PURELY PEDIGREE

Will California Chrome end the Triple Crown drought? He very well may, but no one knows for sure until the gates spring open tomorrow. I was always told that pedigree is the tabulation of performance and, while California Chrome's immediate forebears are not the most illustrious, he already has the Kentucky Derby and Preakness trophies in his gallery. Here is my assessment of the contenders for the 146th Belmont Stakes, listed in order of how appropriate their pedigrees are to the mile-and-a-half classic test.

Tonalist (Tapit--Settling Mist, by Pleasant Colony)

Tonalist/M Kizenko

Tapit (by Pulpit out of an Unbridled mare), the 2004 G1 Wood Memorial winner, has become one of the most popular stallion on these shores with the likes of champions Stardom Bound and Hansen. His daughter Careless Jewel triumphed over 10 furlongs in the 2009 G1 Alabama S., and Untapable looked unbeatable in annexing this year's G1 Kentucky Oaks. Settling Mist scored just once in 19 starts, but did so by 14 lengths going nine furlongs at Aqueduct. She is a daughter of the long-winded Pleasant Colony, who secured wins in the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Wood Memorial in 1981 before finishing third in his Triple Crown quest. Settling Mist's half-sisters Easter Bunnette and The Bink have produced top-notch distance runners in the form of Horse of the Year Havre de Grace and multiple Grade 1 winner Riskaverse, respectively.

Wicked Strong (Hard Spun--Moyne Abbey, by Charismatic)

Wicked Strong/M Kizenko

Hard Spun, a son of Danzig out of a Turkoman mare, had an excellent 3-year-old season in 2007, winning the King's Bishop at seven furlongs and finishing second over 10 panels in the Kentucky Derby and Breeders' Cup Classic. From just three crops of 3-year-olds, Hard Spun has been represented by Alabama heroine Questing and a Mother Goose winner in Zo Impressive. Moyne Abbey, a daughter of Kentucky Derby/Preakness victor Charismatic, broke her maiden at 8 1/2 furlongs, and is a half-sister to stakes winners Gulch Approval and Approval Rating, both of whom did their best running at middle distances. Student Council, winner of the 10-furlong Pacific Classic, is under the third dam.

Commissioner  (A.P. Indy--Flaming Heart, by Touch Gold)

Commissioner/M Kizenko

With a sire and broodmare sire who both scored wins in the Belmont (1992 and 1997, respectively), Commissioner seems to have a pedigree tailor made for the "Test of the Champion." Indeed, the handsome colt was runner-up to Tonalist in the G2 Peter Pan S. four weeks ago. However, his half-brother Laugh Track was second in the 2013 Breeders' Cup Sprint, and I'm the Tiger, who is further down the family tree, had his biggest victory in the Frank DeFrancis Memorial Dash. 

California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit--Love the Chase, by Not for Love)

California Chrome/M Kizenko

Lucky Pulpit--by Pulpit out of a Cozzene mare--was bred to appreciate route races, but notched his three career victories in sprint contests, although he did manage a second in the 2004 G2 Santa Catalina S. This year's Kentucky Derby and Preakness star is one of Lucky Pulpit's three stakes winners from five crops. California Chrome's first two dams did little on the track, but they were sired by Not for Love (Mr. Prospector--Dance Number) and Polish Numbers (Danzig--Numbered Account), respectively, a pair of choicely bred Phipps runners who became successful regional stallions in Maryland. His third dam Chase the Dream, a daughter of Sir Ivor, was represented by Amourette, who notched a win over 11 furlongs in the 2001 renewal of the Robert G. Dick Memorial S. on the turf at Delaware.

Matuszak  (Bernardini--Golden Sonata, by Mr. Prospector)

Bernardini, hero of the Preakness, Travers and Jockey Club Gold Cup during his championship 2006 season, has already sired a pair of Travers winners in Stay Thirsty and Alpha, suggesting he passes on stamina, much like his sire A.P. Indy. Matuszak is out of Golden Sonata, a daughter of Mr. Prospector who was a Grade 3 winner at 8 1/2 furlongs. Down under third dam Pass a Glance (a Buckpasser mare foaled in 1971) are European Group 1 winners Hernando and Johann Quatz. 

Ride On Curlin (Curlin--Magical Ride, by Storm Cat)

Curlin, a dual Horse of the Year and beaten a nostril in the historic 2007 running of the Belmont, was represented by "Test of the Champion" winner Palace Malice last year from his first crop. Ride On Curlin was purchased for only $25,000 despite a nice-looking catalogue page. His dam Magical Ride placed in the 2006 Adirondack at Saratoga, and she was a daughter of Storm Cat and Victory Ride (Seeking the Gold), herself a winner of the G1 Test S. and runner-up in the G1 Acorn. Victory Ride's sibling River Flyer landed the G1 Hollywood Derby.

Matterhorn (Tapit--Winter Garden, by Roy)

(See Tonalist above for Tapit's info). Matterhorn's dam Winter Garden bankrolled over $900,000 while performing mainly in six- and seven-furlong contests in Canada, and is a granddaughter of Canadian champion 2-year-old filly Phoenix Factor. Despite her propensity for sprinting, Winter Garden has already produced Title Contender, a son of Pulpit who scored in both the Ohio Derby and British Columbia Derby last year.

