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Normandy Invasion breezed 4f in :48.40 (3/56) at Saratoga on 6-16. Posted 1 day ago
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Breeders' Cup Classic

Santa Anita Park

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What the Nation is saying about the Breeders' Cup Classic...

Breeders’ Cup Chooses Santa Anita in 2014

The Breeders' Cup World Championships will return to Santa Anita in 2014 for an unprecedented third consecutive year.Read More

Show All 40 Comments
On The Gallop's · WOW BIG SURPRISE! I guess they figure Our Euro's love travelling 10+ hours to run every year. Good thing Coolmore backs the BC otherwise your international entries would dwindle by a large percentage. This will only help the Champions Day races at Ascot in October, or Connections will run in the Japan Cup which is more prestigious then the BC Turf. · 7 days ago ·

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Sullivan · ^^ I don't want to strangle you any less. Mike de Kock is going all the way from South Africa to California, if they want to run they are welcome to. If they don't then they can keep running against subpar horses like Excelebration · 7 days ago ·

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Euro Trash · de Kock doesn't have a horse that could get within 3 lengths of an in form Excellebration, so I guess he shouldn't bother coming, Excellebration being so sub-par. · 7 days ago ·

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Euro Trash · Never fear though, because Aiden loves the BC, so he will be here with more sub-par horses. · 7 days ago ·

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Mike in SB · I'm not sure too many tracks have been bidding for the Breeders Cup lately. Did New York submit a bid? Santa Anita is a great place for the Breeders Cup, sitting on a metal folding chair at Churchill Downs in November is less than comfortable. The Classic is in prime time in the east while it is still sunny in California. There are a lot of advantages to having the Breeders Cup in California. They need to make the track fair to all horses but Santa Anita is not the only track with a bias and this year seems a lot better than last year. Shipping cost are a problem for eastern trainers but now a win and your in race includes money for shipping. If they are looking for a single site, and it seems like they are, Santa Anita is the best choice. · 7 days ago ·

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rafirox · Excelebration is sub-par? I think he's good. · 7 days ago ·

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buckpasser · I had heard that Monmouth, Belmont, Gulfstream and after some improvements in their facility, Del Mar wanted to bid for the BC. In Del Mar's case, this is why they were going to ask for dates in the fall after Hollywood closes. · 7 days ago ·

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Age of Reason · One more comment about future Breeders' Cups. I actually read this on another site: "BC Ltd. really had NO CHOICE for the 2014 BC UNLESS They wanted to go back to Lone Star or go to a new venue like Sam Houston. The big problem with New York (aside from the freak weather that hit the last two years) is the NYC marathon is the same weekend as the BC (which knocks both Belmont and Monmouth out of the mix), and a secondary problem is if the Yankees or Mets happened to be hosting Games 6-7 of the World Series AND there were multiple rainouts in the days leading up to a series that went the distance (as happened in 1962 with Giants-Yankees and 1975 with Reds-Red Sox), MLB likely would be in a position to kick people who were coming to NYC for the BC out of their hotel rooms as they would likely have priority for the teams, media and fans who would be there for the WS. That knocks NYRA and Monmouth out." As a side note, Santa Anita's turf course with its already existing notoriety for being rock-hard won't get any better next year, with SA hosting live racing for about half of next year the turf course is odds-on to be a complete chewed-up mess come BC time. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Arlington will get the Breeders' Cup nod for 2015. Churchill is out of the mix because BC Ltd. · 7 days ago ·

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Age of Reason · (*continued*)...because BC Ltd.'s agreement with the state of Kentucky for $1 mill. in tax breaks for every year the Breeders' Cup was held in Kentucky carried the stipulation that it must be held in Kentucky at least once every 3 years; so Churchill is now likely to lobby for their other major track, Arlington, which, with its broad turns, lush turf course and forgiving synthetic main track will be an appealing change of scenery after we've gotten tired of Santa Anita's astroturf course and asphalt main track. The BC board still won't touch NYRA with a 10 ft pole, and Gulfstream won't get it because that's another Stronach track which would be a far too obvious move of favoritism. Anyway, that's my prediction (is there a Future Book for where the Breeders' Cup will be 2 years from now?) · 7 days ago ·

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Sullivan · Excelebration's performance at Santa Anita was not in the least bit impressive. I understand it is a lot to ship 10 hours to a hotter climate and then race on on grass that is like a whole new surface from what they have in England, but the way he performed, I really wasn't impressed. Euro Trash, I don't know too much about Excelebration in "form", but I say Variety Club and Soft Falling Rain could get within a length if not less · 7 days ago ·

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Euro Trash · I was signing off when I saw this and had to answer Sullivan before I go. Watch Excellebration's QEII to see him in form on a deep, tiring turf course two weeks before the BC. Variety Club and Soft Falling Rain are probably not within 10 lbs of that performance. Don't confuse with SA form and Dubai form with European form. They are not equal. Now I do have go. Salut! · 7 days ago ·

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Euro Trash · My previous comment should have read get within 3 lengths of Excellebration's BC form, not his Euro form. My mistake there and sorry to misinform. As I said, they are not within 10lbs of his QEII form. · 7 days ago ·

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buckpasser · AOR. Thanks for the info about Monmouth and Belmont. I remember hearing that they were going to bid on the BC for 2014. Then your explanation is why with the marathon etc. mars sense. I remember reading that Stronach was making major improvements to Gulfstream in order to hold the BC there. I have always been surprised that Arlington has not held it more given their turf course etc. · 7 days ago ·

