Best Breeder's Cup?

[Sightseek]

What year would you rank as having the best Breeder's Cup?

[Antitrust32]

What year would you rank as having the best Breeder's Cup?


I've only been to one, in 1999 at the old Gulfstream, and it was awesome. Great racing, Artax's performance sticks out. And Hugh Hefner and his girlfriends didnt hurt.


I liked the one at Woodbine a lot also.

[10 pnt move up]

I've only been to one, in 1999 at the old Gulfstream, and it was awesome. Great racing, Artax's performance sticks out. And Hugh Hefner and his girlfriends didnt hurt.


I liked the one at Woodbine a lot also.

On that biased track, cmon.

I like 1994 at Churchill, look at the list of winners.

[Cannon Shell]

2008

[parsixfarms]

On that biased track, cmon.

That speed bias sure helped Anees.

[Cannon Shell]

This year's Breeders' Cup promises to be better than 2008.
I dont know. I made money last year. Doubt that happens again.

[brianwspencer]

I like 2008...only because it was my first one in person.

I think I actually enjoyed the races top to bottom the best the last time it was at Churchill, what 2006?

[parsixfarms]

I think I actually enjoyed the races top to bottom the best the last time it was at Churchill, what 2006?

On that biased track, cmon. ;)

[brianwspencer]

On that biased track, cmon. ;)

I can't tell if your wink is sarcastic about the track being biased or about me liking it....so I won't touch that :D

[randallscott35]

Churchill 2000.

Personally. Belmont 2005

[Cannon Shell]

I like 2008...only because it was my first one in person.

I think I actually enjoyed the races top to bottom the best the last time it was at Churchill, what 2006?
The first one may have been the best one. From a desperate Wild Again holding on in a great finish, Chiefs Crown beating the future Preakness winner in Tanks Prospect and Derby and HOY Spend a Buck in the juvy, the DQ in the juvy filly, Eillo won a pretty weak sprint, Royale Heroine blitzing the mile in TR time and defeating among others Cozzene, Princess Rooneys dominating Distaff romp, Lashkari beating All Along in the turf for the Aga Khan, it was a unbelievable day of racing. That was before tracks stacked stakes races on their big days outside of the supporting races on TC days, there wasnt nearly the amount of shipping cross country, there were no super trainers outside of Wayne Lukas and people were a whole lot less cynical about horse racing.

[brianwspencer]

The first one may have been the best one. From a desperate Wild Again holding on in a great finish, Chiefs Crown beating the future Preakness winner in Tanks Prospect and Derby and HOY Spend a Buck in the juvy, the DQ in the juvy filly, Eillo won a pretty weak sprint, Royale Heroine blitzing the mile in TR time and defeating among others Cozzene, Princess Rooneys dominating Distaff romp, Lashkari beating All Along in the turf for the Aga Khan, it was a unbelievable day of racing. That was before tracks stacked stakes races on their big days outside of the supporting races on TC days, there wasnt nearly the amount of shipping cross country, there were no super trainers outside of Wayne Lukas and people were a whole lot less cynical about horse racing.

But I didn't attend it with Scav, therefore it cannot be a finalist.











crinkle crinkle



trash can

[randallscott35]

This chart alone should make it 2000. An amazing chart of horses who matter....of sires who matter....

Stakes - For Thoroughbred Two Year Old Colts and Geldings One And One Sixteenth Miles on the Dirt
Purse: $1,000,000 Guaranteed
Value of Race: $980,120 1st $556,400, 2nd $214,000, 3rd $128,400, 4th $59,920,
5th $21,400
Weather: Cloudy Track: Fast
Off at: 4:02 Start: Good for all

Pgm HorseName (Jockey) Wgt M/E PP SP 1/4 1/2 3/4 Str Fin Odds
4 Macho Uno (Bailey, J.D.) 122 L 4 3 4-Head 5-1 4-Head 2-2 1/2 1-Nose 6.30
1 Point Given (Stevens, G.L.) 122 L b 1 10 10-Head 12-Head 14 6-1 1/2 2-1 1/2 8.10
9 Street Cry (IRE) (Flores, D.R.) 122 L 9 7 8-Head 9-2 6-1/2 3-2 3-1/2 5.60
14 Burning Roma (McCarron, C.J.) 122 L 14 14 14 13-1/2 9-2 5-1 4-Neck 41.70
10 Arabian Light (Sellers, S.J.) 122 L 10 4 1-1 1/2 1-1/2 1-1/2 1-1 5-3/4 9.70
7 Turnberry Isle (IRE) (Kinane, M.J 122 L 7 13 13-2 14 10-Head 8-2 1/2 6-1 48.40
8 City Zip (Santos, J.A.) 122 L 8 2 3-1/2 4-Head 5-1 1/2 4-1/2 7-2 3/4 32.80
12 Flame Thrower (Espinoza, V.) 122 L 12 5 2-Head 2-1/2 2-1 7-1/2 8-1 1/4 5.40
2 Scorpion (Gomez, G.K.) 122 L s 2 1 7-1 7-1 8-1/2 9-5 9-3 1/2 46.80
3 Dollar Bill (Migliore, R.) 122 L 3 12 12-Head 11-1 13-1/2 10-1/2 10-2 1/4 33.20
5 Noverre (Dettori, L.) 122 L 5 6 6-Head 6-Head 7-1/2 11-1 11-2 1/2 35.80
11 Yonaguska (Day, P.) 122 L bs 11 8 5-1/2 3-Head 3-Head 12-1 12-1 1/2 9.80
13 Trailthefox (Prado, E.S.) 122 L 13 11 11-1 10-Head 12-3 13-6 13-5 64.60
6 A P Valentine (Chavez, J.F.) 122 L c 6 9 9-2 1/2 8-1/2 11-1/2 14 14 2.40*
Fractional Times: 23.40, 46.98, 1:11.21, 1:35.71, 1:42.05