Commanding Curve (Master Command--Mother, by Lion Hearted)

Master Command, a son of A.P. Indy and a multiple graded stakes winner at nine furlongs, died during his third season at stud in 2010. The well-bred chestnut sired G1 Hollywood Derby hero Unbridled Command in addition to Commanding Curve, this year's Kentucky Derby runner-up. While his dam Mother notched only two sprinting wins for trainer Bob Baffert, she is a daughter of Lion Hearted, another Maryland-based stallion from the Phipps Stable (he was a son of Storm Cat from Cadillacing, a full-sister to champion Easy Goer). Mother's family is light on black-type, but the classy Proper Reality, a three-time Grade 1 winner of $1.7 million, is under the fourth dam.

General a Rod (Roman Ruler--Dynamite Eyes, by Dynaformer)

Roman Ruler, winner of the Haskell on the track, has already been represented by a Belmont winner in the form of Ruler on Ice, who upset the 2011 running of the 12-furlong classic. General a Rod is out of Dynamite Eyes, a daughter of stamina-influence Dynaformer and Buckeye Search (Meadowlake), a stakes winner at a mile. She hails from the distant family of Kentucky Derby/Preakness winner Majestic Prince.

Medal Count (Dynaformer--Brisquette, by Unbridled's Song)

Medal Count is one of the last representatives of the late Dynaformer, an exceptional stallion whose best runners preferred longer distances, including 2006 Kentucky Derby hero Barbaro and 2010 Melbourne Cup victor Americain. His dam Brisquette, a daughter of leading sire Unbridled's Song, showed her best form at one turn, including a runner-up effort in the six-furlong Las Flores in 2003 for trainer Richard Mandella. Prior to Medal Count, Brisquette produced the precocious Garden District, a Dixie Union filly who won the Debutante S. as a juvenile.

Samraat (Noble Causeway--Little Indian Girl, by Indian Charlie)

Noble Causeway, who recently died from laminitis complications, was a well-bred son of Giant's Causeway who ran second in the 2005 Florida Derby; his second dam was Classy Cathy, whose three Grade 1 wins included the 10-furlong Alabama. Samraat is out of Little Indian Girl, whose lone victory in eight outings came going a mile and a sixteenth at Gulfstream. She is a half-sister to Mother Goose winner Nonsuch Bay.

From the Racetrack to the Ring

     "What have you done for me lately?" is a recurrent theme at horse auctions, and a number of fillies and mares have had their value skyrocket when they were offered for sale in November after wins in Breeders' Cup races. Leading the way, of course, is Royal Delta (Empire Maker), who was catalogued as part of the Saud bin Khaled dispersal at the 2011 Keeneland November Sale. Gorgeous, purple-pedigreed and already a multiple Grade I winner, Royal Delta was always going to bring a seven-figure price, but her championship performance under the Churchill Downs lights in the Ladies' Classic/Distaff led to a bidding war that culminated in Ben Leon's $8.5-million salvo. Charles Cono's Stardom Bound (Tapit) capped her Eclipse Award-winning season with her triumph in the 2008 GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies and flew to Lexington shortly thereafter. Led into the ring at Fasig-Tipton, the grey filly was knocked down for $5.7 million to IEAH Stables. In 2010, Fasig-Tipton sold a pair of Breeders' Cup winners 48 hours after their triumphs: Awesome Feather (Awesome of Course), the unbeaten Juvenile Fillies heroine, was purchased by Adena Springs for $2.3 million; while Dubai Majesty (Essence of Dubai), who posted a mild upset in the GI F/M Sprint, was secured by Katsumi Yoshida for $1.1 million. Maryfield (Elusive Quality), the inaugural F/M Sprint winner in 2007, sold a few days later at Fasig-Tipton for $1.25 million to Southern Equine Stables.

   This year, a number of Breeders' Cup entrants--as well as their immediate relations--are catalogued to sell next week in Kentucky. Two are defending titlists, Groupie Doll (Bowman's Band) and Mizdirection (Mizzen Mast), in the F/M Sprint and Turf Sprint, respectively. While a repeat victory might not add much more to their potential price tags, a win on Friday or Saturday by one of the up-and-comers could be a game-changer. Here's a look at some of them in race order:

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf

   Giovanni Baldini (War Front) may have been foaled in West Virginia, but the dark bay colt out of Dancing Trieste (Old Trieste) was good-looking enough to command $675,000 at Fasig-Tipton's Saratoga Sale in 2012. A listed winner  and Group 1-placed in Ireland for Tabor/Magnier/Smith and trainer Aidan O'Brien, he drew well with the two hole and is 7-2 on the morning line. Dancing Trieste, who hails from an accomplished Argentine family, was purchased by Giovanni Baldini's breeder Charles Woodson Jr. for $20,000 at KEEJAN in 2008. Now in foal to War Front's swift son The Factor, the 10-year-old mare (Hip 27) will likely be on more than a few shortlists on Monday at Fasig-Tipton.

