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2009 TURF AWARDS JANUARY 6, 2010 In this third annual installment of the Reilly Turf Awards, my stab at a year-in-review exercise, I'll once again pay tribute to heroes (and call out a few villains) over a bewildering array of categories, ranging from the dubious to the most august. For the past two years, I've unveiled the most prestigious Reilly of them all -- the World's Best Turf Performer Award -- at the conclusion, following the pageant of lesser lights. This arrangement would be woefully inadequate for 2009. This past season, we were fortunate enough to witness a colossus, a larger-than-life figure whose exploits will set the standard for years to come. To put him off to the end, in a misguided attempt to build up suspense, would be as laughable as it is unjust. So, this time, I'll recognize him first before all, as befits one in a class by himself. And, if you haven't guessed his identity by now... World's Best Turf Performer: SEA THE STARS marched through the year undefeated, garnering an unprecedented sweep of the Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1), Derby (Eng-G1) and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1), with the Eclipse S. (Eng-G1), Juddmonte International (Eng-G1) and Irish Champion S. (Ire-G1) thrown in for good measure. As impressive as that list is, the bald recitation of facts cannot convey the air of supreme authority that he exhibited in each and every instance, regardless of distance, venue or pace scenario. Sea the Stars began his campaign as one of a clutch of well-bred classic hopefuls, not a pre-ordained legend in the making. Hence, his unique talents became clearer over the course of the season, each triumph revealing something new about him. In the Guineas, we saw a colt with superior cruising speed, able to stalk the pace while still on the bridle, and stay on well to the finish. In the Derby, the John Oxx pupil showed that he was happy to do enough to score without unduly extending himself. In the Eclipse, we saw a colt who could make more than one winning move. In the Juddmonte, we learned that Sea the Stars had courage and an unflinching will to win. In the Irish Champion, we discovered that the fast-ground enthusiast could trounce his opponents on yielding turf too. And in the Arc, Sea the Stars proved that he could extricate himself from traffic in a flash, and even more tellingly, that he stayed a truly-run 1 1/2 miles standing on his head, so to speak. In this era, the word "great" has been denuded of its meaning, and reduced to a term tossed around with trite abandon, much like the pernicious grade inflation that afflicts our educational establishment. How refreshing, then, to hail a horse truly worthy of the title, one who has earned it the old-fashioned way, not one who was given it to boost his self-esteem, or that of his admirers. Before anyone hurries to anoint the next "great" performer, let's pause and ask, "Yes, but how does he compare to Sea the Stars?" Now we'll turn to our regularly scheduled awards program. As always, each category will have three winners -- one in the Turf division (T), one in the Filly & Mare Turf division (F/M T), and one from the International scene (I). As the Empress/Kaiserin/Tsarina of these awards, I decree that a horse may be honored in only one category. Race with the Most Mayhem I -- FLEETING SPIRIT (Ire) (Invincible Spirit) did her best impression of a wrecking ball in the July Cup (Eng-G1), careening around and interfering with her hapless rivals en route to her 1 1/4-length victory. Had she really been an ethereal apparition, she wouldn't have done as much damage. T -- The River City H. (G3) at Churchill featured an unusual display from the pacesetting KARELIAN (Bertrando), who bolted to the far outside on the backstretch, looked sure to be pulling up, but got his act together, rejoined the field, vied once more for the lead, and ultimately faded from contention. Perhaps inspired by his name, was he trying to employ the creative Finnish tactics on the Karelian Isthmus during the Winter War? F/M T -- A logjam on the first turn of the Garden City