The 2013 Breeders' Cup World Championships ended on Saturday with 9 races all with year-end championship implications. The weather was excellent with temperatures in the low 80's, sunny skies and a light wind for participants and the 58,795 in attendance. As is typical for Santa Anita during the fall meet, the main track was fast and the turf course was firm.
Full results with several photos are available for each race at the link below the pay-off chart.
Mucho Macho Man (inside) wins the Classic over Will Take Charge
The $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) features the best older horses going 1 1/4 miles on the main track. Pacific Classic (G1) winner Game On Dude was sent off as the 9-5 favorite in the field of 11 over 4-1 Mucho Macho Man and 6-1 Declaration of War. Game On Dude battled for the early lead with 32-1 Moreno and 10-1 defending champion Fort Larned through fractions of 23.39, 46.36, and 1:10.23. Entering the lane, Mucho Macho Man, who tracked the lead group in fourth, moved up to gain a short lead through 1 mile in 1:3.84. 8-1 Will Take Charge, 6th early, rallied on the far outside but Mucho Macho Man held on to win by a nose in 2:00.72. It was just a head back to Declaration of War third.
Winning trainer Kathy Ritvo said, "I'm happier for my horse. He deserves it. When Gary waved the stick, I figured he won. He got a great trip. Gary did a fantastic job. When he used 'Macho,' 'Macho' showed up. He is a good horse. I'm excited. If I didn't have the support of my family, I wouldn't be here." Jockey Gary Stevens added, "This was a tremendous experience to win this race at my age (50). I never expected to be in this situation. This is the ultimate feeling. It's the icing on the cake of my career."
The Breeders' Cup Classic
Purse: $5,000,000 Distance: 1 1/4 miles
Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show
6 Mucho Macho Man Stevens 10.00 4.60 3.60
10 Will Take Charge Saez 7.20 4.80
5 Declaration of War O'Brien 4.80
Winning Time: 2:00.72
$1 Exacta 6-10 62.70
$1 Trifecta 6-10-5 306.90
$1 Superfecta 6-10-5-7 1,763.30
$1 Super High Five 6-10-5-7-1 14,024.60
$2 Pick Six 5/12-4-11-9-8-6(6 correct)47,516.20
The $2 million Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) is for older horses going 1 mile on the turf. Defending champion and Horse of the Year Wise Dan was sent off as the 4-5 favorite in the field of 10 over 9-2 Olympic Glory and 9-1 No Jet Lag. 13-1 Obviously set the pace of 21.94, 44.47, and 1:08.55 while stalked by 10-1 Silver Max. Entering the stretch, 18-1 Za Approval, 6th early, moved up to gain a 1 1/2 lead through 7/8 in 1:20.48. However, Wise Dan, 7th early, came out four wide and easily got ahead to win by 3/4 length in 1:32.47. It was another 3/4 length back to 31-1 Silentio third.
Trainer Charles Lopresti said, "Holy straight. He's a real special horse. If you can get him covered up, he's a much easier ride. This one's for John Velazquez who was really keen to ride the horse, but we had every confidence in Jose and we had to go to Plan B." Jockey Jose Lezcano, who replaced the injured John Velazquez added, "He stumbled at the break and I had to go easy with him for awhile until he got his stride under him. About the 5/16 pole, I could see I could make my move. He ran really great coming home."
The Breeders' Cup Mile
Purse: $2,000,000 Distance: 1 mile turf
Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show
8 Wise Dan Lezcano 3.60 2.80 2.20
10 Za Approval Rosario 8.40 5.80
2 Silentio Bejarano 9.00
Winning Time: 1:32.47
$1 Exacta 8-10 16.80
$1 Trifecta 8-10-2 210.10
$1 Superfecta 8-10-2-3 1,446.60
The $1.5 million Xpressbet Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) is for top older sprinters going 6 furlongs. 2011 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint winner Secret Circle, an allowance winner after a year-long layoff, was sent off as the 5-2 favorite in the field of 12 over 7-2 Private Zone and 5-1 Justin Phillip. Private Zone and 20-1 Sum of the Parts contested the pace exiting the chute through an opening quarter of 21.34 before 9-1 Gentlemen's Bet took over at the end of the backstretch through a half of 43.72 and 5/8 in 55.97. Secret Circle, 6th early, came out 6 wide for room and rallied late to win by a neck over deep closing 16-1 Laugh Track in 1:08.73. It was another 1 1/4 lengths back to Gentlemen's Bet third.
