Breeders' Cup Wrap: Day Two (Beautiful Bluegrass: Day Four)

Afleet Again
Photo by Mary Cage

Day one of the Breeders’ Cup was over. It was Saturday and nine more championship races would be run. The Marathon kicked off Breeders’ Cup Saturday as 41-1 shot Afleet Again upset the mile and three-quarters race. I stood at the rim of the winner’s circle as the gray son of Afleet Alex entered the winner’s circle, snapping my pictures before the four-year-old gelding headed back to the barns.

After watching the Irish-bred Wrote cross the wire victoriously in the Juvenile Turf, I took a picture of the strikingly beautiful colt in the winner’s circle. Though the colt’s win was spectacular, my mind (and heart) was set on the next race.

Though I want to have a career in the racing business, I am a fan and horse lover first. I care more about the safety of and affection for the horse than anything. In the upcoming race, the Sprint, was one of my personal favorites, Euroears. However, it was not Euroears' day. Rather, the California-bred Amazombie came away with the win.

Euroears
Photo by Mary Cage

The sting of Euroears finishing last was eased slightly by the fact that my favorite jockey, Mike Smith, had pulled off the victory. His win in the Sprint gave him his fourteenth Breeders’ Cup triumph, which put him in second behind Jerry Bailey for the number of Breeders’ Cup wins.

The Turf Sprint, run in a final time of 56.48 for a distance of five furlongs, was won by Regally Ready. He became the only favorite to win on Saturday and gave jockey Corey Nakatani his second Breeders’ Cup victory of the weekend. Again, I stood alongside the winner’s circle as Regally Ready entered the winner’s circle, draped in a purple and gold blanket of flowers.

Next up was one of the Breeders’ Cup races I anticipated the most: the Dirt Mile. Shackleford, a colt I had followed since his maiden, fascinated me as he moved energetically through the post parade. Yet it was the very talented Caleb’s Posse that came away with the win, crossing the finish line four lengths ahead. I recorded him entering the winner’s circle prior to snapping pictures of him inside the winner’s enclosure.

A lily from St. Nicholas
Abbey's blanket of
flowers
Photo by Mary Cage

Then it was time for the Turf, which ended up being one of the most entertaining Breeders’ Cup races. Aidan O’Brien’s son, Joseph O’Brien, became the youngest jockey to ever be victorious in a Breeders’ Cup race when he won by over two lengths aboard St. Nicholas Abbey. At 5’11”, Joseph likely does not have much time left to ride flat races, but no matter how abbreviated his career, he will always have a Breeders’ Cup win under his belt. The race, which was already special, became even more special when I received a white lily that had fallen off of St. Nicholas Abbey’s blanket of flowers. Someday I hope to win an entire Breeders’ Cup blanket of flowers, but I can always look back and remember that I received a flower from one of those blankets.

Hansen
Photo by Mary Cage

When I look back on the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, I smile and chuckle. At the same time, I get an earache. As the horses loaded into the starting gate, a large group of people appeared between our seats and the winner’s circle, standing just behind me. They screamed at the top of their lungs the entire race and by obtaining bits and pieces of their conversation, I realized they were cheering for Hansen. In a thrilling stretch duel, Hansen held off a drifting-out Union Rags. I was slightly upset that the Michael Matz trainee had not gotten up in time, in part because I had met Matz and received his autograph earlier that day, but the joy of the people around me wore off on me. Come to find out, they were part of Hansen’s connections.

As the next race approached, tension rose. Goldikova was going for her fourth straight Mile win. However, it was not meant to be. Court Vision narrowly pulled off a huge upset at 64-1, defeating Turallure by a slim nose. Goldikova crossed the wire in third, but an objection by Patrick Valenzuela aboard Courageous Cat was lodged against Olivier Peslier aboard the great mare. The stewards decided to make no change. The decision must have angered many bettors and connections, but when it was announced that no change would be made, a cheer went up from the crowd. Goldikova had already lost; her fans did not want to see her taken down.

As the sun sank lower and lower, the Classic horses made their way to the saddling paddock. Classy horse after classy horse passed me. My eyes locked on Havre de Grace, Uncle Mo, Flat Out, and Drosselmeyer. I began feeling extremely excited. I was seeking redemption from the year before, when I had witnessed with devastation Zenyatta fall short in the Classic.

