Breeders’ Cup Wrap Up and One Special Jockey
The 2024 Breeders’ Cup was truly an international event with its share of storylines. There were impressive victories, thrilling finishes, and big performances in defeat. But now that it is over we can start looking ahead to the Kentucky Derby and the return of Bob Baffert. But there is an unsung hero of the Juvenile, and this is a perfect time to tell his story. ~ Steve Haskin
Breeders’ Cup Wrap Up and One Special Jockey
By Steve Haskin
The 2024 Breeders’ Cup had a little bit of everything, with the main focus, as usual, on the Classic and Distaff, where you had Thorpedo Anna making her case for Horse of the Year and Fierceness attempting to take it away from her in the Classic, only to have his arch rival Sierra Leone add his name to the mix.
So you had Thorpedo Anna, with her sensational performance in the Travers, in which she was beaten a head by Fierceness, but finished almost two lengths ahead of Sierra Leone, who then came back to beat Fierceness by 1 ½ lengths in the Classic. And this was after Fierceness pressed a suicidal pace of :22 2/5, :44 4/5, and 1:09 2/5 and still was battling to the end in one of the best losing efforts seen in the Breeders’ Cup in years, with Japan’s Forever Young not far behind with his third-place finish. What that all boils down to is America’s three best horses, and the one Japanese invader all attaining glory in victory and defeat.
The Classic was all about the 3-year-olds, who proved they not only are far superior to the older horses, but held their form longer than any 3-year-old crop in memory. No, make that improve their form, and over the course of the year. For example, in Week 11 of our Derby Rankings, Fierceness, Sierra Leone, and Forever Young were ranked. No, 1, 2, and 3. For all three horses to make it to the Breeders’ Cup Classic is very impressive. But to finish in the top three spots is something we have never seen and are not likely to ever see again. In all, during the 14 weeks of Derby Rankings no horse other than Fierceness (eight times) and Sierra Leone (six times) were ever ranked No. 1. Then seven months later they run first and second in the Classic.
Sierra Leone with Flavien Prat aboard wins the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic
Sierra Leone, freshened for the first time in his career and having rid himself of his past foibles, finally got the pace he wanted and once again demonstrated the explosive power that enabled him to steamroll his opponents earlier in the year. One final point of interest: It took Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel 20 years to win his first Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2004. Now, 20 years later, Frankel’s assistant Chad Brown won his first Classic.
As for Thorpedo Anna, she closed out her remarkable season having won a Grade 2 stakes at Oaklawn Park followed by Grade 1 victories at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga, Parx Racing, and Del Mar, with her only defeat being her courageous head loss to Fierceness in the Travers in which she laid her body down in the final furlong against the best colts in the country and still was able to come back in four weeks, drop back from 1 ¼ miles to 1 1/16 miles and come out on top in another gut-wrencher. She emerged at Del Mar with her coat shining like burnished copper and acting like a newborn pup looking for more action.
Thorpedo Anna wins the Breeders’ Cup Distaff in another commanding performance.
The Europeans also had a big Breeders’ Cup with the remarkable 6-year-old Rebel’s Romance winning his second Turf (the first to repeat in non-consecutive years) and scoring his sixth victory in six different countries in the past year. And kudos to Aidan O’Brien for winning both Juvenile Turf races with budding superstar filly Lake Victoria and Henri Matisse. He and Coolmore also must be commended for running their big star City of York in the Classic. Unfortunately, the Epsom Derby winner broke slowly, dropping far back early, and could never get in the race with that blistering pace and over an unfamiliar surface.
And we also must address the tragic death of the European star Jayarebe, whose gallant heart gave out during the running of the Turf. That on rare occasions is the price athletes in all sports pay. And Jayarebe will be remembered for his gutsy victory in the Prix Dollar and for shining brightly at Royal Ascot.
Although many will feel as if the Japanese had a disappointing Breeders’ Cup because they were winless and had their best filly scratched by the veterinarian, it shouldn’t be overlooked that they did finish second and third in the Turf, beaten a neck and 1 ¾ lengths, with a 22-1 shot and an 8-1 shot; third in the Classic, beaten 2 ½ lengths; fourth and fifth in the Mile, beaten 1 ¼ lengths and 2 ½ lengths, with a 58-1 shot and 31-1 shot,; and fourth in the Distaff with an 18-1 shot.
What if someone had told you before the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile that all of the top Eastern 2-year-olds — East Avenue, Chancer McPatrick, Jonathan’s Way, and Ferocious would finish behind an Irish-trained 61-1 shot named Hill Road, trained by Adrian Murray and ridden by David Egan? And I doubt Bob Baffert would have thought he’d be the one to break up his 1, 2, 3 finish. But then again, what was a son of Quality Road, out of a Lemon Drop Kid mare doing running in Ireland? This is why the Breeders’ Cup is so fascinating.
A shout out to Billy Koch’s Little Red Feather Racing, who won the Mile 20 years ago with 16-1 shot Singletary. This year, they sent out two male starters, Iron Man Cal at 29-1 in the Juvenile Turf and Gold Phoenix at 32-1 in the Turf. Although neither won, Little Red Feather can take great satisfaction in knowing that of their 21 combined opponents not a single American-trained horse finished ahead of them, with the only horses that did being owned by Coolmore, Godolphin, and Japan’s powerul Sunday Racing. They can also be proud of the fact that both longshots combined to finish ahead of three horses trained by Todd Pletcher, two trained by Aidan O’Brien and Charlie Appleby, and one each trained by Chad Brown, John Gosden, and Christophe Clement. Oh, yes, they also maaged to take home a cool $420,ooo.
And let’s not forget a Deputy Minister filly named Darling My Darling, who John Oxley purchased at the 1998 Keeneland September yearling sale for $300,000. On April 18, 2001, she won her final career race, the listed Doubledogdare Stakes at Keeneland, two weeks before her stablemate Monarchos captured the Kentucky Derby. In 2013 and 2015, Darling My Darling produced two fillies, named Forever Darling and Heavenly Love. Each filly would win one stakes in her career, the Grade 2 Santa Ynez Stakes and Grade 1 Alcibiades Stakes, respectively. In 2021 each sister would give birth to a colt, one in America and one in Japan. Three years later the two cousins, named Forever Young and Sierra Leone, would finish second and third, noses apart, in the Kentucky Derby and then finish first and third in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
And finally we come to Bob Baffert, and who else but Baffert could send such a harsh warning to Churchill Downs that he will be back in the Kentucky Derby with a vengeance following his three-year suspension by not only finishing 1, 2 in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, but coming within a neck of finishing 1, 2, 3 with 15-1 shot Citizen Bull, 6-1 shot Gaming, and 28-1 shot Getaway Car. And on top of that, the two big Kentucky Breeders’ Cup prep winners, East Avenue (Breeders’ Futurity) and Jonathan’s Way (Iroquois Stakes), and one highly regarded runner-up, Ferocious, all finished up the track at 9-5, 5-1, and 9-1, while the big New York-based horse, Chancer McPatrick (winner of the Hopeful and Champagne), finished sixth at 2-1. So, in only one race, Baffert has already made an early shambles of the Derby picture that looked so bright before the race. Right now we can only hope that the brilliant East Avenue bounces back after stumbling badly at the start, costing him any chance.
