Breeders’ Cup Turf: When Worlds Collide
Our 2025 Breeders’ Cup coverage begins with a look at the Turf, in which one world traveler is looking to make history and a local hero, who has faced defeat in this race three times, is looking to stop him and become one of the most popular California horses since Zenyatta and California Chrome. ~ Steve Haskin
Breeders’ Cup Turf: When Worlds Collide
By Steve Haskin
One of the most fascinating matchups of this year’s Breeders’ Cup is the third meeting between 7-year-old geldings Gold Phoenix and Rebel’s Romance in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. What makes this clash of oldtimers so compelling is that they are polar opposites
For those familiar with Charles Dickens’ Great Expecations, let’s just say that Gold Phoenix has left home as many times as the reclusive Miss Haversham, with 26 of his 28 career starts coming at only two Southern California racetracks — Santa Anita and Del Mar. He is so at home at Del Mar, site of this year’s Breeders’ Cup, he has won a remarkable four consecutive runnings of the Del Mar Handicap.
On the other hand, Rebel’s Romance’s travels have far surpassed Magellan and Marco Polo combined, with him having competed at 16 racetracks in seven different countries, winning at 14 of those tracks in six of the countries. He has been victorious at Ascot, Newmarket, Goodwood, York, Newcastle, and Kempton in England; Keeneland, Aqueduct, and Del Mar in the United Stakes; Cologne and Hoppegarten in Germany; Meydan in Dubai; Doha in Quatar; and Sha Tin in Hong Kong. He very well could have added Saratoga if he didn’t clip heels and lose his rider as the 1-2 favorite in the Bowling Green Handicap. And he did finish a solid fourth at King Abdulaziz Race Course in the Saudi Arabia Derby in only his fourth career start.
World traveler and perennial Breeders’ Cup Turf favorite Rebel’s Romance.
So here we are once again, this time with Rebel’s Romance, trained by Charlie Appleby for Godolphin, trying for an unprecedented third Breeders’ Cup Turf victory and Gold Phoenix, who has run well twice in the race, trying for that elusive first victory after three attempts. This time he comes in off back-to-back Grade 2 scores in the Del Mar Handicap and John Henry Turf Championship at Santa Anita.
It seems like ages ago that Rebel’s Romance broke his maiden over the synthetic surface at Newcastle and Gold Phoenix broke his maiden over the synthetic surface at Dundalk in Ireland.
After winning again at Kempton, Rebel’s Romance began his Ulysses-like odyssey across the continents, likely racking up more air miles than any horse in history, while amassing a bankroll of over $14.4 million.
Getting back to Gold Phoenix, in the first of his rare trips beyond the Rockies and Great Plains, he was a speck in the distance behind the victorious Rebel’s Romance in the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Turf at Keeneland at odds of 41-1, but fared much better when he finished a close fourth in this year’s Turf Classic at Churchill Downs over a deepish course labeled good, where he was stuck down on the inside.
In his two other attempts at the Breeders’ Cup Turf, he was fourth, beaten only 2 1/2 lengths by the Aidan O’Brien-trained English Derby winner Auguste Rodin, at Santa Anita in 2023 at 51-1. Rebel’s Romance passed the race due to an injury plagued year that saw him run only four times, including his debacle at Saratoga. But the pair hooked up in the Turf again in 2024 at Del Mar with Rebel’s Romance winning for the second time and Gold Phoenix finishing fourth, beaten 3 1/2 lengths, at 32-1.
Gold Phoenix, as mentioned, has been content in the sunny climes of Southern California, earning what still is a rather hefty sum of $2.1 million. Can he not only dethrone the mighty Rebel’s Romance, but his fellow Godolphin runner Ombudsman, a dual Group 1 winner this year trained by John and Thady Gosden?
Gold Phoenix is owned in partnership by Billy Koch’s Little Red Feather Racing, who won the 2004 Breeders’ Cup Mile with Singletary, who defeated Antonius Pius, trained by Aidan O’Brien for Coolmore. Little Red Feather has had success over the years importing horses from Europe with the help of bloodstock agents Niall Dalton and Michael Donohoe. Each week, they and Koch keep a close eye on the races in Europe, especially those at Dundalk and The Curragh.
On the morning of February 26, 2021, Koch watched a 3-year-old first-time starter at Dundalk named Gold Phoenix come storming home along the inside after being far back in the 14-horse field and getting up to win by a half-length. After seeing that big closing punch going seven furlongs over the all-weather surface, Koch’s first thought was “We have to buy this horse.”