Drosselmeyer
Photo: Terri Cage

It worked out beautifully. Drosselmeyer, who I had picked off of looks and class, swept by everyone in late stretch to win. As soon as the striking chestnut finished ahead of every horse, I pumped my fist in the air. I was trembling with bliss. Drosselmeyer had won! Redemption had come for not just me, but for Mike Smith as well. One year after Zenyatta’s heartbreaking loss, Drosselmeyer captured the $5 million race to give Mike Smith and many Zenyatta fans, including me, some consolation. Not only did the copper-colored Thoroughbred gallop into the history books, he galloped into my heart and ran a race that I will never forget and will always hold dear to my heart.

Drosselmeyer and Mike Smith after winning the Classic
Video by Mary Cage

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Breeders' Cup Wrap: Day One (Beautiful Bluegrass: Day Three)

The track was very wet as the horses exercised over it early in the morning, jogging clockwise and galloping counter-clockwise. The Twin Spires loomed nearby as Breeders’ Cup horses made their final preparations over the track on Friday morning. I watched in awe of the famous Thoroughbreds until it was time to leave.

We weren’t going very far, though. We were soon in the Kentucky Derby Museum for the Zenyatta Luncheon. My excitement grew as I waited for the great mare’s connections to arrive and before long, I turned to see my favorite jockey, Mike Smith, standing just a few yards away. Finally, I would get to meet him in person.

I walked up to him, two Blood-Horse magazines with Zenyatta on the cover and a Sharpie in hand. After snapping a picture for him and his grandmother, he signed my magazines and I gave him a big hug, a gigantic grin stretching across my face and tears of joys filling my eyes. I never imagined I would get to receive an autograph and hug from Mike Smith.

My autographed Blood-Horse magazines
Photo by Mary Cage

Not long after I met Mike Smith, trainer John Shirreffs appeared. He kindly signed my Blood-Horse magazines and when I complimented him on Zenyatta, he simply said, “She’s just amazing, isn’t she?”

I later received autographs from Ann and Jerry Moss, as well as from Dottie Ingordo-Shirreffs. I was breathless the entire time. I’d dreamed of meeting Zenyatta’s connections, but I never imagined it would happen. Needless to say, I was on cloud nine.

Then it was time for the race card on the first day of Breeders’ Cup 2011 to get underway. My family and I headed to our seats, ready to watch some incredible racing. As we emerged from under the grandstand, I caught my breath. Straight across from me was the Kentucky Derby winner’s circle and just to my left was the main winner’s circle. As we were seated, I glanced behind me and looked up, only to be left even more breathless. It was one of the best views I’d ever seen. The Twin Spires were just above me.

After four non-Breeders’ Cup races, it was time for the Breeders’ Cup to begin. The first race of the world championships was one I was looking forward to the most: the inaugural running of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint. The heavy favorite in the race was my favorite two-year-old, Secret Circle.

Secret Circle in the
post parade for
the Juvenile Sprint
Photo by Mary Cage

I had followed the colt since his maiden (Juvenile Spotlight: Secret Circle) and was looking forward to seeing him in person. Despite not handling the track that was labeled ‘good’ very well, Secret Circle defeated Shumoos by a length. I stood along the rail for the race, as well as while the bay colt entered the winner’s circle. It was thrilling to be so close to my favorite colt as he won the first Breeders’ Cup race of 2011.

In the next race, talented turf fillies took the stage in the Juvenile Fillies Turf. In that race, Stephanie’s Kitten got up in late stretch under John Velazquez to pass Stopshoppingmaria. I again watched from the edge of the winner’s circle, smiling as I saw the joyous celebration of the winning filly’s connections.

As the upcoming race, the Filly & Mare Sprint, approached, many thought it would be Turbulent Descent’s for the taking. However, it was Musical Romance that received the blanket of flowers. I had considered picking the Calder-based filly, but I guess the star potential of the other fillies got to me. Though it was surprising that Turbulent Descent finished fifth, it didn’t shock me at all that the 20-1 shot pulled off the upset.

With the next race came the appearance of a superstar. My Miss Aurelia, a filly I had followed since before her maiden race, defeated a talented field by three lengths. I already knew My Miss Aurelia would make a big impression, but after watching her win the Juvenile Fillies, I felt that she will become something very special.

The Filly & Mare Turf was quite similar to last year, resulting in a longshot taking the race. Perfect Shirl, under John Velazquez, held off several other females as the horses headed towards the wire to score the upset.

Royal Delta winning the Ladies' Classic
Photo: Terri Cage

Then it was time for Friday’s headliner. As the sun sank beyond the horizon and the bright lights shone down on Churchill, the field for the Ladies’ Classic headed towards the paddock. I stood along the rail, just a few feet from the classy fillies and mares that passed by me: Miss Match, Pachattack, It’s Tricky, Satans Quick Chick, Ask the Moon, Royal Delta, Ultra Blend, Plum Pretty, and Super Espresso.

