You didn't list my No. 1 (which is OK): Colonel John's Travers win. It was so gritty, and it meant so much to the Casners (and I am a huge Tiznow fan).

From your list I'm debating Brown's Derby and Goldi's Breeders Cup.

As always at end of year time there are so many great performances to recall...part of what makes the sport so great. My initial inclination is to go with Zenyatta who simply towered over a strong group of fillies and mares both physically and performance wise. Sherrifs and Smith did a phenominal job with her from start of year to end and she destroyed a stellar field including the defending division winner.

I have to agree.  The Big Brown Derby was one for the ages and will be hard for any horse to duplicate in the future if ever.  It seems a shame that his Florida Derby and Preakness performances were left off that list.  I think I would have included a Music Note performance in the list but its hard to argue a very well thought out list of such excellent performances.

I also loved Evening Attire's win at Philly Park....can't help but pull for the old guy with all that heart!

I am going to agree with Tiznowbaby- Col. JOhns travers.  It has the Wow factor in gutsiness.

surprising,I agree with you 100%. I think you made some great choices,I'm glad Big Brown wasn't overlooked here. :) Although,I might have added one of Indian Blessing's races,Test maybe,she did great this year,well,the BC being and exception.

GOLDIKOVA A LITTLE FILLY WITH A FAST TURN OF FOOT AND HUGE HEART!! AND SPEAKING OF HUGE HEARTS I'LL ALSO INCLUDE EIGHT BELLES IN THE DERBY!!

While not #1, I would put Music Note's Mother Goose in the top 10.  Best field of 3yo fillies put together this year, and she won decisively.

Also, not one performance, but Cocoa Beach's feat of winning two major races on the dirt in Dubai, a G1 on the dirt in NY, a G1 on the turf in CA, and a close 2nd to a great mare in the G1 BCLC on synthetics in CA is a major feat, especially considering current thoughts about frail and non-versitile modern horses.

This year KD was one of the kind show...Considering that no horse, ever won the Derby from post 20 - Big Brown delivered BIG. Also, I would include Eight Belles KD too, even that she didn't win, she run a huge race and won over 18 best boys in the country!

Those of us who remember Barbaro's Kentucky Derby performance could never agree with you about Big Brown's Derby performance.

As for the vote, mine goes to Zenyatta, who is, I believe, a horse for the ages.

The best performance this year came from Midnight Lute in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. There was a certain inevitability that he was always going to win from before the turn and not many horses run down a horse like Fatal Bullet.

This is very tough!  

I would definently have Eight Belles' Derby on my list, maybe at #1. Also Evening Attire winning to get an automatic berth in the BC at age 10 was the emotional highlight of the year for me. And I would have Peppers Pride on my list too, her 17th win in a row(and I would like to wish them luck this sun. going for #19!). And I will use the same argument that benefits Curlin...maybe not against stellar competition but extremely impressive nonetheless. I also really liked Tiago at Oaklawn, he barely beat Heatseeker who was on track to be the top west coast handicap horse in a very good race. Also Big Brown's Preakness performance does belong on the list, when you watch that blimp shot of him accelerating into the stretch...WOW!! I'm sure the more I think about it, the more I'll think of,lol. And other people will think of faves I forgot. This is a really fun one.

What about Zarkava's performance in the Arc?? She gets half my  vote.  Zenyatta at the BC gets the other half.......must be a "Z" filly thing..........

i agree with big brown's derby as number one, eight belles performance in the derby is also another one to be recognized. i also think da tara's belmont win is right up there=]

Wow, I didn't expect Big Brown to be number 1 but he does deserve it. I thought Commentator in the Masschusetts H'cap was astounding too, it was brilliant!

I like Big Brown at number one for the Kentucky Derby, especially since the runners in the Dubai World Cup wound up being sort of average compared to what we thought they were as a group at the time.  I think the Breeder's Cup Classic field was much better.

Personally, I think the Tiago vs. Heatseeker stretch duel at Oaklawn was awesome, and should deserve consideration for the top ten of the year...

The Alabama needs to be on that list too. That was an amazing race with two of the best three year old fillies this year.  

How about pyro last to first bobbing and weaving thru traffic....he turned out to be just an average horse but that race was awesome!

I agree 100% with Brian about the Alabama. What a stretch drive.....Proud Spell coming again....the old SPA felt like it was shaking as they came down stretch. I had goosebumps!

I agree with Darla.  Goldikova was just sensational in the Breeders' Cup Mile. And Eight Belles was so valiant in her final race.

I agree with Brian...Proud Spell beating Music Note in the Alabama should be on the list...what a race.  Hope she's back next year.

As a crazed Big Brown fan, I have to agree with you on including him! You can *never* have enough Brownie!

But I also agree with Majella from Ireland - Commentator in the MassCap was STUNNING! I liked that race more than his Whitney. What a powerful 7 yr old he is.

Other than that,my choices are all for the girls.  Eight Belles most definitely, giving her life to race - and beat - the boys in the KD.  And my fave mare, Zenyatta, most notably in the Ladies' Classic.  Would LOVE to see HER take on the boys!  Pepper's Pride, going for #19.  Carriage Trail's crazy win, way on the outside.

2008 was definitely Year of the Filly (or Mare)!!

Your list should have been an all girl choice for this year, hands down. I drove to Los Angeles from Northern California just to be there when they honored Zenyatta. Zenyatta, Zarkava, Goldikova, Eight Belles, Proud Spell, Peppers Pride, Music Note, Cocoa Beach, Stardom Bound and Vodka. Mix em up, shake em around and pick a winner in any order. That's my opinion!!

For sure Curlin's amazing romp in Dubai.

He just DREW.AWAY. from that field... the top horses of the world and he just smashed them.

Curlin hiself deserves a monument I'd say.

What he's done and how he's done it just amazes me.

Eight Belles in the KY Derby. Also, Big Brown in the FL Derby.

Plus Proud Spell in the Oaks and of course, Zenyatta in every race she ran.

My vote is for Tiago at Oaklawn and then Commentator in the Whitney.And gotta love the girls Zenyatta, Eight Belles and Peppers Pride!

im actually sad that my #1 wasn't even on your top 10! Colonel Johl v. Mambo in Seattle in the Travers. I came up with the loosing end on the ticket that day but the race was one of the best of the year. Next has to be Zenyatta's Breeder's Cup run b/c she wasn't ever tapped with the whip... I don't believe we've seen the depth of this filly. Speaking of fillies, Zarkava should be on this list. Her Arc was sensational. I'm no Big Brown fan and i strongly disagree and i don't believe his derby win should be compared to Secretariat's ever... leave that one for Barbaro.

I was at the MassCap this year... Those overmatched horses never knew what hit them! It was absolutely delightful to watch!

I don't know that I could pick my top 10 performances of the year, but I could definitely pick my top 10 moments. Can that be another blog?

Zenyatta's Apple Blossom blew me away even though I expected her to win. That's #1.I was at Santa Anita for the Derby and forgot about the race until they were already on the backstretch. When I turned the little TV on and saw the small, black and teal blob way behind the rest, I thought it was all over. She doesn't like the dirt. We all know how that turned out, and I've never had so much fun yelling at a screen. If you watch the head-on replay, she goes really wide in the backstretch. Like all of her races, she was just messing around.

If you go by individual performances, I'd put Big Brown's Derby #1 and his Fla Derby also in the top five, Zenyatta's Apple Blossom/Clement Hirsch/Ladys Secret/BCup all are there, as well as Ravens Pass and Curlin's Stephen Foster...I'm not counting Dubai as it was not run in NA---by the way, does Eclipse voting count Dubai? I know Europe doesn't count Breeders Cup performances...Commentator's Whitney--as well as Indyanne's race at Calder for the "sleeper pick"....Midnight Lute AND Proud Spell's Alabama, which is my pick for "Race Of The Year"....Big Brown's Derby was the finest race run in the world this year, and one of the greatest Derbys ever run.....

1) Big Brown's Derby---Spectacular! A LA 'The Bid himself.....2)Zenyatta's Clement Hirsch---made up five lengths in startling fashon! Only put into a drive for 1/8 mi/visually breathtaking!......3) Midnight Lute's BC Sprint---Awesome!.....4) Indyanne's Calder sprint---Fast pace and drew off in fast time---ran hard all the way in monster performance!.....5) Big Brown's Florida Derby---Unseasoned 3yo dominated from the outside/on engine all the way with those patented gears of his!

Number 1 would have to be BB's Derby win - that was spectacular.

Number 2 would be Goldikova.

I saw Goldikova's race at the Breeder's cup and she was totally amazing -a small, sort of drab brown filly that ran like the wind.

well i gotta go with the tiny filly with the big heart..proud spell..also would have to include eight belles..you know she ran some spectacular races against the other girls and was unbeaten until the derby

Proud Spell vs. Music Note in the Alabama was an AMAZING RACE, and should be on this list. But Curlin should be higher than 7th. The Dubai World Cup was incredible, and he was absolutely dominating!

