The 2012 Breeders' Cup Classic

The Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI) has provided us with some of the greatest moments in horse racing. With twenty-eight grand renewals of this race behind us, each with its own story, it may be difficult to choose the greatest Classic ever run. This only endorses the greatness of this race, which is one of my favorite races in the sport. This year’s edition is sure to be compelling, assembling some of the best Thoroughbred athletes in the world.

Game On Dude

Game On Dude
Photo by Mary Cage

A horse that came within 1 ½ lengths of winning last year’s Classic, Game On Dude began 2012 with a 5 ¼-length victory in the San Antonio Stakes (GII) prior to shipping to Dubai for the richest race in the world, the Dubai World Cup (GI). However, the race – in which Game On Dude finished twelfth – can be thrown out, as the campaign Game On Dude has formed since then has been arguably the best of any main track-based older male in the nation.

His return to American racing came in the Californian Stakes (GII) at Hollywood Park, in which Game On Dude annihilated a small field by 7 ¼ lengths in a good final time of 1:48.01 for nine furlongs over the cushion track, which – though a synthetic surface – is quite similar to dirt. This served as the perfect set-up for the Hollywood Gold Cup (GI), a race in which Game On Dude had been defeated by a scant margin by stablemate First Dude the previous year. But it was clear that 2012 was his year to shine.

Rating just off the pace set by Spud Spivens, Game On Dude took the lead as the five-eighths pole neared, drawing away and continuing to lead until the end of the ten-furlong race, capturing the race by 1 ½ lengths. Game On Dude looked to continue his winning streak next out in California’s richest race, the Pacific Classic Stakes (GI) at Del Mar. It is no secret that Game On Dude does not have an affinity for Del Mar’s synthetic surface, as in this very race in 2011, Game On Dude ran a distant fourth. He experienced a more successful outing in the Pacific Classic this time around, though his series of consecutive victories culminated. After somewhat of a poor start, Game On Dude settled just off the pace prior to taking the lead as the half-mile marker approached. He appeared to be home-free around the far turn and even at the top of the stretch, but the dual grade one-winning Dullahan – whose only wins have come on the synthetic – closed on his outside, catching him in the final strides as Game On Dude’s rider – Chantal Sutherland – lost a rein. Dullahan surpassed Game On Dude by a half-length, setting a new track record. Chantal Sutherland would never ride Game On Dude again.

“The Dude” made his final start before the Breeders’ Cup in the Awesome Again Stakes (GI) at Santa Anita – a stakes that had been renamed after his sire, but had been labeled as the Goodwood a year prior when Game On Dude captured the race over Awesome Gem. Yet again, Game On Dude came away with a win, being ridden by Rafael Bejarano on race day for just the second time. With ease, Game On Dude coasted to a 3 ¼-length win.

As his name suggests, Game On Dude is as game as they come and has put together a spectacular campaign this year. It is obvious that this gelding loves the Santa Anita surface, as he has never lost in five starts over the Arcadia, California track. Furthermore, Game On Dude has been training in tremendous style for the Breeders’ Cup, of course preparing over the Santa Anita oval. He seems to be in great condition and with his clear love for the surface, his evident talent, and his undeniable consistency, Game On Dude will be incredibly difficult to defeat.

Mucho Macho Man

One of just three horses that contested in all three races of the 2011 Triple Crown, Mucho Macho Man was sidelined following the prestigious series, returning in November to easily capture on allowance optional claiming event at Aqueduct. He made his return to stakes company in January in the Florida Sunshine Millions Classic Stakes at Gulfstream Park, in which the son of Macho Uno settled off the leader prior to coasting to a 1 ½-length triumph.

Mucho Macho Man’s first try against graded company since the Belmont Stakes (GI) came in the Gulfstream Park Handicap (GII), in which the tall, lanky individual stalked the pace in the early stages before pouncing to a narrow lead near the quarter pole, never looking back from that point forward as he edged clear to an effortless 2-length victory.

Mucho Macho Man suffered his first defeat of the season in the Alysheba Stakes (GII) at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks day. Rating off the pace as he raced three paths off the rail, Mucho Macho Man appeared to be a strong threat for the win as the horses rounded the far turn. However, he lacked the needed kick and finished third behind Wise Dan’s half-brother Successful Dan, and Fort Larned.

A return to New York resulted in a return to the winner’s circle for Mucho Macho Man. With Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith aboard for the first time, the long-limbed bay went to post in the Suburban Handicap (GII) at Belmont Park. After breaking on top, Mucho Macho Man settled just off the brisk pace set by Trickmeister, appearing very comfortable beneath Smith. Around the far turn, Mucho Macho Man loomed on Trickmeister’s outside, striking to the lead as the field turned for home. Mucho Macho Man then kicked clear, easily drawing off to an easy 2 ½-length with a final time just over one second off Secretariat’s nine-furlong track record.

