Happy Anniversary Alphabet Soup
An Old Friend is celebrating two holidays this year. It was 25 years ago that Alphabet Soup, who resides at Old Friends and turned 30 this year, upset the mighty Cigar in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, ruining the champ’s farewell party. With the death last year of A.P. Indy, Alphabet Soup is now the oldest living Classic winner. ~ Steve Haskin
Happy Anniversary (and Birthday) Alphabet Soup
By Steve Haskin
The sun was just beginning to set behind Woodbine Racetrack’s clubhouse turn. As the great Cigar headed off the track for the last time, shafts of light beamed down on him from an amber sky. What a fitting final glimpse of one of the greatest horses of his era. This was the way fans were meant to see him; walking off into the sunset in victory following a second straight triumph in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
And it looked for sure as if it would end just that way. At the eighth pole, here came Cigar charging up to the leaders. It was going to happen. At the sixteenth pole, he still wasn’t quite there, as the crowd urged him on. Just inside him, the pocket-sized 5-year-old Alphabet Soup, at 19-1, had another ending to the Cigar story in mind. Not only did he have the reigning Horse of the Year breathing down his neck and refusing to let him by, there was the brilliant Preakness winner Louis Quatorze battling back on his inside, with a 101-1 shot named Mt. Sassafras still in the picture along the rail. Nearing the wire, the cheers for Cigar began to subside when it became clear he was not going to get by the tenacious California invader. At the wire it was Alphabet Soup by a nose over Louis Quatorze, with Cigar a head back in third, only a half-length ahead of Mt. Sassafras.
A hush fell over the crowd, knowing Cigar had come so close to the perfect finale only to fall inches short. They had seen it in his previous start when he failed to get his head in front of Skip Away in The Jockey Club Gold Cup. The heart was still there, but the legs that had propelled him to 16 consecutive victories just had too much wear and tear after traveling 25,000 miles racing all over the country and an exhausting trip to Dubai where he had to dig in and fight back to defeat fellow American Soul of the Matter, despite battling ankle problems.
All the talk was of Cigar’s defeat and having come so close to the storybook ending most everyone had hoped for, but what was overlooked was the courage and grit displayed by Alphabet Soup, turning back challenges on his outside and inside from a future Hall of Famer and a classic winner who had equaled the stakes record in the Preakness and had finished right behind Cigar and Skip Away in The Jockey Club Gold Cup.
The reason why most people were unfamiliar with Alphabet Soup was that in 22 career starts leading up to the Classic the son of Cozzene had only traveled east one time, finishing third in the Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs, and had never won a Grade 1 stakes. But he did have three Grade 2 victories and two Grade 3 victories to his credit and in the past two years had finished in the money in 11 of his 12 starts. So California racing fans certainly were aware of his toughness and consistency.
This was a horse no one wanted as a youngster. The Pennsylvania-bred was bought back twice at the sales, for $28,000 as a yearling and $29,000 as a 2-year-old, and eventually became just a throw-in as part of a package deal.
Trainer Dave Hofmans first laid eyes on him at a training center in Kentucky and it was not exactly love at first sight.
“He was just a dumpy, tiny little guy,” he said. “But I saw something in him I really liked, mainly his conformation. We had another horse picked out (for owner Georgia Ridder), a Wild Again filly for $70,000. They had just bought this colt back for the second time and just wanted to get rid of him, so they threw him in the deal for another $30,000.”
Four years later Alphabet Soup stepped off the van at Woodbine, along with stablemate Dramatic Gold, to prepare to do battle with the great Cigar. As soon as he arrived, his groom Juan Reynoso could tell he was ready to run a huge race, and told anyone who would listen that it was him and not his more fancied stablemate who was the stronger of the two.
Hofmans also grew more confident following the horse’s arrival, but his reasoning was not something you could find through handicapping or the way he was behaving or training or any other conventional method of foreseeing a big performance. As unusual as it may sound, he could tell by the black circles around Alphabet Soup’s eyes and the black on his knees.
“When he’s really fit and ready to run, you can see it,” he said. “As he gets fitter, his knees get really black and his eyes get that black ring around them.”
The next ones to see those black rings close up were Cigar and Louis Quatorze.
As the mostly disappointed crowd filed out of Woodbine, Alphabet Soup was back in his stall with his head buried in his hay rack. Around the corner of Barn 14, Cigar stood facing the back of his stall having his legs wrapped. Owners Allen and Madeleine Paulson stopped by to see their hero before leaving to have dinner. Trainer Bill Mott, however, remained, staring almost hypnotically into Cigar’s stall, but not focusing his attention on the horse as much as he was transfixed on the past two years and on all the adventures the horse had taken him and all the unforgettable moments he provided.
When he spoke, his voice could not hide the emotions that were welling up inside him. “There is nothing I can say about Cigar that can tell you how I feel about him and the whole experience,” he said in a quiet monotone voice, “There’s no reason that getting beat a short head would make me feel any differently about him. I would be pretty damn greedy if I did. When we decided to run him again this year at age 6, I knew that trying to have a repeat year (when he was undefeated in 10 starts) was going to be a tough task come Breeders’ Cup time. Even though he got beat he stayed exceptionally well through the whole year. He just lost that little step, that little turn of foot, and that’s been the difference. If he didn’t have to go five-wide he probably wins. Before, he could have come around them and won. Today he just couldn’t overcome it.”
Just then, Georgia Ridder, the 82-year-old owner of Alphabet Soup, walked in the barn and came over to Mott. Before she could say anything, Mott congratulated her on her victory.
Looking at the broader picture, Mrs. Ridder replied, “Congratulations on the greatest horse of many years. It was just our luck today.”
“Well, you had a great day and I’m happy for you,” Mott told her. “I hope you have many, many more.”
Mrs. Ridder then walked around the corner of the barn to see her horse. She took one look at him attacking his hay rack and said, “What a boy! I am so proud of him and his trainer and rider (Chris McCarron). I was hopeful before the race, but when he drew post 12 my spirits dropped. I still can’t believe he did it. I think I’ll wake up from a dream tomorrow morning and find out he was really an also-ran.”
Before leaving, Mrs. Ridder gave one last look at the diminutive Alphabet Soup, who showed no effects from his hard race, and said, “Goodbye, big gray boy.”
For that brief moment, the horse no longer was diminutive, just as David must have seemed much bigger after slaying Goliath. Alphabet Soup had slain his giant, and in the eyes of his owner now was a giant himself.
Alphabet Soup made one more start the following year, finishing a close second to the top-class Gentlemen in the San Antonio Handicap before being retired to Frank Stronach’s Adena Springs Farm near Lexington, Kentucky with earnings of just under $3 million. He would go on to sire 48 stakes winners.
