Top Moments: #20-10

It’s been a sensational year for the sport of kings. Let’s take a look at some of the greatest moments witnessed over the last twelve months.

 

20. Suburban Handicap

A blanket of horses galloped towards the wire in this thrilling race that saw Moreno and Prayer for Relief run 2nd and 3rd, respectably to Zivo, who moved from 11th to 1st in the blink of an eye. Trailing the field was the way to go for this year’s Suburban Handicap winner, and boy did he pay out nicely. Returning $29.40 for the win, $382.50 on the exacta, $3,307 for a trifecta, and a mind-blowing $94,277 superfecta (all $2 bets).

 

19. 155th Queen’s Plate

The super filly of the great white north, Lexie Lou galloped to greatness beating the boys in this year’s Queen’s Plate. Poised with tactical speed, stamina and grace, the Ontario-bred ran a huge race to capture the first leg of Canada’s Triple Crown for Casse Racing. An heiress to Sligo Bay (IRE), she’s done everything worthy of a Sovereign award.

 

18. Starlet Stakes

A daughter of Giant’s Causeway, Take Charge Brandi’s performance in the Starlet was outstanding. One Gr.3 and Two Gr.1 victories in a span of just six weeks is impressive for any horse, but even more so for a 2-year-old. 2015 looks bright for this valiant filly.

 

17. Santa Anita Handicap

The 7-year-old gelding, by Awesome Again, entertained Will Take Charge and Mucho Macho Man by allowing them to run alongside of him on the turn for home. Will Take Charge merits a round of applause for his gamely attempt to catch the Dude on the stretch, but, frankly, he didn’t stand a chance. Game On Dude’s one and only win of 2014 was also his final career win. A wire-to-wire victory worth remembering.

 

16. Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Juvenile

The way Texas Red covered ground in this year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile is eye-opening. He moved from last to first in just three furlongs and won by 6 ½ lengths like it was no big deal. A breakout performance by this promising son of Afleet Alex. You better stoke that fire, Mr. Desormeaux. Your colt’s got serious Kentucky Derby potential.

 

15. Los Alamitos Futurity

Three for three this year, Dortmund has really made a name for himself since his career debut on the first of November. A thrilling face-off to the wire between Firing Line, Mr. Z and Dortmund that required a photo finish for the win, also broke the track record. The son of Big Brown, Dortmund ran 1:40.86 and holds the new Los Al track record going 1 1/16.

 

14. Pacific Classic

Shared Belief is a fighter; a warrior that thrives in combat. While Game On Dude and Mystery Train sprinted to the lead, Shared Belief idled in mid-pack, waiting patiently for the two front-runners to run themselves into exhaustion. Rounding the final turn, Jerry Hollendorfer’s gelding makes his move, leaving the field behind and winning by 2 ¾ lengths. This son of Candy Ride (ARG) has the heart of a champion.

 

13. Kentucky Oaks

Going into the Kentucky Oaks as the favorite, Untapable dazzled at Churchill Downs on the first weekend of May. But who would have imagined she’d go on to become the best 3-year-old filly of 2014. Just barely scratching the surface, her performance in the Oaks was a mere glimpse at her extraordinary talent.

 

12. Santa Anita Derby

One month prior to the 140th running of the Kentucky Derby, this race put California Chrome front and center on the map for the run for the roses. The Cal-bred was sensational in his first Gr.1 triumph of 2014. Little did we know then that he would take us on the most exhilarating campaign of the year.

 

11. Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile

Last year’s Dirt Mile victor was not about to let some other horse steal all of his thunder, especially not on the Breeders’ Cup stage. Goldencents wired this year’s race, warding off early stalker Vicar’s In Trouble, who put forth tremendous effort but was eased and finished last (the colt suffered a condylar fracture in his left front leg and is said to be recovering very well). Expressing their gratitude, the connections of Goldencents announced the win would conclude the colt’s career on the track and invited his fans into the winners circle for an epic final photo.

 

 


 

Featured Photo:  © Amanda Murphy

 

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