Looking Back on 2011

The sun has set on the 2011 racing season. It has been a year full of confusion, upsets, and more female superstardom. From the Triple Crown prep races in the first quarter of the year, to the Triple Crown, to the summer’s prestigious meets, to the Breeders' Cup prep races, to the Breeders’ Cup, and to post-Breeders’ Cup racing, Past the Grandstand is looking back on the racing of 2011.

I have described at least one racing highlight of each month:

Amazombie
Photo by Mary Cage

January: While most of the country was left in the cold, dreary weather of the first month of the year, Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California and Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Florida flaunted their sunny weather during the ninth running of the Sunshine Millions. Florida came away with the most points yet again, but the California-bred Amazombie, who won the Sunshine Millions Sprint, went on to win the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (GI) later in the year.

February: Prior to his Clark Handicap (GI) victory via disqualification in November of 2010, Giant Oak had always been considered as a horse that never quite got there. Yet the tall chestnut horse made it consecutive grade one wins when he won the Donn Handicap (GI) at Gulfstream Park on February 5 by two lengths.

March: Game on Dude broke onto the national scene in a controversial Santa Anita Handicap (GI). After a severe bumping incident at the top of the stretch between Game on Dude, Twirling Candy, and Setsuko, the Bob Baffert trainee went on to narrowly defeat Setsuko and survived a long review by the stewards. The win allowed Chantal Sutherland to be the first-ever female jockey to win the prestigious race. The win was just the beginning of an incredible year for the team.

April: Kentucky Derby preps wrapped up in April. Dialed In narrowly won the Florida Derby (GI) over Shackleford, Toby’s Corner upset Uncle Mo in the Wood Memorial Stakes (GI), Midnight Interlude surprised many in the Santa Anita Derby (GI), Brilliant Speed pulled an upset in the Blue Grass Stakes (GI), Archarcharch touchingly won the Arkansas Derby (GI), and Derby Kitten won the Lexington Stakes (GIII) for the Ramseys.

Havre de Grace earned her first grade one victory in the Apple Blossom Handicap (GI) at Oaklawn Park. With her triumph, racing fans got a taste of what to expect from the talented filly throughout the rest of the year.



Plum Pretty
Photo: Terri Cage

May: Bob Baffert had not been victorious in the Kentucky Oaks (GI) since 1999 when the Hall of Famer, Silverbulletday, won the Lilies for the Fillies. However, that all changed when Plum Pretty won the Kentucky Oaks on the Friday before the Kentucky Derby (GI). In the final yards of the race, the daughter of Medaglia d’Oro held off a valiant charge by St. John’s River. Had St. John’s River won, jockey Rosie Napravnik would have become the first female jockey to ever win the esteemed race.

The day after the Oaks was the first Saturday of May, otherwise known as Derby Day. Dialed In was sent off as the favorite in the Run for the Roses, but it was Animal Kingdom that wore the garland of roses at Churchill Downs. Despite being sent off at odds of nearly 21-1, Animal Kingdom impressed many with his triumph and as always after the Kentucky Derby, Triple Crown dreams soared.

However, a colt I have followed since his maiden, Shackleford, denied Animal Kingdom the Triple Crown when the son of Forestry gamely won the Preakness Stakes (GI). Despite running a terrific fourth in the Derby, Shackleford went off at odds of 12-1. His odds might have risen due to his boisterous behavior in the post parade, but he proved doubters wrong and earned the classic victory.

June: Ruler on Ice ended the 2011 Triple Crown with a longshot victory in the Belmont Stakes (GI). When Animal Kingdom was practically wiped out at the start, the race was over for the Derby winner. With Ruler on Ice as the Belmont victor, all three 2011 Triple Crown race winners were longshot chestnuts that provided their trainers with their first Triple Crown race wins.

Inglorious won the Woodbine Oaks before defeating the males in the Queen’s Plate Stakes – the first leg of the Canadian Triple Crown. She became the fifth filly to ever win both the Woodbine Oaks and the Queen’s Plate.

