2012 Horse of the Year Candidates

The debate over which elite Thoroughbred should be voted 2012 Horse of the Year is not a heated argument over two great racehorses like Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta, or Blame and Zenyatta. Rather, several equine athletes seem to have formed an impressive enough campaign to take home racing’s highest annual honor, leaving the decision wide open, though one horse appears to be the probable recipient of the award.

Wise Dan

The top contender for this prestigious award, Wise Dan seems to be the probable 2012 Horse of the Year. The brilliant chestnut did not begin the 2012 season until April, when he annihilated his rivals by 10 ½ lengths, setting a new track record over Keeneland’s Polytrack in the Ben Ali Stakes (GIII).

Wise Dan
Photo by Terri Cage

Wise Dan’s sole defeat of the year came in his second start of the season, the Stephen Foster Handicap (GI). A victim of a rather difficult trip, the Charles Lopresti trainee finished a mere head behind the talented Ron the Greek. Wise Dan returned to the turf next out, running away with the Fourstardave Handicap (GII) at Saratoga. Following two brilliant grade one victories going one mile on the grass, Wise Dan faced one of the toughest Breeders’ Cup fields in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (GI), galloping to a radiant 1 ½-length triumph, setting a new course record of 1:31.78. 

With victories on turf and synthetic, as well as a remarkable runner-up finish on the dirt, Wise Dan has displayed a great amount of versatility in 2012. Of the five victories this gelding garnered this year, three occurred in grade one company, granting him with a total of $2,622,037 in earnings for 2012. As a result of the brilliant versatility he exhibited throughout the year, combined with his three grade one victories and two track/course records, Wise Dan would be my choice for 2012 Horse of the Year and is the likely inheritor of this renowned award.

Groupie Doll

Never finishing out of the money this year, Groupie Doll began 2012 in allowance optional claiming company, finishing second at that level against males at Gulfstream Park, crossing the wire behind the grade one-winning Boys at Tosconova. Following a distant third behind Awesome Maria and Royal Delta in the Sabin Stakes (GIII) going a mile and one-sixteenth, Groupie Doll ran third to reigning Champion Female Sprinter, Musical Romance, in the Inside Information Stakes (GII).

Groupie Doll
Photo by Terri Cage

Groupie Doll achieved her first victory of the season next out in the Vinery Madison Stakes (GI) at Keeneland, romping by 3 lengths. She was even more impressive next out in the Humana Distaff Stakes (GI), which she captured by 7 ¼ lengths in track record time. She was briefly sidelined by a minor injury, but returned to her brilliance without a problem, winning a pair of grade two events by a combined 10 ¼ lengths over synthetic surfaces.

Groupie Doll’s biggest win of 2012 came in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (GI), in which the filly raced against a speed bias to close for a 4 ½-length triumph. Though that race was intended to be her final of the season, Groupie Doll remained keen and thus contested against males in the Cigar Mile Handicap (GI) at Aqueduct, in which the gifted filly was beat a scant nose by the grade one-winning Stay Thirsty.

This filly has been among the most intense of top horses this year, displaying sheer brilliance in most of her starts. With a track record performance and wins on both dirt and synthetic, Groupie Doll has exhibited great versatility for a horse that is primarily restricted to one-turn races. However, with a loss in the Cigar Mile to culminate her 2012 campaign and the label of “female sprinter” stacked against her, Groupie Doll is not likely to be voted Horse of the Year, though she will be a runaway winner of the Champion Female Sprinter award.

Little Mike

Despite stringing together a win-lose-win pattern throughout the year, Little Mike formed one of the most impressive résumés of any horse in 2012, three of his four wins occurring in a grade one contest. Commencing the year with a win in the Sunshine Millions Turf Stakes, Little Mike then finished fourth in the Canadian Turf Stakes (GIII).

Little Mike
Photo by Terri Cage

Little Mike’s initial grade one triumph of the season came in the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Stakes (GI), which the gelding won by 2 ½ lengths. He then shipped to Hollywood Park, where he finished third in the Shoemaker Mile Stakes (GI). Little Mike maintained the pattern he had been forming by taking one of the most renowned turf races in the world next out, the Arlington Million Stakes (GI).