West coast-based Citizen Bull, winner of the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
Although the Juvenile was all about Baffert, there is one unsung hero that has been an integral part of Baffert’s success since 2010, and has made several comebacks within the Baffert organization, the latest being his victory in the Juvenile aboard Citizen Bull. That, of course, is jockey Martin Garcia, who had already won the Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes on the son of Into Mischief and is one of the sport’s great success stories.
The native of Veracruz, Mexico has never seen his mother and father. His mother became pregnant with him when she was 14 and abandoned him. He was raised by his grandmother and wound up becoming a construction worker at age 11 after quitting school to earn some money. He later made his way to the U.S., where he worked at Chicago’s Metropolitan Deli in Pleasanton, Calif., as dishwasher, bus boy, and cook. When the owner of the deli took him to a nearby farm to show him her horse, he hopped on bareback and proceeded to negotiate several difficult jumps, exhibiting a natural riding ability. The deli owner introduced him to a former rider, and he eventually wound up at the Pleasanton fair in Northern California, working as a hotwalker, groom, and exercise rider.
When he began riding in 2005 he won his first race at Bay Meadows Fair and showed immediate success. Soon he was challenging Northern California legend Russell Baze for the riding title at Bay Meadows. He captured the title at Golden Gate before heading to Southern California, where he caught the eye of Baffert, who told him, “If you want to ride for me you have to show up and work horses. Starting at 8 o’clock you belong to me.”
From 2005 to 2009, he had managed only two graded stakes victories, the Morvich in 2007 and Senorita Stakes in 2008. Baffert then took him under his wing and provided him with the breakout victory that would change his life. First came a win in the Santa Anita Handicap on Misremembered. After the Kentucky Derby, in which Baffert’s big horse Lookin At Lucky had the trip fom hell under Garrett Gomez, getting shut off, squeezed, bumped into the rail, and knocked out of contention early in the race, Baffert felt Lookin At Lucky and Gomez, who he greatly admired, simply weren’t having good karma and decided a change needed to be made.
He was desperate for a classic victory. After winning an amazing eight classic races in six years, Baffert went cold in the Derby, Preakness, and Belmont. For someone who lives and breathes the Kentucky Derby and the classic spotlight, seven years without a victory seemed like an eternity. He finally showed signs of life when he finished second in the 2009 Kentucky Derby with Pioneerof the Nile.
So on the Tuesday before the Preakness, Baffert told the 25-year-old Garcia that he was riding Lookin At Lucky in the Preakness. The young rider couldn’t believe it.
Baffert told him, ‘I’m going out on a limb, but you need the experience, because hopefully you’re going to be riding a lot of these for me. Look, there’s no pressure on you. You have nothing to lose.” Garcia answered. “No, senor, we’re going to win it. Thank you so much again for letting me ride the horse.’”
Lookin At Lucky won the Preakness under a flawless ride by Garcia, whose career was about to take off. Over the next four years he and Baffert had tremendous success together, winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic with Bayern, the Juvenile with New Year’s Day, and the Sprint with Secret Circle, as well as the Haskell twice, Pennsylvania Derby, and Pacific Classic among others.
Assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes said, “We’re so happy for Martin. That kid rides his heart out.”
In 2015, although he was the regular rider for the undefeated Dortmund, on whom he won the Santa Anita Derby, he also worked stablemate American Pharoah and was a major part of the colt’s development. After his final work at Churchill Downs before the Derby, Garcia told Baffert, “Patron, his is ready. Man, what a horse!”
In 2016, Baffert and Garcia had a falling out and briefly parted ways, but eventually got back together to win the Breeders’ Cup Sprint on Dre Fong, and the following year won the Pacific Classic on Collected before finishing second on that colt to Gun Runner in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
In 2018, the pair separated again, this time with Garcia deciding to move his tack to the Midwest, mainly Kentucky and Oaklawn Park. Although he won only four graded stakes fom 2018 to 2023, Baffert did put him on the undefeated Charlatan for the Arkansas Derby during the Covid year when the Kentucky Derby was postponed to September and Santa Anita shut down. Like old times, Garcia guided Charlatan to a six-length victory.
This year, when Baffert was looking for a rider for his first-time starter Citizen Bull, he was unable to get Mike Smith and was told by Martin Garcia’s agent he was going to be in California if he needed him. So Baffert put him on the horse as a one-shot deal. When Citizen Bull won, Baffert figured he’d put Smith on for the Del Mar Futurity, which he did and the colt didn’t show his customary speed and finished third. But Baffert was now ready to “tighten the screws” for the American Pharoah Stakes going two turns. But by 10 a.m. on entry day Baffert was notified that Citizen Bull still didn’t have a rider named. He then found out that Mike Smith had to go to Keeneland to ride and he was never informed.
Baffert starting looking for riders who were open and finally thought the heck with it, he’ll just bring Garcia back from Kentucky. So one of his assistants called Garcia and said he should give Bob a call like he was just checking in. When he did, Baffert nonchalantly asked him, “What are you doing Saturday? I need you here.” And so Garcia returned to California and gave Citizen Bull a flawless ride, winning wire-to-wire by two lengths. After that, Baffert thought, “I can’t take him off now.”
Citizen Bull tuned in a pair of sensational five-furlong works for the Juvenile, in which he he was sent off at a generous 15-1. He took advantage of East Avenue’s bad stumble and coasted to an easy lead and again went wire to wire, beating Gaming, this time by 1 ½ lengths. It was Baffert’s sixth win in the Juvenile and he suddenly had the two favorites for the Kentucky Derby.
Citizen Bull and jockey Martin Garcia – a winning combination.
No matter how many times Baffert and Garcia have separated, whether it was for a few months or six years, they always wind up getting back together and picking up right where they left off.
Now we’ll just have to wait and see if Baffert can pick up where he left off, after winning the Kentucky Derby in 2018, 2020, and 2021 before Medina Spirit’s positive and disqualification and his subsequent three-year-ban.