“He showed that massive turn of foot you dream of finding in an Irish import — the kind that wins big races on the turf in America,” Koch said. After buying the horse he turned him over to trainer Phil D’Amato, but he suffered an injury while training and missed the rest of his 3-year-old campaign. Despite being sidelined for more than 11 months, Gold Phoenix returned in 2022 and finished in the money in his first eight starts, mostly in allowance company, but he did win his first Del Mar Handicap and finished third in the Grade 2 Charlie Whittingham Stakes and John Henry Turf Championship. That is when he was brought back to reality after traveling to Keeneland for the Breeders’ Cup Turf and finishing 10th behind Rebel’s Romance.
But other than one or two disappointing efforts over the next three years he was a gem of consistency. In 14 of his last 18 races, the worst he was beaten was 3 1/4 lengths. And in those 18 races, only once was he beaten more than 4 3/4 lengths. In addition to his four Del Mar Handicap victories at 1 3/8 miles he showed his versatility winning the Grade 1 Frank Kilroe at a mile, the Grade 2 Eddie Read at 1 1/8 miles, and the Grade 2 Whittingham and John Henry at 1 1/4 miles.
Gold Phoenix, following the first of his four consecutive Del Mar Handicap victories.
But he needs to take it one more step and show he can beat a top-class field of European stars at 1 1/2 miles. And that of course includes Rebel’s Romance who has won at 1 1/2 miles 11 times, as well as one mile, 1 3/16 miles, 1 3/8 miles, and 1 3/4 miles.
Last year, when Keeneland announced its first ever Championship sale prior to the Breeders’ Cup, Koch thought, with a spot in the Breeders’ Cup already secured and Gold Phoenix not losing a step at age 6, selling 25 percent interest in the horse would make sense, allowing the partners to make a little money while welcoming someone new to “enjoy the ride.”
Enter Mark Martinez of Agave Racing Stable, who had purchased a one-third interest in their filly Iscreamuscream prior to her victory in the Del Mar Oaks. So he stepped in and bought an interest in Gold Phoenix and saw him finish an excellent fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
This year they were hoping to repeat the Eddie Read — Del Mar Handicap double that Gold Phoenix accomplished in 2023, but had to scratch him the morning of the Eddie Read afterhis leg swelled up due to a severe rash. So they regrouped and ran him in a one-mile allowance race at Del Mar 13 days later. But coming off a three-month layoff and shortening up in distance, he ran a bit flat, finishing third as the 9-5 favorite.
With five consecutive defeats since his 2024 Del Mar Handicap victory, several of Billy Koch’s buddies good-naturedly started calling the horse “Old Phoenix.” The night before this year’s Del Mar Handicap, Koch relayed that to track announcer Larry Collmus, and when Gold Phoenix got up to win the race for the fourth time, Collmus called out: “Don’t call him Old Phoenix — he’s GOLD Phoenix!”
And now after adding the John Henry Handicap he is back for another shot at his Godolphin nemesis and the remainder of what promises to be a stiff European challenge. So will Phoenix rise to the occasion? Koch believes the key to him still being in top form at age 7 is the way he’s been campaigned by D’Amato and remaining sound since his 3-year-old season. “Phil and his team know exactly what makes Gold Phoenix tick, and they deserve all the credit in the world,” Koch said.
Koch also attributes his success to giving him a short break on the farm each year following the Breeders’ Cup, giving him plenty of time between races, and as he puts it, avoiding unnecessary travel. We saw that philosophy succeed with Zenyatta, who ran only three times outside California.
No matter what happens this year, Koch and his Little Red Feather partners will always be greatful for the gift they were given when they purchased this Dundalk maiden winner by the relatively unknown Irish-bred sire Belardo.
“Phil has often said that Gold Phoenix is one of the easiest horses he’s ever trained – the kind who just quietly goes about his business and does whatever is asked of him,” Koch said. “Around the barn he’s affectionately known as ‘Clifford’ as in ‘Clifford the Big Red Dog’ (the lovable canine from the children’s book series).”
So can this amiable “pooch” knock off the big bad Rebel this time, again in his own backyard? Koch knows Rebel’s Romance all too well, even beyond their battles on the racetrack. “He and Gold Phoenix were right next to each other last year, and Romance made Gold Phoenix, who is a good-sized horse, look like he was someone’s pony,” he said. “He looks like the Black Stallion.” Koch jokingly added, “If we beat Rebel’s Romance I will jump in the fountain at Del Mar.”
And so Rebel’s Romance once again invades this seaside village where the “Turf Meets the Surf.” If you want to put an appropriate title on this year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf, you can use the title of a 1956 movie called “Rebel in Town.” In that film, the local hero defeats the rebel and he and his wife live happily ever after. Oh, yes, the film was produced by Howard Koch, Billy’s grandfather.