S. (G1) nearly brought down 2-5 favorite GOZZIP GIRL (Dynaformer). The athletic filly regained her footing, and Kent Desormeaux regained the stirrups. Although she ultimately wound up fourth, she did well to avert disaster. Most Unfortunate Disqualification I -- The Longchamp stewards deserved all the opprobrium heaped upon them for their disqualification of DAR RE MI (GB) (Singspiel [Ire]) from her deserved victory in the Prix Vermeille (Fr-G1). Those officials were the only ones with the eagle-eyed ability to perceive Dar Re Mi interfering with a beaten rival, for the rest of us visually-challenged mortals saw nothing of the sort. Did their extraordinary powers of perception enable them to peer into the subatomic level, sensing that the other filly's quarks were shaken by their proximity to Dar Re Mi's closing rush? Or did the stewards glimpse an alternate universe in which the so-called aggrieved party could actually have finished any closer than she did? T -- MARSH SIDE (Gone West), judged guilty for causing interference to Champs Elysees (GB) in the Northern Dancer Turf S. (Can-G1), was disqualified from a hard-fought victory and placed fourth. It would have been a tough enough call if the drifting Marsh Side had acted alone, but he appeared to have a willing accomplice in Quijano (Ger) (Acatenango), the one who actually crowded Champs Elysees. Despite that, Quijano was held blameless and actually profited from the deed, as he was promoted to second. If these were two human defendants, I'd be tempted to think that Quijano was granted immunity from prosecution in exchange for testifying against Marsh Side. F/M T -- BLUEGRASS PRINCESS (Dynaformer), who had been knocking heads unsuccessfully with a slew of talented turf fillies all season, finally broke through with a clear-cut score in the Valley View S. (G3) at Keeneland. Sadly, post-race tests showed that she still had trace levels of the bronchial dilator ipratropium in her system, and the princess had to be stripped of her Bluegrass crown. The rules must be upheld, of course, but it was a disappointing postscript to an otherwise good-looking victory. Most Lethal Surprise T -- INTERPATATION (Langfuhr) was about as radically unlikely a hero of the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational (G1) as can be imagined. The seven-year-old gelding had not won in two years, decided to set the pace for the first time in his life, and was summarily passed by the prohibitive favorite Gio Ponti (Tale of the Cat), but the 43-1 longshot came again on the inside to deny the presumptive champion. F/M T -- LAHALEEB (Ire) (Redback) seemed to have several strikes against her in the E.P. Taylor S. (Can-G1). She was coming off three poor efforts, had never been past about a mile, and was believed to need rain-softened turf to produce her best. Nevertheless, the 44-1 shot inhaled the field and powered clear to post her biggest career score. I -- QUEEN SPUMANTE (Jungle Pocket) appeared totally out of her depth in the Queen Elizabeth II Commemorative Cup (Jpn-G1). After all, she was an infrequent stakes runner and had never won a graded event. Yet on that day, she ran all of her more accomplished rivals off their feet to record a 77-1 shocker, in an unforeseeable display of effervescence. Most Mysterious Fizzle to a Promising Campaign T -- MONTEREY JAZZ (Thunderello) turned in a couple of brilliant improvisations at Hollywood, blaring to a new course record in an allowance and dominating his opponents in the American H. (G2). We never saw that cool cat again, as his remaining efforts were all marred by sour notes. MIDSHIPS (Mizzen Mast) held his form longer, racking up consecutive victories in the San Luis Rey H. (G2), San Juan Capistrano Invitational H. (G2) and Charles Whittingham Memorial H. (G1), but was torpedoed in the Man o' War S. (G1) and did not resurface. F/M T -- BACKSEAT RHYTHM (El Corredor) was among the best three-year-old turf fillies of 2008, and her up-in-time coup in the Hillsborough S. (G3) in early 2009 suggested that she would continue to play an important role at four. Then, for some inscrutable reason, owner Paul Pompa Jr. uprooted her from