If there is one jockey with whom he will be comfortable having by his side it is Martin Garcia, who has proven time and again that with perseverance and hard work there is no stage too big and no lights too bright.
So that puts a wrap on the 2024 Breeders’ Cup. Perhaps the best news we’ve heard is that Thorpedo Anna and her Kentucky Derby-winning stablemate Mystik Dan both will be returning next year, as will Fierceness, Forever Young, and hopefully Sierra Leone. That is something you rarely hear anymore. As artist Georges Seurat said in the play Sunday in the Park With George, “A blank page or canvas. So many possibilities.”
Photos courtesy of Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and Benoit Photo
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.
Seurat’s masterwork of the 19th Century “A Sunday in the Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte” Is a composition of stoic characters representing the stultifying, tightly held societal structure at the time. Île de la Grande Jatte is an island in the river Seine.
Stephen Sondheim’s musical “Sunday in the Park with George”, through the vehicle of the Seurat family, was/is an attempt to breathe life into the monolithic frozen society that Seurat had painted. Both artistic endeavour are triumphal, without peer.
Steve has cleverly furthered the ideas of the above artists by anticipating the canvas the 4 year olds thoroughbreds of 2025 will paint in the year to come. A blank canvas is ready to be filled.
Steve has mentioned Thorpedo Anna, Mystic Dan, Fierceness, Forever Young and Sierra Leone as potential major protagonists who will complete the thoroughbred canvas of 2025 through vital colour and movement.
However, there is one colt who may trample all over the ambitions of the above mentioned stars. Mindframe, has shown some much potential that all one can hope is that he progresses even further next year.
Already, the inexperienced Mindframe has put his head in front of the Breeders Cup Classic winner Sierra Leone, the Kentucky Derby winner Mystic Dan, the Preakness winner Size the Grey and was unlucky not have won the Belmont Stakes while losing by a bob to Dornoch.
Next year the empty canvas could well be splattered by points that come together to frame the figure of Mindframe. Time will tell.
Nice reverie on a great painting and superb musical, Davids. I love the idea that the tippy tip of thoroughbred racing is analogous to great works of art.
Thanks Ms Blacktype. Have you viewed Serat’s “Bathers at Asnières” the other masterpiece on a monumental scale? Here the figures are much more relaxed and carefree while somewhat calling to their wealthier, but restrictive, stifled pretentious countrymen at La Grande Jatte on another bank of the Seine.
“Bathers” are in a relaxed form released from the day’s societal straight Jacket which, on the other hand, is holding their fellow Parisians at La Grande Jatte from actually enjoying themselves.
Moreover, notice in “Bathers” the smoking chimneys of factories in the background polluting the river where the peasants are bathing and frolicking in the river. Clean, pure, water is only for the bourgeoisie.
As you say, the Thoroughbred is as much a constructed art form as all great works of art.
Mindframe….Locked…..Pletcher has a barn of talent….
Maymun is back in training for Baffert as well so everything is looking good for next year.
They aren’t the only ride in the park Davids.
I’m so sorry I didn’t post to say it earlier (crazy week), but thanks for this wrap-up, Steve. I really enjoyed the storylines you chose to highlight. Your follow-ups always take the sting out of the come-down when our big racing days come and go. Thanks!
Be well, Steve – and everyone out there! We’ve still got some good racing left in 2024, and I am thrilled about the (many!) planned returns for 2025.
I do not understand the vitriol regarding Mike Repole…..he has horses everywhere and he runs them….he even has a Cal bred…..Accuracy could be any kind, she freaked last month….Fierceness is one of the two best horses in US training….He has another top three year old I forgot his name…..is he cocky? Sure…why not? What’s wrong with that?..
I had not seen any recent criticisms of Repole. I think he’s good for the game. Maybe he seems to be having too much fun for some people.
I agree with you Todd, Mike Repole has a voice that US racing has been lacking since the dinosaurs roamed the landscape.
Mindframe, the colt that some are looking forward to more than those with higher profiles. .
3yo maiden breaker in 1:35 2/5 dirt, Del Mar—-Magnify…by Justify/Stellar Wind….Yakteen (moved from Bob B)…..third start—
Wow, that’s an exciting pedigree! I saw Stellar Wind win a Grade I at Santa Anita in the summer of 2017, my one visit there. I may put Magnify in my Virtual Stable. Thanks for the heads-up!
The HISA suspensions….that are ruining hard working trainers…. .none if them are because of prohibited, enhancing drugs, it’s all been prescribed meds that didn’t completely clear their systems, or were administered too close to the race—but they’re LEGALLY PRESCRIBED…..$30,000 fine for a Breeders Cup jockey that brought his horse from 22 lengths back—fined for ONE extra whip—horse was 22 back, and WON……$30,000 for trying to win…..Horse has fatal heart attack, pulling up—they’re saying that is not acceptable, and mewonders WHY—why did Horse Racing let in the animal rights groups, whose goal—and they aren’t shy about saying—is to END Racing, in any way/shape/or form?….
Whatever your opinion is regarding The Chosen Vron, glad they pulled him from the race.
It was a California vet that flagged him, not a BC vet—I’m OK with that—
…but It’s way stricter in Cali—-there were less “ship and win” horses, from the east this Summer Del Mar—-horsemen don’t want the hassle, I do not blame them…
Aware CA vet, interested in your opinion regarding scratch.
The Chosen Vron has made 27 starts, and he usually wins—one of his rear lege hikes up noticeably, so….what should be done about him? His action will never change, so……any answers? Like…no racing on nationally televised races?….he’s an older, accomplished racehorse, you can load a 125lb sack of potatoes on him and he will sit his trip and WIN…..he takes care of himself, so—-WHAT to do about his action? ….trainers get to know their horses, a vet comes thru and spends 3 minutes….a trainer spent 3 YEARS, with the horse, I remember Sadler has Cost of Freedom, would have been 3-1 in The Sprint, and they would not let him run because he paddled…..he ran lots of subsequent races, eventually dropping down the claiming ladder, but he RAN….so what do you do with The Chosen Vron, after his 4 month layoff, they intend to bring him back for a third Bing Crosby, I hope to be there—but his rear leg action will be the same….What should be done?..
Thanks for your comments. Actually, glad vet scratched him.
Crickets?….I posted you a question….you criticize like nobody—but where are your answers, Mike? What to do about a horse who has a weird action but wins and wins?….
But, what if he broke down, if not scratched?
Do you know why I criticize? Actually give a damn about welfare of horses, more than just cashing a ticket!
Has anyone read the new book “Thoroughbred Nation”?
Thanks for the tip, Lynda. It’s on my shopping list for Christmas. Something to read over the holidays here.
I am thinking about downloading to my Kindle.