In one of the most incredible racing moments I’ve witnessed in person, I stood along the rail near the finish line as Royal Delta easily swept past the other fillies and mares to win by 2 ½ lengths. It was one of the most effortless races of the weekend. I continued to stand at my spot along the rail, watching as the classy filly entered the winner’s circle just a few feet from me. Like many of the moments I had spent in Kentucky, the experience of being so close to Royal Delta before, during, and after the race was breathtaking.

Royal Delta after winning the Ladies' Classic

Video by Mary Cage

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Drosselmeyer Dances Home in the Classic

Last year, I watched in devastation as Zenyatta fell half a head short in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. As distraught as I was, it was nowhere near what Mike Smith must have felt. However, the 2011 Classic brought redemption for the Hall of Fame jockey.

Drosselmeyer on the track
Thursday morning
Photo by Mary Cage

On the Thursday before the Breeders’ Cup, Drosselmeyer was one of many Breeders’ Cup horses I saw out on the track in the morning. He blew me away with the class he carried, traveling down the track beautifully. I knew in that moment that the son of Distorted Humor would run a huge race. Click here to see the clip of Drosselmeyer on the track in the morning, along with video footage of other Breeders' Cup horses.

I saw him again on Friday morning and he still looked fit and composed. He was the most impressive of all the Classic horses I saw. I had Flat Out as number one on paper, but Drosselmeyer impressed me most with looks and class. I voted for him on Twitter to win, as he was definitely the most imposing Classic horse I saw on the track in the mornings. Throughout Breeders’ Cup weekend, I had the best feeling about Drosselmeyer and so it was no surprise to me that he crossed the wire first.

Photo: Terri Cage

Having to go extremely wide, Drosselmeyer flew on the outside, nearing the front runners just before the sixteenth pole. In a turn of events that even the makers of a movie couldn’t come up with, Mike Smith on Drosselmeyer passed his ex-fiance Chantal Sutherland on Game On Dude in the final strides. In a great call by Trevor Denman, he described Drosselmeyer as “a ghost on the outside.”

Of course, Drosselmeyer was best known before the Classic as the 2010 Belmont Stakes (GI) winner. Mike Smith also rode the striking chestnut in that race, recording his own Triple Crown. This win in the Classic obviously meant much to him after the heartbreak with Zenyatta last year. I’m overjoyed that Drosselmeyer and Mike Smith won and not just because I picked Drosselmeyer, but because it was just one day after I had met Mike Smith in person and had given him a big hug. It was wonderful to see my favorite jockey pull off the upset on one of my favorite horses in a race of redemption.

Drosselmeyer and Mike Smith after winning the Classic

Video by Mary Cage

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Beautiful Bluegrass: Day Two

I wrote this on the Thursday and Friday before the Breeders' Cup. It was the second full day of my trip. Due to being busy with the happenings of my trip, I was unable to post it until Saturday. Nothing was changed on Saturday. Enjoy.

It was still dark outside as we headed toward the track. The early morning air was crisp and the bright lights were shining down on the track. Suddenly, we came around a bend and my breath was whisked away.

Churchill Downs
Photo by Mary Cage

Before me was the clubhouse turn of Churchill Downs, the turn where many famous Kentucky Derby pictures have been taken. The majestic presence of the Twin Spires, lit in purple in honor of the Breeders’ Cup, loomed over the track. Over the dirt surface, Throughbreds jogged or galloped past, their snorts in sync with their strides. I was left absolutely breathless.

Horse after horse went by, many sporting Breeders’ Cup saddle towels. I read off the names as the classy horses went by. To name just a few, there was My Gi Gi, Brilliant Speed, Dean’s Kitten, Hoofit, Super Espresso, Rattlesnake Bridge, Giant Oak, Coalport, Midday, Irish Gypsy, Up, Misty For Me, Drosselmeyer, Jackson Bend, Big Drama, Euroears, and Get Stormy.

Of those, my personal favorite Euroears looked the best. When he came into my view, it was the first time in over a year I had seen him. I screeched his name and he pricked his ears, looking at me as his exercise rider smiled. Even without my bias towards him, he would have looked the best. He is still as beautiful as I remember him and his muscle tone is absolutely incredible.

Also, Classic contender and 2010 Belmont Stakes (GI) winner Drosselmeyer looked tremendous. He was composed and traveled over the track very well. Other horses that looked spectacular include Coalport, Jackson Bend, Big Drama, and Get Stormy.

