Breeders’ Cup has three distinct memories from classic day
I have no doubt that this year’s Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita Park was a huge artistic as well as financial success. I will highlight my three best memories from the races.
But I would be remiss if I did not mention that Hong Kong and Japan accepted simulcast wagering on a select Breeders’ Cup race or two — the key being if the horse racing pie is not growing in America, then marketing to the world is an important option.
My first two highlights were the Classic and Distaff. Both races delivered all that we hoped for as far as drama and suspense.
THE CLASSIC
Arrogate proved that his Travers’ record-breaking win was no fluke. Trained to the second by Bob Baffert, Arrogate stalked favored California Chrome and cruised by him in the final 50 yards. Their dominance was exemplified by the more than 10 lengths back to third-place Keen Ice.
If all goes well, there could be a rematch in the $12 million Pegasus World Cup on Jan. 28 at Gulfstream Park. The Classic result cemented California Chrome as Horse of the Year and Arrogate as top 3-year-old for this Eclipse Award voter.
I would not pick Arrogate as Horse of the Year over California Chrome despite his win. The award is based on an entire body of work. California Chrome has had a magnificent year. Arrogate has had an amazing two races.
THE DISTAFF
It was a close finish with Beholder a scant nose better than Songbird. It was the final race of an incredible career for Beholder. Now she will go to the breeding shed with a scheduled mating with the sire Uncle Mo.
Beholder probably will win the Eclipse for older filly or mare, and Songbird is a lock to win the Eclipse for leading 3-year-old filly.
THE JUVENILE
The result of Classic Empire outlasting Not This Time puts us on the road to the 2017 Kentucky Derby. This will not be the last time they meet, as both colts are stabled at Churchill Downs for trainers Mark Casse (Classic Empire) and Dale Romans (Not This Time).
MONEY MIKE
Mike Smith is living the dream that a lot of Hall of Fame jockeys would like. While he is riding fewer and fewer horses, he is making more and more money. The reason? His goal now is to ride champions, stakes horses and win big races by riding with no fear.
He doesn’t win them all. But the Breeders’ Cup results are a prime example why the best trainers in the country seek him out. Smith won three races with Tamarkuz (Dirt Mile), Finest City (Filly & Mare Sprint) and Arrogate (Classic). He was second three times with Songbird (Distaff), Coasted (Juvenile Fillies Turf) and Masochistic (Sprint).
Smith won the Shoemaker Award for the third time as the leading rider in the Breeders’ Cup.
Smith, 51, is a fitness fanatic, so he figures to keep riding for a while. His big mount entering 2017 will be Arrogate from the Baffert barn. Through Thursday, Smith had ridden in 289 races this year, or barely more than six mounts a week.
Richard Eng’s horse racing column is published Friday in the Las Vegas Review-Journal. You can buy his Del Mar picks at racedaylasvegas.com. Contact him at rich_eng@hotmail.com and on Twitter @richeng4propick.