Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

SmartyJonesluver23 — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 22:35:22 GMT

Midnight Lute's '07 win in the Sprint... Gives me the chills everytime

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

Freetex — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 04:55:58 GMT

I will never ever forget Zenyatta and Tiznow.

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

Backside Sweetie — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 01:00:03 GMT

I've been watching every Breeders Cup since they started and other than the horses from my barn,such as With Anticipation,Forever Together,Informed Decision,Cloudy'sKnight none could ever be more memorable to me than the one and only Zenyatta!!!Long live the Queen,hope to see her babies.

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

the_wiz — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 17:32:02 GMT

After Zenyatta's Classic win they all rate only as Honorable Mention or also rans. No race comes close to being in the same league.

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

IceBezel — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 14:32:48 GMT

What about Storm Flag Flyin at Arlington Park, when she battled back. That has to be in the top 10.

Tiznow at Belmont is #1, "For the Americans"

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

nick64 — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 09:18:21 GMT

invasor finish with a six wins straigh by bernardini,at 1 1/8 pole he stop by him for a second ,and ask him ,hey body lets go .then after that he won 2 more gr 1 to win 7 in a row,(bc classic.dubaiwcup,withney at saratoga etc) .2006 horse of the year.my first three 1) zenyatta 2)invasor 3)gosthzapper

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

Mark — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 03:07:28 GMT

The BCC in 04/02 my opinion were one of the best fields ever. Very deep and talented. I would put it above this years. Dirt is a much more gruel surface to race on and the horse have to dig down harder and deeper.

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

Soldier Course — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 01:45:56 GMT

I agree with every choice here, to a number.

Steve:

Is it too late to add a list for your Top Ten Race Calls of the decade? I'd like to nominate Tom Durkin's 2001 Breeders' Cup Classic call: "Tiznow wins it for America!" Not just that conclusion, but the entire call of that race was like a symphony.

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

sushyne — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 21:52:02 GMT

I agree with you wholeheartedly, especially with the first 3!

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Tammy — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 07:43:20 GMT

Zenyatta

Her race was the stuff of legend

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

MarkInSac — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 03:10:00 GMT

As racing declines faster here in California than in the rest of the country, it was an honor to be standing by the finish line watching Zenyatta make history. I've been to all the Los Angeles Breeders Cups, and this was by far the biggest moment. Big Z turned Santa Anita into a rock concert. She may be the last great one to come from the left coast as in 20

10, Sunland will steal away even more good horses from the Santa Anita Derby. WE NEED HELP OUT HERE!

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

Smarie — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 16:39:03 GMT

What a great Christmas treat to be able to watch these races again, from start to finish. I agree with Mr. Haskin's choices 100%. Zenyatta's race still takes my breath away, and Tiznow - running those two gritty Classic races and defeating two champions the way he did. Incredible. I had almost forgotten Invasor's BC Classic triumph. Bernardini was a sure winner until Invasor blew by. I think racing fans tend to dismiss Invasor and this is so wrong. He was a brilliant racehorse. It is interesting how some will never give a good horse credit no matter what they do to earn it. Reminds me of how bettors and later breeders treated the magnificent Sunday Silence. Thank you, Mr. Haskin, for putting these videos together.

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

Paseana — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 16:17:48 GMT

First of all, I for one am kind of glad not to see Ghostzapper's Classic on this list of 10. I have no argument with anyone who thinks he is the most brilliant horse of the decade, but that Classic was literally set up for him with Roses In May just sitting there the whole way around off of a very comfortable pace. Both Stronach & Ramsey knew that if they ding-donged with each other, it would hand the Classic to Pleasantly Perfect. So, in spite of a very impressive final time and all, it doesn't belong in the top 10 most impressive Breeders Cup races of the decade, in my opinion. Kudos Steve for leaving it off, even though you were risking wrath and ridicule!

The only BC race that was left out that I think belongs is Halfbridled's Juvie Filly race in 2003. I have no idea what race already there that I would replace with it, which goes to show how difficult an exercise like this is. But what that amazon 2yo filly did in that race was just mindboggling! Breaking from the 13-hole (which was why she was 5/2), she just circled the field, hopelessly wide, and just laughed at them as she crossed the wire.

