Wild Weekend Adds New Twist to BC Classic
We had a few twists and turns this past weekend on the road to the Breeders’ Cup Classic, including an incident in The Jockey Club Gold Cup that has taken social media by storm. We will take brief look at that incident and its repercussions, as well as what to make of the Pacific Classic and its enigmatic and often frustrating winner, and where it leaves the tough as nails runner-up. ~ Steve Haskin
Wild Weekend Adds New Twist to BC Classic
By Steve Haskin
Abraham Lincoln said, “Towering genius disdains the beaten path. It seeks regions hitherto unexplored.”
If that is the case then Fierceness, Mindframe, and Sierra Leone, the three most accomplished older horses in the country, must qualify as towering geniuses, as they not only showed disdain for the beaten path to the Breeders’ Cup Classic, they sought unexplored regions getting there.
Surely, Fierceness tried a new approach in the Pacific Classic on Saturday by inexplicably making a left-hand turn a few strides out of the gate and nearly putting himself over the temporary rail.
Fierceness veers toward the rail at start of Pacific Classic.
Not only did he recover and get back in the race he went on to score one of his occasional brilliant victories, easily defeating the pride of California, the 3-year-old Journalism (more on him later). That certainly wasn’t the way the script was written for his final Breeders’ Classic prep, but Fierceness has always been a master of improvisation and is no stranger to exploring new regions.
But that was nothing compared to the following day back east in Saratoga in The Jockey Club Gold Cup when Mindframe and Sierra Leone took exploring new regions to another level in their final prep for the Classic.
We are not foolhardy enough to give a blow-by-blow description of one of the most bizarre and scary scenes ever played out on an American racetrack that thankfully and miraculously ended with no injuries to jockey or horse. But let’s face it, could you have ever imagined a jockey, in this case Irad Ortiz on Mindframe, actually getting thrown from his horse and landing on another horse (White Abarrio) while still holding on to his reins and then trying to use them to pull himself back onto his own horse. That of course was not going to happen due to the laws of gravity and Ortiz wound up in an upright position between the two horses suspended briefly in midair with his hands on the neck of each horse as if looking for anything to grasp onto in order to hopefully soften the impact of hitting the ground.
Irad Ortiz dismounted from Mindframe at start of Jockey Club Gold Cup
But Ortiz’ problems were far from over as he landed in the direct path of Sierra Leone, all 1,200 pounds of him, and it took the expert horsemanship of jockey Flavien Prat and the stout mind and athleticism of Sierra Leone, who made an abrupt turn to the right, throwing his head in the air, to avoid a catastrophic incident. In the best case scenario, he merely grazed Ortiz with one of his hoofs while attempting to avoid hitting him.
Thankfully, everyone involved escaped unscathed other than some bruised ribs suffered by Ortiz, who incredibly missed only one day of racing.
Getting back to the racing and Breeders’ Cup picture, that again was not what you wanted for a final Classic prep. Mindframe, of course, ran freely around the track and was smart enough to take himself to the outside rail away from the action, while Sierra Leone, the unsung hero of the day, managed to still make his customary big late run only to fall 1 1/2 lengths short of catching Mindfame’s stablemate, the hard knocking Antiquarian.
Antiquarian defeats Sierra Leone in the 2025 Jockey Club Gold Cup.
So where does that leave the Breeders’ Cup Classic and Horse of the Year picture? First off, the scratch of the up and coming star Nysos from the Pacific Classic with a foot bruise, puts a big question mark over his head, as he was attempting to stretch out from 1 1/16 miles to 1 ¼ miles against top-class competition for the first time around two turns and now we have to wait to see if he can even make the 1 1/8-mile Goodwood Stakes on September 27, a race which likely will not tell us anything more about him than we already know.
So as of now, it appears that the Classic, and most of all the Horse of the Year title is Sovereignty’s to lose. If Journalism had won the Pacific Classic beating older horses we would have had an epic showdown in the Classic, but instead we can only envision the scenario that would have him overtake his Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes conqueror for championship honors. And the same applies to Fierceness, Sierra Leone, Nysos, and Mindframe, who all have flaws in their record this year. If any of them beat Sovereignty in the Classic, they would not only have to run a spectacular race, but Sovereignty would have to turn in a dismal performance without having any major excuse. And even then it would be close considering what a powerhouse Sovereignty has been all year.