Blind Luck
Photo by Mary Cage

July: The prestigious Saratoga and Del Mar meets opened, providing racing fans with the opportunity to witness some of the classiest horses in the country and brilliant two-year-olds. From Acclamation’s second grade one win of the year in the Eddie Read Stakes (GI) to Stay Thirsty’s dominant breakthrough victory in the Jim Dandy Stakes (GII), the Saratoga and Del Mar meets got off to a great start.

We also saw what many consider the race of the year in the showdown between Blind Luck and likely 2011 Horse of the Year, Havre de Grace, in the Delaware Handicap (GII). Blind Luck edged out Havre de Grace by a nose in their final meeting, which made it the fourth time in their six meetings that the chestnut daughter of Pollard’s Vision finished in front of Havre de Grace. In my eyes, since it was such an exciting race that lived up to its hype, it was the race of the year.

August: August was a great month for racing. On Arlington Million Day, racing fans saw the talent of many classy turf horses, including Cape Blanco when he won the prestigious Arlington Million Stakes (GI). A week later, we got a taste of Royal Delta’s brilliance when she dominantly won the TVG Alabama Stakes (GI) at Saratoga. One week after her win, Saratoga put on another show as Uncle Mo made his comeback, falling short to Caleb’s Posse in the Foxwoods King Bishop Stakes (GI). Later in the day, Stay Thirsty made it back-to-back victories when he won the Travers Stakes (GI). To cap off a great month of racing, Acclamation rolled to his third straight grade one victory in the TVG Pacific Classic Stakes (GI).

*Past the Grandstand got its start!

Havre de Grace
Photo: Terri Cage

September: September got off to a great start. Havre de Grace continued the trend of girl power by trumping the boys in the Woodward Stakes (GI) at Saratoga. In doing so, she defeated top male Flat Out, as well as six other accomplished males. The last time her connections had raced a talented female against males in a prestigious race, it had ended in disaster when Eight Belles was euthanized due to injuries sustained after finishing second in the 2008 Kentucky Derby (GI). This time, though, Larry Jones’ and Rick Porter’s super filly won gloriously, coming out of the race sound.

The Kentucky Cup made its return with WinStar Farm as the presenting sponsor. Though the highlighted race was the WinStar Kentucky Cup Stakes (GII), it was the Bluegrass Cat Kentucky Cup Juvenile Stakes that many will remember the renewal of the Kentucky Cup for.  Hansen won the race by 13 ¼ lengths before going on to win the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (GI).

October: Belmont’s Super Saturday on the first day of October lived up to its name despite the dreary weather. Stacelita rounded up her second grade one victory of the year in the Flower Bowl Invitational Stakes (GI), Cape Blanco completed his career in an exciting victory over Dean’s Kitten in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes (GI), Giant Ryan made it six straights wins in crossing the wire victoriously in the Vosburgh Invitational Stakes (GI), Uncle Mo showed his brilliance in the Kelso Handicap (GII), Havre de Grace dominated the Beldame Invitational Stakes (GI), and Flat Out earned his first grade one victory in the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (GI).

Keeneland’s prestigious fall meet displayed top class horses yet again, including Gio Ponti’s final victory when he won the Shadwell Turf Mile Stakes (GI). Santa Anita flaunted talented horses in graded races as always, including Game on Dude’s triumph in the Goodwood Stakes (GI) and Weemissfrankie’s stirring win in the Oak Leaf Stakes (GI).

Bill Mott, Mike Smith, and Drosselmeyer after winning the
Breeders' Cup Classic
Photo: Terri Cage

November: Of course, the highlight of November was the 28^th running of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships. To my delight, I was in the midst of all the action, watching works in the morning and standing near the rail as horses won the championship races and entered the winner’s circle. My favorite two-year-old colt, Secret Circle, won the inaugural Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint to kick off the two-day event. It was a championship event full of longshot victories, though superstar favorites like My Miss Aurelia, Royal Delta, and Regally Ready pulled through. Goldikova made her fourth Breeders’ Cup appearance and though she didn’t get the win, she brought plenty of smiles to racing fans. Uncle Mo’s story didn’t play out in fairytale fashion, but like Goldikova, the colt brought happiness to racing enthusiasts. I will never forget standing along the rail near the finish line and winner’s enclosure for some of the most prestigious races in the world, most notably Royal Delta's triumph in the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (GI) and Drosselmeyer's incredible victory in the Breeders Cup’ Classic (GI).