I haven’t, but I just looked it up on Amazon. I have a feeling I already have all the source material in my library. You have to look at old newspaper clips to get the nitty gritty, in my opinion. (Says the woman who has only written four chapters of HER book.)
The once Derby hopeful Parchment Party is running at comming Churchill’s 7th race in 12 minutes. The son of Constitution will be breaking from an advantageous PP one and it is expected to turn the tables on Mackman and Creative Minister who defeated him in his resuming race at 1 1/16 mile. The 9 furlongs will be favoring Parment Party’s strong closing kick.
the 2 to 1 favorite is Godolphin’s Kinetic (Street Sense-Collective by Bernardini) looking for a 3-win streak. There seems to be enough pace benefitting the closers.
There are two sons of Tapit in that 7th race who may be swelling the exotic payouts. Game Warden (8/1) and Tapit Shoes (24/1) got enough speed to try stealing the race…
Also Track Phantom is reappearing after his Derby flop in the 9th race at Churchill. The son of Quality Road will be the odds-on favorite in the 7 furlongs race after the scratch of World Record.
Many of us saw Track Phantom likening Jackie’s Warrior more than an Epicenter for Asmussen. And now he is restarting his campaign seeking to be an outstanding sprinter/miler next year.
Looking forward to watching these two outstanding 3-year-olds today…
Well … Parchment Party dissapointed all his followers after finishing a dull 9th … never in contention. We never know how his health setbacks have affected his current form. The fact is that in the shuffling game of racing now it is Kinetic who will take over the limelight after his easy win logging 1:49.71 and finishing the last furlong in a sizzling 12.16 seconds.
It will better outcome for Track Phantom for sure…
Track Phantom finished a game 2nd behind the improving 4-year-old Horace Mann. Track Phantom had to work hard to pass a sturbborn Gulfstream Way the last furlong and fending off the late rally of the favorite Rocket Can. BTW Great ride by Martin Garcia on Horace Mann winning in a creditable time of 1:22.36 …
Track Phantom looked in control from the get-go but was a bit tired the last 90 yards … improvement next time out is expected.
I am not sure if the Cigar Mile at Aqueduct on December 7th would be in his plans but it was not a bad return to racing after more than 6 months on the bench.
Nelson, with Parchment Party in his previous race he didn’t look the same colt as last year and as I mentioned below sometimes after long departures from the track the horses never return to the promise they once had.
I haven’t seen his last race but the result was disappointing.
Just in passing, did you catch the 2 year old Constitution colt, Admiral Dennis, win at Churchill Downs on November 7?
Admiral Dennis looks stardom bound!!
Yep, hes right up at the top of my list. That was near flawless, Awesome gallop out.
Yes, Steve, that’s what I thought as well most impressive.
Admiral Dennis looks like a rising star indeed. He will be tough to beat at the Classic distances. He is endowed with the right pedigree and physique to shine there…
I had relegated him a bit after Big Much looked much better in their debuts on September 19 … but Admiral Dennis had a ton of trip troubles there.
The Albaugh family got a great hopeful in the son of Constitution.
Yes Nelson, the pedigree of a 10f colt layered with stamina and brilliance.
BTW … You may have seen it already but Maymun had his first workout in seven months at Los Alamitos on November 7…
He worked 3 furlongs in 36.40 … the son of Frosted will be another good one running next year (hopefully)… I am still waiting to know more about the brilliant Nysos…
Yes, thanks Nelson. I saw that and hoped the Malibu Stakes may be in the offering but wait and see.
Last furlong sizzling 12.16
4F – 49.03
6F – 1:13.69
If race involving entrants with above average talent is low early, it is likely to be fast late
Slow early
Sierra Leone will make his next start in the Saudi Cup on February 22, 2025 per Chad Brown.
Thanks for the update Lynda.
I hope Forever Young makes it to the Saudi Cup too … even though the distance won’t be kind to the cousins it would be interesting to see how their rivalry unfolds in a more favorable territory for the Japanese horses (historically)…
Not yet heard when and where Forever Young’s next race is.
I did read a few days ago that Kirbarkhan is back in Saudi Arabia. You might recall he was with Brad Cox. He did not like the way he was training and needed more time off from an injury. Never did hear what that injury was. First it was reported he was going to Florida but that was back tracked.
Not sure how reliable that information is. There are a few over zealous Chromies reporting on Kirbarkhan. So I cannot confirm his status or whereabouts.
If you want over zealous Linda, check out certain rabid followers of a barn out west.
MIKE, Thanks for the warning on those ” ZEALOTS” of the Sherriff’s barn. We will be on lookouts for them !!!
Comedy isn’t really on your dance card. Lucky for Zenyatta she was with the right trainer, instead of the other one.
Mike you make me dance and laugh at your comments!!!
Betting you can pretty much fill up your days and nights with an assortment of user names on a couple of racing sights.
Sites.
Follow-up:
Found a video of an interview with Doug Watson in Dubai on October 9th. He mentioned that he was looking forward to Kirbarkhan returning soon, that he had been training in Florida and receiving videos every few days. He looks great per Watson.
Not sure who in Florida or where Kirbirkhan was.
I do love to do investigating…LOL. Might find out more. If I do I will be back.
That is good news Lynda… Kabirkhan is an exciting horse to follow.
Thanks Lynda King.
I am sure that Fierceness will go to the Pegasus.
P.S. I hope that you, your husband, and your horse are all doing better.
Best wishes and hugs.
Good Sunday Morning Terri!
Thank you.
So looking forward to the return of these 3 year olds in 2025.
Should be (hooves crossed) an exciting year!
I had a profitable Breeders Cup weekend, and that is something I never had done—I never won on both days—so I did well, but—-HOW could I have let Bob go, in the Juvenile??!!…..first year back, eligible for The Derby and he nearly hits the trifecta, with three longshots! His owners stayed, and you know he wants back on The Derby…and at DEL MAR he hits the exacta with a 15-1 over a 7-1 and it’s not close!..I got none of that….
Congratulations
Awesome background and analysis as always!
Thanks Judi
Today, Saturday in Melbourne, is the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival and the day has turned out gloriously. The roses should be even more beautiful as we had a hot day Wednesday and reasonable rain just as the Oaks finished.
Having 4 perfect racing days from Saturday to Saturday is a rarity during a Melbourne Spring. As they say here, you can have all the four seasons in one day.