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf

Clenor (Ire)

   Clenor (Ire) (Oratorio {Ire}), a Group 3-placed runner in her native Ireland, is unbeaten in three U.S. starts for the Great Friends Stable and trainer Doug O'Neill. She won over course and distance in the Surfer Girl S. on Oct. 6 and is 8-1 on the morning line. Out of Chantarella (Ire) (Royal Academy), the bay filly is a half-sister to a pair of stakes-placed runners by Choisir (Aus), and descends from the same female family as Grade I winner Cambina (Ire) (Hawk Wing) and the unlucky Jacqueline Quest (Ire) (Rock of Gibraltar {Ire}). Clenor is catalogued as Hip 22 at Fasig-Tipton. 

   Florida-bred Nesso (Roman Ruler), claimed for $25,000 out of her six-length debut score at Calder in June, has been the runner-up to the aforementioned Clenor in both Del Mar's Juvenile Fillies Turf S. and the Surfer Girl S. at Santa Anita. Her dam, Devotedness (Anet), is a half-sister to Joint Effort (Runaway Groom), a multiple Grade III winner, and has produced restricted stakes winner Devoted Wildcat (Forest Wildcat) and stakes-placed Brazilian Court (Harlan's Holiday). Further down the page is Smooth Bore (His Majesty), the dam of Oaks/1000 Guineas winner Midway Lady (Alleged). Nesso is catalogued as Hip 219 at Fasig-Tipton.

   My Conquestadory (Artie Schiller) has her work cut out for her from the outside gate, but the dark bay trumped the boys when unveiled in the GIII Summer S. at Woodbine and showed her versatility in collecting the GI Alcibiades S. on Keenland's Polytrack. She won't be selling Monday, but her dam, Golden Artemis (Malibu Moon), will be offered at Fasig-Tipton as Hip 210 while back in foal to Artie Schiller on a mid-May cover; and her weanling half-sister by Desert Party will follow as Hip 211. Golden Artemis is from the family of successful sprinter Kelly Kip.

Breeders' Cup Distaff

Authenticity

   Padua Stable's Authenticity (Quiet American--Court of Appeal, by Deputy Minister) is 8-1 in the Distaff against the likes of Royal Delta and sophomore stars Beholder, Close Hatches and Princess of Sylmar, but the 6-year-old mare has proven her toughness by hitting the board in all eight of her outings in 2013. Winner of the GII La Troienne S. and GIII Shuvee H. for trainer Todd Pletcher, the bay was second to Royal Delta in the GI Personal Ensign H. and to Beholder in the GI Zenyatta S. over this track and trip Sept. 28. Sired by leading broodmare sire Quiet American, Authenticity is a granddaughter of the good grass mare Appealing Missy (Lypheor {GB}), and is catalogued as Hip 206 at Fasig-Tipton.

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies

   Valene Farms' Designer Legs (Graeme Hall), who had her picture taken following the GII Adirondack S. in Saratoga, will bid to bounce back following her sixth-place finish behind My Conquestadory in the Alcibiades. The Louisiana-bred chestnut is out of Elegant Designer (Suave Prospect), who amassed $416,785 while winning a quartet stakes races at four different racetracks. Designer Legs sells early in the Fasig-Tipton session as hip 29 Hip 29.

She's a Tiger

   Mark DeDomenico et al's She's a Tiger (Tale of the Cat) would be worth a look in any catalogue as a sister to theexcellent sprinter Smiling Tiger (Hold That Tiger), but the bay filly is accomplished in her own right. The $150,000 KEESEP yearling purchase won the GI Del Mar Debutante S. in August and came up just a head short in the GI Chandelier S. over this track and trip, and will have the services of Gary Stevens on Saturday. Her dam, Shandra Smiles (Cahill Road), won a minor stakes at Emerald Downs and is a half-sister to stakes-placed runners Traci Girl (Quiet American) and Draw Fire (Elusive Quality). She's a Tiger is slated to sell as Hip 145 at Fasig-Tipton.

Breeders' Cup F/M Turf

   Lady of Shamrock (Scat Daddy) utilized her stretch kick to annex a pair of Grade I events last season for Hronis Racing and trainer John Sadler. Produced by Blushing Issue (Blushing John), the dark bay is a half-sister to Grade II winner Smooth Jazz (Storm Boot) and stakes winner She's Sensational (Point Given). Royal Chariot (Strawberry Road {Aus}), hero of the GI Hollywood Turf Cup, is under her second dam. Lady of Shamrock is coming off a troubled fifth in the GI Rodeo Drive (nee Yellow Ribbon) S., but she is training well and may be returning to her best form. The 4-year-old sells Tuesday at Keeneland as Hip 171. 

Breeders' Cup F/M Sprint

   Renee's Titan (Bernstein) is 30-1 against a tough group of her elders, but Zillah Reddam's 3-year-old did upend champion Beholder earlier this year in the GII Santa Ynez S. The bay is out of Titan Queen (Tiznow), who is a half-sister to Grade II winner Big Band Sound (Bernstein) and stakes winner Silver Prospector (Silver Deputy). Renee's Titan will be offered early on Tuesday at Keeneland as Hip 14.

