Breeders Cup Chat : Commentator

Top 10 Performances of 2008

jshandler — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:56:00 GMT

Although the Eclipse Awards are six weeks away and the best horses in each division will be decided then, I thought it would be a fun to do some voting of our own.

Since I still haven't decided on some of the divisions and I don't expect you guys/gals to do all that research, we'll keep this simple. This is a vote for the Top 10 Performances of 2008. It can be for any division, in any single race.

Obviously, there are many to choose from, that's what makes this so tough and fun. After reading mine, I'd love to see what everyone agrees and disagrees with. Feel free to post your own Top 10.

10. Commentator, Whitney Handicap - This was the highlight of the remarkable gelding's fabulous year. He not only won the event for the second straight year by nearly five lengths, but posted a 120 Beyer, which was by far the highest number of any dirt horse going more than a mile this season. Of course, he also recorded the best Beyer at less than a mile in 2008 as well. Not a bad year for a 7-year-old.

9. Benny The Bull, Dubai Golden Shaheen - All four of Benny's wins came in spectacular, come-from-behind fashion, so it was tough to choose between them. I nearly picked the True North Handicap at Belmont because it looked like he had no chance to win in deep stretch but somehow got up with a devastating late charge. However, you can't overlook his performance in Dubai, which was against better. It was breathtaking.

8. Proud Spell, Kentucky Oaks - The Larry Jones trainee not only beat a solid field of 3-year-old fillies, she destroyed them. The five-length victory gives her the edge over Music Note for divisional championship honors.

7. Red Giant, Clement Hirsch Turf Championship - Not only did the 4-year-old colt show grit in edging Out of Control by a head, but he set a new North American 1 1/4-mile turf record in 1:57.16, breaking a mark that had stood since 1977. That's impressive. Out of Control's effort should not be overlooked either.

6. Curlin, Dubai World Cup - His 7 3/4-length romp wasn't against the best of fields, but it was still a tremendous effort. It also solidified him as one of the best horses since the turn of the century.

5. Goldikova, Breeders' Cup Mile - The French invader knocked off a talented group of boys, including last year's winner Kip Deville, in spectacular fashion. Her turn of foot in the final sixteenth was eye-popping, and a highlight of the weekend.

4. Midnight Lute, Breeders' Cup Sprint - Speaking of BC highlights, the 5-year-old Real Quiet horse may have provided the weekend's best performance with his amazing 1 3/4-length score, in which he set the BC record of 1:07.77 for six furlongs. It was his second straight BC Sprint win and amazingly, came in only his second start of the year.

3. Stardom Bound, Oak Leaf - Her BC Juvenile Fillies win was great too, but the Oak Leaf was even more dazzling. The Tapit filly rallied from the clouds to mow down rivals in the stretch in a scintillating 3 1/2-length score, doing it in a time of 1:42.44.

2. Zenyatta, Apple Blossom Handicap - It's difficult to choose her best performance of the year since she went undefeated. Obviously, her Ladies Classic triumph was special and locked up divisional honors. But the Apple Blossom was scary good. The 4 1/2-length victory was against a very good group, including champion Ginger Punch, and it proved she was just as good on dirt as synthetics, if not better.

1. Big Brown, Kentucky Derby - Many of us have gone on record as saying Big Brown was not our favorite horse, but you cannot discount what he did in the Derby. It was one of the best performances since Secretariat, considering he did it from the 20-post and in only his fourth career start, and it was so dominating. It may be a long time before we see a 3-year-old do that again under those circumstances.

Some of the great performances I reluctantly left out of my Top 10 were Old Fashioned in the Remsen, Pyro in the Risen Star, Big Brown in the Florida Derby and Preakness, Da' Tara in the Belmont, Raven's Pass in the BC Classic and Eight Belles in the Derby.

Let the debating begin!!

Q&A With Commentator Owner Tracy Farmer

jshandler — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 21:03:00 GMT

In the past few days we've learned Curlin will not be running in the Clark Handicap, one of the last big races of the year. Despite Curlin's absence, the Clark will still have plenty of star appeal, thanks to amazing 7-year-old gelding Commentator, who has become one of the big fan favorites after winning his second straight Whitney this summer.

A week before the race, I decided to catch up with Commentator's owner, Tracy Farmer, one of the real good guys in the industry. Farmer, who also campaigned Sun King and Albert the Great, among other notables, is a board member of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association and The Jockey Club, and has donated much of his time and money to promote the industry. In 2006, Farmer was awarded the W.T. Young Humanitarian Award. Farmer's 135-acre Shadowland Farm is in Midway, Kentucky.

JS: Commentator enters the Clark in great form. I'm assuming you're expecting a big race from him?

TF: He loves it here at Churchill. He's from New York so he doesn't mind the cold weather at all. He had a nice bullet work here the other day, so he's all ready.

JS: How much would it mean to you to win the Clark?

