2015 Breeders’ Cup Wrap Up

BREEDERS’ CUP WRAP UP

Oct. 30th – 31st

American Pharoah Dominates Breeders’ Cup Classic Wins First Ever Grand Slam

American Pharoah returned to racing’s biggest stage with a vengeance in the 2015 Breeders’ Cup. The king of racing is the first horse in 37-years to capture a Triple Crown and what he has done this year is nothing short of phenomenal. On Saturday, October 31st, American Pharoah made his final career start in the Breeders’ Cup Classic — the fourth leg of racing’s Grand Slam — and, he did not disappoint.

Easily besting a field of eight, American Pharoah took the lead out of the gate and was stalked around the track by Effinex, piloted by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, but never gave him a chance. The 3-year-old colt put up fractions of 23.99, 47.50, 1:11.21, and 1:35.47. Breaking away from the field with easy speed, he charged down the stretch to win by an open 6 ½ lengths, hitting the wire at 2:00.07 — a new track record for the 1 ¼-mile at Keeneland. His impressive run in the 2015 Breeders’ Cup Classic received a 120 Beyer speed figure.

“I am so proud of this horse,” expressed a relieved Bob Baffert. “When I saddled him, I could tell that he was full of himself. I told Victor to just ride him. When you have a good horse like this, you want it all to go right. I am so proud of him… he is the greatest horse I’ll ever see, and I am so glad that he goes out the champion he is.”

Sunday morning the Zayats, along with Bob Baffert and Jimmy Barnes, welcomed the media and fans to visit American Pharoah one last time before going off to stud. Over one-hundred people showed up and were able to greet the connections, ask questions, get pictures and say farewell to the champion.

“He is the most brilliant horse I have ever seen,” Ahmed Zayat told reporters. “We are so appreciative to have him and we owe American Pharoah everything. He is a once-in-a-lifetime horse. He runs with his heart. We wanted him to go out a winner. I didn’t even see the final eighth (of a mile) because I had my eyes closed the whole time. It was an incredible thrill… so emotional.”

American Pharoah arrived at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud on Monday morning and was greeted by a large welcome party. The son of Pioneerof the Nile retires as the first Grand Slam winner in racing’s history. His record, a resume of lavish wins, stands 11-9-1-0 with career earnings topping out at $8,650,300. His combined winning margin since debuting back in August of 2014 totals 44 ½-lengths.

Payouts and Order of Finish:
American Pharoah —— $3.40 win, $3.00 place, $2.40 show
Effinex —————————- $14.20 place, $6.60 show
Honor Code  ———————————— $3.40 show
4-Keen Ice
5-Tonalist
6-Hard Aces
7-Frosted
8-Gleneagles (IRE)

$2 Exacta → $76.40
$2 Trifecta → $322.60
$2 Superfecta → $1,224.00
$1 Super High Five → $1,715.10

Runhappy Wins Breeders’ Cup Sprint Gets Taken Away From Trainer Maria Borell

Runhappy stole the show this Saturday with his trying ways and fairy-tale like story. The 3-year-old son of 2010 Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver has been drawing the public’s attention since Maria Borell signed on as the colts trainer back in July of 2015. Since then Runhappy has won five consecutive races, topping it off with a win in the Gr. 1 $1.5 million TwinSpires Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

Tracking the pace in third while Holy Boss and Private Zone dueled for the lead, Runhappy ran 3-5 wide for most of the race. The pacesetters put up racy fractions of 22.05, 44.31 and 56.14. As the field rounded the final turn and came into the stretch the toll set in for Holly Boss, who dropped back and finished 4th. Private Zone fought hard, but Runhappy was determined and kept at him, overcoming him with force just past the sixteenth pole. With Edgar Prado aboard for the ride, Runhappy hit the wire ¾’s of a length ahead of Private Zone and stopped the clock at 1:08.58, setting a new track record at the 6-furlong distance.

Since Saturday’s impressive win, this fairy tale story has taken a turn for the worst. On Sunday November 1st it was announced that Maria Borell had been relieved of her duties as Runhappy’s trainer after a disagreement arose regarding whether or not the colt would train that morning. It was stated that the colt’s ankle had “heat and fill” and Borell did not agree with training him under the circumstances. Racing manager and trainer Laura Wohler’s has taken over as trainer and a backlash of upset fans have taken to social media to express their disgust. Neither party chose to comment on the issue.

Runhappy returned $5.20 for the win, $3.40 for place and $2.80 for show. Private Zone returned $4.20 for place and $3.80 show, while third place finisher Favorite Tale paid $10.80.