Mucho Macho Man appeared set for his first grade one victory as his initial opportunity for such a triumph neared in the Woodward Stakes (GI) at Saratoga on the first day of September. Following a bump at the start, Mucho Macho Man was left slightly behind in the early stages of the race, but began to inch closer to the lead around the far turn. Smith maneuvered the horse to the inside to allow less ground to be covered, but guided Mucho Macho Man to the outside near the three-sixteenths marker. Mucho Macho Man accelerated, becoming even with To Honor and Serve in late stretch and seemed as if he would surge to victory, but with smart race-riding, To Honor and Serve’s jockey, John Velazquez, permitted his mount to drift out, thus forcing Mucho Macho Man to go wide and cover more ground. As a result, Mucho Macho Man ran out of real estate, falling a neck short.

Mucho Macho Man should not be knocked for losing his final prep race for the Classic. After all, the past two Classic victors did not achieve a win in the race that served as their last rep race for the Breeders’ Cup. Moreover, Mucho Macho Man further proved the heart he possesses when he strove to conquer To Honor and Serve. He has been incredibly consistent this year, never finishing out of the money despite the fact that he has performed at four different tracks in 2012. This also insinuates that, though Mucho Macho Man has never contested over Santa Anita’s surface, he will take to the track, as he has performed well over each track he has competed at this year. It will be no easy undertaking to face the Santa Anita monster, Game On Dude, but Mucho Macho Man has the power, the talent, and the heart to do so and should be viewed as one of the very top competitors in the Classic, especially considered the series of bullet works he has fired.

Flat Out

Following a win in last year’s Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (GI), Flat Out went off as the favorite in the 2011 rendition of the Classic, in which he finished fifth. Then trained by Charles “Scooter” Dickey, Flat Out was transferred to Bill Mott – who won last year’s Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (GI) and Classic – following a string of three more losses. His first start for Mott resulted in a runner-up finish in the Monmouth Cup Stakes (GII), which preceded a third-place outcome in the Whitney Handicap (GI) at Saratoga.

In the Whitney, Flat Out raced wide throughout, going widest as he entered the stretch. The son of Flatter turned for home six-wide, attempting to chase Fort Larned alongside Ron the Greek as the horses raced towards the wire. But time ran out and Flat Out was left in a photo finish with Ron the Greek, finishing third.

Flat Out
Photo by Mary Cage

Flat Out revisited the stage on which his greatest victory had occurred, the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont, to attempt to become the first horse since Curlin to win back-to-back runnings of the prestigious race. He did just that. Settling off the front-running contingent, Flat Out sat in a comfortable position mid-pack, rating several lengths off the lead. He began to inch closer to the leaders around the far turn, making an imposing rally on the outside as the field turned for home. As Stay Thirsty fought to maintain the lead, Flat Out loomed on the outside at the top of the stretch as Fort Larned struggled to keep up. Flat Out grinded out the victory, passing Stay Thirsty in the final strides in a good final time of 2:01.44 for ten furlongs.

It cannot be denied that Flat Out is a Belmont specialist, but he is capable of performing well at other tracks, having won at two others and finished in the money at seven tracks altogether. Having seen him finish a very fast-closing second in the 2011 Lone Star Park Handicap (GIII) despite going a distance shorter than what he typically prefers, I can attest to the fact that Flat Out is able to take to tracks other than Belmont. Moreover, if anyone knows how to prepare a horse for a Breeders’ Cup Classic victory, it’s Bill Mott.

Richard’s Kid

In 2009 and 2010, Richard’s Kid was among the best handicap horses in California. However, he traveled to Dubai after his 2010 campaign and did not return until this year. He was never successful in Dubai, never finishing better than fourth in his five outings there.

Richard’s Kid’s return to American racing was a very successful one; he romped in the Prove It Stakes at Hollywood Park, setting a new track record for eleven furlongs. A month later, he revisited grade one company, taking on Game On Dude – who was his stablemate at the time – in the Hollywood Gold Cup. Richard’s Kid settled at the back of the pack as the field raced past the stands for the first time prior to finding a place in the penultimate position of the field around the initial turn. Gradually, Richard’s Kid inched closer to the front as the race proceeded, rallying impressively but being unable to catch Game On Dude, who won by 1 ½ lengths.

Richard’s Kid found his way back to the winner’s circle in the Cougar II Handicap (GIII) at Del Mar, in which Richard’s Kid yet again set a new track record – this time for twelve furlongs. His next start was his first for Leandro Mora, who took over Doug O’Neill’s training duties during the Derby-winning trainer’s suspension. This start came in the Pacific Classic, in which the seven-year-old horse yet again faced Game On Dude. Though Dullahan captured the victory, Richard’s Kid again finished behind Game On Dude, closing willingly along the inside but failing to catch the leaders.