Eagle Storm in the Claiming Crown sprint.  My best bet of the year.  Hey, what can I say, I'm from Minnesota.

Can't say I disagree with any of these but I would have to toss one to include Grand Couturier's romp in the Turf Classic.  Any G1 turf race won by over 10 lengths has got to be included.

Hi Jason,

I know there was nothing in the MassCap, but that didn't make it any less fun to watch... I had a great time, and hopefully with it being upgraded to a G3 there'll be some decent horses in there next year!

I'll be there regardless... SD is the only track close to home for me!

We can only pick one? :-)Here's my list in order:

1. Big Brown in the Derby - Wow!

2. Commentator in the Whitney - another Wow!

3. Goldikova - had to watch the rerun on that one, she slipped through so fast.

 Honorable mention should go to Ginger Punch's gutsy performance in the Go for Wand at Saratoga.  The other jockeys conspired to keep her completely boxed in against the rail, so she had to be steadied a couple times and was bounced off a horse trying to muscle her way out, until finally she was able to burst through between horses.  The champ really earned respect that day.  Compare that to the BC Ladies Classic where she looked like a startled deer frozen in the headlights when the big girl Zenyatta burst passed to her outside.

Since I think that Goldikova might have been the most talented horse to run in the US this year, I'll go with her awesome turn of foot in the BC Mile.

One top performance not mentioned was Conduit's charge to win the BC Turf.  Eagle Mountain looked home free and in his wake were all the top US turfers (Okay we're not talking Theatrical's here) and an Arc third.  

I agree with jshandler for the most part; but here's my list from number #1 and down to #10:

1.  CURLIN for sure because of his romp in Dubai against the world's best and his romp in the Stephen Foster after Dubai. I love CURLIN, of course.

2. Benny the Bull in Dubai.

3. Midnight Lute.

4. Zenyatta.

5. Commentator (great job and his age!).

6. Goldikova.

7. Proud Spell.

8. Stardom Bound.

9. Pyro (Risen Star and Northern Dancer in Louisville june 14).

10. Big brown (I have to give him this despite the weak field and giving # 9 to Pyro who had a bad trip in the Derby; but remember the Belmont? Everyone has a bad trip, and I think Pyro, whom I love, regressed after the Risen Star).

GO CURLIN!!!

I'd have to say the best three Performances of 2008 are. Midnight Lute in the Breeders' Cup Sprint,

Proud Spell in the Kentucky Oaks, and Big Brown in the Kentucky Derby.

I think that Old Fashioned did great in the Remsen, but if you're going to include him i also think Vineyard Haven's romp in the Champagne has to be included too. I also like Tiago's Oaklawn Handicap against Heatseeker and if you can choose a first time starter, Donnaguska at her maiden.

I will go with Goldikova. I believe she made more fans jaws drop as she headed for home. Fans new she was good but still were speechless after her run. All the others you mentioned were really good and tie for second.

Hey, it's your blog and your welcome to your opinion but when someone says Curlin is one of the best since the turn of the century is talking thru their hat. Who's he compared to? Who did he beat? He didn't win the Derby, Rags to Riches kicked his butt and the last time I heard he didn't win the Breeders Cup. What, he doesn't like artifical surface? Well, to be great he should be able to run on any surface and beat everybody. Big Brown # 1? Give me a break. I would win the Derby too if i was on steriods. Eight Belles would have won the Derby but for drugs and a inexperienced jockey. Neither Curlin nor Big Brown could beat Evening Attire in his hey day because he had heart and guts. His win this year was more stirring to the racing audience than either one of those two over blown media darlings. Big Brown in the Belmont and Curlin in the Breeders Cup, now theres a vote for the most laughable of the year !

Amph, you have pretty high standards for an "average" horse! :-)

As far as the KD, I understand people getting excited over the Big Brown visual but that had to be the weakest Derby field I've seen in over 40 years of watching the race.  BB was good for racing, but that career high 109 Beyer shows he wasn't close to recent 3yos like Tiznow and Bernardini.

I am torn between 3 of them .... Curlin in the Dubai, Proud Spell in the Kentucky Oaks & Midnight Lute in the BC Sprint.  I thoroughly enjoyed all the races mentioned above, but I think those 3 are the best out of the list mentioned.  I also agree with tiznowbaby about Colonel John in the Travers.

Proud Spell-Alabama-'nuff said!

isnt the MassCap graded? I thought it was won by the likes of Seabiscuit and Cigar and even Whirlaway so I pressumed it was graded. Why is it not?

Goldikova in the Mile was SICK!! Her acceleration was breathtaking! I didn't think that she had any room until she shot through that opening... I rewound it about half a dozen times!!

The 3 Most visually impressive races of the year to me were:

1.  Big Brown winning the Kentucky Derby.  Unbelievable acceleration in the stretch.

2.  Big Brown winning the Preakness.  He showed that same unbelievable acceleration in the Preakness as well.

3.  Goldikova winning the Breeders Cup Mile.  A small filly shouldn't be able to dominate the worlds best milers the way that she did.  Wow.

i agree with big brown as #1 but ventura in the f&m sprint was awesome.

What about ARRRR??

I especially enjoyed #5 because it came right after Dutrow's televised comments about woman trainers not being as good as the men - then Goldikova beat the pants off Kip Deville.  Karma.

Colonel John/Mambo In seattle in the Travers Stakes. That's what horse racing is all about.

Of folks commenting, hardly anyone has mentioned Curlin. I guess his only great race this year was in Dubai. That is a good question...should Dubai even be considered when choosing HOY honors?

I hope Zenyatta gets HOY. All her races were in the USA and they were all spectacular. Curlin was pretty ho-hum this year in his USA races.

 DONA, how can you say Gabe Saez is inexperienced when ho won The Oaks the day before on Proud Spell?

Girl power this year as it was a subpar year for the males. Zenyatta, Proud Spell, Goldikova. Eight Belles, Zarkava, and yes Peppers Pride along with Ventura,  Leah's Secret, Precious Kiten, Meribel and oh so many more but to  long to mention.  They absolutely ruled this year.

the best 3 performances of the year were as follows

conduit in the bc turf

ravens pass in the bc classic

henrythenavigator in the bc classic

curlin proved he wasnt that good

My impulse is to say BB's Derby, but seeing that gallant filly in second is tragic.  So I'll say the Preakness; I was at the Belmont and talk about air zipping out of a balloon!  Saratoga-Commentator's Whitney and the Travers, are also up there.  Old Commentator is a stand-out.

10. vineyard haven in champagne

9. stardom bound in the oak leaf

8. colonel john in travers

7. proud spell in alabama

6. ventura in f&m sprint

5. midnite lute in sprint

4. big brown in fla derby

3. zenyatta in apple blossom

2. curlin in dubai world cup

1. big brown in ky derby

Dona: Where do you get your imfo from? Eight Belles did NOT have any "drugs" in her system. They tested for everything and thats FACT. You disrespect everyone connected to her by making comments like that.

You said Rags"kicked Curlins butt" that also is untrue. He lost by a head if that, with the two of them head and head down the lane to the wire. That's not kicking butt by any stretch.

As for surface he ran on sand,dirt slop,turf and yes pro-ride. He lit the board on all of them except for the 4th in the BC.

Evening Attire was a very nice racehorse but you can't compare his races to Big Brown or Curlin.

Let's hope we have up and coming "Evening Attires" to watch run in 09' and beyond.

Dona, CURLIN beat plenty! But apparently you weren't paying attention or not awake! Wake up!And don't insult fans of certain horses by saying something about being laughable! Not nice to hurt others' feelings that way. It tells me more about you as a person than I care to know; you certainly would never qualify as a good sportswoman, fan, or friend of fans loving those horses.  Be diplomatic and keep your nasty thoughts to yourself as others don't agree with you.

By the way, CURLIN meant a lot to a lot of us.  Please don't insult his fans with your garbage.  Just tell us whom you like and why.

If CURLIN gets HOY, guess who'll have the last laugh!!! And if he doesn't, I will love him just as much for who he was/is and what he did for a lot of us.  I don't need to put your opinions and horses down to lift my own horse up. Ludicrous! Nasty! Not sportsman-like!

GO CURLIN!!!!!!!!

I have one comment to add from my previous post. We are talking about these races in 2008, and Dona's comment on Rags vs Curlin was 2007.

My pick had to be the Derby cause BB was so much the best that day and looked so easy doing it. BC Sprint second cause horses don't do what Midnight Lute did that day.