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buckpasser · As a small aside Stronach has been lobbying to make Santa Anita the home of the BC. · 7 days ago ·

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travel_vic · This cahmpionship is getting so diluted that if it keeps going that way, (MUCH like Little League) all participants will soon get awards......The days are too drawn out to have any real meaning and it is just for more of the almighty $$$$$$$$ · 7 days ago ·

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gene.cirillo · West Coast Bias! Hopefully, when Gulfstream finishes it's expansion, Frank S will get the BC back there! · 6 days ago ·

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On The Gallop's · One American Track iwould love to see Thoroughbred racing at his Hialeah. I visited the track back in 1993 and saw the Florida Derby. Wonderful track and the grounds were stunning. I don't know all the tracks in North America but I have visited a few. Belmont, Hialeah and Woodbine. · 6 days ago ·

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CauseForConcern · The one good thing about having the BC @ SA three consecutive years, is the possible fact that the California racing is in a funk. In the recent past, the closing of Bay Meadows, and now Hollywood Park, seems to be providing a signal that California racing is on the downslide. I seem to notice that there are a lot of short fields, and noticed that 3 west coast trainers were in the Met Handicap, which, coincidentally, was won by Sahara Skye/Hollendorfer. The BC move, I hope, will be a rejuvenation to California racing. · 6 days ago ·

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Buckpasser · OTG. Brunetti who owns Hialeah has planned with his casino expansion and hotels etc. ( Calder had earlier gone to Court to block a casino at Hialeah), Brunetti has said that he wants to host the BC. Right now they have quarter horse racing, but he plans to introduce TB racing. I agree Hialeah is and was IMO the most beautiful track in America, I saw her in the early '60's in her hey day and there was nothing like her. So I agree I hope she can be a BC host. · 6 days ago ·

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Buckpasser · CFC. The problem for CA racing is that they could never get any type of slots or instant racing etc. at the tracks because the Legislature in CA is in the pocket of the Indian casinos and will not allow any gambling expansion. The card games at HP were a constant court battle. Additionally, HP spent many millions trying to push a referendum for gambling expansion in CA, only to be turned down. The Bay Meadows Land Company that owned Bay Meadows and HP always said that if they got slots expansion, HP would not close. Sadly the short fields that have plagued HP in particular are simply that other jurisdictions have higher purses and they go there. Del Mar has been very innovative in keeping large fields and large attendance. I hope you are right about the BC helping. · 6 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Buckpasser, what a place and all those pink flamingos. Another beautiful track infield back in the 60's and 70's was the Fort Erie infield. I loved Fort Erie. It was a throw back to older times with its wooden floor on the upper level. I used to work the mutuals back then and one of the best places to work was outside on the second floor where the windows actually overlooked the track. The grandstand wasn't really high, but every seat was a really good one. So sad it is probably going to disappear now that there is no more racing. · 5 days ago ·

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Buckpasser · LAZ. I never visited Fort Erie. But I have heard it is an extremely beautiful track. Sadly it goes to show how bad things are in Ontario that as I was typing I started with "was " instead of "is" a beautiful track. I am happy Hialeah is still around. There is nothing like her. · 5 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · Laz - Whenever you have some free time, I would really appreciate the formula for b/l calculation. zxswordxz@hotmail.com · 5 days ago ·

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travel_vic · you should visit Fort Erie's webstie and see their new logo "Alive and Kickin'!" · 5 days ago ·

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Buckpasser · TV. Will do. · 5 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Sword, I haven’t forgotten about you. The program is part of an elaborate program I’ve worked on for a while. There is not just a single formula, but multiple formulae. In it’s entire format it is not user friendly in a sense that you can write instructions. It is something that would be better discussed. I’m trying to format a complete works for a 10F race and isolate it from the rest. If I don’t send it to you by the end of the week (I have to take off for two or three days on personal business), then I will send it to you at the beginning of the week. · 5 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · Laz, Thanks you. BTW....I'm a computer programmer and have over 15 years experience with excel and vba. Don't think it will be to hard for me to follow. · 5 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Sword, it's not hard to follow in terms of computer logic. there are a number of varialbes and different pages that tie into each other when I use my entire program. What I will send will be a single page only and confined to a single distance only. · 5 days ago ·

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travel_vic · all the clones never quite get the original correct. · 5 days ago ·

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On The Gallop's · Sullivan- Strangle me?...lol. Good for a laugh. Your comparing Mike De kock's string with Ballydoyle??..>LOL! · 5 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · LMAO - Laz why you cloning the original? Are we thinking for our self and adopting to changes in the game? · 5 days ago ·

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Sullivan · Saying Frankel didn't run in the Arc because of the ground and then referring to European Racing as "we". Good for a laugh. · 5 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Seord, I think he meant clowning. I wonder who he was referring to. · 5 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Sword, or course you know that in my secret language, an'e' is really a 'w'. · 5 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · Laz - He is referring to anyone that don't use DOS, excuse me MS-DOS...:-) lol · 5 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · I wonder if he still uses his Commodore. · 5 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · Typo: I meant to say...anyone that use DOS/Commodore. · 4 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · don't^ · 4 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · He probably thinks you mean Dos Equis and then he will say that the Dos Equis man is really him. · 4 days ago ·

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zxswordxz · hahahahha...I think someone on this forum consider him the Dos Equis man. · 4 days ago ·

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Game On Dude pads bankroll in Charles Town Classic

It looked like the big favorite was in danger, but Game On Dude dug in gamely to hold off his challengers by one-half length at the wire of the $1.5 million Charles Town Classic.Read More

