American Pharoah Becomes the First Triple Crown Winner Since Affirmed

History was made today when American Pharoah won the Triple Crown the first horse to do so since Affirmed 37 years ago. The air was thick with anticipation today before the race American Pharoah was the second horse in a consecutive year to win both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness. Last year, California Chrome, a horse loved by racing and non-racing fans alike, won both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness but fell short of winning the Belmont Stakes. Chrome had been injured coming out of the starting gates and was boxed in early on and placed fourth. Tonalist, trained by Todd Pletcher, won the Belmont Stakes in 2014. 

American Pharoah is owned by Ahmed Zayat. When Pharoah was a yearling, Zayat had brought the colt to an auction to be sold. however, eh ended up buying the horse back excuse he believed that Pharoah would be a good horse. 

 American Pharoah’s jockey, Victor Espinoza, was the first jockey in history to be in a position to win the win the Triple Crown in consecutive years. In fact, this was the third time he would be riding a horse in the Belmont that had won both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes. In 2002, he attempted to ride War Emblem to a Triple Crown victory. Unfortunately, War Emblem had stumbled coming out of the starting gates and lost to Sarava. In 2014, the year before American Pharoah competed in the Belmont, Victor Espinoza rode California Chrome in all three Triple Crown races. California Chrome had won both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness but placed fourth in the Belmont Stakes to Tonalist.

Victor celebrating after winning the Triple Crown. credit

 Victor was not the only one to have yet another chance at winning the Triple Crown after failing several times. American Pharoah’s trainer, Bob Baffert, had trained three other horses that have won the first two jewels of the Triple Crown. In 1997, Silver Charm won both the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes by a head. He started started the Belmont nicely, but went too wide on the first turn and was defeated by Touch Gold. The next year, Real Quiet also came close to winning the Triple Crown. His rival, Victory Gallop, had been second in both races and challenged Real Quiet in the Belmont Stakes. Real Quiet took the lead with 3/8 of a mile to go, followed closely by Victory Gallop. The race ended in a photo finish. Victory Gallop won by a nose. In 2002, War Emblem, ridden by Victor Espinoza, entered the Belmont Stakes with hope of winning the Triple Crown. However he fell to his knees coming out of the starting gates, finishing second to Sarava. When Baffert first saw Pharoah, he had known that Pharoah would be a great horse, and he was right.

 The pressure was on for American Pharoah, with so many people believing in him, including myself.  Before the race began, I had predicted the finishing order as follows: American Pharoah first, Frosted second, and Materiality third. With how well American Pharoah has been doing, I just believed that he could succeed where so many others have failed. It seems that Bob Baffert, Victor Espinoza, and owner Ahmed Zayat believed the same thing. Frosted has a impressive and race record, and I believed that he would do well. Materiality was trained by Todd Pletcher, who had trained Tonalist, the horse that defeated California Chrome in the Belmont last year. 

American Pharoah began the race with odds of 3-5. He took an early lead and held it to the finish line. As he galloped effortlessly down the homestretch, he pulled ahead from the pack, winning by five and a half lengths, with Frosted finished second and Keen Ice third. American Pharoah became the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years. Thirteen horses and tried and failed to accomplish that incredible feat since Affirmed did so in 1978, and that day, American Pharoah did what many thought was impossible. He finished with an incredible time of 2:26.65. I can't describe how incredible it was to watch and how happy I am to see a Triple Crown winner in my lifetime. There is just something indescribably amazing to watch a racehorse do something that was deemed by many asa lost impossible.

I have actually written a book about Triple Crown winners, which I will publish when I add American Pharoah to it.

Belmont Stakes 2015 Analysis

  As you may or may not know, I am a huge racing fan. I love to read about famous racehorses of the past, scour over Thoroughbred pedigrees for the names of great races, and most importantly, follow the Triple Crown in hopes that one horse may win in my lifetime. Coming into the Belmont Stakes this weekend, there is excitement in the air. American Pharoah has won both the Derby and the Preakness in excellent form, and yet again we face the possibility of having the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed, who won it 37 years ago. In 2004, Smarty Jones, a horse loved by many, came close to winning the Triple Crown, only to be defeated by Birdstone. Big Brown, who almost everyone rooted for, was denied the right to the Triple Crown in 2008 when he was beat by Da' Tara. Three years ago, I'll Have Another, another horse beloved by racing fans and non-racing fans alike, won both the Derby and the Preakness. He unfortunately scratched just before the Belmont. Last year, we saw California Chrome, a horse that everyone loved and believed in, come short of winning the Triple Crown, finishing fourth to Tonalist. Is American Pharoah better than these horses?