[dellinger63]

I think I actually enjoyed the races top to bottom the best the last time it was at Churchill, what 2006?

I'd vote for that. Other than Invasor it was a great day. Plus we had the benefit of Byk running down to tell us to pound Street Sense as the bias was obvious. Red Rocks was especially nice though was a bit chilly for the FL and Irish human-shippers. Speaking of that Hooves call me!


http://i714.photobucket.com/albums/ww148/Dellinger63/theguysmv3.jpg

[jballscalls]

2004 at Lone Star was my fave! as to the best, probably one from before i really watched

[CSC]

Toss up between Woodbine in 96 and CD in 98 for me.

[MISTERGEE]

Maybe because I was there but go with 1989 at Gulfstream. Just to name a few Bayakoa, Go For Wand, and of course Sunday Silence over Easy Goer

[randallscott35]

For the best turf Mile I've ever seen(impressive wise) was this one from 2001.

Belmont Park - October 27th, 2001 - Race 5
Race name: Breeders' Cup Mile
Stakes - For ThoroughbredThree Year Old and UpwardOne Mile On The Turf
Purse: $1,000,000
Value of Race: $1,044,240 1st $592,800, 2nd $228,000, 3rd $136,800, 4th $63,840, 5th $22,800
Weather: Clear Track: Firm
Off at: 2:43Start: Good for all

Pgm HorseName (Jockey) Wgt M/E PP SP 1/4 1/2 3/4 Str Fin Odds
12 Val Royal (FR) (Valdivia, Jr., J.) 126 L 11 11 11-2 1/2 11-2 11-1/2 3-Head 1-1 3/4 5.10
1 Forbidden Apple (Nakatani, C.) 126 L 1 2 4-1/2 4-1/2 2-1 1-1 1/2 2-3/4 8.20
4 Bach (IRE) (Kinane, M.) 126 L 4 6 6-1 6-Head 5-Head 4-1 1/2 3-1 1/2 33.50
13 Irish Prize (Stevens, G.) 126 L 12 10 10-2 1/2 10-1 1/2 9-1/2 5-Head 4-Neck 5.00
2 Navesink (Prado, E.) 123 L 2 7 7-1/2 8-2 8-1/2 7-Head 5-Neck 17.00
10 Brahms (Solis, A.) 126 L b 10 9 9-1 9-1/2 10-1/2 11-Head 6-Neck 12.40
3 Noverre (Dettori, L.) 123 L 3 8 8-2 1/2 7-Head 7-Head 8-1/2 7-1 4.10*
9 Sarafan (Espinoza, V.) 126 L b 9 12 12 12 12 10-1 8-Neck 26.75
6 City Zip (Chavez, J.) 123 L b 6 1 1-1/2 1-Head 1-1/2 2-1/2 9-2 1/4 32.25
7 Express Tour (Velazquez, J.) 123 L 7 4 3-1 3-Head 3-1 1/2 6-Head 10-2 1/4 21.40
8 Affirmed Success (Bailey, J.) 126 L 8 5 5-1/2 5-1 1/2 6-1 1/2 12 11-1 3/4 5.40
5 Balto Star (Day, P.) 123 L 5 3 2-1 2-1 1/2 4-Head 9-1 1/2 12 8.10
Fractional Times:22.79,45.49,1:08.65,1:32.05

[Cannon Shell]

For the best turf Mile I've ever seen(impressive wise) was this one from 2001.

