Breeders’ Cup Preview

Last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic was a phenomenal finish at Churchill Downs.  Horse of the Year Zenyatta was going for her 21st straight victory, defending her BC title against the boys.  She made her patented late-run rush to the wire, and came up just a whisker short to Blame.  There is no Zenyatta this year, but there are a couple of prominent ladies trying to fill her shoes.  Once again, the world’s eyes are turned on Louisville, KY.

Harve de Grace, trained by Larry Jones and owned by Rick Porter, is definitely on the Zenyatta trail.  Grace was first known for her tenacious battles with fellow filly (and Kentucky Oaks winner) Blind Luck.  Blind Luck got the better of Havre de Grace several times; however, Grace has gone on to prove herself beyond that.  She beat the boys soundly in the Woodward Stakes, and has her eyes set on the Classic at Churchill.  It’s a gutsy move, but her owner and trainer believe in her, and want a shot at the coveted Horse of the Year title.  With Tizway retired from racing, she has a pretty good chance of marking her own spot in history.  She still has to get by last year’s overwhelming Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champ, Uncle Mo.  Mo has had his impressive moments, but was knocked out of the Kentucky Derby this year by a mysterious liver problem.  He seems to be back on form after winning the Kelso (G2) at Belmont in early October.

Goldikova has no shoes to fill– she’s already blazed her way into the record books, and is looking to do the impossible.  Again.  She’s making her annual trek to the US for the Breeders’ Cup Mile.  Which she has already won an unprecedented three consecutive times.  Can she make it a fourth?  She’s a gutsy mare, has taken on all comers from around the world, and I certainly wouldn’t want to face her!  She’ll have some good American competition though, from Gio Ponti.  Gio Ponti has had a long, prosperous career running on all surfaces, winning from a mile to a mile and a quarter.  He’s finished second in Breeders’ Cup races in 2009 (to Zenyatta, in the Classic), and in 2010 (to Goldikova, in the Mile).   

Today is “Ladies Day,” with many of the BC races restricted to fillies and mares.  Saturday is the big day, with the Juvenile, Mile, Turf, and Classic.