Dona, "talking through my hat" or not this century is only 9 years old and that makes it alot easier to say who the best of this century is(so far). I disagree totally with the folks who say he(Curlin) is one of the best since 1900, but I find it harder to disagree with him being one of the best in the last 9 years. (Invasor is #1 of this century!) And the Belmont, come on, he didn't get "his butt kicked", he came in second in one of the best stretch battles since Affirmed/Alydar. The reason that will be the race of the decade is because she had to fight so hard to beat him. That race was a thing of beauty not a butt kicking. And in this years Belmont it wasn't a "laughable" performance by Big Brown, It was an inexplicable performance by Kent Desormaux, which was explained to my satisfaction at the BC. And the comment about steroids...many horses took them and didn't win the Derby, do you think BB was the only one on them?

Does anyone know what Carl Nafzger thinks about steroid use? What I really want to know is, was Street Sense getting steroids? Does anyone know? Thanks.

please don't equate riding in the Kentucky Oaks to the Kentucky Derby. The Oaks is a shorter race, smaller field and run on the day before the Derby with a much smaller crowd. While there's a lot of credit giving to the Oaks winner, and rightfully so, there's no comparsion to the Derby. Do you actually believe there's the same amount of pressure on the jockeys for both races? Or that riding in a field of 10 or 12 horses compares to a field of 20 ?  If you read what the jockeys have said or heard their comments, you know that the Derby is THE race. I don't know why Larry Jones kept him on Eight Belles but I imagine he felt Gabe knew the horse and that over rode any misgivings or doubts, he may have had. Can't speak for Mr Jones but If I was the owner or trainer, only the most experienced winning jockey I could find would have been on her back that day.

Donna how is getting beat by a head a butt whipping? Curlin beat what was offered to him, and regress after Dubai, which is not suprising, since most horses do. Even the great Cigar was not the same. Also when trainers back in the day said that to be a great horse it had to be able to run on any surface, meaning fast, good, sloppy. That also meant that the horse could take their game on the road, and not just run well at one track, Curlin most certainly did that. He traveled to Dubai and back, which just going to Dubia is 6000 miles, came back won the Steven Foster and all his other dirt races, then traveled 3000 miles from NY to CA. I'm not surprised he regressed. All in all he traveled what like 15000 miles at least in one year. Curlin proved also that he may not be fantastic on turf but he is good, especially considering he worked over it what twice, before racing in the MOW. Curlin had actual exuses this year that other horses didn't. He showed what he could do on all stages and didn't disappoint.

Back to the point, my top performances of the year were Curlin's Dubia, and actually not BB Derby, but his FL Derby when he broke from post 12, went to the lead, set blistering fractions, and still won by 5 easily. Lastly was Lutes BC Sprint, that was just amazing.

Sorry Jason I went back and reread Dona's comments on drugs. I believe she was talking about Big Brown not Eight Belles. Sorry Dona I should have read it twice before commenting. Saying that, I believe all this talk about performance enhancing drugs has been talked about to death and is a moot point now with the policys in place. So because we honour the best this year and look forward to the best next year lets drop the drug talk.

DA' TARA wiring the field in the Belmont Stakes was exciting. COLONEL JOHN's Travers and Santa Anita Derby were awesome. Those are my favorite three moments. The ten moments you listed were awesome too...loved 'em all.

Your right Dona you can't speak for Larry Jones. That was his call to make. I still don't understand why you think the filly got a bad ride. Was it because she broke down? Yes we would all like to get the top rider on the best horse any time your running for money but there's lots of factors involved least of which is that you don't spin a rider that has done good on your horse. All things being equal the guy that knows the horse best and knows the track surface can get the job done if he or she is on the best horse in the race.

It won't be hard to duplicate BB's Derby in the future.  Just get a group of terrible 3yo's together with one medicore horse, let the medicore horse start from the very outside and trounce a group of nobodies to the finish.  BB IS not a great horse.  He didn't beat anyone all year.  

Big Brown's Derby win - hands down, in MY opinion.

1. Curlin

2. Commentator

3. Zenyatta

Oh, I forgot Da'Tara (4.) who gave me a thrill in the Belmont

It's so interesting to read everyone's comments.  I don't disagree with any of Jason's picks.  I do have to say that BB's derby was incredible but so was Curlin's Dubai Cup.  I will not knock any of these horses.  To have raced at the level there were racing and won, is in itself remarkable.  People bashing any of them should be ashamed of themselves.  These horses have provided us with so many thrills and shown us what guts and determination they possess and what true heart and courage is.  How lucky we all were to have experienced 2008's racing and it's heroes.  It's so nice to see the same bloggers here and their intelligent comments.  Thanks, Jason, once again for a great blog.

I love Curlin but I think Zenyatta deserves HOY hands down!

Why does everyone get so picky about the Dubai World Cup or about any race that's not in NA?  Why wouldn't those winnings be included?  The horse ran and won, he earned the money and why shouldn't that count?  They are trying to make racing more international but if we can only award horses that run here that makes no sense.  I do believe that Arazi raced here once in his 2 year old year and won the Eclipse Award for Juvenile males, didn't he?

Dona -- With your logic, no jockey would ever get a chance, and thus there would be no jockeys once the experienced ones retired.

For the topic, there are plenty of incredible races to choose from. A tragic year it may have been, but one filled with history.

I'm showing four in no particular order, because I believe they are all incredible in their own right.

Curlin's Dubai -- He destroyed the best that the world had to offer. Maybe we Americans didn't know them well, but Asiatic Boy, as a prime example, was extremely talented. His jockey called Curlin a "monster" for that performance. I prefer his Preakness as his best, but the Dubai was breathtaking.

Eight Belle's Derby -- Granted, she didn't win, but had Big Brown and her been born different years, she would've been three lengths the best of all of them. Undefeated in 2008, her first time against males, and the only filly to place in the Derby in front of 18 others. Not soon to be forgotten.

Colonel John's Travers -- I'm not as attached to this horse as my mother is, but there is no denying his performance. He is a proven synthetic horse who floundered on dirt in the Derby. The Travers had to be the most incredible show of grit I've seen from any horse this year.

Zenyatta's Apple Blossom -- I agree with this being her best race. Only her fourth start, and she defeated the champion Ginger Punch and other strong contendors with ease her first time on dirt. Not to mention, it was by one of her longest winning margins. She gets better with each race, but that performance just proved she was untouchable.

After the BC Juvenile, I couldn't wait for the return to racing of second place finisher Pyro.  When he came out of nowhere to weave in and out of horses, and finally see daylight, charging past all those horses in the stretch of the Risen Star,  I got goosebumps -- and still do.  Those immortal words, "Well, Pyro's back," capped the single most exciting moment of the year for me.

My most memorable moment of the year was watching Big Brown's behavior after being pulled up in the Belmont by Kent Desormeaux.  He looked confused and dejected and mad, exemplifying human characteristics as I have never seen in a horse.  The kind of emotion you see in human athletes-- not animals -- that truly displays the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

Maybe not Top 10, but Visionaire's race in the Kings Bishop stands out as another great performance.  

I don't have a lot to add, but I must say that I completely agree with Stardom Bound being on your list.  This filly has grabbed my attention and I can't wait to follow her every move next year!

Zarkava, in the Prix de Vermeille.  Period.  Close for second: Zarkava, in the Arc de Triomphe.  What thoughtful breeding and racing is all about...

Wanda, where did I say Eight Belles got a bad ride because she broke down? Good grief people, why is it so hard to read what someone says without jumping in with both feet in the mouth. For your future analysis of the Kentucky Derby, examine where the horse is placed and rated verus their ability, that placement can determine the outcome without the horse having a chance to win with their style of running. A case in point was Eight Belles.    Tracey W -  Go ahead and put an inexperienced jockey on your horse in the Greatest Race that's the heardest to win, I said I wanted the best for mine.    Curlinlover - You said Curlin beat a lot - a lot of what ?  Name one great horse that curlin beat. People say his win in Dubai was impressive, while others admit it was a weak field , so we can conclude it was an impressive win over a weak field. Not exactly something to brag about when you say he is one of the best since the turn of the century.    Yes barb,  I know Jason was talking about this current century because nobody in their right mind would  compare Curlin to the greats of the 20th century, like Swaps, Gallant Man, Forego, Dr Fager, Kelso, Northern Dancer, Native Dancer, Affirmed, Alydar, Citation, Seattle Slew and John Henry. I said he doesn't compare to the greats of this century. Curlin doesn't belong in the same company as Lost in the Fog, Ghostzapper, English Channel, Smarty Jones or Point Given. He does compare with some good horses like Peace Rules and Afleet Alex. The key word is good not great.    

Okay Dona I took both feet out of my mouth but you keep calling the rider inexperienced how so? Please explain why you think so. He rode the filly to some very nice wins so why would the trainer change riders. I don't think he gave her a bad ride in the Derby and it certainly wasn't his fault she broke down.

