HRN: 2013 Breeders' Cup Highlights: Mucho Macho Man's Classic

Each time I post a new article on my Horse Racing Nation blog, I post a notice on this blog. These notices include an excerpt from the beginning of that article and a link to the piece. My latest Horse Racing Nation article is. . .

2013 Breeders' Cup Highlights: Mucho Macho Man's Classic

"Please enjoy the final installment of my '2013 Breeders’ Cup Highlights' series, which features the greatest personal moments of my Breeders’ Cup experience.

Highlight Seven: Mucho Macho Man’s Classic

Less than five weeks remain until Christmas. Cheesy, made-for-TV Christmas films are already playing, interrupted by commercials displaying festive scenes to the sound of Christmas jingles. Stores are lavishly embellished with Christmas decorations and Christmas parades are just around the corner. 

But before Christmas rolls around, families will sit around a table abounding with mouth-watering foods. Thanksgiving is not just a "kick-off" for Christmas. It is a time to enjoy the presence of family and friends, a time to give thanks. This Thanksgiving, I will certainly be giving thanks for my incredible experience at this year's Breeders' Cup. From the beginning to the end, my time spent at my fourth Breeders' Cup was full of thrills, delights, and moments to forever cherish. Among those moments was a perfect ending: the Classic. . ."

Click here to read the rest of my newest Horse Racing Nation article.

Breeders' Cup 2012: Highlights

By Mary Cage

Every renewal of the Breeders’ Cup is always abounding with special moments and 2012’s edition of the prestigious event was no different­. From the week leading up to the Breeders’ Cup to the culmination of the fifteenth championship races, the Breeders’ Cup is full of excitement, drama, and emotion. Wrapped up in the action of the spectacular event for several days, I continue to reflect on my extraordinary time at the Breeders’ Cup, which is truly an event like no other.

Mornings at Clocker’s Corner

Santa Anita provides a unique experience by allowing one to venture to the Clocker’s Corner each morning to watch morning works, gazing at the heroes of the racetrack as they waltz past. From my first morning in Southern California to my final day there, I attended morning works at the Great Race Place, my eyes fixed upon the stream of Thoroughbreds pouring onto the track, dotted in large numbers of Breeders’ Cup contenders.

As a Breeders’ Cup horse loomed, the commotion of the fans and media gathered at Clocker’s Corner would grow, the horse’s name slipping from the lips of many, especially if it was a “big horse” such as Royal Delta, Animal Kingdom, or Groupie Doll. As fog hugged the track, morning dew clung to every surface, the crisp morning air leaving me to find warmth in the best hot chocolate I’ve ever tasted. My eyes rarely left the track, watching some of the best racehorses in the world wander past me, sometimes just inches separating me from them.

While these grand athletes milled to and fro, I had the ability to talk to other racing fans gathered at Clocker’s Corner, which left me reeling with happiness and hope. There really are others out there infected with the incurable racing bug. And not only was a mass of spectators gathered around to watch the horses, but some of the most well-known people in racing walked among you as well: Bob Baffert, Doug O’Neill, Corey Nakatani, Todd Pletcher, Graham Motion, among others.

Morning works at Santa Anita
Photo by Terri Cage

The Marathon

Often, the Marathon is among the Breeders’ Cup races that get pushed aside, that few people fondly reminisce upon. But this year’s was different, all thanks to the horse that strode to an easy 4 ¼-length victory. That horse was the underdog Calidoscopio, who was sent off at odds of 17-1.

Not having raced since his victory in the General Belgrano (GII) in Argentina, the nation from which the nine-year-old gelding hails, the bay gelding became the oldest racehorse to ever capture a Breeders’ Cup race. Choose whichever aspect of his win you want; no matter which one you choose, it is undeniable that Calidoscopio’s triumph was an eccentric, yet touching one.

Among the most intriguing facets of this horse’s Breeders’ Cup venture was his appearance in the mornings. Not only did he wear an eye-catching bonnet on his head in the mornings while training, but Calidoscopio’s exercise rider galloped him around the Santa Anita oval without a saddle, an Argentinean tradition. It was truly a fascinating experience to watch Calidoscopio prepare for race day, traveling about the track in a unique style that was sure to catch the eye.

