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.

HRN: 2013 Breeders' Cup Highlights: Groupie Doll and Mizdirection

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: Groupie Doll and Mizdirection

"An abundance of past Breeders’ Cup champions returned to the championships in 2013. Whereas some were abandoning the juvenile division to seek victory against older horses, many were seeking defenses of their titles. Five of these horses were successful in their repeat attempts: Wise Dan in the Mile, Mizdirection in the Turf Sprint, Groupie Doll in the Filly & Mare Sprint, and Beholder and Secret Circle in their advancement from the juvenile ranks to the Distaff and Sprint, respectively. These repeat winners were among the most popular of Breeders’ Cup weekend, but two of them were also some of the most bittersweet moments of the championships.

Both Groupie Doll and Mizdirection, the American female sprinting stars, were slated to sell just days after their Breeders’ Cup efforts. No longer would they be with their popular connections – Buff Bradley and Jim Rome’s Jungle Racing, respectively. These Breeders’ Cup title defenses would serve as likely their last starts for these connections. This, combined with seeking repeat victories on racing’s biggest stage, made the pressure high as the fantastic mares went to post. . ."

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

HRN: 2013 Breeders' Cup Highlights: Secret Circle

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: Secret Circle

"The heat was blistering, but the air conditioning and shelter of the house offered relief from the scorching July sun. I focused my eyes on the television screen, which displayed TVG’s coverage of the third race at Del Mar on Saturday, July 23, 2011 – a maiden special weight for two-year-olds going five and one-half furlongs. As soon as the juveniles broke from the gate, my eyes focused on an eye-catching bay colt carrying the famous red and yellow silks of Mike Pegram and partners. As soon as Trevor Denman called out the colt’s name – Secret Circle – I knew I would not soon forget it. . ."

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

HRN: 2013 Breeders' Cup Highlights: Outstrip

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: Outstrip

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

Highlight Four: The Juvenile Turf

The second race of the 2013 Breeders’ Cup, the Juvenile Turf proved itself as one of the most exciting races for me personally. The first three finishers were my top three selections, crossing the wire in the same order in which I had predicted. . ."

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

HRN: 2013 Breeders' Cup Highlights: Beholder's Distaff

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: Beholder's Distaff

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

Highlight Three: Distaff

The Monday before the thirtieth Breeders’ Cup Distaff (gr. I), I spoke to Fred Mitchell, whose family’s Clarkland Farm bred, raised, and sold Beholder – one of the contenders in the star-studded Distaff. As I listened to him speak proudly of the three-year-old filly, telling stories about the 2012 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) champion, I could not think of a more deserving Distaff victress. . ."

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

HRN: 2013 Breeders' Cup Highlights: Morning Works

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: Morning Works

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

Highlight Two: Morning Works

My teeth chattering as I walked toward the grandstand in the dark, I immediately grabbed a delicious hot chocolate at Clocker’s Corner before heading to my favorite spot along the rail – near the gap and right by the far turn. I desperately clung to the cup holding my hot chocolate, relishing the warmth it brought to my hands as I gazed across the dimly lit track as Thoroughbreds stood in the chute, jogged by along the outside rail, galloped down the center of the track, or breezed down the inside fence. . ."

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

HRN: 2013 Breeders' Cup Highlights: Wise Dan

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: Wise Dan

"I can close my eyes and see the San Gabriel Mountains. With them as a backdrop, I can place several memories from my time spent at the Breeders’ Cup in front of them: Wise Dan grazing, the sky lightening as horses exercised on the track in the morning, horses racing down the backstretch, and winners and losers galloping past the stands as they receive applause from the crowd no matter where they finished.

The 2013 Breeders’ Cup was one of the greatest experiences of my life – perhaps even the most amazing to date. I have now been to four Breeders’ Cups and the moments from this year’s championships that are now fond memories place this Breeders’ Cup as the most wondrous experience I have ever had at the racetrack. I have since returned home and must focus my attention on homework rather than a track program and top-class Thoroughbreds, but my mind tends to wander to the many great personal moments that occurred at the Breeders’ Cup.

There are too many amazing moments from my 2013 Breeders’ Cup experience to describe in one post, so please enjoy my series highlighting these moments, one by one, over the next several days. . ."

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

HRN: 2013 Breeders' Cup: Possible Friday Long Shots

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: Possible Friday Long Shots

"The Breeders’ Cup is notorious for producing numerous upset winners. Each year, racing fans and handicaps must “expect the unexpected.” From the 53-1 Lashkari in the inaugural Breeders’ Cup Turf to the 17-1 upsets by Calidoscopio and Little Mike at last year’s Breeders’ Cup, longshot winners are all but guaranteed at the two-day championships.

Are you searching for some possible longshot plays for today’s Breeders’ Cup Friday races? I chose at least one horse from each race worth a look that was given morning line odds of at least 8-1, giving you plenty of options to choose from. . ."

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

HRN: Wise Dan Prepares for Breeders' Cup Mile Defense

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. . .