   Summer Applause (Harlan's Holiday), runner-up last out in the GI Spinster S. on Keeneland's Polytrack, shortens up

Summer Applause

to seven panels for the first time in two years. Gillian Campbell and Greenwood Lodge Farm's filly won the GIII Rachel Alexandra S. last season. This year, she scored in the GII Top Flight H. and GIII DuPont Distaff H. Her dam, Summer Exhibition (Royal Academy), has also produced stakes-placed Big Easy (Gulch), and is a half-sister to millionaire Recoup the Cash (Copelan) and stakes winner Up With the Flag (Time for a Change). Summer Applause will sell as Hip 164 at Fasig-Tipton. A few minutes later, Summer Exhibition will be offered as Hip 166. In foal to Tiznow on a Feb. 20 cover, the 12-year-old mare has a yearling filly by Congrats.

   Great Hot (Brz) (Orientate), born in Brazil with an all-American pedigree, defeated Grade I winners Book Review (Giant's Causeway) and Lady of Fifty (After Market) earlier this year in the GII Santa Maria S. Her unraced dam, That's Hot (Seeking the Gold), is out of Catchy (Storm Cat), a sibling to Grade I winners Hennessy (Storm Cat) and Pearl City (Carson City), as well as Shy Tom (Blushing Groom), a successful sire in South America. Great Hot is catalogued as Hip 57 at Fasig-Tipton, while Catchy's weanling filly by Malibu Moon could be a youngster to watch as Hip 16.

   The popular Groupie Doll (Bowman's Band) could be one of the highlights of Keeneland's second session when she goes through the ring as Hip 350. The pride of the Bradley family, she was an impressive winner of last year's F/M Sprint, and just missed first in the GI Cigar Mile against the boys a month later. The chestnut is from a versatile family that includes successful sprinter Aristotle (Two Punch) and GI Demoiselle S. winner Rootentootenwooten (Diesis {GB}). 

Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint

   Mizdirection (Mizzen Mast), who thrilled Jim Rome and partners with her determined rally in last year's Turf

Mizdirection

Sprint, is 4-1 on the morning line to defend her title. The grey mare began 2013 with three straight wins to take her unbeaten Santa Anita turf course record to six, but she hasn't faced the starter since floundering over a yielding course in the one-mile GI Just a Game S. at Belmont in June. Her recent workouts look sharp, and trainer Mike Puype has her primed for a big run Saturday. The 5-year-old is out of Deceptive (Clever Trick), who has produced stakes winner Hurricane Bernie (Sea of Secrets), and descends from the same Live Oak female family of millionaires Sultry Song (Cox's Ridge) and Solar Splendor (Majestic Light). Mizdirection will sell at Fasig-Tipton as Hip 104.

Breeders' Cup Juvenile

   Havana (Dunkirk), a brilliant winner of his career debut at Saratoga for Magnier/Tabor/Smith and trainer Todd Pletcher, stretched his speed to annex the GI Champagne S. at Belmont last out. While the $575,000 Barretts March purchase will have to sort out a trip from post 13, his dam, Missy Turtle (Kyle's Our Man), will be offered at Fasig-Tipton on Monday as Hip 102. The 15-year-old mare was not bred this year, but the half-sister to stakes winners Chief J Strongbow (Chief Honcho) and Egg Head (Honor Grades) has a yearling filly by Harlington and a weanling Zanjero filly.

Breeders' Cup Classic

   Southern Equine Stable's Moreno (Ghostzapper) will do his best to post an upset in the Classic, but the speedy gelding is bred top and bottom to be a Breeders' Cup star. By a brilliant Classic winner in Ghostzapper, the 3-year-old is out of Danceinthesunlight (A.P. Indy), a daughter of champion Dancethruthedawn (Mr. Prospector) and granddaughter of Dance Smartly (Danzig), the 1991 Distaff heroine and Canadian Triple Crown star. Danceinthesunlight, an 8-year-old, has a yearling colt by Street Sense and was covered this year by Ghostzapper and Giant's Causeway. She sells as Hip 213 at Fasig-Tipton. 

   Dogwood Stable's Palace Malice (Curlin) takes on his elders again following a second-place finish in the GI Jockey Club Gold Cup. The GI Belmont S. and GII Jim Dandy S. winner was a troubled fourth in the GI Travers S., and a victory here would likely see him crowned as champion 3-year-old. He is the second foal from his dam, Palace Rumor (Royal Anthem), and the 10-year-old will be offered in foal to Mineshaft as Hip 119 at Fasig-Tipton. The stakes-placed mare is a half-sister to stakes winners Maya's Storm (Stormy Atlantic) and Jumpifyoudare (Jump Start), and has a 2-year-old City Zip filly and a weanling Pomeroy colt. Millionaire Rail Trip (Jump Start) is under her second dam.