Just for some perspective, the filly well back in second in that race was the wonderful Ashado, who only ended her career with 9 GI races and two Eclipse Awards! With her win in the Distaff the following year, Ashado came the closest to winning two different Breeders Cup races of any horse in BC history, until Zenyatta did it in November.

It really is a shame that there's no room for Halfbridled on this list. I understand, but it's still a shame.

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

Justine — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:35:23 GMT

I'm pretty happy to have seen some of these races in person. Zenyatta's Classic is unforgettable.

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

Exbourne — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 08:16:33 GMT

Hey Steve great list! WOW, 5 of the 11 races were run at SA. Not bad for a west coast track. I guess that is why we call it "The Great Race Place." I have a great idea, let's have the BC at CD every year instead. What do you think Steve? Doesn't that sound like a great idea?

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

Dona — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 21:51:30 GMT

I'll remember Zenyatta's race for as long as I live, a glorious moment. Aeri was unbelievable and who can honestly say that they didn't think Mike Smith was crazy running those early fractions? Then, that tiny little filly Goldikova in 2008 was shocking. She zoomed out of that hole between those horses and was gone. WOW.

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

Terri — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:24:14 GMT

Definitely agree with the top 3. Also glad to see Ouija Board and Goldikova on the list for their amazing performances. I'd love to see Street Sense and Ghostzapper on the list, too.

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

El Angelo — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 19:01:23 GMT

No Storm Flag Flying in the '02 JF?

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

Mike S — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:41:15 GMT

The Breeders Cup has showcased so many brilliant and wonderful performances over the years that it's almost hard to pick out a distinctly best race or performance. But ZENYATTA changed all that with her 2009 Breeders Cup Classic win. That was the most exciting horse race I've ever witnessed, "live," in the last 36 years of going to the races!

Prior to this victory I would have chosen TIZNOW's 2001 BC Classic victory.

Speaking of ZENYATTA and TIZNOW...I would love to see a foal with that parentage in 2011!

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

BFAZZ — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 18:16:24 GMT

I love the list but would put Ghostzapper and Curlin ahead of Invasor

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

bowlofflowers — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:34:50 GMT

I correct myself - Personal Ensign was not in this decade although it was a race for the ages.

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

bowlofflowers — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:31:37 GMT

Love the list! I couldn't believe that Tiznow, double winner of the BC Classic had a stud fee of only $25,000 for years. But now he is prooven to be a quality sire. And again, how great was Zenyatta! And to see Ouiji Board, Azeri,Goldicova, Midnight Lute. I would have preferred Personal Ensign in the top 10.

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

Linda in Texas — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:17:48 GMT

Just to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and as i write this at 11:08 cst, it is snowing in Brownwood, TX of all places. It was 75 degrees last evening. Just voted for the most memorable race of the decade and along with a majority 27 per cent of the voters, I, too, voted for Rags to Riches winning the Belmont!! Hated to not vote for Smarty, but we women need to stick together. Cheers and thanks Steve Haskin and family for your great love of Thoroughbred Horses and all things in the racing world.

Cheers to all and remember to send a little something to help equine rehab and rescue. And for Steve's list, of course, Zenyatta, then Tiz and Azeri.

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

Frank — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 17:06:12 GMT

Steve,

Personal Ensign beat Winning Colors in 1988,this list is the best of 2000-2009

re: Most Memorable Breeders' Cup Performances/Races

alydarstar — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 16:36:49 GMT

Hello Mr. Haskin. Did you do this selection before from 1990 to 1999? I´m asking because from 2000 to 2009 seems to be an easy work. Your choices are practically unqustionables, above all the number one. Zenyatta´s victory will be remenmbered as one of the most memorables in the Breeders Cup history. But, from 1990 to 1999... Wow, there are so many good Breeders Cup performances. Thanks for this moment of entertainmant and habppy holidays for you and for your readers.