He was retired from breeding at the age of 24 and was sent to Michael Blowen at Old Friends Equine Retirement Farm. A couple of years later he developed several melanomas that grew to the size of softballs, and the Stronachs sent Blowen $10,000 to have them treated.
“He began losing weight and interest in everything and it looked as if his days were numbered,” Blowen said.
But if there was one thing the horse had proven, it was that he was a fighter. He was sent to Park Equine Hospital in Paris, Kentucky, under the care of veterinarians John C. Park, Rhodes Bell, and Bryan Waldridge, who were developing a cancer treatment that allows the immune system to target the melanoma.
“We’re hoping the immune system will stay after that cancer,” Waldridge, who began seeing significant reduction in the tumors near his tail, told Bloodhorse.com. “We’re hoping for a progressive shrinkage. I would think it would be months in the future until we know where we’re going to get to, but it’s gone down enough that I wouldn’t be shocked to see this totally go away.”
Blowen said Alphabet Soup received one treatment a week for four straight weeks and then one treatment a month for four straight months.”
As Waldridge had hoped, the tumors did go away, “He’s better now than he was six years ago, Blowen said. “He’s my role model. I look at him every day and realize how fortunate I am to spend this time with him. He’s a happy horse and has a pal, a donkey named Gorgeous George, who goes everywhere with him and is very protective of him. The two are inseparable.”
In May of 2020 Smithsonian magazine did a feature on Old Friends and used Alphabet Soup as their cover boy. “I believe he is the only Thoroughbred to grace the cover of Smithsonian magazine,” Blowen said.
And so, at the age of 30, Alphabet Soup is enjoying the good life with his little buddy. If the two could talk to each other, you can bet Alphie, as he is known, would be telling George what it was like to be little in a world often dominated by bigger and stronger adversaries and how in his greatest battle, he conquered the biggest “giant” of them all a quarter of a century ago.
Photos courtesy of Breeders’ Cup and Old Friends
Please check back on Thursday for Steve’s Breeders’ Cup Longshot Picks…
Jeeeeez! I’m away all day and come back to this blog to find there’s a bounty on my head. So Coldfacts writes “As a longshot hunter I will stand no chance in this contest. I am therefore requesting that consideration given for bravery.” I replied saying, in essence, that the contest is for picking the winners — not one based on ROI. Selecting longshots in a contest to see who picks the most winners is doomed to failure.
I would like either type of contest.
EddieF, at any given moment in time there’s probably a bounty on your head for whatever reason….lol! And, like you, I would like any type of contest, amateur horse racing enthusiast that I am. PS The first sentence is meant in jest!
LOL. If there’s a bounty “at any given moment,” they’re not very good at their job!
New column going up now. Check over there about the contest.
Thanks Steve for bringing us back once again for if you don’t know where you’ve been , you can’t know where you are. Alphabet Soup and his likes why I love this sport. Champions and great horses can come from anywhere, from a FuPEG on one side of the spectrum to John Henry on the other. As for CIGAR he was a machine and a joy to watch, but I have to admit at the 96 Jockey Club Gold Cup I bought a framed photo of Cigar and I’m looking at right now and then I went to windows and bet Skip Away. That’s Racing!
Glad you enjoyed it Derek, thank you. You summed it all up perfectly
BEST NUMBERS.
The above is often assigned to a particular selection in a field. But what exactly are best numbers? In most if not all instances, best numbers relate to assigned speed figures. Are speed figure the only numbers that are relevant?
Jack Christopher has the best Beyer speed figure of any 2YO male. He therefore is deemed to have the best number. But does He? Let’s see what the cold facts reveal.
Dat of Birth – January 30th – He is the oldest colt in the BCJ field. Maturity can be an advantage over late foals.
Pedigree- Whilst performances in relation to pedigree remains a mystery. This colt was bred for speed and has displayed a lot. This was a distinct possibility.
Race Fractions Debut (6F) – 21.83; 44.61; 56.7;1:09.85 on debut was impressive. But he was bred for speed.
Race Fractions Stakes (8F) – 23.57; 46.49; 1:11.15 1:37.31. Assuming there was no malfunctioning of the timer. The 2021 renewal of the Champagne was the slowest since the distance of the stakes was returned to 8F in 2005. The track was listed as fast. Could there have been a strong head win? Probably! The colt was under strong urging and whipping deep in the last furlong. Had he been travelling sweetly his rider action wouldn’t have been necessary. Jackie’s Warrior and Tiz The Law won their Champagned in time two seconds fasters. Both were next out losers.
I am not sure how Jack Christopher is deemed to have the best numbers. Given that Pinehurst who is 3 months younger (April 26) has recorded fractions of 22.09; 44.77; 1:10. 17 whilst winning his G1 debut. A colt 3 months younger running just as fast as one 3 month older makes for interesting analysis. .. Rattle and Roll finial time in the G1 Futurity is faster than Jack Christopher’s extrapolated time for 8 1/2F, using the Champagne fractions.
Jack Christopher was assigned the highest speed figure. But he doesn’t have the best numbers when all relevant numbers are analyzed.
I have never paid much attention to Express Train as I have always considered him a cut below the G1 level. But his recent work captured my attention.
He broke his maiden at Del Mar by 14 1/2L and this might have some significance come Saturday. After that performance the Derby Trail beckoned. He next contested the American Pharaoh and as the 2nd choice behind Eight Rings. He lumbered in 4th beaten by 8 1/2L.
With Derby now off the table. The colt return to Del Mar and won a 6 1/2F Allowance in quick 1:15.65. His next 5 start were at SA Park where he managed one and three runner placings. One of his 2nd place finishes was to mighty Charlatan in the 7F Malibu a distance considered short of his best. He was 16/1.
After sufferings 3 consecutive defeats after his last win. Express Train again returned to Del Mar were he won the San San Diego. In his subsequent start in the Pacific Classic he flopped at the favorite with a dull 6th place finish beaten by 10 3/4L It was the worst defeat of his career. Added to the dilemma of his poor performance, was the fact that it occurred at the venue of his most impressive victory and one at which 3 of his 4 career win were recorded.
I am not an expert in the evaluation of works. But I am of the opinion that his 5F work is the best I have seen at Del Mar It was an effortless 59.80. The trainer of Express Train is a modest and unassuming man that doesn’t reveal much. But after ET’s work he had an ear to ear smile with twinkles in his eyes.