the Pat Reynolds barn, and she was never the same in three ensuing starts. While it may not be fair to pin her deteriorating form on the trainer switch, it does beg the question of why one feels it necessary to tinker with success. Backseat Rhythm has since moved again, this time to Rick Dutrow, and she has been training forwardly for her return. If that is any indication, she may be getting in sync again. I -- BEHESHTAM (Peintre Celebre) dropped hints that he would be the next big thing for the Aga Khan, and encouraging words from Alain de Royer-Dupre only added fuel to the fire. The chestnut never quite managed to live up to his publicity, capping his French career with a 12th in the Arc, and he has since been sold to Hong Kong interests. Perhaps new trainer John Moore will manage to translate this "Behistun inscription" into a winning formula at Sha Tin, or even longer-term, in the Melbourne Cup (Aus-G1). Most Crushing Piece of News T -- Just three days after his victorious reappearance in the Poker S. (G3), SAILOR'S CAP collapsed and died of Colitis X-induced cardiac arrest. The Jimmy Toner pupil had shown plenty of ability at three in 2008, and his potential will remain forever untapped. In a profoundly sad irony, KIP DEVILLE, the beaten favorite in the Poker, is currently waging a valiant battle against life-threatening laminitis. North America's top miler for two years, when he won the 2007 Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) and finished second to French star Goldikova (Ire) (Anabaa) in 2008, Kip had wildly exceeded the expectations for an obscure Oklahoma-bred. Hopefully he can triumph over the odds again and win his fight for life. F/M T -- JIBBOOM, yet another quality filly from the Juddmonte Farms pipeline, emerged as a dual-surface threat with a score in the grassy Monrovia H. (G3) and in the off-the-turf Buena Vista H. (G2). Her smooth sailing ended when she picked a suspensory injury and was retired. I -- Unbeaten Hungarian sprint sensation OVERDOSE (Starborough) exited his comeback romp with a debilitating hoof injury, costing him his chance to strut the world stage for the rest of the season. Australian Horse of the Year WEEKEND HUSSLER (Hussonet) likewise had his bold international plans scrapped after coming up with an inflamed joint, which posed maddening difficulties and was finally addressed by shock wave and stem cell treatment. Both are on course for comebacks in 2010. Comeback Player of the Year T -- When CLOUDY'S KNIGHT (Lord Avie), Canada's champion turf horse of 2007, flopped as an eight-year-old in 2008, most logical observers would have thought that he would quietly ride off into the sunset of retirement. That prognostication failed to take into account the restorative powers of Hall of Fame trainer Jonathan Sheppard. Coming off a year-long layoff, at the grand old age of nine, Cloudy's Knight captured the Kentucky Cup Turf (G3) and went on to win three of his remaining four starts -- the Sycamore S. (G3), Valedictory S. and W.L. McKnight H. (G2). "The Knight" might well have come out on top in his Breeders' Cup Marathon joust too, if Man of Iron (Giant's Causeway) hadn't enjoyed the perfect rail-hugging trip to pip him at the wire. F/M T -- DANZON (Royal Academy) likewise returned from a year-long absence to score in the Kentucky Cup Ladies Turf S., on the same day as Cloudy's Knight's improbable reappearance. I -- SACRED KINGDOM (Encosta de Lago) suffered a fractured sesamoid in 2008, forcing him out of his title defense in the Hong Kong Sprint (HK-G1) and toppling him from the standings as the world's top-rated sprinter. The Ricky Yiu trainee took three prep runs to reach his peak after a nine-month break, but ultimately regained his best form of old. Successful in the KrisFlyer International Sprint (Mal-G1) and Sprint Cup (HK-G2) in the spring, Sacred Kingdom concluded the year on a high note by winning the Hong Kong Sprint for the second time, and re-established his benevolent rule. Best Turf Debut I -- GHANAATI had only a Polytrack maiden win to her credit when she lined up in the One Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1), but the royally-bred