Winning jockey Martin Garcia said, "I had a really good trip. My horse was outside and the whole field was inside of me. I took advantage from there because I knew I had the best horse. I saw the other horse (Laugh Track) coming up on the outside and my horse started messing around, but by then it was too late to beat me." Jimmy Barnes, assistant to trainer Bob Baffert added, "He's an amazing horse. If you look at his form, you'll see he's only been beaten twice. That last race of his, he ran in 1:07 (4/5) and the race didn't take anything out of him. He's a big, strong, resilient horse and the way he had to run today, coming from out of it, just is all the more amazing."
The Xpressbet Breeders' Cup Sprint
Purse: $1,500,000 Distance: 6 furlongs
Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show
9 Secret Circle Garcia 7.00 4.80 3.60
12 Laugh Track Smith 13.40 8.60
3 Gentlemen's Bet Castellano 7.00
Winning Time: 1:08.73
$1 Exacta 9-12 50.40
$1 Trifecta 9-12-3 353.90
$1 Superfecta 9-12-3-4 5,238.10
The $3 million Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) features older horses going 1 1/2 miles on the turf. Irish Champion Stakes (G1) winner The Fugue was sent off as the 3-2 favorite in the field of 12 over 4-1 Point of Entry and 11-2 defending champion Little Mike. 96-1 longest shot Teaks North battled for the lead with Little Mike through fractions of 24.02, 46.94, 1:10.67, and 1:35.26 while stalked by 68-1 Tale of a Champion. On the third turn, Little Mike poked his head in front through 1 1/4 mile in 1:59.47 before tiring. The Fugue, 7th early, moved up to take the lead at the 1/8 pole by 12-1 Magician, 11th early, closed wide and outfinished her by 1/2 a length in 2:23.23. It was another 3/4 length back to Indy Point third.
Winning trainer Aidan O'Brien said, "It's been a job well done by the team to achieve this. I have to thank Michael (Tabor, owner) whose idea it was that we should move him up in trip to a mile and a half." Jockey Ryan Moore added, "He's one of the best horses I've ridden in a long time. He switched off nice at the beginning. I was a little farther back than I wanted to be because he got a bump at the turn and he lost his back end, but he leveled off nicely, got his balance. From there he took me where I wanted to be."
The Breeders' Cup Turf
Purse: $3,000,000 Distance: 1 1/2 miles turf
Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show
11 Magician Moore 27.60 11.80 7.00
7 The Fugue Buick 4.40 3.00
9 Indy Point Stevens 5.40
Winning Time: 2:23.23
$1 Exacta 11-7 36.70
$1 Trifecta 11-7-9 316.90
$1 Superfecta 11-7-9-8 1,450.30
The $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) features 2-year-old colts and geldings going 1 1/16 miles on the main track. Champagne Stakes (G1) winner Havana was sent off as the 5-2 favorite in the field of 13 over 3-1 Tap It Rich and 7-1 Strong Mandate. 48-1 Conquest Titan and Strong Mandate battled for the early lead through fractions of 22.66 and 45.38 before Conquest Titan tired, allowing Strong Mandate to open a 1 1/2 length lead on the far turn through 3/4 in 1:09.70. Havana, who stalked the lead pair in fourth, opened up a 2 length lead in mid-stretch through 1 mile in 1:36.66, but 10-1 New Year's Day, 8th early, came through on the rail to win by 1 1/4 lengths in 1:43.52. It was another 3/4 length back to Strong Mandate third.
Winning trainer Bob Baffert said, "He showed us a lot in his two races at Del Mar. I know he's a two-turn horse and he's been showing us a lot here in the morning. I'm glad I skipped (the FrontRunner) and trained him up to this one. He's been telling us in the mornings that he's ready. Martin rode a terrific race on him. I told him to take advantage of the rail and he did. I'm glad (Martin) got a chance to shine on a big day like this. This business is so tough. Here just a little bit ago I lost a two-year-old filly (Secret Compass) and now here I am winning a race like this." Jockey Martin Garcia added, "My horse doesn't have that much pace. I was exactly where I wanted to be. I saved ground at every corner. The rail was open and I took it. I didn't panic. My horse was ready to start running. I thought I had a lot of horse. I had never ridden him in a race, but I have been getting on him in the morning most of the time. We're starting to get to know each other. It looks like a good team."