Fierceness only has victories in the Grade 1 Pacific Classic and Grade 2 Alysheba Stakes back in May and was beaten in the Met Mile at odds of 3-5 and was a well-beaten fifth in the Whitney as the 6-5 favorite.
Sierra Leone does have his victory in last year’s Classic just as a possible boost to his overall resume. This year, even though you can’t hold his Jockey Club Gold Cup defeat against him at even-money, he has only his one victory in the Whitney in four starts, including a third in the New Orleans Classic at 1-5, and a second to Mindframe in the Stephen Foster.
As for Mindframe, the Jockey Club Gold Cup fiasco was extremely costly, as he was on a roll, having won all three of his starts this year, and a Gold Cup win would have given him stakes victories at seven furlongs, one mile, 1 1/8 miles, and 1 ¼ miles, having defeated Sierra Leone twice, Nysos, and the brilliant Book ‘em Danno and Banishing, making him the most versatile horse in the country. Now will he be able to go straight to the Classic off more than a four-month layoff?
Nysos has an uncertain future, having had physical issues in the past and now this injury. Even if he wins the Goodwood against lesser competition with the same authority as his previous stakes romps he would go into the Classic without a Grade 1 victory. He could even wind up in the Dirt Mile at a distance over which you know he would run a huge race.
And finally we come to Journalism and his situation going into the Classic. If he should rebound and finally defeat Sovereignty, this time on his home track, and also turn the tables on Fierceness and knock off last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic winner, how will voters look at him, especially being the only horse to run in all three Triple Crown races?
A lot of it could depend on how big a race Sovereignty runs in defeat. On the stats front, even with a defeat, Sovereignty would still hold a 2-1 head-to-head advantage, both his wins in classics. Both horses would have five graded stakes victories, with Journalism holding a 4-3 advantage in Grade I stakes wins.
With Sovereignty being the only horse ever to win the Kentucky Derby, Belmont, Jim Dandy, and Travers and the only horse in the past 30 years to win the Derby, Belmont, and Travers, he might need to turn in a real clunker in the Classic, combined with an impressive victory by Journalism to make this a fairly close Horse of the Year race.
One item about Journalism that needs to be said just in general, whether related to Horse of the Year or not, and I honestly have no idea if it has ever been done before (I’m guessing it hasn’t), but right now he has finished first or second in six consecutive Grade I stakes at six different racetracks in five different states. And if you go back to last December, you can add his victory in the Los Alamitos Futurity, giving him seven graded stakes victories at seven different tracks. The only two horses who have beaten him in his eight starts since his maiden victory were both Travers winners
We’re not quite finished yet with Horse of the Year. Although it is not quite as likely as last year when she was a juggernaut all year, we do have the defending champ Thorpedo Anna back to her winning ways following one freakish off day. In all, she has won four of her five starts — two Grade 1’s and two Grade 2’s and at this point appears to be headed for Breeders’ Cup Distaff again, which seems like the more logical spot. But trainer Kenny McPeek is the only true throwback to the old-time great trainers who never let the fear of defeat prevent them from trying to make history, so you never know for sure what he’s going to do.
W also have to keep a close eye on the Pennsylvania Derby if Baeza runs to see just how far he has come since his days chasing Sovereignty and Journalism when in all likelihoo0d he wasn’t quite ready for the task, having jumped right into Grade 1 company off his maiden win. As of now John Shirreffs has not addressed the subject of running at Parx so we just have to wait to see what he’s going to do. Baeza did work a strong five-eighths in :59 2/5 by himself last Thursday after missing a work.
The colt was asked to face some adversity in his earlier races while taking on two polished stars and was always in the hunt, running huge races in the Santa Anita Derby, Kentucky Derby, and Jim Dandy Stakes against two of the best 3-year-olds seen in years. He’s had time to mature since the Jim Dandy, and a victory in the Pennsylvania Derby should be the confidence builder he needs to take that big step forward in the Classic. But right now we don’t know what his plans are.