Belmont Park - October 27th, 2001 - Race 5
Race name: Breeders' Cup Mile
Stakes - For ThoroughbredThree Year Old and UpwardOne Mile On The Turf
Purse: $1,000,000
Value of Race: $1,044,240 1st $592,800, 2nd $228,000, 3rd $136,800, 4th $63,840, 5th $22,800
Weather: Clear Track: Firm
Off at: 2:43Start: Good for all

Pgm HorseName (Jockey) Wgt M/E PP SP 1/4 1/2 3/4 Str Fin Odds
12 Val Royal (FR) (Valdivia, Jr., J.) 126 L 11 11 11-2 1/2 11-2 11-1/2 3-Head 1-1 3/4 5.10
1 Forbidden Apple (Nakatani, C.) 126 L 1 2 4-1/2 4-1/2 2-1 1-1 1/2 2-3/4 8.20
4 Bach (IRE) (Kinane, M.) 126 L 4 6 6-1 6-Head 5-Head 4-1 1/2 3-1 1/2 33.50
13 Irish Prize (Stevens, G.) 126 L 12 10 10-2 1/2 10-1 1/2 9-1/2 5-Head 4-Neck 5.00
2 Navesink (Prado, E.) 123 L 2 7 7-1/2 8-2 8-1/2 7-Head 5-Neck 17.00
10 Brahms (Solis, A.) 126 L b 10 9 9-1 9-1/2 10-1/2 11-Head 6-Neck 12.40
3 Noverre (Dettori, L.) 123 L 3 8 8-2 1/2 7-Head 7-Head 8-1/2 7-1 4.10*
9 Sarafan (Espinoza, V.) 126 L b 9 12 12 12 12 10-1 8-Neck 26.75
6 City Zip (Chavez, J.) 123 L b 6 1 1-1/2 1-Head 1-1/2 2-1/2 9-2 1/4 32.25
7 Express Tour (Velazquez, J.) 123 L 7 4 3-1 3-Head 3-1 1/2 6-Head 10-2 1/4 21.40
8 Affirmed Success (Bailey, J.) 126 L 8 5 5-1/2 5-1 1/2 6-1 1/2 12 11-1 3/4 5.40
5 Balto Star (Day, P.) 123 L 5 3 2-1 2-1 1/2 4-Head 9-1 1/2 12 8.10
Fractional Times:22.79,45.49,1:08.65,1:32.05
Really? I thought that mile was one of the weakest editions.

[randallscott35]

I think Val Royal got a 116 Beyer for this and looked every bit the part doing it incredibly wide and virtually under a hand ride....Not saying anything about the field.

[Cannon Shell]

I think Val Royal got a 116 Beyer for this and looked every bit the part doing it incredibly wide and virtually under a hand ride....Not saying anything about the field.
He did come from a long ways back

[CSC]

How can anyone forget the BC Mile where Domedriver won at 25-1, Rock Of Gibralter finishing second, and Landseer breaking down. The good, the bad and the ugly all in one...

BTW I bet DD that day and was obviously happy, but not happy when you saw Prado's interview of Landseer after the race.

[philcski]

I'd vote for that. Other than Invasor it was a great day. Plus we had the benefit of Byk running down to tell us to pound Street Sense as the bias was obvious. Red Rocks was especially nice though was a bit chilly for the FL and Irish human-shippers. Speaking of that Hooves call me!



Bias? really? It was the 4th race of the day, and logical horses had won the first 3 races. How would anyone have surmised there was a bias by that point? Steve was all over Street Sense weeks before that after his premature move in the Keeneland race. (even though I disagree there was a bias anyways, if you do believe there was a bias that day then Invasor was even more impressive. In retrospect there wasn't an oddball dirt result at all.)

Really? I thought that mile was one of the weakest editions.

Me too... One of the 3 BC's I've actually attended, however it was a great day overall with it being one of the first major sports events in NYC after 9/11 and the great Classic.

[The Indomitable DrugS]

It's very hard to seperate a great number of them. I'd give a slight edge to 1989 though.

[MISTERGEE]

How can anyone forget the BC Mile where Domedriver won at 25-1, Rock Of Gibralter finishing second, and Landseer breaking down. The good, the bad and the ugly all in one...

BTW I bet DD that day and was obviously happy, but not happy when you saw Prado's interview of Landseer after the race.
Agreed, Domedriver splitting hoprses at 25-1, and the Rock making a furious charge form dead last

[cakes44]

In retrospect there wasn't an oddball dirt result at all

I thought Round Pond romping in any field was an oddball result.

Either way, I liked 2005 a bunch, but that was the only BC in which I had some success.

[CSC]

Agreed, Domedriver splitting hoprses at 25-1, and the Rock making a furious charge form dead last

That was a fcuking range of emotions, I was yelling one moment that I caught a flyer and the next moment you couldn't help yourself from feeling like crap, Prado was genuinely sincere about the loss of Landseer. A range of emotions that I doubt I will ever feel again after a race.

[randallscott35]

That was a fcuking range of emotions, I was yelling one moment that I caught a flyer and the next moment you couldn't help yourself from feeling like crap, Prado was genuinely sincere about the loss of Landseer. A range of emotions that I doubt I will ever feel again after a race.

I got published in the NY Daily News because I wrote to complain about the picture of Landseer splashed across the coverage with his leg literally hanging off on the horse.

[CSC]

I got published in the NY Daily News because I wrote to complain about the picture of Landseer splashed across the coverage with his leg literally hanging off on the horse.

Good for you to bring that up, that was ridiculous, I don't know if anyone noticed but I caught Tabor I think smiling after that race on the TV. I'm not sure what was said but that really peed me off, I know the guy had Hawk Wing and High Chaparral in the same yr but that was too cold for words.