Show All 22 Comments
LanieJohnson · I remember the first time I saw him race and I sent a text to my brother as I knew he was watching. that text just said "Watch Game on Dude in the back. He didn't disappoint then and he steps up and gives his best still.I was standing in front of the rail at the 2011 BC when he and his lady almost made history..I really felt for her and for the Dude...it was one I'll not soon forget! · 58 days ago ·

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mrsmaryzinke1 · Dude has totally grown on me. Liked him all last and love him now. Nothing wrong with taking all of that cash. · 58 days ago ·

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mrsmaryzinke1 · *all last year · 58 days ago ·

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jane.raymond.7 · "He dun good, didnt he, Fred?" -Snowman, from Smokey & The Bandit. AND RtG hit the board, too! :) · 57 days ago ·

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tmallios1 · congrats to the dude and his connections.without trying to be to critical of a jock.when is the light bulb going to go off in these connections heads that jose lezcano is not a big time rider.he was thrown off royal delta and she took off.he was thrown off winter memories and she took off.he was tossed from normandy invasion and he was a different horse in the wood.last night,he lost by a length.to sit back about 10 to 12 lengths on that bull ring.then decide to inch up during the backstretch.on the turn he was in gear.was clueless in the lane to go outside or inside.he is a good rider,but he is becomming similar to bejerano.when the money is down,unless they tower over the field.they never seem to give their horses the big chance to win.not saying would of won or he is better than the dude.but for the final sixteenth was navigating for a spot instead of striding out · 57 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Dude proved something at CT, that he could win outside of Southern Cal. · 57 days ago ·

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CauseForConcern · It's just a shame, that he wins out of California, in a $1.5M race, and only faces five opponents. Guess that's why it's a Grade II running at 9:30 at night? · 57 days ago ·

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amino998 · Charles Town Clash of the Titans April 20, 2013 5:29 PM In recent years the Charles Town Classic has become one of the most anticipated races of the year for the Older Male Division. lol. · 57 days ago ·

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shadowno · Now he can go home to Cal,i take the Californian and be only the 3rd repeat winner in almost 80 yrs and likely the LAST winner of the Hollywood Gold Cup. · 57 days ago ·

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head_heart_hooves · The Dude abides. I don't know about you but I take comfort in that. It's good knowin' he's out there. The Dude. Takin' 'er easy for all us sinners. Shoosh. I sure hope he makes the finals. · 57 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Liked that very much, HHH ! · 57 days ago ·

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Aviator · The dude abides. Very nice HHH. Hey! There's a beverage here!!! · 57 days ago ·

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toni arias von hohenzollern · ***game on dudde... best... salir delante es una gran ventaja en la arena.. infalible. "te digo una cosa si cojo a "clubhouse ride" lo bato en la triple corona.. "se admiten apuesta".. toni arias von hohenzollern... · 56 days ago ·

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likin sparks · He's daddy's best son! · 56 days ago ·

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On The Gallop's · C'mon Likin Sparks- Better then Ghostzapper?. No chance. His bankroll is not even that much more then Zapper who had 13 less starts then the Dude. No comparison IMO. cheers. · 55 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Apparently Game on Dude’s Charles Town Classic time has been adjusted down from 1.52.27 to 1.49.93 because of a timer malfunction. His Beyer of 106 for the 1.52.27 time will not be adjusted though. If it was, it might rival some of Ghostzapper’s best mid-twenty Beyers. I agree with Gallops. Ghostzapper will go down as one of the top horses in any decade. I wouldn’t say the same thing for Game On Dude. · 55 days ago ·

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amino998 · Agree>>Speaks volumes about the credibility of Beyer's numbers. · 55 days ago ·

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LAZMANNICK · Exactly! · 55 days ago ·

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rafirox · Amino and LAZ- DEAD ON. · 55 days ago ·

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rafirox · "like" on your guy's comments. · 55 days ago ·

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likin sparks · OTG, I like Ghost Zapper as much as the next guy but if he was subjected to the frequency of GOD's races I think his outcome would have been much different. Anyways GOD has surpassed GZ's winnings by over a million dollars maybe to you that's pocket change but to me it's sheet load more and something tells me he's not finished yet. It all depends on how you look at it... · 55 days ago ·

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travel_vic · on a bull ring, the straightaways (check out Fairplex for example) are so short, even the presser types have a very hard time catching the controlling speed. At Hastings wire to wire horse win in the Summer with such repetitiveness it is crazy, just for that reason. · 55 days ago ·

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Who Has Zenyatta Beaten?

Nineteen up, nineteen down. Zenyatta has done it all. Her quest for a pair of perfect 10s comes in a few weeks at Churchill Downs with the world watching in the Breeders' Cup Classic. But there is an undeniable question standing in her way to 20 consecutive victories -- the competition. Even the mos...Read More

Show All 49 Comments
humphrey · The clock, energy dynamics of pace. the traditonal positional proclivities of the deep closer and EVERY pace thrown at her....The particulars are not any different than that · 970 days ago ·

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humphrey · Bloodhorse has a good article about her http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/wgoh/archive/2010/10/19/lost-opportunities-by-eric-mitchell.aspx · 970 days ago ·

