Breeders’ Cup Races to Remember: Part 1

Photo courtesy of Eclipse Sportswire. Videos courtesy of Breeders' Cup.
By Tom Pedulla, America's Best Racing
In celebrating the 30th anniversary of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Tom Pedulla of America’s Best Racing cites the races he remembers most from the first 10 editions of the event. Please look for two more installments after this.
First running, Nov. 10, 1984, Hollywood Park
Race to remember: The Classic. Wild Again, a supplemental entry who went off at 31-1, got up by a head in a stretch drive so roughly run it required a 10-minute stewards’ inquiry. Favored Slew o’ Gold was placed second after Preakness winner Gate Dancer was disqualified and placed third.

Second running, Nov. 2, 1985, Aqueduct Racetrack
Race to remember: Distaff. Life’s Magic and Lady’s Secret allowed trainer D. Wayne Lukas to dominate this event. Life’s Magic, second in this spot as a 3-year-old, rolled by 6 ¼ lengths for Angel Cordero, Jr. to establish herself as champion older female.

Third running, Nov. 1, 1986, Santa Anita Park
Race to remember: Distaff. Lady’s Secret, under a calculating ride by Pat Day, rebounded from her runner-up finish the year before to wire the field by 2 ½ lengths against her closest pursuer, Fran’s Valentine. The roan-gray daughter of Secretariat showed the speed and staying power to be Horse of the Year.

Fourth running, Nov. 21, 1987, Hollywood Park
Race to remember: The Classic. Ferdinand, the 1986 Kentucky Derby champion trained by Charlie Whittingham, 74, and ridden by Bill Shoemaker, 57, bested 1987 Derby champ Alysheba by the narrowest of noses. Shoemaker ended a 0-for-13 Breeders’ Cup drought.

Fifth running, Nov. 5, 1988, Churchill Downs
Race to remember: Distaff. In a performance for the ages, Personal Ensign staged a seemingly impossible rally to overtake Kentucky Derby champion Winning Colors by a nose. Her incredible charge from approximately four lengths back with one furlong remaining allowed her to retire with a perfect 13 for 13 record, the first American runner in top-tier competition to accomplish that in 80 years.

Sixth running, Nov. 4, 1989, Gulfstream Park
Race to remember: The Classic. In a rivalry that captivated fans, Sunday Silence enjoyed the last word against Easy Goer to emerge as Horse of the Year. Earlier, Easy Goer played the spoiler role to perfection by soundly defeating his nemesis in the Belmont Stakes to deny his Triple Crown bid.

Seventh running, Oct. 27, 1990, Belmont Park
Race to remember: The Classic. Hall of Fame trainer Carl Nafzger knows how to keep a horse on top of his game through a grueling campaign. He proved it when Kentucky Derby victor Unbridled, despite starting from far outside for Day, got up in the final strides for 92-year-old owner Frances Genter.

Eighth running, Nov. 2, 1991, Churchill Downs
Race to remember: Juvenile. After sweeping six consecutive starts in France, the precocious Arazi turned his dirt debut into a dazzling five-length romp. Although he had the disadvantage of starting in post 14 for Pat Valenzuela and trailed Bertrando by a wide margin when they hit the final turn, Arazi uncorked such an explosive move it seemed as though Bertrando was standing still as the winner roared by to complete one of the most spectacular efforts in Breeders’ Cup history.

Ninth running, Oct. 31, 1992, Gulfstream Park
Race to remember: The Classic. A bruised hoof forced trainer Neil Drysdale to scratch A.P. Indy from the Kentucky Derby and the highly-regarded colt could not make the Preakness, either. But the son of 1977 Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew, patiently ridden by Eddie Delahoussaye, would not be denied top 3-year-old and Horse of the Year honors in the end.

Tenth running, Nov. 6, 1993, Santa Anita Park
Race to remember: The Classic. Arcangues, dismissed at 133-1, came from nowhere to emerge as the first foreign-based entrant to bring home the Classic. Jockey Jerry Bailey had no idea how to pronounce the horse’s name; he could not follow the pre-race instructions. So he simply allowed Arcangues to go at his own leisurely pace for much of his dirt debut. Their shocking rally created a payoff of $269.20 for a $2 win wager, still a record.

To let Tom know which race was your favorite every year, comment below or e-mail him at tpedulla23@gmail.com.