[DaTruth]

The first one may have been the best one. From a desperate Wild Again holding on in a great finish, Chiefs Crown beating the future Preakness winner in Tanks Prospect and Derby and HOY Spend a Buck in the juvy, the DQ in the juvy filly, Eillo won a pretty weak sprint, Royale Heroine blitzing the mile in TR time and defeating among others Cozzene, Princess Rooneys dominating Distaff romp, Lashkari beating All Along in the turf for the Aga Khan, it was a unbelievable day of racing. That was before tracks stacked stakes races on their big days outside of the supporting races on TC days, there wasnt nearly the amount of shipping cross country, there were no super trainers outside of Wayne Lukas and people were a whole lot less cynical about horse racing.

In the early years of the BC, one of the criticisms was that it offered too much good racing at one place on one day. Supporters pointed out that that format was needed to attract NBC. My how things have changed. The Cup has runneth over to be spread over two days, and mega stakes days have become the norm around the country.

[philcski]

I thought Round Pond romping in any field was an oddball result.

Either way, I liked 2005 a bunch, but that was the only BC in which I had some success.

I knew that one would come up. Maybe I'm biased because I bet a LOT of money on her that day, but she won the Acorn, Fantasy, Azeri, and finished 2nd in the Molly Pitcher and a bad-trip 3rd in the Beldame and absolutely fit with that group. Keep in mind the two favorites also DNF'd (sadly). The very good Happy Ticket ran 2nd via DQ producing a very overlaid $446 exacta.

[cakes44]

I knew that one would come up. Maybe I'm biased because I bet a LOT of money on her that day, but she won the Acorn, Fantasy, Azeri, and finished 2nd in the Molly Pitcher and a bad-trip 3rd in the Beldame and absolutely fit with that group. Keep in mind the two favorites also DNF'd (sadly). The very good Happy Ticket ran 2nd via DQ producing a very overlaid $446 exacta.

Trust me, I know Happy Ticket finished 2nd. I pounded that horse WP and and in exactas with just about every horse but Round Pond. Apparently, the prep race for RP was just too bad to be true.

[-BT-]

How can anyone forget the BC Mile where Domedriver won at 25-1, Rock Of Gibralter finishing second, and Landseer breaking down. The good, the bad and the ugly all in one...

BTW I bet DD that day and was obviously happy, but not happy when you saw Prado's interview of Landseer after the race.


most memorable for me, hands down. I touted Domedriver for weeks going into that race, had w/p and the exacta a couple times, never forget the way Domedriver split horses to get home, and how fast the rock was closing as well :)

http://www.breederscup.com/greatestmoments.aspx?year=2002%20&divisionname=mile

the one that will live with me until the day i die, Arcangues in 1993. My first BC and i was a HUGE Bertrando fan, tough to watch

http://www.breederscup.com/greatestmoments.aspx?year=1993&divisionname=classic

-bt-

[brockguy]

From what I remember
2000 Churchill - Good but would have been better had Giants Causeway won the BC
2001 Belmont - Loved this one. Johannesburg, Fantastic Light and Tiznow winning again
2002 Arlington - Should have been there but for a mishap, not one of my favourites
2003 Santa Anita - Yeah loved this one, Had Cajun Beat..the turf is still one of the most exciting races ive ever seen
2004 Lone Star - all i remember from this was Ghostzapper and Ouija and Jamie Spencer
2005 Belmont - , was cold, Shirocco saved my day.
2006 Churchill - was freezing, had a great laugh and some cracking races
2007 Monmouth - a nightmare
2008 Santa Anita - 1st day OK, 2nd day from Muhannak to Ravens Pass via Conduit was brilliant!!

[Cannon Shell]

First of all, I have great faith in you.

(Secondly, are you trying to say that you will bounce this year off of last year's effort?)
I'm a trainer so obviously I have no clue how to handicap or bet. I doubt I will have any 35-1 shots who I absolutely love again though.

[DaTruth]

The 1985 edition was pretty good. Precisionist, Cozzene, and Pebbles were noteworthy winners. Some very nice horses hit the board including Lady's Secret, Smile, Turkoman, and Gate Dancer. Then there was the Overbrook owned/Jonathan Sheppard trained colt who was nailed at the wire in the Juvy and who would make quite a splash as a sire.

[gamblin4ever]

Lone Star 2004 for me.

[Indian Charlie]

1992, 1989, 1985.

1993 was pretty good too. Kotashaan and the Phone Chatter, Sardula, Heavenly Prize race.

[Holland Hacker]

I'm amazed that 1988 at Chuchhill downs hasn't been mentioned.

Personal Ensign nipping Winning Colors and Goodbye Halo in the shadow of the wire.

Alysheba defeating Seeking the Gold, Forty Niner, Personal Flag, Cryptocleance, Waquiot and Slew City Slew.

Great Communicator beating Sunshine Forever in the Turf.

