The direction of Breeder's Cup - one man's opinion

I believe there used to be a commercial that said; "you've come a long way baby". That could apply to the Breeder's Cup World Championship races. Created in 1984, this year marks the 27th edition of thoroughbred racing's greatest day. For many years, the day consisted of seven grade I races at different racetracks across the country. Though the years, we've seen many great thoroughbreds win on this championship day. But like many things today, the traditions of the past change and evolve throughout the years.

It also mark's my 25th anniversary of playing these championship races. Back in 1986, there were seven races at Santa Anita Park and at Capital OTB, we were only able to wager on four of the races because of simulcast restrictions at the time. Back then the concept was new and exciting. But, as the year's have moved on, the races have increased, the event has become two days and the race sites have decreased. The Breeder's Cup of today is nothing like what was presented back in 1984.

This year the Breeder's Cup World Championships are now 15 races more than doubling since the first year. The increase of races also has made the cup a two day event. But, the day of championships has been held at only two venues the past four years. This is a trend that many have been questioning and raises the answer whether the Breeder's Cup is losing it's luster for it was really created all those years ago.

Almost every category in racing is covered by the 15 races. With just two races for the two year old runners at one time, it has now increased to five and covering dirt, turf for both sexes and this year a sprint race. The number of pre-entries was a record this year and with the amount of races, also comes many horses that are crossed entered in different events. What once was a chosen few group of horses for seven races, has become a huge event for anybody who nominates their runners to the cup.

It's has made the "event" into a wagering smorgasbord with a lot of ways to stretch your wagering dollar. It's become a nine race daily card of the stars, but does it really show the "true" champions of the sport with so many options. I can live with all the races and with 25 years experience in wagering strategy, I know where and when to pick my spots. The thing that really bothers me though is the lack of racing venues that the Breeder's Cup appears at in recent times. I am sorry, but just racing at Santa Anita and Churchill Downs just doesn't cut in for me.

The event was made to showcase the best horses in a calendar year. Of course there are many different categories and also many different racetracks. But, all the "powers to be" focus on are two, when in year's past the event was spread all across the country. They raced in New York at Belmont and Aqueduct in 1985. Racing came from Gulfstream on several occasions. Even tracks like; Arlington , Monmouth Park , Lone Star Park and Woodbine had a shot to host the event. But, the last few years have ONLY focused on the west coast (Santa Anita) and Churchill Downs where the event will be held this year for the third time in five years. It's time to get back to the revolving host racetracks like the past, to generate interest other than these two spots.

I will be playing next weekend the 15 championship races because I love the sport. It's my opinion in the long term that the Breeder's Cup World Championships should hold the line at 15 races and start getting back to the various different tracks throughout the country. Watering down the sport's biggest day should'nt be done by the people in charge of bring new fans into the sport. So, let's stop with all the races and showcase all the "other" great racetracks throughout the country.

Charismatic & Chris.......rewind and remembering

This past Tuesday evening, I watched the ESPN special about Charismatic, his jockey; Chris Antley and their story. It's been over 12 years since the D.Wayne Lukas trained colt had the "fairytale" story during the 1999 Triple Crown season. A horse who ran for a claiming tag early in his three year old season and then winning two-thirds of the Triple Crown (Kentucky Derby & Preakness). The whole story was two-fold though, about this horse who many thought wasn't good enough to win a grade I race and his jockey; Chris Antley, a talented jockey with "personal" demons that haunted him.

A week after Chris died nearly 11 years ago, I wrote a column about the tragedy. It chronicled his rise to stardom, billed as the "next" Steve Cauthen and his success racing in New York which all came in his early 20's. Talent, success and exposure made it very rough on this young man in this sport. Unfortunately like many others who achieve this stature, sometimes all of it can be trying on an individual. Turning to drug use in 1988 became his downfall, but he battled back and soon regain that top form as a jockey by winning the 1991 Kentucky Derby aboard; Strike the Gold. His career as jockey had it's "ups and downs" during this time period, but Antley stayed "clean". It would be weight issues that plagued him in the late 90's. But once again, he conquered them and was blessed with getting the mount on Charismatic in the spring of 1999.

The ESPN depiction of the story was done quite well. Interviews with the trainers around Charismatic, horse racing people who followed the story and Chris Antley's friends who could give insight on how Chris handled this fame once again in his life. I found the discussions with former jockey; Gary Stevens quite interesting. He brought out the "zest" that Chris had for being so fortunate on riding Charismatic in the Triple Crown races. It was truly a "fairytale" story in every sense. A Hall of Fame trainer, who had his share of winning championship races. A colt who didn't show the caliber of Lukas' previous thoroughbreds, but out ran that form. A jockey, who his was a champion and with a world of talent. But, had his own problems personally which unfortunately overshadowed his great talent. That spring of 1999, they were both on top of the world. But soon like a thoroughbred race it's self, it ended with the results no one wanted to see.

