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!
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