A yielding turf course saw Little Mike turn in his worst performance of the year in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes (GI), in which the gelding crossed the wire in fifth, but a return to a firm turf course added to the bay’s collection of prestigious victories. On one of the biggest stages in racing, Little Mike called upon his undeniable heart to defeat a deep field in the second richest race in the North America, the Breeders’ Cup Turf (GI).

Little Mike is very much worthy of an Eclipse Award, but with a horse like Wise Dan that has captured the nation with his stunning brilliance, this hard-trying gelding just may not receive any year-end championship awards. He will be a champion in the minds of many and though deserving of Horse of the Year, Little Mike will not be honored with Thoroughbred racing’s most coveted annual award.

I’ll Have Another

We’ll never know what I’ll Have Another could have accomplished after the Preakness Stakes (GI). However, his accomplishments prior to the tendon injury that concluded his career before he had the chance to make history in the Belmont Stakes (GI) will certainly grant him a fair share of Horse of the Year votes.

Commencing 2012 with an easy longshot victory in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes (GIII), I’ll Have Another continued his winning ways for the remainder of his brief career. His first grade one of the season occurred in the Santa Anita Derby (GI), a race in which the son of Flower Alley battled the talented Creative Cause to prevail by a narrow margin. But it was his next two races that give him hope for being named 2012 Horse of the Year.

I’ll Have Another maintained his winning streak in the Kentucky Derby (GI), taking the esteemed race by 1 ½ lengths in the fastest final time for the mile and one-quarter event since 2008. Battling his rival, Bodemeister, yet again next out in the Preakness, I’ll Have Another showed great perseverance to prevail by a neck. Triple Crown hopes were pinned upon the horse, but a tendon issue led him to be withdrawn from the Belmont and retired.

I’ll Have Another is among the leaders in amount of 2012 grade one victories, with three to his credit, and despite only racing during the first half of the season, I’ll Have Another is the third-leading earner of 2012. Among the advantages I’ll Have Another has on his side is his lack of defeats. However, the name of this award is Horse of the Year and due to his injury, I’ll Have Another only participated the first half of the year. He will earn an Eclipse Award, but, despite how elite his brief campaign was, I would not vote for I’ll Have Another as Horse of the Year.

Point of Entry

A Phipps Stable homebred, this colt began 2012 in allowance company, earning his first graded stakes victory in the Elkhorn Stakes (GII) in April. He then reeled off three consecutive grade one victories – all over turf courses in New York. Point of Entry captured the Man o’ War Stakes (GI), Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes (GI), and Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes (GI) by a combined 9 ¼ lengths.

But in the Breeders’ Cup, Point of Entry suffered his first loss since February, finishing a half-length behind Little Mike in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (GI). In spite of developing a stellar 2012 campaign, I do not foresee Point of Entry being voted Horse of the Year.

Point of Entry
Photo by Terri Cage

Royal Delta

Crowned as Champion Three-Year-Old Filly of 2011, Royal Delta began her 2012 campaign with two disappointing results: a distant second in the Sabin Stakes (GIII) and a troubled ninth in the Dubai World Cup (GI). But upon her return to American racing after the Dubai World Cup, we saw the continuance of the brilliance Royal Delta had displayed in 2011.

Royal Delta
Photo by Terri Cage

In stunning fashion, Royal Delta took the Fleur de Lis Handicap (GII) by 8 lengths prior to scoring a tenacious victory in the Delaware Handicap (GII). Following a game runner-up performance in the Personal Ensign Handicap (GI), Royal Delta ran away with the Beldame Invitational Stakes (GI), conquering the field by 9 ½ lengths.

In what many viewed as the toughest field of the 2012 Breeders’ Cup, Royal Delta looked to defend her title in the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (GI). Digging deep and prevailing with her tremendous class, the daughter of Empire Maker captured the race by 1 ½ lengths. However, despite her stellar latter part of the season and breathtaking Ladies’ Classic victory, I do not foresee Royal Delta being honored Horse of the Year with just two grade one victories to her credit this year.

Fort Larned

Fort Larned’s first half of the season isn’t exactly an orthodox array of races for a horse being considered for Horse of the Year. A month after the colt finished fourth in a handicap at Tampa Bay Downs, Fort Larned won the Challenger Stakes before he won the Skip Away Stakes (GIII) in track record-breaking style.