There are three Group 1 races today: Champions Sprint; Champions Mile; Champions Stakes at 2,000m. Perfect day to relax at home watching the races. Champagne maybe…
Thanks for the reminder Davids. Those Stakes will be an spectacular sequence with the Champions Sprint to be run in 1 hour and 45 minutes time. It is in Australia that we can trust the mares to defeat the boys every day… The brilliant mares I like to win are:
Champions Sprint (1200 mt): 5-Bella Nipona. She won the Tab Everest a $13.8 Million Stakes at Randwick on October 18th clocking a superb 1:08 3/5 for the 1200 meters over a soft turf.
Champions Mile (1600 mt): 9-Pride of Jenny: I don’t see anyone overcoming her mighty speed.
Champions Stakes (2000 mt): 10- Via Sistina: a Group 1 mare 10-furlong specialist who is the brilliant winner of the Landbrokes Cox Plate defeating odd-on favorite Prognosis by a telling 8 lengths. The daughter of Fastnet Rock and maternal grandaughter of Galileo looks like a sure winner tonight.
The night belong to the ladies… Enjoy the spectacle at Flemington!
Nelson, in case you haven’t seen the races I won’t say a word but James McDonald is equal to any of his contemporaries around the world if not better.
Enjoy the races.
He is already a superstar at 32 years of age… His piloting of Sunshine in Paris to win the Sprint was breathtaking.
On top of winning the Cox Plate three times back to back and most Group 1 wins in a season he will be breaking more records in Australia for sure.
And Via Sistina … what a great rags to riches story she is…!
Nelson, the unfortunate thing for Europe, USA is there is not much incentive for the charismatic J Mac, as he is affectionally known here as, to leave Australia because the prize money here is phenomenal.
Via Sistina, who J Mac rides, with 2 years of racing in Europe winning major races Group 1s etc had massed 433,805 English pounds & 277,155 Euros in prize money.
In Australia, with 2 years of racing and winning similar races, Group 1s etc, she has amassed A$5,546,075.
Breeding season Down Under—doesn’t start till mid-year, they are going to race Moira….
Matthew, I’d say they would be preparing Moira for the March 2025 for either the All Star Mile at Caulfield $3, 650,000 or the Australian Cup at Flemington at 2,000m worth $1,000,000 or more likely both but they are run fairly close together.
I am a happy Sierra Leone will continue to race in 2025. Why?
My list for the 2024, KD had Parchment Party ranked at #1 and Sierra Leone 1A. I was equally impressed with both colts but gave the edge to Parchment party because he was the more efficient over ground.
I am still of the opinion Parchment Party would have been the better of the two in the KD. But the contest was just never meant to be.
Will the two ever match strides in 2025?
The set back that contributed to Parchment Party’s lengthy absence might have been a blessing in disguise. The June foal has had time to grow into his big frame and if his injury has not negatively impacted his ability to perform at his optimum. I am of the opinion PP is likely to emerge the better 4YO of the two.
All you did was trash SL all summer. He did prevail in Classic,yes?
Mike,
I am very disappointed with some on this blog for their inability raise a point of contention without beige disparaging. But then we all possess different intelligence levels and skills set.
I was soundly behind the Gun Runner for the KD win. I highlighted that he had 18 of the likely starters covered either directly or indirectly. I further asserted that only the foreign invaders could beat him.
I was the amongst the biggest fan of SL and asserted that Fierceness was a bet against in the KD as he was false ML favorite. That submission was deleted for reason unknown and undeclared.
I had previously asserted that his 2nd place finish in the Remsen was a better performance than Fierceness’ demolition of the BCJ field.
After the Belmont in which he was defeated handily Dornoch & a last out AOC winner and Jim Dandy in which he was likewise handily defeated by fierceness. I revisited my initial assessment and concluded the colt had the profile of a grinder.
It’s not the fact that he was defeated by 2 fellow KD entrants whom he defeated 18L & 24L respectively. But rather how easily both returned to defeated him. Did both improve significant, whilst he regressed?
In the Travers a filly finished a HD 2nd to Fierceness a colt he defeated by 24L in the KD, and he was spinning his wheels behind both.
I understandably lost confidence in the colt. He had to recapture my confidence. This occurs often with fans of certain horses. I was not the only one that thought he had not lived up to expectation ahead of the BCC.
I reassessed him to be a grinder and had to prove me wrong. He certainly did that in the BCC.
When I was showering SL with accolades, you never commented. But criticism of the colt, were duly noted and his BCC win has emboldened you to seize the opportunity to disparage. Real men do not behave in such a fashion. They raise points of contention is civil manner and allow the target party to defend his/her position or be contrite.
I treat all here with respect even the contributor that have nothing but utter contempt for me. I Iead by example. You are welcomed to follow.
Counter Point, I often disagree with both your handicapping methods and conclusions, but I recognize the seriousness with which you approach your posts and the time you obviously spend in producing them. I enjoy reading your posts and most others.
You liked Sierra Leone….but he’s never been a “plodder”, he always comes with a big kick—this year the three year old races had soft fractions most of the big races..
“We all possess different intelligence levels and skills set”. Lol! Good one! Your achilles heel without fail -taking yourself too seriously.
Parchment Party better get going if he wants to dance at the big parties next year. That’s where he’ll find Sierra Leone probably wearing his Eclipse bling bling.
He never admits error. This is always his deal.
As mentioned below Parchment Party returns to Churchill Downs on Saturday in Race 7. Hopefully, his second race on resuming after nearly a 12 month break will be an improvement on his previous race. Sometimes they never return to the promise they once showed let’s hope this is not the case with Parchment Party.
It’s official from Coolmore. Sierra Leone will race at 4 after extended rest at Ashford.
Rich Strike, per owner, will be officially retired upon a stud deal either in Kentucky or New York. Not interested in foreign country deals.
Really Linda? Regarding RS, owner is ruthless and would stand him anywhere for a price.
Thanks for the updates Lynda.
I agree with Mike Relva in sensing that Rich Strike’s owner is desperate to get a deal but there is actually no real interest for the shocking Derby winner. There are evident contradictions in his announcement…
Thanks Nelson! Not only does your comments illustrate great knowledge,also backed up with clear voice of reason. Some believe they have a monopoly of ‘inside information’.
Mike, perhaps I am misunderstanding your comment?
Rick Dawson, owner of Rich Strike, made the comment in the past few days as reported by TDN.
His other comment was that he wanted to keep Rich Strike “close” as the reason for not being interested in a deal in another country.
Dawson is only concerned regarding about his bottom line.
Hello Nelson
Many of my horse racing friends feel, as do I, that Richie should go to Old Friends or the Kentucky Horse Center. Former Derby winners are a big draw at both places, especially Old Friends. He does have a lot of fans
Great news about Sierra Leone’s return. Let’s all hope he stays healthy and happy for as long as his connections choose to run him.
