!
Oh no, Matthew didn’t you put something on Flightline to win just to have a keepsake record?
The greatest moment of 21st-Century horse racing in America…!
Reading the dictionary of adjectives and could not find one to describe what I just witnessed at Del Mar…!
Lost in superlatives. A Real Champion racehorse. If he isn’t in the Hall of Fame then the Hall of Fame is a farce.
My adjective for a performance such as this one is “sublime”.
Lynda, I’ve watched the race 5 times now and am awestruck every time. The ease of execution is so serene like a walk in the park, effortless.
Fligthline could have broken Bid’s world record with a little urging… but this is just trivial now…
We should start a campaign to convince his owners to let him run next year … at least in the Pegasus and the World Cup … if not a lot to ask for … Please.
Nelson, I would hope that he will return at 5 and run in the Pegasus and World Cup.
Would add that Mr Sadler is due a lot of praise for how he trained the colt.
Patience, patience, patience is a major building block in trying a horse.
Hey Lynda, the owners ARE talking about running him next year. This was only his fifth start. Fingers crossed he finishes sound in the BCC.
Davids, this is a big concession from me.
If there has been a horse in that past 49 years that has come close to Secretariat, it was Flightline today.
But then the blood of Secretariat flows through him from Tapit and his grand dam , a Storm Cat daughter.
Sometimes the stars and the planets align from the past to create the present.
Correction, great grand dam.
I used to wonder how good Bernardini might have been at 4, in comparison to the greats of the 70s but with Flightline there is no question, he belongs in that lofty echelon now.
and let me add if the Beyer Speed Figure is not above 128 this metric is also a farce …!
Ha ha!! Touché.
Nelson, what do you have to say if it’s 126? (Which it is.) Pretty whopping to me.
I look who crosses finish line ahead. numbers are overkill.
Yes Ms Blacktype… pretty good figure assigned there.
I was expecting about 128 just because I recalled Ghostzapper’s 128 in the 2004 Iselin he won by 11 lengths over an overmatched field… but I realized that that Monmouth Stakes was run on a sloppy track which makes any speed figure non comparable and even useless…
Then Ghostzapper’s got a Beyer of 124 in the BCC which makes Flightline comparatively superior … anyway, these numbers are anecdotal when it comes to comparison…as Mike Relva said below, visual appraisals are sometimes more relevant than relying solely on these imperfect numbers.
Horses like Flightline are why I follow horse racing, despite all its faults. Superlatives fail me.
Snap, with superlatives. Ha ha Breathtaking in magnificence.
These are the moments we racing fans live dream about!
Well said!
I was standing up on a picnic table, top of stretch. Yelled “YEAH-HOOOO…”…as they passed….I saw Bid and I got to see greatness one more time!
Have you come back to earth yet?
I just checked the Breeders Cup Future Wager immediately after the Pacific Classic. Flightline is 8-5, Epicenter 2-1, Life Is Good 12-1, and Country Grammar 17-1. Every other horse over 20-1. It runs until Monday evening. I expect it to change dramatically after Flightline’s huge win. It would seem that the bet boils down to if Flightline gets into the BC Classic starting gate or not. Not a very exciting wager IMO without exacta wagering.
Well I got to Del Mar, for race five…and it’s HOT! I got to this place with couches! Drinking a beer, eating a turkey sandwich that I brought, they let you bring your own food, I have sandwiches and water bottles, there’s a nice breeze where I’m at, it’s real good here! Couple hours to Flightline! Not too big of a crowd, either it’s Labor Day Weekend, it’s hot…..and the beer lines aren’t bad at all, too bad I’m not a big beer drinker! I played my first race, a 13-1 shot that ran out, a winner or two would really make my day!
Stay cool Matthew. N8ce they let you bring snacks etc. Lot of places don’t anymore.
I didn’t purchase a seat and am glad!…there are PLENTY! FREE!….Labor Day Weekend, HOT…..they didn’t come out, not even for Flightline..
Based on what I am seeing in the early dirt races at Del Mar the track has been groomed to favor Flightline. The mid part of the track is the place to be. Not impressed on what I saw in the Jockey Gold Cup … I will tell you why in a later post.
I see no bias today! A maiden race had two first time starters run one/two BOTH had inside trips….another maiden race won by far outside post….
Saw that but again you said you did not get there until the 5th race but my observation were based on comments from Equibase race charts from the earlier races run especially the 4th Shared Belief
GO JOE WON vied for the lead inside, moved further out and went three wide into the far turn,maintained a short lead through the far turn and led two wide into the stretch, drifted out and brushed while battling HIGH CONNECTION through the lane and gamely prevailed. HIGH CONNECTION vied between rivals into the first turn then pressed from outside, headed rival on the far turn, brushed and got floated out by GO JOE WON in the lane, dug in late and missed.
Enjoy the rest of your day
“
Let’s hope it’s day to remember, Matthew. Have a great day.
Davids I should get a good picture of Flightline, maybe even a selfie but I’m not sure I could do that….it’s so…..Millennial!..
Go for it! LOL.
Absolutely, one of the most incredible performances ever.
Del Mar may have made a mistake moving the Pacific Classic to Labor Day Weekend. Flightline couldn’t have won any easier.
Races canceled for the rest of the day about 30 minutes ago at Kentucky Downs.
Thunderstorms, lightning, heavy rain.
Getting a Gulley Washer here at the moment.
The Saranac scratched down to only 4 horses. With so many short fields in Stakes races across the country(except Kentucky Downs), I hope we don’t see that trend continue into the Breeders Cup. That’s one of the great appeals of the BC. Big fields of quality horses and big prices.
Speaking of Kentucky Downs, I’m looking forward to playing the Franklin, Kentucky track next Saturday with Saratoga closing. I hope the weather cooperates. It’s a handicapping challenge. I hope they’ve upgraded their camera system.
Ethereal Road was eased up in the stretch of that last race. I hope he’s OK.
There are 3 really huge favorites in high profile races today: Flightline(1-5) in the Pacific Classic, Annapolis(2-5) in the Saranac at Saratoga, and Warlike Goddess(2-5) in the Flower Bowl at Saratoga. Can any of them possibly be beaten?