filly slammed her more seasoned opponents in a fast time for the Newmarket classic. The Barry Hills pupil followed up with a course record-breaking decision in the Coronation S. (Eng-G1) at Royal Ascot. Although Ghanaati, whose name reportedly means "my love" in Arabic, lost her ardor as the season progressed, she had sent her infatuated fans head over heels with those first two efforts. T -- COLONEL JOHN was scintillating in the Wickerr S. at Del Mar, where he showed a bit more tactical speed than usual and flew home to flirt with course-record time. Off that evidence, "The Colonel" may have been fighting on the wrong battlefield throughout his career, putting his Travers S. (G1) and Santa Anita Derby (G1) scores in a new perspective. Too bad that he never got another chance on the grass. F/M T -- MARY'S FOLLIES (More Than Ready) lived up to her turf-oriented pedigree with a professional score in the Boiling Springs S. (G3), but didn't race on the surface again until her convincing tally in the Mrs. Revere S. (G2). Since she is now two-for-two on the grass, let's hope that the Dutrow filly will establish a more enduring presence in this division. Best Sportsmanship for Staying in Training T -- As a dual Grade 1-winning son of blue hen Hasili (Ire), CHAMPS ELYSEES might have been expected to retire to stud in 2009. The Juddmonte brain trust kept him on the track for a six-year-old campaign, and he responded by snaring his most important career victory in the Canadian International (Can-G1). With that gaudy trophy on his resume, Champs Elysees likely wrapped up a Sovereign Award as Canada's champion turf horse. F/M T -- Most owners would probably have sent FOREVER TOGETHER to the paddocks after her Eclipse Award-winning season in 2008, but George Strawbridge Jr. gave her the opportunity to defend her title. While the gray couldn't manage another championship, she joined an elite group of two-time Diana S. (G1) heroines and also recorded a deceptively easy stroll in the Jenny Wiley S. (G2). I -- Although YEATS (Ire) had already become a Royal Ascot icon by virtue of his three straight Gold Cup (Eng-G1) scores, his Coolmore connections voted for an ambitious fourth tilt at the crown in 2009. The eight-year-old rose to the occasion at his favorite course to coast by 3 1/2 lengths from a gallant Patkai (Indian Ridge), with his old rival Geordieland (Johann Quatz [Fr]) another 15 lengths back in third. Yeats' other three races of the year were forgettable, but the Gold Cup was his principal aim, and Aidan O'Brien had him trained to the minute for his unprecedented grand slam. Best Campaign without a Grade/Group 1 Score T -- JUSTENUFFHUMOR (Distorted Humor) reeled off six straight victories, culminating in swashbuckling heroics in the Fourstardave H. (G2) and Bernard Baruch H. (G2). His skein was snapped in the Shadwell Turf Mile (G1), winding up sixth over a boggy Keeneland turf course that he didn't handle. The Kiaran McLaughlin charge rebounded with a rallying third in the Breeders' Cup Mile, and in the process, turned the tables on Shadwell winner Court Vision (Gulch). Had Justenuffhumor attempted any Grade 1 races longer than one mile, he might well have broken through at the highest level by now. He should get the last laugh under the Godolphin banner in 2010. F/M T -- TUSCAN EVENING (Ire) (Oasis Dream [GB]) was a mainstay in the division, racking up a 10-6-1-2 mark while improving over the course of the season. The Jerry Hollendorfer mare was entitled to do well stateside, judging by her near-miss in the 2008 Irish One Thousand Guineas (Ire-G1), but she took some time to fulfill her potential. To illustrate her progress, Tuscan Evening needed a photo-finish to win the Royal Heroine Mile (G2) in the summer, but she was positively authoritative in the Las Palmas H. (G2) in the fall. In her final start of 2009, she found only the magnificent Ventura too hot to handle in the Matriarch S. (G1). With judicious spotting, Tuscan Evening should find a Grade 1 to suit her in 2010. I -- DELEGATOR (GB) (Dansili [GB]) had the misfortune to play second fiddle to Sea the Stars in the Guineas and Mastercraftsman (Ire) in the