Express Tari was assigned a ML of 20/1 and deservedly so. He will be returning to the scene of his biggest victory. It appears he lacks the talent of many of his likely BCC opponents. However, it appear he is a horse for course and this could be an advantage. Any position he occupies on the board will make the exotics wager lucrative.
NB: Drosselmeyer was defeated in his first 3 career starts at Saratoga, Belmont and Keeneland. He eventually broke his maiden in his 4th start at CD by 6L. This win margin would eventually become the biggest of his 5 career wins. He returned to Churchill Downs for his 2nd start at the venue, in the 2011 BCC. He emerged the winner at @14/1. In only 2 starts CD he recorded d his first and last victories. Was he a horse for course?
More about Express Train…I saw him work in person, before he ever raced…he beat Honor A P to the wire in a team drill, by a head—and I asked his trainer what was his name, and he told me….he has been my favorite race horse for three years now–and he runs/changes leads straight and strong–he does not weave…..but I cannot call him a win contender here—BUT he can grab a piece of the race, because while he isn’t fast enough–he has class, which means he can finish “in the hunt”, so to speak, one more thing: Express Train will probably be the best looking horse in the post parade, because he truly is a beautiful horse.
A Classic look: Baffert is likely thinking a win by Medina Spirit vindicates him. Two things he learned last winter: Charlatan showed him how to deal with Knicks Go and Medina Spirit is at his best when on the lead. Medina Spirit will be sent. Knicks Go has no choice but to be sent too. In his case, his trainer Cox has to give him his best shot to win while knowing if the pace is hot, he has Essential Quality who would thrive with a hot pace. O’Neil’s Hot Rod Charlie will likely pop out of the gate quick and make the leaders use a little energy to get to the front before he drops in behind them pressing their heels. HRC is a street fighter with no quit in him. Art Collector may join the pace or sit just off it too. Tripoli loves Del Mar and skims the rail flanked by Essential Quality. Express Train, Stilletto Boy and Max Player will need to sprout wings to keep up. The weather looks ideal. Moon and tidal cycle info not factored into my evaluation. My top two – EQ and HRC. Would take any of the three year olds over Knicks Go in a head to head wager.
“Charlatan showed him how to deal with Knicks Go”
How so? When Knicks Go won the BC Dirt Mile and Pegasus. Jesus’ Team was the runner up on both occasions @65/1 & 12/1.. Where does Jesus’ Team rank in the senior division. The last time he was seen in the Alydar he finished 29L behind Art Collector. Knick’s Go hadn’t faced horses the caliber of Charlatan so the result was not surprising.
” Medina Spirit is at his best when on the lead.”
He was not the best on the lead in the Preakness. He had quality opponent in Midnight Bourbon along side and he was unable to respond when taht opponent wen by. He couldn’t secure the Lead in the Shan, San Felipe and SA Derby. His KD win was suspicious and his medication overage was a factor. Medina Spirit is tough on the lead mostly against competition lacking in serious tactical speed.
Art Collator has been either on or near the lead in 7 of his 8 career wins. No one has ever regarded him as being tough on the lead. But Medina Spirit who on several occasions has not gone any where near the lead, is a tough on the lead horse. That doesn’t compute.
You “need” to stop the Preakness fading logic, the horse just ran in the Derby, and was stressed the entire trip—his other races on the lead he was tough to pass.
“Charlatan showed him how to deal with Knicks Go” “How so?” In the Saudi Cup last winter, Charlatan broke fast and went with Knicks Go from the start. He laid right on his shoulder and pressed him until Knicks Go quit.
” Medina Spirit is at his best when on the lead.” All 5 of Medina Spirits wins have been wire to wire. Only one time when MS has made the lead has he been passed. MS is 9 of 9 ITM by the way.
A couple simple observations I noticed that I’m sure Baffert is aware of.
Another Hot Rod-oddity—-Has not run in west since January.
Regarding Oddities;
Max Player – Last 4 starts away from NY have yielded off the board finishes.
Pimlico Special- 6th by 8L
Saudi Cup – 11th by a distance
Preakness – 5th by 11 1/4L
Kentucky Derby – 5th by 7L
He was never been off the board in his 5 starts in NY that account for 3 of his 4 career wins.
Before his last two, he was losing everywhere — including the Belmont and Travers.
Max Player got good at 4yo….he was always a stayer….TWO good races in a row, both 10 fur…..one big race does not a top horse make, but TWO— means he is for “real”, I have him in my top three, along with Hot Rod and Essential…..
Also…Max Player has been on the west coast for quite a while, now….
My reply wasn’t about the merits of Max Player. I was countering Coldfact’s contention that Max was just a NY winner.
The fact that Steve and Ricardo have been able to get him to break well and settle close/fairly close to the pace has changed the trajectory of his career. I’ve watched Max from the start – in his debut I didn’t think he’d get around the track. Linda did a magnificent job getting him to be a racehorse, but she and Steve earned and have earned their money with this boy, lol. If Max hadn’t matured and wasn’t willing to be a stalker instead of a deep closer, none of his connections’ efforts would have mattered. He really looks fantastic and seems to be handling the quirky DM track well. He has to run faster, but to be fair, the Suburban was run on a sloppy track and the fractions were very slow in the Gold Cup. I think he can win, but honestly I will be thrilled if he runs well, as I expect him to.
Good observation Matthew… for the first time this year he is not traveling which could be an advantage this time…hmmm!
Will running “at home” make him improve the two lengths to get ahead Essential Quality and Medina Spirit…?
I mean, he travels fine, but I always thought the trip to Saudi Arabia was a mistake…..I didn’t know Max was going to freak out and essentially lose all chance. I missed the Pimlico Special, but many handicappers thought he ran sneaky well in the race as he lost a lot of ground…..
I imagine being out West for as long as he has will be beneficial, but I don’t think it will affect his performance one way or the other.
To Bill Dawson and everyone, I will repeat this in Thursday’s column comments, we will have a handicapping contest where you simply pick the winner of each race and put it in the comments. After the winner and runnerup are determined I will given them a list of 10 to 12 racing books from those I have left (I gave 50 away to people on Facebook who donated to my daughter and son in law’s theater company over the summer) I still a number left including some of my books. The winner will get to choose 2 books and I will also send them some buttons/pins. The runnerup will then get to choose one book from the remaining ones. If there is a tie both will get two books. In case there are more than two ties please also send in what you believe will be the final time of the Classic and the two closest to it will determine the top two finishers. Any questions let me know.
As a longshot hunter I will stand no chance in this contest. I am therefore requesting that consideration given for bravery.
How about a consolation prize for the highest price winner?