Going to post in the Awesome Again Stakes next out for his final prep race for the Classic, Richard’s Kid again moved from the back of the pack, closing remarkably around the far turn. However, he had too much ground to make up and had to settle for third, but the rally he made was rather stunning.

Richard’s Kid may very well be underestimated going into the Classic. He is a Southern California pro and therefore should not have a problem with the surface come race day. Nonetheless, he has failed to keep up with Game On Dude and will have to run the best race of his life in order to win, though I do expect for him to run well.

Ron the Greek

After Ron the Greek’s triumph in the LeComte Stakes (GIII) in January 2010, the son of Full Mandate did not enter the winner’s enclosure until November 2011 when he won the Sunny and Mild Stakes at Aqueduct by 5 lengths in his second start for Bill Mott. Following another ungraded stakes win at Aqueduct, Ron the Greek commenced 2012 with a runner-up finish behind Mucho Macho Man in the Sunshine Millions Classic.

Ron the Greek then shipped west for the Santa Anita Handicap (GI), a race over the same track and distance over which the Classic will be run. After a slightly sluggish break, Ron the Greek settled among the closers in the strung out thirteen-horse field, progressively making up ground as the Thoroughbreds traveled down the backstretch. Rallying around the final turn, Ron the Greek made up much ground to loom on the outside of the leaders as the horses rounded the curve and galloped into the stretch. Ron the Greek then kicked clear, loping to an easy 3 ½-length victory.  

After a game runner-up finish in the Oaklawn Handicap (GII), Ron the Greek prevailed by a head over the brilliant Wise Dan in the Stephen Foster Handicap (GI) at Churchill Downs. He then crossed the wire in second again, chasing Fort Larned in the stretch of the Whitney after experiencing a horribly wide journey.

Ron the Greek looked to return to the winner’s circle in the Jockey Club Gold Cup, but he was rather flat throughout the ten-furlong race, finishing sixth. But it must be taken into consideration that this was just his second start at Belmont and in his only previous performance over Big Sandy, he had been beaten by 3 lengths. Perhaps Belmont is simply a track Ron the Greek does not have much of an affinity for, but it's clear that the Bill Mott trainee relishes the surface at Santa Anita and therefore has an edge over several of his rivals in the Classic. In addition, Ron the Greek has been among the best older horses in the nation this year and should not be ostracized when considering top competitors in the Classic.

Fort Larned

“The horse that finished fourth in a handicap with a purse of $30,000 at Tampa Bay Downs on February 4 will be one of the top contenders in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.”

Who would believe that statement? Most people wouldn’t. But then that horse – Fort Larned – transformed. A month later, the colt won the Challenger Stakes – a race in which 2011 Classic winner Drosselmeyer had commenced his Classic-winning campaign with a fourth-place finish. Fort Larned then shipped to Gulfstream Park, where he coasted to a 2 ½-length track record-breaking victory in the mile and three-sixteenth Skip Away Stakes (GIII).

On Oaks Day at Churchill Downs, Fort Larned went to post in the Alysheba Stakes, in which he participated in the front-running group prior to striking to the lead around the far turn. He appeared home-free for the first half of the stretch, leaving Mucho Macho Man behind, but was overtaken by Successful Dan in the late stages of the race.

Following a poor trip, Fort Larned faded to finish last in the Foster, but rebounded with an easy win in the Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap (GIII), in which he attained an uncontested lead. He formed a winning streak by taking the Whitney at Saratoga, traveling rather wide while settling just off the leaders. Fort Larned struck to the lead around the far turn, kicking clear at the top of the stretch and drawing away. However, the closers – Ron the Greek and Flat Out in particular – chased after him, cutting into his lead, though Fort Larned managed to capture the race by 1 ¼ lengths.

In his first ten-furlong try, Fort Larned was sent off as the third choice in the Jockey Club Gold Cup and rather than setting or disputing the pace, the son of E Dubai settled just behind the front-running cluster. Rallying around the far turn, Fort Larned drew even with Stay Thirsty, but began to flatten out at the top of the stretch. As Flat Out loomed on his outside in mid-stretch, Fort Larned began to visibly weaken and, in the end, was left 5 ½ lengths behind Flat Out and Stay Thirsty.

Fort Larned, though he won at a mile and three-sixteenths, appears to have distance limitations. He is certainly a talented, gutsy horse, but how he will fare against an assembly of the best handicap horses in the nation going ten furlongs is questionable. He has proven to be a classy horse and should not be ignored, but I do not envision Fort Larned garnering a victory in the Classic.

This is Game On Dude’s race to lose, but the spectacular gelding will have to be at his best in order to defeat the likes of Mucho Macho Man and the other horses featured in this post. The Mile and the Ladies’ Classic have been heralded as the most exciting races of this year’s Breeders’ Cup, but the Classic should not be excluded from the discussion of 2012’s greatest Breeders’ Cup contests. As always, the ten-furlong challenge will feature a clash of Thoroughbred titans as these remarkable horses battle it out for an exciting end to the 2012 Breeders’ Cup.

