Few classic crops have been maligned more than the class of 2011. Well, perhaps it is time for the critics to re-evaluate their position. The truth is, there have been few classic crops recently that have accomplished more over the next two years. It should be noted that we are differentiating classic...

In keeping with the theme of the last two blogs, let's continue discussing the Eclipse Awards. People had some fairly strong opinions about Horse of the Year and 2-year-old male, so I'm guessing the race for 3-year-old male will be no different. In a year where three different horses won the Triple Crown...

Last week a columnist for the Daily Racing Form wrote in no uncertain terms that the race for Horse of the Year is over. He said that no matter what happens in the Breeders' Cup Classic, Havre de Grace will claim the award based on what she has accomplished already this year--five graded wins including...

The Breeders' Cup is still five weeks away, but this feels like a championship weekend. In total, there are 24 graded races including 10 grade I's. Ten of them are at Belmont, seven more at Santa Anita. Are you ready? Obviously there are Breeders' Cup implications with many of these races and this weekend...

Is the Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I) simply a 2 horse race between Flat Out and Stay Thirsty? Or, will the others have their say? Need more information about the Jockey Club Gold Cup? Read the race preview , or watch That Handicapping Show . writeRanker("http://i.bloodhorse.com/xml/ranking/2011JCGCOrder...

It’s impossible to ascertain the significance of the gr. 1 Travers Stakes on a national basis because here everything about it has been blown out of proportion. The race is, after all, the showpiece of a meet that knows no comparison. More women wore fancy hats to the track on Travers Day than on “Hat...

Travers weekend is here. With any luck Hurricane Irene will hold off until late Saturday night in upstate New York. Whenever it invades your area, here's hoping you and your family stay safe. Travers Assuming the track stays dry and everyone breaks well, I expect Shackleford to go to the front and Coil...

Ten meet in the 1 1/4 mile Travers Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga. Who will win the Mid-Summer Derby and move to the head of the 3-year-old class? Who will finish second? How will the rest fare? Need more information about the Travers? Read the race preview , or watch That Handicapping Show . writeRanker...

Owner Mike Repole wasn’t on horseback Saturday. But he rode an emotional bucking bronco that would unseat most people. His Repole Stables sent out four runners – two won, and the first one, a promising maiden two-year-old colt by Giant’s Causeway named Giant Surprise, was taken off the track in a van...

At this point, it really is impossible to predict year-end championships in almost every division. The way things are going in 2011 the Breeders' Cup will settle most of the Eclipse Awards, with the Classic probably deciding Horse of the Year. In the 3-year-old division, Shackleford and Ruler On Ice...