I’m not going to play Del Mar. I don’t have a feel for the Jockeys and Trainers out there anymore. The comments coming from the trainers of other horses in the Pacific Classic make Flightline sound like a sure thing. He’s been so impressive. But, with very few exceptions, they all get beat sooner or later. I expect him to win big today. But, I will take a shot at beating him in the Breeders Cup Classic if he comes back in only 9 weeks which would be pretty quick for him based on his past history.
Annapolis cuts back in distance after running a big race in the Saratoga Derby and is pretty versatile. He can run close to the pace or come from way back.
There is some talk that Warlike Goddess could be America’s best turf horse. Joel Rosario fits her like a glove. When she makes her move, it’s been devastating. Forget her Breeders Cup Filly & Mare Turf loss. She made her big move just a little too soon on the tricky Del Mar turf course. You can’t make mistakes against the world-class horses in the BC.
Saratoga comes to a close after Monday Holiday racing. It’s been fun.
I’m going to be on First Captain today. Steve Haskin says that it’s all about Todd Pletcher and he’s right. Pletcher sends out 4 horses in the Jockey Club Gold Cup: Untreated, Americanrevolution, Keepmeinmind, and Dynamic One. The New York Bred, Americanrevolution has the best numbers as he tries a mile and a quarter for the first time. Dynamic One has won at the distance and looks like the one to beat to me. But, First Captain lost a head-bob to Dynamic One in the Suburban at Belmont and is proven at the distance. First Captain should be able to hold his 4-1 Morning Line odds. Whatever, it looks like a really good race.
Steve, have you or your blog guests ever heard of the Canadian mare Press Exclusive? She had a good racetrack career, and nine foals as a broodmare, then was sent to the slaughter house! On the way she lost her balance and was trampled by several other unfortunate horses, and was so badly injured she was deemed worthless for slaughter, and a vet ordered her euthanized on the spot…but somebody paid for her and she was nursed back from grotesque injuries—and very well might still be alive today, she being born in 1996…..her story is amazing, worthy of Haskinization….
Update! She’s 26, and still kicking! A blessing…..
Steve
No comments from you on either the Pacific Classic (PC) or Jockey Gold Cup (JGC) ? Cat got your tongue (LOL … Just Kiddddiiinnnggg !!! ) Both races are intriguing and the PC has been one of the most anticipated races all summer. JGC looks pretty wide open. I have a feeling the PC might be a little closer that than a lot of people think. I think Mandella has put Extra Hope in the race as sort of a “rabbit” to make sure the race has an honest ( watch now that i have said that the horse will stumble at the beginning and get left at the gate) pace and the horse should have a decent bottom on him. And Express Train when right can be a handful I think Flightline will feel pressure in this race, but will it be enough for him to fold up under it or will he just toy with this field ?
In the JGC, Pletcher seems to have a full deck in there and they are all contenders but will First Captain be the spoiler?? This will be another race of interest as it too is a mile and quarter and depending on the outcome could have some more competition to the BCC.
Just wanted to see what, if any, you have any opinion on these 2 races ?
You can4 predict what a 4yo horse with 4 lifetime starts will do going 10f for the first time. I just watch with him and see what he does next. JCGC looks all Pletcher unless Olympiad bouncex Sorry, no strong feelings
Thanks for your honesty. I understand your point.
Jay Privman — one of my OTHER favorite racing writers after Steve — announced his retirement today at the end of the Del Mar meet. He’d been covering racing since he was 20 and went through a bout with cancer last year. All’s well now, but he’s hanging up his tack. I will be sorry to see him go.
Sorry to heard that.
Liked Jay as well.
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That is sad news, Jay Privman anchors DRF as the quiet, intelligent observer while being a pleasure to read.
Eloquently said, Davids.
Just watched a video of Flightline at the track.
He is looking sharp and very much up on his toes and has that look of eagles yet calm.
Very much reminds me of the 19th century portraits of English Thoroughbreds.
Personal opinion but I think what makes this colt a potentially a great horse is the depth of stamina in his pedigree in combination with speed.
Sorry, not sorry but anyone who doubts that the stall injury put him out of training for so long really knows nothing about horses. That jumbled mess of a scar is very visible and is one he will carry the rest of his life.
Best of luck to all the horses on Saturday and safe racing for all.
This might very well be one of the best races in years.
Just stay cool Flavien, just stay cool.
I do agree with your opinion … when one sees Tapit and Dynaformer merged in a pedigree it is not far fetched to believe that Flightline should relish longer distances of course aided by his amazing speed … let’s see if our view is confirmed tomorrow.
Imagine what could have been if Flightline was not awfully wounded in Saratoga and he could start his campaign there as a 2-year-old …
Nelson, I hope we do!
I am going on out on a limb (perhaps) when I say that had he not been injured and displayed the same brilliance he might very well have gone all the way and won the TC.
When you see Tapit and Dynaformer merged in a pedigree it is also not far fetched to believe one could suffer an injury in their stall.
Thoroughbreds are programmed to self destruct in general, more so in many pedigrees that are not as laid back or more manageable than those two examples.
Should read ” less so in many pedigrees that are more laid back or more manageable than those two examples” Ooops!
You are right … It is well known D. Wayne Lukas asserting that Dynaformer was “the most difficult horse I ever trained”.
Apparently the “genes of explosive temper” come from confirmed moody Sires: Hail to Reason/Roberto and Ribot/His Majesty
You reminded me that some Tapit’s foals are very volatile as well …
It is amazing how they can keep all the energy of a 1,000-pound horse contained in a 12 square feet stall for most part of the day…
Nelson
To your last point, that is where horsemanship comes into play. Included in that is only hiring competent help, which is becoming harder to find. I once trained a Dynaformer who won several races, but staff & myself earned every nickel.
Patience is the key, but it is tried at every turn.
There is a saying among we horse owners that you can wrap a horse in bubble wrap, put them in a padded stall and they will still find a way to injure themselves.
I booked train passage for the Pacific Classic…..Amtrac highly recommended I purchase passage insurance, so much so that I was unable to get my ticket WITHOUT it—I get it, the previous time I trained it there was 440 passengers just at the Solana Beach station, which is Del Mar….so I’m two days from Flightline, and I intend to walk up to the far turn gap—same place my brother and I watched Spectacular Bid win his Strub! I want to see if Flightline is full of run, after a mile! This is a generational talent, perhaps only a miler—- another beautiful horse Express Train will be running— not among the top tier in talent but one of the best looking horses I have ever looked at…..Flightline ain’t chopped liver, in that regard, also Stiletto Boy is a dazzling chestnut! Bob’s Country Grammar has a slender physique, but has stamina galore….