 American Pharoah is by Pioneerof the Nile, out of Littleprincessemma. If you skip back several generations on his sire's side, you will find Unbridled, sire of Unbridled's Song. You will also find Mr. Prospector and Northern Dancer five generations back, but they are found in the pedigree of most any horse these days. Bold Ruler, sire of Secretariat, can also be found on his sire's side. Pharoah's dam also has several well know names in her pedigree. Several generations back, you will find Storm Cat, a great grandson of Secretariat. You will also find Exclusive Native and Northern Dancer. In his career, American Pharaoh has raced seven times. Out of those seven times, he has only lost one race, coming fifth in his maiden race last August at Del Mar. After that, he raced at Del Mar once more, this time in a futurity. He won that race, winning a stakes race at Santa Anita after that. This year, he raced only twice before beginning his Triple Crown campaign. Both races were at Oaklawn park, and he won both of them.

American Pharoah in the Preakness Stakes
 Source

  This weekend, American Pharoah will attempt to be the twelfth horse in history to win the Triple Crown, the most prestigious event in American horse racing. In the Derby, he stayed near the front of the pack the entire race, pulling into first place in the last few furlongs to make a strong first place finish. He took an early lead in the Preakness Stakes and won by seven lengths, in spite of the muddy track, proving that he can win in all conditions. However, the Belmont will prove the most grueling of all the Triple Crown races at length of a mile and a half. It has earned the nickname "the Graveyard of Champions"  because many horses have won the Derby and the Preakness but failed in the Belmont. In fact, thirteen horses besides American Pharoah have come close to winning the Triple Crown since Affirmed won in 1978. Only seven horses stand between American Pharoah and the Triple Crown. They are: Frammento, Frosted, Keen Ice, Madefromlucky, Materiality, Mubtaahij, and Tale of Verve.

Frammento: Frammento, by Midshipman and out Ginger Bay, is trained by Nick Zito. Two horses trained by Zito have denied Triple Crown contenders the pleasure of winning the Belmont. In 2004, Zito's Birdstone beat the famous Smarty Jones in the Belmont. Zito's Da' Tara beat Big Brown in the 2008 Belmont. With only one first in his entire career of eight races, Frammento is a longshot, but anything can happen in the Belmont.

Madefromlucky: Madefromlucky is by Lookin At Lucky and out of Home From Oz. Also in his
pedigree is Pulpit, A.P. Indy, and Mr. Prospector. Madefromlucky's trainer is none other than Todd Pletcher, who trained the infamous Tonalist, the horse that beat California Chrome in last year's Belmont. Madefromlucky competed only in maidens last year, and earlier this year, he placed second and fourth in the Rebel Stakes and Arkansas Derby, respectively. Those two races were won by American Pharoah. Rather than running in the Derby, Madefromlucky raced in the Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park, coming in first.

Post positions and odds. Click to enlarge.
Source

Mubtaahij: Mubtaahij is by Dubawi and out of Pennegale. He was raced three times as a two-year-old, all maiden races, and only won one of the races. Before racing in the Derby, he won three races and placed second in another. In the Kentucky Derby, he finished eighth.

Tale of Verve: Tale of Verve is a homebred by Tale of Ekati and out of Verve. Unbridled, Storm Cat, and Sunday Silence are each found several generations back in his pedigree. Out of the six races he had run before the Preakness, Tale of Verve had only won one of them, a maiden he had run not long before the Derby. Because of his not very good record, Tale of Verve entered the Preakness with odds of 28-1. However, this longshot surprised everyone by running second to American Pharoah.

Horses American Pharoah Should Watch Out For

 Frosted: Frosted is by Tapit and out of Fast Cookie. Tapit is by Pulpit, the sire of Lucky Pulpit, who is the sire of California Chrome. Frosted has A.P. Indy three generations back on his sire line. A.P. Indy is the son of Seattle Slew, the 1977 Triple Crown winner. In fact, Seattle Slew appears on both sides on Frosted's pedigrees. Needless to say, he has an impressive pedigree, and a pretty good race record as well. With odds of 5-1, Frosted proves to be a horse American Pharoah should watch out for.