But as interesting as his appearance in the mornings was, the moment of Calidoscopio’s win I found most intriguing was his return to the frontside after the race. His connections ran up to the gelding, hugging him as they gave jockey Aaron Gryder high-fives, celebrating the victory with great joy. I was moved to tears in that moment, touched by the unmistakable love for the horse, and, of course, the thrill of a huge victory displayed Calidoscopio’s connections.

Calidoscopio training for the Breeders' Cup
Photo by Terri Cage

The Ladies’ Classic

Standing along the wall that lines the tunnel through which horses enter the track for the post parade at Santa Anita Park, I held my breath in anticipation for the grand fillies that would soon grace my vision. I’d seen them all before, whether it be at a previous Breeders’ Cup or at the morning works, or perhaps both, but something about the moment left me breathless as I eagerly waited for the field for the 2012 Ladies’ Classic to emerge from the tunnel, their necks arched as their fierce jockeys sat aboard them, the call to post sounding as they pranced onto the dirt oval.

And suddenly the classy field stepped out of the darkness of the tunnel and into my vision. Thereby stepped the talented Grace Hall, followed by the undefeated My Miss Aurelia, the latter of which my eyes latched onto. I’d followed My Miss Aurelia’s career since her noteworthy debut as a juvenile, a race in which I’d selected her prior to race day due to her outstanding pedigree. There she pranced before me, her legs dancing over the dirt as she cavorted on to the track, her neck arched as she left me riveted, taking my breath away. The star-studded field only continued from there and as soon as Awesome Feather appeared, my eyes locked upon her, taking her in. A filly with a flawless record, I’d also followed Awesome Feather since early on in her career and have great respect and adoration for the spectacular individual.

But just behind Awesome Feather was Royal Delta – the horse that took my breath away. I focused my vision on her, watching her in awe as she and Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith sauntered onto the track. I was left in absolute wonder of the reigning champion, feeling a chill as she gazed right at me, inches from me as she strolled through the tunnel.

The race did not quite play out as expected and I found myself focusing primarily on the spectacular Royal Delta, who set blistering fractions, leading the others into the homestretch with My Miss Aurelia and Include Me Out hot on her heels. But Royal Delta called upon all her class and dug deep, leaving me beaming as she crossed the wire to defend her title.

Her trip back to the frontside was an unforgettable moment. Each winner had been applauded and cheered for upon its return to the winner’s circle, but the stands roared in admiration for Royal Delta and as the grand filly trotted up beneath a jubilant Mike Smith, I found myself crying tears of joy as the magnificent Royal Delta traveled before me, receiving the blanket of flowers for her outstanding victory.

Royal Delta after her Ladies' Classic victory
Photo by Terri Cage

The Filly & Mare Sprint

One of the biggest stars at this year’s Breeders’ Cup was Groupie Doll. Having dominated the division throughout 2012, most fans gathered at Santa Anita or watching the Breeders’ Cup on television pondered how large of a winning margin the stunning chestnut would win the race by. The answer? 4 ½ lengths.

What made Groupie Doll’s victory so special, you may ask? It wasn’t just her brilliance, but who she won it for: breeder, trainer, and co-owner Buff Bradley. One of the most genuine persons in racing, Buff Bradley is known for his adventures with the hard-knocking Brass Hat and the wonderful King of Speed. Seeing the tremendously gifted Groupie Doll win for Buff Bradley was icing on the cake.

Groupie Doll after her Filly & Mare Sprint win
Photo by Terri Cage

The Juvenile

It was in 2003, ten years after she became the initial female rider to capture a Triple Crown race in the Belmont Stakes (GI), that Julie Krone became the first female jockey to pilot a horse to Breeders’ Cup victory when she rode Halfbridled to a win in the Juvenile Fillies. In 2012 alone, Rosie Napravnik became the first female jockey to win the Kentucky Oaks (GI) and the second female jockey to find the winner’s circle in a Breeders’ Cup race and the first to do so in the Juvenile.

Riding the undefeated Shanghai Bobby, Rosie Napravnik appeared to be home-free aboard the short-priced favorite as the field turned for home, but down the stretch, a contingent of horses threatened the lead she and her mount had established. Vigorously, the talented jockey set to work on her mount, asking him for all he had as the other juveniles loomed large, particularly He’s Had Enough. In a thrilling finish, Rosie Napravnik rode her handsome mount to victory, returning to the winner’s circle to the admiration of the crowd.