The Breeders' Cup Juvenile
Purse: $2,000,000 Distance: 1 1/16 miles
Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show
4 New Year's Day Garcia 23.00 9.20 6.60
13 Havana Stevens 4.60 3.40
14 Strong Mandate Rosario 6.00
Winning Time: 1:43.52
$2 Exacta 4-13 53.90
$2 Trifecta 4-13-14 476.10
$2 Superfecta 4-13-14-5 3,807.60
The $1 million Geico Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1) features older horses sprinting about 6 1/2 furlongs on the turf. Defending champion Mizdirection was sent off as the 5-2 favorite in the field of 13 over 9-2 Reneesgotzip and 5-1 Unbridled's Note. Reneesgotzip was gunned to a clear lead down the hill through fractions of 21.47 and 43.36. At the 1/8 pole, Reneesgotzip still led by 1 1/2 lengths through 3/4 in 1:06.02, but Mizdirection, who stalked her in third early, came out 5 wide into the lane and closed with a rush to win by 1/2 a length in 1:12.25. Tightend Touchdown, who pressed the pace down the hill, closed late to dead-heat with Reneesgotzip for second money.
Winning jockey Mike Smith said, "I broke better this time (compared to last year's race). Much more alert. I took advantage of the break and I took the rail right away, which is the best place to be turning right. You get a lot of momentum coming out of that turn going left. Man, she was right there. I was worried I might have been a little too close, but I'm glad I was because the lead horses weren't stopping. Reneesgotzip wouldn't give up." Trainer Mike Puype added, "She loves it here, eh? She loves Santa Anita. She's 7-for-7 on the turf. She's really tenacious, but it's quite sad that she is getting on a plane tomorrow and heading for the sales (in Kentucky)."
The $1 million Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) features older fillies and mares sprinting 7 furlongs on the main track. Defending champion Groupie Doll was sent off as the 3-1 favorite in the field of 12 over 5-1 Sweet Lulu and 11-2 Dance Card. Sweet Lulu led exiting the chute through fractions of 22.19 and 44.19 while stalked by 11-1 Teddy's Promise and Groupie Doll. Entering the lane, Groupie Doll easily cruised to the front through 3/4 in 1:08.19. 10-1 Judy the Beauty, 4th early, closed late but Groupie Doll held her off by 1/2 a length in 1:20.75. It was another 1/2 length back to late-running Dance Card third.
Winning owner-trainer Buff Bradley said, "She's the best! I'm so glad she got to show that today. No one on my team ever lost confidence in her. We've always knew how good she is. The dirt and the seven furlongs were the difference today. Today was going to be emotional no matter what. This is her last race for us. I'm just so happy she's going out a winner." Jockey Rajiv Maragh added, "It set up just like last year. Good trip and when we got to the quarter pole, I was like 'Whew, we're passing horses.' And I haven't even asked her yet. She ran great."
The $2 million Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1) features older fillies and mares going 1 1/4 miles on the turf. Beverly D (G1) and Kilboy Estate (G2) winner Dank was sent off as the 3-2 favorite in the field of 10 over 9-2 Romantica and 6-1 Tiz Flirtatious. 14-1 Emollient set an uncontested pace of 24.02, 47.50, 1:11.52, and 1:35.26 while as many as 2 1/2 lengths in front of Dank. Entering the lane, Dank moved up to take the lead from the tiring Emollient, and was all out to hold off late-running Romantica by 1/2 a length in 1:58.73. It was another 1/2 a length back to 16-1 Alterite third.
Winning jockey Ryan Moore said, "She had everything right today and I could ride her that way. I didn't have to take too many chances because she was the best filly in the race. She wasn't as brilliant today as in (the Beverly D.), but she still ran a very good race today." Trainer Sir Michael Stoute added, "We knew from stall (post) 1 we wouldn't get pushed on the inside. She seemed a bit fresh early on but Ryan knew what to do. I don't mind going into the winner's enclosure. I'd like to keep her in training next year and I'm going to have to be quite persuasive."
Ria Antonia (outside) wins the Juvenile Fillies after the disqualification of She's a Tiger.