Top 10 Breeders' Cup Memories

   Watching the Breeders' Cup 30-1 show on NBCSN brought back so many memories, and it was great to hear all of those vintage Tom Durkin calls. I was 12 when the Breeders' Cup had its first running at Hollywood Park, so those flashbacks chronicled my evolution from just a (rabid) fan to a professional racing journalist. Here are my Top 10 moments; ranking them was a pleasurable struggle.

10. 1984 Breeders' Cup Classic - Wild Again

   Opportunities to watch hours of racing coverage on network television were few and far between in the fall of

Breeders' Cup Photo (c)

1984, so I couldn't have been happier to snag the lone family television from my brothers on a Saturday afternoon. Pleased as I was to see Chief's Crown take the Juvenile and Royal Heroine beat the boys in the Mile, my hopes were a bit dashed when All Along just failed to hold off longshot Lashkari in the Turf, and it was all up to Slew o' Gold to cap my day of favorites in the Classic. I didn't give much chance to Meadowlands Cup winner Wild Again--neither did a lot of people, according to his price--but what an effort! I've always been partial to a game front-runner, and seeing Wild Again keep sticking his distinctive nose out to deny first Slew o' Gold and then the hooded Gate Dancer endeared him to me. I remember being a bit shocked that his number stayed up, too (84 Classic replay). Wild Again made the most of his chances at stud, and I always gave consideration when I saw his name in a runner's pedigree line. Fast, game and tough is how I like them…

9. 2004 Breeders' Cup Classic - Ghostzapper

   The Lone Star renewal remains my favorite Breeders' Cup that I have attended. Convertible rented in perfect

Breeders' Cup Photo (c)

weather, minimal deadlines and swiftly moving betting lines, not to mention my first experience of a drive-thru beer store that appeared to be a former car wash. Artie Schiller's lapse in the Mile may have taken most of my extra dollars (he did make it up later; see below), but I did get a chance to see Ouija Board strut her stuff in the F/M Turf, and what can one say about the brilliant Ghostzapper? His Classic that year remains one of the most brilliant performances in the history of the Breeders' Cup (04 Classic replay). I should also mention that having the Breeders' Cup held at a variety of tracks meant having the opportunity to visit them, and allowing fans in those areas a chance to see champions in action. Of course, Santa Anita is a beautiful venue and Churchill has its charms, too, but exposure to different locales is not to be underestimated. 

8. 2005 Breeders' Cup - Belmont

   Who would have thought that 2005 might be the last time that the Breeders' Cup was held at my home track of

Breeders' Cup Photo (c)

Belmont? In any case, it certainly didn't occur to me at that moment. I had been a fan of Leroidesanimaux ever since his arrival in Bobby Frankel's barn, and my inner pedigree junkie was pleased to see Intercontinental, yet another top-class runner out of Hasili AND sired by Danehill. Despite her headstrong ways, I thought Intercontinental had enough class to go a mile and quarter, even against proven distance runners like Ouija Board and Film Maker, and why not take her at 15-1? Rafael Bejarano was able to get her to relax (05 FMTurf replay), and I was able to collect enough to make the rest of the day just fun. "Leroy" in the Mile was my single in multi-race wagers, but I started having second thoughts after I learned he was wearing a bar shoe. The big, handsome Artie Schiller, who had let me down 12 months prior in Texas, made quite an impression during the post parade, but the lines at the windows were daunting…luckily, I had access to a telephone wagering account (oh, how far we've come), and Artie redeemed himself in style (05 Mile replay). 

7. 1995 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies - My Flag

   The 1995 renewal of the Breeders' Cup was one of my better betting days--Desert Stormer over Mr. Greeley, Ridgewood Pearl leading home Fastness--and seeing Cigar and Inside Information turn in championship displays added to the experience. But my favorite moment on the afternoon was seeing My Flag put it all together in the Juvenile Fillies was fantastic. As the daughter of two of my absolute all-time favorites--Easy Goer and Personal Ensign--I had been hopeful that she could live up to her pedigree. The chestnut kept improving through the autumn and finally put it all together when it mattered (95 JF replay). The triple didn't pay that much with her on top of Cara Rafaela and Golden Attraction, but I cheered as though it was an IRS ticket.

6. 1985 Breeders' Cup Turf - Pebbles

Breeders' Cup Photo (c)

   I still can't believe that the Breeders' Cup was actually held at Aqueduct, and I still hold a grudge against my parents for not arranging for 13-year-old me to get to Long Island from our home in New Jersey. It was tough for a middle-schooler to follow European racing at that time, but I had read about Pebbles and was sure she could handle the stretch-out to a mile and a half. Her acceleration that day still sets my standard (85 Turf replay), and I've named a fast car (Merc CLS 500) in her honor. One of the highlights of my TDN tenure was getting the chance to meet her many years later in Japan in 2001. 