It is only proper to mention the Jockey Club Gold Cup winner, Antiquarian, who at one point was considered Todd Pletcher’s fourth best older horse behind Mindframe, Fierceness, and Santa Anita Handicap winner Locked. He has four wins and three seconds in nine career starts, and due to a couple of troubled starts, drifting out and getting bumped in the Belmont Stakes after winning the Peter Pan, and bearing out badly turning for home in the Blame Stakes and coming on again for second behind Mystik Dan, it is safe to say he is starting to get his act together. But he still needs to improve if he is going to compete against the real heavy hitters.
One of the more amazing aspects of Antiquarian’s victory was the fact that his jockey John Velazquez won the Pacific Classic in California at 9:15 p.m. EDT and here he was winning the Jockey Club Gold Cup in New York at 1:48 p.m EDT the next day.
So there we have it; a Breeders’ Cup Classic and Horse of the Year picture we can look at two ways. One is the unexpected turn of events from this past weekend, seeing two of the main attractions — Mindframe and Nysos — unable to compete through no fault of their own and the other big attraction — Sierra Leone — no doubt compromised by a bizarre incident after the start. The other development is the clearer picture now for the favorite Sovereignty, who does not have to rely as much on a Classic victory to nail down the Horse of the Year title. But if he does add the Classic traveling cross-country and defeating his main rival over his home track and beating two top-class older horses who have proven they love Del Mar, he could be on the road to true greatness.
Photos courtesy of Skip Dickstein, Coglianese Photo/New York Racing Association.
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.
An eleven race card at Churchill on Saturday. All dirt races. Does this mean that they are having problems with their turf course again?
Drama in Louisville AGAIN?
Steve, this column has gotten me excited to see what comes next! Thank you!
Given that Del Mar is his home track, Brant will be favored for the Breeders Cup Juvenile off his impressive victory in the Del Mar Futurity today. It will be interesting to see how others who’ve displayed the wow factor in their first starts (It’s Our Time, Ted Noffey) do next time they race. I’m hoping for some good performances from both.
Hi, Ms. Blacktype. I’m just recovering from a successful surgery and now back to the ponies! There have been quite a few impressive 2yos like Brant so far, but we all know how frequently they dash our hopes. One that stood out to me was Blackout Time, who won a mile MSW by nearly 10 lengths at Ellis Park last month. He may be entered in the Iroquois Stakes.
I agree with Steve that Sovereignty is the horse to beat for the Classic and HOY. I did an evaluation of his competition compared to American Pharoah’s competition, giving weight to pre- and post-performance of opponents. AP had a statistically insignificant advantage, and we haven’t seen the results yet for races from now to December.
Steve,
I like your synopsis of the races over the last couple of weeks. To bad the JGC was such a mess. Nysos scratch was a real bummer….hope the bruise is nothing serious.
Looking forward to your next column.
Enjoy what is left of the weekend!!!
He wouldn’t beat the winner anyway.
I heard Bob is trying to get him into the Awesome Again…too bad, Nysos was fit to the gills, for that Pacific Classic, he will heed to get a work in, if they’re going to make the prep race…..he’s a real nice horse—if he were in another barn, the same person’s who throw disparaging remarks about the horse would probably think he was a nice horse….
Matthew, no difference when someone here recently stated Sov. hadn’t beaten much,etc. You can’t have it both ways. Nysos is very good, however he’s never won at 10f.
Mike I rank Sovereignty #1 in the country #1 over all horses….
Tell that to David’s lol.
I am not ready to declare Sovereignty the #1 horse in the country but he definitely is the #1 3 yr old. Just like Nysos has not won at 1 1/4 mile… Sovereignty has not beaten older horses yet and there are a few that can give him a test. If he makes it to the BCC and win he will definitely take the crown of #1 horse in the world.
Ok.
American Pharoah hadn’t beaten (or raced against) olders, but that didn’t stop him from a BCC win. There were others, too.
Tell me what? I already know that Sovereignty hasn’t beaten any older horses in the country.
Winning restricted races means a horse is beating the same horses in the same restricted spheres.
In Europe, the three year olds take on the older horses in June.
Davids, you would do back flips to own anything close to the talent of Sovereignty.
Hi, Mike. Nysos is certainly up against it now. But not having won at 10f hasn’t stopped a number of eventual BC Classic winners: Sierra Leone (albeit a nose loser in the KD), White Abarrio, Knicks Go, Gun Runner, in just the past 10 years.
