The Greek Is Here: Racing Updates

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Apparently Winslow Homer can surprise even his own trainer, not to mention a group of seriously talented runners. Days before the Holy Bull Stakes (gr. 3) was run Tony Dutrow said of his star pupil that the one-turn-mile race would not best suit Winslow Homer’s ability, stating that the longer the distance, the more Winslow Homer would like it. Well, he proved he doesn’t need thing to go his way in the Holy Bull and moved his way up the short list of prospective Derby contenders. While Jackson Bend’s flashy five-race win streak was snapped in half, the colt was gallant in defeat and seems to have lost little, if any, respect for his second place finish. Both colts are now headed for the Fountain of Youth Stakes on February 20^th where they could meet Buddy’s Saint, Eskendereya and other top Derby contenders. Buddy’s Saint currently sits atop many Kentucky Derby lists due to his impressive pair of graded stakes victories on dirt last year. Both races he won by open lengths, winning with ease.

I wasn’t expecting anything much to happen in the Lecomte Stakes (gr.3)

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other than to see Maximus Ruler win, but Ron the Greek was super stylish in the way he stole the show. Closers can be so exciting to watch, especially the ones with huge strides that seem to cover twice as much ground as every other runner. Ron the Greek was breathtaking. When I watched the race for the first time the day after, I completely missed his move from the far back until he came flying past the field in the stretch, ears flicking a million different directions. He made it look easy. For some reason a majority of people I have heard seem to think this guy is a flash-in-the-pan. I think not, it wasn’t his first time winning and I think he took the step up in class and manhandled the competition with overwhelming talent. This was his 3^rd win in 4 starts, I look forward to seeing how he goes in his next race.

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Who remembers Win Willy? I loved this guy way back when. After winning the Rebel Stakes (gr.2) in 2009 he has come back to the winners circle for the first time. He waltzed to an easy 2 ½ length victory at Oaklawn Park last Thursday in a 1 mile optional claiming race. His next goal is the Oaklawn Handicap (gr.2) according to trainer Robertson. If his latest performance continues to be the norm for him this year you can chalk up another talented runner to the older horse division this year.

Speaking of older horses, Quality Road had his latest work in preparation for the Donn Handicap (gr.1) at Gulfstream Park Sunday morning. The talented colt went 5 furlongs in 1:00 1/5, a work that pleased trainer Todd Pletcher.

Friesan Fire, returned to the site of his greatest triumphs from the Triple

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Crown trail last year and once again found his best stride by returned to the ranks of the victorious. Both General Quarters and Friesan Fire have been slowly returning to the races since disappointing runs in the 2009 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes and were the top two choices in the Louisiana Handicap. General Quarters finished second to Friesan Fire by 1 ¾ lengths. Two more older horse contenders? We’ll soon find out.

2009 La Brea Stakes victor Evita Argentina worked 5 furlongs in 1:12.60 on Sunday in preparation for her 2010 debut this Sunday in Santa Anita’s Santa Monica Handicap. She will not be the lone talent in the field by a long-shot

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but appears to be the standout. Joining the cast of players is Diamondrella (making her last start under the tutelage of trainer Gary Stevens) Gabby’s Golden Gal and Free Flying Soul. Multiple stakes winner Tuscan Evening is a possibility for the race, but will most likely bypass in favor of the Buena Vista Handicap on February 15 according to the Daily Racing Form.

It should be a good weekend of fun races, but I have to admit that I am most looking forward to the weekend of February 6^th. It looks like it’s going to be an incredibly loaded weekend with tons of top runners, a bunch of whom have their eyes set on Derby aspirations.

Holy Jackson

Weekend racing begins in earnest this Saturday and the Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park on Saturday serves as the

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cherry on top of a very appealing line-up of high quality races.  Homeboykris surprisingly is the high-weight in the Holy Bull. The winner of the Champagne Stakes (gr.1) at Belmont back in October, Homeboykris last finished 5^th to Buddy’s Saint in the Remsen Stakes (gr.2). Trainer Rick Dutrow Jr. insists his horse is ready to go. He defeated highly-touted Dublin in the Champagne Stakes before his surprisingly dull effort in the Remsen, so it is very likely that he could bounce back here with another impressive display.

