Breeders' Cup Results
Dateline: 11/08/97
Well, its all over again for another year. The weather was perfect, the crowd was large, the horses were gorgeous, and thankfully there were no accidents to mar the day. Below are my observations on each race along with a link to the chart. I have a ton of photos to be developed and will be doing a page similar to the one I had last year so check back next weekend. Until then, I have a few photos from my digital camera to hold you or check the Breeders' Cup's photo page.
No surprise here as Countess Diana drew off in a powerfull performance. California bred Career Collection was a distant second and Canadian bred Primaly was third. The big surprises were the lackluster efforts from Vivid Angel, Love Lock, and Beautiful Pleasure. Countess Diana made it look easy and it will be a treat to see how she matures as a three year old.
This was the most wide open of the races so anything could and did happen. Janine Sahadi took it again this year with a late closing sprinter named Elmhurst. He closed like a freight train in deep stretch to get up over two other outsiders: Hesabull and Bet On Sunshine. Another shock was 10-1 morning line Men's Exclusive going off as the favorite at about 5-2. Exotic Wood was fourth which just proves the she should never have been on put on the also eligible list to begin with.
Another upset here as the lightly regarded entry of Ajina and Escena ran first and third. Sharp Cat who looked to have everything going for her blew it by dueling with Radu Cool through early fractions that were just too fast to hold on at the end. She still ran a creditable second even though she was popping her tail in response to urging at the end. The other big favorite, Hidden Lake, never was in it. Last year's winner Jewel Princess was eased across the finish and did not run out after the race. She did not appear to be in distress when she was led back past where I was sitting so hopefully nothing is wrong with her.
Spinning World put in a real tour de force here with a seemingly effortless win to prove that he truly is the best miler in the world. Could this possibly set him up for an Eclipse award as best grass horse? Geri gave a really good effort in second while another European, Decorated Hero, was third.
Favorite Trick stretched his undefeated streak to 8 wins in a row and looked very impressive doing it. He tracked the early speed then just blasted past to draw off. Sure made it look like a mile and a quarter wouldn't be much trouble. The surprise was that the other two big favorites really fizzled. Souvenir Copy at least hung on for fourth, but Grand Slam was dead last. Two big longshots, Dawson's Legacy and Nationalore were second and third.
The last scratch of Singspiel really made this one seem tougher than it turned out to be. Cheif Bearheart inherited a lukewarm favorite's role but rallied to win proving he really did deserve to be favored. The German horse Borgia was second and Flag Down was third. Looks like it will probably be between the Chief and Spinning World for the turf horse Eclipse. Perennial money burner Awad never ran a step despite having a very quick pace to chase.
What else can I say but Skip Away skipped away from them. He made a bid move on the backstretch and just powered
away from the field setting a new Breeders' Cup record of 1:59 for the mile and a quarter.
Certainly looks like Sonny Hine has gotten him in top shape after his last
two wins. Deputy Commander was second proving he is no flash in the pan.
Whiskey Wisdom finished third but was disqualified to fourth for interferance in the stretch
with Dowty who was moved up to third. Behrens and Touch Gold were both
heavily backed but didn't run a step.
A view of the stands from the track kitchen on the backside.
A view of the track from my seat across from the 1/8th pole.
Bob Baffert, Wally Dollase, and Bill Mott
Chris McCarron, Lafitte Pincay, Mike Smith, and Gary Stevens.