Eclipse Awards: The Horses

2011 has been an incredible year of racing, but it was a jumbled mess. Usually by now, each division is wrapped up. However, that is not the case. For final decisions, attention will be on the upcoming Clark Handicap (GI) and other races as well. After a Breeders’ Cup nearly full of longshot winners, the Eclipse Awards have become very confusing. Here we go again.

Horse of the Year

See "Who's Horse of the Year?" 

Two-Year-Old Male (in alphabetical order)

Horse of the Year may not be a battle between two closely matched horses this year, but Two-Year-Old Male is. The finish of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (GI) was quite similar to last year’s Classic between Blame and Zenyatta. The voting just might be the same as well.

Hansen
Photo by Mary Cage

Hansen: The striking silver colt held off Union Rags by a head to prevail in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Prior to the Breeders’ Cup, the son of Tapit dominantly won a maiden special weight and the Bluegrass Cat Kentucky Cup Juvenile Stakes at Turfway Park in monster performances. Yes, he won the championship race, but it was a very narrow margin that was diminishing. Also, his win in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile was his only graded stakes win. Hansen is definitely an extremely talented horse and his championship win may win him the award, but the colt he narrowly defeated may get revenge and win the award instead.

Union Rags: Union Rags looked like one of the most likely winners over Breeders’ Cup weekend. However, it was not to be. After drifting out in the stretch, the Michael Matz trainee missed by a head. He clearly was not handling the track, which cost him the race. Yet he still galloped out plenty ahead of Hansen and was finishing more strongly. Prior to the Breeders’ Cup, Union Rags was undefeated. Two of his three wins prior to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile were graded: the Three Chimneys Saratoga Special Stakes (GII) and the Champagne Stakes (GI). It is a tough choice and both colts are very deserving of the title. It will be a very close call in this division.

Two-Year-Old Filly

This one is simple:

My Miss Aurelia: She’s undefeated, a two-time grade one winner, and the dominant winner of the championship race for this division. My Miss Aurelia, a filly I've followed since before her maiden, is the 2011 champion Two-Year-Old Filly.

Three-Year-Old Filly

This division is simple also:

Royal Delta: Royal Delta dominantly defeated other top three-year-old fillies in two of the most important races of the year, the TVG Alabama Stakes (GI) and the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (GI). With her effortless win in the Ladies’ Classic, Royal Delta clinched 2011 champion Three-Year-Old Filly.

Three-Year-Old Male (in alphabetical order)

This has become one of the toughest decisions in all divisions of the Eclipse Awards. Though only three are mentioned here, there were plenty of other talented three-year-old males, including Shackleford and Stay Thirsty. It will be a tough decision for voters.

Animal Kingdom: He is the victor in the most prestigious race of the year: the Kentucky Derby (GI). That speaks for itself, but the colt was not just successful in the Derby. He won the Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes (GIII) by two and three-quarters lengths prior to winning the Derby. After the Derby, Animal Kingdom finished a persevering second in the Preakness Stakes (GI). In the Belmont Stakes (GI), his chances of winning the race were shattered when he nearly lost the rider at the start. He came out of that race with an injury, so he has not raced since. However, Animal Kingdom was clearly the best three-year-old of the year. Therefore, he deserves this award. Read more about him in The Return of the Kingdom.

Caleb's Posse
Photo by Mary Cage

Caleb’s Posse: After his dominant win in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (GI), Caleb’s Posse has surely garnered plenty of votes. He picked up two grade one wins this year: the Dirt Mile and the Foxwoods King’s Bishop Stakes (GI). He also won the Smarty Jones Stakes, the Ohio Derby (GIII), and the Amsterdam Stakes (GII). He may have won five times this year (three more than Animal Kingdom), but he also raced twice as many times as Animal Kingdom was able to. The key in choosing between them is prestige and consistency. Animal Kingdom was more successful in prestigious races than Caleb’s Posse and only finished out of the money once, which was understandable, as it was when he was impeded in the Belmont. Caleb’s Posse, on the other hand, finished out of the money three times. He’s talented, but he’s no Animal Kingdom. I think it will be a close call between Animal Kingdom and Caleb’s Posse that will go to Caleb’s Posse. I believe that Animal Kingdom is the better horse, but since he was only able to race for the first half of the year, Caleb’s Posse took the lead.

Ruler on Ice: The only way Ruler on Ice is capable of being crowned as the champion three-year-old is if he wins the upcoming Clark Handicap (GI). Even then, it will be tough for him to be voted the champion. His only stakes win this year came in the Belmont when he won at nearly 25-1. However, he has been very consistent this year. He has only finished out of the top three once and that was a fourth place finish in the Travers Stakes (GI). He will need a dominant Clark victory to be voted the champion in this division.