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Regardless of who the high-weight is, Jackson Bend will almost certainly be the favorite by post time. He is currently riding a five race win streak and makes a strong case to grab the Holy Bull as his 6^th. He completed a clean sweep of the Florida Stallion Stakes when overcoming a troubled start in the In Reality Stakes on October 17, posting a 2 ¾ length victory. The way he turned back Thank U Phillipe at the top of the stretch after going to his knees at the start, and drew off to win was very impressive. He won 5 of 6 starts in 2009 as a juvenile, losing his first start by a mere head. He has been training phenomenally at Palm Meadows over the winter and posted a bullet five furlong work last out of :59.30.

Todd Pletcher trainee Aikenite doesn’t win that often, but he always runs competitively against consistently top tier fields. His 5^th place finish last out in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile after a troubled trip showed he has enough determination to take whatever is thrown at him and keep running. Previous to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Aikenite finished 3^rd in the Hopeful (gr.1) and then finished 2^nd in the Futurity (gr.1) in October. He posted a bullet for his last 5 furlong work on January 17^th in a time of :59.80.

Piscitelli produced a solid effort in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile during his last race at odds of 50-1. In 2009 he finished

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5^th in the Breeders’ Futurity and 3^rd in the Arlington-Washington Futurity (gr.2) prior to his 4^th place finish in the Juvenile. His last three starts have all come on synthetics but he did break his maiden on dirt at Monmouth Park last summer.

One of the more intriguing contenders in the Holy Bull is Winslow Homer. In November he destroyed a field of winners in muddy going, seizing first place by a widening 12 ½ lengths. It was his 2^nd win in 3 starts and reeked of “Curlin-like” talent. This guy could be the wild card here if he can produce an effort like that again.

The rest of the field is comprised of Thank U Phillipe (last out he finished second to Todd Pletcher trainee Eskendereya) Litigation Risk, William’s Kitten and Wild Lime.

In my estimation Jackson Bend is the one to beat here, but Winslow Homer, Aikenite, Homeboykris and Piscitelli have been steadily garnering more support for themselves and each has a justifiable case to be made.

Zenyatta-A Return to Perfection

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Who hasn’t heard the news? The greatest older race mare of all time up to now is returning as a 6 year in what promises to be a fantastic year of achievement, opportunity and plain old fun. Personally, I feel spoiled right about now, Rachel Alexandra, Zenyatta, Mine that Bird, Summer Bird, Quality Road and Gio Ponti all coming back as older, mature, experienced runners. Throw in Curlin and I guarantee I’d think I was dead and had moved to heaven.

Is it just me, or does there seem to be a very promising precedent being set in Thoroughbred Horse Racing by some of its biggest owners? First Jess Jackson gives us Curlin for another year as a 4 year old in 2008, then announces early on in 2009 that Rachel Alexandra will also be pointed for another campaign of racing as a 4 year old. Then Summer Bird, Quality Road and Gio Ponti quickly followed suit. Now the bombshell; Zenyatta is coming back for a full campaign in 2010.

Zenyatta has continued a schedule of regular works since her historic Breeders’ Cup Classic victory, fueling speculation that she might be pointing for at least one more race in 2010. I got completely caught up in the excitement as did thousands of others at the possibility of Zenyatta racing for one more year, but in my heart I didn’t truly believe that this dream could come true. At the end of 2008 after Curlin’s Breeders’ Cup Classic defeat Jess Jackson refused to give a definite answer as to whether the champion would return to the races in 2009 or be retired to stud. Although it was strongly hinted that he would be retired, I couldn’t help getting carried away with thoughts of seeing the flashy son of Smart Strike run again. Curlin was retired in 2009 as most suspected, but I was still devastated. This time, there is no sadness, only shock, excitement and now that the news has had time to sink in, euphoria.

The question now is; where will Zenyatta make her overwhelmingly anticipated debut? Rumors, speculation and opinions are flying left and right as fast as Rachel and Zenyatta can run, as to where the great mare will debut. The truth is that we have no idea yet. The Mosses have stated that Zenyatta’s return to the races will be up to the discretion of trainer John Shirreffs to decide when and where she will be ready to emerge.

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The possibility that Zenyatta could now meet her younger nemesis Rachel Alexandra is very much alive after being squashed with the announcement of her retirement following the Classic. In 2008 Zenyatta traveled to Oaklawn Park to defeat a stellar field of fillies and mares in the Apple Blossom Handicap for her first, and only, victory on dirt. Rachel Alexandra has also run at Oaklawn Park, her most recent victory there coming April 5th in the Fantasy Stakes. Before that she won the Martha Washington Stakes by 8 lengths against fellow 3 year old fillies on February 15th. With both horses having favorable victories over the Oaklawn dirt surface, the 2010 Apple Blossom seems a likely candidate to bring together these two racing phenoms. The Dubai World Cup has also been mentioned by several outlets as a possible start for Zenyatta, but the feeling here is that the Mosses will not want to send their mare that far from home and risk her missing months to recuperate upon her return to the states.