Keen Ice: Keen Ice is by Curlin, out of Medomak. Curlin was a stayer(he was great at long races), coming second by a head in 2007's Belmont and being named the Eclipse Champion three-year-old colt and the Horse of the Year in 2007. He is also the sire of Palace Malice, who competed in 2013's Derby and Belmont; and Ride on Curlin, who competed in last year's Triple Crown. Though he placed only seventh in the Derby, his jockey believes that Keen Ice can be competitive in the Belmont. Keen Ice was bred for stamina, which is just what is needed in the Belmont.

Materiality(right), trained by Todd Pletcher
Source

Materiality: Materiality is by Afleet Alex and out of Wildwood Flower. Materiality was unraced as a two-year-old, but has been successful this year as a three-year-old. He broke his maiden in his first race, which was at Gulfstream Park, winning both of the following races as well. He placed sixth in the Derby. Materiality is trained by Todd Pletcher, who you may recognize as the trainer of Tonalist, the horse that beat California Chrome in last year's Belmont. This year, Pletcher hopes to win the Belmont from a Triple Crown winner once again. With odds of 7-1, Materiality may just have a chance of doing it.

 I think that American Pharoah has a high chance of winning the Triple Crown, but I thought the same thing with California Chrome, and many people have thought the same with Smarty Jones, Big Brown, and I'll Have Another. It will be a dream come true for me to see a Triple Crown winner in my lifetime. Reading about it is one thing, but experiencing it firsthand is entirely different. I hope that American Pharoah can do it, and I believe in him. What are your thoughts?

Sources:
Pedigree Query
"Triple Crown Letdown Fatigue" by Fran Jurga
Equibase
Washington Post
Belmont Stakes Contenders

California Chrome Triple Crown Upset

 California Chrome, like Smarty Jones, War Emblem, and many others failed to snag the final jewel of the Triple Crown, the grueling mile and a half Belmont Stakes. He ran along the rail, settling for fourth place, and getting boxed in at the last turn. As the pack rounded the final turn, he was forced to the outside. He tried his heart out, yet couldn't catch the leader. It turned out to be Tonalist who won the Belmont, not California Chrome, who tied for fourth with Wicked Strong. Commissioner came second and Medal Count third.

Something I found on EN. credit

 I was extremely disappointed when I saw what happened---I could hardly believe it. Like many others, I had believed in California Chrome. I was with him every step of the race hoping that he would be the next Affirmed or Secretariat. He came so close. Yet even though he did join the ranks of Smarty Jones and other Triple Crown near-misses, I still think he is an amazing horse with lots of heart. His rags to riches fairy tale type story is still one that will be remembered by Americans for decades to come. It has been 36 long years since Affirmed won the last Triple Crown, and more years will pass, yet one thing California Chrome did give racing fans and non fans alike was hope. Hope that perhaps the Triple Crown still is possible. Despite the fact that he didn't make it, he will still be remembered as a racing hero, at least in my mind.

 One of California Chrome's owners, Steve Coburn says the following,“I will never see another Triple Crown winner in my life because of the way they do this. It isn’t fair to these horses who have been in it from day one.” Tonalist had raced in neither the Preakness or the Derby, so he was fresh, unlike Chrome who had ran in three races over a mile long in the past five weeks. As usual, the Belmont lives up to its nickname, "The Test of Champions." What are your thought's on Coburn's remarks? In a way, I can see where he is coming from but I'm not sure if they should change the Triple Crown's rules. 

Belmont Stakes 2014

The day of the Belmont Stakes is almost, and everyone is waiting in anticipation to see California Chrome can win the Triple Crown, like 11 others before him. Interestingly enough, California Chrome pull post position 2---the same position as Secretariat ran in the Belmont back in 1973. Though I am not superstitious,  I think another sock-footed chestnut Triple Crown hopeful running in Secretariat's position seems like a good sign. There will be a few familiar faces from the other Triple Crown races, but some new ones as well.

Medal Count
 Returning from an eight place finish in the Derby is Medal Count son of Dynaformer and Brisquette, by Unbridled's Song. His odds of winning are 20-1, and his jockey is Robby Albarado.

