07/14/2011 5:58PM

Goldikova favored for U.S. HOTY? Seriously?

By Steven Crist
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With 38 different winners in the first 41 Grade 1 races of the year, the first half of the 2011 U.S. racing season can fairly be called wide open, inconsistent and muddled. Even if the next 16 weeks until the Breeders' Cup are just as chaotic, though, I find it impossible to agree with the following assessment of Horse of the Year prospects by the British racing daily The Racing Post:

"The search for a US superstar drew another blank this weekend, making it increasingly likely that the American horse of the year award could be set to leave the continent for the first time in 2011," wrote the RP's Sam Walker earlier this week in the wake of the Hollywood Gold Cup. "At this stage the favourite for the award is probably the French mare Goldikova, who finished third [in the 2010 voting] after winning a record third consecutive Breeders' Cup Mile. If she could seal an unprecedented fourth win in the race she has made her own, she would surely be the one to beat for the coveted Eclipse prize."

Call me provincial, stodgy, and narrow-minded -- you wouldn't be the first -- but I just can't see it.

Don't get me wrong: Goldikova is a wonderful racehorse and a fourth BC Mile victory would be a magnificent and historic achievement. It would probably earn her a third straight Eclipse Award as the Champion Turf Female (she ran second in the voting to Forever Together in 2008). I still find it highly unlikely that Eclipse voters would give her the Horse of the Year award to her for a single 2011 start in the United States. There's a big difference between a divisional grass championship, which voters have given to several Europeans off a single U.S. start and Breeders' Cup victory, and the HOTY award. As for Goldikova's third-place finish in last year's voting, the tally was 128 for Zenyatta, 102 for Blame and 5 for Goldikova.

Could a foreign-based horse ever be the U.S. Horse of the Year off one American start? Hypothetically, if some horse were to win a series of Europe fixtures. romp in the Arc and then come here and wallop America's best by daylight in the Breeders' Cup Classic, maybe. That would be a far cry, however, from what Goldikova's 2011 resume would look like at year's end even if she does win the Mile for a fourth time. The whole proposition strikes me as more of a very remote longshot than a "favourite."

 

*I'm back from my pre-Saratoga -- just eight days till first post/first Hattie's fried-chicken sandwich --  freshening and still catching up. The first nine days of July saw 27 graded stakes, in the course of which Teaks North (Gulfstream Park Handicap, United Nations) and Sassy Image (Humana Distaff, Princess Rooney) joined Get Stormy (Makers Mark, WR Turf Classic) as the only dual Grade 1 winners so far this year. While 9 of the 27 races were won by favorites, there were a number of notable upsets of heavy favorites including losses by five of the seven odds-on choices during that span (Adios Charlie, Sum of the Parts, Hilda's Passion, Coil and May Day Rose):

 

The only Grade 1 before Del Mar and Saratoga open next week is Saturday's American Oaks at Hollywood, though the G2 Delaware Handicap that afternoon sure feels like a Grade 1 with a scheduled clash between Blind Luck and Havre de Grace.

In the meantime, I have a new favorite racing movie I can't believe I'd never seen before. It's only six and a half minutes long and you can watch it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rvnsy9HOOww . (Or search YouTube for "They're Off" if the link doesn't work.) Note the highly flattering depiction of railbirds at 2:30, of racing journalists at 4:00, and an eerily prescient forerunner to the Trakus system at 4:30. Enjoy.