The weather predicted is perfect as well. Not too hot. Hope you have a great day. I haven’t been this excited for a long, long, time. What a thrill to be there. Allez, Flightline!!
Hope you have a great day at the races!
We will be expecting a full report down to their hooves (LOL).
I’ll make certain to have a full charge, in my phone! Temp will be a relief, as it has been scorching hot around here, this week—and our AC stopped working….wifey is a fix-it gal, I was assisting her yesterday, and our Great Dane Blues was looking behind the unit, we thought it was a rat but it was our long lost Tim, the tortoise! I boxed him up and brought him to his rightful owner—I found him on a walk, two months ago, and when his owner called up we couldn’t find the guy— anyway wifey fixed the AC, Tim is back home in his pond, things happen in threes—maybe I will hit the pick five, or get to see a special performance this weekend!
Sounds like you are on a winning streak. Good omens all around! Hope you win big.
Sweet story about Tim the Tortoise.
Never had a Great Dane but always heard the were the best dogs.
Great job by your wife getting the AC going.
Hope you have a fabulous day at the races.
We all deserve a special treat once in awhile.
We had Blues from a small puppy in a shoe box, we adopted Ash this year, a 7 year old, because he was headed for the pound, and I knew he would not survive day one—being old, and 140 lbs….walking the two of them is like a scene out of Ben Hur—the chariot race!
MatthewW, love the analogy to Ben Hur and walking your Great Danes.
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I hope you have a great Flightline day Mattew!… Make sure you get nice photo pictures of those Pacific Classic competitors..
Especially the picks of Flightline will be coveted if he eventually gets up there with the greats …
That’s a great point, Nelson! You can no longer go around the walking wing, at Del Mar, but I’ll get to a vantage point!
My plans were to go to the PC this weekend and see the race in person but that fell through when I took my car to the repair shop to get some issues taken care of (I still don’t have it back ) with a rising repair bill of so far… $1300. Good luck Matthew. Was there for the Oceanside race … Del Mar is like the Nirvana for horse racing !!!! Saw Gunrunner win the BC Classic there and also saw the “BID” win the Strub at Santa Anita.
On the JUSTIFY baby watch…. 2 colts entered tomorrow in 6th race at Del Mar. 6 1/2 furlong MSW, one trained by Baffert and other by Sadler. Not sure if either has run previously.
I’m hoping Justify gets an Epsom Derby runner. He’s doing well, early, in Europe.
The date should have been the sixth race on Saturday at Del Mar. And I agree it looks promising for him in Europe
Coincidentally, in the 6th at Saratoga tomorrow there is another (2-y-old) son of Justify debuting named Champions Dream (out of Dancinginherdreams by TAPIT) who looks like a good one as well.
Pletcher got a son of Tapit there named Mindtap. The $725k will be taking a ton of betting money in a nice field of newcomers …
The $85-million Stallion is having an auspicious start with Stakes winners on Turf and Dirt.
The 6th race at Del Mar on Saturday includes Justify’s son Hawker who was second by a neck in his debut at 5 furlongs. The other Justify is Baffert’s Gandolfini who is debuting but is Also Eligible…
Yakteen’s Practical Move (Practical Joke) and Baffert’s Massimo are the fastest in that very good field…
Hawker seems like being more apt at longer distances.. he is my in watching list already…!
My 14 month old great-granddaughter has decided she likes horse. We were watching the Personal Ensign, the Sword Dancer, and the Travers on Saturday. She caught sight of Epicenter in the post parade, squealed, clapped her hands, and almost jumped in place. He then took the race. She might help me pick my 2023 Derby horse. Thrilled for Epicenter and his connections. I am a little leery of the hype over Flightline. We aren’t that far from Big Brown. Flightline hasn’t run enough yet for me to buy in.
That is wonderful that your great-granddaughter likes horse racing!
Ms Blacktype, my comment about a Thoroughbred and Paul Revere was poorly written. Blaming it on this tablet that I am getting better with but still not competent with longer sentences and the AI built into these things.
Anyway , Paul Revere did not own a horse. He borrowed one, a Nagassugent Pacer that I recall was named Brown Betty. Some historians say that Revere became a legend or a folk hero largely because of the poem, “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere”. His ride was less than 15 miles long down city streets and he was captured by the British before he completed the ride.
The Thoroughbred that I was referring to was a bay Thoroughbred mare named “Sallie”. I actually stumbled on this story when I read some history about Bedford County, Virginia during the Revolutionary War.
Just some background, Thomas Jefferson built a summer retreat in Bedford County that he named. “Popular Forest”. In 1781 one of Cornwallis’ generals named Tarketon raided several counties in Virginia and stole valuable horses from the locals. It was Tarketon too that I think was responsible for running the Virginia General Assembly out of Richmond (Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were in the group). They all retreated to Monticello and to Charlottesville with Tarketon in hot pursuit.
There was a young man who was resting outside of a tavern about 10 at night and overheard the British planning to capture Jefferson at Monticello. His name was Jack Jouett and he was a member of the Virginia Militia. Jouett was 6’4″ and weighed 220 pounds. He saddled his bay Thoroughbred mare named Sallie and rode off to warn Jefferson.
It was a moonlit night and Jouett knew that if took the road that he would most likely be spotted by British patrols dp he rode all night through the woods and through cow pastures to arrive at Monticello around 4 AM. He stopped once so Sallie could drink from a creek and to wash the blood and as off her and himself where they were both hit by tree branches.
Jouett’s arrival at Monticello gave Jefferson time to collect his important papers before making his escape to Poplar Forest in Nedford County.
Jouett then galloped back down the mountain to warn the Assemblymen who were staying at a tavern.
Jouett left that part of Virginia after the war ended to what is now Versialles, Kentucky. At the time Kentucky was part of Virginia. Jouett married, had multiple children, raised cattle and bred Thoroughbreds with Sallie, the fastest horse in seven counties as a foundation broodmare.