St. James's Palace S. (Eng-G1). To his everlasting credit, he delivered potent challenges to both of them. While Sea the Stars smoothly pulled out a bit extra to see Delegator off by 1 1/2 lengths, Mastercraftsman had to dig much deeper to claw his way to a neck decision. In an ordinary year, Delegator may well have won either the Guineas or St. James's Palace, or possibly even turned the double. Most Exciting Two-Year-Olds T -- INTERACTIF (Broken Vow) showed a ferocious turn of foot to romp in the With Anticipation S. (G3), and he overcame a ton of ground loss to capture the Bourbon S. (G3). Either one of those triumphs would have marked him as a serious individual, so the two in combination make him that much more attractive. The Todd Pletcher colt could not defy another wide trip in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G2), finishing a grudging third, but he has the credentials to become a top-class sophomore. It also doesn't hurt that his third dam is unbeaten Hall of Famer Personal Ensign. F/M T -- Smashing Saratoga maiden romper HOUSE OF GRACE (Limehouse) was the only closer to land a blow in the speed-dominated Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, where she worked her way into a creditable third. Two starts back, the Ken McPeek pupil finished with a flourish to win the off-the-turf Jessamine S. in the last jump, and it begs the question of how she might have fared in a grassy Jessamine. Plenty of her contemporaries will be coming out of the woodwork in 2010, but judging by her pedigree, House of Grace has lots of upside herself. I -- Coolmore's highly-regarded ST. NICHOLAS ABBEY (Montjeu [Ire]) revealed why he enjoyed such a big reputation at home with comprehensive wins in a maiden and the Beresford S. (Ire-G2). Those first two appearances were nothing compared to his third outing in the Racing Post Trophy (Eng-G1). It is no hyperbole to say that he utterly destroyed a deep and talented field in the span of a few strides in that key Doncaster contest. St. Nicholas Abbey is far from being the interiorly-directed contemplative type. Rather, he seems destined to play the role of a colorful historic figure, much like the 17th century Jacobean mansion in Barbados for which he is undoubtedly named. Best Late Bloomers T -- JUST AS WELL's (A.P. Indy) early career was compromised by physical problems, leading owner/breeder Strawbridge to give the well-bred colt away to trainer Sheppard. After nearly two years off, Just as Well reappeared in 2008 and won three races, which just served as a warm-up act for what he would achieve in 2009. As a six-year-old, the dark bay held his own while facing the leading lights of the division. Awarded the Northern Dancer Turf via disqualification, he captured the Arlington H. (G3) in his own right; finished a barnstorming second in the Arlington Million (G1), Gulfstream Park Turf (G1) and Dixie S. (G2); and rounded out the year with a respectable seventh in the Japan Cup (Jpn-G1) -- not bad for a horse who was once considered doubtful for the racetrack. F/M T -- DIAMONDRELLA (GB) (Rock of Gibraltar [Ire]) appeared to have found her niche as a late-running turf sprinter in 2008, but she discovered an entirely new dimension at the age of five in 2009. Under the patient management of Angel Penna Jr., Diamondrella stretched out to a mile and twice defeated Forever Together in the Just a Game S. (G1) and First Lady S. (G1). I -- PRESVIS (Sakhee) didn't even make his debut until he was a four-year-old in 2008, when he developed into a smart handicapper for Luca Cumani. He ascended much higher in 2009, proving himself a bona fide Group 1 globetrotter by winning the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (HK-G1), missing by inches in the Singapore Airlines International Cup (Mal-G1), and rallying for runner-up honors in the Dubai Duty Free (UAE-G1) and third in the Hong Kong Cup (HK-G1). KASBAH BLISS (Kahyasi), a top-class hurdler for the past few seasons, emerged as a high-caliber runner on the Flat for Francois Doumen. The seven-year-old won his second straight Prix Gladiateur (Fr-G3), narrowly failed to lift the Prix du Cadran (Fr-G1) on Arc