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medlocke · Looks like a pretty respectable group to me. Both male and female alike. Plus, the field she'll face in the 2010 Breeders Cup Classic will only serve to strengthen that list. I challenge any horse, male or female, to give away the weight that Zenyatta has given away so many times in so many races, and see if they still come up undefeated under those taxing circumstances? It's almost unheard of for a deep closer, more often than not, saddled with a boulder while the competition carries a brick, to be able to find the wire every time first without failure. Zenyatta's drive, and refuse to lose attitude is second to none in the sport, worldwide. This mare can run all day long. Stamina will be her deadliest weapon at Churchill Downs. I think both Quality Road and Blame, off of his JCGC run, are suspect at best to not fade at 1-1/4. I think it's likely Lookin At Lucky could prove to be her strongest opposition. But provided that Mike Smith does his job correctly, and times the ride correctly, I think her shear power and closing onslaught will prove too much for all in the race. As I said before, let other horses try giving away the weight that Zenyatta has given on a regular basis. Then see how their lifetime record comes out? Unbelievable that this mare, given her running style, and handicaps in races is still a perfect 19 for 19. Make no mistake. What Zenyatta has already accomplished is history making. If she win's this year's Breeders Cup Classic? It will be legendary for all-time. JMO. · 970 days ago ·

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wildwestzona · I would love to see them do this same list for Rachel's competition. If a horse dominates the FEMALE CLASIC, Wins The BCC, beats Switch (who beat blind luck), beats the horse Zardana(that Rachel lost to), and is 19-0 over a 3 year period - then I don't care if the races are on concrete against donkey's, that is one heck of a career and IMO makes her the greatest female in American Sports Racing History. · 970 days ago ·

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wildwestzona · Forgot to mention: REGAL RANSOM who beat BLAME people. SUMMER BIRD who was voted 2009 MALE champion people!!! GIOPONTI who is the best MALE turf horse in America. · 970 days ago ·

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luvzenyatta · There's that ugly symbol again. I agree totally that Rachel should not ever have a 1 rating, but at this point in Zenyatta's undefeated 19 for 19 career she should never have a red down arrow next to her name. No excuses or explanations accepted:) · 970 days ago ·

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luvzenyatta · Z haters: Repeat after me, 19 for 19, 19 for 19, 19 for 19. There's no denying the greatness of this accomplishment. · 969 days ago ·

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bob46 · Z tea drinkers, repeat after me, Horse of the Year RA, horse of the year RA, horse of the year RA, Poly Lover Zenyatta, Poly lover Zenyatta, Poly lover Zenyatta, · 969 days ago ·

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Skyharbor21 · No one wanted to race her for 2nd at the Apple Blossom. Surely the east coast fillies who excel on dirt would have stepped up to take her on. But no one wanted to get beat, that includes RA. · 969 days ago ·

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perimeters · bob46, Rachel Alexandra did win 2009 Horse of the Year, but she probably ran the weakest campaign of any defending Horse of the Year in 2010. Understand your track surfaces. Zenyatta does not seem to care for Del Mar's Polytrack surface but she wins anyway. She has also won two Grade 1 races on regular dirt, and numerous others on Hollywood's Cushion Track and Santa Anita's Pro-Ride. Since you seem enamoured with Rachel, where was you princess when Zenyatta was romping in the 2010 Apple Blossom? · 969 days ago ·

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cugel the clever · LOL - Pathetic to see the zenyphiles defending the supposed "strength" of last year's BCC field. I notice the poll of the day asks who you like to win the Mile, and the great Gio Ponti, who Z beat last year gets only 11% of the vore for 4th place and he isn't even good enough for his connections to enter him in the Classic this year! Yup, Z sure did beat some strong competion last year..... · 969 days ago ·

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mdracing69 · cugel, I read that Gio Ponti is going to be pre-entered in the BC Mile and Classic. “At the moment our intention is to enter in both the races,” Stuart Fitzgibbon, commercial manager at Castleton-Lyons, said Thursday afternoon. · 969 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · I just can't understand why when you have a great mare and a great filly in the same your need for bashing one or the other. 2009 was a great year for the ladies,Zenyatta beat a very strong field in the classic and the woodward was the most brutal race I've ever seen run. Not one horse who ran in the Woodward is running today and not by choice.Every horse in that race took a shot at her and she put them all away.Getting back to Zenyatta 19-0 is a feat not likely to be seen again.Personally I think she she runs it up to 20 no problem.When you chase a horse a good as Gio Ponti out of entering a race that says volumes about just how good she is. · 969 days ago ·

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zilzal89 · The play over here will be to take the 4-1 Zenyatta now, i will probably be able to lay her at much reduced odds come postime. What do all you folks over there think of the pace of the race?? as it looks set up for the closers here · 969 days ago ·

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medomoreno · I find it sad to witness pettiness regarding this issue. In my opinion, any race including Gio Ponti, Blame, Quality Road, Haynesfied, and Lookin' At Lucky is a helluva race; throw in Zenyatta: WOW!!! Sit back & enjoy. The goal is to win, and for any stretch-runner that translates into: getting up in time. Zenyatta's closest margins of victory have been in races in which the 6 Furlong splits have been: 1:13.06, 1:15.11 [sic], 1:13.64. Does anybody really think that in this coming race we're gonna see a 1:15 split??? · 966 days ago ·

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humphrey · EVERY horse that dared go into the gate with her. · 966 days ago ·

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medomoreno · I find it sad to witness pettiness regarding this issue. In my opinion, any race including Gio Ponti, Blame, Quality Road, Haynesfied, and Lookin' At Lucky is a helluva race; throw in Zenyatta: WOW!!! Sit back & enjoy. The goal is to win, and for any stretch-runner that translates into: getting up in time. Zenyatta's closest margins of victory have been in races in which the 6 Furlong splits have been: 1:13.06, 1:15.11 [sic], 1:13.64. Does anybody really think that in this coming race we're gonna see a 1:15 split??? · 966 days ago ·