Fort Larned
Photo by Terri Cage

After finishing second in the Alysheba Stakes (GII), Fort Larned faded to finish last in the Stephen Foster Handicap (GI) after a poor trip. He redeemed himself with an easy win in the Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap (GIII), forming a winning streak by taking the Whitney Invitational Handicap (GI) at Saratoga by 1 ¼ lengths.

In his first ten-furlong try, Fort Larned contested in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (GI), weakening to finish third. But, of course, Fort Larned achieved his greatest victory when displaying tremendous persistence to capture the Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI). Despite capturing one of the biggest races of the year and two grade ones, Fort Larned will not be voted Horse of the Year, as his 2012 campaign has been slightly erratic, began on a less elite note than other candidates, and saw him capture less grade ones than other top contenders.

Who would I vote for as Horse of the Year? Wise Dan. Who do I think will be voted Horse of the Year? Wise Dan.

Royal Delta: A Super-Horse

With some paragraphs drawn from "Breeders' Cup 2012: Highlights" (11/10/12) and "The Pedigree of a Champion: Royal Delta" (7/24/12)

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 Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (GI) 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. My eyes took in some of the best female racehorses on the planet, including the undefeated champions My Miss Aurelia and Awesome Feather – two of my personal favorites.

Royal Delta
Photo by Mary Cage

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.

Royal Delta broke cleanly from the sixth gate, the same slot from which she’d captured the previous year’s Ladies’ Classic at Churchill Downs. She then proceeded to take the lead, with pressure from multiple grade one winners Include Me Out and Love and Pride to her outside. The reigning champion maintained a minor advantage as she led the field into the clubhouse turn, Mike Smith sitting stationary aboard her.

In awe, I discovered that the initial quarter-mile Royal Delta had recorded was 22.69 – the fastest first quarter in the Ladies’ Classic (Distaff) since the fraction set by Bear Now in the 2007 Distaff, won by Ginger Punch. Despite the brisk pace, Royal Delta appeared comfortable on the front-end, with Love and Pride and Include Me Out hot on her heels.

Royal Delta, who’d never won from the front-end before, shocked me yet again, posting a half-mile time of 45.81. With worry and astonishment, I whispered to my mother, “If she holds on, she’s a super-horse.” I couldn’t help but realize the parallels my statement formed with race caller Trevor Denman’s words as Zenyatta turned for home in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI).

In spite of the blistering fractions she was setting, Royal Delta continued to lead the star-studded field as the Thoroughbreds entered the final curve. Love and Pride breathed down Royal Delta’s neck as My Miss Aurelia began to accelerate behind the reigning victress, the track bending as the far turn gave way to the homestretch.

Mike Smith began to ask his mount to commence her run and Royal Delta responded, lowering her head as the others chased after her. Down the stretch, Include Me Out and My Miss Aurelia gained on her, threatening her lead as they raced under the shadow of the grandstand. But Royal Delta called upon all her class and dug deep, leaving me beaming as she crossed the wire to defend her title in a valiant effort.

Royal Delta winning the Ladies' Classic
Photo by Terri Cage

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.

So what makes Royal Delta the tremendous champion she is? Of course, Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott has quite a bit to do with it, as well as the accomplished jockeys who have ridden her. But her success is, in large part, due to her breeding. Foaled in Kentucky on February 2, 2008, Royal Delta’s bloodlines certainly are royal.

Royal Delta
Photo by Terri Cage

Bred by Palides Investments N.V., Inc., Royal Delta is sired by Empire Maker, who won three grade ones throughout his career, including the Belmont Stakes (GI). In that Belmont, Empire Maker spoiled the Triple Crown bid of Funny Cide, a horse he had finished second to in the Kentucky Derby (GI). Empire Maker has not only produced Royal Delta, but also the grade one-winning Derby runner-ups like himself, Bodemeister and Pioneerof the Nile. The Juddmonte homebred is also the sire of the additional grade one winners Acoma, Country Star, Grace Hall, Icon Project, and Mushka.

Empire Maker is a son of the brilliant racehorse and sire Unbridled, who is a tremendous sire of sires. Other sons of the dual-classic winner that have gone on to be successful stallions include Broken Vow, Grindstone, and, of course, Unbridled’s Song. This is the Mr. Prospector sire line, which has interestingly produced the last five winners of the Ladies’ Classic.