Kicking off the Championship races on Saturday was the $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), featuring the best 2-year-old fillies going 1 1/16 miles on the main track. Spinaway (G1) winner and Frizette (G1) runner-up Sweet Reason was the 3-1 favorite in the field of 10 over 7-2 Artemis Agrotera and 9-2 Untapable. 5-1 She's a Tiger set an uncontested pace of 22.55, 45.31, and 1:09.30. On the far turn, Sweet Reason opened up a 4 length advantage but 32-1 Ria Antonia, 7th early, was closing well on the outside. Inside the 1/16 pole, She's a Tiger bore out and bumped Ria Antonia, and then the pair resumed their duel to the line with She's a Tiger finishing a nose in front, with late-running 11-1 Rosalind third. Due to the interference, the stewards disqualified She's a Tiger and placed her second, handing the win to Ria Antonia in 1:43.02. Unfortunately, Secret Compass broke down at the 5/16 pole and had to be euthanized on the track. In addition, jockey John Velazquez was injured in the spill and was unable to ride the rest of the card.
Winning jockey Javier Castellano said, "I had gotten by Gary (Stevens) but when he came in to me, he bumped me off stride." Trainer Jeremiah Englehart added, "Javier says she got bumped right before she was going to go by. It's right there; you can see it on the replay. After that, you have to take the horse down. If that horse changes course and doesn't make contact, you say, ok, leave it up. But once you make contact it has to come down. I'm ecstatic. I don't even know what to say. This is unbelievable. There was no doubt in my mind after I watched the replay. I'm absolutely elated."
Breeders' Cup Saturday Results - There were 9 races Saturday highlighted by the $5 million Classic where American Pharoah was an impressive winner in his final start before retiring to stud. Also on the card, Found won the Turf, Nyquist won the Juvenile, and Tepin won the Mile. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 9 races here. Get more photos and comments for each race here.
Breeders' Cup Friday Results - There were 4 races Friday highlighted by the Distaff where Stopchargingmaria won by a neck over Stellar Wind and the Dirt Mile won by Liam's Map. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 4 races here.
Thursday Breeders' Cup Photos - Photos and comments for 38 horses out on Thursday morning at Keeneland on both the main and training tracks, including American Pharoah. Beholder was also out, but was found to have bled when scoped and is scratched from the Classic.
Wednesday Breeders' Cup Photos - Photos and comments for 46 horses out on a very rainy Wednesday morning at Keeneland on both the main and training tracks, including Keen Ice, Frosted, and Golden Horn. No American Pharoah yet, hopefully he comes out tomorrow.
2015 Breeders' Cup Entries - Check out the entries, post postitions, and morning line odds for the 13 Breeders' Cup World Championship races to be held at Keeneland on October 30 and 31.
Tuesday Breeders' Cup Photos - Photos and comments for 31 horses out on a rainy Tuesday morning at Keeneland including Stephanie's Kitten, Grand Arch, and Private Zone.
Monday Breeders' Cup Photos - Photos and comments for 28 horses out Monday morning at Keeneland including Rachel's Valentina and a timed work by Beholder.
Sunday Breeders' Cup Photos - Photos and comments for 10 horses out Sunday morning at Keeneland including Liam's Map and Lea
Breeders' Cup Weather - Check out the latest weather forecasts for the Breeders' Cup at Keeneland
Review: Crushing the Cup 2015 - by Jim Mazur and Peter Mallett. An invaluable tool for trying to unlock the mysteries of handicapping the Breeders' Cup races at Keeneland updated for 2015.
2014 Breeders' Cup Saturday Results - The feature race was the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic won by Bayern. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 9 races here.
2014 Breeders' Cup Friday Results - Friday was headlined by the $2 million Ladies Classic won by Untapable. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 4 races here.
Breeders' Cup History - Historical info, past results, and photos from previous runnings
The Breeders' Cup Championship Day - The official page for the Breeders' Cup championship races. Just about anything you need to know about it: results, video clips, and race calls for past years, and eventually nominations, entries, and results.
Free Prep Replays - for major prep races in the Breeders' Cup Challenge. The ones with camera logos have video available.
Blazing Silks, Breeders' Cup Edition- an interactive social network game that allows horse racing fans and social gamers to train and care for Thoroughbred horses.
TV Schedule - for all the preps and other programming leading up to the big day
Breeders' Cup Postcards - Breeders' Cup theme virtual postcards to send your friends including many past winners
Breeders' Cup Supplemental Entries - The old official policy on supplemental entries plus all the supplemental entries and how they fared, mostly it was a losing proposition. There are no more supplements now, only late nominations making it impossible to track now.