Wherever she shows up she will no doubt be greeted by legions of adoring

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fans who are aching to see her in person. Owner Jerry Moss has stated that he wants to come east and run on dirt as well as participate in the Breeders’ Cup again, adding: “We’ll run against anybody, the gender is not a factor.” If she does come east, I will drop all to come see her run, and maybe drag some friends and family with me in the process.

Another thing to consider with Zenyatta’s return to racing is how long she can keep up her unbeaten string of races. Now 14 for 14, the big mare will likely scare most competition away no matter where she runs. The only thing that seems like it could possibly stand between her and completing the greatest undefeated career in the history of racing is Rachel Alexandra.

Up until now we the fans, have been desperately clinging to the Horse of the Year debate as the last contest between these two great horses. It was our one last time to compare the two greatest fillies of perhaps all time. Both living and racing in the same year leading to what has become one of the greatest years for horse racing in history. Horse of the Year will still be highly anticipated, but as of now, it takes a back burner to the real tale. The

story does not end here as we thought, it goes on due to the class of two owners, and who know what wonders are in-store for the fans this year. As of now, 2009 has become old news, simply a prelude for greater things to come. What say you?

The Eclipse Awards and Baker's Dozen

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Monday night the most hotly contested Horse of the Year vote in racing history will finally be decided. One contestant will walk away with a trophy, the ultimate champion in title, but both will walk away champions where it counts; in the hearts of legions of adoring fans who, if their horse win or lose, will further strengthen their allegiance to these great athletes by sheer love of the horse. Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta have been plowing a tremendous furrow in the field of historical achievement since their 2009 racing campaigns have ended. Not only did they achieve incredible things on the track, they shattered equally marvelous boundaries in the hearts and minds of thousands of fans the world over. True, the Horse of the Year debate rages most strongly in America, but the extreme star power of these two giants in the sport has transcended national boundaries and carried across oceans to touch the lives of fans all over the world. I’m rooting for Rachel Alexandra to win for reasons already stated, but win or lose, I’ll cheer either way and gripe later.

I think Gio Ponti is poised to pull off a miraculous championship double if the

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voters vote according to true championship form. Not only is he a cinch to win the Grass Male title, but he is also the frontrunner for Older Champion Male, an honor usually bestowed upon dirt or synthetic runners. Gio Ponti raced solely on grass last year with the exception of his 2nd place finish to Zenyatta in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

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Summer Bird will run off with the Three Year Old Male award, or at least should. Becoming the first horse since the great Easy Goer in 1989 to win the Belmont Stakes, Travers Stakes and Jockey Club Gold Cup in the same season is no small feat. Mine that Bird will garner some votes here for his historic Derby victory, but the Derby winner always gets consideration no matter how bad a year he’s had.

Rachel Alexandra should rightfully steal every single vote in the Three Year Old Filly division as should Zenyatta in the Older Mare voting. If someone votes against them here in either category, then something is seriously wrong with that voter.

Informed Decision is the clear choice for Female Sprinter although Ventura will probably steal some votes for her consistent run of races, including her victory over males last year.

Kodiak Kowboy wins the Male Sprint award most likely, having beaten Fabulous Strike on two separate occasions. Zensational could take a good amount of the voting too, but his poor finish in the Breeder’s Cup Sprint will hurt his chances a great deal.

Now, on to my very first Derby dozen list which I have decided to call my Baker’s Dozen. Baker’s Dozen, the Webster’s definition is: A group of 13; from the former custom of bakers to add an extra roll as a safeguard against the possibility of 12 weighing light. So here it is, my first Bakers Dozen:

1. Lookin At Lucky-Lucky looks like the perfect racing machine, and if not for his courageous Breeders’ Cup defeat, he would sport a perfect record. Bob Baffert has decided to add blinkers to Lookin At Lucky for his next race and see how it goes. Jockey Garrett Gomez felt the colt ran stronger through the stretch of his last work (with the blinkers on) and kept the pressure on instead of idling when he hit the top of the stretch. The San Felipe Stakes (gr. 2) on March 13 is his next probable start.