Royal Delta is out of a mare that was quite successful at the track in Delta Princess. The mare, who was actually trained by Bill Mott as well, won three grade three races on the turf. Delta Princess is also the dam of Empire Way, a graded stakes-placed colt. Delta Princess herself is out of a productive broodmare, being a daughter of a mare who also yielded the grade/group one-winning runners Biondetti and Indy Five Hundred, in addition to the sire A.P. Delta. Intriguingly, Royal Delta’s third dam, the multiple grade one-winning Proud Delta, was the Champion Older Mare of 1976.

Why stop there? It must not be ignored that Royal Delta’s broodmare sire is the greatA.P. Indy, who is a renowned sire and sire of sires. Yet, he is also a productive damsire, having sired the dams of such grade one winners as Bluegrass Cat, Mr. Sidney, Plum Pretty, Super Saver, and Wait a While. As if his roll of grade one winners produced as a broodmare sire wasn’t impressive enough, A.P. Indy has been among the top twenty-five damsires on the continent for the past six years, peaking at number four last year.

Notably, the sire of Royal Delta’s second dam is the great Lyphard, a son of Northern Dancer who was the leading sire in not just North America, but France and Great Britain as well. The sire of 115 stakes winners, Lyphard was the broodmare sire of such grade one winners as Hatoof, Passinetti, and Skimming.

Royal Delta has the true makings of a champion. Her pedigree, combined with her charisma, brilliance, and accomplished connections, aid her in being a tremendous racehorse – one that delights fans with her triumphs and appeal. With hopes and dreams attached, I find myself very grateful that her connections plan to bring this outstanding Thoroughbred back for one more year of her career. And once Royal Delta’s spectacular days at the track are over, we can only hope that her remarkable bloodlines hold up in assisting her in producing more Thoroughbreds like herself.

Mike Smith aboard Royal Delta following the 2012 Ladies' Classic
Photo by Terri Cage

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.

Breeders' Cup 2012: Friday

The atmosphere of the Breeders' Cup is like no other. Racing enthusiasts from around the world gather to witness the greatest Thoroughbred athletes on the planet contest in one of the richest existent sporting events. The sounds - pounding hooves, the jingle of bits, the clicking of cameras, the roar of the crowd - and the sights - the striking Thoroughbreds, the indomitable jockeys, the breathtaking backdrop Santa Anita offers -, combined with the other experiences that appeal to the senses are incomparable and present a time at the track that will never be forgotten.

Friday commenced my third firsthand adventure at the Breeders' Cup, allowing me to yet again witness the best in the sport contest in some of the most exalted races in the world. As hours passed, elite Thoroughbreds traveled just before me, their strapping bodies wandering past me prior to the race before they went head-to-head, battling to the best of their abilities in order to fight for victory. From Hightail's dramatic upset win in the Juvenile Sprint to Royal Delta's awe-inspiring triumph in a Ladies' Classic considered to have one of the most brilliant fields in history, Breeders' Cup Friday of 2012 provided a plethora of thrills that will forever be remembered and cherished.

I will likely write more about specific races soon, but in the meantime, enjoy photographs by my mother of each winner below.

Hightail (inside) just after winning the Juvenile Sprint
Photo by Terri Cage

Calidoscopio winning the Marathon
Photo by Terri Cage

Flotilla prior to her Juvenile Fillies Turf victory
Photo by Terri Cage

Beholder capturing the Juvenile Fillies
Photo by Terri Cage

Zagora before her Filly & Mare Turf triumph
Photo by Terri Cage

Royal Delta crossing the finish line en route to her second consecutive
Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic victory
Photo by Terri Cage

Royal Delta and Mike Smith returning after their striking victory
in the Ladies' Classic
Photo by Terri Cage

The 2012 Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic

By Mary Cage

Ask any racing fan what race they view as the most competitive of this year’s Breeders’ Cup and there is a very good chance that their answer will be the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic (GI). Featuring a field loaded with fillies and mares – including three champions that already have Breeders’ Cup triumphs to their credit – ready for the fight of their lives, this race could go down in the history books as one of the greatest Breeders’ Cup races to ever be run.