A sport historian in Kentucky wrote that Sallie’s bloodlines still run through Thoroughbreds in Kentucky today.
Jouett, because of his love of horse racing, is considered to be one of the founders of horse racing in Kentucky and his home still stands in Versailles.
He is also often called the “Southern Paul Revere”.
I have tried to find Sallie’s pedigree and her progeny with no success. Sallie might have been a pet name. There are also over a 125 “Sallies” in the horse pedigree registry that I have access to. Like looking for a needle in haystack.
My longshot guess is that Sallie is no more than 3 generations from the Godolphin. Most of the Thoroughbreds imported to the Virginia Colony were from the Godolphin sire line.
Now thats what I call a historian. Btw, Tarleton was so vicious his nickname was Bloody Tarleton. The most underrated victory of the war was when Tarleton was defeated at the Battle of the Cowpens by the most underrated hero of the war, Daniel Morgan. That victory changed the entire course of the war and Morgan’s strategy was so ingenious it has been used in all future wars.
Thank you.
He was indeed “bloody”.
From July 9 to July 24, 1781 he terrorized farms and towns for over 150 miles in Central Virginia.
The connection to Bedford County was that he finally let his men and horses rest close to the village of New London.
Jefferson’s summer home and estate was very close to New London though Tarketon probably did not know it.
While the men rested some went on raids in Bedford County and stole “some of the finest examples of horseflesh in Virginia ” to serve as remounts.
Sherman’s March to the Sea has been compared to what Tarketon did.
There is a Jack Jouett chapter of the DAR in Charlottesville and ever year on June 01 they sponsor a reenactment of his ride on the mare Sallie.
Lynda, thoroughly interesting read. Jack Jouett was married to Sallie Robards and together they had 12 children.
Hi Davids. Some Revolutionary War historians have suggested that had Jouett not warned Jefferson that Tarketon might have succeeded in capturing Jefferson. Had that happened it might have changed the course of the war. It was possible that Jefferson would have charged with treason and taken to England, stood trial and been hung.
Considering how brutal Tarketon it was possible that he might have hung or murdered Jefferson.
Personal opinion of course but I find Jefferson, Washington and Adams to be our most fascinating Presidents.
Was this fate or divine providence that brought all of Founders together?
On another note, there were several women who served as “female” Paul Reveres. Women played a much bigger role in the founding of America than what many people might suspect.
Lynda, you have probably read same that it took Jouett quite a lot of convincing for Jefferson to leave Monticello and left with only minutes to spare. Considering the times that seems a little exaggerated but fascinating none the less.
Without the French Revolution, one can only speculate on what the future of the world would have been. The UK only gave up it’s colonies in the later part of the 20th Century. Yes, unfortunately history, for the most part, has been perceived and written about by the lens of the ‘great white male.’
Fortunately, the modern rewriting of history gives a better, balanced, perspective. Historyextra podcasts and BBC Sounds podcasts are a wonderful source to further explore and understand history with a clear lens.
Very impressive research and an unsung tale of Revolutionary history, Lynda. Amazing job! I knew Jefferson owned Polar Forest but I haven’t been there (HAVE been to Monticello, but more or less a century ago). Virginia/Feds/private entities have done an excellent job restoring the homes of all the presidents who originated in Virginia. THAT is something I know about (passions: old HORSEs and old HOUSES; only one letter difference!)
PS I must admit when you mentioned Tarketon, I thought of the Tarleton twins in Gone With the Wind. Didn’t Scarlet O’Hara date both of them? (Oh right, they were BEAUS, no smooching, etc., permitted.)
I think the Tarleton twins wooed Scarlett at the BBQ. They were at her beck and calll, LOL.
There are still ongoing excavations at Poplar Forest but I think most of the restoration work 0n the house has been completed.
We used to go there for 4th of July (Independence Day) celebrations.
There is additional history involving Jefferson in the little village of New London.
He started a school there. The name of the school is New London Academy and part of the original building is still used since it is still an elementary school even today.
We went to Monticello many times as well.
Have you been to Mount Vernon lately? Lots of restoration work done there as well in recent years.
If you go back for a visit to Monticello again, consider eating at historic Michie Tavern.
Being born snd raised in Virginia and having lived most of my life there as well as living in Colonial Williamsburg for about ten years, I am very proud of my Virginia heritage and birthplace.
PS…houses and horses, never thought about their just being one letter difference.
Have to add history to my passions, horses, houses and history (particularly the Colonial Period).
Hawthorne etched Paul Revere into historical lore..
And Longfellow helped.
Haha luvya Lynda!
Nice article again Mr. Haskin.
Epicenter is easily the best of this years 3 year old crop. Just not so sure how good the crop is.
If he stays healthy for the Classic, he should finish in the money. The weight allowance of 4 LB should also help.
As of now it is Flightline, Life Is Good , Country Grammer and Epicenter.
Horses not in the HOF that should be; mentioned here, Blind Luck and Kona Gold.
Personal favorite that had a great career but not quite HOF material….Flying Paster.
It appears Taiba is not running in either the Pac Classic or the Shared Belief. Anybody know why?
All I see is that he is probable for PA Derby. Last worked on the 27th, “handily “. Looks
Iike Baffert works him about every 7 days. Checked my usual haunts and not seeing anything. Will keep looking.
Pennsylvania Derby was always the first option.
Thanks Lynda and Davids!
Steve, it always amazes me how you recall racing milieu of decades ago then weave that story into a present event. That’s a lot of history you’re keeping in those ‘little gray cells’ to quote Hercules Poirot. So much warmth and humor in the prose endears the reader to the subject whether they were beaten by the protagonist or not. Bravo to you. Que vous viviez longtemps!!
I have great difficulty with the US racing Hall of Fame criteria/selection. Too many “Horses of the Year” are missing while some great horses due to injury etc are never considered while some seem have been given an easy ride to get in. I’m so pleased you were able to ensure that My Juliet was remembered.
If horse like Swale, Rags to Riches, Landaluce, Moccasin, Roman Brother, Conquistador Cielo, Criminal Type, Spend a Buck are overlooked while, say, the ‘Heavenly Prizes’ are included, fans will have forgotten much of ‘greatness’ that made up the past.
