Breeders' Cup weekend brings back memories of a big trip to the racecourse at York, England, a prize for any sporting experience collector in terms of history and beauty if not profit.
Racing there was as much of a social celebration as a gambling attack. The wine list at the track has won awards. A Pope and the Queen have been there. When the racing card was complete, most people kept their places and stayed for dinner.
It tied for my third-worst weekend ever. I picked two winners over two days. One was a gift from a man sitting across from me. It was probably like being mugged in paradise. The setting was so rich in character it was hard to be too upset while losing. I was the only one not getting up from our table to collect after most races. To keep my new British friends from asking if I needed a room and a bite to eat, I started walking around after certain races, enjoying the atmosphere. The thrashing hyperactive riding styles, the accents, losing photo finish after photo finish, it was totally memorable.
Reminiscent of these types of turf challenges is the seventh Breeders' Cup race Saturday, "about" six-and-a-half furlongs on the downhill run at Santa Anita. This one starts out looking like they're chasing criminals. They're on grass, they cross some dirt, the inside becomes the outside, only the riders seem to understand what's happening.
It's a common saying before most turf races: Maybe this time.
Saturday's Picks
Juvenile Fillies
1. Top Decile
2. Contest Eclipse
3. Angela Renee
4. Feathered
Filly and Mare Turf
1. Stephanie's Kitten
2. Dayatthespa
3. Just The Judge
4. Dank
Filly and Mare Sprint
1. Judy the Beauty
2. Artemis Agrotera
3. Leigh Court
4. Sweet Reason
Turf (downhill course)
1. Ambitious Brew
2. Reneesgotzip
3. Silentio
4. Home Run Kitten
Juvenile
1. Carpe Diem
2. One Lucky Dane
3. Daredevil
4. Upstart
Turf
1. Flintshire
2. Telescope
3. Hardest Core
4. Brown Panther
Sprint
1. Secret Circle
2. Big Macher
3. Rich Tapestry
4. Private Zone
Mile
1. Toronado
2. Anodin
3. Mustajeeb
4. Obviously
Classic
1. Shared Belief
2. Tonalist
3. California Chrome
4. Majestic Harbor