Though overshadowed by the Breeders’ Cup, Aqueduct came through with notable grade one races: the Cigar Mile Handicap (GI) and the Gazelle Stakes (GI). To Honor and Serve, a colt I have followed since he broke his maiden, came away with an impressive victory in the Cigar Mile. Awesome Feather, a filly I have adored since before her 2010 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (GI) victory, ran her record to eight-for-eight in the Gazelle.

December: December is a very dull month for racing, but California gave us grade ones to enjoy. There was Killer Graces victory in the Hollywood Starlet Stakes (GI), Liaision’s win in the CashCall Futurity (GI) to commemorate his late sire, and The Factor's triumph in the Malibu Stakes (GI). On New Year’s Eve, the California racing circuit will provide racing fans with the final grade one of the year in the La Brea Stakes (GI).

And of course, Rapid Redux tied the record for the number of single season victories, recording his nineteenth victory of 2011 while running his winning streak to 21.

2011 was a different type of year than the past few years. In 2007, we saw absolutely brilliant three-year-olds in Curlin, Hard Spun, Rags to Riches, Street Sense, and Octave. In 2008, we witnessed the dazzling Big Brown and the continuance of Curlin’s spectacular career and came to know the great Zenyatta. In 2009, we became spoiled with girl power with Rachel Alexandra’s and Zenyatta’s campaigns and were even treated with a very talented sophomore in Summer Bird. In 2010, the year was all about the all-time great Zenyatta. We weren’t as spoiled this year, but we did witness some great racing moments that we’ve never seen before. 2011 belonged to Uncle Mo’s comeback, Havre de Grace’s continuance of girl power, Rapid Redux’s incredible win streak, incredible turf horses such as Acclamation and Cape Blanco, imposing juveniles, and most of all, a lot of longshot victories.

Shackleford
Photo: Terri Cage

And so we move on to 2012, where we’ll see the return of Animal Kingdom and many soon-to-be four-year-olds. On the international scene, we can continue to watch the incredible Frankel and Black Caviar, who will both hopefully maintain their perferct records. Next year’s older male division should be much better than this year’s with the addition of Animal Kingdom, Caleb’s Posse, Mucho Macho Man, Ruler on Ice, Shackleford, Stay Thirsty, To Honor and Serve, and many others. Finally, we have several top sophomores continuing their racing careers into their four-year-old years. In fact, all three 2011 Triple Crown race winners and the three horses that competed in each of the Triple Crown races are expected to come back for a 2012 campaign. How great is that!

The 2012 three-year-old division is looking incredible with the likes of Creative Cause, Discreet Dancer, Gemologist, Hansen, Hierro, Liaison, Secret Circle, Union Rags, and several others.

I also expect girl power to continue next year. Havre de Grace is returning for a five-year-old campaign, Royal Delta is still in Bill Mott’s hands and is even being pointed toward the $1o million Dubai World Cup (GI), superfilly My Miss Aurelia will look to maintain her undefeated record as she points toward prestigious races such as the Kentucky Oaks (GI), and the wonderful Awesome Feather will look to remain perfect and obtain more grade one victories.

Goodbye, 2011. Hello, 2012!

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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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Who's Horse of the Year?

Though there is still over a month of 2011 left, the discussion of which horse will be crowned Horse of the Year is gracing headlines of many racing publications. Though there are some divisional championships that need no discussion, there is plenty of confusion over many of the awards, including the most coveted of them all: Horse of the Year.

The past two years, Horse of the Year has been a raging debate that included a great mare by the name of Zenyatta. Fans of Rachel Alexandra, Blame, and Zenyatta argued over which horse should be named Horse of the Year, giving plenty of reasons as to why they were on the side they were on.