Curlin is the leading money winner in NA, that alone should give him respect. I certainly wouldn't put a sprinter like the late Lost in the Fog with your group but the others are fine. Bottom line is none of those horses went to the World Cup and won.

English Channel is a BC Turf winner so he's in with a different group than dirt horses.

You talk about a horse being placed and rated vs ability. Well sometimes they are taken out of their game that's horseracing. The rider has seconds to make a call and sometimes it doesn't work out. Was that what you are referring to?

Nice to hear from you Monica V. How are things with you?

What a bunch of falderal, the industry is crashing down around our ears and you guys are bickering with each other about the best performance.

A few more purse cuts, stakes being cut, bottom dropping out of sales, trainers and owners leaving left and right, tracks cutting their dates and you guys are gonna be looking at the best $5000 claimer at Hawthorne.

The Breeders Cup just did away with their Stakes program, so they could keep the Championship Day(s)purses high, thus their tv coverage. What happens to those hundreds of horses who run and win money in those Stakes, whose owners can't afford those BC nom and entry fees?

To argue with each other, name call and get all het up about it seems pretty trivial and proof that it doesn't matter to you folks like it does to us, those that have it as their livelihood.

Dona, what do you call Steet Scence and Hard Spun? What about Asiatic Boy? SS and HS were, other than Curlin at the time the most highly regaurded 3yr olds in america. Asiatic Boy was one of the one of the very best horses in the UAE, and you say he beat nothing. Curlin did beat a lot. You say that people admited that the field in Dubai was weak, well from what i've read, every comment before the race was of how strong the field was. It was only after the race i ever heard that Curlin beat a weak field in Dubai. Jalil, whatever happened to him was looked opon as one of Curlin's biggest challengers. Lawyer Ron was good as a three year old, but was a monster in 07, and Curlin beat him. AGS could give SS a run for his money, and Curlin beat him twice. These horses were right up there w/ SJ AA PG GZPR. O and question, did you see AA win the the Preakness, he went to his knees and still won by four, how does that qualify as only good?

I know Big Brown's Derby is one of your highlights.  I'd prefer to highlight Eight Belles' effort instead.  She was the true story of the Kentucky Derby this year.

Zarkava's ARC win, Zenyatta's BC, Eight Belles' Derby, Pepper's Pride's amazing win streak, Goldikova's BC, Curlin's Dubai, Midnight Lute's BC, Not necessarily in that order...but none can be forgotten!

You are so right Atthebarn. I got into this silly debate because I hate to see people slam riders. It such an easy excuse to use. Someone I know sent horses to Woodbine in Oct. They ran a 2yr old in a big stake there and ran last. Big surprize! Then they slam the rider for the ride he gave them, he's one of the top riders there. Maybe the horse wasn't good enough do ya think?  I'll always defend good riders and sure they all make mistakes but it's not always their fault if the horse gets beat.

Hang in there buddy I envy your lifestyle.

I agree with you, Taco Teggy. Big Brown looked furious when he was pulled up in the Belmont. I think if he could have reached around and yanked KD off his back, he would have chewed him up. What is interesting is how he acted in the Haskell, like he was just waiting to be pulled up again.

Good list, Jason. Obviously you're picking top performances rather than the most exciting finishes, like the Travers. There are several different kinds of outstanding performances:

1. Whipping the best contenders in your division, like Zenyatta in the Apple Blossom and the BC, or Raven's Pass in the BC Classic.

2. Doing what race horses aren't supposed to do, like Big Brown's Derby. Fourth career race, second on dirt, seven weeks since last race. That's not supposed to happen.

3. An incredible move. My partner, not a racing fan, saw Midnight Lute's move in the BC Sprint and was blown away. Then there was Goldikova, covered up behind the leaders and all of a sudden she's put away the field and you're not sure how that happened.

Cheryl,

Where ever you are, you're comments were right on the money.  Zarkava was the best thoroughbred to race anywhere in 2008 and her performances in the Vermeille & the Arc were breathtaking.  Don't forgret her performance in the French Guineas too.

Dirt racing in America is on it's way out, it may take some time before It's final demise, but it will happen.  Zarkava is the essence of what top class turf racing is all about and all of her efforts during this year will be remembered for a very long time.  

What about TOUGH TIZ's SIS's 12 length romp in the Ruffian Handicap? That was spectacular!

Atthebarn2, Like Wanda I envy your lifestyle and appreciate your comments BUT I am a little bit hurt by them. The topic of this blog is what we are discussing, there have been others that deal with some of the issues you bring up and thats where  we discussed them. So to berate the people blogging on here doesn't seem very nice. It seems like we are mostly just fans, real passionate fans who unfortunately can't do alot to help with the issues you bring up. But I see many of the same names every new blog and think it is obvious that we are on your side in those issues and want to see racing reach the highest levels of popularity and success. And like all sports fans we like to argue over who is the best and why...to the nth degree. :)

Your choices are really good. I am wondering if Peppers Pride can have a place somewhere for her 18 consecutive wins. This is surely an accomplishment and I wish there was some kind of reward she could receive for this. I also have a soft spot for Wanderin Boy

i'd say curlin in any of the races he won this year.

In terms of sheer presence, jaw dropping, stunned silence performance I would have to say Midnight Lute's BC victory. It was a WOW race and Lutes attitude showed it.

Love BB's derby, and he was impressive, but not like the Lute's show in the BC.

Remember Absolutely Cindy's victory over the boys? Came from far back I believe, 7-8 wide and mowed them down. That was impressive as well. Too bad she didn't do a lot after that.

Big Brown's Kentucky Derby. He walked the walk in the BIG one!

I really like your choices of races Jason although I'd put Curlin's world cup quite a bit higher on the list. I thought that was a really impressive race! Goldikova was awesome too but in my mind not eligible for an award since she is not U.S. based and only ran once here & after all these are the US awards - they have their own awards in Europe.  One that wasn't on your list was Court Vision's Hollywood Derby. I thought it was a really terrific performance.  He was my choice in the race and turning for home it looked like he didn't have a shot but he really came running! Not sure it's a "top ten" but I really enjoyed it!  

Ladies, All I meant by my comment is that people shouldn't slam each other. Shouldn't slam these riders, trainers etc for the choices they make. We're all trying to the best job we can.

Certain things have been driven home with a vengeance lately and it just seems to me that we'd be best served if more postive was the focus.

Yes, we all have our favorites. Shoot I bet a hundred trainers would give you a hundred bests and most of them would have their own horse in the number one spot. But it just seems we can defend and support our favorites without demeaning each other's opinions and slamming the horses and jockey's involved. Truth be told THAT mentality is what bothered so many of us in the industry about Rick Dutrow.

You all shouldn't envy our lifestyle, you are a part of it by being fans and supporting the industry. But tearing IT and each other down isn't the way to help anyone.

Wanda, I know what a big supporter you are of the industry as a former hands on member of it.

Gabriel is a fine up and coming rider who just connects very well with the horses. Alan Garcia is another, Julien Leparoux is another. Not too many complained when Fernando Jara was riding Invasor or all the great horses Kiaran was putting him on.

The standard for years by some 'fans' has been #1 blame the jockey(well some trainers do that too) #2 blame the trainer, #'s 3&4 are a toss-up between blame the race track and blame the owner for running the horse.

No hurt was intended, but it seems to me that some of the really MEAN things said to and about people should be far more hurtful.

Maybe just some frustration with everything that is happening and with a poll that isn't turnig out to be about who and why they are favorites, just some being told why they are so stupid for having the favs they do.

Not everyone is doing it and I at least am still getting their message. They don't even have the need to tear down a rider, a trainer or another horse to make their point.

Big Brown and Barbaro's Derby wins were second to only Big Red.  

Zenyatta at Del Mar. She faced a world of trouble throughout and at the top of the lane and won going away unasked against a decent field.

Wanda, what is it you don't understand about a jockey being an inexperienced  Kentucky Derby rider? If they have never been in the race, they have no experience. Period. I don't care how good they are or how many races they have won else where, they are not experienced in (here we go again) a race before 100,000 or more people, millions watching all over the world, 1,000,000 dollars on the line and all the fame and glory that goes with winning the Derby. Can't you understand the stress even for a seasoned jockey? Yes, a lot of bad things happen in a race that the jockey has no control over but if he doesn't do everything possible to get his horse in the best position to win, he didn't do a good job and the jockey is the first to admit it. Have you never heard a jockey say that? Well, I'll give you a very good example so you and atthebarn2 can learn the difference between commenting on a jockeys performance and blaming the jockey. Jerry Bailey said on "LEGENDS" he cost Cigar the Pacific Classic because he asked the horse to do something he normally never did and that was to run too close to the pace and moved to soon. Oh yes, about the list of horses I mentioned, Lost in the Fog wasn't just a sprinter HE WAS A GREAT SPRINTER, English Channel wasn't just a turf horse HE WAS A GREAT TURF HORSE and if we are talking about Great horses, we have to look at the whole picture. Jason said Curlin was among the best, HE DIDn'T QUALIFY A CATAGORY. He just said best. Jason gave us his list and then said feel free to list your own. Well, I did just that and he said "gimme a break" and that's when I said "game on, buddy".