2. Buddy’s Saint-This horse looks like the “real-deal”. He wins his races with

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apparent ease each time out and is proven over a dirt track. He is headed for the Fountain Of Youth Stakes in February and a possible showdown with Todd Pletcher trainee Eskendereya. His Remsen victory was thrilling.

3. Jackson Bend-His sweep of the Florida Stallion Stakes was impressive and showed good progression each time out. He overcame a troubled start to win the In Reality Division of the series. He is targeting the Holy Bull for his 3 year old debut on January 23. His latest breeze at the 5 furlongs distance went in 1:oo flat, the fastest time at the distance. Looks like he's fit and ready.

4. American Lion-This Winstar colt looks the part of a true Derby candidate. His Hollywood Prevue victory proved he has enough talent to win, even if he doesn’t have as much experience as some other competitors.

5. Eightyfiveinafifty-Trainer Gary Contessa is coming out very strong in his support of this young and relatively unproven colt. His 17 ¼ length maiden

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victory last out was one of the most spectacular ever witnessed and if he can strut the same “stuff” next out against higher class runners then he could be a real Derby threat. He earned a 105 Beyer speed figure for his freakish maiden victory.

6. Noble’s Promise-This poor guy has had a thing for finishing behind Lookin at Lucky lately, but not that far behind. In the CashCall Futurity (gr.1) last out, he finished less than a length behind a victorious Lookin at Lucky. The Bridesmaids eventually get their turn to shine, his may come sooner than we expect.

7. Dublin-Even though he got creamed in the Champagne Stakes (gr.1) by Homeboykris while finishing 5th, Dublin’s victory in the Hopeful (gr.1) over good horses like Backtalk, Aspire and Aikenite was impressive enough to convince me that this guy can run well again. Also, Lukas knows what he’s doing when it comes to young horses.

8. D’Funnybone-His 10 1/2 length Saratoga Special, and 4 ¾ length Futurity

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(gr.1) victories were just too good to be flukes in my mind. He may have finished dead last in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, but I’m willing to chalk it up to the synthetics and give him another shot.

9. Super Saver-Another WinStar colt, Super Saver won the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes in November at Churchill downs last year. Any experience over the Derby track is favorable, especially when it comes in the form of an easy 5 length victory. This one looks like he wants to run.

10. Eskendereya-I am partial to this colt, not only is he visually stunning, he runs great when shown the dirt and not he synthetics. His Pilgrim victory was a surprise to most but after his 9th place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile many began to question whether or not he was for keeps. His recent victory at Gulfstream Park in front-running style proves he’s more than a “one time wonder”.

11. Rule-He has won 3 of his 5 races to date and has earned well over $500,000. He showed guts when winning the Delta Jackpot at Delta Downs in early December and should improve off this well deserved win.

12. Aikenite-This colt has proved to be pretty consistent on the dirt and against good competition too. He finished third to Dublin in the Hopeful (gr.1) in September, second to Noble’s Promise in the Breeders’ Futurity (gr.1) in October, then finished 5th in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. He may be a slow mover, but has the potential to move up the ranks if he gets a good win under his belt.

13. Backtalk-He seems to be almost forgotten at this point. Back in July he

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was “the” horse after stringing his first three races together in victorious professionalism. He finished 4th to Dublin in the Hopeful, lacking his usual kick in the stretch but hopefully he can come back with some more gusto in his 3 year old debut. Any horse that goes undefeated in his first three races against classy competition deserves a second glance.

That’s it for my Baker’s Dozen, but as always when you’re making a list, there’s more you want to add. Interactif could easily vault himself into the Derby picture with a win on dirt or synthetics. His grass form is simply splendid, but trainer Todd Pletcher has dropped hints that he may want to try his star on a different surface in the near future. Spectacular Bid winner, A Little Warm, now has two very impressive wins to his record. One more will certainly earn him a slot on many a list. Others who have proven themselves capable are: Discreetly Mine, Champagne victor Homeboykris, regally bred Take Control, Bob Baffert trainee Tiz Chrome, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Vale of York and undefeated Connemara who puts his perfect record on the line this weekend in the California Derby.[polldaddy poll=2520738]

Another "Grand" Weekend of Racing

Who’s ready for a grand weekend of racing yet again? After last week and Quality Road’s Hal’s Hope victory, it seems as if fans are starting to come awake, realizing the Triple Crown drama is about to begin. Four months filled with brand-spanking-new three year olds has now begun. From January thru April these youngsters will take to the most prestigious tracks in America attempting to prove they deserve a piece of history in the greatest race in the world; the Kentucky Derby.