Wise Dan Prepares for Breeders' Cup Mile Defense

"Wise Dan stood in his stall serenely, one leg cocked as he struggled to keep his eyes open. The window at the back of his stall cast a beam of sunlight over his back, offering him warmth in the brisk air of the morning. Those outside his stall spoke of him in admiration and respect, but he paid no attention to these mere humans. They could look at him in awe all they wanted; he was used to it.

'You can’t bother him,' trainer Charlie LoPresti commented. 'He’s about as laid-back as can be.'

An hour later, a crowd of photographers and reporters stood outside the barn in which he was stabled. Suddenly, the 2012 Horse of the Year emerged, the sunlight glinting off his copper coat. After walking a few ovals around a dirt path outside the barn, LoPresti gave a leg up to Damien Rock, the regular exercise rider of the 6-year-old gelded son of Wiseman’s Ferry. . ."

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

HRN: 2013 Breeders' Cup: Wednesday Morning Eye-Catchers

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: Wednesday Morning Eye-Catchers

"The sun had yet to come up, leaving the track dark and dimly lit as morning works began. Slowly, the sky grew lighter, illuminating the San Gabriel Mountains that greet you from across Santa Anita’s grandstand. Masses of Thoroughbreds – and the occasional Arabian – passed by, their noses snorting, their manes flowing, their feet dancing over the dirt. On their saddle towels, one could read their names, his or her eyes focusing upon the top-class equine athlete before him. The crowd gathered along the rail from the gap to the finish line chatted about the horses on the track and their upcoming races – some of the most important races of the year. Each time one of the “big horses” stepped upon the track, the crowd would seemingly bulge as the clicking sound of cameras increased.

This was the scene at Clocker’s Corner at Santa Anita on the Wednesday before the 2013 Breeders’ Cup. A large portion of the horses competing in this weekend’s championship races stretched their legs on the track this morning, jogging or galloping before their many admirers. Each of these horses has been primed for this moment, but a few made a more remarkable impression among others. Check out the horses that caught my eye this morning. . ."

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

HRN: Beholder's Success Reflects Small Farm's Dedication

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. . .

Beholder's Success Reflects Small Farm's Dedication

"Central Kentucky is home to some of the most renowned Thoroughbred farms in the industry – farms that encompass thousands of acres of bluegrass pastures upon which the regal animals graze. Their barns are of breathtaking stature and beauty, their horses have expensive price tags attached to them, and their fences form miles and miles of connected wooden boards. As one drives down the back roads that surround Lexington and nearby areas, eye-catching entrances declare the names of these prestigious farms: Adena Springs, Darley at Jonabell Farm, Gainesway Farm, and WinStar Farm among them.

But on Bryan Station Road just outside of Lexington is a family-run farm that encompasses approximately 400 acres – an expanse far smaller than many farms in the area. A basic stone entrance welcomes you to the farm, reading 'Clarkland Farm.'

Clarkland Farm is a family-run farm located on a piece of land that has been in the family since the 1700s. Essentially, the farm is operated by three family members: Nancy and Fred Mitchell, as well as Nancy’s daughter Marty Buckner. . ."

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

HRN: 2013 Breeders' Cup Saturday Analysis

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 Saturday Analysis

"Less than a week from today, the racing world will be entranced by all things Breeders’ Cup. Fourteen championship races will be contested at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California, featuring some of the best Thoroughbred athletes in the world. Five races will be run on Friday, November 1 and the remaining nine will be held on Saturday, November 2.

So who are the top contenders in each of the nine Saturday Breeders’ Cup races? Check out my top five horses for all of these races below and be sure to take a look at my similar post for Friday’s races here. . ."

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

HRN: 2013 Breeders' Cup Friday Analysis

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 Friday Analysis

"In just a matter of days, I will stand at the Great Race Place with the San Gabriel Mountains before me, my eyes sparkling as they take in the sights of the Breeders’ Cup. As their bits jingle, their hooves travel over the dirt, and their manes flow in the wind, I will rejoice in the presence of world-class Thoroughbreds for the fourth consecutive year.

I go to the Breeders’ Cup to relish these moments – to be able to say “I’ve seen [insert a long list of grade one winners here.]” I go to share these experiences with others who have a passion for racing, doing my best to allow them to know what it is like to be among racing’s best.

While a large portion of the Breeders’ Cup is based on the enjoyment of seeing firsthand the best horses and people in racing, the races pose as an exciting, intriguing challenge. Over the span of two days, fourteen Breeders’ Cup races will be contested. These races give handicappers a wide variety of options, but are certainly not always easy to decipher.

Although I prefer to additionally consider a horse’s appearance while preparing for a big test such as a Breeders’ Cup race, take a look at my top five horses for all five of the Breeders’ Cup races slated for Friday, November 1 below. My analysis of the Saturday races will be posted tomorrow. Be on the lookout for updates from Santa Anita next week. . ."

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