Rosie Napravnik and Shanghai Bobby after their Juvenile triumph
Photo by Terri Cage

The Turf

It is often expected that the foreign horses will dominate this race and rightfully so. Prior to this year’s running, the last American horse to capture the Turf had been English Channel in 2007. With foreign invaders such as reigning champion St. Nicholas Abbey, the looming Japanese horse Trailblazer, and the brilliant filly Shareta, the American horses had a tall task ahead of them, but great hope was invested in Point of Entry, who was coming off of three grade one wins.

However, Point of Entry was not the American that dethroned the foreign horses in this year’s renewal of the Turf. It was Little Mike , who, like Calidoscopio, is quite the underdog. Despite having won two previous grade ones this year, including the prestigious Arlington Million Stakes (GI), Little Mike was dismissed at 17-1. But, showing shades of his Million victory in the stretch, the plucky gelding – for which many believed had distance limitations – dug deep in the straightaway, repelling all challengers to capture the victory, leaving his connections exultantly celebrating all the way down to the winner’s circle.

Just part of the celebration after Little Mike's Turf victory
Photo by Terri Cage

The Mile

Featuring one of the toughest fields of the weekend, the Mile did not disappoint as far as displaying the greatness of the Thoroughbred athlete was concerned. Among the horses in the force was a Kentucky Derby winner in Animal Kingdom, a horse who had been lurking in the shadows of Frankel in Excelebration, and a horse who needed no explanation as to the degree of his brilliance in Wise Dan.

As I had done for the Ladies’ Classic the previous evening, I stood along the wall of the tunnel as the horses entered in the Mile made their way from the paddock to the track. Each horse had a bounty of credentials to catch my eye, but my eye locked upon three main horses: Wise Dan, Animal Kingdom, and Excelebration.

As Wise Dan strutted past me, I focused on the regal chestnut, amazed by the sight of him. This was the horse that had put together one of the best, and certainly the most versatile, 2012 campaigns. My expectations were high for the stunning individual; despite the tough field, I anticipated the gelding would conquer the field en route to victory.

But Wise Dan wasn’t the only superstar in the field. One of my favorite racehorses soon followed, gazing right at me as he left me breathless. Animal Kingdom. Never before had I seen a Kentucky Derby victor contest in a race, but there he was, just feet away from me as he headed to the track to make his comeback. And just behind him? Excelebration, the horse who had been living in the shadow of the legendary Frankel.

The Mile certainly played out as one of the most terrific races of the weekend. Wise Dan stalked the pace set by the talented Obviously with Excelebration not far behind. Animal Kingdom, on the other hand, galloped near the end of the field along the rail. With his striking turn of foot, Wise Dan overtook Obviously near the top of the stretch, galloping home-free towards the wire. But Animal Kingdom, having experienced traffic issues, kicked into gear in late stretch to finish second as Wise Dan captured the race, eclipsing the course record with a spectacular final time of 1:31.78.

Among the best part of the Mile was, again, the horses’ arrival at the frontside following the race. Animal Kingdom appeared before Wise Dan, but the crowd cheered for him as loudly as they had for any winner on the day, praising the Kentucky Derby winner for his grand performance. Of course, the magnificent Wise Dan received his own roar of admiration for his incredible victory. One cannot help but anticipate what the superstars will bring next year.

Wise Dan after his triumph in the Mile
Photo by Terri Cage

The Classic

It’s the richest race in North America, the culmination of the Breeders’ Cup, and, of course, one of the most renowned races in the world. The field assembled for this year’s running was full of talented horses, featuring nine grade one winners and three other gifted Thoroughbreds. Yet again, I stood along the wall of the tunnel, my eyes gazing towards the paddock as I awaited the field for the Classic.

And like the sun peaking through the clouds, the first horse stepped out of the darkness, followed by eleven more brilliant equine athletes. My eyes took in the classy individuals, looking over the likes of such horses as Flat Out, Fort Larned, Game On Dude, Richard’s Kid, Ron the Greek, and Mucho Macho Man. In that moment, I was sure it would be a great race.