We had to leave the track earlier than I wanted to, but I didn’t mind too much. We were headed to one of my favorite farms, Taylor Made. Driving into a beautiful sunrise, we arrived at the gorgeous farm and headed to the stallion barns. As we stepped into the first barn, we observed the striking Old Fashioned receiving a bath while a damp Northern Afleet nibbled at hay in his stall.

As we headed to the next stallion barn, I spotted a horse I had followed since his maiden: the brilliant Eskendereya. We walked up to the radiant chestnut, visiting with him. He was quite feisty, as he had just been bathed and wanted to be turned out, likely to roll in some mud to ruin his cleanliness.

Half Ours
Photo by Mary Cage

We then loved on the tremendous sire Unbridled’s Song before walking out to a lush paddock that held his son, Half Ours, who had been galloping friskily around his paddock when we arrived. He spotted us and eagerly jogged up to the fence, sticking his head between the boards. I reached up and stroked his face affectionately and the eight-year-old stood calmly, enjoying the attention. Unlike most stallions, he wasn’t nippy at all and was extremely quiet. After visiting with us for a bit, the beautiful dappled gray turned and walked a few yards away, raising his head and gazing into the distance. It was a beautiful sight to end a beautiful tour.

We then drove to Keeneland to see a specific horse that Taylor Made is consigning: Blind Luck. My heart was thudding with excitement as we grew closer to the magnificent racetrack. I was about to see one of my favorite racehorses of all time, who I had followed very closely since her fourth start. We strolled through the barn I knew she would be stabled in and I began to grow extremely anxious. We had walked by nearly every stall and I still had not spotted her. My mom told me to relax and reminded me that there were still a few stalls left. Sure enough, the champion filly was in the very last stall on the row we were walking along.

Blind Luck
Photo by Mary Cage

I caught my breath as I spotted the chestnut. My heart was racing and I literally felt breathless. Over and over, I told my mom I couldn’t breathe, despite the fact that I must have been grinning from ear to ear. Blind Luck was causing me to hyperventilate. I was starstruck.

I stood by her stall for a long time, tickling her nose and just drooling over her. It felt like I was dreaming. Suddenly, they pulled the six-time grade one winner out of her stall. I stood back and watched, still feeling breathless. I watched her for a long while, taking photographs and continuing to be starstruck.

After staying for quite some time, we left Keeneland and after we stopped for a bite to eat, we headed back to Taylor Made. It was time to see Pepper’s Pride. We saw her last year, but I was extremely excited about seeing her again.

Pepper's Pride
Photo by Mary Cage

We followed longtime Taylor Made resident and employee Levi Dunlap up to one of several broodmare barns. In the pouring rain, we headed into the barn and there she was, standing in the aisle. Her bay colt gleamed, her black legs sparkling clean. She gazed at us with her bright eyes, neighing whenever she heard another horse.

After visiting with Pepper’s Pride for quite some time, stroking her soft coat and feeding her peppermints, Levi Dunlap drove my mother and me up to another broodmare barn to visit a mare we had known for a long time: Hotlantic. The daughter of Stormy Atlantic had been trained by friends of ours, Dallas and Donna Keen. We had seen the gorgeous bay race many times and knew she was at Taylor Made. Dunlap was nice enough to let us visit her.

Hotlantic
Photo by Mary Cage

After driving through the beautiful farm, we arrived at the barn in which Hotlantic resided. She was standing quietly in the aisle, being held by a groom. She still looked as stunning as she always has. I took a picture of her on my phone, sending it to Donna, who was thrilled that we were visiting Hotlantic. She told me to scratch her on the withers, so I walked up to the stakes-winning mare and did so, smiling as the seven-year-old relished the attention.

We then headed to the Kentucky Horse Park for a different part of the horse world: a horse show. We watched a hunter class at the Alltech National Horse Show, enjoying watching the talented horses. It was definitely different than watching racehorses, but I always enjoy watching horses try their hardest while doing what they love.

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Breeders' Cup Classic

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

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

Flat Out
Photo by Terri Cage

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Uncle Mo
Photo by Terri Cage

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drosselmeyer jogging at Churchill on 11/3/11

Video by Mary Cage

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Beautiful Bluegrass: Day One

My eyelids were heavy this morning when it came time to wake up. Suddenly, something crossed my mind and I jumped out of bed quickly. That thing was Churchill Downs.

We headed to the esteemed Louisville track, my excitement growing the closer we got to the track. Suddenly, the track came into view and into my vision came a striking gray colt in blue blinkers. It was Creative Cause.

My second Breeders' Cup journey had begun. Shortly after seeing the talented two-year-old colt, a brigade of Europeans sauntered onto the track. Among them was the great Goldikova.