There’s a big difference between selecting the likely winner and making wagering selections. Just pick the favorite in every race and you’ll probably hit at least five. 🙂
That’s true. I think you’re right. Without the odds factor anyone can pick all favorites and wind up winning. So it’s best to scrap the idea. I’ll try to come up with something more challenging next year. Thanks Eddie.
Stop it! You bring that contest back here, young man! We’re not guaranteed next year, and this year’s BC looks fantastic!
Steve, the last time the Breeders’ Cup races were held at Del Mar in 2017 there was just one favorite to win on Friday and just one favorite to win on Saturday. So, picking all the favorites might not be the that clever.
How about the one with the net highest $2 win bet total- wins?
Thats what we’ll do. New columjn going up now so check there.
Now I know that you got no Wedding & Event Planner vocation … LOL
This was all presented to me late in the game and I had little time to ponder it. Next time I ca, have the event planned better. I dont even know how many people would be interested enough to submit selections or how many would even know about, as we have only our little group of people who comment.
No problem Steve… my reply was jokingly directed to Eddie F…
Ultimately, People are free to register their selections under the comment section of your eventual handicapping column about the big event this week end…
Many thanks for setting up the BC contest. However, it appears there’s not a lot of enthusiasm from other contributors to your blog.
EddieF stated, “just pick the favorite in every race and you’ll probably hit at least five”. That’s not necessarily true. Going back to the 2020 BC race results, of the 14 races, only three were won by the post time favorite. Those three were; Aunt Pearl (Juv. Fillies Turf), Gamine, (Filly & Mare Sprint) and Monomoy Girl, (Distaff). Hopefully, other regulars with take part in the contest just for the fun of it, and a chance to win one of your books.
Thanks Steve.
Let’s do it! I like Life Is Good, but most of my picks are pricey!
I agree, not much interest and Eddie F.s comment got me thinking this wasnt a great idea Maybe next time we can announce it earlier and promote it in a better way than on the comments
Hey Steve
No one is twisting EddieF’s arm to enter this year’s contest. If he would rather wait until next year’s contest, then so be it.
I believe there will enough regulars entering, which should make the contest interesting.
Just as a suggestion, if less than 10 people enter the contest, then feel free to cancel it. No hard feelings.
Thanks for everything Steve.
My friend Dave told me this was a poignant piece and he was right. I remember this race and it was
sad to see Cigar beaten. The truly great Cigar. But I DID love Alphabet Soups name. The little horse that could.
What is also wonderful to me is how classy Mrs. Ridder and Bill Mott were, winning and losing.
That word is overused but not in that case. I am so glad Alphabet Soup is 30 years old and doing
so well. He is a little like Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at age 95 and still doing pretty well and who
still rides her ponies.
PINEHURST –
This colt with a ML of 8/1 is a gift. He has the best numbers and if rate judiciously it is unlikely that he will be beaten
Hey Coldfacts
With Rattle N Roll dropping out of the Juvenile, I’m torn between Pinehurst and Jack Christopher. Both colts check a lot of boxes, however, with respect to pedigrees, I believe Pinehurst is better suited for distance than Jack Christopher who appears to be a sprinter/middle distance type colt. In addition, Pinehurst has the home track advantage and he’s been working lights out at SA.
Pinehurst’s sire line leads directly to Mr. Prospector and his broodmare sire line leads directly to Northern Dancer, which has produced several winners of Triple Crown races. If Jack Cristopher doesn’t break well from the #1 hole, he could get boxed in early, and throughout. Also, it doesn’t hurt to have veteran rider Johnny V in the irons.
Bottom line, I’m with you, Pinehurst appears to be the colt to beat in the Juvenile.
My longshot in this race is Jasper Great, who shipped in from Japan. Just for the hell of it, I lay down a WPS wager on him at 15-1.
Sooner or later, one of the horses shipping in from Japan will win one of these BC races, at big odds. Jasper Great just might be the one to do it.
Good luck.
Their biggest BC shot ever is Loves Only You in the F&M Turf. Great international star who runs big everywhere. She finished a bang up third to Mishriff in the Dubai Sheema Classic. There are some big-time fillies in there.
And worked lights out today according to Mike Welsh at drf.
Evening Steve
Yes indeed, Loves Only You certainly fits in the F&M Turf. With respect to the morning line in this race, I believe the odds maker has it right with War Like Goddess at 7/2. She appears to be in excellent form, and with Leparoux in the saddle, I like her chances. There are three other entrants I like, Rougir, Audarya (2020 winner of the F&M Turf) and Love.
In my super wager, I’ll key War Like Goddess on top in the first slot, with Rougir, Audarya, Love and Loves Only You in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th slots.
Thanks for pointing out Loves Only You.
BTW, anything new on the contest that we discussed? Thanks.
Leonard had suggested it too. Waiting to hear what he wants to do. I’ll contact him
Sounds good Steve.
My pick!
I am of the opinion that Jack Christopher will not emerge the winner of the BCJ. His stride were shortening in the closing stages of the Champagne. The final quarter of the Champagne was 26.86. Assuming he could have maintained his final quarter speed, for anothet 16th of a mile. His final l time for 8 1/2F would be approximately 1:43 and a bit. Such a final time would be more consistent with times recorded for 81/2F contested around 2Truns. Rattle and Roll wining time for the 2Turn 8 1/2F Futurity was 1:43.95.
JUST HOW FAST IS JACK CHRISTOPHER
Champagne 8F : 22.92; 45.94; 1:09.86; 1:23.29; 1;36.72
Del Mar Futurity 7F: 22.09; 44.77; 1:10.17; 1:23.55; 1:36.93** Extrapolated
Pinehurst first and second quarters were almost a second faster than those recorded in the Champagne. Pinehurst’s extrapolated time for 8F involving 2Turn is a few points off Jack Christopher’s time for a 1Turn mile. Jack Christopher. I consider it reasonable to assert that Pinehurst is the faster of the two .
Further, Jack Christopher is a January 30th foal whereas Pinehurst is a April 26 foal. Jack Christopher is approximately 3 months older. An opponents 3 months younger recording faster time, suggests a potential advantage.
On October 24th, 9 horses recorded 5F work below a minute. Pinehurst’s was part of that number with his 59.20. The remaining 8 horses were 3YO & 4YOs. His time was faster than 3 of the older workers.
OK they just revived me you like Bob B’s horse???!!!
Wow, Steve! I had never seen the 1996 Breeders’ Cup Classic; I missed the entire Cigar era because I didn’t have TV then. After reading your column, I just watched the race on YouTube. What a thriller! Thanks for telling the story of a gallant horse and a dramatic race I hadn’t known about.
Glad you got a chance to see it and that you finally got a TV, Lol.