Bernard Downes More than 1 year ago
If not too late, perhaps one final word on this subject. Frankel just thrashed Canford Cliffs (a 5 time Group 1 winner, including beating Goldikova last time out). I will try to avoid boasting, but IF there is a better horse in the World then I haven't seem him/her. Do try to see a recording.
Bill Marshall More than 1 year ago
I voted for Goldikova last year and would certainly not hesitate to do so again if I were to believe the vote to be warranted. That being said, there are a lot of races remaining to be run that will figure into year-end awards. However, for those who are confident Goldikova will not be able to win a fourth BC Mile if Canford Cliffs and Frankel show up, it would be well to remember that she has excelled three times in mile races in this country around two turns. Many European mile races are run on straightaways, as was the Queen Anne in which Canford Cliffs defeated Goldikova. Her two rivals may not run the turns as well as does Goldikova.
Bernard Downes More than 1 year ago
Steve, thanks for the welcome back, and sorry for the Ravens Pass goof. I should have thought before I posted and should have mentioned several other Euro wins/unfortunate defeats. Yuwipi, I was not disturbed by your choice of "conceit", I just couldn't believe it. My dictionary says conceit is "excessive pride in oneself", but this was a British publication praising (OVER praising) a French horse. Brits have a love/hate relationship with France - we love their women and their food and drink, but French horses don't always get the praise they deserve. One final word of warning, conceit might well be the appropriate word after 27 July. If Frankel beats Canford Cliffs in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, or vice versa, they are likely to be claimed to be the best racehorse in the entire World. Of course, the French challenger may beat them both.
yuwipi More than 1 year ago
Bernard Downes: Touched by your concern for my blood pressure. It's fine. Unfortunate that my use of the word "conceit" seems to have disturbed you, but it is exactly the word I wanted and it seems to become more palpable every year. I can assure you that there is absolutely no "anger" in my comment. I have had the highest regard for European racing since my first exposure to it decades ago. Do miss your comments and hope you don't take this as a joust.
mike More than 1 year ago
A MILER for HOY? seriously....what has this industry come to? yeah great miler but when does a miler even be considered for HOY...times have sure changed. Sure they gave her Cartier award last year but if a Zarkava was running last year with her, would Goldi have won?
Jim More than 1 year ago
Steve, Cannot wait for the meet to start. How about a blowup of one of these Haddies Sandwiches to put us in the mood. The closest we get is Windmill or Max's hotdogs here down at the shore. Jim
jherold39 More than 1 year ago
Can't wait to hear "Welcome to the Spaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa"...i'll be there Sunday.
Cary K More than 1 year ago
...Major kudos to the Breeders Cup for taking a step in the right direction on drugs in sports - something that will always be a challenge, but this is the right approach
Cary K More than 1 year ago
the question is, what does Horse of the Year mean? Racing has become more of a truly global game, and so if it's not a Global Horse of the Year award, then what does it really mean - US Horse of the Year? US dirt Horse of the Year? I would argue that in past years horses like Manila & Theatrical should have been Horse of the Year based on their Breeders Cup performances - and they are both looked back as all time greats And so not awarding a Goldikova the award as 4 time winner of the Mile when nothing else stands out would be solidifying the impression that the so-called Horse of the Year award is really 'US Dirt Horse of the Year' in an age where there are 3 surfaces (dirt, turf, all weather) that have legitimate different horses emerging as quality - and with unfortunate speed biases at otherwise glorious Saratoga, specific racing styles required (see calvin Borel) to best achieve at tracks like Churchill - it is harder and harder to pick one horse as was the case the last two years Is this award as a result losing its meaning altogether?
Qev More than 1 year ago
Goldikova? HOY? Well, they’d better start giving her charm lessons and teaching her some cute and quirky tricks of her own in order to increase her popularity/celebrity status on this side of the pond. As, apparently a horse consistently having faced and beaten tougher competition—including its sole competition for the HOY award—is no longer sufficient enough to earn it the HOY award. Nope. It’s all entertainment now, baby.
C Hui More than 1 year ago
Regarding the wrong superfector payoff in the 9th race at Hollywood Park on 7/16/11, isn't it true that once the result has been declared official, the winning combinations posted cannot be changed for betting purpose? Do the people who has the original winning combinations have a case in trying to cash the tickets? I am just amazed at how the stewards could make such a big mistake. I think there should be a hearing on how it happened?
Dogs Up More than 1 year ago