I was riveted by the dainty filly and I watched her until she was out of sight. Before long, Stacelita in her crazy eye protection appeared and moved past me, followed by many others.

With one glance at the clock, we realized we had to leave the magical place. We headed toward Midway, enjoying the beautiful Kentucky countryside on the way. Soon, the rolling green pastures lined with wooden fences came into view. We arrived at Three Chimneys Farm and headed up to the stallion barn, where we saw Yes It's True, Flower Alley, Sky Mesa, Point Given, Lewis Michael, Formidable, and Dynaformer. We stayed at the beautiful farm for a while before driving around the gorgeous area.

I was blissful the entire time we drove through the backroads. My eyes lit up when I took into view Lane's End Farm, WinStar Farm, Stonewall Farm, and many others. After driving around for about an hour, we went to WinStar for a stallion tour, where we observed stallions Tiznow, Distorted Humor, Summer Bird, Sharp Humor, Bellamy Road, Colonel John, Hold Me Back, U.S. Ranger, and the teaser pony, Spots.

Then it was time to head to Old Friends. I have been to Three Chimneys and WinStar several times before, but it was my first time at Old Friends. I eagerly walked between the paddocks, petting and feeding carrots to the ex-racehorses, many of which were rescued. I caught my breath as I spotted Commentator and once we visited the paddock, I realized the multiple grade one winner had quite the attitude. According to the tour guide, Commentator's ears were "chronically back." I made new friends there, including Flick - a stakes winner -, Special Ring - a multiple grade one winner, and Sunshine Forever - an Eclipse Award winner.

Our tours for the day were over. We drove around the Midway/Versailles/Lexington area more, including strolling through Keeneland, which was being decorated for its upcoming sale. As we drove around backroads, a beautiful sunset formed, leaving swirling pink, orange, and purple clouds over the bluegrass. It was a beautiful end to a great day.


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Breeders' Cup Mile

The focus of the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Mile will clearly be on Goldikova, who is going for a historic fourth consecutive win in the race. The remarkable French-bred filly won the Mile in back-to-back runnings at Santa Anita prior to winning the race for a history-making third time at Churchill Downs last year. Goldikova’s win in the Mile last year is etched in my mind, as though I couldn’t see the finish very well from my seats, I stood on the tips of my toes to watch her cross the wire in front. Fortunately, I have better seats this year and hope to watch her cross the wire in front from a different angle.

1. Goldikova: She’ll definitely be the fan favorite as people watch in hope of seeing the mare win the race for the fourth year in a row. However, many worry that as a six-year-old, Goldikova is not as good as she used to be. The mare has only won twice in five starts this year, finishing second in the races she did not win. Nonetheless, the daughter of Anabaa is still extremely talented.

Coming off a close second place finish to gifted colt Dream Ahead, Goldikova recently arrived at Churchill Downs. Trainer Freddy Head believes his great mare is doing just as well as she ever has. Goldikova obviously knows what she’s doing, having won this race in its past three runnings. Though she drew the rail, it will be tough for her to lose.

2. Gio Ponti: Gio Ponti’s situation is somewhat similar to that of Goldikova. The bay is now six years old and though some people believe he’s not as good as he once was, the son of Tale of the Cat is still one of the top turf horses the nation. Coming off his second consecutive win in the Shadwell Turf Mile Stakes (GI) at Keeneland, Gio Ponti is approaching the Breeders’ Cup with confidence. He was second in this race last year and I definitely wouldn’t be surprised to see him finish similarly this year.

3. Turallure: The striking gray winner of the Ricoh Woodbine Mile Stakes (GI) has raced over the Churchill turf course four times, winning once and never finishing out of the money. He is coming off two straight victories, the last in which he outran fellow Mile contender Courageous Cat. The son of Canadian Triple Crown winner Wando just may be underrated.

4. Courageous Cat: This blaze-faced five-year-old has only raced three times this year, but he has been very successful. He has won two of those three starts and most recently finished a close second to Turallure in the Woodbine Mile. He seems to be the “wise guy” horse and understandably so. The last time the son of Storm Cat had such good form, he finished second to Goldikova when she won this race for a second time. Courageous Cat is brilliant and will be very dangerous here.

Honorable Mention:
Mr. Commons: By 2005 Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Artie Schiller, Mr. Commons is his best on grass. He won the Oceanside Stakes at Del Mar prior to finishing second in both the Del Mar Mile Handicap (GII) and the Oak Tree Mile Stakes (GII). The John Shirreffs trainee is training extremely well and is improving, though the Mile will be very tough for him. Nonetheless, I would not be surprised if he hit the board.

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