Royal Delta

Royal Delta
Photo by Terri Cage

The reigning victress of the Ladies’ Classic, Royal Delta began 2012 on a sour note, being soundly defeated in a graded stakes at Gulfstream prior to suffering a difficult journey and loss in the Dubai World Cup (GI). However, she returned to the United States with a flourish, running away with the Fleur de Lis Handicap (GII) at Churchill Downs by 8 lengths. Following a hard-fought victory in the Delaware Handicap (GII), Royal Delta finished second to Love and Pride in the Personal Ensign Stakes (GI) at Saratoga, resurging in the final stages of the race despite appearing seemingly done.

But next out, the champion proved her dominance. In the Beldame Invitational Stakes (GI), a race in which she’d been left in the wake of eventual Horse of the Year Havre de Grace last year, Royal Delta crushed the field – which included the grade one-winning It’s Tricky – by an astounding 9 ½ lengths. Treating the race like an everyday gallop, Royal Delta was kept under wraps by Mike Smith in the stretch.

When Royal Delta brings her A-game, the champion appears invincible. As the defending champion of the Ladies’ Classic, this is her race to lose and though she has never started over Santa Anita’s surface, she has a huge advantage with Mike Smith aboard. Without a doubt, she will have her work cut out for her amongst such remarkable opponents, but if she’s on her best game, Royal Delta will be difficult to beat.

Awesome Feather

One of three previous Breeders’ Cup champions in this race, Awesome Feather conquered the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (GI) at Churchill Downs. Plagued by injuries, this undefeated filly has only raced four times since then. Altogether, Awesome Feather has captured these four victories by a combined 24 ¼ lengths.

Awesome Feather
Photo by Terri Cage

Awesome Feather’s only graded stakes victory among her four outings since her Breeders’ Cup triumph came in the Gazelle Stakes (GI) at Aqueduct last November, in which she defeated a field that included Love and Pride by 5 ¼ lengths. Following a dominant victory in the Florida Sunshine Millions Distaff Stakes, Awesome Feather was sidelined again, but returned in September in the Nasty Storm Stakes at Belmont. In stunning fashion, the Chad Brown trainee ran her flawless record to ten victories en route to a jaw-dropping 11 ¼-length romp in an impressive final time of 1:33.47 for one mile.

Over the past two years, Awesome Feather has been very lightly raced and has only contested against grade one company once. However, there is a certainly quality to this filly that makes her a very dangerous competitor: her sheer brilliance. I believe we do not yet know just how good Awesome Feather is.

My Miss Aurelia

A filly I have followed since her maiden, My Miss Aurelia is another undefeated champion entered in the Ladies’ Classic. Winner of last year’s Juvenile Fillies, My Miss Aurelia was sidelined due to injury following her spectacular win under the Twin Spires last November and, like Awesome Feather, has only been seen a handful of times since then. In fact, My Miss Aurelia has only raced twice since being crowned Champion Two-Year-Old Filly, having returned to the races this August.

My Miss Aurelia
Photo by Terri Cage

That return came in the Mandys Gold Stakes at Saratoga, which My Miss Aurelia won by 3 lengths going six furlongs. Next out, she faced Questing – who was coming off two spectacular grade one victories at the Spa – in the Cotillion Stakes (GI) at Parx. In a stirring stretch battle, My Miss Aurelia prevailed by a head to keep her undefeated record intact.

My Miss Aurelia is one of the most talented horses I have seen firsthand and I find it very impressive that she was able to reel in Questing in her second race after a layoff, though she did not carry as much weight. It is worrisome that My Miss Aurelia is entering the Breeders’ Cup off of such a tough race that was just her second since her return, but the filly appears to be in great condition. Another worry is that perhaps the nine-furlong distance of the Ladies’ Classic is a bit too far for her. However, this is My Miss Aurelia and I will never doubt her talent. It will be interesting to see how she fares against this star-studded field.

Questing

This Kiaran McLaughlin trainee began her career in the United Kingdom and following a fifth-place finish in last year’s Juvenile Fillies, Questing began her sophomore campaign with mediocre performances in allowance optional claiming events prior to an easy breakthrough win at that level.