Miesque winning her second BC turf mile over Steinlen and destroying my all times favorite horse Bet Twice who never should have been in the mile.

Is it True beating Easy Goer in the Juvenile over a course that Easy Goer clearly despised. Too bad for him he caught a similar track a few months later in the derby.

Open Mind winning the Juvenile Fillies as one of a five horse Lukas Entry that completed the trifecta.

And Of course Gulch winning the Sprint coming from off the pace. (I'm still amazed that Leroy Jolley got him to go a route of ground in the Triple Crown races.)

[NTamm1215]

2006 was the best for me from a wagering standpoint. 2004 was the best from a fan perspective as I was live to see Ghostzapper. 2007 was a mess because of the weather but I really, really love Monmouth Park, so it had a great deal of appeal.

The Distaff and Sprint from 1999 will always be personal highlights as I've always been a huge Jorge Chavez fan but now having met Richard Migliore and knowing what an absolute class act he is, the 2008 Turf Sprint will have added significance.

That being said, wasn't the 1993 running pretty fun from start to finish? The Paseana-Hollywood Wilcat battle, Kotashaan and Bien Bien, Arcangues and Phone Chatter...that was a terrific Breeders' Cup.

NT

[citycat]

Trying to be objective I would have to say 2000.

Personally it would have to be 1988. I love Personal Ensign.

[dellinger63]

I'm a trainer so obviously I have no clue how to handicap or bet. I doubt I will have any 35-1 shots who I absolutely love again though.

Miztecca (sp) Hank? ok second suggestion forget

[cal828]

Not one that I made any money on, but still a visually appealing race was Tiznow's win over the Arc winner Sakhee. I think that was 2001. Best for me betting wise was 2003. Worst might have been 2006. I don't think I cashed a ticket.

[GPK]

Churchill 2000.

Personally. Belmont 2005

2005?? Wasn't that was the year you hammered Beautiful Home everyway possible? I think that was her name??

[dellinger63]

2005?? Wasn't that was the year you hammered Beautiful Home everyway possible? I think that was her name??

Can't believe no 2007 Eng Chan vote from you. Horrible weather?

[Soaring Softly]

I agree about 1988. It was chock full of great races.

But the one I want to throw out there is 1987 at Hollywood Park. There was only two of the races in that year that were notably forgettable. The Juvenile was taken by Success Express (who?) and the Distaff was won by 3-year-old Sachuista. She also beat older in the Spinster at Keeneland....was a very nice filly, but not very memorable. But the other five races that day (that was pre-F&M Turf) were great.

Juvenile Fillies - Epitome (13/1) came from the clouds to run down heavily favored Jeanne Jones right at the wire. It was one of those "crowd is silenced" moments we see from time to time, and boy was the silence deafening!

Sprint - Very Subtle (17/1) just smoked hot-shot Groovy, who has to be the only horse to lose a Breeders Cup race two years in a row at odds-on. I'll still never understand how she went off at that price!

Mile - The first of two consecutive victories by the sparkling Miesque. Boy, did she put on a show!

Turf - Theatrical and Arc-winner Trempolino separate themselves from the field and battle the length of the stretch. It was also a race between the "Pats"....Day and Eddery. More opposite riding styles you'll never see. Theatrical prevailed in a race that I still think is one of the greatest I've ever seen.

Classic - What can you say? 1986 Derby-winner Ferdinand prevailing by a nose, holding off 1987 Derby-winner Alysheba. It was the match-up that everybody wanted to see, and we were not disappointed. Certainly one of the top five Breeders Cup Classics ever!

Any love for 1987?

[GPK]

Can't believe no 2007 Eng Chan vote from you. Horrible weather?

I just assumed that would obviously be my vote.

[philcski]

Trust me, I know Happy Ticket finished 2nd. I pounded that horse WP and and in exactas with just about every horse but Round Pond. Apparently, the prep race for RP was just too bad to be true.

I loved Happy Ticket as a racemare. As honest as they come. Was really sad to see her go early, of all the recent passings that was the one that was the most disappointing to me. She ran her eyeballs everytime they sent her out.

As for that day, she wasn't going to win but that DQ was absolutely the correct call and I'm usually for letting them run. She got knocked offstride really bad, it was right in front of our seats. It was a $4400 decision for me because I didn't have Asi Siempre at all and had Round Pond-Happy Ticket 10 times.

I just assumed that would obviously be my vote.

That was the single greatest performance of the Breeders Cups I've attended live. Tiznow a close 2nd and Invasor & Xtra Heat tied for 3rd. The sun came out just before the race, was really cool.

[largo1]

For me, the best Breeders'Cup race is always going to be 2003 in the Classic when TizNow brought it home again. Always sends chills up my spine. Love it, love it , love it!!!

Suzanne:D

[Danzig]

i hope to make it to bc '10, so that will be the best ever-for me at least.
but i agree with holland hacker, hard to top the '88 cup.