Day, and stayed on strongly for a close third in the Hong Kong Vase (HK-G1) after looking beaten on the turn. Most Impressive Front-Running Tour de Force T -- PRESIOUS PASSION (Royal Anthem) won this award four times over, to such an extent that this category might have to be renamed in his honor. In the Mac Diarmida S. (G2) and Monmouth S., he looked for all the world as if he were imploding in the stretch, only to roar back and snatch the victory. In the United Nations S. (G1) at Monmouth, Presious Passion sizzled through unheard-of fractions for the 1 3/8-mile distance, opened up a 20-length lead, and held on by two lengths in course record-shattering time. The Mary Hartmann charge didn't resort to the razzle-dazzle in the Clement L. Hirsch Memorial Turf Championship (G1), putting on a clinic by bowling along through comfortable splits and winning handily by 2 1/2 lengths. F/M T -- It was difficult to find fault with CRITICISM (GB), who was just as deadly as Presious Passion on the front end, but in a very different way. The Tom Albertrani mare perfected the art of loping along through an early crawl, then accelerating away from her pursuers in the Sheepshead Bay S. (G2), La Prevoyante H. (G2), The Very One S. (G3) and Long Island H. (G3). I -- GLADIATORUS (Silic [Fr]) put a star-studded field to the sword in the Dubai Duty Free, sprinting to a massive lead and rendering his more accomplished rivals totally helpless. Although the Godolphin colorbearer was unable to duplicate that effort against subsequent Group 1 fields, he did pummel an overmatched bunch in the Premio Vittorio di Capua (Ity-G1) later in the year. SO YOU THINK (High Chaparral [Ire]) demolished the Cox Plate (Aus-G1) in only his fifth lifetime start. Trained by the legendary Bart Cummings and beautifully ridden by Glen Boss, the sophomore bustled to the lead, took a breather and let the field close in on him, then stormed clear again turning in the stretch. Best Arrival in the Nick of Time T -- CONDUIT (Ire) pockets this award for the second straight year. The Sir Michael Stoute trainee had to work to overtake Presious Passion in full flight in the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1), and in the process, joined High Chaparral (Ire) as the only two-time winners of the event. As an added feather in his cap, Conduit owns the two fastest times in the history of the Breeders' Cup Turf -- 2:23 2/5 (2008) and 2:23 3/5 (2009). F/M T -- MAGICAL FANTASY had her late rally down to a science in Southern California. After the Paddy Gallagher filly just held on by a nose in the Santa Barbara H. (G2) in April, she was determined to be the last one on the scene. Uncorking her long, raking stride and leveling off in deep stretch, Magical Fantasy got up in time in the Gamely S. (G1), John C. Mabee S. (G1) and Yellow Ribbon S. (G1). I -- SARISKA (Pivotal) easily wins on style points for her contemptuous canter in the Irish Oaks (Ire-G1). Sashaying by on a tight rein, jockey Jamie Spencer cheekily waved at a rival rider while passing him. Honorable mention goes to DARYAKANA (Selkirk), who was nowhere at the top of the stretch in the Hong Kong Vase, but rallied to nip Spanish Moon (El Prado [Ire]) at the wire. Most Admirably Reliable Overachiever T -- BATTLE OF HASTINGS (GB) (Royal Applause [GB]) was a warrior throughout his nine-race campaign, finishing first or second eight times. His lone blemish was a fourth on miserable ground in the Shadwell Turf Mile. Except for that hiccup, the Jeff Mullins trainee was constantly in the firing line at the death. Successful in the Baldwin S. (G3) and La Puente S. to kick off the year, he was a closing second in the American Turf (G3) on Kentucky Oaks Day. In the height of summer, he scraped his way to narrow victories in the Virginia Derby (G2) and Colonial Turf Cup (G2), and was just nailed at the line in the Del Mar Derby (G2). In November, Battle of Hastings finished second to the rapidly-progressing The Usual Q. T. (Unusual Heat) in the Oak Tree Derby (G2) and Hollywood Derby (G1). For maintaining a high level of form over the long haul, Battle of Hastings deserves the nod here. F/M T -- PURE CLAN (Pure Prize) showed up with her "A" game each and every time in 2009. In addition to storming home by daylight in the Flower Bowl Invitational S. (G1) and Modesty H. (G3), she was a rallying runner-up in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) and Mint Julep H. (G3). The Bob Holthus filly was arguably unlucky in the Beverly D. S. (G1), yet still managed to force her way into the frame. Racing far back off a slow pace on rain-affected ground, Pure Clan rolled home for third, just missing second. With a different set-up, she might have won the Beverly D. as well. I -- MIDDAY (GB) (Oasis Dream [GB]) was not the most naturally gifted athlete on the international scene, but the Henry Cecil filly was a consummate professional who knew her job and did it well at the highest level. The Juddmonte Farms homebred was never worse than third from seven starts in 2009. A troubled runner-up to Sariska in the Oaks (Eng-G1), Midday earned her first Group 1 laurel in the Nassau S. (Eng-G1) and crowned her year with a triumph in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. Perhaps her willing attitude shone most brightly in her biggest defeat of all, a distant third to Sariska in the Irish Oaks, when she was plainly ill at ease on the bottomless ground from halfway out, yet she never stopped trying. Bravest Performance in Victory T -- THORN SONG (Unbridled's Song) had no shortage of problems in 2009, but amid his thorns bloomed one spectacular rose. Beset by no fewer than three challengers in the Shoemaker Mile (G1), the front-running gray fought on tenaciously under maximum pressure for the entire length of the stretch, and held on by a head. F/M T -- BLACK MAMBA (NZ) knuckled down to prevail in a couple of all-out struggles. On both occasions, she was spotting the runner-up six pounds. When bidding for her second straight Beverly Hills H. (G2), the John Sadler mare had to go into overdrive to collar a stubborn Charming Legacy (Ire) in the shadow of the wire. Black Mamba contended with an entirely different sort of problem in the C.T.T. and Thoroughbred Owners of California H. Caught flat-footed and passed on the far turn by an enterprising Lemon Chiffon (Lemon Drop Kid), Black Mamba gamely came again to defeat her rival by three-quarters of a length. I -- As VODKA (Tanino Gimlet) roared clear in the Japan Cup, the nation's reigning Horse of the Year appeared well on her way to a rousing triumph. Then suddenly a sea change occurred. Vodka, whose stamina was questioned at the 1 1/2-mile trip, began to shorten stride, while Oken Bruce Lee (Jungle Pocket) unleashed a withering kick on the outside. The confirmed stayer appeared to have Vodka on the ropes as he closed in for the kill. Vodka refused to yield, however, and digging down deep for one last effort, she managed to hang on. The margin of victory was technically two centimeters, but in reality, it was the oversized gallantry of Vodka's heart. Most Heroic Performance in Defeat T -- COURAGEOUS CAT (Storm Cat) lived up to his name in the Breeders' Cup Mile to beat everyone but the sublime Goldikova. Only a three-year-old, tackling older stakes rivals for the first time, the Bill Mott trainee chased the torrid pace, struck the front, opened up a 1 1/2-length lead, and made Goldikova pull out the stops to run him down. Even more notably, Courageous Cat was the only horse within shouting distance of the pace who stayed around in the drive. F/M T -- CARRIBEAN SUNSET (Ire) (Danehill Dancer) did everything right in the Diana, and came within a head of upsetting Forever Together. Granted, Carribean Sunset had the perfect stalking trip, and was getting five pounds from Forever Together, but she tried her utmost to capitalize on those advantages. When the champion appeared poised to roll right on by, Carribean Sunset proved more than ready for a tussle, and actually made things a bit too close for comfort for Forever Together's fans. I -- The O'Brien duo of RIP VAN WINKLE (Ire) (Galileo [Ire]) and MASTERCRAFTSMAN threw down the most serious challenges to the mighty Sea the Stars, and thus share jointly in the award. "Rip" followed in Sea the Stars' slipstream in the