$2 Exacta → $24.40
$2 Trifecta → $388.60
$2 Superfecta → $5,255.20

Order of Finish: 1-Runhappy, 2-Private Zone, 3-Favorite Tale, 4-Holy Boss, 5-Salutos Amigos, 6-Wild Dude, 7-Kobe’s Back, 8-Stallwalkin Dude, 9-Ivan Fallunovalot, 10-Big Macher, 11-Limousine Liberal, 12-Barbados, 13-Alsvid, 14-Masochistic

Tepin Reigns Supreme Conquering Boys In Breeders’ Cup Mile

Mark Casse trained Tepin set out against top notch male turf runners, including last year’s Mile winner Karakontie, to win the Gr. 1 $2 million Breeders’ Cup Mile by 2 ¼ lengths. The field, comprised of 12, also included Fourstardave and Shadwell Turf Mile winner Grand Arch, Gr. 1 Prix de la Foret British-bred winner Make Believe, and a handful of classy Euros.

“Am I dreaming?” Mark Casse said after the win. ” She just continues to amaze me. I’m still in shock… I’ll have to watch the race a few more times, and then I’ll be even more surprised.”

Tepin, a 4-year-old daughter of Bernstein, shot out of the gate sharply and had the lead as they entered the first turn. She was then met by Irish-bred Obviously, who took over the lead, putting up a modest time of 48.08 for the ½-mile. As the two approached the top of the stretch, jockey Julien Leparoux asked the filly to go. Kicking into another gear, Tepin reclaimed the lead to win, stopping the clock at 1:36.69.

Purchased for $140,000 at Fasig-Tipton’s Saratoga Select Yearling Sale of 2012 by owner Robert Masterson, Tepin has amassed $2,475,973 in earnings since her career debut in September of 2013. In 15 career starts, she has hit the board 12 times. Tepin returned $11.80 for the win, which marked the Casse’s second ever Breeders’ Cup victory.

Mondialiste, ridden by Daniel Tudhope, made a very bold move after being ridden out of traffic that had plagued his trip. The Irish-bred son of Galileo charged down the stretch to finish behind the winner, returning $13.60 for 2nd. Grand Arch finished 3rd, returning $6.20.

$2 Exacta → $174.60
$2 Trifecta → $1,077.80
$2 Superfecta → $21,338.80

Order of Finish: 1-Tepin, 2-Mondialiste, 3-Grand Arch, 4-Mshawish, 5-Make Believe, 6-Impassable, 7-Esoterique, 8-Tourist, 9-Obviously, 10-Time Test, 11-Karakontie, 12-Recepta

Stopchargingmaria Survives Inquiry to Capture Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff

In a dramatic duel, Todd Pletcher trainee Stopchargingmaria fought off trainer John Sadler’s Stellar Wind by a neck and emerged victorious in the Gr. 1 $2 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff. The win was immediately reviewed by the stewards as Stopchargingmaria and jockey Javier Castellano continuously drifted right the entire duration of the stretch – coming into contact with Stellar Wind and Victor Espinoza three times. The stewards maintained the order of finish citing the bumping was not enough to cost Stellar Wind the win.

“You’re concerned anytime there is an inquiry or an objection, but I felt pretty comfortable watching the head-on that we were going to be OK,” said Pletcher, who also saddled third place finisher Curalina.

Standing a record of 16-9-3-1, Stopchargingmaria has amassed $2,924,000 in earnings to date. The 4-year-old daughter of Tale of the Cat has finished in the top four in all but one career start, running 5th in the Gr. 2 Davona Dale Stakes in February of 2014. This is her first Breeders’ Cup and third Gr.1 victory.

Stopchargingmaria paid $16.20 to win, $8.40 to place and $6.00 to show. Second place finisher Stellar Wind paid $9.20 to place and $6.60 to show, while Curalina returned $7.00 for third.

$2 Exacta → $155.80
$2 Trifecta → $1,419.40
$2 Superfecta → $9,249.40

Order of Finish: 1-Stopchargingmaria, 2-Stellar Wind, 3-Curalina, 4-Sheer Drama, 5-Frivolous, 6-Yahilwa, 7-Warren’s Veneda, 8-I’m a Chatterbox, 9-Calamity Kate, 10-Got Lucky, 11-Wedding Toast, 12-Peace and War, 13-My Sweet Addiction, 14-Salama

Liam’s Map Overcomes Adversity to Capture Breeders’ Cup Las Vegas Dirt Mile 

Liam’s Map proved to be the best in this year’s Breeders’ Cup Las Vegas Dirt Mile despite unwarranted troubles along the way. The 4-year-old son of Unbridled’s Song overcame adversity, putting away Lea with a quick turn of foot that won him the race by 2 ½ lengths.