[randallscott35]

2005?? Wasn't that was the year you hammered Beautiful Home everyway possible? I think that was her name??
Pleasant Home, yes....but I kind of took the thread to mean the best races/horses etc..., not personal....I was freezing to death that day at Belmont and the rest of the racing didn't do much for me....2000's cast sticks out for me.

[Sightseek]

I agree about 1988. It was chock full of great races.

But the one I want to throw out there is 1987 at Hollywood Park. There was only two of the races in that year that were notably forgettable. The Juvenile was taken by Success Express (who?) and the Distaff was won by 3-year-old Sachuista. She also beat older in the Spinster at Keeneland....was a very nice filly, but not very memorable. But the other five races that day (that was pre-F&M Turf) were great.

Juvenile Fillies - Epitome (13/1) came from the clouds to run down heavily favored Jeanne Jones right at the wire. It was one of those "crowd is silenced" moments we see from time to time, and boy was the silence deafening!

Sprint - Very Subtle (17/1) just smoked hot-shot Groovy, who has to be the only horse to lose a Breeders Cup race two years in a row at odds-on. I'll still never understand how she went off at that price!

Mile - The first of two consecutive victories by the sparkling Miesque. Boy, did she put on a show!

Turf - Theatrical and Arc-winner Trempolino separate themselves from the field and battle the length of the stretch. It was also a race between the "Pats"....Day and Eddery. More opposite riding styles you'll never see. Theatrical prevailed in a race that I still think is one of the greatest I've ever seen.

Classic - What can you say? 1986 Derby-winner Ferdinand prevailing by a nose, holding off 1987 Derby-winner Alysheba. It was the match-up that everybody wanted to see, and we were not disappointed. Certainly one of the top five Breeders Cup Classics ever!

Any love for 1987?

It would be pretty hard to argue against either of those years - great recap by both you and Holland Hacker.

[King Glorious]

I think the 1986-1989 BC were the best ones and certainly the best stretch in the series. I first went to one in 1986 at SA and got to see probably the deepest Juvenile field they've had. Capote beat Alysheba, Polish Navy, Gulch, Demons Begone, and Bet Twice. Has any Juvenile field ever produced horses that accomplished more as 3yos? Brave Raj dominated the Juv Fillies, including Sacahuista who went on to become the next year's 3yo filly champ and BC Distaff winner. Groovy disapppointed but there was a lot of excitement to see him going into the sprint. The Mile was a very exciting finish with Last Tycoon getting up to beat Palace Music in the final jumps. Lady's Secret put in her bid for HOY with an easy victory in the Distaff. One of our most underrated turf superstars, the 3yo Manila beat a field that included future Turf winner Theatrical, top mare Estrapade, and European superhorse and Arc winner Dancing Brave. The Classic was the race to decide HOY. Would it be Precisionist or Turkoman? Either would win the title with the win but Pincay rode Skywalker perfectly and he beat them both and clinched the title for Lady's Secret. For me, it was the best day of racing I've ever seen.

[NTamm1215]

I loved Happy Ticket as a racemare. As honest as they come. Was really sad to see her go early, of all the recent passings that was the one that was the most disappointing to me. She ran her eyeballs everytime they sent her out.

I was lucky to meet Stewart Madison, Happy Ticket's owner, at Louisiana Downs prior to the Super Derby. A tremendously nice man who more than anything is a gambler. He joked with the track announcers at the cocktail party that he could tell which racetrack was running with his back to the TVs because he loves listening to the announcer.

He held onto the filly (I think?) that was supposed to be in the Keeneland sale and seemed pretty excited about this being her best foal.

NT

[ghartman02]

I have to put in my vote for 1988. It was a horrible day weather wise, kept getting colder, flurried etc. But Personal Ensign's win was awesome, to be followed up by Alysheba winning on a track he wasn't supposed to like. It seemed like the Breeders Cup was much more exciting and important then, and had a different feel. On that note, the crowd for the 1998 Breeders Cup Classic, man that was maybe the best assembled race and the excitement was unbelievable with Awesome Again defeating Silver Charm and Swain.

[Crown@club]

For the best turf Mile I've ever seen(impressive wise) was this one from 2001.

Belmont Park - October 27th, 2001 - Race 5
Race name: Breeders' Cup Mile
Stakes - For ThoroughbredThree Year Old and UpwardOne Mile On The Turf
Purse: $1,000,000
Value of Race: $1,044,240 1st $592,800, 2nd $228,000, 3rd $136,800, 4th $63,840, 5th $22,800
Weather: Clear Track: Firm
Off at: 2:43Start: Good for all