Treasurethe Moment wins the Oaks after winning the Wakefield Stakes last Saturday. These Australian thoroughbreds are as tough as nails. It’s been a brilliant day here at Flemington and the Melbourne Cup Carnival continues again on Saturday.
Now the rain is pouring down. Thank you racing gods. Ha ha
Davids it was interesting to learn that only two counties have races for greys only, Australia and Japan.
Lynda, by chance did you catch the race? It was a wonderful spectacle.
No. Going to try to find it on you tube.
Lynda or Davids: An all-grays race is a very interesting premise for a race. Are they usually carded as stakes, or something else?
Ms B, Davids knows more about the all gray races.
I just found out about them.
Interesting concept I think.
Ms Blacktype, Lynda, Flemington first start an all grey horse race in 1996 and it usually is on Oaks Day. Ladies Day, Fashion contest etc.
The race was named the Subzero Handicap in 2013. Subzero won the Melbourne Cup in 1992 and was a grey gelding so it matches.
They decided to move the Subzero H. to the Melbourne Cup card due to the international audience watching.
PS: it’s a handicap because the race is restricted to grey horses only.
Ms B, if you have not read the story about Subzero, please do!
Just an amazing, heart warming story!
Steve,
Thanks for this article on your recap of the Breeders Cup. There were many highs and and unfortunately one low. I read with great interest your previous articles as they helped me shape some of my bets. Glad I added Sierra Leone to my exacta in the Classic as I reviewed you previous article one more time and that sealed the deal. I was already set with Newgate but not Arthur.
Nice piece on Martin Garcia. I really hope he and Baffert can get together as I said earlier they need each other.
Keep up the great work as others have said previously. We also need each other !!!
I really appreciate you mentioning that column because I was proud of my analysis of Sierra Leone and why he was a live overlay. I was hoping that someone took advantage of that and having four of my five trifecta box horses finish 1 ,2 ,3, 4, so I am glad to hear it helped shape your bets. Thanks.
Also, regarding Sierra Leone, the main point I emphasized in that column was that this was the first time in his career he was coming into a race off a freshening, which gave him the time to mature, reboot his batteries and smooth out the rough edges. Well, I got the Thoro-Graph numbers this morning and after staying pretty stagnant throughout his career with a 1 1/2, 1 1/2, 1 1/4, 1, and 3/4 he came back off his freshening with a monster negative-4. You rarely see that big a move foward.
Wow !!! That Thoro-Graph number improvement is a monster. Everything set up for him just perfect. I figured the pace would be hot all that would matter would he get the ride he needed and he did. I was so impressed with Fierceness, Forever Young and Newgate. If these 4 comeback next year and stay healthy we are all in for a treat. I should also add Thorpedo Anna with that list above. Have a wonderful week Steve !!!
I just hope they bring Sierra Leone back to continue the rivalry. He should be a monster at 4 and if they dont bring him back shame on them. I could never root for a Coolmore America horse again. I know Peter Brant wants to.
Just read that Newgate and National Treasure both have been retired. the other day Muth and Seize the Grey and Tapit Trice also …. Just another day at the Merry-go-round of horse racing !!!
Shocker!
I saw an old guy getting interviewed by Britney Eurton, after the Classic….he said he would be baclk next year to try the Classic again…a lady behind him rolled her eyes, I sure hope they do return, winning the Classic twice would be special….
I sort of put my faith in Brant given past history but mmv (milage may vary). Thanks for a great recap, Steve with so much bonus material to digest. I was on the road Saturday and couldn’t get good video replays later. Never knew my 2 favorites made out so good. Just catching up now on all the comments. Cheers! Ang
He ran like it, didn’t he? As Downy said, “wow!”
Sierra Leone’s Brisnet Speed Figure jumped from 105 to 114 … HIs Equibase Rating was 115 (should have been at least 120 in my view) up from a 107, and his Beyers peaked to 112 as well.
The same hot pace that aided him to win was a key factor for his top speed ratings…
If Sierra Leone runs next year he would be favored in big Stakes like the Pegasus, the Saudi Cup and/or the Dubai World Cup… not a bad incentive for Coolmore
So Cal 2023: 0 winners 1 second….
So Cal 2024: 3 winners 4 seconds..
Good Point Matthew !!!
Confirmed, Seize The Gray retired. Will stand at Gainesway for $30,000. Sad.
Breeders are looking to disseminate rather early the blood of the late Arrogate after his untimely passing and the lost of Cave Rock … The only active sire by Arrogate was Arcangelo.
Hopefully Arrogate’s legacy will be passed on through one or more of his sons.
Had he lived I truly believe he would have been a top ten sire.
Still, I wish more colts did race past 3 if healthy.
Just my opinion, I also think the Halo line should be reintroduced into American lines.
Thank you Nelson!
What were you expecting? Not even horse racing any longer.
I saw a show where Pleasanton was featured, the oldest racetrack in the country, built in 1858—and they interviewed a jockey—one Martin Garcia—and this was RECENT, after his falling out with Bob… Here is this Breeders Cup Classic winning jockey—this Preakness winning jockey—getting ready to ride the 4th, at Pleasanton….and he could not have been more, well pleasant..
Thanks Steve, great wrap up. Every time you post you make our day a little bit sweeter. You give us the story with no bias or agenda, and that’s hard to find these days. I think i say this for all us that “We can’t thank you enough and we hold you in very high esteem” To paraphrase and old line ” When Haskin writes We Read”
Wow, that is so kind of you, Derek. Thank you very much.
Steve, once again you have penned a collage of words that tells the story like no other can.
It gives me hope that maybe, just maybe the pendulum is starting to swing back to horse racing as we knew it to be before all the controversies and Covid. I for one am encouraged!
Your last line, “A blank page or canvas. So many possibilities.” sums it up perfectly.
Thank you too for telling Martin Garcia’s story.
Mending fences is a lesson we can all learn from and apply to our own relationships.
I appreciate that Lynda. Thank you! And I wish you all the best after all you’ve been through. I hope coming here will help provide a smalll escape from all your struggles.
Thank you Steve.
It was good to be back with all of you.
Knigth’s Choice (Extreme Choice-Midnight Pearl by More than Ready) wins the celebrated Melbourne Cup at a colossal odds of 111 to 1 (North America Tote Price) . Ridden by famous contestant of The Voice, Robbie Dolan, for trainers Symons and Sheila Laxon.
Knigth’s Choice, was the second biggest longshot in the history of the Cup. Knight’s Choice hails from a blue blood female family and his sire shows Ole Bob Bowers as the sire of his third dam… you may remember Ole Bob Bowers as the sire of none other than John Henry… It was a pleasant surprise to see his name in the pedigree of a world class stayer.