Best Pal— who won million dollar races at two, three, four and five. Never won an Eclipse Award …..
My point is Best Pal is in the Hall of Fame….another Cal bred in the HOF, Ancient Title never won an Eclipse….his 1975 sojourn east probably got him in, Best Pal only won one race east of the Rockies, the Oaklawn Hcp….some horses get in, some do not..
Yes Matthew, thank you for reaffirming Steve Haskin’s and my point. Without Steve’s intervention My Juliet wouldn’t be in the Hall of Fame. Does My Juliet deserve to be there, obviously. Then why wasn’t she there without Steve’s persuasion?
I would say, that all the horses I mention above, would unanimously be voted in to the Hall of Fame above Heavenly Prize yet they are not in the Hall of Fame while Heavenly Prize is. Moreover, Inside Information, same age/gender as Heavenly Prize is also in the Hall of Fame. One of Heavenly Prize’s Grade 1 wins was in a 3 horse field.
In two Breeders’ Cup Distaff attempts Heavenly Prize finished second to One Dreamer in one and second to Inside Information in the other – a noted record of 13 lengths behind her stablemate. This was the only time the two had met.
1995 was a rolled sloppy track, and there was an outrageous inside bias! Inside Information benefitted, I bet a sprinter that was coupled with Desert Stormer (I think that was on that track) and got a lucky rail trip…Cigar crossed over to yhe inside, and beat a 100-1 horse that rode the rail…..I believe that smashing win propelled Inside Information into the Hall…..right place, right race, right time.
There was another Breeders Cup with an inside bias….the one where Street Sense rode the rail, at Churchill ….I took note, and put up a big bet on Round Pond, in the Distaff, and she blew them away….Churchill gets inside bias often! But 1995 Belmont, ir poured DURING the races, and when they roll it down, they get the inside FIRST, that is an angle you can make money on! It happened at Oaklawn, one day this year, and I saw it one time at Los AL, if it pours DURING the races, they get the inside FIRST—while rains get down into the outside part—ya gotta pay attention out there!
Matthew, Lakeway was the dazzling champion three year old filly, in my view, when Heavenly Prize, Inside Information, and Lakeway were three year olds.
Go through your old “The Blood-Horse(s)” Lakeway was front page news breaking track records had a ding dong battle with the unfortunate Sardula then ran a tour de force race in the Mother Goose, Grade 1 then, with Inside Information miles back in third.
During same time, Heavenly Prize was placing, not winning, in races. Neither Inside Information nor Heavenly Prize turned up for the Kentucky Oaks. Anyway, short story, Lakeway is the red hot favorite in the Alabama Stakes to dazzle again but is injured during the race and runs second to Heavenly Prize. Lakeway is out of racing for 12 months due to the injury.
With the absence of Lakeway and ill fated Sardula, Heavenly Prize starts winning major races again but is soundly beaten in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff by an outsider. How Heavenly Prize is in the Hall of Fame above so many other vastly superior runners is a farce. Check out who the owners are, that’s why.
Charge It out of PA Derby. Access not completely healed.
I feared this, once an injury it’s hard to match healing with the racing colander. Glum
Abscesses can be tricky. Was looking forward to match up with Taiba.
Down went the Travers Stakes, down goes the Pennsylvania Derby. I wonder if they’ll just wait for next year now with Charge It or head for the Cigar Mile?
Todd said in the interview that there would be no discussions on his next race until hoof was completely healed. Hopes to do some light walking this weekend.
Would have liked to have seen a showdown with Taiba and Charge it, I wonder with Taiba going in the Penn Derby if this means Baffert uses the Awesome Again as a springboard for Country Grammar for the BCC? Curious to see how Flaven Prat rides Flightline in the PC? There are several horses in the race that have early speed. My worry is if he goes for the lead and is pushed to very fast fractions at the beginning will he have anything left in the stretch? I think he rates him just behind the leaders and makes his big run on the far turn. If he does go for lead and wires this field we may be looking at a SUPER HORSE!!! This is a very competitive “seasoned” bunch he is running against. I haven’t made up my mind whether to just sit this race out and watch the “WONDER ” horse or just bet on everyone else in the race and hope for an upset !!!
From what I am seeing, it looks to be a small field for the PA Derby. That of course could change over the next three weeks.
All I am seeing for Country Grammer is the race at Del Mar this weekend and a probable for the BCC. I am guessing that another race for Country Grammer will be dependent on the outcome on Saturday. He is what I call a lightly raced horse.
Just gotta go with Flightline on Saturday. (another lightly raced horse, LOL).
Regarding Taiba, I think he could run away with PA Derby. Not a strong field so far in my opinion.
The thing I am wondering is will he race at 4 ?
Zeydan paid 1.7 million for the colt with winnings so far of a little over 650k.
Gun Runner placed 2nd in the PAD to Coonect. He came back at four and knocked it put of the park in his races.
Could Taiba be a late bloomer like his sire?
Not much so far that would result in a good stallion deal, however that could change if he wins going forward.
Bafferts 3 year old colts do not normally race past 3 and of course I stand to be corrected but Zeydan moves on to the next horse.
Unless injury occurs that is career ending I think we see Taiba run as a 4yr old. Same with Cyberknife.
Tend to agree that Taiba will be back at 4. To get a lucrative stud deal he is going have to win some big races. Baffert almost all was gets s art of the action on stud deals so he would no doubt encourage Zeydan to tace him at 4.
Country Grammer on the other hand has WinStar as one of the three owners. Most likely already s deal set for him.
Very few owners are in it for the sport these days and the prices they pay for these colts demand a big ROI.
With Zeydan as the owner should see Taiba in either the Saudi Cup or Dubai Classic or maybe both.
Flightline drew well, Prat will likely sit off of Extra Hope or maybe Express Train, who is fresh…..he might make a “Shoemaker move”, to the front down the backstretch, then open up on them early—Shoe liked to do that—if he gets the distance it’s only a matter of how far they win by…..he is facing several horses who have won big ten furlong races..
I like your scenario better than mine, Matthew. At least we’ll see a flash of brilliant acceleration.
I agree, he’ll rate Flightline then extend the stride on the far turn hands and heels. I doubt we’ll every see the true ability of Flightline unless he meets Life is Good.