Pgm HorseName (Jockey) Wgt M/E PP SP 1/4 1/2 3/4 Str Fin Odds
12 Val Royal (FR) (Valdivia, Jr., J.) 126 L 11 11 11-2 1/2 11-2 11-1/2 3-Head 1-1 3/4 5.10
1 Forbidden Apple (Nakatani, C.) 126 L 1 2 4-1/2 4-1/2 2-1 1-1 1/2 2-3/4 8.20
4 Bach (IRE) (Kinane, M.) 126 L 4 6 6-1 6-Head 5-Head 4-1 1/2 3-1 1/2 33.50
13 Irish Prize (Stevens, G.) 126 L 12 10 10-2 1/2 10-1 1/2 9-1/2 5-Head 4-Neck 5.00
2 Navesink (Prado, E.) 123 L 2 7 7-1/2 8-2 8-1/2 7-Head 5-Neck 17.00
10 Brahms (Solis, A.) 126 L b 10 9 9-1 9-1/2 10-1/2 11-Head 6-Neck 12.40
3 Noverre (Dettori, L.) 123 L 3 8 8-2 1/2 7-Head 7-Head 8-1/2 7-1 4.10*
9 Sarafan (Espinoza, V.) 126 L b 9 12 12 12 12 10-1 8-Neck 26.75
6 City Zip (Chavez, J.) 123 L b 6 1 1-1/2 1-Head 1-1/2 2-1/2 9-2 1/4 32.25
7 Express Tour (Velazquez, J.) 123 L 7 4 3-1 3-Head 3-1 1/2 6-Head 10-2 1/4 21.40
8 Affirmed Success (Bailey, J.) 126 L 8 5 5-1/2 5-1 1/2 6-1 1/2 12 11-1 3/4 5.40
5 Balto Star (Day, P.) 123 L 5 3 2-1 2-1 1/2 4-Head 9-1 1/2 12 8.10
Fractional Times:22.79,45.49,1:08.65,1:32.05

One race that I always talk about in the office when talking about BC history

[Crown@club]

I got published in the NY Daily News because I wrote to complain about the picture of Landseer splashed across the coverage with his leg literally hanging off on the horse.

A lot of papers had that same picture. Tasteless.

[eajinabi]

1998 Classic was one of the most memorable finishes in breeders cup history.

Great field:

Awesome Again, Swain, Skip Away, Silver Charm, Coronados Quest, Victory Gallop.

[King Glorious]

I hear a lot about the 1998 Classic being the best field but I thought 1988's was better with Alysheba, Seeking the Gold, Forty Niner, Cryptoclearance, Waquoit, Personal Flag, and Cutlass Reality.

[Thunder Gulch]

1998 Classic was one of the most memorable finishes in breeders cup history.

Great field:

Awesome Again, Swain, Skip Away, Silver Charm, Coronados Quest, Victory Gallop.

Loved being there in 1998, but that list of winners from 1988 is unbeatable.

[randallscott35]

That was a terrific run from off the pace, and wide, as you typed.

I recall speaking to a friend about him before the race. Val Royal entered the Oak Tree Mile off of a long layoff, and he said that a trainer could get a horse to run a big one off of a layoff, but could he a duplicate performance 2nd out in the BC Mile? I guess that Canani got that 2nd big run. I keyed Bach that day (Euro sprinter angle). Came up a little short.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaPbfrtk5vc

[Sightseek]

The original telecast for the 1989 Breeders Cup is on HRTV right now!

[King Glorious]

While watching the 1989 BC on HRTV and seeing Go for Wand, Bayakoa, Sunday Silence, and Easy Goer, it made me wonder how many hall of famers do you think we'll see this year at the BC? Zenyatta is a lock for the hall. I think that with a win, Indian Blessing has a good chance of going in. I think it's a longshot even with a win but I think a Summer Bird win might get him nominated.

[King Glorious]

How many Derby winners have been used as a rabbit? Winning Colors was part of a rabbit team for Open Mind in the 1989 Distaff.

[Sightseek]

While watching the 1989 BC on HRTV and seeing Go for Wand, Bayakoa, Sunday Silence, and Easy Goer, it made me wonder how many hall of famers do you think we'll see this year at the BC? Zenyatta is a lock for the hall. I think that with a win, Indian Blessing has a good chance of going in. I think it's a longshot even with a win but I think a Summer Bird win might get him nominated.


I'm not trying to be negative, but it's just crazy to think how subpar our fields for the BC this year will be compared to this...

[Port Conway Lane]

I'm amazed that 1988 at Chuchhill downs hasn't been mentioned.

Personal Ensign nipping Winning Colors and Goodbye Halo in the shadow of the wire.

Alysheba defeating Seeking the Gold, Forty Niner, Personal Flag, Cryptocleance, Waquiot and Slew City Slew.

Great Communicator beating Sunshine Forever in the Turf.

Miesque winning her second BC turf mile over Steinlen and destroying my all times favorite horse Bet Twice who never should have been in the mile.

Is it True beating Easy Goer in the Juvenile over a course that Easy Goer clearly despised. Too bad for him he caught a similar track a few months later in the derby.

Open Mind winning the Juvenile Fillies as one of a five horse Lukas Entry that completed the trifecta.

And Of course Gulch winning the Sprint coming from off the pace. (I'm still amazed that Leroy Jolley got him to go a route of ground in the Triple Crown races.)
I'll second that. The Turf was a thrilling stretch run and what breeders cup race was ever more dramatic than Personal Ensign's come from behind win? Easy Goer had beaten Is it True in successive races at increasing distances and in a lesson in pace Pincay nursed this unlikely winner. Durkin was at his top as well in the race calls.