Hi Davids…!
15 minutes to the Melbourne Cup and the Australian super star Incentivise looks ready to win for the 10th time in a row this year…Twilight Payment for Joseph O’Brien (last year winner) and Spanish Mission appear to be his main challengers…
Surprising to see Great House getting to the cup after winning a Grade 3 only last Saturday… Wow !
And my long shot, Floating Artist, was an unlucky runner-up just a week ago… talking about toughness and endurance…!
And they’re off
Hot weather, mares run well in “the Cup.”
The mare Verry Elleegant getting even in defeating Incentivise … those mares over there are just amazing…!
Very emotional win by jockey, James McDonald.
Winning “the race that stops the nation” justify tears of joy…!
They are amazing mares over there. Wonderful win and a wonderful name
for a horse. Love it. Congrats to all.
Verry Elleegant’s sire, Zed, was actually covering Clydesdales in New Zealand.
Wow!… Interesting info… Zed must be a humongous horse…!
Oaks Day at Flemington on Thursday. Rain and 66 f. is forecast. At least the whole card is televised.
Congratulations to Verry Elleegant, James McDonald, Chris Waller and the owners. Another awesome (and lovely) Australian mare! I looked up Zed’s pedigree and was delighted to see that she goes back to Secretariat’s dam, Somethingroyal. Very handsome stallion. I giggled when you said he was off covering Clydes. LOL, chances are slim to none that any of our American stallions would ever do the same.
Linda: Just to chime in, Verry Ellegant also traces back to the very American Americus Girl in tail female. Wonderful family (9C). Her dam was a Brit but sire Americus was from the Lexington line and a stakes winner in the U.S. (as Rey del Carredes) and in England. Family of Mumtaz Mahal, so lots of brilliant fillies.
Thanks, will look her up!
Wonderful tribute to the stout Alphabet Soup, the oldest living winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Alphabet Soup represents a happy story of an underdog who not only conquered the unconquerable Cigar but also is defeating death itself.
It was really informative to me the anecdote of Hoffman measuring Alphabet Soup’s level of fitness by noticing the color of his eyes and knees… there must be a scientific explanation for those indicators …
Historic curiosity is that Cozenne, the sire of Alphabet Soup, defeated Palace Music the sire of Cigar in the 1985 Breeder’s Cup Mile at Aqueduct. Palace Music finished a fast closing second but was disqualified (to 9th) for blocking Tsunami Slew and the race favorite Rousillon.
Alphabet Soup got a lot from Cozenne but his broodmare sire Arts and Letters provided him with much of his grit and talent.
The 1996 BC Classic was one of the greatest moments in Horse Racing. It was a thrilling finish with three Hall of Fame Jockeys (Chris McCarron on Alphabet Soup, Pat Day on Louis Quatorze and Jerry Bailey with Cigar) displaying all their flair and strength in the homestretch.
Few other editions were so breathtaking. Perhaps, the first one (1984) could be comparable, when also three Hall of Fame Jockeys staged an electrifying battle with Wild Again over Slew O’Gold and Gate Dancer.
The wins by Tiznow, Zenyatta and Bayern are visual working memories of the most exciting BC Classics as well…!
Thanks again, Steve, for keeping the great memories of Horse Racing alive.
Thank you very much, Nelson. That’s a great tidbit about Palace Music and Cozzene
Learning the legacy of great Thoroughbred families is one aspect that feeds my love for horse racing…
Cozzene and Palace Music…nice! I vaguely recall something similar. Maybe the sires of the first and second finishers in the Derby having battled in a previous Derby?
Visited AS few times,he’s a handful.
Nelson, if you read up on color points in oriental cats – Siamese, Tonkinese et al, it may well be the answer. The extremities of the cat darken due to cold. Perhaps, Alphabet Soup adored the cooler weather at Woodbine?
50 years since Ack Ack…..very much reminds me of Knicks Go, but we shall see if Knicks can win at 10 furlongs, like Ack Ack did, after starting out his career as a sprinter/miler….
There is a reason Knick’s Go has been kept at 9F. He is not a 10F horse. He will not prove elusive in the last furlong. Revisit the Pegasus and focus on the 2nd and 3rd place finishers.
Just cause Kicks Go hasn’t went 10F, doesn’t mean he can’t.
Fifty years also since the cinematic masterpiece “Francis Goes to the Races” was released.
No….sorry. That was 70 years ago.
“Billy Jack” was 50 years ago.
Eddie: I saw that movie on a date, I think with the sweaty math major with the heavy arms (constantly roped over my shoulders) I thankfully never saw again. After it was over, I thought, why would a guy take a girl to see that? Oops, off topic.
Well, it wasn’t as bad as Travis Bickle taking the Cybill Shepherd character in Taxi Driver to a porno flick.
Yeah, De Niro really blew it that time. LOL.
1971 also gave us Dirty Harry, Fiddler on the Roof, & Willard if you like rats. 🙂
I was trying to think of movies with horses, but those were good ones. Also: The Last Picture Show, The French Connection, McCabe & Mrs. Miller, and Play Misty for Me.
“A Clockwork Orange” by far the best film of 1971.
My vote goes to The French Connection
Gene Hackman was a great actor.
Wow, that movie was horrible, A Clockwork Orange was strange as it gets
Anthony Burgess’ inspiration for the book was from his first wife’s violent bashing by a gang of drunken US servicemen stationed in England during World War II. His wife subsequently miscarried.
“Summer of 42” would be my pick for best movie in 1971.
“Nicholas and Alexandra” was a sumptuously beautiful film with lots of horses.
1971 was the year I was born…I’ll vote for childhood favorites Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and Bedknobs and Broomsticks!
Not in 1971, but…did anyone ever see the movie Champions? It’s at least as good as Phar Lap (which I adore), and is also a true story. To sum up – jockey gets cancer (this is decades ago, chances of survival were not good), horse survives several potential career-ending injuries, and they come back to win the 1981 Grand National. Not only is the score extraordinarily beautiful, but Aldaniti the horse plays himself. John Hurt plays Bob Champion.
One of the greatest racing movies ever
No doubt. I found out very recently that the BBC replays the broadcast of that Grand National before every running…Its the 40th anniversary, so Bob Champion has been doing many interviews….what a tremendous person he is. I used to have the movie on tape, but just recently got rid of all my tapes, so I’m going to buy the DVD; it’s been way too long since I’ve seen the movie.
Two great movies that centered around a big horse race—“Three Strangers”–a fantastic story about three strangers who share a sweepstakes ticket to the Grand National….and “The Sundowners”, my all-time favorite horse race movie!