5. 1990 Breeders' Cup Mile - Royal Academy

   This was the first time that I actually attended the Breeders' Cup; 18, fresh out of high school and working in Manhattan before heading to college. I kept my fingers crossed that programming the VCR for four hours would actually happen, and went to Belmont bright and early on a cold October day. I was excited to see Fly So Free and Safely Kept, but mostly I was expecting another tour-de-force from Go for Wand. Seeing her break down in front of me was devastating, and I seriously considered going home at that point. But I had already placed my bets on Royal Academy earlier in the day, and figured that I may as well wait until the first train was going back to the city. When Royal Academy came onto the track breathing fire and altogether looking like the epitome of a racehorse, my jaw dropped, and I screamed myself hoarse watching him charge home under Lester Piggott (90 Mile replay). 

4. 2008 Breeders' Cup Mile - Goldikova

   One of the best things about the Breeders' Cup is being on track in the mornings as the horses go about their

Breeders' Cup Photo (c)

routine. Seeing so many top-class runners galloping, jogging and schooling is a privilege, and there are few better places to do so than at Santa Anita. Misty or sunny, the San Gabriel Mountains are a stunning backdrop to the action, and 2008 was the first time that I'd visited Clockers Corner for the Breeders' Cup. Apart from finally laying my eyes on Zenyatta, I was eager to see if Goldikova could pull another Miesque and win the Mile as a 3-year-old filly. When she first came out onto the track with her quarter-sheet, I wasn't too impressed; a plain bay of unimposing stature. However, once she began to jog, her spunky attitude and demeanor were noteworthy, and she strutted around seemingly convinced of her own quality. She lived up to that in the afternoon both in 2008 (video 08 Mile replay) and 2009 (09 Mile replay), and became the first horse to win three Breeders' Cup races when she replicated the feat in 2010 at Churchill (and came close to doing so again in 2011!). Freddy Head, who had piloted Miesque to her brace of Mile wins, was gracious in holding court as Goldikova's trainer. 

3. 2001 Breeders' Cup Classic - Tiznow

   Watching Tiznow progress from a maiden winner in the spring of 2000 to Breeders' Cup Classic winner six months later made me feel as though I owned him myself. I had the exacta with him over Giant's Causeway, which further endeared him to me. But he was laid up after his big win in the Santa Anita H. in 2001, and didn't seem quite up to his old standard when he finally made it back to the races in the fall. However, after watching him gallop at Belmont a few days before the Breeders' Cup, I was convinced that he was still the horse to beat. He rolled through the lane with the morning sun lighting him like a superstar, and in my experience there haven't been too many times that simple gallop could make one's jaw drop, but there you have it. With the memory of September 11 all too vivid and sharpshooters on the Belmont roof, Tiznow came up with the goods (01 Classic replay) and earned a Hall of Fame call from Tom Durkin. 

2. 1988 Breeders' Cup Distaff - Personal Ensign

   It's been 25 years and this race continues to set the standard, in my opinion. Every time I see the replay, I STILL

Breeders' Cup Photo (c)

don't think Personal Ensign will get up in time (88 Distaff replay). I was cheering so loudly at home that my sister came running in to make sure everything was okay (it was; all furniture intact). So few horses can maintain a perfect record, let alone over the course of three seasons and undergoing surgery to boot. Winning Colors may not have been quite the same filly that won the Kentucky and Santa Anita Derbies, but she had her running shoes on in the Distaff, and Goodbye Halo was no slouch, either. Personal Ensign, peerless on the racetrack, became a standout broodmare and produced three Grade I winners. She was the first Breeders' Cup winner to produce another winner of the event, the aforementioned My Flag, who in turn foaled a Juvenile Fillies heroine of her own in Storm Flag Flying.

1. 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic - Zenyatta

Breeders' Cup Photo (c)

   What hasn't been said about Zenyatta? One of the most popular horses in recent memory and the subject of a 60 Minutes feature as she attempted to make history in 2010 at Churchill Downs. But a part of me feels like I discovered the big mare while working late on Thanksgiving in 2007 (full disclosure: I wasn't putting in a 100-percent effort that night after an epic holiday meal with the family). But I thought to myself, "Well, this is a half-sister to Balance, who was a pretty nice filly, and the chart has her 'last, almost-last, mid-pack, first by three lengths,' so maybe I need to actually watch this maiden." If you've never seen it, here is the replay; it's worth a minute and a half of your time. Getting a chance to see her flawless performance in 2008 at Santa Anita was a hugely satisfying; sitting in the auxiliary press box when she switched lanes in the Classic was epic (09 Classic replay). It was electrifying, and I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried. Yes, Trevor, it was UNBELIEVABLE.

(T)reve

   In the end, it was indeed something out of a dream. Treve maintained her unbeaten record with a resounding success in last Sunday's G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, trouncing what had been billed as one of the most competitive fields assembled for the Longchamp centerpiece (video replay). It was only the fifth racecourse appearance for the 3-year-old Motivator filly, who was drawn out in stall 15 and took the overland journey throughout the early stages. The rangy bay made a decisive move approaching the straight and strode home imperiously while making runners like international star Orfevre look almost ordinary. Her final 600 meters--a distance just shy of three furlongs--were timed in :34.55, which is pretty heady stuff for a 2400-meter race contested on softish ground.

  "It’s absolutely amazing," said jockey Thierry Jarnet, who had last ridden Treve during her victory in the G1 Longines Prix de Diane in June. "We don ‘t know her limits. She ran with her nose to the wind, but the right horse always manages to get herself out of difficult situations. I’m over the moon!"