Give Me Lasix or Give Me No Breeder's Bets at All! Any race results outside of the handicapping ordinare are going to be blamed for or against this extreme Lasix change. Why? And I can just see the BC handle reports dropping because of the Lasix factor. Then reversing the decision to go back to Lasix. Seriously, my 102 yr old Mother is on Lasix. Hey Mom, stay away from the Breeder's Cup. Also predict Trainer/Owner late in the going scratches over the uncertainties this will cause them? And when the BC comes to Belmont. I believe NYRA is the only racing circuit where private veterinarians do not administer Lasix. State vets do it. Potential for lots of unsettling possibilities. I see late trainer scratches in these BC events due to their uncertainty of potential and problematic outcomes even though there is a big purse reward. Will there be a new symbol MNL, mandatory no lasix, ,or FTMNL First time mandatory no lasix?
Terri More than 1 year ago
I've been a Goldikova fan for years, but I can't say that I think an amazing European horse should come over here, win one race and be Horse of the Year here. I think Blind Luck and Havre De Grace have to be given serious consideration. They're amazing fillies who make every race they're in exciting. I can't say the same thing for the male horses this year.
Dogs Up More than 1 year ago
With 38 different winners in the first 41 Grade 1 races of the year, the only horse with two G1 wins is turfer Get Stormy. Goldikova last year as an (age 5/ Mare) beat Get Stormy then a 4 yr old Colt while winning the BC Turf Mile. This year, if both return to BC, I'd go with Goldy and there is a likelyhood that she would be the only American horse with two Grade 1's under his belt. And I thought Get Stormy was a big stick out on Derby Day 2011. But he is not a world class horse the likes of Goldikova.
PJ More than 1 year ago
Would love to see Goldikova make an appearance at Saratoga or the Belmont Fall meet - she is one of the most impressive horses I've ever seen and would be a treat to see her locally, getting to see another of the game's superstars in person. Any chance of that for a pre-breeders cup race as her career winds down ? Thanks Steve..
Born Star More than 1 year ago
That has to be the funniest thing I've seen related to horse racing since Abbott and Costello in The Noose Hangs High.
Hector L Lebron More than 1 year ago
You are indeed an American provincialist.
Walt P. More than 1 year ago
Going to comment first on the topic above Steve: At this stage, Goldikova is a candidate for Horse of the Year, but if she were to get that, they would need to go outside their "comfort zone" and bring her here earlier, possibly for a race like the Whitney at Saratoga August 6 or Woodward (also at Saratoga) on September 3 and show she can beat the boys on dirt, then possibly from there in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont on October 1 and BC Classic. Do that, beat the boys (and possibly Harve de Grace or Blind Luck) and that's how Goldikova becomes HOY. Next, in response to your article on the Breeders' Cup banning Lasix, I have posted in numerous places my five-year plan that would phase out Lasix from the sport... Finally, with regard to Barry's comment from the last blog on how I would structure a Filly Triple Crown/Triple Tiara, that to me is needed and would be part of an overall plan to get more exposure into the sport that would also include tracks cooperating and being much more flexible with scheduling stakes events, which would include my previously stated plan for a once-a-month Saturday prime time series and also a revival of my old plan for a night following the All-Star game where tracks each schedule major stakes events grouped together into an 11-race, made-for-TV program... Getting back to the idea of a Filly Triple Crown/Triple Tiara, if we have one, I feel it needs to have races at the same distances as their male counterparts, including a return of the Coaching Club American Oaks to its former 1 1/2 Mile distance as the final leg in late June (obviously at Belmont, with as noted the Acorn moved to March and Mother Goose to April (both at Aqueduct with the Acorn on the inner track at 1 1/16 Miles) as preps for the Kentucky Oaks, which would be at the same 1 1/4 Mile distance as the Derby and the Cotillion/Delaware Oaks the middle leg at 1 3/16 Miles before the CCA Oaks. ..
Bernard Downes More than 1 year ago
Sorry to break my word about poking my Brit nose into your blogs, but I am seriously concerned about the blood pressure of your correspondents. I agree that the Racing Post piece was silly, but did it really justify responses like "pompous clowns", "conceit", "dark ages", "Euros can't run a lick on dirt" (really, didn't Ravens Pass run a decent race a couple of years ago?). By the way, is your correspondents anger directed against Britain ("kicked them out of the country 250 years ago"), or Euros in general. Goldikova is well loved in Britain, but she is of course the pride of FRENCH racing. [Always enjoy your comments, Bernard; poke away. Just for the record, that race run by Raven's Pass was not on dirt but on a Pro-Ride surface more reflective of grass than dirt form. -SC]
jerry More than 1 year ago
In a similar vein; The Simpsons episode where they "adopt" a greyhound is classic. The race call cracks me up everytime.
Bill B. More than 1 year ago