It was. Despite the fact that the favorite, Game On Dude, did not perform like his normal self, the stretch run was incredible. One of my personal favorites and top selections, Mucho Macho Man, chased at Fort Larned, who had formed a comfortable lead. Showing great perseverance, Mucho Macho Man loomed on Fort Larned’s outside, battling with Fort Larned down the stretch in a thrilling duel. But it was Fort Larned that dug deep, prevailing on jockey Brian Hernandez’s 27^th birthday.

The Classic was everything it should have been. Yes, a 9-1 shot captured the race rather than the heavy favorite, but Fort Larned and Mucho Macho Man displayed the characteristics I most admire in a Thoroughbred racehorse: heart and determination. The Classic was a race to remember. It’s not every day that we are able to witness two top-class Thoroughbreds battle it out in one of the richest races in the world, displaying their great will to win.

Fort Larned and Mucho Macho Man crossing the wire in the Classic
Photo by Terri Cage

And another special moment? The presentation of the National's Anthem on BC Saturday. Read about it in this post.

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.

Mucho Macho Man: God's Horse

Capturing the hearts of racing fans and anyone tuned into the Kentucky Derby (GI), Mucho Macho Man was easily the Cinderella story of the 2011 Run for the Roses. The tall, lanky bay colt captivated fans with not only his story of being born seemingly dead before suddenly getting up and running, but with the story of his trainer, Kathy Ritvo, overcoming a degenerative heart disease that led her to have a heart transplant in 2008. He was easily the fan favorite and though he didn’t win, he ran a very respectable third behind Animal Kingdom in the Derby prior to becoming one of just three horses to compete in each Triple Crown race of 2011.

Mucho Macho Man
Photo by Julie June Stewart

Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and Dream Team Racing Stable’s Mucho Macho Man did not return to the work tab until two months after the Belmont Stakes (GI), making his first start after the grueling Triple Crown in an allowance optional claiming, which he won by nearly six lengths. He began 2012 with an easy win in the Florida Sunshine Millions Classic Stakes and has since garnered two more wins from three additional starts, including a recent spectacular victory in the Suburban Handicap (GII) at Belmont Park. But these four races of 2012 are only stepping stones for the rest of the season for Dean and Patti Reeves’ Mucho Macho Man.

“Going forward, we expect him to run at least one race at Saratoga (not sure which one yet), and then hopefully the Breeders’ Cup,” Patti said. “We have found that the best way to know when he’s ready is for Kathy to let him tell her when he’s ready . . . and he does! We are looking forward to the second half of 2012 being as good as or better than the first. He just seems to be getting better all the time.”

Mucho Macho Man has proven to be a blessing for Dean and Patti Reeves, taking them along on an unforgettable journey. In sixteen starts, Mucho Macho Man has contested in eleven graded stakes races – three of which have been classics and three of which have resulted in victories.

“Dean says that the people who are in this business are not there for the money – they do it for the love of the horses,” Patti said. “Truly, it must be . . . they work long, hard hours, and it’s rare that you get a chance to be in the classic races the way that Macho has.”

Mucho Macho Man has proven to be among the very best horses currently racing in the United States. Throughout 2012, he has established himself as quite the athlete and is considered by many to be one of the top older males in the country. As for Mucho Macho Man, he is exactly that – an athlete.

“As far as being around him, he’s a very serious horse,” Patti said. “He really doesn’t like too many strangers around his stall at the barn.  He knows what his job is, and he is a true athlete.  He is all business.”

Dean and Patti are aware of the rises and falls of fortune in horse racing industry, but like the devoted owners they are, they embark on the journey anyways. It is clear that the horses come first for them and that is certainly part of the reason it is so easy for fans to fall in love with Mucho Macho Man and his team.

“Every time we race, we pray over the horses beforehand . . . not for them to win, but just for them to all be safe and for them to ‘run with endurance the race marked out for them.’” Patti said. “There are so many ups and downs in this business . . . the thrill of the win; the disappointment of a defeat . . . but it all starts over again the next day when the horses go out to the track again at 5 a.m.”

Mucho Macho Man continuously garners fans as a result of his captivating story and classy connections. With over 5,000 Facebook “likes” and more than 800 Twitter followers, Mucho Macho Man is among the most popular American racehorses currently competing.