The Japanese War Speed (Drefong-Deep Love by Deep Impact) at 34 to 1 was second by a nose triggering a staggering Exacta of 2,644 Dollars (North America dividends) .
Okita Souchi (IRE) (Galileo-Amicus by Fastnet Rock) was third in a photo finish with Godolphin’s Zardoni (KIngman-Chanderi by Dubawi); both only a length behind the winner.
Sometimes a 23-horse field becomes a lottery … no wonder the Australians are mesmerized by the flamboyance of the Melbourne Cup.
Nelson, Manchester City was beaten by Bournemouth and now Knight’s Choice wins the Melbourne Cup. Things come in threes don’t they? The US election?
You know me… I always root for the fillies and mares against the boys.
The Black Caviars, Zenyattas, Winxes and Makybe Divas of the world were destined to make history…
Yes, Nelson, when fillies/mares win the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe there is a certain sense of magnificence.
On dirt it’s much harder but arguably more satisfying when it happens.
Nelson and Davids, this morning I watched a replay of the MC.
The finish was very exciting. Congratulations to Knights Choice.
And Warp Speed, lost by a nose, a whisker?
Question, are they usually that bunched up at the finish?
Most often Lynda. Australian races are like European races, the jockeys are more tactical in the running and the speed is kept to the last burst. Hence, you can have a wall of horses finished.
I read your comment, that you are really enjoying turf racing compared to dirt racing and I think I’m becoming the same myself.
Australian bloodlines and Japanese bloodlines are now equal to European and American bloodlines. Australia sprinter/milers on turf would be equal if not better to European runners while Japanese middle distance runners on turf are equal to the Europeans
As for dirt, the Japanese, with only a small band compared to their turf runners, are as good as the US runners.
Thank you David for answering my question.
Good morning Nelson and Davids,
Woke up a bit ago to check the returns on a teeny tiny village in New Hampshire named Dixville-Notch. The vote was split, 3 for Trump and 3 for Harris. This little wide place in the road as we call such places here in Appalachian-America has cast the first votes and returns for decades. More often than not the pick the winner of the Presidential election.. The split vote is indicative of where my country is today.
Anyway, I decided to check on the winner of the MC. Very interesting that the Japsnese shipper placed 2nd.
It has been a most interesting year in horse racing.
The voting in Dixville Notch is a wonderful bit of Americana. I always try to watch it live on TV. Their polls open at midnight, everyone shows up to vote at that time, the polls close a few minutes later after everyone has voted, the ballots are counted, and the results are announced around 12:15. The population of voters is currently six because a nearby ski area is closed for renovations, but the number is never more than a few times that. At the primary a dog was present but he didn’t get to vote.
I’m sorry about all the problems you’ve had, Lynda, and I hope everything improves in the future. My best wishes to you.
Thank you Jiffy. Slowly but definitely recovering from the vestibular neuritis.
I was wondering why fewer voted this year. Usually around 8-10, so thank you for info as to why.
Laughed about the dog. Now if that is not small town AmericaI do not know what is!
Lynda, the US, especially from a distance now, seems so polarised. I read an article in Time Magazine around 1976 that speculated that the middle class in the US would be squeezed down during future decades while wealthy elites would become even more wealthy while taking even more of the pie.
I was listening to a recent Nobel Prize winning economist this morning and he speculated that Trump’s huge tariffs against Chinese goods will only punish those who voted for him.
Trump’s oath to reduce tax on Business, and the wealthy, means that he will have to find money somewhere else to fund these promises. Guess where?
I can honestly say that the decision to live here in Melbourne was an extremely wise decision. I can visit the US whenever.
Perhaps, the most unlikely horse in the Melbourne Cup, Knight’s Choice, wins. Absolutely, no form to predict this performance. That’s racing.
Yes Davids…that’s is racing … the outcomes of races with 23 qualified stayers could be just unpredictable.
BTW was the turf good to firm for the Cup? … I realized that Knight’s Choice despised the soft footing of the three Group ones he ran at Caulfield and Flemington in September and October. In all those Buckaroo finished 2nd twice and 1st once always more than 12 lengths in front of the telluric winner of the Cup today…
This time Buckaroo finished 9th 3.75 lengths behind the winner … I thought his final rush would lead him to figth closer for the win but he kind of stalled the last furlong. He was left with too much to do by being too far the first 2,200 meters and had to start his rally practically mid field widest of all in the last turn.
Anyway, it was another thrilling edition of the Melbourne Cup with the 14th horse finishing only 6 lengths behind the winner.
Steve so awesome yeah thorpedo Anna and yeah Martin Garcia 🥂and thank you Steve sir your articles and creating this community 🙏
Thank you Nick. Much appreciated
By the way…your patient pen brings out the story like Summer picnic! So thorough, too..
So descriptive Matthew. Thank you,.😊
Please bring back Sierra Leone, we rarely see such a big kicking ten furlongs horse!
Gun Runner: better at 4 (and 5). I have a list of his get who are/were, too. Let’s add Sierra Leone!
Thanks for the excellent recap, Steve. Yes, it’s great news that Thorpedo Anna, Fierceness, and possibly Sierra Leone will be back next year. I also want to keep an eye on Full Serrano – I think he has a lot of potential, even at longer distances. I’m thrilled that Baffert will be back at the Derby in ’25. He probably has half a dozen horses who haven’t even debuted yet whom we will be talking about as Triple Crown prospects in a few months. And I’ve always liked Martin Garcia, so it’s great to see him back with Baffert, even if only on a very limited basis, and having great success again. He deserves it.
Yes Amy … Full Serrano will be an important player in the older division next year. Also notable 3-year-olds who will most likely be running next year are Locked, Mystik Dan, Track Phantom, Dragon Guard, Reincarnate, El Grande O, Encino, Generous Tipper, Stronghold, Pilot Commander, and Cornell… (I might be forgetting some other good ones though)
Perhaps the well regarded Knigthsbridge and Mindframe will be back next year as would Nysos. I don’t recall any new information about the status of Maymun or Grade 2 winner the 4-year-old Mr. Fisk …
If Newgate is also running next year along with redeemed Senor Buscador, Arthur’s Ride, Tapit Trice (no retirement date confirmed), Highland Falls or MIxto the older division will be richer that it was this year…
I was hoping Sadler would bring Full Serano for the Met Mile, I guess they’re looking Saudi Cup, and a Del Mar Summer and Breeders Cup, he likes Del Mar…he’s the real deal….Sierra Leone repeating—would put him in rarified air—and Sierra loves Del Mar..