California Chrome
 Next up is the 3 to 5 odds and Triple Crown hopeful, California Chrome, by Lucky Pulpit and Love The Chase. It's been 36 years since the last winner, and Chrome seems very promising!

Matterhorn
Matterhorn, at odds of 30-1, skipped the Derby and the Preakness and is now about to run in the Belmont. He is the son of Tapit and Winter Garden, by Roy.

Commanding Curve
 Commanding Curve, son of Master Command and Mother, by Lion Hearted, ran in the Derby and is about to race in the Belmont with odds of 15-1. He hasn't raced since the Derby.

Ride On Curlin
 Ride On Curlin, son of Curlin and Magical Ride, by Storm Cat, is once again challenging California Chrome by running in the Belmont. He placed second in the Preakness, and has odds of 12 to 1.

Matuszak
 Matuszak, by Bernardini and out of Golden Sonata, by Mr. Prospector, is running with odds of 30 to 1. He
has only won a single race, his maiden, out of eight starts, most recently coming second in the Frederico Tesio Stakes in April.

Samraat
 Samraat, by Noble Causeway and out of Little Indian Girl, by Indian Charlie, also raced in the Derby, coming 5th.  His odds of winning the Belmont, his first race since the Derby, are 20 to 1.

Commissioner 
 Commissioner, by A.P. Indy and Flaming Heart, by Touch of Gold, is running with odds of 20 to 1. He hasn't raced since the Peter Pan Stakes, in May, where he came second.

Wicked Strong
 Wicked Strong, by Hard Spun and out of Moyne Abbey, by Charismatic, ran fourth in the Derby and hasn't raced since. With odds of 6 to 1, his odds are the closest to Chrome's.

General A Rod
 General A Rod, by Roman Ruler and Dynamite Eyes, by Dynaformer, is the only horse besides california Chrome that ran in both the Derby and the Preakness, placing eleventh in the Derby and fourth in the Preakness. His odds of winning are 20 to 1.

Tonalist
 The final horse with odds at 8 to 1, is Tonalist by Tapit and Settling Mist, by Pleasant Colony. Although didn't race in the Preakness and Derby, he won the Peter Pan Stakes in May.

 I can't wait to see the outcome of the Belmont! I have a good feeling about California Chrome, and really hope he wins. There hasn't been a Triple Crown winner since Affirmed in 1978, and it would be amazing to see one in my lifetime, especially one with as great a story as Chrome. And from my home state too! do you think he can do it? I do!

Will We a Triple Crown Winner? California Chrome Wins the Preakness

 Nearly every race trainer and breeder wants to create the horse that will win the Triple Crown. After California Chrome won the Kentucky Derby, his trainer, Art Sherman, and owners were likely exhilarated. With his Preakness win today, everyone was even more excited. Only thirty four, including California Chrome, have ever won both the Preakness and the Derby. Only eleven have won the entire Triple Crown. I don't know about you, but I am excited for the Belmont. I am filled with anticipation as to whether there will be a Triple Crown winner in my lifetime. It has been 36 years since the last Triple Crown winner, Affirmed in 1978. Perhaps 2014 will be the lucky year. I sure hope so! I'm eager for the Belmont to come around.

 In the Preakness, California Chrome settled near the middle of the pack until the last half mile, when he burst head, battling with Ride On Curlin during the last furlong, beating him by one and half lengths. He finished in the time of 1:54 4/5. As I said I'm excited to see if 2014 will see the first Triple Crown winner of the century!

Kentucky Derby 2014

 The Kentucky Derby, one of the biggest horse races in the United States, is coming up this Saturday, May 3rd, and while I am not a huge racing fan, I enjoy watching the it and the rest of the Triple Crown. I decided to list the competitors for this year in case anyone is interested. One named California Chrome even comes from California. I know who I'll be rooting for.

Vicar's in Trouble credit

Vicar's In Trouble
  Entry number one is Vicar's In Trouble, a bay colt who was sired by Into Mischief and was foaled by Vibrant. Into Mischief sired a couple of the horses that ran in last year's Derby. Also in his pedigree is Bold Ruler, Mr. Prospector, Raise a Native, and Northern Dancer. As a two-year-old he raced only twice, both in maiden races. He ended his season after breaking his maiden on his second race. This year, he has raced in three races: the LeComte Stakes, the Risen Star Stakes, and the Louisiana Derby. he won both the LeComte Stakes and the Louisiana Derby, coming third in the Risen Star Stakes.