Turf Female (in alphabetical order)

Here’s yet another fairly wide open division. Like many of the other divisions, the horse that seemed to be the standout failed to live up to expectations.

Dubawi Heights: Two grade one wins, a second place finish in another grade one, a grade three win, and a sixth place finish in the Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (GI) might garner this filly the award for champion female turf horse. However, her loss in the Beverly D. Stakes (GI) to Stacelita may keep her from that title. From my standpoint, however, she performed much better than Stacelita did when it counted most. In the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf, Dubawi heights finished sixth, beaten less than three lengths while Stacelita finished tenth of eleven, beaten nearly six and one-half lengths. The winner of that race was Perfect Shirl, who at nearly 28-1 will not get the award. Of the top contenders for Turf Female in the race, Dubawi Heights ran the best. I’d vote for her.

Never Retreat: She won five graded stakes this year, including the First Lady Stakes (GI) at Keeneland last out. She won half of her races and was out of the money just twice. After defeating a talented field in the First Lady, her earnings for the year totaled $872,288. The main flaws on her 2011 résumé are her disappointing finishes in the Churchill Distaff Mile Stakes (GI), won by Aviate, and in the Beverly D. Stakes (GI), won by Stacelita. She's a talented mare, but her poor finishes in those races may keep her from winning this title.

Stacelita: This French-bred has run her last four starts in the United States. In her first start in America, Stacelita ran third against males in the United Nations Stakes (GI). She then dominantly defeated talented turf females in two grade ones: the Beverly D. and the Flower Bowl Invitational Stakes. However, she turned in an extremely lackluster performance in the race that would have clinched this award for her, the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. That dull performance in the championship race tells me someone else should be the champion.

Winter Memories: This striking gray showed the most brilliance this year. However, she only won one grade one, the Garden City Stakes. Yet she won three straight graded stakes: the Appalachian Stakes (GIII), the Sands Point Stakes (GIII), and the Lake George Stakes (GII). She only lost two starts this year: the Woodford Reserve Lake Placid Stakes (GII) and the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes (GI). She finished fourth in both. She and Dubawi Heights have the least amount of losses of these four fillies. However, as talented as Winter Memories is, Dubawi Heights has more prestige on her résumé.

Dubawi Heights has as many grade one wins as Stacelita and finished much better than Stacelita did in the Breeders’ Cup. I believe she deserves this award, but Stacelita’s dominance prior to the Breeders’ Cup may wrap up this award for her.

Turf Male (in alphabetical order)

We’ve seen two very talented turf males reel off win after win in 2011, but on separate coasts. However, a bias will keep one horse from getting it over the other.

Acclamation: It’s unfortunate that a horse can win five straight graded stakes, three of which are grade ones, and not win an Eclipse Award. However, that’s what happens when there’s another horse that has won three straight grade ones and came from Europe. Let’s focus on the winner of five straight first. Acclamation had a disappointing start to the year, but after a tenth place finish in the Charles Town Classic in the slop, the five-year-old returned to the turf. He won the Jim Murray Handicap (GII) at Hollywood Park for the second year in a row, dominating the field by seven lengths. He then reeled off wins in the Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap (GI), the Eddie Read Stakes (GI), the TVG Pacific Classic Stakes (GI), and the Clement L. Hirsch Turf Championship Stakes (GII). An injury knocked him out of the Breeders’ Cup Turf (GI), which if he’d have won, he’d have sealed this award. Acclamation has two major knocks against him:  voters tend to go for East Coast horses over West Coast horses (Acclamation made all but one of his starts in California this year) and only two of his grade one wins were on turf, the other having come on the synthetic. He won’t get this award, but he definitely does deserve some award after his tremendous year in 2011.

Cape Blanco: Cape Blanco’s final three starts came in the United States. All three of them were grade one turf victories. After coming from Europe, where he was a group one winner twice in 2010, Cape Blanco dominated turf males in three of our most prestigious grade ones. In his first start stateside, he defeated two-time champion turf male, Gio Ponti, by a decisive two and one-quarter lengths in the Man o’ War Stakes (GI). Next out, Cape Blanco did the same by an extra quarter of a length in one of the most prestigious turf races in the United States, the Arlington Million Stakes (GI). Over very boggy turf going in his final race, Cape Blanco battled with Dean’s Kitten to prevail in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes (GI). He came out of that race with a career-ending injury, which, like Acclamation, kept him out of the Breeders’ Cup. Though he did not win as many in a row as Acclamation, he won more grade ones on turf and voters are more likely to give the edge to a European that won three grade ones in America. This award is Cape Blanco’s for the taking.