Roberta, can’t argue with your point. Several horses could indeed take down the Classic.
Davids I have tried three times to get into the Keeneland Yearling Sale catalog.
The Keenland site is not as user friendly as the New York catalog.
Yes Lynda, sometimes the old adage ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ applies here. The sales in Book 1 so far went as I expected. The physicals didn’t seem as good as usual, mainly as many of the yearlings appeared less mature as they usually are by this time of the year.
Nevertheless, there were some outstanding yearlings the Tapit filly was beautiful. Some of the Flightlines were impressive and a Constitution and a couple of Gun Runner’s colts were the pick. Tomorrow may be better.
There are two major preps for the October 6 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe to be run at ParisLongchamp on Sunday.
The Group 1 Prix Vermeille sees the return of Twirl and a win here could see the filly take over as favourite for the great race.
The Group 2 Prix Foy sees the return of Sosie who disappointed last out but is much better than that performance.
Kalpana who was one of the early favourites is doubtful now after an average performance in the September Stakes.
Besides the two Arc preps at ParisLongchamp there is also the Group 1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp at a mile which could be a major prep for the Breeders’ Cup Mile. Should Henri Matisse shine here he will be worth a flutter at Del Mar.
In the Prix Niel, Group 2, I am hoping Nitoi keeps improving enough that a start in the Breeders’ Cup Turf might be considered. Enjoy the races.
6 year old gelding Alagon by Caififornia Chrome takes second in Da Hoss Stakes at Colonial Downs. Just lost by a neck.
Best finish I have seen in a long time for a Chrome baby.
For those wondering what has happened to Moira well, she put in a tremendous performance on return in the So You Think Stake at Moonee Valley today. The 7f. was way too short but Moira just missed on beating the sprinter.
Going forward, the Group 1 Underwood Stakes could be next. A win in the Underwood provides an immediate entry into the historic Caulfield Cup.
72 today, the warmest day in 4 months or so.
In 2003 at Santa Anita…it was 98 degrees, for the Breeders Cup, everybody saying the Ruris won’t like it….they swept the turf races (Johar did dead heat, with High Chapparal)….Del Mar has hosted three Breeders Cups, despite all the naysayers—eastern and Euro based horses have done very well, and the connectio s like having it there…..you’re going to get clear weather, and an ocean breeze….
(EUROS)
I agree Matthew…. Del Mar is a great place for the Breeders Cup. It is beautiful venue. Great hospitality
Aloha West came from way back, in The Sprint…Roy H came from several lengths off the pace too….the other Sprint was taken by the stalker….no wire to wire Sprint wins….
Forever Young is now at the Ritto Training Facility in Japan training up for the BCC. Will probably have one prep before BC.
In the video of his arrival at the training facility he looks to be in exceptional condition. He has definitely matured in the past year.
We know that he travels well which will not (should not) be an issue coming from Japan.
Hoping to see videos of his workouts over the coming weeks.
Cannot rule him out, IMHO, in the BCC.
As a staunch member of the Forever Young fan club, I was pleased to hear news of the Japanese star. Thank you, Lynda, for sharing the Forever Young siting. Can you tell me where I can find the video of his arrival at the Ritto Training Facility? I really would like to see him after his long layoff. Much appreciated.
He’s scheduled to run in the 1 1/8 mile Nippon TV Hai at Funabashi Race Course, the same race Ushba Tesuro used in 2023
That race is October 1.
Thanks Steve
Thank you, Steve. Can’t wait to see him run again. If FY can give a good account of himself in the Nippon TV Hai then he must surely be considered a force to be reckoned with in the BC.
Michael Adolpson X (Twitter page)
Glad to hear this update! Thanks so much, Lynda!
A 2 year old to watch in my opinion is Ewing owned by Westpoint Thoroughbreds, D J Stables and Kenneth Freirich; trained by Mark E. Casse and ridden by Jose Ortiz.
By Knicks Go out of Sassy Ali Joy (Indian Charlie x Dana Dew). Purchased from Ocala Sale for $585,000.
2 starts, 2 wins at Saratoga. Probable for 2025 Breeders Futurity.
For a May foal he is stunning, beautifully balanced, intelligent eye and a stride that is smooth as silk.
My goodness but this year has flown by!
Ewing looks like a sprinter type—to me..
Hmm, maybe.