Usually spotted in the lead, setting hot fractions in his races, the Dirt Mile played out differently. After missing the break, Mr. Z went out to set the pace with Bradester, while Lea tracked in third on the outside.  Liam’s Map got boxed between them on the rail and was followed closely behind by others. He was steadied several times throughout the race.

“We were hoping he’d get a clean break, but he didn’t and was behind horses. I was very concerned at that point,” trainer Todd Pletcher explained in the press conference.

“What was very impressive is that he recovered a couple times. He got steadied about the five-eighths pole and didn’t have anywhere to go. But every time Javier had to tap on the breaks you could see him jump back into the bridle. I kept hoping. Turning for home I could see he had some momentum… He took it to another level today.”

Jockey Javier Castellano explained, “I think the key was patience. He showed a lot of patience today. He waited behind… it was phenomenal. When he was in the clear, he exploded.”

It was a bittersweet victory for the connections, who announced the dappled grey’s retirement right after the race. Since his debut back in August of 2014, Liam’s Map has won 6 of 8 career starts, including a victory in the Gr. 1 Woodward Stakes, where he set a new track record at the mile distance. His career earnings total $1,358,940.

Friday’s Las Vegas Dirt Mile marked Todd Pletcher’s eighth Breeders’ Cup victory, ranking him fifth best among Breeders’ Cup trainers. The win was also Javier Castellano’s fifth Breeders’ Cup achievement.

Liam’s Map paid $3.00, $2.40, and $2.10, while second place finisher Lea paid $4.20 and $3.00, and third place Red Vine paid $3.40.

$2 Exacta → $12.20
$2 Trifecta → $40.80
$2 Superfecta → $154.20

Liam’s Map arrived safely at Lane’s End on Sunday morning, along with Honor Code, where both colts will enjoy retirement and stand at stud.

Order of Finish: 1-Liam’s Map, 2-Lea, 3-Red Vine, 4-Wicked Strong, 5-Valid, 6-Mr. Z, 7-Street Strategy, 8-War Story, 9-Bradester, 10-Tapiture, 11-War Envoy

Songbird Soars in Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies

In a scintillating performance, Fox Hill Farms’ Songbird flew down the stretch to win the Gr. 1 $2 million 14 Hands Winery Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. The bay daughter of Medaglia d’Oro took command of the field from the start and controlled the pace throughout before drawing away to win by an open 5 ¾ lengths.

The weeks leading up to the Breeders’ Cup were full of buzz, with the Juvenile Fillies being one of the most anticipated of the races. The higher touted fillies Songbird and Rachel’s Valentina topped a field of ten as the first and second morning line favorites, but the latter resulted in no contest.

“She just got out there and did her thing,” said Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer about Songbird. “She’s a really nice filly and we’re very blessed to have her. I thought she was doing things relatively easy, especially the second quarter when things slowed-up a bit. We’re looking forward to next year. We don’t have any plans yet, but we will.”

Songbird set early fractions of 0:23.60, 0:47.15, and 1:11.42 before going a mile in 1:36.33. The final time for the 1 1/16-mile race resulted in 1:42.73, just milliseconds away from the track record of 1:42.51, set last year by Only in America.

“Once we jumped out the gate, it was just a matter of me staying on. She’s so talented and she gives you so much confidence,” Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith stated. “I almost felt like yawning as we went along. I don’t mean that in a bragging way. She just gives me that much confidence. I’m really blessed to be a part of this great team.”

The victory was the second Breeders’ Cup victory for Hollendorfer, and the 22^nd for Smith, who remains the winningest Breeders’ Cup jockey to date.

Saturday’s win gives Songbird a perfect 4-4 record, with three of those victories having come in Gr. 1 races. Rachel’s Valentina, the youngest of Rachel Alexandra’s foals, finished second with John Velazquez in the irons, while Kenny McPeek trained Dothraki Queen ran third.

Purchased for $400,000 by Fox Hill Farms at the Fasig-Tipton Select Yearling Sale of 2014, Songbird has amassed $1,502,000 in career earnings since her debut in July of 2015.

Songbird paid $3.20, $2.40, and $2.10, with Rachel’s Valentina paying $3.80 and $3.40, and Dothraki Queen paying $5.80.

$2 Exacta → $13.40
$2 Trifecta → $120.00
$2 Superfecta → $390.80

Order of Finish: 1-Songbird, 2-Rachel’s Valentina, 3-Dothraki Queen, 4-Nickname, 5-Ma Can Do It, 6-Tap To It, 7-Land Over Sea, 8-Forever Darling, 9-Right There, 10-Bold Quality

Nyquist Tops 2-Year-Old Males in Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Juvenile 

Doug O’Neill trained Nyquist proved to be more than just hype, winning the Gr. 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile this Saturday at Keeneland. The 2-year-old son of Uncle Mo bested a field of fifteen runners that included FrontRunner Stakes runner-up Swipe and Champagne Stakes winner Greenpointcrusader, but were ultimately no match for the colt, who won by a ½-length.