Older Female

A simple vote:

Havre de Grace: This is simple. Havre de Grace will be named Older Female of 2011. However, it must be pointed out that Blind Luck is the better horse. In their six meetings, Blind Luck defeated Havre de Grace four times. Yet, Havre de Grace has much more on her résumé this year and will come away an easy winner of this division and likely Horse of the Year as well.

Older Male (in alphabetical order)

The older male division was one of the most jumbled of 2011. Each one of these horses is likely to garner votes and it will be a tough call for voters.

Acclamation: As mentioned, this horse deserves some award, but he’s unlikely to get this one, despite the fact that he has more grade one wins than the dirt horses in this division. Here’s to hoping he comes back just as good next year to win an Eclipse Award!

Cape Blanco: With talented dirt males in this division, Cape Blanco likely won’t get this award, even though he has more grade one wins this year. He is very talented, but he’s likely to only take home the Turf Male award.

Flat Out: As the favorite in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Flat Out did not live up to expectations, finishing fifth. However, he has a good body of work over the year to assist him in winning this award. Kicking off the year with a fast-closing second in the Lone Star Park Handicap (GIII), Flat Out finished a disappointing sixth in the Stephen Foster Handicap (GI) at Churchill Downs. Afterwards came his breakthrough performance: a dominating win in the Suburban Hanidcap (GII). After that spectacular win, the son of Flatter turned in two second place finishes in grade ones, finishing second behind Tizway in the Whitney Invitational Handicap and placing second behind Havre de Grace in the Woodward Stakes. Flat Out’s first grade one win came in the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (GI), which was his final prep for the Breeders’ Cup. He is expected to run in the Clark Handicap (GI) on Friday. If he wins that race, choosing the winner of this division becomes even harder.

Game on Dude (in the blue) and Flat Out (in the red)
Photo by Mary Cage

Game on Dude: Drosselmeyer will likely garner some votes in this division, but not enough to win. So, discounting Drosselmeyer, Game on Dude had the best Breeders’ Cup finish of all horses in this division. He was just caught in the final strides of the Breeders’ Cup Classic, which if he’d have won, he would have clinched this award and Horse of the Year. On his 2011 résumé are two grade one wins: a victory in the Santa Anita Handicap and a triumph in the Goodwood Stakes. Just a scant nose kept him from a third grade one win in the Hollywood Gold Cup. The only race in which Game on Dude failed to finish in the top three was the Pacific Classic Stakes (GI), in which the Bob Baffert trainee finished fourth over a track surface he didn’t handle well. He also finished second in the Charles Town Classic Stakes (GIII) and third in the Lone Star Park Handicap (GIII), the latter of which he finished behind Awesome Gem and Flat Out. Though Flat Out defeated him there, Game on Dude defeated him by nearly two lengths when it counted most: the Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI). Game on Dude is the deserving winner of Older Male and if Flat Out does not win the Clark, this award will likely go to Game on Dude.

Tizway: Like Game on Dude, Tizway has two grade one wins in 2011. However, a fever kept him out of the Jockey Club Gold Cup and an injury kept him out of the Breeders’ Cup. He only ran four times this year, finishing third in both the Gulfstream Park Handicap (GII) and the Charles Town Classic Stakes (GIII), the latter of which he finished behind Duke of Mischief and Game on Dude. Tizway then went on to record victories in the Metropolitan Handicap (GI) and the Whitney Invitational Handicap (GI). He defeated Flat Out in the Whitney. Though he is a very talented horse, I don’t think he has enough credentials to win this award.

Male Sprinter (in alphabetical order)

There were many talented sprinters this year, but by the conclusion of the Breeders’ Cup, the top two emerged. It is clear which one will win this award, due to prestige and amount of grade one wins.

Amazombie
Photo by Mary Cage

Amazombie: Though there were plenty of other good sprinters in 2011, Amazombie will be the champion sprinter. With two grade one wins – including a championship win – and a grade two win, Amazombie will come away the Male Sprinter of 2011.

Regally Ready: He’s a very worthy candidate, but with one less grade one win than Amazombie and a less prestigious Breeders’ Cup win, Regally Ready will be outvoted by Amazombie.

Female Sprinter (in alphabetical order)

This award was supposed to be Turbulent Descent’s for the taking, but when an underdog by the name of Musical Romance stepped in and won the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, she made quite the case for herself.

Musical Romance: This filly ran a remarkable fourteen times this year, eleven of those starts coming in Florida. After a string of five fourth and fifth place finishes that lasted from January to April, Musical Romance has not finished out of the money since. She won three stakes in Florida this year and finished second or third in three others, including a second place finish in the Princess Rooney Handicap (GI) at Calder. Her starts outside of Florida were very successful. In her first start outside of Florida this year, she won the Presque Isle Downs Masters Stakes (GII). Racing against very talented fillies and mares in the Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes (GII), she missed first by just a head, finishing second to Holiday for Kitten. Then came her shining moment: an impressive victory in the Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (GI). She may be disrespected for being a Calder-based horse, but I don’t see any point in that. She ran fourteen times this year and had a tremendous year that was capped off with a championship victory. She deserves to be Female Sprinter of 2011.