First off, I agree with your list pretty much! As far as watching it goes, I've watched as much as I can, and while I understand all the babble about inferior horses -- if the horses all come out of it well, there is no such thing as a sucky horse race. They all get out there and try their hardest, and how can you knock 'em for that? So I've been watching it from a few different angles. I like all of 'em.

I'm possibly a little biased because I'm horribly shallow when it comes to certain horses (I have a weakness for rangy blacks -- War Emblem started it!), which is completely unhealthy for objectivity, but my! Midnight Lute was stunning. Zenyatta -- brilliant! Love runs like that. She was gorgeous.

I don't think it should be on the list, but the Risen Star was a fun race to watch, got the blood stirring! There were various others -- I agree on the Travers! -- but I'm too tired to remember them right now!

As far as the Derby goes, it was an amazingly fun race to watch. Maybe the talent wasn't all there (or maybe it was, sure looked like talent to ME), but whose fault is that? Not /mine/. So I'm going to go ahead and enjoy the race as a great race to have watched. And Belles? She did very nicely. She might have beaten him, she might not have, if things had been different. But she wasn't going to that day, no way mate. She ran an amazing race against him -- probably the best that was made, striking that deplorable Belmont. It's bull that the Jockey wasn't good enough, he's a fine young Jockey and he did as well as CAN be done, I imagine. Maybe the others would have done things differently, but, they'd do it differently as more OR less experienced Jockeys, and it's pretty much a coin toss which way the race would have turned out. To put much blame on him is just silly. She got beat. If...if the situation had been different, perhaps she would have mowed him in the Preakness. We'll never know. C'est la vie.

And Curlin? If you want to try and resurrect all the past champions to compare him to one-on-one you can, but A) I doubt he'd stack up, and B) What's the point? He's a brilliant horse. He might not be the best horse since Secretariat, but what's the point in denying that he's a great horse? Right now his races of this year aren't really coming to me, but I remember that he did just fine. He DID beat a crowd of fine horses in Dubai, or did he win all that money sitting in the paddock? Last year, he was a monster. He was brilliant. Do you not remember that he beat the horse that smashed a record at the...Whitney, was it? Absolutely smashed it? A year older than him, a fine horse, Lawyer Ron! He always tried his hardest, and what can you ask more of a racehorse than that? And to say that he got whooped by Rags is silly. She was spectacular, and that duel was...breathaking, but it could have gone either way. Rags got herself up in the end, my was she gutsy, but Curlin was an absolute champ.

As far as Big Brown goes, he was an awesome horse while he lasted. I go between loathing and respecting his trainer, and I like his owner, but they don't matter as much as he does. He tried, he got down and ran his legs off. And he beat all of the other horses put in front of him, what, all but once? He might not be as great as Hard Spun or Curlin or various others, but as far as THIS YEAR goes, he was as good as it got many a time! So, I mean...

To each his or her own, I suppose. Enjoy your debate, I will probably have forgotten about posting here by the time I wake up. :P

Monica V--I'm not saying SHOULD they coun't Curlin's Dubai Cup--I'm asking DO they count it--I mean in The Eclipse voting process....I understand The Euro awards do not count NA races for their medalists and wondered out loud if thats the same on this side of the pond....Curlin was in a way like Cigar in his consistency.....but Twenty years from now I believe it will be Big Brown's fleeting career that will stand the test of time...Weak competition? What Big Brown did in The Derby had nothing to do with the competition--he went widest and cruised---he had huge acceleration REGARDLESS of the competition---as if he loses against better? Greatness is hard to define/but I know it when I see it...

I have to reluctantly confess that Big Brown's Derby was impressive. However I cannot separate 3 great races and therefore will declare a 3 way tie for first:

1) BB winning the Derby from post 20.

2) Midnight Lute -- because of the amazing job trainer Bob baffert did. Not since Da Hoss have we seen a trainer do a more masterful job getting a horse ready for a Breeder's Cup race.

3) Stardom Bound - either Oak Leaf or Juvenile Fillies.

How about Peppers Pride winning 17 in a row?  Doesn't matter who she ran against - winning 17 times in a row is hard even in a $5K claimer.

Yes Dona I do understand that a rider can make a mistake more so than you. I've been on the receiving end of that a time or to. Yes the derby is a huge deal BUT these guys are professional and their not going to lose it just because of the crowds etc.

I'm sorry but I have to agree with Jason's comments on this one.

Jason, Thanks for that. I've seen a fair number of riders in 50+ years. A fair number of races and horses, tens of thousands.

I've seen many more morning works than that and you learn a riders style, strengths, weaknesses and quirks pretty quickly. Your livlihood rides with these jocks so you make it your business to try and get the guy who best fits your horse and your own philosophy and style.

I also know that a few folks on here, including yourself have seen quite a number as well. Maybe you all don't look at the same nuances we do, but you can definitely tell a good ride from a bad one (unless you bet on the loser and th $'s floating away clouds the judgment).

Gabriel fit this filly very well. He didn't get her into trouble in the race, fact is he kept her out of trouble pretty much. The Derby is mostly staying out of trouble with 20+ horses, other than that, strategically it is a trainers race, just like the Preakness.  

Now the Belmont is a riders race, that is where the right jockey always makes the difference. Go too soon, take your mount out of its natural running style, get in a speed duel and burn your mount out and the distance gets you, you're sunk.

If you get a rider who will listen to your instructions, knows the horse well, a kid lacking Derby experience can still do well, in that race. Especially if he has a cool head and a feel for the animal.

Lord help us if Laz had the same faith in Stevie Cauthen that Dona has in Gabriel.

Now anybody recall a guy named Willie? Know he preferred Bill but he was Willie then. He had been riding for 8 years, already had one Derby win and stood up before the finish line to lose the race on Gallant Man. His reason, he got a last minute call to ride him and hadn't ridden at CD for a year. Gabriel knew his horse, knew what she could do.

What she did was far more than a lot thought she could do. Larry was thrilled to pieces when she crossed that finish line. Proved those wrong who said she hadn't run against the boys and they would rough her up. Didn't happen.

The greatest jockey in the world could have been on her and a freak accident may still have happened, nobody knows that but God.

Yes some very accomplished trainers want that experienced rider on their Derby horses, that isn't to say that taking a chance on one won't work out. Lukas liked/likes the world class riders on his, yet one of his greatest victories came on a rider, who though he had won the Derby, was a huge risk, had been out of racing. Why'd he do so well? He had a feel for horses like few of them do.

My point is the same point you made. The two ladies who took offense, weren't the two it was directed at. It was directed at the one you called out and the others of that same ilk. Those kind do no favors to racing with their 'support' and fandom.

Jason... I think you need to step back and realize you are amongst greatness and need to listen to what Dona says.  Anyone who believes the list should be all fillies leaving off great performances by Big Brown seems to know everything there is to know about racing.  On a side note one can only hope Zenyatta has the stones to meet Music Note on dirt in 2009.

J,

I'm amazed at the turn this simple blog has taken. You asked for opinions on peoples personal choices as to what they think the most impressive race of the year has been. How did this turn into Culin bashing and jockey bashing?

Truth be told I've seen a couple allowance races that put some of these big named efforts to shame, (my opinion) but yet I respect others opinions and certainly give all credit to the horses that run in them. Makes me wonder if some people really love the sport as they say they do. Curlin was never my fav horse, but to not give him respect for what he has done, and the utmost respect, not to embrace the attention he's brought us, well is just plain treason in my book. You don't have to post this, I just wanted to get this off my chest, I'm sick at the turn this blog has taken, don't you just want to smack people sometimes?

Dona

That's Bailey's version of being humble. Don't let that fool you.

If you listen to Jerry, he'll tell you how he would have ridden every horse that's ever been rode and ever will be. He'll also tell you every mistake every rider made and what he would have done in a so much superior way.

Then he'll throw in a humble moment just to make you think he is actually humble.

And Dona, I didn't get my information or experience watching Legends on mute TVG.

Trust me, trainers are far more critical of riders than a 'fan' writing on a board would ever be. Why? It mattters much more to us.

Larry knows a good ride when he sees one. He and most of us will let the rider know if we didn't like the ride. You don't ride the kid again. Real simple.

Gabriel rode Proud Spell in the Oaks, over 100.000 folks there for that one and he won it. No not 20 horses, but very competitive, huge crowd, nerves and excitement. He did just great.