“I think the best thing about having Mucho Macho Man has been the friendships that this one horse has created,” Patti said. “So many of his fans have become our friends over time, and they all take such an interest in him and truly love him like their own. We feel really blessed to have been able to own a horse like this.  My husband says all the time that this is God’s horse, because he never could have picked out a horse like that on his own.”

Older Males Roundup

Miles and hours apart, two premier older horses scored victories in high-class races on both coasts this previous Saturday. These two horses furthered proved how deep of a division the handicap division is this year – much more competitive than last year. Combined with talented three-year-olds such as Bodemeister and Paynter, brilliant international horses such as perhaps Camelot and Nathaniel, and spectacular females such as possibly Royal Delta, the United States’ deep older male string could put on quite a show in this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI) at Santa Anita this fall.

Here is a look at thirteen older horses that could possibly make a start in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita this fall:

Acclamation: Capturing three grade ones last year, Acclamation earned the Eclipse Award for Champion Older Male. Acclamation has only raced once so far this year, taking the Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap (GI) for the third year in a row.

Though Acclamation is a turf horse, he often trains on dirt and is certainly acclimated to Santa Anita. He is an absolutely brilliant individual, but I would rather see him compete on the turf at the Breeders' Cup.

Alternation: This Donnie K. Von Hemel trainee made headlines last year when he won the Peter Pan Stakes (GII) at Belmont Park. He was then winless for the next ten months, returning to the winner’s circle when he easily took the Essex Handicap at Oaklawn Park this February to kick off his 2012 campaign. He then reeled off victories in the Razorback Handicap (GIII), Oaklawn Handicap (GII), and Pimlico Special Stakes (GIII). Alternation suffered his first defeat of the year in the Stephen Foster Handicap (GI), lacking the needed rally and thus finishing fifth amongst a very competitive field.

Alternation is certainly a classy horse and it would not surprise me in the least if he rebounds and continues to be one of the top handicap horses in the nation.

Fort Larned: This four-year-old began 2012 with a fourth-place finish in a handicap at Tampa Bay Downs, which he followed up with a win in the Challenger Stakes at the same track, a race that produced last year’s winner of the BC Classic, Drosselmeyer. Following an easy win in the mile and one-sixteenth Skip Away Stakes (GIII) at Gulfstream Park, Fort Larned ran a game second in the Alysheba Stakes (GII) behind Successful Dan. Fort Larned was bothered in the Stephen Foster Handicap and did not run well, finishing last. However, he rebounded in the Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap (GIII), effortlessly defeating Successful Dan. In his three-length victory in that nine-furlong event, Fort Larned appeared as if he could continue for another furlong.

His sire, E Dubai, was a graded stakes winner at ten furlongs, but primarily sires successful sprinters and middle-distance runners. However, Fort Larned’s damsire, Broad Brush was successful at the classic distance. Not only will Fort Larned need to prove that he can be victorious at longer distances, but he will need to show that he can be more competitive against top rivals than he was in the Foster.

Game on Dude
Photo by Mary Cage

Game on Dude: A gelding who came within 1 ½ lengths of winning the Classic last year, Game on Dude capped off 2011 with two grade one victories and ten Horse of the Year votes. He commenced this year with an easy win in the San Antonio Stakes (GII) at his home track, Santa Anita – the track at which the Breeders’ Cup will be held this year. After a disappointing run in the Dubai World Cup (GI) in the United Arab Emirates, Game on Dude returned to the United States and returned to the races approximately two months later, trouncing the field in the Californian Stakes (GII). Game on Dude scored his first grade one victory of the year this past weekend in the Hollywood Gold Cup (GI), easily crossing the wire ahead of stablemate Richard’s Kid.

Game on Dude has proven he is among the top two premier handicap horses in the nation, if not the very best. As if his obvious talent wasn’t enough, Game on Dude has home field advantage. A big year for Game on Dude appears to be in the makings.

Hymn Book: This Shug McGaughey trainee had a fairly successful year last year, winning two stakes and placing in a pair of graded stakes, including the Cigar Mile Handicap (GI). He began 2012 with a win in the Donn Handicap (GI), after which he finished fourth in the Oaklawn Handicap and fifth in the Pimlico Special. He rebounded in the Suburban Handicap (GII), finishing a good second behind the impressive Mucho Macho Man.