Turbulent Descent: She won two grade ones this year, but only one came at a sprinting distance. After finishing second in the Las Virgenes Stakes (GI), she won the Santa Anita Oaks (GI). Neither were sprint races. She then began her sprinting path. She won the seven furlong Beaumont Stakes (GII) prior to finishing second in the TVG Acorn Stakes (GI). After a very impressive victory in the Test Stakes (GI), Turbulent Descent became the favorite for the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (GI). However, she ran poorly when it mattered most and finished fifth. Her brilliance prior to the Breeders’ Cup may allow her to win this award, but I think Musical Romance is the deserving winner here.

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Breeders' Cup Classic

The past two years of the Breeders’ Cup Classic have been all about Zenyatta. This year, the focus shifts to another brilliant female in Havre de Grace, as well as to the popular Uncle Mo and many others. After nearly a whole year of wondering who the top horse in the nation is, a champion will be crowned in a race full of talented horses. Who will the champion be?

1. Flat Out: This son of Flatter just may get the mile and one-quarter distance better than most of the horses in this race. Many say that Flat Out can only run at Belmont Park, but that’s not true. Trainer Scooter Dickey is confident in the way Flat Out is handling the Churchill surface.

Flat Out
Photo by Terri Cage

As a three-year-old in 2009, Flat Out easily won the one mile Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park. He then finished fourth in the Southwest Stakes (GIII) before crossing the wire sixth in the Arkansas Derby (GII at the time). After the Arkansas Derby, he was not seen in a race for over a year and one-half, due to a cracked shoulder and chronic quarter cracks.

He returned late in 2010 as a four-year-old, winning an allowance option-claiming race at Fair Grounds Race Course impressively.  However, he did not race again until Memorial Day 2011. He came back in the Lone Star Park Handicap (GIII), closing quickly to finish second to Awesome Gem. Standing along the rail during that race, I was blown away by Flat Out’s kick.

Less than three weeks later, he raced in the Stephen Foster Handicap (GI). Though he finished sixth, he was only beaten by about three lengths. Two weeks later, he shocked many by winning the Suburban Handicap (GII) by six and one-half lengths in an impressive time of 1:46.64 for a mile and one-eighth.

In his next start, the Whitney Invitational Handicap (GI), Flat Out finished a good, closing second to Tizway, who was considered one of the top older males in the country prior to his retirement. In his following race, the Woodward Stakes (GI), Flat Out finished yet another respectable, closing second, this time to the imposing filly Havre de Grace.

With his closing finishes, Flat Out looks like he needs more ground. Though his sire, Flatter, has had most of his success with his offspring at sprinting distances or a mile, he has sired graded stakes winners at a mile and one-eighth. Flat Out’s dam, Cresta Lil, was a two-time stakes winner and was capable of winning at a mile. In addition to producing Flat Out, she foaled Our Best Man, who won a stakes race at a mile.

His pedigree may not suggest that he will enjoy the added distance of a mile and one-quarter race, but his running style definitely does. The five-year-old is coming off an impressive win in the mile and one-quarter Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (GI), in which he defeated horses such as Drosselmeyer and Stay Thirsty.

The Scooter Dickey trainee turned in his final work for the Classic on Sunday, flying through a half-mile to record a time of 46.60. It was the fastest work of fifty-eight at the distance. Many worry that the work was too quick, but Flat Out usually works quickly anway. Scooter Dickey is confident and as long as the trainer is confident in the horse, I am as well.

Many will make the argument that Havre de Grace already defeated Flat Out, but that was at a mile and one-eighth. Flat Out was rallying in that race, obviously wanting more ground. He is better than ever and I expect I huge performance from Flat Out on Saturday.

2. Havre de Grace: Havre de Grace has been part of a rivalry with champion Blind Luck for quite some time now, but now that Blind Luck is unfortunately out of the picture, Havre de Grace is taking center stage. If the filly wins the Classic, not only will she become Horse of the Year, but she will be just the second female to win the race, after the great Zenyatta.

After finishing third in the Ladies’ Classic here last year, Havre de Grace kicked off 2011 with an easy win in the Azeri Stakes (GIII) over Blind Luck at Oaklawn Park. About a month later, she earned her first grade one victory in the Apple Blossom Handicap (GI). By then, the Larry Jones trainee had the attention of the racing world.

After an easy win in the Obeah Stakes (GIII) at Delaware Park, Havre de Grace finished a nose behind Blind Luck in the Delaware Handicap (GII). Despite the grueling race, the daughter of the late Saint Liam raced next against males in the Woodward Stakes (GI) at Saratoga. The filly impressively won that race, becoming the second female to do so.