Larry was criticized for taking Mario off of Hard Spun, now you're criticizing him for leaving Gabriel on. See, we just can't win.

Larry rides his own horses, he knows what fits them. Truth be told, that filly probably accomplished more with a rider who knew her than she ever would have with an, in it for the bucks only jockey who would have had a win the Derby come hell or highwater, atttude. Say that kid would have taken less care of her than Gabe did and she would have had her tragic breakdown during the race? That would have been tragedy compounded by 20.

I have a question for you Miss trainer and jockey to the stars. HOW DOES A JOCKEY BECOME EXPERIENCED IN THIS ONE UNIQUE RACE, IN FRONT OF OVER 100,000 FANS?  

IF HE/SHE CAN'T PREPARE FOR IT IN ANY WAY, HOW CAN WE EVER HAVE AN EXPERIENCED RIDER IN THE RACE?

Was reading and saw the comments.

Draynay, you finally showed just how very little you know about horse racing. "On a side note one can only hope Zenyatta has the stones to meet Music Note on dirt in 2009."

Draynay 14 Dec 2008 12:34 PM

Uhh, fillies/mares don't have stones. No owner, breeder, trainer or horse afficianado would ever say something like that.

Is Dona your wife? She and you both sound like someone who watch TV, read and otherwise know zilch about horses or racing. Has either one of you ever even seen a real live horse? Been on the backside or frontside of a race track?

Most people need some semblance of expertise before they comment as vehemently and matter of factly like the two of you did.

Jason, I know you had Larry on here, I've met Larry and find him to be very straightforward, maybe part of his problem with handling so many owners.

I have heard nothing but compliments from him on Gabriel, he continued to ride the kid so what does a fan with no practical experience get off telling him what he did wrong?

P.S.

This blog is SUPPOSED to be about who each of us thinks had the best performance and why. Not a throw down as to which one of us has the biggest stones (as Draynay puts it)

All bluster, all bluff that's what this all turns into every time certain people open their mouths or exercise their fingers.

Draynay, even your sarcasm falls short. See what your history has done for you? You're usual negativity and contrarianism actually made me think you were being serious with your props to Dona..........

Or is it a bait and switch?

Since we have had a slight change of topic, I have a question for Atthebarn2. You bring up Mario Pino & Hard Spun, I was under the impression that it was the owner's decision not Larry Jones'(as was the choice to deny Gogo the opt out to ride Rags). Isn't that often the case? I feel from my limited exposure to the subject that the owner's are the one's who want to go to a "name" rider and leave the journeyman behind. That alot of trainers would like to give the guy a chance ala Stewart Elliot and Fernando Jara. Is that your experience?

Back to the Top 10...I have a new one... race 10,today at Sunland Park. Congrats to Peppers Pride and her people!!!

Come on Kitman... Dona has no idea what she is talking about and continues to prove it with every sentence.  Let her step up and handicap an upcoming race and not just blather about the past.  Its easy to talk about the past lets hear something about the future.

It may not be worthy of a top ten listing, but the little known filly Absolutely Cindy had a spectacular run against the boys in the John Battaglia Stakes in March. Coming from dead last she outpowered the field with ease. It's definely worth a watch.  

Larry said it was his decision, that he and Rick Porter discussed it and made the decision. Like I said, the Belmont is a riders race they didn't like the ride in the Preakness since that is a trainers race, moreso than the Belmont. Trouble in the Preakness rider not following instructions= disaster in the Belmont with poor rider judgment. Mario, by the way was a Derby rookie.

A lot of it depends on the owner and their personality. Some owners don't care, let the trainer make the decisions, give us the freedom to do what we charge them for. Some want the sole decision making power. (a lot of the big stables  are either very powerful people or have racing managers and that is when the power struggles happen).

Some owners will only say who they don't want, like one well known female jockey who had ridden a colt for it's whole career and the owners requested she be taken off. The owners who did it surprised me, but the trainer who had her riding surprised me more with his  vocal support of her, big clients, he gave in, still talks about it.

Some trainers will fight for a jock but if you stand to lose a client, what're you going to do?

The Rags deal for Gomez was tough. But as far as who made the decision to not let him out of the ride.Larry took the responsibility for that and it was a bit of a sticky wicket. Johnny V, Todd's first call rider was allowed out of his committment by Greg Fox, who was nice about it but not thrilled that it was so last minute.

 What would you do if you had replaced your rider, then low and behold the new riders filly is a surprise entry and it's hasta la vista.

Hard Spun had a shot, Slew's Tizzy had a stables primary rider on him, a little easier to let him go.

That goes on quite a bit on the track. Sometimes the owner is a little less likely to let the rider go than the trainer, sometimes it's the trainer.

Some trainers are more control freaks than others. Larry admits that(one reason he's retiring, he wants to control every single detail), so does Wayne.

All you can do is take them at their word that it was their decision, the fallout sort of confirmed that.

Some bickering was going on and Larry though nice, has his definite opinions. He even said that they gave Todd 4 days to make his decision before they annouced the rider and remember when a guy like Larry says 'we' he means his organization, or him and Cindy. He uses we, never I.

Some trainers like to and do give the less well known guys a chance. Jara got plenty of chances, capitalized on them, then got the big head.

Alan Garcia gets a lot of chances and so does Julian. Some trainers want a big name, experienced rider.

It really all depends on the personalities involved. Like I said before, in the old days when owners just sent the checks and wanted to know how much their horse won. Some are still like that. The others listen to my recommendations, I'm lucky. My worst owner is myself, opinionated little devil.

Among top ten performances, I would personally include either Peppers Pride's 17th straight win that set a North American record, or her 19th consecutive win today, a dazzling performance that moved her over one million dollars in earnings. The victory this afternoon at Sunland Park has given Peppers Pride a nonpareil record in modern racing, so I would probably lean toward choosing this one, especially the way she did it.

Peppers Pride's win in the New Mexico State Racing Commission Handicap, while conceding weight to her rivals, was an exhibition of sheer dominance. The racemare came from off the pace, to blow by a good field, and draw away by over five lengths, striding out beautifully!

I feel that like Curlin, Zenyatta, and Big Brown, Peppers Pride has been a big boost to American racing. I'm very thankful to have witnessed her brilliance and amazing consistency.

I agree some of the female performances were amazing. Zenyatta, Stardom Bound, Goldikova and Zarkava, Proud Spell, and yes even Pepper's Pride. The two Z's probably are my top two. Zarkava is #1 but didn't race in NA.

We aren't talking about the future here, we're talking about the best performances of 2008.

Other than that I don't agree with much she has to say.

#1 Big Brown at the Kentucky Derby

#2 Curlin at Dubai

Athtebarn2, Thanks for responding to my question. I knew that Pletcher waited forever to decide whether to run or not but I didn't know that Jones was waiting too. Thanks so much for the insight. I felt so bad for Gogo losing the mount on her. Now I can transfer blame to TP(& the Tabors)...lol. I was already mad at them for not running Rags in the Derby (darn Circular Quay). :)

Atthebarn you know what's scary?  I thought of Shoemaker's ride in the 1957 Derby to. Quote from Shoemaker in his book "I was riding Gallant Man and I mistook the finish line and stood up in the irons. It probably cost me the race". He went on to say that the finish line at Churchill was a sixteenth of a mile farther toward the first turn than it was at other tracks. He hadn't had a ride there in over a year. Long story short he got suspended for fifteen days. He took alot of ribbing from the press and fans but went on to win the Belmont on Gallant Man.

Interesting bit of history,the book is called Shoemaker America's Greatest Jockey.

Up late getting some last minute things done.

Wanda, I was still fairly young, and can remember him saying something about just getting a last minute call to ride. I also seem to recall that the owner wasn't that upset, didn't hold it against him and even gave him something like 5 grand (huge money then, for me at least. What a house cost a little more than that then?) he also got a car from the owner Mr. Lowe.

It embarrassed Bill but he was a fine guy. I remember seeing him ride and it was a thrill, even as we both got older. He also wrote a pretty good mystery, read both of his books. Never figured out why he didn't do more. Sort of the American version of John Francome or the poor man's Dick Francis.

The William Murray book Dead Heat was good too. But Bill had a perspective we who knew him could relate to.

First of all a big THANK YOU to Jason for letting me get off the subject and everyone else for their comments. I just had to make a point about how even the best can make mistakes, how we all can make mistakes. There is no certain outcome in horseracing. There are to many things that can come into play. That's why we celebrate the best of the best for the year. We know how hard it is to win the big ones. Some of these horses have overcome huge setbacks to get there. That's what makes horseracing so exciting, and yes it isn't a fair game. If you want to get in the game you have to live with the disapointment to.

Thanks again Jason and Merry Christmas to Monica,Atthebarn,Katsan,Jordan,Brad,

Whatamidoing, and anyone else I missed. Cheers!