This year won’t be such a heated debate, however. Though lacking the battle between horses like the debate of 2009 Horse of the Year and 2010 Horse of the Year featured, 2011 Horse of the Year is still a tough decision. As we look back on the 2011 racing season, it is very unclear. By the conclusion of the Breeders’ Cup, no horse emerged as the top horse in the nation. Voters have a tough decision to make. Though there are plenty of horses deserving of this award, I have listed just five contenders for Horse of the Year in alphabetical order.

Drosselmeyer
Photo: Terri Cage

Drosselmeyer: He’s no longer the forgotten Belmont Stakes (GI) winner. Drosselmeyer is now one of the first horses that comes to mind when one thinks of the top horses in the nation. Of course, this is due to his recent Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI) win under Mike Smith. Though Drosselmeyer recorded the most prestigious win of all the Horse of the Year contenders, he does not have enough on his résumé to take home the award. His only other win this year came in the $60,000 One Count Stakes at Belmont Park. Despite the fact that he defeated eventual grade two winner Birdrun (who would defeat Drosselmeyer next out), grade three victor Inherit the Gold, multiple stakes winner Alma d’Oro, eventual Breeders’ Cup Marathon (GII) winner Afleet Again, and stakes winner Edgewater, the race was not Horse of the Year material. One of Drosselmeyer’s most impressive performances this year was a closing second to Flat Out in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (GI) prior to the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Though I think Drosselmeyer is the best older horse in the country, I do not believe he has enough credentials to earn Horse of the Year, let alone Older Male.

Game on Dude
Photo by Mary Cage

Game on Dude: Excluding Drosselmeyer, who likely will not receive Horse of the Year, Game on Dude had the best Classic finish of the top Horse of the Year candidates. In the Classic, he finished a hard-trying second and was just passed in the final strides. He defeated the talented filly Havre de Grace, who is considered the top choice for Horse of the Year by many, by a length and a half. He won two grade ones this year, the Santa Anita Handicap and the Goodwood Stakes. He missed out on winning three grade ones by just a nose when stablemate First Dude nipped him at the wire in the Hollywood Gold Cup Hanidcap. Game on Dude finished out of the top three just once in eight starts this year, when he finished fourth over a track he did not care for in the TVG Pacific Classic Stakes (GI). Only three of his races were not grade ones: his impressive win in an allowance optional claiming at Santa Anita, his second place finish in the Charles Town Classic Stakes (GIII), and his third place finish in the Lone Star Park Handicap (GIII). Game on Dude was on the scene all year, competing at the highest level. In fact, his last four starts were all grade ones. Unfortunately, I do not believe Game on Dude will be voted Horse of the Year, but if I could vote, I would choose Game on Dude for his success and competitiveness at the highest level all year.

Havre de Grace
Photo by Mary Cage

Havre de Grace: Many of the people who are claiming Horse of the Year a mess are also claiming that they believe Havre de Grace will be Horse of the Year. Though she is not on the same level as the past two female winners of Horse of the Year (Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta), the daughter of Saint Liam is very talented. Of all Horse of the Year candidates, she had the most grade one wins. However, her Breeders’ Cup performance wasn’t quite worthy of Horse of the Year. Like Game on Dude, three of Havre de Grace’s starts were not grade ones. Two of those three were wins. The one that was not was a loss to champion Blind Luck. Though Havre de Grace won three grade ones this year, including a win against males in the Woodward Stakes (GI), her race against the best in the Breeders’ Cup Classic was not what she needed to secure Horse of the Year. She was defeated by three lengths in the Classic, with Drosselmeyer, Game on Dude, and Ruler on Ice finishing ahead of her. Zenyatta may have won Horse of the Year despite losing the Breeders’ Cup Classic last year, but she was only beaten by half a head. I believe Havre de Grace will come away with the title of Horse of the Year and though I don’t think she is as deserving as Game on Dude, I do think she is plenty worthy of the award.