Remember when Bernardini won races by open lengths with Castellano motionless? That’s what I think we’ll see.
Hi Greg. It is nice to see your posts … you bring a unique perspective around the big horses of the past.
Regarding Key to the Mint, Steve said it all. I just wanted to add that his modest 2-year-old campaign did not help his case either…
The best example supporting the second-best horse worth a Hall of Fame place are Alydar (behind Affirmed) and Easy Goer (behind Sunday Silence) …two or more HoF horses from the same generation has occurred many times. Some examples of this are Noor/Citation/Coaltown/Bewitch, Swaps/Nashua, Majestic Prince/Arts and Letters.
The crops with the most Hall of Fame horses are the one from 1966 with seven (Majestic Prince, Ta Wee, Gallant Bloom, Arts and Letters, Ack Ack, Shuvee and Cougar II) and the 1970 generation with six (Secretariat, Desert Vixen, La Prevoyante, Dahlia, Ancient Title and Forego).
Triple Crown champions are bound to be Hall of Famers no matter how many starts they gather (thank you Justify).
Some HoF horses who never won a Triple Crown race are Holy Bull, Wise Dan, Tiznow, Ghostzapper, Skip Away and of course the three golden geldings. Again, the chances of a Stakes horse to immortality increase with extended campaigns …
Anyway, it is the task of the Historic Review Committee to put forward the HoF candidates and I am sure that they have a worthy list of them already…
I likewise hope your Summer is going great.
I for one read ALL your articles.! I just don’t comment much. They are always fun to read. You often tell stories that I had not heard ,especially about people. I also enjoy ones about good horses that people had forgotten ? like Linda’s Chief
Thank you, Lynn. Please feel free to comment whenever you feel like.
Hi Steve
Can you use your clout to get Key to the Mint into the Hall of Fame?
While I felt (and in general, feel) that a horse who wins two legs of a given year’s Triple Crown should be named the champion three-year-old colt (yes, that includes Majestic Prince over Arts and Letters among others), and while that means I do feel Riva Ridge should have been named champion 3-year-old colt of 1972, Key to the Mint’s performances and his place in history were in many ways overshadowed by Secretariat’s two-year-old and three-year-old seasons, let alone Riva Ridge’s four-year-old campaign.
There are times when the second-best horse is a worthy Hall of Famer. I feel this is the case with Key to the Mint.
Let me know your thoughts Steve and those of other readers.
thanks
greg (Fan of Damascus . . . another winner of two legs of his year’s Triple Crown)
Greg, I was a big fan of Key to the Mint, being he is a son of Graustark. I’m on the fence about the Hall of Fame. Beating older horses in the Brooklyn and Whitney and then winning the Travers and Woodward was Hall of Fame worthy, but there were several disappointing efforts and getting beat 15 lengths in the JC Gold Cup by Autobiography and then running poorly at the end of his career didnt help. He was out of the money 8 times. If he had won the Met Mile instead of finishing 2nd to Tentam that would put him over the top. I need to think about him more. It’s very close.
Thanks Steve for your thoughts and comments.
I hope you (and your readers) are enjoying these latter days of summer.
greg (Fan of Damascus)
Hi Steve and fellow Readers,
If there was a Hall of Fam for racing silks, I would rate Paul Mellon’s Rokeby Stable’s as my favorite. They were very elegant and classy – not to mention that they were carried to victory in many of the key stakes races contested in the latter half of the twentieth century.
Which silks do you all love and why?
greg (Fan of Damascus)
I love the rokeby silks in this country. So classy. My favorite of course are the white and red polka dots of Woodward, then the Bancrofts worn by Damascus, who got me obsessed with racing
Partial to Ogden Phipps’s black with cherry cap. Weren’t those once Pierre Lorillard’s? As worn by Buckpasser in memorable races like his world-record-breaking Arlington Classic.
Snap!! Ha ha
Interesting topic. Something I have never read about. Did not know that the Jockey Club registers the silks and approves them. The color navy is not allowed.
So now I have something new to learn about!
Of course Braulio Baeza and his perfect posture made any silks he was wearing look regal
The Phipps Family Stable in the US – classic style and the Aga Khan’s silks in Europe – simplistic beauty.
I like Allen Paulson’s colors… with the colors of the American flag…
I like silks similar in design (though not color) to Rokeby’s–those of Queen Elizabeth and Qatar Racing.
Rob, I like Her Majesty’s silks as well and the colors.
Steve I thought Kona Gold was Hall of Fame worthy…California was always famous for speed! Even Cal breds …but Kona is a legend, in SoCal….his lone BCup win was a terrific field..
Jay Hovdey and I have been pushing him for years. He’s been on the ballot a number of times but hasnt gotten enough votes.
So Flightline is made 1/5 for first time two turns first time 10 fur—-I have never seen anything like that….in 50 years….
Well Matthew, it accords with Flightline’s performances: “I haven’t seen anything like them, in 50 years or so.” Ha ha
Oh, I’m with you there, Davids, unreal horse….BUT—I said I would only watch this race, I’m thinking it’s a tremendous odds gift to bet against, I THINK he will win, and win big, but they’re offering big odds that he does not, this is a huge ask, one 2022 race…ZERO two turn experience….Ten furlongs…..Dare I go and mention another unbeatable horse that got smoked at 1/10 odds, in the very same race?
That was when Richard Mandella was the King of Million Dollar Races in California. Who can forget his Breeders Cup at Santa Anita? Seems like a long time ago now.
I was there! 98 degrees! They said the Euros would wilt, in the heat….Six Perfections, Islington, High Chaparral swept the turf races! I went with $400…was down to the Classic, my last $40 I went $20 & $20 on Practically Perfect paid $400 exactly! Nearly ran into Julie Krone, after her win on Fullbridled, from post 14, said ” nice ride” she said “thank you”…..also saw Chuck Norris’s wig slipping off!
Isn’t that the best thing about a day at the track? You almost collide with Steve Cauthen on the escalator and see Penny Tweedy on the backstretch after the race. And Baffert holding court in the paddock to anyone who cared to speak to him. (That was the day Touch Gold won the Belmont over Silver Charm.)