   Treve, hailing from the family of notable distaffers Trillion and Triptych, was bred by the Head family's Haras du Quesnay near Deauville. She was offered at the Arqana October Yearling Sale, but was led out unsold at €22,000 and was retained by patriarch Alec Head.

   "I could not let her go for such a price," Head said in the press conference following the Arc.

   He did let her go a bit later, albeit in far different circumstances. In her third career outing, Treve posted a four-length success in the Diane at Chantilly on June 16; a month later, it was revealed that she had been sold for a rumored €8 million (approximately $10.8 million) to Qatari Sheikh Joaan Al Thani. Frankie Dettori, in his new role as Sheikh Joaan's retained rider, piloted Treve to a smooth win in the G1 Qatar Prix Vermeille over the Arc's course and distance on September 15, but sustained a broken ankle in a racecourse fall just a few days before Treve was supplemented to the Arc for €100,000. 

   Those observing the Arc contenders at the gallops in Chantilly indicated that Treve was in fine fettle, and the filly proved that in spades on Sunday. Sporting earplugs as she strode onto the course, Treve sweated up a bit and was keen to get the proceedings underway, but she utilized that nervous energy with aplomb during the race itself. The crowd of 52,000 let loose a healthy roar when the gates opened and the atmosphere was electric. Many Japanese fans were on course to support contenders Orfevre and Kizuna, but it was not to be. Though Treve was pulling at Jarnet in the opening half-mile, she was always traveling along smoothly and, when the 46-year-old reinsman finally moved his hands, Treve settled the matter in just a few strides. It is hard to remember an Arc winner hitting the front so early. 

   The grandstand erupted into cheers as Treve crossed the finish line, and trainer Criquette Head-Maarek high-fived the fans as she made her way back to the parade ring for the trophy presentations. It was her first Arc victory since 1979, when she saddled her parents' filly Three Troikas. Alec Head bred the filly Detroit, who captured the Arc for Robert Sangster in 1980, and trained another female Arc winner the following season when Gold River scored for owner Jacques Wertheimer, but he offered that Treve was their superior.

   "It is extraordinary!" he enthused. "She had the worst possible race and yet won brilliantly. What a filly! I have trained good horses, but ones like that…"

   It was a great day for the Head family, with Freddy Head saddling G1 Prix de la Foret heroine Moonlight Cloud two races after the Arc. George Strawbridge's homebred motored past her rivals to post her third straight success at the top level. Coincidentally, Moonlight Cloud shares the same bottom pedigree line as Treve.

   Treve--which means "truce" in French--will stay in training next year with a mission to be the first two-time Arc winner since Alleged accomplished the feat in 1977-78. Her Longchamp performance was rated higher than the two most recent fillies to prevail in the marquee event, Danedream and Zarkava. Can she do any better next year? I'm not sure, but it will certainly be fun to see her try.

Photos copyright APRH

As It Is Written

   Dr. Christoph Berglar's Novellist confirmed his status as the best older horse in Europe with a smooth and popular success in the G1 Longines Grosser Preis von Baden last Sunday in Iffezheim. Fourth behind two-time Horse of the Year Danedream in last year's edition of Baden-Baden's premier event, the 4-year-old son of Monsun maintained his perfect 2013 record before a crowd of 16,900. He assumed the front shortly after the start and led past the stands for the first time before conceding the advantage to stablemate Seismos on the backstretch. As the compact field fanned out turning for home, the 1-6 favorite quickened up smartly under Eduardo Pedroza and was never seriously threatened in the final furlong (replay). He will now head to Paris for the G1 Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp Oct. 6, and will surely pose a formidable threat to highly regarded 3-year-olds Flintshire and Treve. Sunday's victory was his third straight at the top level following scores in the G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in June and the G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth S. July 27. Novellist stormed home a five-length winner of the King George and lowered Ascot's course record to 2:24.60.

   "It feels good," Berglar said on Sunday. "But I am extremely relieved, because the trainer [Andreas Wohler] told me the horse was on 85% [fit] for the race. It is a balancing act, you know, to develop a horse and then to have reserves for the next race.

   "It was a bit like a penalty kick," Berglar added. "Because you can get to that point, only to miss the goal." 

   Only four horses lined up against the heavy favorite, but Berglar was not fazed by possible tactics. 

   "It was not a worry for me, but perhaps for [jockey] Eddie [Pedroza]," Berglar quipped. "Ascot was more exhausting."

   As for his colorbearer's chances in the Arc, Berglar added, "Yes, of course we are confident, but it has been outsiders for the past few years. At some point, it won't be an outsider and, hopefully, that will be us."

   Johnny Murtagh piloted the colt in the King George, but was prevented from riding him in the Iffezheim feature due to the fact that he also holds a trainer's license, which is not permitted in Germany. While Pedroza proved an able substitute last Sunday, Berglar indicated that Murtagh would be back in Novellist's saddle in the Arc.

