beautiful day of racing

[jim10366]

probably not the most superstar rich field, but a beautiful day of racing none the less. too bad one horse was put down.

nice to see phipps stable get one.

did any one see the backdrop when the sun was setting after the classic. wow that was breathtaking.

nothing like a beautiful fall day in new york.

[henthorn]

I just wish the powers-that-be wouldn't place so much emphasis on the BC day. It should be based on its merits, just like any other group of Grade 1 races. The huge purses only make people push their charges harder in hopes of the elusive prize, money, and acclaim. Just like the KY Derby and Triple Crown.

[StrawberryFelidos]

It does seem that some people are inclined to put too much emphasis on one win or loss in the Breeder's Cup- ie, a horse who's won excellently throughout the year, like Leriodsanimaux, might conceivably get shut-out of Eclipse voting because of his single loss today (a second place at that) and give Turf honors to one of the two who won today and haven't performed so consistantly all year (I'd imagine the BC Turf horse would be the most likely winner if a shut-out occurred). It's the looking at the narrow picture of one day, and not considering the entire year, that kinda gets to me when it comes to Eclipse voting.
Although the overemphasis on the voting end of it can be bothersome, the day itself is quite entertaining and I appreciate getting to spend a day watching hour after hour of today's top horses fighting it out It's quite special to me and I hope it never leaves.

[Heidilady]

Well I really do think that by and large it was a lovely day of racing and I caught a glimpse of that sunset as the telecast was nearing its end. Beautiful.

I think you can't really blame them for putting this emphasis on the BC day races because remember, the Kentucky Derby just used to be this big race but nothing like it is now. If it had been like that all along, not even Sam Riddle would've passed up sending Man O'War. If I'm right, the only one he drug himself out to send to the post was War Admiral. You gotta push to make something really meaningful or they'll just sort of half-heartedly show which's why the Dubai folks are busting it with the Dubai World Cup day. I think for example that the Santa Anita Handicap isn't quite the star that it was during Seabiscuit's run even though it's still a big one to hit and they might do better by taking the prestige up a notch to the luster of its glory days. I know I know they probably think it's doing just fine and is a big big deal but they outta be busting it to make sure an older horse looking to the Classic thinks "ok now to be worth my salt I gotta win the Santa Anita Handicap" which many do but certain not as many as there should be.

About today's effect on the Eclipse poll, I still think Lost in the Fog's champion sprinter. I mean I think they made a mistake keeping him in California that long before the race for that stupid Bay Meadows leap frog competition. I'm sorry but the dirt track at Belmont isn't like a CA track and you gotta accept that and deal with it. Oh yeah and not make a move like that on a Belmont turn like a fool and go 'oh gee why'd they catch up to me in the stretch? I dunno!' If Afleet Alex runs like we expect in the Cigar Mile he'll probably take it and deserve champ 3yo. I don't think Leroi's chances are hurt by his loss--they'd only be hurt if in the voters' opinion Artie's other performances keep him close enough for this to matter as a deciding factor. It is after all why they call them upsets and longshots. I think BC outta be celebrated for horses that are in training early in the year and keep it up til that day, not jump up and get one big win or crumble because they've done too much and this is the last straw. The goal is for the best bred/trained/talented horses to be all in one package and meet in these races. If they achieve that, may the best horse win and we've already won.

PS. I'm a rambling dork, sorry.

[Karie]

Beautiful day of racing??

ummm... I think not....

FREEZING FREEZING Cold (with the wind rushing right at the stands) I am still not thawed out... with 3 horses Vanned off... one dead... umm not so beautiful if you ask me...

Wildcat Heir Vanned Off.. and the Sunday Silence Filly vanned off.. and Funfair breaking down...

I have been to much better Breeders Cup's with warmer weather, better horses and NO breakdowns.......

[Sunday Silence]

Sundrop, the Sunday Silence filly, is going to be just fine.

I had planned on going but had to cancel do to some seriois issues. After hearing my friend call from the track I felt better, because he said the cold was a stinging, bitter cold.

[Karie]

Grade 1 winner Wildcat Heir has been retired after suffering a hairline fracture of the accessory carpal bone while finishing tenth as the second-choice in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) on October 29 at Belmont Park.

[ohdannyboy]

The injuries did not detract from the overall quality of racing for me anyway. These are after all not Tuesday afternoon claimers running around.

When the absolute fastest and most competitive horses in the world are running, some are bound to run faster and try harder than they should and injuries are more likely. I would estimate that in all of them combined, more breeder’s cups have been marred by injuries and breakdowns than have not and also much higher than the average day of racing. But that is the reality of how much faster and harder the best horses in the world run. I don't think it can ever be prevented.


I agree Belmont park is the most spectacular in the fall. Seeing the horses run in front of the beautifully colored trees. And then as the sun sets the light falls at a certain angle as the horses run down the backside, which is spectacular if you are an avid photographer like me. Sure beats these tracks built in the middle of trailer parks!!

Got some great pictures from breeder’s cup day and your right Jim, it was a beautiful day. Sure it was a bit nippy but that is what weather forecasts are for I think.

I was prepared so not so bad. Autumn in the northeast goes with the chilly air more than not. Was just happy it was not pouring rain like the Saturday 1 week before or on champagne day. That would have ruined the day completely. Try getting good snaps in that muck.

Got some great snaps of that sunset as well. When I got home and watched the tape I noticed that hammond and cantey were signing off on their 20 years of coverage at the same time. It was almost poetic.

[HenriettaVIII]

I think BC outta be celebrated for horses that are in training early in the year and keep it up til that day, not jump up and get one big win or crumble because they've done too much and this is the last straw. The goal is for the best bred/trained/talented horses to be all in one package and meet in these races. If they achieve that, may the best horse win and we've already won.

Good point. Maybe they should have some sort of points system whereby horses become eligible to start based on their prior races for that year. That way, when the ADD suffering Eclipse voters put all the emphasis on the BC, at least the horses who competed will have had raced regularly earlier in the year.

They should also can the Juvenile races or at least dumb down the purse money to no more than $200K. Really, juvenile stakes should only be run as "trials" and prestige events, so that people are less likely to rush young horses into oblivion.