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curlin · I have a question to the zenyatta "haters": Do you want her to get beat? I understand you feel she is overrated but, would you not love to see her win? If she were to win she'd be undoubtably a top 5 horse all time. Do you not want to see history? I'm of the group that this year does nothing but add to her legacy. IMO even if she loses she is still an all time great. I just don't see how people can root against her. I was never a fan of RA but I always wanted her to win. Mainly because it would look better when zenyatta beat her. (now we won't get a chance to see that happen). It is just unbelievable to me how you can root against her. · 966 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · this prior bcc10, blame proved himself to be a very worthy horse in nosing out zenyatta, albeit on his home track, and a surface more familiar to him than to zen. you could say now that he is the best horse she has met in the classic on dirt, but the always game and underappreciated gio ponti should remain right at the top of the list due to his versatility, and the fact that he did as well against goldikova as he did against zenyatta. quality road, haynesfield, musket man should be put way down around 18, 19, 20, as all 3 of them were non-factors in this classic. fly down could probably be moved into about the 11th position. i'd put espoir city in at about 15th or so. lookin' at lucky could be considered at about 10th. · 878 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · in addition, you can see that she has faced the best horses available at least once, that didn't refuse to face her, considering her races were announced well in advance. · 878 days ago ·

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trenchtownrock · Really?....I think that should answer it. · 878 days ago ·

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medlocke · CraigBradshaw, I totally agree. Maybe Zenyatta didn't face the boys as often as myself or many others may have liked? But the one thing you can say is that when she did face the boys, she faced the very best of the best that raced on turf, synthetics, and conventional dirt. And found only one that was able to run a big enough race to withstand her closing kick by mere inches on his home track. A racetrack that Blame had dominated many other G1 winning males throughout his career. Don't get me wrong, I think Blame is a fantastic colt. A real talent that had a great career. But when you can say that you raced 22 of the very best colt's in the world on both synthetics and conventional dirt, and defeated 21 of them soundly, there's certainly no shame in that. If Zenyatta had faced males more often than she face them in her career, would she have more than one loss? Very probably. But I will say that she was a dominant enough race-mare that I don't believe she would've defeated in her division any more often than Goldikova ever get's defeated in hers. TJMO. · 878 days ago ·

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lewpe · Oldest males horses to win the BC Classic were 5 years old. Zenyatta, at 6 years old, takes on 4 year olds in their prime and still puts in a phenomenal performance. She may not have raced many races against the males but as medlocke states she did, indeed, beat 21 of the best soundly. She deserves credit for that. She deserves credit for beating the remaining field in the 2010 BC Classic as well. Her prior 2010 races may have been considered prep races but, as another post states, she gave up weight to lesser experienced opponents to even the odds. She did, in fact, run two very close races which I saw first hand against Switch and Lethal Heat. It's interesting but sad to see the ugly posts that are swirling here which is why I've stayed away. There is a horse for their time and Zenyatta is the horse of our time. She brought renewed interest to the sport for those who have never attended as well as for those of us like myself who have been going to horse racing events for over 30 years. It's exciting to see people genuinely excited again about horse racing. And, it has given us renewed hope in the industry. · 873 days ago ·

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medlocke · Look, did Zenyatta run against the boys as often as we all wanted to see her run against them? Probably not. But when you've raced in back to back Breeders Cup Classics, on two different surfaces, against 22 of the very best colt's in the world that raced on turf, synthetics, and conventional dirt. One can hardly say Zenyatta dodged anybody. And she proved herself better than 21 of the 22 best colt's in the world. Only losing by mere inches to a colt in Blame that was more dominant on the CD track than any other horse in racing has been in the past 2 seasons. JMO. · 840 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · medlocke:Zenyatta ? She won horse of the year for 2010 and went on to mate with Bernardini? This is March 1, 20011 the voting is over wake up, the voting actually took place and she won. Go back to sleep it was just a bad dream. · 840 days ago ·

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Thead'or · This argument is a joke. For some odd Reason every Zenyatta convo somehow has to mention RA's accomplishments. Why? A horse that she never faced, and never will seems to play a questionably big part in her career. Its not who the horses Rachel Alexandra beats, its how she beat them. In the Woodward ANY horse would have gone flat like a cheap tire after the fractions she set. Any 3 year-old filly running in this race [Wait has that ever happened before?] Would have not been anywhere near this field heading for home. She wasn't any 3 year-old filly. Her accomplishments where so far and beyond at that age and gender people got carried away. Trying to pick out minor things, fact is she never let us down that year. Her owners paid the price for it, but we got to see hints of what was of 2009 in 2010. · 839 days ago ·

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footlick · Can we just stop! Why tear down either animal. Let's move on. Please!!!!! · 839 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · not trying to dredge up old arguments, but if you read the list, plus the 12 males she finished ahead of in the bcc11, she bettered 30+ G1 winners in her career. · 649 days ago ·

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CauseForConcern · CraigBradshaw: Most were running on her track for the first time(synthetic). You want to come to my house? I'll beat you anytime you wanna play basketball. Don't know if I can beat you at your house, but, then that's another story. · 649 days ago ·

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WesWhite · Goldikova bested almost as many Grade 1 winners in 1 year. Laughable. · 649 days ago ·

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HORSEFACE · CauseForConcern.....AMan.... she was a synthetic specialist...!!! just average away from home. · 649 days ago ·

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CauseForConcern · medlocke: You stated that Zenyatta won back-to-back BC's on two different surfaces. She won both BC's at the same track, same surface. · 649 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · Whats pitiful is that you people had to go back 190 days to start another lame argument between ztchtes · 649 days ago ·