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This weekend yet another promising three year old from 2009 returns to action, this time in the $100,000 Mr. Prospector Stakes (gr.3) January 9th. Munnings, winner of last year’s Woody Stephen’s (gr.2) and Tom Fool Handicap (gr.2), and third place finisher in last year’s Haskell, Kings Bishop and Vosburgh Stakes, will certainly be the favorite off his impressive and highly consistent 3 year old campaign. His two biggest threats, at least on paper, appear to be Custom for Carlos and Past the Point. Custom of Carlos finished third to Big Drama and This Ones for Phil in late March last year and won the Jersey Shore (gr.3) in early July by more than 6 lengths. In his last start on November 21, he won the Bet On Sunshine Handicap at Churchill Downs by more than 3 lengths. He posted the fastest work of 41 recorded times at the same distance of half a mile at Gulfstream on January 4th. Past the Point last out finished second in the Bold Ruler Handicap (gr.3) on October 31. His last victory on August 6 came at Saratoga against an optional claiming allowance field. Munnings will probably get this one, especially if he gets the dry track that he prefers, but I’m kind of hoping for a Past the Point upset here.

1st: Munnings

2nd: Past the Point

3rd: Custom for Carlos

The Spectacular Bid Stakes also at Gulfstream on January 9th is led by Westover Wildcat. Westover Wildcat is the high weight at 120 pounds here due to his victory in the Bold Lad Stakes on October 25th. Previously he had

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finished 5th in the Hopeful (gr.1) at Saratoga. Futurity (gr2) and Champagne (gr.1) runner-up Discreetly Mine makes his first start for new trainer Todd Pletcher in the Spectacular Bid Stakes. There are also some noteworthy allowance winners in this race; Grand Times has put together two consecutive wins. He won an allowance race by 2 lengths at Tampa Bay Downs on Dec. 12. Call Shot is another allowance winner coming into the Spectacular Bid Stakes for trainer Wayne Catalano. Finishing 6th in the Iroquois Stakes (gr3.) at Churchill Downs, Call Shot also won an allowance race at Keeneland. A Little Warm exploded last out in his 4th try, winning his maiden by 10 ¾ lengths. He will be ridden by Jockey Jeremy Rose here. I’m probably going to get destroyed for my top three choices here, but I’m not very impressed with Westover Wildcat at this point. He’s probably able to at least place against this field, but I’m choosing against him in favor of some of the allowance winners. I love how allowance/maiden winners can come from nowhere at this point on the Triple Crown trail and put themselves in-line for the ultimate run.

1st: Discreetly Mine

2nd: A Little Warm

3rd: Grand Times

Before I sign-off, I wanted to make note of a couple of colts, one of which just happens to be among my early favorites for the Derby. Eskedereya was my

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second choice behind Lookin at Lucky for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last year. On January he proved without a doubt he can indeed run, and that his Pilgrim Stakes victory at Belmont on October 4th, was no fluke. In a one-mile NW1X at Gulfstream Park, Eskendereya drove to the lead from the start, setting fractions of :24.78, and :47.78. Around the far turn he repelled the bid of Middle of the Nite, surged ahead, then held off Thank u Philippe for a comfortable 1 ½ lengths. This gorgeous chestnut is most likely headed for the Fountain of Youth Stakes and a possible show-down with ultra-impressive Buddy’s Saint in February. Take Control has the perfect everything; family, looks and, so-far, ability. His sire A.P. Indy is consistently one of the highest earning stallions in the world aside from being a top-class racehorse in his day. His dam Azeri is the highly popular and talented 2002 Horse of the Year. In his first race out, Take Control did exactly that, living up to his name, his family heritage and the fans expectations. 2002 Horse of the Year Azeri is apparently very good at two things: winning and producing winners. On December 30, the regally bred colt defeated favored Ivory Fudge at Santa Anita by 1 ½ lengths. He will be very closely watched and followed from here on out.

Best of luck with your choices this weekend everyone. It should be a very fun weekend to watch. I just want to say before leaving, that I can’t wait to start coving Buddy’s Saint on here, that horse excites me to no end.

One more thing… RACHEL ALEXANDRA for Horse of the Year! Go Rachel GO!