“The race didn’t unfold like I expected,” expressed O’Neill. “But Mario did his thing where he just never panicked.” Jockey Mario Gutierrez added, “I had a little trouble getting over from my outside post (13), but being wide wasn’t a problem. He was running fine on the outside and so we just stayed there. I’ve always had confidence in this horse. He’s a good one.”

Purchased for $400,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Florida Select 2-Year-Olds in Training sale in March of 2015, Nyquist is owned by Reddam Racing and has earned $1,613,600 to date. Since his career debut in June of 2015, the bay colt has won all five of his career starts, including the Gr. 2 BestPal, the Gr. 1 Del Mar Futurity, Gr. 1 FrontRunner and now the Gr. 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. His current winning margin totals 10 ¼-lengths.

The win for Nyquist returned $11.40, while late charging Swipe with Victor Espinoza in the irons paid $25.00 for place and Brody’s Cause returned $5.00 for show. The final time for the 1 1/16-mile race: 1:43.79.

$2 Exacta → $191.40
$2 Trifecta → $1,394.60
$2 Superfecta → $5,535.40

Order of Finish: 1-Nyquist, 2-Swipe, 3-Brody’s Cause, 4-Exaggerator, 5-Cocked and Loaded, 6-Riker, 7-Greenpointcrusader, 8-Conquest Big E, 9-Waterloo Bridge, 10-Siding Spring, 11-Rated R Superstar, 12-Unbridled Outlaw, 13-Isotherm, 14-Ralis

Found Trumps Golden Horn and Big Blue Kitten in Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf

Irish-bred Found galloped to win this year’s Gr. 1 $3 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf, edging out British-bred Golden Horn and American-bred Big Blue Kitten by just half a length.

Shining Copper shot out of the gate and charged ahead of the field, at one point leading by as many as 20 lengths, setting modest fractions considering how far out in front he was. The Chad Brown trainee ran the 1 ¼-mile in 2:07.20 before succumbing to exhaustion. He finished 11th, 21 ¾-lengths behind winner Found.

Third place finisher Big Blue Kitten, ridden by Joe Bravo, surged late moving from 10th to 3rd between the mile and stretch call, but could not outrun the winner.

Payouts:
Found (IRE) —— $14.80 win, $7.80 place, $4.60 show
Golden Horn (GB) ———— $2.60 place, $2.20 show
Big Blue Kitten  —————————- $3.00 show

$2 Exacta → $42.80
$2 Trifecta → $199.60
$2 Superfecta → $1,107.20

Order of Finish: 1-Found, 2-Golden Horn, 3-Big Blue Kitten, 4-Slumber, 5-The Pizza Man, 6-The Big Hoss, 7-Red Rifle, 8-Twilight Eclipse, 9-Ordak Dan, 10-Big John B, 11-Shining Copper, 12-Cage Fighter

Hit It a Bomb’s Explosive Kick Wins Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf

Showing tremendous grit, Hit It A Bomb and jockey Ryan Moore rallied from the back of the field to pull off a gutsy upset over 5-2 favorite Airoforce and Keenland’s leading turf rider Julien Leparoux. With the top finishers separated by less than a length – it was an exhilarating $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.

“When we got the outside draw we were worried and when the ground changed we were also worried. Ryan said he would let him really relax, because he knew what he could do. This was always the plan, he’s a real classy miler,” said Hit It A Bomb’s trainer, Aidan O’Brien.

The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf is Hit It A Bomb’s third career start and third career victory. The 2-year-old colt, by War Front, has started twice in Europe, with Friday being his first start on U.S. soil. To date he has accumulated $599,967 in career earnings.

Payouts for the race:
Hit It A Bomb ——– $16.40 win, $9.40 place, $6.80 show
Airoforce ————————– $4.40 place, $3.20 show
Birchwood (IRE)  —————————— $11.20 show

$2 Exacta → $83.40
$2 Trifecta → $1,471.00
$2 Superfecta → $15,166.20

Order of Finish: 1-Hit It A Bomb, 2-Airoforce, 3-Birchwood, 4-Conquest Daddyo, 5-Dressed in Hermes, 6-Highland Sky, 7-Manhattan Dan, 8-Cymric, 9-Hollywood Don, 10-Shogun, 11-Ray’s The Bar, 12-Camelot Kitten, 13-Azar, 14-Sky Marshal

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