Knicks Go won at distances greater than a mile (Pegasus, Whitney).
He also has Seattle Slew, Alydar, Awesome Again, Fusaichi Pegasus, Secretariat through Storm Cat in addition to Indian Charlie who won SA Derby and 3rd in Kentucky Derby.
Not sure what a miler looks likes at age 2 as compared to a mile and a quarter at age 2.
They all have to prove themselves at 2 turns and the distance do they not?
I think you are right about Ewing.
Shiek Mo (Godolphin) already here for Keeneland Sale.
He is said to be attending the sale for the first time in years.
Sorry for double post. No idea how that happened.
Weird things can happen with computers. I’m glad Sheik Mohammad is here for the sale. He used to be a regular at all the sales, but I think he stopped when he became ruler of Dubai. I always wondered why. Of course, he wouldn’t have as much time as he used to, but even world leaders get away once in a while. I hope he enjoys this sale and continues to attend them in the future.
Do not know why he stopped. Perhaps as you say the business of running Dubai was the reason.
Will be very curious as to what he buys.
Godolphin just lost one of their young stallions to the dreaded laminitis. Cannot recall the name of the stallion.
Steve, you are brave to attempt to forecast the possible scenarios for this year’s Classic so early! I’d just like to see a fairly run race with all the top players ready to give it their all.
Time to get excited about the babies! Among the colts. I have three (obvious) choices I’m looking forward to seeing in the upcoming 2YO stakes: It’s Our Time, Brandt, and Ted Noffey.
Ms Blacktype, even younger babies, the Keeneland September Yearling Sales start next Monday. Book your seat. Ha ha
Davids, I can’t go there. Far too many tempting babies at the sales!
Dream a little, Ms Blacktype. Ha ha There are some interesting pedigrees to say the least. Watching the sales is as good as the races for me.
Enjoy!
Thanks, Ms Blacktype.
Shiek Mo (Godolphin) already here for Keeneland Sale.
He is said to be attending the sale for the first time in years.
Lynda, Justify has done so extraordinarily well in Europe over the past couple of years that there should be some interesting battles between Coolmore and Godolphin over his progeny and among some other sires.
Have you gone through the catalog videos at all, some pedigrees looked better than the physical but again you are only looking at a certain time and through video. As you know, they can change overnight in appearance.
It’ll be fun though. Tell us who you liked.
Davids, Keeneland Sale is big!
5 books, 12 sessions, over 4500 yearlings listed, not all will sell, quite a few withdrawn.
Catalogue very slow to load.
Flightline has 64, American Pharoah 34, Justify 17.
Many do not have photo or video or neither.
It is my opinion that so far Justify is proving to be a turf sire. His dirt runners have not exactly set the world on fire. I seem to recall that Scat Daddy early in his career was more sucessful as a turf sire.
If ever there was any doubt that American Thoroughbreds are bred to breed or sale this sales catalogue confirms it.
Would have to look up stats on 2024 foal crop but probably around 16,000. Over a fourth are going through auction.
Most will not make it to the track or will only race once or twice.
My anticipation and excitement is building for the Classic and with most training up to it is frustrating, but that’s good. I felt the same with Invasor and that worked out. We have to love the way it’s shaping up. What’s the dope on Forever Young and who might come across the pond?
Fierceness loves that track—I thought his performance in the Classic was the best of any horse last year—and on Monday–Full Serrano looked strong, in his mile comeback, in hand….two horses that love Del Mar—Sierra Leone also liked Del Mar—watching that slo motion lump, of Sierra—jumping over Irad—Prat looked behind at Irad, concerned about possibly striking him, those jockeys are a tight bunch! So many horses, and the top jockey—nearly getting hurt BADLY….Horse Racing can count It’s blessings! Fierceness got a 107 Beyer, I thought it looked better, to me…Sovereignty got a 115, for his Travers romp….
Matthew, Fierceness’ effort in the Pacific Classic was 10 times better than Sovereignty beating allowance to Grade 3 level opposition in the Travers Stakes.
If Fierceness’ farcical despatch of Journalism in the Pacific Classic, whilst also suffering a difficult trip, wasn’t an indication of the quality of this year’s three year old crop I’m not sure what else is.