   The Grosser Preis von Baden is the highlight of Baden-Baden's "Grosse Woche," or Great Festival Week, which includes numerous social events like the Grand Prix Ball, as well as the BBAG Yearling Sale. Novellist appeared in that nearby auction ring three years ago, but was led out unsold at 100,000 euros. He is the first stakes winner from the Lagunas mare Night Lagoon, who was Germany's highweighted 2-year-old filly in 2003. She hails from a family nurtured for several generations by Berglar, who was happy to retain Novellist and campaign him in his yellow-and-blue colors. Novellist was foaled in Ireland because his dam was booked to Dalakhani in 2009, but his pedigree is as German as they come. Berglar purchased Narola, Novellist's third dam, as a yearling at BBAG in 1990, and the Nebos filly went on to produce three stakes winners. In 2011, Berglar acquired Stonereath Stud in Paris, Kentucky, and his son Peter oversees the operation. Night Lagoon is one of the broodmares now residing in the Bluegrass State. She foaled a Manduro filly in February and was bred back to Bernardini. Also slated to join the Berglar broodmare band next year is Emma's Encore, a 4-year-old daughter of Congrats who won the GI Prioress S. and GIII Victory Ride S. in 2012.

   Novellist's sire Monsun died in 2012 at the age of 22, but he had risen to the top of the European stallion ranks with a steady stream of top-class performers. He has been represented by four Group 1 winners this year. In addition to Novellist, they include Estimate, who captured Ascot's G1 Gold Cup for Her Majesty The Queen; Maxios, winner of the G1 Prix d'Ispahan for his breeders, the Niarchos family; and Silasol, Alain and Gerard Wertheimer's homebred heroine of the G1 Prix Saint-Alary. His penultimate crop of yearlings has been in demand in auction rings this season.  Nicolas de Watrigant of Mandore International Agency secured a 650,000 colt at Arqana in August on behalf of a Chinese investor; the yearling was produced by Sandy Girl (Footstepsinthesand), a half-sister to Monsun's champion and multi-millionaire Stacelita. Three sons of the late stallion were offered at last Friday's BBAG Sale, with Darley signing the tickets on two of them, a Gestut Karlshof-consigned son of Sasuela (Dashing Blade) for 360,000 euros and a 300,000-euros colt out of Katy Carr (Machiavellian) from the Gestut Brummerhof draft.

   Berglar bought only one youngster at BBAG, but it was one of the choicest lots available on the grounds, and required a winning bid of 210,000 euros. Offered by Andreas Jacobs' Gestut Fahrhof, the handsome Dansili colt was produced by Avec Amour (Sadler's Wells), a half-sister to 1998 Arc hero Sagamix (Linamix).

   The BBAG Sale was topped by a 390,000-euros filly purchased by agent Emmanuel de Seroux on behalf of a Japanese client. From the second crop of Wiesenpfad (Waky Nao), the bay filly stood out on looks alone in the walking ring, and has the bottom side to back up her appearance. She is the latest foal from German champion Saldentigerin (Tiger Hill), whose daughter Salomina (Lomitas) earned championship honors herself following her victory in the 2012 G1 Preis der Diana. While Wiesenpfad is not well known outside of Germany to date, that may change soon enough. The French-bred grandson of Alzao was a multiple Group 3 winner for owner Heide Harzheim, and Abendwind, a member of his first small crop, captured the G3 Zukunfts-Rennen two days prior to the BBAG Sale.

   Like every other racing country, Germany has seen the number of registered foals drop in the last few years. According to German Thoroughbred Marketing, 859 foals were born in 2012, and low domestic purses make it difficult  for runners to pay their way. However, the lack of numbers is offset by the quality of German pedigrees. In 2011, Team Valor's Animal Kingdom--a son of the Acatenango mare Dalicia--made headlines when he posted an authoritative win in the GI Kentucky Derby. A few months later, Heiko Volz and Teruya Yoshida's Danedream became the toast of Europe when she became only the second German-trained winner of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Volz had snapped her up for just 9,000 euros at the BBAG Breeze-Up Sale in 2010. Danedream was voted Germany's Horse of the Year following her sophomore exploits, and received the same honor for 2012 after she prevailed over a first-rate field in the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth S. at Ascot and repeated her success in the Grosser Preis von Baden. 

   Racing has been conducted near Baden-Baden since 1858, when Frenchman Edouard Benazet--who also ran the town's famed casino--established the racecourse in the nearby village of Iffezheim. The "Grosse Woche" is the annual highlight for Baden Racing, which schedules no fewer than 10 black-type races at the Iffezheim racecourse during the festival week. 

   "There is a great tradition of racing here," said Andreas Jacobs, president of Baden Racing. "Having the sale here too is most important, because people can come for both."

   

   The spa town of Baden-Baden, situated in the southwest corner of Germany near the borders of France and Switzerland, became popular as a destination for the European aristocracy during the 18th century. The lavish casino, luxury hotels and the serene gardens of the Lichtentaler Allee underscore its native elegance. 

   If you want to see world-class horses in action on the racecourse--and have the chance to buy a future star--a trip to this storied locale is well worth the time.