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Quality Road: Hope for the Older Horse Division of 2010

Is it just me, or does it seem like we could be in for one of the most spectacular years for older horses in generations? The returns of Rachel Alexandra, Mine that Bird, Quality Road, and Summer Bird (health permitting) all herald good things for the fans and horse racing as a whole. When was the last time all three winners of the Triple Crown races returned the following year to slug it out for top honors yet again? Not to mention the returns of big name horses like Gio Ponti, who rose to new heights of

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prominence in 2009, and Life Is Sweet, who is now completely free of Zenyatta and, therefore, given a clear shot at the Older Female Division title for the first time. Plus I still hold out hope that Einstein could be returned for one more racing campaign. Who doesn’t like Einstein? If not for his poor showing in the Classic in November and losing the Clark by less than a length he would probably be in a dead-lock with Gio Ponti for Older Male championship honors. If there was a television sitcom/show made around this horse, it would probably be called Everybody Loves Einstein. Rail Trip is also coming back for a greater shot at glory in 2010 after a good, but somewhat short, 2009 season that ended with his 3rd place showing in the Pacific Classic.

After the Breeders’ Cup is over and most of the major horses are either put away for the year or retired, it’s hard to wait for weeks and weeks on end to watch some real “quality” racing. Watching Quality Road winning the Hal’s Hope Stakes at Gulfstream was a real “pick me up”. He kicked the year off with an exciting and thoroughly dominating victory, making an emphatic statement in the older horse ranks. If he can keep things going this way for the rest of the year, his fellow four year olds of “yester-year” will have to work very hard to slow him down.

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Showing no ill effects from his traumatic Breeders’ Cup Classic gate incident, Quality Road loaded into #2 like an angel for the Hal’s Hope and waited patiently while the remainder of the field was loaded. The gates sprung and you could practically say the race was over from there. Flying to the lead, Quality Road took firm control of the pace, posting a sluggish :25.15 for the first quarter-mile. Looking the confident part of a winner, he continued to lead the field down the backstretch and around the far turn, with You and I Forever, Spin Master and Harlem Rocker right there in good striking position. Around the last turn Quality Road floated a bit wide, allowing You and I Forever to slip through on the inside. For a moment it appeared that he might be in trouble, almost conceding the lead to You and I Forever for a fraction of a second. But Jockey John Velazquez roused his mount with a vigorous shake of the reins and the contest was over. Quality Road pulled away from You and I Forever as quickly as the other had closed the gap coming off the turn, and opened up as he drove for the wire. He coasted home a widening 2 ¾ lengths with no assistance from the whip, perfectly content to lope home the easy winner. The Donn Handicap (gr.1) at Gulfstream on February 6th is now the son of Elusive Quality’s next target according to trainer Todd Pletcher. Only four more weeks and we get to see this big guy in action yet again. After a brilliant but troubled 3 year old campaign, Quality Road now appears ready to seize the moment and leave his problems behind.

As a three year old, Quality Road won the Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr.2) and Florida Derby (gr.1) at Gulfstream in highly impressive fashion, making him the probable favorite for the Kentucky Derby. He unfortunately had to be withdrawn from the Derby a few days before it was to be run due to foot problems. He was put away for rest and recovery until the summer. He returned in the Amsterdam Stakes (gr.2) at Saratoga in August, winning a visually impressive race and smashing the track record for six and half furlongs. His final time of 1:13.45 was so fast it was at first believed to be a malfunction of the timer. Track announcer John Imbriale called out: “Ladies

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and Gentlemen, we know that Quality Road is a particularly fast 3 year old, but I don’t think those times on the board are correct, but we’ll check it out.” The previous time of 1:14 2/5 was set 30 years previous by Topsider in 1979. After his overwhelming return, Quality Road next placed third to Summer Bird in the Travers Stakes and was defeated a scant length by Summer Bird in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont.

Few missed his antics in the starting gate in early November at Santa Anita for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and he was subsequently given regular gate schooling and prepared for an early return to the races in 2010. After the way he won the Hal’s Hope, you have to wonder how he would have fared in the Breeders’ Cup Classic if things had gone differently. He has never raced on synthetics before, but he also likes a dry track better than the wet ones he got in the Travers and Jockey Club Gold Cup and the Classic was a good consistency. If he makes it to the Breeders’ Cup this year, I will eagerly anticipate his performance over a dirt track with hopefully clear skies and his well-known fellow 2009 3-year old graduates hard on his heels.