Harry's Holiday
 Harry's Holiday is by Harlan's Holiday and was foaled by Daisy Mason, an unraced mare with Stop the Music in her pedigree. Harry's Holiday also has Affirmed, Secretariat, Raise a Native, and Norhtern Dancer in his pedigree. He raced three times last year, breaking his maiden on his first race, then coming second and then first after that. As a three-year-old, he fifth in the Pasco Stakes, won a race at Turfway, came third in the John Battaglia Memorial Stakes, then second in the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati Spiral Stakes. Most recently, he came thirteenth in the Blue Grass Stakes.

Uncle Sigh
 Uncle Sigh is by Indian Charlie and was foaled by Cradlesong, who is by Pine Bluff. He is a descendent of Seattle Slew, A.P. Indy, Secretariat, Raise a Native, and other well-known racehorses. Last year, he raced twice, coming second in his first race and breaking his maiden on the next. This year he came second in both the Withers and Gotham Stakes, and came fifth in the Wood Memorial Stakes.

Danza
 Danza, sired by Street Boss and foaled by Champagne Royale, is also racing in this years Derby. He has Damascus, Bold Ruler, and Mr. Prospector in his pedigree. In his career, he has only race four, breaking his maiden on his first go, the going on the come third in the Saratoga Special Stakes. This year, he came third in an allowance and won the Arkansas Derby.

California Chrome credit

California Chrome
 The favorite for this years Derby is California Chrome, by Lucky Pulpit and out of Love the Chase. He is related to Raise a Native, Northern Dancer, Native dancer, and Buckpasser. As a two-year-old he came second in his first race, the won the next. He came fifth in the Willard L. Proctor Memorial Stakes, won the Graduation Stakes, then came sixth in both the Del Mar Futurity and the Golden State Juvenile Stakes. Then he won the King Glorious Stakes to end the season. This year he won the California Cup Derby, San Felipe Stakes, and Santa Anita Derby.

Samraat
 Samraat was sired by Noble Causeway and foaled by Little Indian Girl. Also in his pedigree is Mr. Prospector, Northern Dancer, Secretariat, and Raise a Native. He broke his maiden on his first race, and went on to win an allowance and the Damon Runyon Stakes. This year he won both the Withers and Gotham Stakes, and came second Wood Memorial Stakes.

We Miss Artie
 We Miss Artie was sired by Artie Schiller and foaled by Athena's Gift. He is related to Mr. Prospector, Raise a Native, Northern Dancer, Damascus, and Alydar. As a two-year-old, he broke his maiden on his second race, came sixth in the With Anticipation Stakes, first in the Dixiana Breeders' Futurity, and seventh in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. In 2014 he came second in the Kitten's Joy Stakes, eighth in the Besilu Stables Fountain of Youth Stakes, and won the Horseshoe Casino Cincinnati Spiral Stakes.

General A Rod
 General A Rod was sired by Roman Ruler and foaled by Dynamite Eyes, who was sired by Dynaformer. Raise a Native, Mr. Prospector, Native Dancer, and Northern Dancer are also in his pedigree. As a two-year-old he raced twice, breaking his maiden on his first time before coming second in an allowance race. This year, he won the Gulfstream Derby, came second in the Besilu Stables Fountain of of Youth Stakes and third in the Besilu Florida Derby.

Vinceremos
 Vinceremos, sired by Pioneer of the Nile and foaled by Kettles Sister, and related to Mr. Prospector, Northern Dancer, and Bold Ruler, raced only once as a two-year-old, not breaking his maiden. As a three-year-old he went on to break his maiden, win the Sam F. Davis Stakes, come second in the Tampa Bay Derby, and fourteenth in the Blue Grass Stakes.

Wildcat Red
 Wildcat Red was sired by D'Wildcat and foaled by Racene, and is related to Mr. Prospector, Secretariat, Raise a Native, Northern Dancer, and Damascus. In 2013 he raced three times, breaking his maiden in the first race, winning an allowance, and coming second in the Juvenile Sprint Stakes. As a three-year-old, he came second in the Gulfstream Park Derby, won both the Hutcheson and Besilu Stables Fountain of Youth Stakes, and most recently came second in the Besilu Florida Derby.