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TimSmith · Seriously MOVE ON.. There are two sides to this argument and neither ever gives in.. Quit being pathetic and move on. · 648 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · ww, cfc, horseface.....three teenyboppers still throwing spitwads at a horse. weakest arguments i've ever seen. · 648 days ago ·

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RamonDimas · she beat the best males horses in the U.S. · 648 days ago ·

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CraigBradshaw · and, several G1 winning females, and the best at the time, ginger punch, for a total of well over 40 G1 horses beat by z. · 644 days ago ·

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MarcelloMarocco · IMO she did NOT face the best Turf horses in 2009, if the best Turf Horses raced her Sea The Stars would have won, Conduit could have won, Fame and Glory could have won, Henry the navigator could have won. beating Twice over at 3, RVW @3 ( rode completely wrong in that race up close) is not convincing enough to me that she beat the so called BEST. The BEST raced in the ARC, and the BC Turf, and stuck to their disciplines, and watch the race again to see Gio Ponti have a horrid trip until he found room at the 16th pole. JMO. · 629 days ago ·

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MarcelloMarocco · Plus with all due respect to Blame(who is a champion Dirt Horse) who did she race in last years BCC that was a legitimate 10f horse? Musket man?, Espoir City?, First Dude(maybe this year before retiring) Paddy O'Prado?, Quality Road(love him to death, and was injured during the race). The only 10f horses finished in the top 4. That Field was not as loaded as people would like to think, in regards to legitimate 10 f horses. But Zenyatta still had a tremendous record, and regardless if she raced vs fillies/Mares 95% of the time she still won 18 races in that regard. Hell of a record. · 629 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · @MarcelloMarocco: With all due respect, Sea The Stars, Conduit, Henry the Navigator, Fame and Glory did not show up, Zenyatta did. It's pretty odd how many horses didn't show up or retired rather than face her. As far as losing to Blame by eight inches that was one of the best races I've ever watched regardless of the out come. Running down a great closer in his own right (Blame) is no small accomplishment. Some trainers who feel she could run with the best ever are, Allen Jerkens, Nick Zito, Bob Baffert, John Nerud etc. As with all posts they tend to be very subjective so I believe in time her greatness will be more appreciated. Have a nice day. · 629 days ago ·

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CauseForConcern · Marcello, get your gender right. · 629 days ago ·

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MarcelloMarocco · Cause for Concern- What Gender would yo be refering too?.... When I said She it was Zenyatta I spoke of. Read more carefully. · 625 days ago ·

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MarcelloMarocco · Icy - Yes the horses I listed ran in the ARC, and BC Turf(conduit). These horses run 12f, not 10. Sea The stars beating Zenyatta would have proved nothing after the field he beat in the ARC. Not to mention that they don't run 10f on synthetics, nor do they run 10f period. 12f is the distance of preference. · 625 days ago ·

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MarcelloMarocco · They do run 10f, but 12f is the classic distance, and most of the Major races are mostly run at that distance · 625 days ago ·

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icyhotboo · @MarcelloMarocco : I don't need any lessons on horse racing especially as redundant as your are! · 625 days ago ·

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MarcelloMarocco · Icyhotboo- Ahhhh whats wrong?....hate hearing the truth?....redundent...Lol...hardly · 612 days ago ·

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MarcelloMarocco · I never new Correcting myself was considered be redundant?.... · 612 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · I am so evil · 59 days ago ·

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amino998 · Glad I missed it>>OK. move along people, nothing to see here>>move along :) · 59 days ago ·

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Superhorse ready to be unveiled

A story like this is too big to hold back any longer. Perhaps ready to eclipse Secretariat as the best known thoroughbred of modern times within a single race, or maybe two, Deep Elem Blues (that is what I will call him, as I promised not to use the true name of this horse until his first career rac...Read More

Show All 17 Comments
dlh · April fools day jokes are childish. · 77 days ago ·

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Mr. Thirsty · Nice April Fools joke Brian! · 77 days ago ·

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rayjay · How are they going to hide the wings?! · 77 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · Good one, Brian. · 77 days ago ·

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drayton.nay · Sounds like Verrazano !!! · 77 days ago ·

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doug.nassif · I wish this was real.... · 77 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · Oh how nice it is to imagine such horses! · 77 days ago ·

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kaitlinefree1 · April Fools to you too! I was all excited for a second... · 77 days ago ·

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buckpasser · Nice job. Forgot for a moment what day it was. · 77 days ago ·

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rafirox · I read this whole thing, thinking you were serious, Brian. Not only until I read the comments did I remember it was April Fools Day. Thanks for reminding me, I might pull a prank on my kids when they come home from school ;). · 77 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · What if this did actually happen, and all of us, thinking it was just a prank, thought everybody else was lying about the real superhorse · 77 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Downhill training track ;) ? · 77 days ago ·

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AnnaK · The words silky and invasor kept popping up as I read this. Wrong again! · 77 days ago ·

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rpkelly55 · Nice try Brian, but I fell for Sidd Finch - I won't fall for this. Happy April Fools Day! · 77 days ago ·

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TampaBayDowns Fan · If this was real, go Indiana! hahaha · 77 days ago ·

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jmcleav · yep..too good to be true..April Fools 4 sure.. · 77 days ago ·

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likin sparks · Reminds me of the infamous super horse Fly Lexis Fly that was supposed to destroy all the competition in the USA...that to ended up as an April Fools joke. · 77 days ago ·

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Fort Larned loses rider, Discreet Dancer pounces