Dona,

Yes, the derby is a very stressful and important race.  Yes, there is a HUGE crowd but it is still a horse race and that's all the horse and the jockey are aware of n the 2 minutes they are in the race.  The biggest problem in the derby is there are too many horses.  Any experienced jockey can win that race, he doesn't have to have won it.  In fact, Pat Day never won a Derby until Lil ET, wasn' it?  One of the best jockeys ever.  Had several Breeder's Cup wins to his credit and no derby until late in his career.  How can you make a statement like that?  Certainly everyone is entitled to his or her opinion and when someone else expresses theirs there is no need to be disrespectful.  Presenting your view in a logical manner will suffice.

Wanda,

Nice seeing you again and Atthebarn2!  I've been fine and waiting until the Spring for the next triple crown.  Hope all is well in Canada and that this sport doesn't suffer too much.  Many think it is a dying sport but I think it will always be around.

Matthew W

I don't think I said anything about Big Brown.  Was that just a comparison to Curlin?  I wouldn't have mentioned anything negative and I wasn't pointing  you out as far as foreign races are concerned.

When a horse wins a big foreign race, why shouldn't it count?  The Dubai WC is a big race and the richest in the world, why shouldn't it count in earnings?  Makes no difference to me really but that's how Cigar became the leading money earner and Curlin.

Best to you all!  Oh, and Jason, bless you for moderating so well!

I really appreciatate that!

Monica

Well have to agree with Jason for the most part great list indeed and as always difficult to narrow it down to 10 and I am sure everyone has there favourite and of course as I can see some people have their bias.

Even though not a fan at all of Big Brown's connections you have to give the horse credit his Florida and Kentucky Derby efforts were visually impressive as you will see opposition or not,myself I love the WOW factor of a performance wether seeig it live or on TV to regardless of who you beat recent ones that stick out are Invasor in the Donn HCP if you havn't seen this you should WOW factor also Gorella in the 2006 Beverly D talk about a turn of foot another WOW.

Have to say Zenyatta Ventura and Goldlikova at the BC had that WOW.....and Midnight Lute was amazing to run down Fatal Bullet check Read Bakers's comment after the race,so Jason great blog as usual always lots to offer wait till the run to roses stars once more.

Oh another one watch Good Ba Ba in the HK international mile impressive this past Saturday night ...

Wanda and the rest of the crew, have been super busy. Terrible few months but things are looking up.

Peppers Pride at Sunland what a wonderful thing for Joe and Joel. Two of the nicest human beings in the world.

Joe (average Joe, I call him) had his dreams come true and I bet him and Joel would both tell you their best moments of 2008 were every time she ran. Chalk one up for the little guys (or 19 in their case)

Happy Holidays to you as well Wanda and everyone else too.

We're up in Albuquerque and it is snowing like crazy. The farm is beautiful with the snow covered alfalfa fields, the mares running and playing. Makes one enjoy every thing about our industry.

Things are still pretty good here. No purse cuts yet. Stan sure knows how to run a race track. Our Governor is a big supporter of the horse industry, he's leaving for Washington soon, hope some of the stuff is kept on the table.

Kind of nice living in the wild west.

Wanda, I'm not mad. Happy Holidays and a prosperous New Year!

We all are involved in other things, right now. Got a little disenchanted. Still betting the ponies and hoping for the best.

Rob

oh, Midnight Lute by the way, sentimental reasons, all three of us.

Good Ba Ba, cracks me up, Brad's mini me, that's what poppa Brad asks when he feeds him. Cracks the baby up too.

Wanda,

Same to you!  Hope everyone's holiday is a good one and that the new year will bring us all a more promising economy and that this sport survives intact and as great as it can be.

How can anyone include a best performance of the year for a horse who never won?  While eight belles incident was tragic, second isn't worthy of comparison to the derby or preakness performance of 'Brown or the total domination of Zenyatta in any of her races (maybe except one)! Commentator won with devasting ease as well in Mass Cap.

Azeri,

For those who include Eight Belles (such as myself), it's a matter of opinion. If everyone's opinion on here was the same, we wouldn't be able to have such lively discussions!

Cheers, and Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays!

HOY = Curlin, the only horse to run on dirt, turf and synthetic all in the same year, and ducked nobody.  Big Brown = Its amazing what steroids and avoiding real competition will do for the race record.  This horse should have run in the Joecky Club Gold Cup,  there is no legitimate excuse for ducking Curlin.  None whatsoever.  As a matter of fact I would have liked to see Raven's Pass and Henry the Navigator run in the Jockey Club Gold Cup as a prep,  just to see what they could do on Curlin's preferred surface,  heck,  where were those two horses in the World Cup.  Oooops almost forgot,  they were running on their favorite surface, turf and why would someone want to put their horse at a severe disadvantage by running them on something other than their favorite surface; Great horses don't do that, they run on the surface they do best on.

Whatever: Curlin could not win the Derby and beat Street Sense by a head bob then got beat by a filly.  He won the Breeders Cup because of the slop or Hard Spun would have been up and gone. Then he wins the Dubai Cup because NOTHING shows up to face him.  Then he faces a bunch of non G1 winning horses and proves he is better but when facing G1 winners he gets whipped each time.  A 3 year old Ravens Pass ran by him like he was standing still and Ravens Pass could not hold Big Browns jock strap. Curlin wasn't great on dirt, he just didn't face any competition on it all year and when he faced tough competition on grass and poly he got whipped.  It wasn't the surface that beat him it was the competition.  Remember Ravens Pass: a cute little 3 year old only won 2 races all year out of 8 and was able to whip Curlin...imagine what the Derby, Preakness, Haskell, and Florida Derby winner would have done to him.  

Oh good lord...here we go again...enough of this already Draynay and company!  This senseless bickering is ridiculous.

Dray,

Good to see you arguments are still illogical and ineffective. Keep it up!

Draynay, Peace on Earth Good Will toward men (women too).

Wanda, Monica, Katsan, Jason and the rest (email the boys so they already know)

Happy Holidays to you all. Hope for a prosperous New Year for everyone but especially for the game we love enough to debate so passionately.

The Eclipse awards next month will set up a whole new round of debates, with Feb and March, here come the preps! So still plenty to talk about.

CDI hired a marketing expert to market the Derby and the Oaks?  Hope it's for merchandising and TV because you can't get any more people in with a shoe horn on Derby day especially. They're even on the backside like a bunch of ants.

Happy Holidays

Yes we've heard all this over and over and over again. Give it a rest and start the new year with a fresh argument for some up and coming 3year old. I've read the exact same comments from you all year how many times? Start commenting on something else that has to do with the here and now,and by the way I wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas Draynay cheers!

Whatever...Cocoa Beach ran on all three surfaces and won on dirt and turf and ran a very good second to Zenyatta on synthetic, so Curlin is not the only horse to have done so. Maybe it should be Cocoa Beach vs Zenyatta vs Curlin for HOY. And as to Raven's Pass and Henry...when the Dubai WC was run in March they were where all of the other promising 3 y/os were, prepping for the Classic races in their home countries. Just like the american 3 y/os...why aren't you knocking Big Brown for not running in Dubai? I agree that Curlin is in contention for HOY but your reasoning is flawed.

Dray

   quit trying to start fights. Whatever didn't even address you or anybody about, Curlin. All he/she did was state their oppinion. O, and honestly, BB faced nothing this year either, and ran to the turf when challenged by Curlin. In the turf race he ran against second tier older horses, just to say he ran against them. Tell me something, why did everyone, and you can go back and check posts on other racing sites, say before the DWC that Curlin was up against it and the field line up was so tough, and now everyone said that it was weak? Kinda hypocritical. Notice that Curlin is the only American horse this year to go out of the country and win. All the others failed. The only other horses that didn't embarass theirselves were the ones in the Dubai. Also your little Dutrow rehash of well Curlin didn't win the Derby, and lost the Belmont to a girl. For one RtoR was one of the best fillies to come around in a long time and would've knocked BB socks off, so it's no shame to say he lost to her in one of the most memorable stretch duals in recent years. BB on the other hand finished dead last. O if you want to try and say he was pulled up well guess what, with the way horse were passing him as he plummeted he would've finished last anyway. If i had my pick i'd want to fininsh second by a head instead of dead last in a field of nobodys. In the Derby Curlin was up against a ton more, and if you asked me had an even worse post.  In a field of twenty he had 16 other horses waiting to bolt inside sadwiching him. BB may have had the outside post, but he had smooth sailing all the way, which is better than the nightmare of a trip Curlin had. Plus tell me what horse at the time was at their prime in the Derby that BB derby. Also, it's not Curlin's fault that he didn't ever face great competition, even though Einstien did flatter him by beating commentator a couple weaks ago, on dirt. PP also did a good job coming in a close second his last race. The point is Curlin went in open G1 races every time he ran, all year long. That means anybody, no matter who it is could face him. BB, on the other had only face older horses once, on turf, in a ungraded race, that no other horse was prepared for. Also not only did Curlin face open company each time his connections announced what races he would compete in way in advance, giving anybody time to take him on, and did they no. BB in 7 of eight starts face only 3yr olds, and in his last two start he face what would qualify as good allowence horses or G3 horses, ducking any race where he had a chance to lose. Curlin ducked nobody, his connections even diviated from what they believe was best, and what they wished to do, by going out to face BB, who scratched form the BCC. BB was brilliant, but never lived up to his potential, kinda like Smarty or AA, only in my oppinion they were better. Curlin did more than any horse this year, and more than BB ever thought about doing. You need to get over whatever little pathetic thing you have against horses, and at least show some respect towards him. Most on here even me will admit that BB was extremely good and talented,and deserved respect. The only one on here that refuses to aknowledge what is right is you, all you want to do is instigate fights, and shove your oppinion down everyones throat. Maybe you should think about what other might feel, instead of it being all about you you you and BB.