TF: It would mean a great deal, being from Kentucky and all. I've never won it and it's a prestigious race. But it's going to be a tough race. There are some really good horses that are going to show up. Once you get into these grade I or II races they're all tough.

JS: Was it disappointing for you to hear that Curlin would not be showing up in the Clark?

TF: Yes it was. It would have been great for the fans to see. But I understand. They have to do what's best for Curlin. He's had a brilliant career and I have nothing but admiration for him.

JS: Before this year many thought Commentator was best as a sprinter or even a miler. I guess he's proven people wrong?

TF: We used to think that too (laugh). But he's learned how to rate and he likes it. He just doesn't slow down, even at nine furlongs. When you open the Racing Form and see that he has the best Beyer this year under and over a mile, that tells you all you need to know about him. He's very special.

JS: He seems to be in better form as a 7-year-old as he's been in his whole career. How do you explain that?

TF: I really don't know to be honest with you. He does seem to get better the older he gets. Nick Zito does a great job of taking care of him and we don't race him too often. I'm sure that helps. It's pretty unbelievable.

JS: You made the decision not to run Commentator in the Breeders' Cup. Was it more about him not being ready or the fact that the race was on a synthetic surface.

TF: Winning a Breeders' Cup has always been a goal of mine, so it was a little disappointing. But Nick thinks dirt horses are bred for dirt, and he's said it before that he thinks synthetics are the same as turf. It was up to him. I'm the owner and I had the final decision but it would have to be an extreme situation for me to override the trainer. Hopefully I can get back there one day.

JS: Assuming he is sound, are you planning on running Commentator next year?

TF: Oh yeah, that's the plan. I hope and pray that he is healthy. Our main goal is to win the Whitney for a third time. That would be something special. But we'll take it one race at a time and let him tell us how he's doing.

JS: Where will he go after the Clark?

TF: He'll go to Palm Meadows in Florida. That's been his routine for a while now. He's knows the routine better than we do. Last year he set the track record in the Richter Scale, so we'd like to shoot for running him down there sometime in March or April.

JS: Where will Commentator go after he retires?

TF: He'll go to my farm so I can look at him every day. He's such a lovely horse. Carol and I have so many special memories with him. He's wonderful.

JS: Commentator has become a big fan favorite over the last couple years. Why do you think that is?

TF: I think the fans have gotten to know him and become attached. And they like winning money on him (laugh). When he's at Saratoga he has such a following. He gets a big crowd at each one of his workouts. It's really nice to see that. I hope we get to run him until he's 10. I'd like to see him become the oldest horse to ever win a graded stakes race.

JS: What's his personality like?

TF: He's not a mean horse, but he's got a bit of an attitude. He nips at Nick all the time. I'm too smart to let him get me (laughs). He's good and he knows it. When he's in the paddock he's all business. And when he loses, he gets really upset. He's a smart horse.

All of a Sudden, BC Classic Full of Intrigue

jshandler — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 20:32:00 GMT

Wasn't it just a few weeks ago that we were all complaining about the Breeders' Cup Classic lacking intrigue?

Now, if everything falls into place, this might be one of the most highly-anticipated Classics of all-time.

Of course, a lot has to be decided between now and Oct. 25, most importantly, whether or not reigning Horse of the Year Curlin will go to California. But after Jess Jackson's recent comments, it now seems there is a 50-50 chance that Curlin will head to Santa Anita to race on Pro-Ride.

The Classic looks like it will get another boost with Commentator, who will run in the Massachusetts Handicap this weekend and then point towards the big race. That was confirmed by his owner, Tracy Farmer, at a national media teleconference Sept. 16. Previously, it was unclear which race Commentator would shoot for.

"He's never run on synthetics, but he trained on it at Keeneland and absolutely loved it," Farmer said. "I'd say if we go - if I can get our trainer there - it would be in the Classic. There is a question about Santa Anita and its new track, but all the stuff I've heard so far has been positive. We'd love to run against Big Brown and Curlin if he is in the shape he was in the Whitney. He's got the fastest Beyer under a mile and over a mile."

Farmer's comment about "if I can get our trainer there" was in reference to Nick Zito, who is not a big proponent of synthetics. But when asked who would make the final decision on whether to send Commentator to the Breeders' Cup, Farmer said, "I would say the owner of the horse makes that decision."

Assuming Commentator runs well at the MassCap and comes out of it fine, the Classic field could potentially have three huge names - Big Brown, Curlin and Commentator. And that's just the beginning.

Also decent possibilities for the $5 million event are Travers winner Colonel John, Pacific Classic winner Go Between, San Diego and San Antonio Handicap winner Well Armed, Japanese ace Casino Drive, European turf stars Henrythenavigator and Duke of Marmalade, Travers runner-up Mambo in Seattle, the always game Student Council, battled-tested Tiago, talented 3-year-old Pyro, and don't forget about the possibility of undefeated filly Zenyatta. Also on Sept. 17, Larry Jones said Philip Iselin winner Honest Man might be pointed towards the Classic.

Now, if that doesn't get your juices flowing, you're not a racing fan!