In her final prep for the Breeders’ Cup, Havre de Grace dominantly won a muddy Beldame Invitational Stakes (GI). She is scary good and is improving, which makes her very dangerous. She ought to run a big race.

3. Uncle Mo: As much as I’d like to put him on top, Uncle Mo has a lot going against him. He has not won at a distance longer than a mile and one-sixteenth in his career. In 2011, he has not won at a distance longer than one mile. However, this colt is special and has plenty of sheer talent.

Uncle Mo
Photo by Terri Cage

Uncle Mo began 2011 with an easy win in the one mile Timely Writer Stakes at Gulfstream prior to finishing a very disappointing third in the mile and one-eighth Wood Memorial Stakes (GI). The colt continued to train for the Kentucky Derby despite the fact that he wasn’t quite himself. However, he was scratched from the race and was later diagnosed with cholangiohepatitis, a liver disease that causes inflammation of the bile passages and liver, irregularly causing hepatic failure.

For several months, Uncle Mo recuperated at WinStar Farm in Kentucky. No one knew if he would ever race again, but after some much needed rest and recovery, Uncle Mo returned to the track. His first race back was the tough Foxwoods King's Bishop Stakes (GI), in which he finished a narrow seconded to Caleb’s Posse in the seven furlong race.

Then we saw the Uncle Mo of old. On Super Saturday at Belmont Park, Uncle Mo dominated the Kelso Handicap (GII) at one mile, defeating Jackson Bend. The final time for the race over a muddy track was an impressive 1:33.82. The race reminded Uncle Mo what it felt like to win, which gives a horse more confidence than you would think.

Most people believe he can’t get the mile and one-quarter distance. Many think his pedigree won’t help him get the distance, but I see potential. His grandsire on his dam side is Arch, who of course sired last year’s Classic winner, Blame. Besides, Uncle Mo’s sire Indian Charlie did sire the late Fleet Indian, who won two grade ones at the distance of a mile and one-quarter. Uncle Mo has a much better chance to get the distance than most think. I hope to see Uncle Mo prove those who think he can’t get the distance wrong. In case you haven't guessed yet, he's the one I'll be cheering for.

4. So You Think: This European has won four group races this year, including three group ones. He is one of Europe’s top horses and will be very dangerous. The son of two-time Breeders’ Cup Turf (GI) winner, High Chaparral, can definitely get the distance. His last eleven races have been a mile and one-quarter or longer. Though coming off a disappointing loss in the Champion Stakes (GI), So You Think is a very classy horse and will be very dangerous here.

Honorable Mentions:
Drosselmeyer: We all know the 2010 Belmont Stakes (GI) will have no trouble with the distance of the Classic. Coming off a good second to Flat Out in the Jockey Club Gold Cup, Drosselmeyer has been training well. His last three works have been at Churchill and all three have been ranked in the top ten, one of which was a bullet. I had the privilege of seeing him on the track this morning and he looked terrific. Don’t forget about him.
Stay Thirsty: This could be the top three-year-old in the nation. After a slightly disappointing first half of the year, Stay Thirsty has become an “it” horse. He won the Jim Dandy Stakes (GII) and Travers Stakes (GI) impressively at Saratoga this summer before finishing third in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. The colt is training well and has definitely been improving.

Drosselmeyer jogging at Churchill on 11/3/11

Video by Mary Cage

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Mo-mentum

We all know who the current superstars of racing are, the ones that capture the hearts of fans. There’s Frankel, Havre de Grace, Goldikova, and a few more. Missing from that brief list is Uncle Mo.

Photo: Terri Cage

For over a year now, Uncle Mo has garnered many loving fans. It’s all because there is something special about Uncle Mo. Maybe it’s the spark in his eye, the determination he runs with, or the way he stretches out his neck and strives to reach the wire first. Likely, it’s a culmination of all these things and the presence he possesses. His charisma has led to a big fan base.

Sunday morning, Uncle Mo turned in a bullet work at Belmont Park in his first work since his scintillating win in the Kelso Handicap (GII). Traveling five furlongs in an official clocking of 58.64, the three-year-old son of Indian Charlie flew home. Daily Racing Form timed him in 22.96 for the final quarter mile. Though Pletcher, Repole, and Velazquez weren’t aiming for such a quick work, Uncle Mo was. Despite John Velazquez not pushing him, Uncle Mo sped through the work to record the quickest of thirty-three works at the distance.

The colt is turning into a monster. He seems to be getting better and better, which is scary, considering how good he already is. Uncle Mo has the “it factor.” He’s not just something special, he’s something great. I’m expecting a tremendous performance from him in the Breeders’ Cup. He has his work cut out for him, especially against the likes of Havre de Grace and Flat Out, but the other horses don’t have it easy, either.

Uncle Mo is coming into the Classic with more momentum than ever. And it’s not just a little bit of momentum, it’s a huge amount of Mo-mentum.


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