Sovereignty hasn’t beaten anything but Journalism in restricted 3 year old races. Del Mar is not an easy track for late runners unless more rabbits are provided to try and help them along. I fear Mindframe and Nysos might not get to the Breeders’ Cup Classic which would be a shame.
Per Todd Mindframe, Anitquarian and Fierceness will train up for the BCC, no more races.
Mindframe “did not have a scratch on him”.
White Abarrio is going to BC Mile per Saffie.
No matter the outcome of the BCC, what happened on Saturday will be talked about for years.
Mindframe, White Abarrio, Sierra Leone could have easily panicked but they did not. As Steve mentioned he went to the outside and away from the other horses and actually ended up back where Irad fell just as he was being loaded into the ambulance. White Abarrio did not flinch after being bumped hard, his jockey hanging on the side and a second jockey on his back. Sierra Leone was able to regroup after clearing Irad and get up for second.
I beg to differ with you about Sovereignty but will take that up another time.
Nysos, again as Steve mentioned, has an ongoing history of setbacks. Hoof bruises can be tricky. They can evolve into an abscess (example California Chrome in England). At the very least he is going to miss some workouts.
Still think the 2025 BCC is going to be a thriller. Any one of these horses could win.
It took me awhile to get on the Sovereignty bandwagon, especially with his skipping the Preakness, but it isn’t his fault that none of the 3yos can warm him up. Journalism has been a disappointment. He peaked early, hasn’t developed, and didn’t even put up a fight both times Sovereignty came alongside him. Considering natural development and Bill Mott’s big race expertise, Sovereignty will likely dominate the BCC. Nysos possibly could have made it interesting, but I doubt we’ll find out.
Todd, Sovereignty is my favorite to win the BCC.
Really like him more now than before the Derby.
He has just the smoothest ground eating stride in my opinion and he has certainly matured over the summer.
I totally agree Lynda……………
Todd, that’s the rub of it, Sovereignty hasn’t beaten one older horse yet and Journalism’s good performance in the Pacific Classic makes you wonder how good these three year olds are against these proven top flight 4 year olds.
Seeing is believing.
Thanks Lynda, I hope Mindframe is the real Mindframe if he goes into the Breeders’ Cup Classic same goes with Nysos as you say that type of injury can be tricky. Fingers crossed.
Good to see that White Abarrio is in the Dirt Mile, 9f might be his best distance but the mile is better than trying 10f. Such a beautiful horse, I hope he gets a chance at stud.
As for Sovereignty, I was really high on this crop earlier in the year but not so anymore. Sovereignty is by far the best 3 year old but the way Fierceness was able to dispatch Journalism in the Pacific Classic confirmed my doubts about the crop in general.
I’d be happy for Sovereignty and Bill Mott to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic but that track is not Santa Anita which is much fairer and Fierceness appears to be hitting his straps when the time counts.
In Europe and Australasia, they don’t start saying that a three year old is better than the average, let alone great, until they have beaten open company on more than one occasion.
I’m hoping Bill Mot ends up sending Parchment Party to the Melbourne Cup. Should he win ‘the Cup’ for the US for the first time would such a thrill and I’ll be there. Thanks again for all the snippets of information you provide on this site. Onward and upward.
Sierra Leone was compromised by that spill. Pratt did an awesome job of avoiding Irad, kudos to him.
You can’t run down a very good horse when you are that far back.
I guess people see what they want to see.
Matthew you are spot on as per usual.
I am with you Lynda, Sovereinty is my favorite horse & my selection.
Dad’s U thought bettors got it wrong, in the PC! Journalism was running down GOSGER—a nice THREE YEAR OLD…nowhere near the quality of Fierceness! Bettors made WRING ODDS!,Same went for Kopion—1/5? And Sweet Azteca 4-1?—Track record holder, at Lis Al, who ran poorly and was injured? 4-1?….
Matthew, I think if Nysos had run the Pacific Classic he would have won. I think Mindframe and Nysos are the two best runners in the US.
Both are brilliant at 7f. and probably just as good at 10f. Mindframe certainly is. That’s what makes a great racehorse not winning races in a restricted age group that appears lacking.
You can’t say Mindframe and Nysos haven’t beaten much because they have. The best horse Sovereignty has beaten was Journalism who was easily dispatched by, arguably, perhaps the fourth best older horse in the country.
