2014 Breeders’ Cup History Watch
By The Editors
We’re back once again for one of our favorite posts of the year! We’ve been following Breeders’ Cup history in the making since 2010, be sure to check out our previous posts: 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Several key defections cut into our potential for Breeders’ Cup history, notably the injuries of last year’s Distaff and Mile winners, Beholder and Wise Dan. Either could have joined Goldikova as a three-time Breeders’ Cup winner. But, fear not, Secret Circle, winner of the 2011 Juvenile Sprint and 2013 Sprint could become an elite three-peater with a win in the Sprint.
Another interesting potential “second” could occur if favored Shared Belief wins the Classic. Assuming he wins, and goes off favored, he would join A.P. Indy as the only other favored 3-year-old to win the Classic. While researching 3-year-olds in the Classic, we discovered that no horse over 5-years-old had won the Classic. A win for 6-year-old Prayer for Relief or Majestic Harbor would make either the oldest horse to win the Classic.
There are two opportunities for horses bred elsewhere to become the first to represent their country: Peruvian-bred Valiant Emilia in the Distaff and Japanese-bred Karakontie, in the Mile. While bred in Ireland, a win from Rich Tapestry in the Sprint would represent the first win for a horse trained in Hong Kong.
As for trainer and jockey records, D. Wayne Lukas and Mike Smith will look to widen their already their impressive margins on their current records. Smith has a nine chances to add to his record 20 wins.
Mike Smith’s Friday Mounts:
Luck of the Kitten – Juvenile Turf
Carve – Dirt Mile
Mike Smith’s Saturday Mounts:
Wonder Gal – Juvenile Fillies
Judy the Beauty – Filly & Mare Sprint – WINNER
Ambitious Brew – Turf Sprint
Mr. Z – Juvenile
Big John B – Turf
Indianapolis – Sprint
Shared Belief – Classic
And Lukas has three shots to add to his record 19 wins:
D. Wayne Lukas Friday Starters:
Lady Zuzu – Juvenile Fillies Turf
D. Wayne Lukas Saturday Starters:
Take Charge Brandi – Juvenile Fillies – WINNER
Mr. Z – Juvenile
A win by Lukas would also add one more year to his other record as the oldest trainer to win a Breeders’ Cup race.
No doubt there are other potential historical moments lurking. Please let us know if we missed one, and check back as history unfolds!