Hymn Book is a talented racehorse, but will need to return to his winning ways. Nonetheless, he is a horse that should not be ignored and that could easily find the winner’s circle again.

Mission Impazible: Winless since taking last year’s New Orleans Handicap (GII), Mission Impazible has finished in the money in four graded stakes, including three grade ones. In fact, the dark gray horse came within a neck of winning the 2011 Stephen Foster Handicap and within a nose of taking the Donn Handicap. After a second-place result in this year’s renewal of the New Orleans Handicap, Mission Impazible finished a close fourth in the Pimlico Special and a dull seventh in the Foster. 

Mission Impazible will need to return to his winning ways, but the potential has always been there for him.

Mucho Macho Man: One of three horses who competed in each Triple Crown race last year, Kentucky Derby (GI) third-place finisher Mucho Macho Man returned to the races in winning style last November, easily taking an allowance optional claiming at Aqueduct. He commenced 2012 with an easy victory over Ron the Greek in the Florida Sunshine Millions Classic Stakes before effortlessly taking the Gulfstream Park Handicap (GII). Mucho Macho Man suffered his first defeat of the season in the Alysheba Stakes, finishing a distant third. However, he rebounded in the Suburban Handicap at Belmont Park with Hall of Famer Mike Smith aboard for the first time, capturing the race by an easy 2 ½ lengths in an impressive final time of 1:46.58 for nine furlongs.

Mucho Macho Man is among the very best of the older male division and is considered the best by many. He is certainly a classy horse and is maturing very well. He is a force to be reckoned with.

Richard’s Kid: Following a rather unsuccessful five-race period in Dubai, this two-time Pacific Classic Stakes (GI) winner returned to the care of Bob Baffert in southern California. Richard’s Kid resumed his United States career with a dominant win in the Prove It Stakes at Hollywood Park, which he followed up with a good second behind stablemate Game on Dude in the Hollywood Gold Cup.

Richard’s Kid clearly appears to be second best when it comes to being compared to his stablemate. However, he is an excellent racehorse, especially in California. I believe he has more victories in his future.

Ron the Greek: After winning the LeComte Stakes (GIII) as a three-year-old, Ron the Greek went winless for nearly twenty-two months. He returned to the winner’s circle at Aqueduct, winning two ungraded stakes. Following a second-place finish in the Florida Sunshine Millions Classic Stakes behind Mucho Macho Man, Ron the Greek was shipped to California for the Santa Anita Handicap (GI), which he won by an easy 3 ½ lengths to score his first grade one victory. After a second-place finish behind Alternation in the Oaklawn Handicap, Ron the Greek got revenge in the Foster, posting his second grade one triumph.

Ron the Greek has proven to be amid the absolute best of the older male division and clearly has an affinity for the Santa Anita surface. I believe he could continue to have a very productive rest of the year, as well as a strong effort at the Breeders’ Cup this fall.

Rule: A successful two-year-old and early three-year-old, Rule missed nearly ten months of racing before returning with a runner-up effort in the Hal’s Hope Stakes (GIII). Following four more defeats, Rule captured an ungraded stakes at Saratoga. He then finished third in the Woodward Stakes (GI), but then crossed the wire a disappointing seventh in the Hawthorne Gold Cup Handicap (GII). His five-year-old debut was a winning one: an easy win in the Monmouth Cup Stakes (GII).

Rule is a talented colt, but he will need to step it up to be competitive with the very best.

Successful Dan: Lightly raced, Successful Dan has three graded stakes victories to his credit. He returned from an injury this year, winning an allowance optional claiming event at Keeneland prior to taking the Alysheba. He then was handily defeated by Fort Larned in the Cornhusker.

Successful Dan is overshadowed by his younger half-brother, Wise Dan, though he is quite talented himself. However, many doubt his ability to win at ten furlongs. He appeared as if he could go another furlong when he won the Cornhusker, but ten furlongs appears to be a stretch for him nonetheless.