Photos courtesy of Benoit Photos and Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Racing historian, author, and award-winning retired journalist for the Daily Racing Form and The Blood-Horse, Steve Haskin was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame’s Media Roll of Honor in 2016. Known for his racing knowledge and insightful prose, he has been an exclusive contributor to Secretariat.com since 2020.
Steve,
Nice article to kick off the start of the upcoming Breeder’s Cup. This is sort of a David and Goliath story but in this case I don’t know if this David (Gold Phoenix) will have a big enough rock to defeat the Goliath (Rebel Romance and the European contingent) but it makes for a nice read. Looks like a lot of the Breeder’s Cup participants will be arriving into Del Mar this week and the excitement and tension will be rising with each coming day and I am looking forward to it. Hope they will still have Breakfast at the Breeders Cup this year always a lot of good info to gather with that.
On another note with the announcement of Thorpedo Anna retirement with the reason seemingly being “bone bruising”. And if that being the case it wouldn’t have matter if she was trained up to the BC Distaff or run in the Spinster at Keeneland as that type of issue takes time to heal. I was glad in a way she ran in Spinster as I would have hated to see her run in the BC Distaff in front of the all the world to see and not be at her best. I do not feel she had a punishing campaign ( 6 races) this year and it would have been nice for her to go out on a winning note …. but then again I am glad she is retiring in one piece.
Looking forward to this weeks article !!!
Her trainer sometimes can’t get out of his own way. Training up to Breeders smarter.
Downthestretch, Dr Bramlage at Rood and Riddle said Anna’s bone bruising was typical for her age,
California Chrome had bone bruising, was turned out for about 5 months and returned to racing.
From what I have read the majority owner made the decision to retire her.
The three year olds are maturing—Journalism looks good and so does Sovereignty…and Baeza is filling out that ample frame of his, this is a horse that traveled three times, twice made that long flight to Newark, then the long van ride up to Saratoga—and ran within one length of the #1 rated horse—Baeza went from maiden win to gr1 SA Derby, failing to change leads smoothly, before getting beat a half length, then galloping out far in front….then got into The Derby two days before, and out of posr 20 he was moving well, late….now stays home, flying under the radar, and that’s just where Mr Shirreffs likes to be!..
The 149th running of the Group 1 Caulfield Cup worth 5 million goes to … The Cup itself is now worth 300,000 in itself.
I’m with the Wootton Bassett gelding Presage Nocturne. Racing has been fabulous here in Australia today. Exciting +++
Jamie Melham becomes the first female jockey to win the Caulfield Cup with Half Yours. History making race again.
Davids Ka Ying Rising was boo’d before the Everest…I’ve never seen that! Even after Seattle Slew lost at Hollywood Park they stood and gave him a loud ovation, Im glad Ka Jing won….14th win in a row…
Matthew, that’s interesting. I never heard that on the coverage I watched. However, it doesn’t really surprise me Sydney culture is not like Melbourne culture but I’ll leave it there. Parochialism and alcohol.
The funny thing is that Ka Ying Rising is trained by David Hayes, from an influential Australian racing family.
Jockey Purton said all around there, fans were loudly booing them…before the race…he was cheered winning, I heard that..BPurton said the weight of a nation was on his shoulders, but what a horse!
Impressive. I didn’t realize he’d won 14 in a row!
On to the British Champions Day of Racing at Ascot.
Trawlerman in the Long Distance Cup, Big Mojo in the Sprint, Estrange in the Fillies & mares, Fallen Angel in the Queen Elizabeth II, and Delacroix in the Champion Stakes are the horses that catch the eye. Best of luck.
Will the Hong Kong wonder horse Ka Ying Rising win The Everest the richest turf race in the world….Ka Ying Rising is supposed to be the fastest horse in the world. Crowd is singing “Sweet Caroline” the The Everest theme song.
I’m going for Lady Shenandoah for an upstart.
Upstart, upset ha ha
Ka Ying Rising, the New Zealand bred Hong Kong champ was just too good. Easily the best turf sprinter in the world, had it won way out.
It wasn’t his best race either but was simply too good.
Sweet Caroline? That’s hilarious — that’s what the crowd sings between the halves of the 8th inning at Boston Red Sox home games.
Ms B, also played by Carolina Panthers.
It’s a wonderful feel-good song, especially when sung enthusiastically by 30,000 people. I wonder which team started it? I know it’s been a Thing in Boston for at least 15 years.
Longer than that, had it at the 2004 World series and it started in 1997, is very popular here at games and parties.
Ms B, in 1996 for the Carolina Panthers.