I highly doubt that the voters would make her HOY on the basis of one win in this country. If her handlers were brave enough to let her try to win a second race here either before or after the BC Mile and she should win both, then maybe if the continuing trend of mediocrity continues in the US for the remainder of the year. Strange things can happen though such as the already mentioned Singspiel winning an Eclipse without ever racing in this country and Trillion winning the best Turf Female award without winning a single race here, but clearly both of those wins were based upon no US horse doing anything of great interest in the US in those particular years. At the moment, the only horses I see having any worthiness to be considered for HOY are the two fillies, Havre de Grace and Blind Luck. Traditionally, older males on dirt are the prime contenders, but both Twirling Candy and First Dude have a ways to go to prove themselves to be the best. Of course, we are a little spoiled. This year is a huge letdown after our past four years of Zenyatta, Rachel Alexandra & Curlin. As far as our 3 year old males are concerned this year, one has to go back to 1971 and 1974 to find a weaker bunch or at least just as weak. Uncle Mo? He has a LOT to prove in my book.
Mike More than 1 year ago
Hey Steve, Great link. Hopefully we'll see 'Old Moe' in the King's Bishop.
Peggy More than 1 year ago
I'm with you, Steve. In the first place, there should never be a foreign horse of the year, whether it's a grand horse, a turf horse, or a stick horse. This is America's award and it's not up for grabs by some other country. It doesn't matter if it goes to what someone might consider a 'lesser' horse in the grand scheme of things, it should be to an American horse. On a slightly different subject, the idiotic decision by the Breeder's Cup to ban lasix, sets racing back decades. When we find something that actually helps horses, by reducing bleeding from the lungs, why would we want to prohibit that? We don't have to go back to the dark ages, like Europe, where they feel they have to run 4 1/2 miles, over jumps, carrying 160+ lbs, to decide which is the best horse. We should be proud of the horses that are U.S. bred and who have speed. Because some of this stuff is European, doesn't make it better or right or even the thing to do.
El Angelo More than 1 year ago
While I agree with your point on Goldikova, it's worth noting that many people trumpeted Daylami for HOTY in 1999 when the competition was the likes of Charismatic, Artax, Behrens, and Soaring Softly, and he was a finalist for the award. Granted, how the voting was conducted in 1999 was quite different. And he lost. But he only made 1 start in the US, and while he did have 3 other G1 wins, he flopped miserably in the Arc, and was still the runner-up in HOTY voting. My only point is that it's probably more likely than we'd like to admit when the horse is already well-liked in the US and competition looks like some combination of First Dude, Twirling Candy, and Trappe Shot.
rk More than 1 year ago
It is absolutely amazing how close "They're Off" is to reality.
Al Kozlowski More than 1 year ago
I know that it is early and anything can happen in the second half of the year but if no horse emerges for the remainder of the year, Gio Ponti would stand a decent chance at winning HOTY. He is not as fast as he maybe once was but he continues to run a big number time after time and will eventually win a Grade I race or two in 2011 with those figs. I wish the connections would keep him in the Turf event instead of the Mile, but that is debate for another time. By the way, Goldikova is a great story and I am rooting for her to make it 4 straight in the Mile, but I agree with you that it is not enough to make her HOTY here in the states.
kyle More than 1 year ago
No cameo by Mott or Pletcher? Mott trained Snapshot, didn't he? And of course, Old Moe is Pletcher's. I guess you would credit Snapshot with a Z pattern for that performance. I have seen this before, and it remains the most informative and sophisticated, least condescending take on racing ever to come out of Hollywood.
Dave or Divot80 More than 1 year ago
I am still chuckling after watching that Walt Disney movie made in 1948. ( Goofy at the Races) I can't believe having never seen it before. The only things missing are Hatties fried chicken sandwich and the fresh corn on the cob they used to sell at that tented refreshment stand near the quarter pole at Saratoga. LOL. BTW, I love Goldikova and would vote for her ONLY if she ran and won a few races, here in the USA. Divot80
Cacambo More than 1 year ago
The clowns who run the Breeder's Cup are at it again. Banning Lasix in some races. Ridiculous PR move intended to appeal to people who will not even watch the races, much less bet a cent on them. Just propogates the fantasy that the tens of thousands of other races run in this country are somehow tainted or evidence of mistreatment of horses.
SamG More than 1 year ago
Steve,hope you enjoyed your freshening and glad you and Saratoga are back next week.While I agree the idea of Goldikova being the favorite for HOTY is preposterous it doesn't mean it won't happen.Last year proved that politics can outweigh what happens on the track.Nothing against Goldikova of course who,as you say,is a wonderful horse.It's hardly a sure thing she'll even win the BC mile,tho I'll be rooting for her. The movie is great,I have seen it before but long before I bet my first horse.Cartoons don't even come close to that these days and haven't for a long time.Snapshot is 15-1(ML)at Ellis tomorrow,maybe better to bet him to place in case of another photo.