The day of Spectacular Bid’s Strub, we got there late, my brother picked me up at work, I had been helping my brother clock, on weekends, but going to the races much….I saw Flying Paster often but never Bid…..Paster was one seriously beautiful animal! As we walked to the saddling barn I said why not head towards the receiving barn, and we came upon the quartet! Bid was all legs and a bighead, I said to my brother “THATS BID”?…And Bud Delp hollered to us to expect a big performance! I had NO IDEA what was in store, I was watching the board at yhe fractions, and saw Paster splitting Relaunch and Valdez, thinking he had Bid! He ran a giant race, Bid ran an other-worldly race! A world record that still stands, and Bud Delp talked to us!
Ron Winchell has definitely experienced the highs and lows of racing this year. Epicenter certainly knocked it out of the park on Saturday.
Draw a line through Clairiere’s race on Saturday. She was agitated before the race and caused a ruckus in the gate. She actually bumped her head on the starting gate.
Gunite ran very well.
Jackie’s Warrior ran well and is a very popular horse, but, when he really gets challenged on the lead…………..well. The Breeders Cup has been a “Bridge too Far” for him so far. Let’s see how it sets up for him this year. Many people feel that Jack Christopher is best at one turn races. I could be wrong, but, isn’t the Dirt Mile at Keenland a 2-turn race? If so, “Jack” could show up in The BC Sprint.
I’m not convinced that it was the 2-turns that got Jack Christopher beat in New Jersey. I thought that he ran very well that day. He wasn’t beaten too badly by Cyberknife and Taiba at a distance that favored both of them.
I agree! Jack winning The Dirt Mile would be preferred, for breeding purposes…he WAS right there, in the Haskell, which WAS a track record..
A two-turn mile to me is a phony mile and would appeal to breders no more than a mile and 70 yard ot 1 1/16 mle race. A flat mile is supposed to test your speed, class, toughness, and stamina. A two turn mile does none of that
I mean….TWO turn they have to break running, or else get carried wide….seems like a tough deal…..but you’re right, one turn miles are the ones we remember, even Precisionist ran those 1:32 and change miles around one turn at Hollywood Park, after they enlarged the track…do we ever miss that track! So close to LAX, so easy for shippers….
Steve, Total agreement with you on the one turn mile. It is a true test of speed and stamina and benefits all running styles. Do you know if Keeneland this year will it be a 1 or a 2 turn mile? I think most tracks recently hosting BC can accommodate a 1 turn mile if they wanted to.. Breeder Cup officials should make it a requirement that the dirt mile be a one turn race. How can the racing community push for that to be a reality?
Interesting perspective. I’d inferred (from reading many racing analyses) that a two-turn mile was a class/distance test for aspiring distance runners over a one-turn mile.
The straight mile at Ascot is the real deal with the uphill drag, the test for stamina.
Speaking of Steve Asmussen, it’s odd to see him enter so many horses on turf at Kentucky Downs. Obviously, the huge purses are the draw. Maiden Special Weights are running for $150,000 purses. Like BB, I’ll never think of Asmussen as a turf trainer even though both have won on the green stuff over the years. With so many tracks running almost half their races on turf these days, it might behoove both of them to beef up their turf rosters.
Looking forward to the Kentucky Downs season.
The course is the only one of its kind in rhe US.
I would like to fast-forward 30 years or so when the trees have really developed and more gardens established. Hopefully, it keeps growing with a couple more meetings throughout the year. Judiciously chosen to attract strong European competition.
Davids, I think Colonial Downs (close to Colonial Willismsburg,Virginia) would make a nice turf track like Kentucky Downs.
One of the first racetracks in the Colonies was in Williamsburg. It was a five mile track and was located just north of what is now the restored area.
There is also a meet in the spring on a turf track in Aiken, South Carolina and one here in Georgia north of Atlanta.
Turf racing, in the English tradition, is alive and well in little nooks and crannies in various states.
Most common complaint I hear about turf (same is said about Arabian racing) is that it is too slow for the dirt crowd.
Stamina is an essential on turf, not much interest in breeding horse with stamina anymore here.
Train them hard, run them fast, hope they can withstand the grueling traing until they are retired at 3 to a lucrative stud career.
Not sure if I ever wrote about the Thoroughbredrhat was ridden to warn “that the British are coming”. The horse was ridden all night to warn citizens in Virginia (from Richmond to Charlottesville) without stopping.
Not sure many modern day Thoroughbreds could make that trip these days.
Paul Revere’s horse was a thoroughbred? Tell me more, Lynda!
Thanks, Steve, for this wonderful story.
I am glad to learn that you were the promoter of My Juliet’s induction into the Hall of Fame. The “bionic filly”, as dubbed by Tony Black, overcame a fracture while winning the 1976 Vagrancy to win 6 races in a row including the cited Vosburgh over Bold Forbes the very same year. The Derby winner was never able to match the amazing speed of My Juliet in that famous 7-furlong Stakes.
Havre de Grace and Blind Luck are two other mares who deserve to be in the Hall of Fame…
Coming back to Epicenter, his Travers was truly a breakthrough performance confirming his status as the leading 3-year-old. Circumstantially he did not have a grade one score before the Travers, but he was a full second faster than the other grade one winners there. Cyberknife, Zandon and Rich Strike are very good runners who looked desperately overwhelmed by the closing power of Epicenter.
It was the first Travers for Asmussen and for Joel Rosario who also achieved a record of 12 graded Stakes wins in a Saratoga meet. Also, if Epicenter is named 3-year-old Champion, it would be only the second winner of the Louisiana Derby to achieve that title.
A Breeder’s Cup Classic featuring Fligthline, Life is Good and Epicenter would be the most exciting showdown in its history… and you don’t have to be a wizard to foretell that Authentic’s track record (1:59.60) will be easily broken
I thought Authentic’s Classic run was pretty solid! Like Epicenter he beat some good horses, and easily..
Yes Matthew, Authentic was a solid winner of the BCC with a masterful ride by Johny V… this time the older Flightline and Life is Good seem to be way above the levels of Improbable, Global Campaign, Tacitus and Maximum Security though.
Seeing Epicenter evolution I am convinced he will be able to log less than 2 minutes in the Classic… but Flightline is faster and still with alleged strong staying power as well… I don’t know how beneficial to Epicenter and Rosario would be an impending speed duel between the two Old Division leaders but Flightline should relish the distance (i.e. son of Tapit?)…
Let’s see how the son of Tapit completes his “paid workout” this Saturday in the Pacific Classic.