They both sound really interesting, Matthew!
Another racing movie that I adore is Casey’s Shadow, which is actually the story of Randy Romero’s family (with liberties taken). It involves an orphaned foal and the All-American Futurity …..it’s really wonderful
I liked Bedknobs and Broomsticks and I was 18.
Paula, honestly I think it’s really underrated…….though actually many of my generation love it as much as I do. It’s a wonderful movie……I didn’t realize until much later that children actually were sent to the countryside during the war to keep them out of harm’s way.
Since we’re talking movies from 1971….my favorite was a made for TV movie called “Duel”, made by a nobody named Spielberg……
That film, Duel, used to scare the hell out of us when we were kids. Mind you, we watched it every time it was on. Ha ha
It was magnificent, brilliantly acted, accurate, and beautifully produced. Also, terribly sad.
Just to check, because with the replies the way they are, it’s hard to tell…….Paula, which movie are you referring to? Based on your last description, I assume “Nicholas and Alexandra”?
Favorite book of 1971: Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter Thompson
“Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee”
BC News!
Ain’t Easy will not enter the BC Juvenile Fillies, and her rider, Joel Rosario will now ride Echo Zulu (replacing Ricardo Santana).
Echo Zulu would probably have been the morning line favorite, even without the defection of Ain’t Easy, but this recent announcement seals the deal. More than likely, her main competition will be Hidden Connection and/or Juju’s Map, IMO.
Rosario is great, but he’s never ridden her and what has Santana done wrong on her except win 3 races by a total of 17 lengths. And he is Asmussen’s go to rider. Some loyalty.
Asmussen was 1 for 56 at the Keeneland meet. Santana was 0 for 78. I believe both were shut out on opening day at CD. Maybe both of them need some time off. Has a top trainer EVER had a horrendous meet like that one?
Santana hasn’t finished in the top 3 in over a week, and one of the races was a 4 horse field.
So far it doesn’t appear as if there are any other changes. Even the greatest athletes – in any sport – slump, but this is awful, and at the worst time. With Steve, a trainer’s slump to me is more about his horses or bad luck – Steve didn’t forget to train. Jocks ? Definitely there must be some bad luck involved, but much more poor performances or lack of confidence. Santana has handled Max brilliantly, but man, I need him to break out of this
Yeah, it’s been awful. He had some winners the past month at Belmont and other tracks, but Keeneland was where he had his best horses. What you said in the first sentence is kinda hilarious … but not for Santana. 🙁
I was referring to Asmussen about having winners at other tracks, though I assume that Santana had winners elsewhere.
No, and I feel really sorry for him because he’s a terrific rider. I think he just has to ride his way out of it, but hopefully he won’t be losing mounts – then it turns into a vicious circle. One great ride, in any race, and I think that’s all he needs.
I’m wondering if this was the owner’s decision, or if Asmussen acted on his own. Either way, this could come back and bite the connections. In addition, it makes you wonder how this will effect the future relationship between Santana and Asmussen.
Below list of the likely BCC starters, their number of start in 2021 and accumulated distance covered:
Medina Spirit – 8 starts; 70.50F
Stilleto Boy – 9 starts; 70F
Express Train – 6 starts; 65.5F
Essential Quality – 6 starts; 58.5F
Hot Rod Charlie – 6 starts; 57.5F
Knick’s Go – 6 starts; 53.5F
Max Player 4 starts; 38.5F
Tripoli – 4 starts; 35.5F
Art Collector – 4 starts; 34F
Why focus on the above data and how can it be useful in the handicapping process? To determine
which likely starter has the freshest legs heading into a 10F marathon. Do the freshest legs matter? I really do not
known. But it could be more pertinent than irrelevant when Lactic Acid is at its most devastating to muscles.
Of 3YOs Stilleto Boy heads the list with most start but Medina Spirit has the most furlongs covered. Of the older likely
starters, Express Train & Knicks Go lead the lists with number of starts but Express Train has covered more furlongs.
Medina Spirit has covered the most furlongs on the list. Whilst Art Collector has covered the least although joint 3rd in the
number of starts category. This could prove to be a negative for Medina Spirit and a positive for Art Collector.
Essential Quality and Hot Rod Charlie have 3 start less and have covered 12 & 13 furlong less than Medina Spirti. The two have improved significantly since the Kentucky Derby and have fresher legs. . Media Spirt has avoided both for easier opportunities. Both should have his measure in the BCC. But both will likely find Art Collector to be the best of the older opponents.
Art Collector 4 start & 34F covered in 2021, were preceded by 7 months away from racing. During this period the issues that led to his poor performances in the Preakness & BC Dirt Mile were addressed. The time was also afforded the colt additional maturity time and hardening. A 3YO colt that won 8 1/2F in 1:41.35 and two 9Fs in 1:48.11, & 1:48..03. When placed on the shelf for 7, should return bigger; stronger and hardened as a 4YO. And be ready to take on the best. All other likely entrants didn’t have the benefits of a 7 month off before the BCC. Not as fresh!
Three race for Art Collector ahead of the BCC unique and probably unintended. He won the 9F Alydar around 2Turns. He won the Charles Town Classic around 3Turns, followed by the 9F Woodward around 1Turn Each race provided something different. One was a test of wellness after 3 poor starts. One provided an exposure to tight turns and the other (G1) a class test. All yielded positive results.
This might be subjected to dispute. However, I contend Art Collector was a faster 3YO than Essential Quality, Medina Spirit and Hot Rod Charlie. He is now in top form as a hardened 4YO with 10 starts and 7 win over 12 month. He had two racing interruptions spanning 5 & 6 months. He will be entering the BCC with the freshest legs of all entrant. He has the speed , stamina and class to deliver on the promise he showed as a 3YO.
Express Train 7 starts AND ran in Dec 26th stakes. By the way he looked real good the other day.
His trainer is one of the best!
Yes, he is Mike Relva! Hope you are well.
I’m well and hope you are also. Flew to Vegas last month. Next summer flying to Alaska.
Medina Spirit is peaking….so is Hot Rod Charlie, and Essential Quality is just good….that said—-kind of weird that only one has faced older—Max Player LOOKS a bit like Vino Rosso, under achieving 3yo that gets good at four….two wins, both 10 fur…both vs older/open…..each work better than one before Max just looks LIVE….what a race!
What a wonderful journey!
I was there at Woodbine for that year’s running of the Breeder’s Cup. I bet on Cigar. However, I did notice that Alphabet Soup looked terrific pre-race. It had not been a profitable day at the track for me, therefore I was inclined to wager on Cigar in an attempt to get some money back.