Davids, Nysos isn’t proven at 10F.
Davids, you make a good point regarding Sovereignty not beating older horses, as of yet, however, what has impressed me the most is the versatility he displays in adapting to the makeup of the race. This is the sign of a true champion and his speed figures are getting better, so you have that as well. I’m sticking with Sovereignty in the BC until he proves me wrong.
As for Mindframe, I was very disappointed that he was victimized in the JCGC. This was an important prep for him and he wasn’t able to benefit from the race. I like Mindframe and feel that we haven’t seen his best yet, but I’m concerned that he will be trained up to the BC instead of finding a spot to run before the race. How do you feel about Mindframe training up to the BC?
Davids, I would ask you how often have you been to Del Mar?
I basically lived at the track all through the 1960s & 1970s.
Plus to say Sovereignty beat allowance horse is out of context for you.
Everyone knows that Del Mar has tight turns & a short stretch. It definitely is not a closers race tract.
Check out Sovereignty’s race time versus Fierceness. Saratoga is well known sloww track. World records aren’t set there. I love Saratoga but I am not fond of Del Mar. Besides Fierceness rarely runs 2 great races in a row.
We will see soon enough.
Deacon, I’ve never actually been to Del Mar but I know all about the track’s unpredictability and that the track alters with seasons, tides, mist etc. Bob Baffert wasn’t a fan of the track at one stage but that opinion might have changed now.
Climate change could be another factor who knows what the weather will be like but they all have to face that. Over the years I’ve seen very good races inexplicably get beaten there. Above the usual expectations if you take my meaning.
With the ‘average Grade 3’ comment I was mainly referring to the Travers Stakes. The field was so disappointing in my eyes and the somewhat over praising of Sovereignty’s win bugged me. As you say. I usually don’t write things like that as it can turn out to make you look quite foolish.
With Santa Anita, in comparison to Del Mar, it’s a more predictable track for the handicappers. As I wrote to Lynda I would be thrilled for Bill Mott and Sovereignty to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic but the unfortunate problems with Mindframe and Nysos so close to the Breeders’ Cup Classic has somewhat spoiled the anticipation for me. Maybe not if they actually run and do well. Ha ha
Your point about Baeza being a danger seems quite valid to me as Del Mar can throw up surprises at times. All this is mere supposition of course as you never with US racing, there always seems something ‘unfortunate’ to spoil the fun.
Sovereignty will prevail winning year end honors.
Davids, Nysos and most couldn’t warm Sovereignty up.
It took a few nerve catching minutes to recover from the JCGC as I had to find a way to remove my heart from my throat. Great Green Gobs! I hope Mr. Ortiz provided Sierra Leone, Mindframe, and White Abarrio with gifts of their favorite snacks. Had either of those horses freaked, we would have witnessed a tragedy. Thank God everyone came home safely. Fierceness is just a weird horse. Some are and I am glad he didn’t injure himself. As for Journalism, I haven’t seen a horse with that much sheer guts since the days of Tiznow. Thank you again Steve for the superb recounting. Nobody does it better.
Personally, I think Baeza is the dark horse here. He is sitting on a monster race, IMO.
The short stretch at Del Mar won’t favor closers like Sovereignty & Journalism to a lesser degree. \
Sovereignty is my favorite horse but Sierra Leone is sitting on a monster race, IMO.
Those two will be in my exotics.
I would select Journalism 3rd.
But who knows, its a horse race & anything can happen.
Several fatalities at Saratoga this year. So sorry to all of the connections.
Is NYRA even investigating?
Steve is Owen Almighty going to race again?
I know Travis Boersma pretty well. He went to high school with 2 of my sons.
I saw him a couple weeks ago & we had a nice long chat. He is really a nice guy. His brother Dane, who passed away years ago was a friend of mine.
I hope you had a nice holiday Steve. This year has just flown by.
Good fortune to all.
Interesting point regarding Baeza.
I said dark horse, not favorite.
He could easily get a piece of the money.
Do you know what a dark horse is.
I have around some really great horsemen since I started going to the track in 1955.
Albeit I was just a toddler back then.
Yes, I know what a dark horse means, in Europe we tend to say a danger rather than a dark horse. Not the favorite but could surprise the odds.
Agreed Deacon.