Eclipse, and after the dual classic hero skipped clear, Rip produced a sparkling turn of foot to draw alongside him. For a moment, Sea the Stars looked vulnerable, but he had another gear and pulled away a second time. Rip gained stature in defeat, for he pushed Sea the Stars to post a stakes-record time, and he left Conduit well adrift in third. Mastercraftsman tested Sea the Stars in the opposite way, by stealing a march on him in the Juddmonte International. Again, Sea the Stars appeared to be up against it, but he surged in time to overwhelm the stubborn Mastercraftsman, who forced him to set a new course record at York. Most Breathtaking, Instantaneous Acceleration T -- Presumptive divisional champion GIO PONTI owns this category with his devastating moves in the Frank E. Kilroe Mile H. (G1), Manhattan H. (G1), Man o' War and Arlington Million. Whether on firm turf or rain-softened ground, off a fast pace or steady tempo, at one mile or 1 3/8 miles, Gio Ponti flashed that electric burst of speed to zap his rivals. Of his unprecedented grand slam, the Arlington Million was my favorite. The Christophe Clement trainee moved earlier on that occasion, employing his lightning-quick special effects to gain command in the blink of an eye on the far turn. F/M T -- VENTURA, whose only turf loss in 2009 came at the hands of Gio Ponti in the Kilroe, has won this award twice over. The Juddmonte Farms homebred was incendiary in her Woodbine Mile (Can-G1) triumph, scorching from near last to first in her own inimitable style. Not only did she become the first distaffer to win, and in stakes-record time to boot, but she also appeared to have a little something extra up her sleeve in the end. The Juddmonte Farms homebred later punished fellow fillies and mares in the Matriarch, and in so doing, paid a fitting tribute to her late Hall of Fame trainer, Bobby Frankel. It was as if Ventura knew that she was given this swan song only at Frankel's behest, and she honored his memory by delivering her most dominating performance on the turf. I -- While GOLDIKOVA garnered four top-level prizes in 2009, one stands out among the rest: her extraordinary, six-length demolition job in the Prix Jacques le Marois (Fr-G1). Her startling acceleration must be seen to be believed. Indeed, the Freddie Head filly was traveling with her customary aplomb, and before one could grasp what happened, she was streets ahead of her male opponents. The clock told the rest of the story -- Goldikova smashed the stakes record in one of France's most prestigious mile events. In comparison to her Marois procession, her Falmouth S. (Eng-G1), Prix Rothschild (Fr-G1) and even the Breeders' Cup Mile were just efficient. Lifetime Achievement Award: URBAN SEA (Miswaki), who died last March from foaling complications at the age of 20, would have merited this honor based purely on her accomplishments at the time of her death. A champion racemare, Urban Sea belongs to that rarefied company of female Arc winners, having captured Europe's fall championship in 1993. She has excelled herself still further as a broodmare. Her offspring include European champion and hot young sire Galileo (Ire) (Sadler's Wells), who landed the 2001 Derby, Irish Derby (Ire-G1) and King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond S. (Eng-G1); Black Sam Bellamy (Sadler's Wells), winner of the 2002 Gran Premio del Jockey Club (Ity-G1) and 2003 Tattersalls Gold Cup (Ire-G1); and 2007 Diana queen My Typhoon (Ire) (Giant's Causeway). The best of all Urban Sea's foals, though, is Sea the Stars, whose historic 2009 campaign served as a posthumous tribute to his dam. When Sea the Stars emulated his half-brother Galileo by capturing the Derby, Urban Sea became the second mare in the last century -- and the first in 36 years -- to produce two winners of the Blue Riband. When Sea the Stars garnered the Arc, Urban Sea became only the second Arc winning-mare in history to produce an Arc hero. With Galileo off to a successful start at stud, and with Sea the Stars likely to follow suit, Urban Sea's influence will extend for generations to come.
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