Questing
Photo by Terri Cage

But then we saw the filly she had transformed into. Questing dived back into the grade one pool with a splash, galloping to an easy 4 ¼-length victory in the Coaching Club American Oaks (GI) at Saratoga despite drifting out in the stretch. Proving that this was no fluke, Questing annihilated rivals next out in the Alabama Stakes (GI), running erratically in the stretch yet again but capturing the race by an imposing 9 lengths in an impressive final time of 2:01.29 for ten furlongs.

Questing fell a head short to My Miss Aurelia in her successive start, the Cotillion Stakes. Rather than setting the pace as she had in her past two victories, Questing settled off the leader and while carrying seven pounds less than My Miss Aurelia, she missed by a head after a gutsy stretch duel.

It seems that Questing has been forgotten since her winning streak was snapped, but this filly should certainly not be erased from memory. She is absolutely brilliant and can use her speed as a deadly weapon. As a filly with both speed and stamina, Questing will play a large role in the outcome of the Ladies’ Classic.

Love and Pride

A daughter of the great A.P. Indy, Love and Pride commenced 2012 on the right note, dominating a stakes at Aqueduct by 7 lengths. Following three defeats in graded company – two of which were runner-up finishes – Love and Pride broke through with her first graded stakes victory, winning the Obeah Stakes (GIII) by nearly two lengths over Tiz Miz Sue, who would give Royal Delta a run for her money next out in the Delaware Handicap. However, Love and Pride crossed the wire fourth in the “Del Cap.”

But she avenged that loss with her first grade one victory in her subsequent race, defeating Royal Delta by a half-length in the Personal Ensign Handicap (GI). However, it must be pointed out that Royal Delta was carrying ten pounds more than Love and Pride, who then shipped west for a trip around Santa Anita’s dirt oval, easily winning the Zenyatta Stakes (GI) by 3 ¼ lengths after setting the pace.

Love and Pride seems to be underestimated by many, but I give her a good chance in this race. After all, she is a dual grade one winner with a victory at Santa Anita already under her belt. However, the Ladies’ Classic will be a very tall task for her and she will have to pull out all the stops to secure a victory.

Include Me Out

Arguably the best female Thoroughbred on the West Coast this year, Include Me Out won her first three starts in 2012 – all of which came in graded stakes. Not only did one of these triumphs include a romp in the Santa Margarita Invitational Stakes (GI), but two of these victories came at Santa Anita.

After finishing second in the Vanity Handicap (GI) at Hollywood Park, Include Me Out displayed her determination with a conquest of the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (GI) at Del Mar prior running third in the Zenyatta. But this loss should not be held against her, as Include Me Out has been tremendously consistent this year and has plenty of experience over the dirt track at Santa Anita. Despite the fact that she will be facing three champions and several other brilliant fillies and mares, Include Me Out should not be ignored.

Grace Hall

One of the best two-year-old fillies in the nation last year, Grace Hall’s final start as a two-year-old resulted in a second-place finish behind My Miss Aurelia in the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. Following a narrow loss in her 2012 debut, Grace Hall romped in the Gulfstream Oaks (GII) in preparation for the Kentucky Oaks (GI), in which she finished third.

Grace Hall did not race for two months after the Kentucky Oaks, but returned with an easy win in the Delaware Oaks (GII). However, the filly finished fifth as the beaten favorite in the Alabama, crossing the wire 31 lengths behind Questing. But she then reverted to her dominant winning ways, capturing the Indiana Oaks (GII) by 5 ¾ lengths.

Grace Hall is certainly among the best in her division, but when pitted against the very best, she has failed to turn in her best performance. She is undoubtedly a gifted athlete capable of tremendous performances, but I do not believe she will win the Ladies’ Classic.

The Ladies’ Classic certainly has a plethora of suspense and excitement surrounding it, offering one of the best fields of the entire 2012 Breeders’ Cup. I can envision many outcomes to this race, as it has gathered one of the best groups I have ever seen in a Breeders’ Cup event. I will give the nod to Royal Delta, but certainly would not be surprised to see Awesome Feather, My Miss Aurelia, or Questing enter the winner’s enclosure following this race. In addition, I am expecting good performances from Love and Pride and Include Me Out and certainly will not forget about Grace Hall. Regardless of how this race plays out, I am surely looking forward to it and will revel in the presence of these spectacular fillies.