In a strange turn of events, Discreet Dancer finished a pole behind the Breeders' Cup Classic champ, but got the official win over the riderless horse.Read More

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AndyScoggin · That will serve as a heck of a workout for Fort Larned. I hope he didn't damage the hoof too much when he grabbed the quarter. 102 BSF for Discreet Dancer, who will make some noise in the sprint division. Big day for the Toddster! · 100 days ago ·

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kaitlinefree1 · i keep watching this race over & over again. & from what i've heard, it sounds like Fort Larned was having some fun! it took awhile for them to catch him. · 100 days ago ·

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patti.henker · Glad he's ok! Show this race to all the people that say racing is cruel and tell me that isn't a horse that loves his job! · 100 days ago ·

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jay s. · Apparently he knew where the finish line was because you can see him on the screen in the gallop-out just ahead of the winner. I've seen several times when an older gelding would lose a rider, rate himself, and pass the front horse just before the wire. Then, pull himself up. They know the score. · 100 days ago ·

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jane.raymond.7 · Just goes to show how well trained some of these horses are - they know how to save ground, when to switch leads, and when to pull up all by themselves! I hate that he grabbed a quarter (prolly hurtin like hell right about now), but I'm glad that all he came out of it with, and that his rider got nothin but dirty..that was a nasty stumble! · 100 days ago ·

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ashley.tamulonis · With Hernandez still aboard, it would have just been a paid workout because rider or no rider he was clearly the best. Glad he's okay. · 100 days ago ·

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kaitlinefree1 · he knew he won, & was probably confused why he wasn't being led to the winner's circle! · 100 days ago ·

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RichChatter · Fort Larned aside, Discreet Dancer ran a fantastic race. He's a beautiful horse as well. · 100 days ago ·

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Dressage3295 · Who says you need a jockey to win a race? ;) · 99 days ago ·

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Sully · Swear I said this about Discreet Dancer last year. I'm sure someone could confirm, but he just has that sprinter's build. Huge hind end. Hoping for great things from this guy. Maybe he can make up for the short career of Caleb's Posse (I hope). · 99 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · Thinking about starting a "Give Fort Larned the World Record" movement ... Who's with me??? · 99 days ago ·

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jay s. · His run without a rider sure makes Big Red's Belmont with a rider look even more impressive. · 99 days ago ·

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nayrod64 · Watching that horse fly by the other horse's with jockey's. It makes me wonder how much jockeys hold horse's. ???? Just saying · 97 days ago ·

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The Return of Fort Larned

After a four-month freshening, the 2012 Breeder's Cup Classic winner will make his highly anticipated return to the races in Saturday's Gulfstream Park Handicap.Read More

Show All 10 Comments
AndyScoggin · Welcome back is right! Fort Larned, Wise Dan, Dullahan -- I hope they all run big in their returns! · 105 days ago ·

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AnnaK · Exactly welcome back. Cannot Wait! · 105 days ago ·

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travel_vic · This fellow might be even better this time around...Hope so. · 105 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · I only just noticed how SMALL Fort Larned it. It's really profound. · 105 days ago ·

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kaitlinefree1 · welcome back Fort Larned! i hope you get even better this year. · 105 days ago ·

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ronald.dodgen · I thought he was the best horse in the country after his Prm race were he ran his last 3 furlongs in a smokin 35 1/5 seconds. Mucho Macho Man was my previous #1 after his Florida win way back in January with a 3rd and 4th quaters of 46.48 seconds. · 105 days ago ·

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jinlie01 · Discreet Dancer looks solid chance to upset to BC Classic Champ in here...mile is the ideal distance for him. · 100 days ago ·

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Floridaf · It will be interesting if Fort Larned tries to get the lead or if they let Discreet Dancer do the dirty work on the front end. · 100 days ago ·

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travel_vic · IF Ft Farned is ready, he TOWERS over this field · 100 days ago ·

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illhaveanothertriplecrown · Last minute race day picks- W- Fort Larned P= Fort Loudon S- decaf Again 4th Discreet Dancer · 100 days ago ·

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Invasor: First-Ballot Hall of Famer

A Grade 1 winner on three continents, Horse of the Year in two nations, Triple Crown champion, and a winner of the two richest dirt races in the world, you better believe that Invasor is headed to Racing's Hall of Fame.Read More

Show All 12 Comments
Mike in SB · Totally agree, I was lucky enough to see him run twice, in the Pimlico Special and Breeders Cup. He was a great horse and as you said he would often go off in the big races at pretty good odds. He will be in the Hall of Fame. I am looking forward to the article on Chris Antley and personally I think Alex Solis deserves to be in the Hall of Fame as well. · 108 days ago ·

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kaitlinefree1 · he won the Triple Crown in one country, the Breeder's Cup Classic, Dubai World Cup, & many other G1 races. of course he belongs in the Hall of Fame!!! · 108 days ago ·

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tigeronebravo · WITH A RESUME LIKE HIS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND · 108 days ago ·

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goblin · I agree that Invasor deserves to be a first-ballot Hall of Fame horse! He was a unique presence in the U.S., generating excitement and inspiring confidence as he provided win after win regardless of the circumstances of the race. His Breeders' Cup Classic is my favorite. · 108 days ago ·

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cocoa2 · Wish he'd ship to England or SA so his get can actually have a chance to do something and he can get good mares · 108 days ago ·

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AmbitiousD · Thank you for chronicling this wonderful horse's career. I agree that he is well deserving of the Hall of Fame. Although his progeny have not accounted for much yet, it is hard for me to think that he will not sire a high caliber horse in his stud career as well. · 108 days ago ·