There are still many questions to be answered in the next five weeks, but at least now the Classic seems to be back on everyone's radar.

You see, I told you all this complaining about the synthetic surface would play itself out. Just sit back, relax and enjoy...

Whitney Weekend

jshandler — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 21:01:00 GMT

Four Breeders' Cup Challenge races to handicap this week - all at Saratoga. Aside from the Go For Wand, they all look like good betting races. Let's get right to work.

Diana Stakes

This is a terrific race. On paper it looks as if no less than eight horses have a legitimate shot here. There are four grade I winners in the field - Wait a While, Bit of Whimsy, Rutherienne and Vacare. Bayou's Lassie, Criminologist and Lady Digby have all won graded stakes this season. And Dynaforce looks like she is right on the brink.

I'm going to take a pass on morning-line favorite Wait a While. She enters off a win in the San Gorgonio, but that was more than six months ago. She is remarkably consistent (10-3-4 from 20 starts), but at 3-1 and off that long layoff, I prefer others. I also looked at Bit of Whimsy, but she has not been at her best so far this year. Bayou's Lassie, Lady Digby and Criminologist always seem to fire, but haven't been successful at this level yet.

That left me with Christophe Clement trainees Vacare and Rutherienne, and Dynaforce. All three are capable in this spot. I reluctantly ruled out Rutherienne even though she gets Garrett Gomez and has won nine of 13 career starts. She very well could win this thing, and at a price. Dynaforce is also likely to improve in her second start in the states. She gave one of my favorite horses - Mauralakana - all she could handle in the New York Stakes last month. But in the end I decided to pass.

The Pick: Don't let an eighth-place finish in the Just A Game fool you - Vacare is a talented horse. She had a horrible trip in that race and was still only beaten four lengths. Talk about consistent. She is 6-1-1 from nine starts and has three graded wins. The Just A Game was her only off the board finish in seven stakes starts. She is likely to improve dramatically in her second start of the season, and gets Edgar Prado, who rode her to victory last year. You should get at least 5-1 on her. Clement has said that is the turf is too soft he might not run either of his horses, so I'll keep an eye on the weather. If Vacare doesn't go, I'll use Rutherienne or Dynaforce.

Vanderbilt Handicap

Tough not to like Bustin Stones. He's undefeated in six starts and even though a fever knocked him out of the Metropolitan Handicap, Bruce Levine says he's ready. Interesting that, on paper, Black Seventeen is faster to the half-mile pole, so what happens if and when the front-running Bustin Stones has to rate? He's never been behind anyone before.

Early speed could also come from E Z Warrior and Abraaj, which might set up Thor's Echo very well. First Defence enters off an impressive win on the turf and might be sitting on a big one.

The Pick: Tough one here. If Bustin Stones is right he should win. But at 2-1 or lower, he is worth trying to beat. The logical choice for me is First Defence. He was right there with Commentator and Divine Park in the one-mile Met Handicap before tiring in the stretch. He also battled Hard Spun last year in the Kings Bishop before finishing second. I like that Frankel moved him to the grass and will bring him right back to the dirt. He threw in a bullet work July 20. He doesn't need the lead to win.

Go For Wand

Ginger Punch is so much the best here that there isn't much to talk about. The only problem is that she'll likely pay $3 to win and $2.40 to place, if we're lucky. In light of that, do you take your $5 and change, be happy and walk away, or do you hope for an upset?

For contest purposes, I have to try to beat Ginger Punch (and coupled entry Spring Waltz, who also has a decent chance). I can't live with myself betting that kind of chalk, even though she is at another level than the rest of these. If I can pick the runner-up, I'm likely to get just as much to place as Ginger Punch will pay to win and place.

The Pick: I narrowed it down to Copper State and Runway Rosie, both horses with a lot of upside coming from good barns. In the end I chose Runway Rosie. She's won three lower-level stakes in New York this year, including a five-length romp last out in the Proud Delta, which is at the same 1 1/8-mile distance as this one. She is also graded stakes-placed three times, including the 2007 Las Virgenes when she was third but less than three lengths back of Rags to Riches. I'll take my chances with Gary Contessa, especially on a horse that will be 8-1 or more.

Whitney

Great betting race. Commentator, who won this event in 2005, gets the high weight and is the 3-1 morning-line favorite. He will be tough, but I'm looking elsewhere. I can't make a strong case for Grasshopper, Timber Reserve, Cowtown Cat or A.P. Arrow, so that left me with Solar Flare, Rising Moon and Student Council. Each of them should be a decent price.

The Pick: If you watched That Handicapping Show, you know I like both Student Council and Solar Flare. Both of them are in good form right now. But I decided to go with Student Council. He is a different horse since winning the Pimlico Special, is a grade I winner, and has had two sharp works at Saratoga this month. I love the fact that he is 5-3-2 on natural dirt (in the U.S.) since breaking his maiden in 2006. He should be a big factor - and at a nice price.

Good luck!!