To Honor and Serve: A multiple graded stakes-winning two-year-old, To Honor and Serve missed the Triple Crown due to injury but returned to win the Pennsylvania Derby (GII). Following a poor finish in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, To Honor and Serve impressively captured the Cigar Mile. To commence his 2012 season, To Honor and Serve dominantly won the Westchester Stakes (GIII) at Belmont. He then finished a decent third in the Metropolitan Handicap (GI) prior to crossing the wire a disappointing fourth in the Suburban, beaten 7 ½ lengths.

To Honor and Serve is a classy individual but often appears to be overrated. He will need to start bringing his A-game.

Wise Dan: This Morton Fink homebred put an exclamation mark at the end of 2011 by impressively winning both the Fayette Stakes (GII) and the Clark Handicap (GI). Wise Dan began 2012 with a dominant, record-breaking victory in the Ben Ali Stakes (GIII) at Keeneland. He then finished a head behind Ron the Greek in the Foster.

Wise Dan is a brilliant racehorse and definitely should not be forgotten. More victories from him would not be surprising in the least.

Of course, there are other horses, such as Stay Thirsty and Shackleford, in this division, but Stay Thirsty has not appeared to be at his best lately and I believe Shackleford is more suited to the Dirt Mile (though there is a slight chance he could go in the Classic). Nonetheless, what a division this is in 2012!

2012 Florida Sunshine Millions Day

On Saturday, the sun shone down on Hallandale Beach, Florida as top-class Florida-bred horses showed their athleticism and talent in the Florida Sunshine Millions. The Sunshine Millions used to be known as a contest between Florida- and California-bred horses competing with races evenly divided between Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park, but in November of 2011, it was announced that California would not be participating. However, the new format of the Sunshine Millions was not disappointing in the least.

Awesome Feather (#4)
Photo: Terri Cage

The fifth race on Gulfstream’s card began the Sunshine Millions and was perhaps the most anticipated of them all: the Distaff. The heavy favorite in the race was the undefeated filly Awesome Feather, who was voted the 2010 Champion Two-Year-Old Filly after winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (GI) and won the 2011 edition of the Gazelle Stakes (GI). A personal favorite of mine and a filly I have adored since before her Breeders’ Cup victory, Awesome Feather found herself in a speed duel with Tiz the Argument. Though Delightful Mary seemed to be gaining ground on the undefeated filly, Awesome Feather seemed to be shot out of a cannon as the field turned into the stretch. In jaw-dropping fashion, Awesome Feather crossed the wire 5 ¾ lengths ahead, running her perfect record to nine-for-nine.

The Sunshine Florida Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Sprint Stakes was the next race run over the Hallandale Beach track. The race featured the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint victor and 2011 Champion Female Sprinter, Musical Romance, but it was It’s Me Mom that dominated the race. It looked as if Musical Romance wasn’t firing at all and she began dropping back, but she didn’t give up and found enough within herself to finish fourth despite grabbing a quarter and nearly pulling her shoe off. Instead, it was It’s Me Mom that swept to a 6 ¾-length victory.

The male rendition of the sprint was up next. Soaring Stocks made it two consecutive victories when he crossed the wire a half-length in front in the six-furlong race. Behind him were six stakes winners.

The racing moved to Gulfstream’s grass oval for the Florida Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Stakes, in which Hooh Why closed beautifully to get up under John Velazquez. Possibly most famous for winning the Ashland Stakes (GI) at age three, the six-year-old chestnut mare came from mid-pack to gallop smoothly to victory.

Racing over the same course as the mares just had, the males took command of Gulfstream’s turf course in the Florida Sunshine Millions Turf Stakes. Little Mike showed his heart by prevailing in a spectacular final time of 1:45.94 for nine furlongs. He is now five-for-six over Gulfstream’s turf course.

The final Sunshine Millions event was the Classic. Attracting a strong field of Florida-breds, the race featured four graded stakes winners, including the 2011 Kentucky Derby third-place finisher, Mucho Macho Man. After sitting off Turbo Compressor, the gigantic colt swept to the lead around the far turn and did not look back, drawing off impressively to win for trainer Kathy Ritvo.

The performances of the Florida Sunshine Millions winners were nothing short of spectacular. From the dominant wins by Awesome Feather and It’s Me Mom, to the game victories by Soaring Stocks, Hooh Why, and Little Mike, and to Mucho Macho Man’s stirring Classic triumph, the Florida-breds showed their class and brilliance in the new format of the Sunshine Millions.


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