I know, Ms Blacktype. The song before the Melbourne Cup is always the Australian national anthem. By the way, in case you may not have heard the favorite for the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup, Sir Delius, has been scratched by Racing Victoria’s stewards due to “heightened risk of injury” after having a PET and CT scan.
Yikes. Ten days in advance? That wouldn’t happen in the States.
Ms Blacktype, there are a still a host of major prep races for the Melbourne Cup to be run yet.
Including the Geelong Cup, Moonee Valley Cup, Cox Plate, Bendigo Cup, Victorian Derby. All of which will be run within 2 weeks of the Melbourne Cup on November 4.
Speaking of the 6 million Cox Plate, Australia’s most prestigious weight for age race, it will be run this Saturday at Moonee Valley and it will be the last time to see the old racetrack before it is modernized. So don’t miss the races.
There are 10 stakes on the racecard, 8 races being Group 1 – 3 races.
Another overnight recording!
Group 1 Caulfield Thousand Guineas at 1.5 million goes to Ole Dancer, the Melbourne filly beats the best Sydney filly Apocalyptic by a whisker, fantastic battle.
Davids: I really enjoyed watching Australian racing for the first time. Apparently I didn’t record enough hours — a mere 12! — and I missed the Caulfield Guineas. At least I now know where NBC got the idea for the overhead camera for races.
Glad you enjoyed the racing Ms Blacktype. I presume you get the Channel 7 feed of the racing as they have the rights to show the racing. The coverage is so good because they have a battalion of cameras to show from anywhere around the racetracks.
Channel 7 used to have the rights to cover the Australian Rules football live so you can imagine the amount of cameras they have ready. Needless to say though,sport in Melbourne follows a well healed pattern of international sports events..
The Australian Open tennis (First Grand Slam) is followed by the Grand Prix car racing, followed by Bell’s Beach surfing (World Surfing League) followed by Phillip Island Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix. During March – October the Australian Rules dominates, Melbourne is the home of Australian Rules football, the October to November you have the Melbourne Spring Carnival of horse racing.
That’s only the major continuous sport events. Melbourne is the capital of major Arts events as well with Melbourne being the home the Australian Ballet. The National Gallery of Victoria is the largest and most important art gallery and the most visited as well and it’s nightclub life is renowned among the music industry.
Not matter what it is, Melbourne people flock to see it which can be quite annoying at times if you want to see a certain art exhibition from overseas. Believe me. Ha ha
Melbourne sounds like a wonderful city — except for the 100 degree F days. It looks glorious during the Aussie Open coverage, which I always watch. Horse racing, tennis, the arts, wine — all some of my favorite things.
Ms Blacktype, Melbourne is a wonderful place to live in but you are right about the heat in summer and I wish they had more rain but the best part are the people themselves.
You can walk around the city day or night in total safety and never feeling nervous. I live in Fitzroy which was the first Melbourne suburb so I can walk to the city or catch a tram just a few hundred yards from my front door.
Huge crowd at Randwick…beautiful turf…
Clear Thinking bred by the late Queen Elizabeth II wins the 2 million Group 1 Kosciuszko at Randwick and it’s sunny for a change.
She was impressive..
Mathew, Caulfield is sold out today for the historic Caulfield Cup at full capacity a tip over 50,000. It’s a stunning day here in Melbourne.
Randwick is sold out today as well, they claim their capacity is around 49,117 but most say the capacity is a couple of thousand less. Nevertheless, sold out crowds at both Caulfield and Randwick is great for racing.
When I was in 7th grade (1971), Mrs Pounders brought back an Aussie Sports Page, from her honeymoon….the front page was all pictures of the day’s big Horse Racing Winners…
Hey you LATE OWLS (or those on the west coast): post time for the Caulfield Cup is 2:15 a.m. in New York (11:15 p.m. in California).
Friday night / Saturday morning.
Good luck Ms Blacktype.
For those interested in Japan racing, Exceed , two yearold full sister to Equinox, was diagnosed
with a fracture of the radial carpal bone after her debut race that she won. Recovery will take more than 6 months.
No additional information at this time on her racing future.
Ortiz to replace Rispoli on Journalism for BC Classic; a definite upgrade
He looked good in his recent work…
When you look at the headlines, about stallion rosters, and prices….in the 1970s, for i stance—there was a smattering of news, about this, but today it covers the “front page”…”Breed to run” has become “Breed to run SPARINGLY…to breed…”….