My Miss Aurelia
Photo: Terri Cage

My Miss Aurelia: I’ve followed this special filly since the post parade before her maiden race. She is one of many deserving Horse of the Year contenders. In fact, she could have the best credentials of all of them. She’s undefeated, a winner of three graded stakes, a dual grade one winner, and a dominant Breeders’ Cup champion. She had a flawless campaign and in four starts, she had a total winning margin of nine and three-quarters lengths (an average winning margin of nearly two and one-half lengths). I believe My Miss Aurelia is a very deserving Horse of the Year. However, it is unlikely that a two-year-old will be voted Horse of the Year.

Royal Delta: In what I saw as one of the most impressive Breeders’ Cup victories, Royal Delta won the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (GI) by two and one-half lengths. Her other grade one win besides that championship win was a dominant win in the TVG Alabama Stakes (GI) at Saratoga. Royal Delta’s other graded stakes appearances include a win in the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (GII), a third place finish in the TVG Coaching Club American Oaks (GI), and a second place finish to Havre de Grace in the Beldame Invitational Stakes (GI). The main thing that will prevent Royal Delta from winning Horse of the Year is her eight and one-quarter-length loss to Havre de Grace in the Beldame. Royal Delta will not be Horse of the Year, but she will be Champion Three-Year-Old Filly.

Royal Delta
Photo: Terri Cage

All of the mentioned horses are very talented. However, as mentioned, if I could vote, my vote would go to Game on Dude. It’s a tough decision for me between My Miss Aurelia and Game on Dude, but I believe as an older horse, Game on Dude has an edge over My Miss Aurelia. There are also the extremely talented and multiple grade one-winning turf horses Acclamation and Cape Blanco. Yet, I don’t think these horses will be crowned the champion of the year. Likely, Havre de Grace will become the third female in a row to be voted 2011 Horse of the Year.

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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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Girl Power...Again

Havre de Grace (red and white silks)
and Blind Luck (pink silks) flying home in the
2010 Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic.
Blind Luck finished second while
Havre de Grace finished third.

Horse racing has had many female superstars in the past few years: Zenyatta, Rachel Alexandra, Rags to Riches, and now Blind Luck and Havre de Grace to name a few. In July, we saw a stirring stretch battle between Blind Luck and Havre de Grace, in which Blind Luck won by a nose. The chestnut daughter of Pollard’s Vision has finished ahead of Havre de Grace in four of their six meetings. However, that does not mean Havre de Grace is lacking in talent. After all, she just won the Woodward Stakes (GI) against males.

It was a very impressive victory for the daughter of Saint Liam. The bay four-year-old filly finished ahead of Flat Out by a length and one-quarter in a final time of 1:49.18. By winning this race, she became the second female in history to win the Woodward.

The first female to win the Woodward was Rachel Alexandra, who won by an official margin of a head over Macho Again, setting a stakes record of 1:48.29. Many have said that Havre de Grace’s victory in the Woodward was much easier than Rachel’s. She did win it more easily, but her final time was also nearly a full second slower, she had only raced four times before the Woodward versus Rachel’s seven, and she had not already raced against males twice prior to the Woodward like Rachel. Besides, Rachel had an extremely easy win against males prior to the Woodward, winning the Haskell Invitational (GI) by six lengths.

Many people believe that Havre de Grace faced tougher, but in fact, on paper, she really did not. In both of the fillies’ Woodward’s, each horse in the race was a graded stakes winner except for one. In both of those races, the horse that was not a graded stakes winner was at least graded stakes-placed. They both faced very tough fields and were wonderful in victory.

Not only are Havre de Grace and Rachel Alexandra now being compared, but Blind Luck and Havre de Grace are caught up in a rivalry. Though rivalry is great for the sport, some of the comparisons can get a little harsh. I believe that each filly should be appreciated for their accomplishments and let it all be spoken on the racetrack. Most of all, horse racing has been blessed with many incredible fillies and mares in the past few years. Let’s just enjoy watching these girls run.


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