Afterwards, my brother… doesn’t it always happen like this… said, “Oh, you should have talked to me before you went. Alphabet Soup was the bet!”
Steve, I have only just re-discovered you and the joy of loving horse-racing has surged again from your wonderful posts.
Thank you!
bb
That is very kind of you to say, I really appreciate it. Thank you. I’m glad you have re-discovered racing.
A moving tribute to ‘Alphie’. May his every day be beautiful (thanking Old Friends, fine vets & George)~ so happy for his long, lovely, brave life. Cigar ~ever loved; he saw into your soul (Hot Rod Charlie has similar eyes). Bravo for your stories!
Hi Steve, A great story, about great horses and a great race. Cigar was my sentimental favorite and Alphabet Soup was my second choice. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve re-watched this race, but when the field came around the last turn with Soupy and Cigar four and five wide I was up out of my chair. This race did nothing to tarnish Cigars legacy, he was a phenomenal race horse, it was just Soups day. I am so glad that Soup and all the other equine athletes at Old Friends are enjoying such a well deserved retirement. The people there do such good work. Thanks again for writing, you bring back so many nice memories with your stories and keep our champions of the past alive.
Thank you very much Diane
Rattle and Roll latest victim
I was surprised he was running and even more surprised when he worked on that sloppy track. I believe he was the only BC horse to work, Oh, well, probably for the best.
I’m very disappointed. In his Breeders Futurity win, he earned pace and speed figures of 91-plus in all categories (Brisnet). You don’t see that very often with 2yos. He would have been a juicy price.
Rats! Well, it’s back to the drawing for me, RNR would have been my top pick in the Juvenile.
Edit to say “back to the drawing board for me”
Good Day Steve
Just a suggestion on the Breeders’ Cup races. After the final entries are drawn on Monday, how about a Breeders Cup contest that would include all 14 BC races (Friday and Saturday). All the “Regulars” that post comments on your site would be encouraged to enter their top pick in each race, (yourself included). The entrant with the most winners would be crowned “Top Breeders’ Cup Handicapper, 2021”. I think it would be fun.
I cannot even pick my nose.
Guy stops a New Yorker on the street and asks, “How do I get to Carnegie Hall?” The New Yorker tells the guy, “PRACTICE!”
Thanks Bill, thats a good idea. We really dont have a lot of regulars, But more than crowning someone Top BC Handicapper I am going to see if I can give prizes, such as racing books or whatever interesting memorabilia I can find. We’ll work up the details and let you know. My longshot picks and overview come out on Thursday
Thanks for the reply Steve
Your idea sounds even better than mine. I’m sure you have plenty of memorabilia that would be of great interest to your followers.
We’ll be looking forward to the contest details. I assume the deadline for entries will be Thursday, 11-4.
BTW, you have a lot more regulars than you probably realize.
If there’s a BOOBY PRIZE, I’m all in! I guess the point will be to make predictions as to which horses will win each race (i.e., no consideration of odds and wagering selections). If you have the blanket that Secretariat wore after winning the Belmont, that would be an excellent first prize…or if I finish 3rd, an excellent third prize.
That was sold at auction last year.Sorry.
I will participate!
Bill: I’ll show you mine if you show me yours. (Very bad, very late joke!)
Ok. You go first. 🙂
Sorry Mr. H,
Idol is out.
Nest is also out. Following Sea is to be determined. Todd Pletcher’s horses are dropping out fast. I wonder why?
Hmm, thanks
Idol and Nest full sibs…
After watching the Breeders Cup works this morning I can state with reasonable confidence that the following horse are likely to emerge winners:
Art Collector
Shedaresthedevil
Silver State
Bella Sofia.
Essential Quality looked great. But I do not consider him fast enough.
I confirmed today Knicks Go isn’t a 10F horse.
I was not impressed with Echo Zulu.
Jackie’s Warrior will not win the BC Sprint
Aloha West will mow his opponents down late for the BC Sprint .
Express Train is likely to finish i the top 3. His work was that good.
Obviously my incompetency regarding work out analysis is on full display. When the eyes see what they wants to see. Objectivity has to take a back seat.
Maybe Alphabet Soup’s odds in the Classic might have been far less than 19-1 if bettors had looked more closely at his performances leading up to the big race.
*Aug 17, after a 5.5-month layoff, he won the 7f Pat O’Brien Stakes defeating LIT DE JUSTICE, who followed up with a win in the BC Sprint.
*Sept 8, he finished 2nd by a neck to DRAMATIC GOLD, who returned to win the G1 Meadowlands Cup four weeks before the BC.
*Oct 5, he finished first in the Goodwood (but DQed) over 3rd-place finisher DARE AND GO, who had defeated Cigar by 3.5 lengths in the Pacific Classic on Aug 10.
In examining the PPs of the ’96 Classic, I’d say that Alphabet Soup was an overlay.
The further you look the lesser you.
The further you look the lesser you see.
Seek and you shall find.
The notebooks should at arms length today as Churchill Downs has future champions day featuring 11 2YO races.
I could be a RED exacta (Red Danger/Red Knobs) in the Street Sense. Red Danger is an Orb colt with a turf record featuring (3 STARTS: 2-0-0). He just missed being 3rd in the Bourbon as the post time favorite.
What is an Orb colt out of a Distorted Humor mare doing on turf? His debut was on dirt over 5 1/2F and he finished 5 of 9 beaten by 6 3/4L. He has been on dirt sine. The CD surface is friendly to turf types. Could the chestnut Red Danger be a future star?
Well, Orb was represented by a chestnut colt by the name Obesos in the 2021 KD and he fined a decent 5th. This colt appears to be better albeit on turf.
Save it for Thursday’s handicapping column when we’ll be talking Breeders’ Cup.
The removal of Maxfield from consideration for the BBC was disappointing. To win the BCC a horse has to be in it. One doesn’t get a chance if one doesnt’ take chance.
If the connections of Alphabet Soup didn’t view him as the David capable slaying the Goliath in Cigar, they would have passed on the BCC. Who would have blame them? Although having a string of G2 & G3 he finished 11 Of 12 beaten 34L in his only start in a G1. But to have chance they had to take a chance.
Alphabet Soup like several upset winner of the BCC possessed OK form but not considered good enough to win. Sounds familiar? Maxfield has a string of G2 & G3 victories but had come up short in his two G1 efforts. If Alphabet Soup was able to take down the great Cigar then any thing is possible.
The 30YO grey will always be an example of what is possible if you choose make it so.