Very much like latter day sports….I knew Willie Mays made $100,000—but today the contracts are all ypu hear about, talk radio is full of talk, about CONTRACTS, and EARN8NGS….and not about the playing the games… I live right down the street from Angel Stadium, where a great p.layer named Troyt plays…..I grew up going to many Giants games, bur I have not been to a game since around 2015—everybody wearing a baseball jersey, and spending d large amounts of moolah, the game has passed ne by….too expensive—-but I got to see Trout, a terrific player but I liked Willie more….the $13 margaritas DID taste great, though…
Medaglia d’ Oro leaves some big horseshoes to fill.
Wishing a long and happy retirement for him.
I really like the Little Red Feather guys, and it sounds like I would want to bring Gold Phoenix home with me. But Rebel’s Romance is just too cool for school. I hope that he can keep it going for the road warriors. I love a horse that doesn’t need a certain track.
Yeah, like Cigar was.
Absolutely!
Not to Cigar’s caliber nor to Rebel’s, but I loved Blind Luck for the same reason. (And her pedigree, broom tail, and closing style.) I’m not sure how she will be treated by history… seems that she and Havre de Grace don’t muster the HOF votes. I was so sad to learn that she died in Japan just over a year ago. Not sure if her Kitasan Black colt survived or not. Both of those valiant fillies were gone too soon in their broodmare careers.
Katy, disgrace BL pawned off and died in Japan. As for Cigar,spent good deal of time with him over last eight years of his life.
Katy, I cannot find any reference anywhere to Blind Luck’s last foal by Kitisan Black who would be 17 months old.
Not even listed in her progeny. Not saying that the foal did not make it.
Unlike others, I have a high level of confidence in the care given to the Thoroughbreds in Japan. Everything is state of the art, no doubt in my mind that Blind Luck received the best care.
These things happen to broodmares regardless if it is their first foal or their twentieth.
Rachel Alexendra came within a heartbeat of dying after delivering Valentina. Ms Banke pushed hard for R&R to do everything possible to save her. It was actually an experimental surgery that saved her. She had a tear or a rupture in her intestines that happened while foaling. The contents of her intestines poured into her abdominal cavity and she became septic.
Harve de Grace was a sad loss. Gosh, I loved her. She fought hard for two days to live after giving birth. These mares are extraordinary, they fight to live for their foals. I am confident she will be inducted into the HOF. She was a finalist for 2025.
One more thought on the running of the Breeders Cup Classic as race#9 of twelve races on BC Saturday. I think that a successful business needs to be able to stand on it’s own without worrying about the College Football or World Series schedules. Cater to your own fans instead of people that tune in once or twice a year.
The Breeders Cup Classic should be run as the ultimate race of the weekend. The final race of the 2-day Breeders Cup extravaganza.
I promise you that hard core racing fans, the ones who bet their hard earned money, will watch every minute of all the action on Friday & Saturday. It will be the football games and baseball games that they DVR.
Agreed! As noted below, I really hate that schedule change. Imagine if the Oscars awarded Best Picture before some of the acting awards so that viewers could go watch something else after. Ridiculous!
Official, Thorpedo Anna is retired, going to Spendthrift.
Goodluck Anna in your new home and new career.
I wish the very best for you and a long, healthy life.
I’m relieved she’s been retired. BH indicated that she was going to Hill ‘n’ Dale at Xalapa?
Yes, I read the same.
Curious which stallion she will go to.
I ran two hypotheticals. Not This Time got an A. Justify a D.
Going to run Curlin through True Nicks.
I think he is still at Hill ‘n Dale.
20% interest in her being offered at Keeneland Sale.
Stonestreet might nibble.
The chatter on social media is for Mandy Pope to purchase 20%.
I would not consider Flightline, he is unproven.
Just my opinions of course.
Yes, I think I read somewhere that it’s best not to match an unproven sire with an unproven mare. It will be quite interesting to see where she goes.
Nyquist with Thorpedo Anna got an A++ on the TrueNicks but that’s not matching strengths/weaknesses on physical type.
Interestingly, a lot of the top sires come out with Cs.
Hi Davids
Almost makes one wonder how breeders decided which mare to which stallion before computers and AI especially during the “Iron Age” horses.
Since 1971 only 7 females have won HOY. I recall all the excitement and discussion about which stallion would be selected for Zenyatta. It was a given that Rachel Alexandra was going to Curlin. Harve de Grace went to Tapit, Azeri to AP Indy, Lady’s Secret to Alydar, and All Along to Mill Reef. None of these mares reproduced themselves other than All Along who was a turf horse.
Beholder was not HOY but she too so far has not reproduced herself. Her colt by Curlin who sold for 4 million to Zedan has not raced.
In keeping with “breed the best to the best and hope for the best” it could be that Anna will go to a HOY stallion or a stallion in the BH Top Ten for 2025 which includes a couple of HOY.
