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.