Watching the presentation was very bitter sweet for myself. Of course knowing the outcome is what made it very tough. Tying into the story, the "highs and lows" of our sport unfortunately go hand in hand. The older I get, these sad stories of real life affect me. I never thought at the time, that Charismatic had ANY shot of winning the Kentucky Derby, let alone being a Triple Crown contender. I was a huge fan of Chris Antley as a jockey, right at the time I began showing interest in the sport. The Chris Antley going in that Triple Crown season of 1999 wasn't the same Chris I remembered in the late 80's. But, seeing the story again this past Tuesday night put it all into perspective once again.

We all go though tough times in our life and sometimes we even hit "rock bottom". The key is to always try and pick up yourself and do your best to overcome these things. For some it's easy and others, not so. But for a brief moment in time, a horse with "little" talent and a jockey with a "world" of talent got together and were successful. We were very lucky to see this happened and on the flip side, unfortunately see what real life brings. Life is never easy and this story
showed us both sides, the good and the bad.

Time has run OUT for Mr. Dutrow.....

Usually when I write my weekly column, I like to keep the subject matter "upbeat" and I try to shy away from controversial stories pertaining to our sport. This has been the route I always tried to go, looking at the positive in the world of thoroughbred racing. I tried to stay away from subjects like the plight of NYRA the past decade and direction of racing in regards to legal and illegal drug use. I handled the NYRA situation as kindly and diplomatically as possible. Today, I'll attempt the same in regards to racing and drug usage by one it's leading trainers.

It was announced this past Wednesday, that thoroughbred trainer; Richard "Rick" Dutrow Jr. will be banned in the state of New York as a trainer for ten years with his license revoked. A three member board of the state wagering commission voted unanimously against him and barred him from reapplying during the ten year period. A lifetime ban was considered, but this was the ruling instead. The board ruled that Dutrow was "inconsistent with the best interests of racing" with his activities as trainer.

An appeal has already been put forward by his attorneys in regards to this finding and a motion has been filed seeking a stay in the ruling. Another part of the ruling has Dutrow barred from any racing facilities in New York for 10 years. His attorney; Michael Koenig said the panel ruling was "vindictive and heavy-handed" "contrary to the facts, contrary to the evidence and contrary to any notion of fundamental fairness or due process." This current ruling may put an end to his training days that have been marked by 64 rule violations throughout the years. They varied from minor issues to major medication violations. His past record and the way he has handled it publicly hasn't helped him out either. He is known for his defiance when he was accused of such violations and not afraid to speak out about it to the media. He has had personal problems also, that put a "bad light" on himself as a trainer.

His "ban" in New York state isn't the first state that has done this. Last year, Dutrow was not allowed to race in Kentucky and he has been the "poster child" for what is wrong with thoroughbred racing nationwide. It been said, until the "powers to be" in racing come down hard on him, racing will continue to have a "black eye" and the integrity of the game will be in question. The "straw" the broke the camel's back was on positive violation of a horse last Fall for butorphanol, a powerful painkiller in the post race sample and the discovery of a hypodermic needle in his barn. This got the process rolling in NY for him and may have ended his trainer career permanently.

A lot can be said for his track record to date, the violations, the arrogance when confronted with them. His record with improving horses under strange circumstances. He's NOT the only trainer with questions surrounding his runners, but they way it's been handle by himself has hurt him in many ways. We have a sport that has been under a microscope for many years. Unfortunately, more bad comes out, than good all the time. I like reporting on the good and try to do that most of the time. This is one of the "bad" and don't take pleasure in talking about it. I think time has run out on Rick Dutrow. Too many things have happened and now he has to "face the music". The sport needs to more forward and it should be without Mr. Dutrow.

Can HAVRE de GRACE make it 4 fillies in a row????

This past Saturday afternoon, another filly took a big step toward achieving greatness in the thoroughbred racing world and following the path of two great filly and mares the past two years. Havre de Grace, the four year old daughter of Saint Liam (2005 Breeder's Cup Classic winner) and trained by Larry Jones won the Beldame Handicap and is now headed to this year's Breeder's Cup Classic at Churchill Downs on November 5th. She defeated four other foes on a muddy sealed track by eight and a quarter lengths going the mile and an eighth stakes distance. It was one of the most impressive efforts on the Super Saturday card and now raises the question whether Havre de Grace will be soon mention in the same breath as Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta. Possibly becoming the third straight filly and mare to win Horse of the Year honors.

With her victory Saturday, she has won five out of her six starts this year, with her only defeat to Blind Luck in the mile and a quarter Delaware Handicap in which she was 2nd by a nose. She defeated older colts and geldings at Saratoga in the grade I - Woodward Stakes (the same race Rachel Alexandra won in 2009). Last year, she played second fiddle to Blind Luck in two of three starts against each other when trained by Anthony Dutrow. This year they were one for one against each other, but won't face each other again this year. Because, Blind Luck was no factor last Saturday in a stake at Santa Anita and will miss the Breeder's Cup Distaff because of that effort. So, now Havre de Grace is the top filly in the land and also the leading Horse of the Year contender. But, how does she rate against the last two filly and mares who won this top award?