Into Mischief (B), Gun Runner (C+), Candy Ride (C+), Twirling Candy (A++), Constitution (C+), Practical Joke (C+).
Tapit has dropped to 34 on the list and has limited books, he is C+). American Pharoah is in quarantine to shuttle to Japan (A++).
Anna’s owners as of August are Hill n Dale (half interest acquired in August), Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeak), and Judy Hicks her breeder). A 20% share will be offered at the Keeneland Sale).
Anna inbreeding through first 5 to Seattle Slew, 4DX5D.
Very few photos of her without a cooler and leg wraps so it is difficult to assess her conformation. She does appear to be a tall mare and looks like her sire Fast Anna. Really cannot assess her based on her dam who was premature with a crushed hock and is only 15H.
If we go with old school breeding advice, “breed to improve the mare”, Anna needs less slope and length to her pasterns and thicker or more dense her cannon bones.
If I were to make a wild guess, I would say Curlin. Hill n Dale owns half of Anna and 20% of Curlin and he stands at Hill n Dale.
I agree with arlingtonfan, Flightline is unproven as a sire.
Anna might very well prove to be an exception to the rule that these great mares do not reproduce themselves but the odds of that are not favorable.
Regardless, it is fun to speculate and create hypothetical foals with different stallions.
Blame and City of Light both with A++.
Lynda, you always know a lot of the scuttlebutt after our faves retire. Any idea who they ended up picking for Idiomatic, or what she is carrying? How about Adare Manor?
Hi Katy, sorry to say I have not heard anything on either.
Some of the owners do not say, others will make an announcement when the mare is determined to be in foal.
The annual stallion exhibition is upcoming in Japan.
The breeding season is a little later than here in US. Here the season starts in February for a January foal and for Japan in March.
Hi Lynda, I think you are spot on with Curlin being Thorpedo Anna’s first mating no doubt with an eye on sales. Personal Ensign is arguably the best representative of great US racemares to go on and become toppling broodmares.
I hope they try with Nyquist at a later date but as you wrote above it’s more hope than success. Fingers crossed.
Davids, Curlin gets a C.
Current market as you stated is with eye on sales, example Curlin- Beholder, 4.1 million, has yet to race.
Davids, do you think they would even consider Nyquist because of how close up Uncle Mo is for both? Sometimes the TrueNicks ratings are so puzzling. You’ll look up a horse that does nothing but win, and it will have a C+ all on its own, nevermind any potential crosses!
Katy, a major part of the program is the previous history of former nicks/crosses. The more the success of previous performers the higher the rating.
It doesn’t really expect that result of that ‘particular’ mating but provides a possible positive or negative outcome.
Davids, if I was making the decision, I would go with Nyquist, Twirling Candy or Into Mischief.
Lynda, I like Nyquist and Twirling Candy the most but Curlin, Into Mischief, Flightline would probably be the ultimate choice with Curlin repeated if the original mating is commercially successful.
It will be interesting to see who they choose.
Ha, ha, nice kicker. Rebel’s Romance fan all the way and I’ll be there to cheer him on. I maintain he is the world’s best RACEHORSE – goes everywhere, challenges everyone, what a real racehorse should do. Too, this may be his last race, so…. Thanks for the (usually great) insights.
FYI, some horses hold up to travel…… not all.
Irad may have his Derby Winner! 1:43 2/5 by TWENTY—-98 Beyer, may have been higher, had he not run the two so-so races, at Saratoga….maybe try winners, then put him away, tiill February—Gun Runner colt could be any kind!..
(Further Adu)..
A horse named Social Inclusion ran a race like that once at Gulfstream. Never won another race. I want to see Further Adu do it again.
Good trainers, the very best trainers, would know to give the horse a reset. Bring him back in the Spring. Let’s see what they do. He can turn out to be a good horse.
There’s a good story, playing at Keeneland Saturday—Aggie Ordonez and Kent D….teaming with a popular Cal bred named Om N Joy, at 15-1… she keeps on impressing, she won an earliest stakes vs Cal breds–where she gave them 10 lengths out of the gate….recently she beat two of Bob’s, in a Del Mar gr1, she wants to beat you! Aggie’s father once rode Forego..and Kent one time was America’s top jockey, and he can still ride!..
(Del Mar gr THREE)..
(Hunch play: If…Om N Joy drops a couple of Mounds, in the post parade—run to the windows!.)…
LOL.
I remember reading about Pete Anderson. He was training a good horse before he died awhile back. His daughter is doing well. That filly keeps paying good prices.