Parchment Party is on his second race return at Churchill Downs on Saturday – Race 7 = after a long break. Hopefully, he improves on his last start.
Saw that Encino had a slow, listed work mid-October. I’m glad he’s coming along.
Can unequivocally state he will never prevail in another Derby.
Well Bob has more….and those two looked pretty ok…
Perhaps,but he can’t resist his famous bullet drills,which is the undoing of many in his barn. FYI, a long time until first Saturday in May.
Indeed! Those two will be ruined by March
100% spot on!!!
Thanks Steve for this thorough recap of the Breeder’s Cup festival.
To me Fierceness was the hero of the tournament. Somehow he reminded me of Seattle Slew’s epic in the 1978 Jockey Club Gold Cup… perhaps the similar split times for the 6 and 8 furlongs brought back that blast from the past. I am sure Repole will seek vindication next year specially knowing that such scorching race tempo won’t happen again…
It is great to see the success of Aidan O’Brien/Coolmore Army, Godolphin and Japan and more auspicious is that they will remain the main international players of the “Olympics of Horse Racing” for a long time.
I am happy to see how Flavien Prat’s performance in the Championship series earned him the Eclipse award. He deserves the honors after amassing 73 Stakes this year. Looks like he has begun his path to end the rule of Irad Ortiz Jr. in the coming years…
Your recalling of Martin Garcia’s story is soul-stirring … As an immigrant myself it brought a knot in my throat because I just had heard some politicians demonizing immigrants and blaming them for every single problem in America.
Martin’s journey is a touching example of how hard work, compassion, solidarity and empathy can unlock the hidden talents of anyone. Excellence does not have nationality.
Thank God we have the solace of horse racing …
Thank you for your comments Nelson and I’m glad you could relate to Garcia-s story..
Nelson, as the famous Roman, Marcus Tullius Cicero, once stated:
“Politicians are not born; they are excreted.”
As revolting (and sadly, true) now as it was in his own time. I couldn’t stand to go early, so I’m off to do my patriotic duty now.
Katy, as a child it appeared to me at least politicians were trying to build a better society for all.
In Europe, in Australia, in the US, in China even et al politicians get into power for their self interest on policies that are there to hook a vote but not there to be practiced upon once power has been obtained.
One thing I despise most about politicians, of all persuasions, is how they will use vulnerable minorities in societies as scapegoats for their shortcomings.
Steve–how cool that you had the top three Classic finishers as your top three in Week 11 of the Derby Rankings!
I was especially happy about Straight No Chaser’s win in the BC Sprint. I’m glad some of our stars will be returning next year. And I gotta hand it to Fierceness. I wasn’t a fan of his early on because I doubted his heart, but he’s shown it in his last few races and is finally living up to his name.
Well said Arlingtonfan… Fierceness has conquered more believers in defeat.
I found ironic that the same things he was accused of lacking (grit, determination and competitor spirit) made him loose with the powerful closer Sierra Leone last Saturday.
Fierceness was the only one surviving the scorching pace of the race … the others pace partakers, Arthur’s Ride, Mixto and Derma Sotogake finished 23 and 33 lengths behind him… that says something about the superb caliber of Fierceness.
Such a great read!!
I’ve been looking for what you thought of all those wonderful trips… about fifteen minutes .. after the last race. So interesting…you fill in all the blanks and give every horse meaningful coverage!
The Baffert/Garcia story was a plus..always leave a door open!!
Thanks again for being so thorough…all the time!🏇👌
Thank you very much, Pat. I appreciate the kind words.
Steve;
Great re-cap of 2 great days of racing. I had some win money on Starlust both live and in the futures; also was fortunate to have Sierra Leone at 15-1 at William Hill. Didn’t win a lot but really enjoyed all 14 races!
I am very much looking forward to the Derby Dozen: when will the first column be posted?
The Derby will be much more interesting this time with Baffert back…
Thanks. the Derby Dozen usually starts in mid January , but I'[ll probably do something before that, looking at the 3yo picture and being on the lookout for new faces. I really blew Starlust. I just missed his trouble lines. Im sure I would have had him. had I looked at him moe closely. Well done on your part. You were on the ball.
Yes, biggy312, I thought Starlust had the chance of revenge due to the post positions of his more fancied opponents.
Starlust seems a super nice colt, and what a great ride!
I think Fierceness going on to his 4 yo year is the best news post BC. I’m hoping Sierra Leone also continues. Glad Steve thinks they’re staying in form and actually improving all year, was a great and rare accomplishment. Those first two fractions were the fastest ever in that race, at just under 45 seconds. I’d like to see how fast Fierceness can go 10 f. with a dawdling early pace of 46.5 or so. He’s also a tryer, and showed heart aplenty.
Totally agree, Fierceness was, to me—best performance….also Forever Young was sent hard, kept right there—another who would have benefitted from laying five back, getting first run on Sierra—Sierra Leone was in front at the top of the stretch, he ran lights out—there was wicked pace..
My comment was about Fierceness, if not for the too fast fractions set by second last place finisher Derma Sotogake, he might have won. Maybe they can work on even-ing out his race.
Exactly! Fierceness was like Seattle Slew in defeat to Exceller – brilliant and exceptional beyond belief!
Agreed! He will only improve at four, if sound.
I loved this synopsis of the Breeders Cup races.
You just get better with age Steve.
You write with such flawless passion. I truly enjoy reading your qords.
I really liked the Martin Garcia story. We don’t always get to read back stories but I found this to be very interesting & enjoyable.
Thank you
I really apprecate it Deacon. Thank you very much.
Great wrap up, Steve. I love the way you tied the top three finishers in the Classic to your Derby rankings earlier this year and of course, to your pre-BC story last week. AND you wove in the story of the remarkable coincidence of Darling My Darling being the second dam of the first and third finishers, Sierra Leone and Forever Young. The top three horses are all exceptional, and it’ll be a pleasure to watch them race again next year, if they do come back.
Personally, I had better luck with my Breeders Cup picks this year than ever before. Not only did I have Sierra Leone ($10) in the Classic, I also had the exacta on that race. Other winning bets were $20 on Thorpeda Anna, $5 on Moira, and in the Goldikova just before the BC card started, I had the $1 exacta (it paid — wait for it — $2.80). I think a lot of this success is due to reading your columns and the posts of our little community here. And next year, I may use actual money!
Thanks Ms B. Once you start using real money thats when you’ll start losing.
I am well aware of that! That’s why I only bet when I’m (infrequently) at the track. I usually break even then and have all the fun without going into the red.
BTW: I too am glad Baffert and Garcia are working together again. Here’s hoping we get as good a crop of 3YOs next year as we’ve had this year. Looking forward to your early impressions.