Top 10 Graded Stakes Races 2015

Top 20 Graded Stakes Races of 2015 – Races 10-1

By: Paul Lo Duca

10. Woodford Reserve

Finnegan’s Wake deserves some props for his effort at Churchill Downs. Trailing the field 13- lengths off the lead, galloping in the 10 path rounding the final turn, he ate up ground down the lane and stole the show from front-running Sky Captain.

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9. San Antonio Stakes

The Clash of the Titans. Fans waited a long time to watch California Chrome take on the late Shared Belief. A great race between two talented horses. A race to look back on and smile.

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8. Breeders’ Cup Sprint

There wasn’t a better story coming into the Cup than Runhappy, and he didn’t disappoint. He ran down a multiple grade one winner in Private Zone. A remarkable stretch drive and noteworthy performance.

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7. Breeders’ Cup Mile

Tepin destroyed her competition! Her First Lady was of the flashiest wins I’d seen since Wise Dan at Keeneland, until she whipped the boys on Breeders’ Cup Saturday, floating over the turf with ease.

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6. Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile

Liam’s Map put on a show at Keeneland. From overcoming a slow break to getting stuck behind horses, the gray colt proved much the best in what has to have been the toughest race of his career.

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5. Kentucky Derby

In my opinion, American Pharoah’s most impressive win. Many believed making it to the race would be hard enough, but he was game as ever beating Dortmund and grinding down Firing line late.

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4. TVG Pacific Classic

I’ve gotten goose bumps a couple of times at the racetrack, but Beholder’s breathtaking move on the final turn while leaving the boys behind left me speechless.

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3. The Travers

What can you say about the Travers? A Triple Crown champion showed his heart putting away a stubborn Frosted, but the campaign took its toll and Keen Ice collared late.

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2. The Whitney

This race was riveting. Liam’s Map and Honor Code made for the better races I’ve witnessed in person in a while. The deepest field of 2015.

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1. Belmont Stakes

This one’s a given. We waited 37 years to witness a Triple Crown and American Pharoah gave it to us. I’ll never forget the crowd at Belmont that day – it was exhilarating. Hands down, the best race of 2015.