Gold Phoenix has won the same Del Mar races four straight years, every time a close finish….he’s a bit outclassed, in the Breeders Cup—one year ge ran a good 4th…but heis a popular guy, who tries every time…
Hi Steve and all.
Another great article and I am chiming in with biggy312 that I am looking forward to your next article on the BC.
It is my custom to always give the edge to a horse racing on their home track (Gold Phoenix). Love Mr Koch’s sense of humor. “Clifford The Big Red Dog” was one of my Daughter’s favorite books from her childhood.
I saw a post on X, think it was from Graham Pavey, that Forever Young has been shipped to US.
Watched a video of Sovereignty’s latest gallop at Saratoga. My goodness, he so impressive looking.
I think he will be in peak form for the BCC.
Lynda, don’t forget Ascot this Saturday they are running the Qipec Champions Day races. There are major races being run here on Saturday both at Flemington and Randwick. The prize money they have for Australian races these days is out of this world.
Thanks Davids
Hi Steve;
Great BC article and an enjoyable read. I am looking forward to the Breeder’s Cup this year, especially the Classic: So far, I have a small futures bet at 12-1 on Forever Young.
Since my nfl team is the Baltimore Ravens, I am done concentrating on football this season, and can devote my diminishing focus on the Breeder’s Cup!
I am looking forward to your other BC articles…
Smart bet on FY, Biggy312. I also will be backing Forever Young and hope that he will stay in the range of 10-1 or higher. Can’t wait to see him again.
Dewey?Matthew:
With regards to Forever Young, he is a very nice horse who always shows up for a good performance. I think he has a good shot to get into the exotics in the Classis but I don’t he can win, He has tried at least twice to beat our best horses & he hasn’t done it. Yes he has placed placed but not won. I like him in the exotics but not to win.
The Breeders Cup classic is stacked with stars. I just don’t think he can win this race………..
Good luck to you guys.
Thanks, Deacon. I agree with your assessment of the BC Classic being stacked this year, indeed an upgrade from last year’s field.
I’m basing my choice of Forever Young on his connections learning something from last year’s effort with the race being back at Del Mar for the second year in a row.. I think that the esteemed Mr. Yoshida will make adjustments in his approach to this year’s race. As with any good trainer, he will try to figure out where these stars that FY is facing will be positioned during the race so that he can plan accordingly. How will this race unfold? Who will take the lead, press the pace, drop back etc. As of this moment, I haven’t really handicapped the field to come up with answers to those questions. Also, the post position draw may have some impact on who gets good position early on.
We know that Forever Young is fresh and well rested, The question is how fit is he? In any event, I’ll not only play him to win but will key him in my exotics. Good luck to you with your choices, Deacon.
Thanks again Steve for the information but I am having a very hard time getting enthused about the Breeder’s Cup. Unless one has the internet, most of the races aren’t televised. At least not on free TV. BC shot itself in the foot with that rights deal. Plenty of money up front but where is the audience? On top of that, Thorpedo Anna and two of the top two years old colts won’t be there.
The TV situation with the Breeders Cup is a joke, especially having 4 BC races after the Classic With not everyone able to watch it on Peacock. Talk about anticlimactic. The NBC telecast is always awful and the numerous camera shots of the race makes it hard to follow. When I had TVG the coverage was far better. But I no longer get it since we moved. I go to YouTube and look for streaming.
I totally agree with you, Steve, especially about the anticlimactic scheduling of the races and the crazy “bird’s-eye” camera shots. Ugh!
Steve, I have to agree with you that the NBC BC telecast is the pits. I can’t believe that the BC agreed to this diluted scheduling arrangement. My betting platform is TwinSpires so I watch their streaming video of every BC race, whether I bet or not.
I am one of Rebel Romance’s biggest fans. I really think he is a super horse and sometimes feel that he isn’t appreciated as much as he should be. What he’s accomplished, especially with all those “frequent flyer miles”, is phenomenal.
Dewey, why not just watch the Breeders’ Cup races on the Breeders’ Cup website – no adds and you see the horses, not ‘personalities’, with expert commentary.
I’ll make sure to check it out, Davids. I think that the TwinSpires telecast is professional with plenty of paddock, post parade and warm up shots. They also have good interviews and selections. JMO.
Say, you had mentioned Parchment Party and his impending date with the Melbourne Cup. I know that Parchment Party loves a distance and a mile and a half is in his wheelhouse, but, his wins have not been against strong fields thus I can understand the early 35-1 line. You’ll have to give us your up to date assessment of the Melbourne Cup as we get closer to the race. Thanks, mate.
Dewey, it may be the same feed. They have an eclectic sample of commentators from NYRA, Keeneland, Santa Anita, Fandual, but none from NBC.