[mbahadur]

1998 Classic was one of the most memorable finishes in breeders cup history.

Great field:

Awesome Again, Swain, Skip Away, Silver Charm, Coronados Quest, Victory Gallop.

TVG just got done showing almost all of the BC Classics since 1986. That 1998 BC Classic field was loaded. Touch Gold and Gentlemen (supplemented for $800K by R.D. Hubbard and eased in the stretch) were also in the field.

The victory by Da Hoss in the Mile that year was special (second race back since his previous BC Mile win two years prior).

[tector]

1989. It was the first one I went to (been to 11 others since), so maybe that creates a bias.

1988 was also great however.

[eajinabi]

TVG just got done showing almost all of the BC Classics since 1986. That 1998 BC Classic field was loaded. Touch Gold and Gentlemen (supplemented for $800K by R.D. Hubbard and eased in the stretch) were also in the field.

The victory by Da Hoss in the Mile that year was special (second race back since his previous BC Mile win two years prior).

Yes, Da Hoss winning the Mile that year was one helluva training job by Michael Dickinson

[eajinabi]

I would say 1999 Classic field would have to be the worst ever.

[tector]

Yes, Da Hoss winning the Mile that year was one helluva training job by Michael Dickinson

It cost me the Pick 6, so I have other words for it.

[eajinabi]

It cost me the Pick 6, so I have other words for it.

ouch!

[mbahadur]

I would say 1999 Classic field would have to be the worst ever.

Saint Liam beat nothing in 2005. But at least Saint Liam was in the 2005 field.

Behrens (who finished 7th) was the favorite in 1999 which speaks for the quality of the field (although Lemon Drop Kid and General Challenge were halfway decent horses).

[randallscott35]

Saint Liam beat nothing in 2005. But at least Saint Liam was in the 2005 field.

Behrens (who finished 7th) was the favorite in 1999 which speaks for the quality of the field (although Lemon Drop Kid and General Challenge were halfway decent horses).

I concur.

[tector]

Saint Liam beat nothing in 2005. But at least Saint Liam was in the 2005 field.

Behrens (who finished 7th) was the favorite in 1999 which speaks for the quality of the field (although Lemon Drop Kid and General Challenge were halfway decent horses).

Careful--Indian Charlie was a BIG Behrens fan.

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Yeah ... Behrens was a total regional hate for IC.

The horse won 4 of 7 as a 3yo, got nipped in the Travers, and won a stake later on with a 118 Beyer. Went on to be an excellent older horse that banked over $4.5 million.

In spite of all that ... he royally sucked because he wasn't from So Cal.

But hey, that A. P. Indy sure was a great horse!

He really showed that unaccomplished Euro My Memoirs who was boss when he outgamed him in the Belmont. Not to mention his stellar BC Classic win over a decent 3yo Euro filly trying dirt for the first time.

[mbahadur]

Behrens (who finished 7th) was the favorite in 1999 which speaks for the quality of the field (although Lemon Drop Kid and General Challenge were halfway decent horses).

With the exception of Running Stag, any one of the Top 8 finishers from the 1998 Classic could have won the 1999 Classic if they had not been retired or injured (Victory Gallop). Also Real Quiet or Free House could have won the 1999 Classic if they did not get hurt during the year.

[Indian Charlie]

Yeah, that's me. A big regionally biased fan.

You do remember I think EG was a better horse than SS, right?

I'm willing to bet you that I've been a fan of at least 10 times as many eastern horses than you have been of California horses. Outside of Rock Hard Ten, I'd be pretty hard pressed to come up with anyone that you really did like.

Lava Man maybe? Giacamo? Not that you were a fan of his, come to think of it.

Azeri?

[The Indomitable DrugS]

With the exception of Running Stag, any one of the Top 8 finishers from the 1998 Classic could have won the 1999 Classic if they had not been retired or injured (Victory Gallop). Also Real Quiet or Free House could have won the 1999 Classic if they did not get hurt during the year.


I loved Running Stag ... that horse was nails.

[The Indomitable DrugS]

Yeah, that's me. A big regionally biased fan.

You do remember I think EG was a better horse than SS, right?

I'm willing to bet you that I've been a fan of at least 10 times as many eastern horses than you have been of California horses. Outside of Rock Hard Ten, I'd be pretty hard pressed to come up with anyone that you really did like.

Lava Man maybe? Giacamo? Not that you were a fan of his, come to think of it.

Azeri?

Action This Day!

[Sightseek]

'87 BC on HRTV

[tector]

My Dish Network listings say it was 1991--I tune in and it is 1987.

The listings for tomorrow say 1990 in the morning and 1989 at night, but now I have no confidence those are correct.

I can't believe anyone would show the original broadcast from 1990 uncut.

[King Glorious]

How great was it to see D Wayne Dorf the other night? Tim Conway could crack me up just standing there and not saying a word.