Nicely stated Barb, the only thing i'd change is Cocoa Beach being in HOY contention, next year may be the year though. As for now it's Zen and Curlin. Next year may end up being a fillies year, even more so than it was this year, unless a three year old steps up and proves to be a challenge, it's too early to tell.

Just ran back over all the comments... I completely agree w/having Proud Spell's Alabama up there! What a race... She is such a good filly... I sure hope they bring her back next year!

Lol... I hope you all have a great holiday - even all of you that have no idea what they are talking about.  I look forward to 2009 so I don't have to talk about 2008 anymore.  The words that will be coming out of my mouth in 2009 are Vineyard Haven, Indygo Mountain, and Square Eddie.

Dray,

I don't think it's some of us that have "no idea what we're talking about." I think it's a great difference in opinion, which is fine.

Merry Christmas, and here's to a kinder 2009 on Jason's blog!

They're way to many bandwagon Curlin fans in this world!!! Curlin was a great horse compared to competion. no better than Invasor who beat same type of competion but didn't lose 5 times in the process only once last time I checked. Invasor beat the best 3 year old either one faced in career in Berni. They both beat up on same type of horses and also had about the same speed numbers over there career.  So anybody that wants to make Curlin into this Superhorse look at the horses that Cigar and Skip Away beat and look at their speed numbers their better than Curlin any day.

I agree! Let's be kind to other people's favorites next year! There were great horses and great races this year together with sad moments. And exciting races. We're all race fans. Let's keep it that way! Happy holidays to all - even the contrary Dranay! Lighten up, buddy!

Thank you, jshandler!

GO CURLIN!!!!!

Yes, there ARE a lot of CURLIN fans in this world! Accept it or don't read the blogs, Mike! You won't change the fact that we love CURLIN. You should have been at his retirement tribute! Oh ya! His fans love this magnificent horse. We always will, buddy, no matter what your opinion of that is.  What right do you have to tell us that we're too many CURLIN fans? That's ludicrous. You can have your opinion; let us have ours and let's respect each others' favorites whether we personally like them or not.  Aren't we all animal lovers? And horse lovers?

So to CURLIN!!!

And a happy new year to all the rest of you!

GO CURLIN!!!!!!!!

Its been said that I have a hard time saying anything nice.  Well that is not true.  Jason I want to thank you for a well run board and wish you and your family a very happy Holiday Season.  You have made this blog a interesting and fun place to offer our opinions and I want to thank you for letting us use this wonderful forum.  However... when 2009 comes around you and others like you are going to go right back to knowing absolutely nothing about picking winners and all of you will have me to bow down to me... lol... I couldn't resist....sorry....

As a Curlin fan, I am really looking forward to seeing his babies in about 3 years.  I just know he will pass on his soundess and ability.  He doesn't have bad feet or weak bones or was he prone to injury.

Thanks to Jason for the lively topics and discussions. I have recently discovered how much I enjoy blogging on this site(bloodhorse, not just Jason's) with all of you. Even though some people aren't in agreement with me. I like the debates, though I do wish that some people didn't think that in order to look good they need to make others look bad. I hope that I have made my arguments without attacking anyone. But I have to say that it is fun when someone says something inflammatory because it brings out all of the other well thought out comments, of course it also generates muck which isn't so good. We are all entitled to our opinions but we should remember that EVERY horserace is a great race and that some horses may do better but NONE of them do worse.

LDP...I don't think Cocoa Beach should be HOY, I was just saying that by Whatever's logic she would be.

Happy holidays to all!

Jason I recall your article from March 1st (I believe) your blog on March 8 had a kinder gentler Draynay expressing his utter and total amazement, think he used the word WOW at least 3 times.

But, I must mention the now infamous headline:Take It To The Bank: Big Brown Wins The Belmont (Jason Shandler) Dennis Of Cork as your backup. You still had some doubt, despite your headline.

By then Draynay was totally on the bandwagon, even though he jumped on while it was still slow moving, he was running over anyone in sight and pushing off those who were on the horse for a long time.

You aren't obsessed, HE is.

Meanwhile you can tout him on the Derby prospects, he'll be so busy telling all of us how to run our stables he won't have time.

4.  Well Armed squeaking out a win in the San Antonio over Heat Seeker.

3.  Heat Seeker and Go Between in the Santa Anita Big Cap.

2.  Go Between besting Well Armed in the Pacific Classic.

1.  Zenyatta in the Clemet C. Hirsh.  "Simply Poetry in Motion."

Jason, overall i too, have very much enjoyed this blog. It provides a good learning place, as well as a place to offer oppinions. Kinda like school, excepet on computer and we get to talk about my favorite subject, horseracing lol. Thx to all and a happy holidays, or which ever you celebrate.

Curlin only raced in California once where he got headed by Tiago.  

Jason,

Great comment!

Draynay...I may be the only one, but I agree with most of what you said.  Curlin is a nice horse and I applaud Jess Jackson for his sportsmanship, and Curlin's popularity with fans is testament to the fact that this sport needs more horses running past their 3yo year.  But, but he didn't beat much this year, and he finished out of the money in the biggest race of the year.  If the powers that be decide to go ahead and hold racing's championships on synthetic surfaces, they can't then make excuses for horses for not running well on it.  Can't have it both ways.    

Curlin, Curlin, Curlin! He's a star who gave his all everytime he was asked. Curlin attacked races the same way on every surface. Making sweeping moves to the front in both of his defeats this year, which I believe is the subject of this blog, he ran on steadily like the long striding dirt horse that he is. A horse built like Curlin isn’t made to sprint down the stretch, and the surfaces he attempted worked against his grind it out style. Curlin lost the Classic, but he’s one classy animal for finishing near Europeans on a track that plays like turf. His fans certainly agreed, giving him a standing ovation despite his defeat. He went down in the Man O’ War, but it takes one good dirt horse to run with turf champions on their surface.

Curlin won four grade ones this year, as many as Zenyatta and Big Brown, and did it at four different tracks in two states and another continent. His frequent flier miles ought to count for something, especially without much of a break following his demanding three-year-old season.

Zenyatta is HOY....Atthebarn2 yes racing is suffering/so is everything else--and it is the fans of this Sport Of Kings that argue and debate who's best/fastest--the most! More than any sport, Horseracing Fans have the most opinions! ......Zenyatta is HOY--That's mine!

The best performances aren't always winning performances but sometimes those that expose things for what they are. These are some of the greatest happenings whether you like them or not. They help keep things in perspective when some are blind to reality.  

In the spirit of reality the #1 performance of 2008 goes to Guadacanal. A mere maiden when he appeared in the Belmont he did what everyone thought was impossible by whipping the Derby/Preakness winner after being taken out by that same horse at the start. In the process he exposed the weakness of the 3 yr olds who showed up for the Derby and Preakness allowing for a Derby win from the 20 hole that is vastly overrated and run against virtually no competition.

Guadacanal and the rest of the allowance horses who ran in the Belmont helped expose

what a weak group of 3 yr olds we had in america this year.

#2 on the list, Curlin's Dubai win. The best dirt horse to come along in many a year deserves that much.

5.  Bob Black Jack stealing the Grade I Malibu.  His time of 120 and 1/5th not far off Spectacular Bid's Stakes record of 1:20 flat.

Zenyatta did something that neither the New England Patriots, USC, Big Brown, or Curlin could do.  She completed a perfect season capped off with a win against the best distaff horses in the world.  She not only gets HOY but best sports story for 2008 and picture on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

"1. Big Brown, Kentucky Derby - ....It may be a long time before we see a 3-year-old do that again under those circumstances."

Well, since more and more tracks are banning steroids, you're probably right.

We should not forget that Big Brown had the advantages of the miracle of modern chemistry flowing through his veins when it comes to comparing him to future and past horses