Godolphin already has the favorite or second favorite and I’m sure would rather win with him as he is more valuable as a stallion prospect and I feel they believe Maxfield isnt good enough to beat these horses and even if he did he would have no shot at Horse of the Year. They just want him to win a grade 1, and the Clark Handicap is a much easier place to do it. Alphabet Soup’s owner was 82 so why not go and enjoy the experience and hope for the best.
Many tanks. I was not viewing Maxfield’s pass on the BBC from that perspective. The operation ran 3 in the Epsom Derby and two in the Arc. I just assumed the BCC would have been no different. If Mystic Guild was fit and well. Would they have kept him out as well? Who knows!
On the subject of Godolphin. I stayed up late on Thursday in order to wager the big card at Flemington. I played a $0.20 pick 3 (All x All x1)= $14+. A Godolphin horse won the 1st leg at 11/1. In the second leg a Godolphin horse @10/1 was beaten in the last jump to the wire by one @14/1. The horse that I banked was a 2020 Oaks winner for the operation who cutting back from her longer route races to 8F. She won at 5/1. Two races later Godolphin colt beaten close home in the Victorian Derby at the good price of 8/1
Given the year the operation had been having. The 4 races in which it has entrants, could easily results in victories. Well, at least 3 wins is likely.
They are more interested in getting him a grade 1 victory and feel he has a much better chance in the Clark. I dont believe they think he can win the Classic. He hadnt shown anything to suggest he could beat these horses.
Good perspective Mr. Haskin! Agreed!
Ahhh. Love it! He is an amazing little guy. Wishing him many more good years. As always, your story brings detail and emotions that make racing history so interesting. Old Friends is the best. Thanks Steve.
Thank you Helena.
Thank you so much for this retrospective. I know little of racing history but since realizing my proximity to the royalty at Old Friends a few years ago, I have visited a few times and have always found Soup and George to be among the more memorable personalities. I even seem to recall purchasing a T shirt for my wife emblazoned with their images. I hope I get to view Alphabet Soup through new eyes during a visit in the near future.
That’s great, Patrick. Always a new experience when you visit Old Friends.
Thanks for the story about Alphabet soup. I have a sweet mare sired by him. I remembered he won the breeders cup but forgot he defeated Cigar. Now I know the rest of the story that you always do so well. Keep up the great work
Thank you Katie, I’m sure your mare will be giving you years of pleasure. Good luck with her
What a great story about the Soup! Just love him. Saw him this year in May 2021. He looked good. He is of course aging. But with dignity and Grace. He has the best care in the world aNd a best friend in Gorgeous George. WhT courage a d ability he showed in this race. I’ve watched it over and over again. Thank you Mr. Haskin for this reminder of what the thoroughbred means to so many of us.
Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you
Thank you for another article that tells the story so well. I didn’t want it to end. Everytime I see an Old Friends posting of Alphabet Soup and his friend George, I sigh in relief that the two of them are still with us.
Of course, I like all of the horses. It is stories like yours that make them real and not just racing statistics.
I appreciate it Kaye, Thank you
What a beautiful story, Steve. Has anyone told you that you have a way with words? 😉 😉 Many thanks to you for bringing the story to life…and to the veterinarians Park, Bell, and Waldridge for giving Alphie life.
Thanks, Eddie. It’s all about storytelling. I just love telling a story and sharing it with people who might not know the story behind the story.
When I see one of my favorites like Cigar defeated, it’s always easier to take if its some tough horse who’s worked hard to get there, like Alphabet Soup.
I had the distinct pleasure of standing within a few feet of Alphabet Soup and Cigar on (obviously) different occasions. I met Soupy in the fall of 2017 at Old Friends in the run-in shed where horses under some sort of medical treatment were stabled. He had such a hurt look on his face when the guide told him she couldn’t feed him carrots I fell in love with him then and there. (And to me, he towered over the other horses in the area, so perhaps he grew into his body as a stallion. He was also remarkably fit — I couldn’t believe it when I learned he was 26 years old.
I saw Cigar win the Mass Cap at Suffolk Downs when he was on his immortal string of victories in 1995. Three of us (an equestrian friend, me, and my husband) went down to the winner’s circle where the great horse was holding court, willing to accept accolages from any racegoer who approached. Cigar not only looked like a great horse, he KNEW he was a great horse. That meeting confirmed what I had long believed as a child — the great ones really are different from other horses.
I meant to add, thank you for sending me on such a lovely memory journey!
My pleasure. Thank you.
Saw Cigar many times last seven yrs he lived. Drove the 5 hr journey many times to visit,including the last 2 weeks he lived. Received text of his passing,prior to published on any racing/news site. Cigar, Zenyatta,CA Chrome my all time favs. I miss him and always will.
I am so happy that Alphabet Soup is living a wonderful life at Old Friends. I have not seen him in person but I did get the pleasure of seeing the great Cigar and feeding him peppermints when he was staying on a vets farm outside of Lexington when they were trying to remedy his infertility. It was such an honor to see him!
Saw Cigar many times last seven yrs he lived. Drove the 5 hr journey many times to visit,including the last 2 weeks he lived. Received text of his passing,prior to published on any racing/news site. Cigar, Zenyatta,CA Chrome my all time favs. I miss him and always will.
The Woodbine Breeders Cup had terrific races, and even though the turf was soft—they had great turf races, too!
This is a tremendous recounting of wonderful horse’s life. He is a true hero of the equine world. I had really only two favorite horses in my racing viewing life – ( and I am now 90 years old) – John Henry and California Chrome, but now he will join them although I never saw him race as I did the other two. May he have many more years to enjoy his life.
Thank you very much, Edie. And a huge Happy 90th Birthday to you whenever it was. Hope there are more equine favorites to come for you.
I couldn’t love Cigar more, but it’s so sweet that the Soup had his miraculous day!
Thank you Steve for sharing this story.
I recall that the prognosis for Alphabet Soup’s melanomas was very grim. They usually grow very fast and are invasive to the internal organs.
The treatment he was given was new and innovative for those type of tumors. Basically a vaccine was made from his cells that helped his immune system to target the malignant cells. Now our vets in the other horse world are using the same treatment and finding success. Just wonderful to see him looking so well!
Cigar was racing during a time period when I had basically stopped watching horse racing and reading about his last race was of a great deal of interest to me.
What a wonderful story! I remember Alphie, I recall John Viech, doing the color commentary of the Goodwood, where Alphie crossed over at the start, causing Dare and Go to take up….then he dusted his rivals, and Vince was perplexed at the DQ, saying the best horse won…..Alpha was “best horse” many times over, best looking, for sure!
Spelling check got me again….VIECH, not Vince!
Thanks Matthew. He sure stood out in the pack.