Just hope all the contenders remain happy and sound until BC day…!
I hope to be there! Flightline will be trying to go two turns for the first time, as well as ten furlongs….at a very short price IF he is ever going to be defeated….it would be this Sat …he has been so terrific—I’ll wait…to say it’s a paid workout, out of respect to competition that have done it!
Havre de Grace and Blind Luck unfortunately cancel each other out because they were so equal. The voters obviously cant choose and one cant get enough votes over the other.
Thanks for the clarification Steve. Good to know the dynamic within the induction process… I thought they could be “separated” in subsequent ballots so as to induct one first and then the other in some other cycle… apparently they are always postulated together…?
Steve: Loved the backstory of My Juliet, but was really pleased that you tied in the connection between the Winchells/Steve Asmussen with Midnight Bourbon and Epicenter. Mr. Winchell had a lot to say about Epi after the Travers, and I’m so pleased that the connections finally got a big win with a memorable horse.
I too believe Epicenter has a real shot at Horse of the Year, provided Flightline doesn’t prove to be a freak at 1 ¼ miles in the BC Classic. Really looking forward to the potential epic matchup of those two, Life is Good, and all the other stars.
Steve, this was wonderful. It read like a movie script from the 1940s when horse racing was so popular.. you should shop it..
Thanks Marc. Judging from here and social media I’m not sure its that popular. Glad you enjoyed it.
Steve maybe your audience is small, but there’s no filler, among the comments….like the six horse Pacific Classic its pretty solid, top to bottom!
The comments are great. I just wonder why no one else comments. I have no way of knowing how many people read the columns.
I believe that Leonard can get the traffic at Secretariat website using some well known traffic checkers…
I’m sure he can.
My 14 month old great-granddaughter has decided she likes horse. We were watching the Personal Ensign, the Sword Dancer, and the Travers on Saturday. She caught sight of Epicenter in the post parade, squealed, clapped her hands, and almost jumped in place. He then took the race. She might help me pick my 2023 Derby horse. Thrilled for Epicenter and his connections. I am a little leery of the hype over Flightline. We aren’t that far from Big Brown. Flightline hasn’t run enough yet for me to buy in.
We may be small but we are mighty!
I try my best to read all of the comments.
We have some very interesting conversations and from which I have learned so much!
Thanks for making the Travers win that much more meaningful with your eloquent back story. You never disappoint. I loved this colt from the very beginning. The “so close” finishes were heartbreaking. I was screaming and jumping up and down in my living room watching the Travers. I teared up when he did it…like a boss! His pedigree got me interested in him from the get-go. Such a classy colt. Well deserved 3 year old BEST!
Glad you enjoyed it Eileen, thank you
One of my favorite Winche horses was Sea Cadet, with the bobtail….
(ll)..
Thanks for making the Travers win that much more meaningful with your eloquent back story. You never disappoint. I loved this colt from the very beginning. The “so close” finishes were heartbreaking. I was screaming and jumping up and down in my living room watching the Travers. I teared up when he did it…like a boss! His pedigree got me interested in him from the get-go. Such a classy colt. Well deserved 3 year old BEST!
Re-watching that race—it looked like Zandon and Rich Strike would blow past Cyberknife, but the chestnut dug in and held the place, after inheriting the early lead, in a better than looked (on paper) performance..
Always remember being at Santa Anita in the late 60’s and 70’s and asked my dad was the Winchell horses from the guy who made the donuts and he said yes….as I remember The Donut King was a horse of them….don’t see the Winchell horses nor the Glen Hill horses anymore in California.
Ok, NOW I get the connection between the Winchells and Donut King. Always tickles me how rich, crazy (about horses that is) horse people make their money. We have a local entrepreneur here in Woodstock, NY, who made millions on Veggie baby food and has invested in a legacy rock and roll site.
Wow Steve what an incredible back story. It is amazing how things work out in life. You give your life to a sport only to have your guts ripped out. “The thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat”.
Midnight Bourbon was a very nice horse, he deserved better then his fate. In most years Epicenter would be the favorite in the BBC. But this year there are two 4 year old monsters out there, Flightline & Life Is Good. Not to mention Hot Rod Charlie & a couple others.
I remember My Juliet, very nice filly. Yes she does deserve to be in the HOF.
Thank you for making my Monday……..
he did run beautifully…id like to know what you think now of rich strike…he ran a good race i think finished 4th neck behind zandon or cyber knife…i don’t think he’s a one hit wonder much less versatile i think but he has talent. what is your opinion and it is really wonderful how epicenter has saved this family! horses are wonderful!
Rich Strike proved he is no one-hit wonder. Coming off the layoff I thought he ran a terrific race to be beaten a nose and a neck for second. I thought he had a good chance to win the way he was moving at the 5/16 pole but he might have gotten a little tired. Tough coming back at 1 1/4 miles after being out for almost 3 months. If he was mine I would be very proud of him
What a wonderful back story. This colt developed as a three year old should, maybe not in time for the Derby and Preakness, but definitely in time for the Travers. I was so happy to see him run to his potential and can’t wait to see where he starts next. Great job by the breeders and I’m glad they were fairly compensated at the sale for the colt he is today.
Had to grab a tissue for this one. Love it when these exceptional horses come from the small breeding operations.
Need to look up Miss Juliet.
Mr Winchell was quoted earlier that if Epi continues to perform at this level he will be back at four.
Thank you for sharing another backstory that makes this sport so special.
If you do look her up it’s My Juliet.
Oops. Thanks
I thought Epicenter’s Derby was exceptional, and two weeks later—after settling so far behind, I thought he ran a winning effort, in The Preakness—Saturday he made a strong case for championship honors, as he progresses there’s possibly another step up—and Horse of the Year honors are right there, right in front of him! This year, The Travers had even more implications that it usually does, after the pace collapse Derby. I expect Epi will beat his elders, if he runs a Classic prep, and if he wins The Classic they may opt for retirement….I’d love to see him run as a four year old, so maybe Flightline can help, in that matter….or Country Grammar. Or Life Is Good. Or Royal Ship, I think there is more to Epicenter, and I’d love to see him develop as an older horse!