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On The Gallop's · Fantastic horse. · 108 days ago ·

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head_heart_hooves · A name I don't hear quite enough of as one of the recent greats. A cool horse. · 108 days ago ·

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mshutty · Little known fact that Invasor is my all-time favorite thoroughbred. There was never a Breeder's Cup Classic contender in which I had so much confidence. Just as the sun broke through after a grey BC day, Invasor comes bounding around that final turn and if you were sitting in the stands at the top of the stretch as I was, there was no doubt who was going to win the Classic. Very deserving horse for a spot in the Hall of Fame. · 107 days ago ·

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HarasSantaInes · We bred Invasor at Haras Santa Ines (ex-Clausan). Great news that #Invasor has been chosen finalist of the 2013 Hall of Fame. We are receiving messages from all around the world! If you like more information, please visit www.harassantaines.com, Twitter @HarasSantaInes, Facebook Haras Santa Ines, and YouTube Haras Santa Ines. Thanks a lot for your great comments! · 106 days ago ·

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Buckpasser · Congratulations Haras Santa Ines on Invasor's induction into the HOF. A well deserved honor I might add. · 106 days ago ·

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AnnaK · Wonderful that he's getting this recognition, a true racehorse. · 106 days ago ·

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Could 2013 be the Year of Bill Mott?

Despite perennial success at the highest level and training one of the sport's most popular runners of the last 20 years, Bill Mott may be poised for his best year yet. Read More

Show All 21 Comments
rubs23 · Formative romped in her return. Looks like she too could be in for a nice career. cigar street too. hoping calistoga shows up @ saratoga for test or alabama. · 117 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · Yes, 2013 could be Mr. Mott's year and I thought 2011 and 2012 were very good years for him, too, with BC and top graded stakes wins. Besides his star, "My" Royal Delta, who(not that) must take much of his attention, he should have success once again in the Jockey Club Gold Cup with Flat Out, and Flat Out should try for another Suburban win, since he does like Belmont so well. I'd like to see both Ron The Greek and Flat Out be a little closer up than they were last year in some races. They can't be so far back at Santa Anita in the BCC, and both were way too far back in the Whitney. I wonder if Royal Delta will be asked to beat males in New York, maybe even in the Jockey Club Gold Cup, instead of repeating in the Beldame. She won at Churchill Downs on Foster day last year. I don't know if she'd be asked to run again, and against males, that soon after a hopefully better finish in Dubai this time. GL to the Mott 3 yo fillies, but I was thinking that the Ladies Classic will be won by My Miss Aurelia. · 117 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · He has a pretty nice turf filly, too, named Tapicat. · 117 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · The Santa Anita Derby has to be tougher this time with Game On Dude probably not giving up in a speed duel. · 117 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · I always do that. Santa Anita Handicap, not Derby. · 117 days ago ·

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AndyScoggin · You have to love, Bill Mott. No doubt 2013 will ANOTHER great year for Mott. · 116 days ago ·

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BrianZipse · When I think of Bill Mott, I still think of Sefa's Beauty and Heatherten ... wonder if I am the only one. · 116 days ago ·

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ashley.tamulonis · I can't believe that I didn't realize how loaded Mott's stable is this year. I think he has a shot at the Derby this year, too. · 116 days ago ·

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jay s. · Brian, I still think of Heatherten from time to time...loved her. I think she may still hold a track record at Oaklawn? Some fast times were laid-down there in 1984. · 116 days ago ·

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jay s. · In 1986 Bill Mott trained one of the most beautiful fillies I've ever seen named Rosemont Risk, She only raced 8 times with four wins. Unfortunate, because she had potential. I don't know why her career was cut short or if she ever had any foals. · 116 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · jay, She had foals from 1989-2004, with a year off a few times. equineline.com 5X pedigrees. Her offspring were not successful on the track, unless you count the gelding, Island Banking by Private Account that won a few minor stakes/handicaps for very low purses. He raced 95 times, mostly in claiming races, earning over 300,000 dollars. · 116 days ago ·

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Mary Z. · She also had Rosemont Star by Diesis in 1988. · 116 days ago ·

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jay s. · Hey...excellent! Thanks for the info Mary. · 116 days ago ·

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jay s. · I was hoping she didn't fatally break-down in her last race. · 116 days ago ·

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CauseForConcern · As jay s. said, I think Heatherten still holds the record @ Oaklawn for 1 1/16 miles. I believe it was 1984. · 116 days ago ·

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travel_vic · John Frank's horse? He had a lot of good ones all over the US. Purchased several off the track in Vancouver and Seattle. His DELTA COLLEEN was simply a legend akin, in her smaller venue, to Zenyatta as her style was the same and that is hard to do on a bull ring. · 116 days ago ·

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travel_vic · 1:40 1/5 Heatherten, toting 116 pounds, set the record on April 18, 1984, in the Apple Blossom Handicap. Owned by John Franks and trained by Bill Mott, Heatherten was ridden by Sam Maple. The record was equalled on Saturday, April 20, 1991, in the Fifth Season Breeders' Cup by Hang On Slewpy · 116 days ago ·

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jay s. · Thanks for the info tv. I completely forgot that John Franks owned this filly. JVB trained a ton of Franks' horses, as well. · 116 days ago ·

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AmbitiousD · In addition to the ones mentioned above, I believe Mott has all of Juddmonte's US based horses in his stable. He sure is coming up loaded this year. · 116 days ago ·

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Breeders' Cup Classic

What the Nation is saying about the Breeders' Cup Classic...