Don’t worry about the odds for Parchment Party but a good post 5 – 11 is essential. If it’s hot and dry leading up to ‘the Cup’ that would be highly advantageous for Parchment Party.
It’s Parchment Party’s ‘finish’ which could be all he needs as most of the runners are one paced. What a year for Bill Mott if he wins the Melbourne Cup as well?
Yes, Davids, if Bill Mott can win the Cup with Parchment Party, it would be the “cherry on top” of a very accomplished training career. I’ve noticed that Parchment Party has not worked since September 22nd. Is he already in Australia?
Hi Dewey, Parchment Party arrived here Tuesday night from the UK with a group of European contenders.
In Parchment Party’s favor is the weights, he’s getting 16 pounds on the top fancies. That’s a huge advantage over a 2 mile race, especially if it’s a hot humid day which is possible.
Thanks for the update on Parchment Party, Davids. You’re telling me he was on a flight from UK to Australia. So, he flew from the US to UK and then to Australia? is that a short cut?
Getting 16 lbs. in the Cup is a real gift. Thanks for that important info, Davids. I may have to increase the size of my wager (just a tad) on that juicy tidbit. I’m really looking forward to this year’s edition of this classic race.
Dewey, it was all about quarantine etc the reason why Parchment Party when to the UK first then the group flew to Australia. If Parchment Party had flown from the US direct to Melbourne he would have been isolated without company which is not ideal for a horse.
On previous occasions when this has happened, in quarantine alone in Australia, the horses didn’t perform well on the day. The method they used above, from the UK together, seems to work the best in a mini herd.
Great insights on the quarantine process, Davids. I suppose it would be like spending time in solitary confinement if serving time (not that I want to test that theory, ha, ha).
Davids, you’re always able to clear up any questions that I have on foreign racing. Much obliged.
I also agree about the poor NBC coverage. If they want to show all the goofy camera angles, do it after the race on replay. NBC also needs to show all the post parades and as much of the horses in the paddock as possible. It looks like TVG/FanDuel will be able to show all the races this year. Which is good news for those of us that have it. My only problem with their commentators is when they start talking up horses that I bet on. It’s the kiss of death most of the time for my wagers.
Peacock and other platforms have made it not worth the money or trouble to watch many big events. Tour de france, NFL and MLB games, now the breeders’ cup.
It’s also interesting to note that in the Eastern time zone the Friday races are held during the trick-or-treat hours on Halloween. For many of us there may be multiple interruptions, and with limited options for viewing, I can’t tape the races. It will be a weird balancing act to try to see as much as I can. Whatever became of simple three or four-hour broadcasts on one easily available TV channel to watch or tape and enjoy?
Steve, it will be interesting to see who lines up for the Breeders’ Cup Turf. This Saturday at Ascot we have the Qipec British Champions Day races and in the Champion Stakes at 10f we have Calandagan, Delacroix, and Ombudsman clashing to settle the crown as best horse in Europe. Perhaps one or all could turn up at Del Mar as well.
This Saturday in Melbourne the historic Caulfield Cup will be run, a major prep for the Melbourne Cup, along with other Group races while in Sydney at Randwick on Saturday the card is headed by the 20 million The Everest and the 5 million King CharlesIII Stakes both Group 1 races.
Speaking of the Melbourne Cup, Parchment Party is around 35-1 for the Cup to be run the first Tuesday in November. Parchment Party becoming the first US runner to attempt ‘the Cup.’
For those who don’t know, Howard Koch won an Academy Award as a screenwriter for Casablanca and was later blacklisted by Hollywood for being a Communist during the hideous McCarthyism era.
Cool… I’ll be at the Breeder’s Cup this year. Looking forward to all the races!!
Thanks for another great story, turf horses must have longer racing careers!
Interesting comparison of two storied warhorses, Steve. If I didn’t know better, I’d think you were a railbird at the California tracks all season long.
That said, my heart is with Minnie Hawk, if she comes. She barely got nosed in the Arc de Triomphe by Daryz, who I doubt will be able to repeat his performance, even if he runs. But I won’t be discounting Rebel’s Romance either. What a horse!
Thank you. Can’t what to hear your thoughts on the 2YO colts, provided any one is willing to send against Ted Noffey and Intrepido.
Ted Noffey looks special. We’ll see about Minnie Hauk. The Arc was a very tough race on a deep course.
He does. Now if I can only get his name right! I have enough trouble spelling Sovereignty!
Ms Blacktype, don’t miss the Qipec Champions Day at Ascot this Saturday.
Great article as always.
Thanks Mike
You’re welcome. Always look forward to reading your astute articles.