Reggie Evans More than 1 year ago
This is an argument that doesn't make any sense to me. I personally believe that the awards should be for United States based horses that do the majority of their racing in the U.S. Not North America but the U.S. I would like to see the rules say that a horse has to start at least four times five times in the U.S. or maybe make at least 80% of their starts here. But that's not how the rules are currently written. All a horse has to do in order to qualify for an Eclipse is make one start in North America. Technically, a horse doesn't even have to run one time in the U.S. in order to qualify. Most current racing fans aren't aware that High Chaparral was named champion male grass horse in 2003....even though he only ran one time in the U.S. and didn't even win that race outright (deadheat with Johar in the BC Turf). Fewer are aware that Singspiel was named champion male grass horse in 1996.....even though he never ran a race in the U.S. He won his title by winning the Canadian International and second in the BC Turf at Woodbine. So tell me again how it's logical that Singspiel can win an Eclipse while never running here but Goldikova shouldn't even be considered for HOY if she wins the BC Mile again? The way I see it, either you change the rules or you start voting for the best of all QUALIFIED horses. I think it was pretty clear that Goldikova was the BEST horse to run a race in the U.S. last year. I also understand that the awards are supposed to be for U.S. horses and the only time a European gets an Eclipse is when there is no strong American choice. Last year, there were two in Blame and Zenyatta so I knew Goldikova had no shot at HOY. But it makes no sense to recognize her as one of the three finalists but then not award her as the best. Either she's in or she's out. If it took horses of the caliber of Blame and Zenyatta to beat her out last year and this year, there is nothing like that those running, if she were to win again, over a field that could possibly include horses like Frankel and Canford Cliffs, there is no reason at all why she shouldn't be voted HOY. Also, while on the subject, if it's ok to award championships to horses off of only one race as they have done numerous times with European grass horses, who says that one race has to be in the BC? In 2005, I would argue that Ghostzapper's Met Mile was the best race of any horse that year. Why couldn't that race have been enough to earn him the Eclipse as champion older male or even as HOY?
SherpaGuide More than 1 year ago
I think the Blind Luck/Havre de Grace rivalry may go a long way in determining HOY, here's to a full summer/fall of good health to both of them! The movie was fantastic, the handicapping segment was so spot-on. Hitting the Mass Pike west Thursday afternoon to the NY thruway north, man I can't wait, the most wonderful time of the year!
John More than 1 year ago
Ah...Let me see if I get this one right. The Racing Post is suggesting that Goldikova might be the favorite for the American Eclipse Award is she wins the BC Turf Mile. If she wins. At last check isn't two other horses (Canford Cliffs, Frankel) ranked above her in Europe at a mile on the turf. You would think the RP would stick with their own rivalry and not meddle in our ways.
Deano More than 1 year ago
Steve, As of this writing, Goldikova isn't even eligible for U.S. Horse of the Year for 2011. With that in mind she can not be "the favorite". As for this sentence: ""There's a big difference between a divisional grass championship, which voters have given to several Europeans off a single U.S. start and Breeders' Cup victory, and the HOTY award."" What about "no U.S. starts and no Breeders' Cup victory" ??? Even that has been the case at least once for a divisional grass championship.
Michael B. More than 1 year ago
Here is one racing fan hoping that the Breeders' Cup ban on raceday medication will not only stick, but will be gradually extended to all thoroughbred races run in North America. It is clear that the use of raceday medication has drastically weakened the breed in North America; horses race less frequently, at shorter distances, carrying less weight, and, in most cases, slower than they did 40 or 50 years ago. As for the provincial comments that somehow only American racing has horses with speed so that they somehow need furosemide (formerly Lasix, now Salix), they demonstrate an abysmal ignorance of international racing. Ever hear of a horse (actually, a filly) named Black Caviar? She is now 13-for-13 in Australia, all in sprints, the majority against colts, and she has shaded 1:08 for six furlongs at least once (around a turn, not on a straight course like the majority of sprints in Europe). That seems like plenty of speed to me. If they ban raceday medication, this racing fan will attend live racing more frequently and bet more.
Turfdocta More than 1 year ago