Let's first look at their campaigns leading toward this year end honor. Rachel Alexandra had a stellar three year old campaign which she was eight for eight and defeated the "boys" three times in 2009. While some thought the undefeated Zenyatta deserved Horse of the Year honors that year, the stretch of eight tough races in a row far eclipse the west coast mare that year. She did return in 2010 for four starts, but wasn't the same horse and that three year old campaign must have taken a toll on her.

It's pretty clear what Zenyatta accomplished last year enroute to her 2010 Horse of the Year honors. She had won 14 straight races and still undefeated going into the year. But, it was her narrow lost in the Breeder's Cup Classic to Blame that vaulted her to year end honors. It just goes to show that, not going out on a winning note and just missing the year before as the best horse when winning the year's biggest race is "payback".

This brings us to Havre de Grace and her year so far in 2011. Last year she played 2nd fiddle to Blind Luck in three year old filly of the year honors. This year, with the three year old colts being average at best and the old male handicap horses being virtually non-existent, she has inherited a good position to win this year's award. She's been on a roll since stepping away from her home base at Delaware Park , found an easy spot versus males (much like Rachel Alexandra did in 2009) by racing in the Woodward Stakes. She won that race and just like the two previous fillies who were champion, defeated males in her quest. Two years ago, Rachel had Zenyatta as her foe and last year, Zenyatta had Blame. This year, Havre de Grace has.......who???? If she can win the Classic, Havre de Grace belongs right up there with the great Rachel and Zenyatta!

SUPER SATURDAY @ Belmont Park

Today is Super Saturday at Belmont Park , the "big" graded stakes day with races that may have implications for the Breeder's Cup coming up in a few weeks at Churchill Downs . Five grade I races and one grade II make up the lineup which may have runners for six different Breeder's Cup races. Even though some of the races have short fields, we get some of the locally based top stakes runners and some new faces from across the country. This is the biggest event at Belmont Park this Fall and we get to see the best older horses in the country.

The first two legs of this day start on the turf going a route distance for the girls and boys. The 5th race is for the filly & mares going a mile and a quarter on grass in the Flower Bowl Invitational. A field of eight are assembled with runners who have raced at Saratoga this past summer with the exception of the outside horse and morning line favorite; Stacelita #8. She was the grade I winner of the Beverly D. Stakes in her last start at Arlington Park . She will be tough to beat again versus her seven foes off that effort and gets top billing here. For second, I'll be using the rail horse; Deluxe #1 trained by Bill Mott. She was a fast closing 2nd in her U.S. debut going a mile in a overnight stakes at Saratoga . Today she stretches out in distance and should improve off that effort. Superfecta and multi-race runners are; Emerald Beech #3 and the state bred Gitchee Goomie #5. In the 6th race we have the male equalant going a mile and a half on the weeds; the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational. A small field is assembled, again with a prohibited favorite in Cape Blanco #1. The morning line odds-on favorite comes off winning efforts in grade I competition since coming stateside. Again, the favorite is my top selection here and for second and third I'll use both Christophe Clement runners; Winchester #5 & Grassy #6.

Up next are two races for the sprinters and milers who are quite not up to the Breeder's Cup Classic distance. The 7th race is the Vosburgh Stakes for sprinters going six furlongs. A field of seven are entered with an entry and is the biggest field of the day. Not to sound like a "broken" record, but my top pick is (again) the possible favorite for the race. Trappe Shot #8 just missed last time out in AG Vanderbilt Stakes at Saratoga . Today with a better set up, he should be able to handle this group. His two main opponents, my selections for 2nd and 3rd are a seasoned veteran making his first NY appearance; Euroears #4 and last year's Breeder's Cup Sprint champion; Big Drama #6 who makes only his third start of the year. Next up is an interesting race going a flat mile; the Kelso Stakes (8th). Formally raced on grass, we get a short field of only five and the return of Uncle Mo #3 making his first start versus older horses. This time around, I'll try to beat him at the 4-5 morning line odds and go with the rail horse; Jersey Town #1. The winner of last year's Cigar Mile at Aqueduct, he gets the call here as the "price" in the race. For 2nd and 3rd, I'll use Uncle Mo and the "renaissance" horse Jackson Bend #2.

The final two races showcase horses for the Distaff and Classic. In the 9th race; the Beldame Invitational which is a mile and an eighth, the prohibited favorite is Havre de Grace #5 and should be. She beat the "boys" last time out in the Woodward Stakes at Saratoga and after today, should have a date (again) versus the "boys" in the Breeder's Cup Classic. For 2nd, I'll use the three year old filly; Royal Delta #2. In the finale, the premier race for the older males at Belmont is the Jockey Club Gold Cup at a mile and a quarter. The leading three year old colt; Stay Thirsty #4 takes on his elders for the first time. He has become the top three year this past summer and with the weight allowance here, he gets the call for me. The "horse to beat" and my 2nd choice is part of the entry; Flat Out #1 who rallied last time out versus Havre de Grace in the Woodward Stakes. Drosselmeyer #5 can round out your trifecta.