only 7 days till paradise lost. I am looking forward to a Hatties Chicken Sandwich, a Lil Andy /Steve Crist handicapping seminar, a $6 lemonade and Tom Durkin announcing the "track is fast and the turf if firrrrmmmmmm." If only Harvey Pack would make a guest appearance, all would be right with the world....at least for 6 weeks. And they're off.......at Saratoga.
Tom More than 1 year ago
Goldikova, pour moi, so you think , treasure beach. Any of those horses, if they win a bc prep and abc race in the USA, could be rightly considered and voted hoy in this weakest of weak years with no standout horse as yet. So could frankel and candied cliffs! Your admittedly provincial views as well as a silly east coast bias were on display when zenyatta ran last and your analysis almost didn't pan out when zenyatta ran a brave second to blame. Time to put your short sightedness to bed?
Rob More than 1 year ago
I think were missing the real story here. This might be the most sub-standard year for American racing in a real long time if not ever. The three year old division and the older horses are in shambles. The turf division is a joke. Europe is experiencing a vintage year of racing. Frankel, So You Think, Canford Cliffs, Goldikova, Pour Moi, St. Nicholas Abbey, and Misty For Me are but some of the horses performing at a championship level. Were not seeing championship quality racing in this country this year. At this point, if Cape Blanco wins the Arlington Million he has as good a claim as anyone to Horse of the Year, and he is the fifth best horse in his barn back home. That says all you need to know about the state of the game right now.
Real1Quiet More than 1 year ago
My guess @ 2011 HOTY: First Dude Can't wait to hear yours & Mr. Beyer's responses to BC disallowing Lasix in the upcoming years...
Curt V. More than 1 year ago
Steve, There's nothing wrong w/your thinking. Certainly not "Provincial". Isn't that one of their favorite words ? Sorry. Meant favourite..Speaking of the great Arc-ers. When did an Arc-er ever win the Classic, in the year that horse won the Arc ? Still thinking ? How 'bout never..These pompous clowns are just exhibiting their inferiority. Those Euros can't run a lick on DIRT. & those Racing Post, man-made, Euro fabricated, home grown figures are phony as well. For three years Goldikova was on the grounds w/the Big Girl Z, & always omitted Zenyatta from her plans & opted for the lesser event. Don't get me started, ZZZZ would have left Goldikova in the dust. There was a reason we kicked them out of this country about 250 years ago. This is probably it. Every year they come back w/the greatest horse that ever lived syndrome. Another words, every year this horse is the greatest since Seattle Slew..Sorry Chap... That only happens once in a lifetime..
The Colonel More than 1 year ago
Just one question, the last US based horse to win an Arc, Irish Champion Stakes, or King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes? At least the Europeans come here, compete and win. And as a historian, we didn't kick the French out, they were allies during the American Revolution. Just like to clear that up for you.
Pru More than 1 year ago
That YouTube video is fantastic. Even my fiancé likes it.
bob bright More than 1 year ago
Goldikova has demonstrated a quality American horses don't currently possess. She's tough, sound and shows up with a Grade 1 effort every time. Ther isn't an American horse in training with her brillance. She should be HOTY just for showing up at the Breeders Cup.
New Jersey D More than 1 year ago
Here’s my take on Snapshot’s performance: Broke poorly Rushed to join the pack Switched lanes Blocked behind a wall of horses Took lead Caught at the wire by a 100-1 shot Dead rail? Needs blinkers next time out?
Steven More than 1 year ago
I saw that story as well ans found it idiotic. If she were to come here and win 3 races, yes, I can buy it, but there's no way she wins HOY off another G1 BC Mile win. Just those Euros again thinking their racing is the center of the universe. There's no doubt she's great, but if it comes down to one race, would you give her HOY for a BC Mile win over Animal Kingdom's Ky. Derby win or whomever wins the BC Classic? Again, idiotic.
HZ Hackenbush More than 1 year ago
When Zenyatta was named HOY, the award became officially meaningless, no more worthy of mention than an ESPY.
yuwipi More than 1 year ago
Snapshot clearly crossed the wire before Old Moe. No inquiry posted? It doesn't surprise me that the Euro drum beating has started for Goldikova. Their conceit in thoroughbred racing has now become totally unbearable. A great race mare indeed. Horse of the year in North America? Highly improbable despite the circuitous reasoning of The Racing Post writer, who also managed to put the kiss of death on Uncle Mo's comeback in the same article. I've never tried the Hattie's sandwich. Hoping they are as good as advertised.
hialeah More than 1 year ago
Hi Steve, As good as Goldikova has been, it is Frankel that would appear (from here) to actually lead the pack. Is it just me? As for that movie, and it is one, I do remember that from long ago Saturday mornings when the vault was emptied and a parent or two might be heard to chuckle from the back of the room. 1947, if my Roman Numerology serves me right. Must say that I never saw this in color before. Ranks up there with a 1964 Boog Powell card, and if you get that reference - it was the closest to a 1927 Babe Ruth - than you get a trip to Great Neck, NY. Thanks, as always!