Dance With Fate
 Dance With Fate, son of Two Step Salsa and Flirting With Fate, is a descendent of Seattle Slew, Northern Dancer, and Raise A Native. He broke his maiden on his second try, then came second in both the Del Mar Futurity and the Frontrunner Stakes, ending the season with an eighth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Next, he   won an allowance, came second in the El Camino Real Derby, and won the Blue Grass Stakes.

Chitu
 Chitu, by Henny Hughs and Sea Gift, is a grandson of A.P. Indy, the son of Seattle Slew. He also Secretariat in his pedigree. Chitu raced twice last year, winning both a maiden and an allowance. This year, he came second in the Robert D. Louis Stakes and won the Sunland Derby.

Medal Count
 Medal Count is by Dynaformer and out of Brisquette, by Unbridled's Song. He broke his maiden on his first try, the came fifth in the Bourbon Stakes and eleventh in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. This year, he won an allowance, came fifth in the Besilu Stables Fountain of Youth Stakes, won the Transylvania Stakes, and came second in the Blue Grass Stakes.

Tapiture
 Tapiture, son of Tapit and Free Spin, by Olympio, is a descendent of Secretariat, Raise A Native, Damascus, and Mr. Prospector. He failed to break his maiden, coming second, but raced in the Iroquois Stakes anyways, placing third. He came third in his next, but then won the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes to end the season. This year, he won the Southwest Stakes, came second in the Rebel Stakes and fourth in the Arkansas Derby.

Intense Holiday
 Intense Holiday is by Harlan's Holiday and out of Intensify, by Unbridled's Song. He also has Affirmed, Secretariat, and War Admiral in his pedigree. Last year, he broke his maiden second try, came fifth in the Foxwood's Champagne stakes and fourth in both the Nashua and Remsen Stakes. This year he came third in the Holy Bull Stakes, won the Risen Star Stakes, and came second in the Louisiana Derby.

Commanding Curve
 Commanding Curve is by Master Command and Mother and is related to A.P. Indy, Seattle Slew, and Secretariat. He didn't break his maiden until his fourth try, ending the season. This year he came sixth in the Risen Star Stakes and third in the Louisiana Derby.

Candy Boy
 Candy Boy, by Candy Ride and out of She's An Eleven, by In Excess, didn't break his maiden until his fourth. He then ended the season with a second in the CashCall Futurity. THis year, he won the Robert B. Lewis Stakes and came third in the Santa Anita Derby.

Ride On Curlin
 Ride On Curlin, by Curlin and out of Magical Ride, by Storm Cat, a grandson of Secretariat, broke his maiden on his second try before coming fourth in the Iroquois Stakes and third in both the Foxwood Champagne Stakes and the Street Sense Stakes. This year, he won an allowance and came third in both the Southwest and Rebel Stakes. Most recently, he came second in the Arkansas Derby.

Wicked Strong, credit

Wicked Strong
 Wicked Strong, by Hard Spun and out of Moyne Abbey, by Charismatic, is another favorite for the Derby. He has both Secretariat and Alydar in his pedigree. He broke his maiden on his second race, then ran third in the Remsen Stakes. This year, he came ninth in the Holy Bull Stakes, fourth in an allowance, and won the Wood Memorial Stakes.

Pablo Del Monte
 Pablo Del Monte, by Giants Causeway and out of One Hot Wish, by Bring The Heat, is related to Secretariat and Northern Dancer. As a two-year-old, he broke his maiden first try, won an allowance, and came fifth in the Generous Stakes. This year, he came fourth in the Gulfstream Park Derby and third in both the Hutcheson and Blue Grass Stakes.

Who do you want to win and do you think there will be a Triple Crown winner this year?

Secretariat Sketch

Secretariat was one of the greatest Thoroughbreds to ever set foot on the racetrack.
Even people unfamiliar with horse racing know of his achievements. He is most known
for winning each Triple Crown race in record time and zooming to a 31 length finish in
the Belmont Stakes. Today, this legendary horse is considered to be one of the greatest
racehorses to ever live, the other being Man o' War.

Palace Malice Wins Belmont Stakes 2013

 The other day, Palace Malice zoomed to the lead in the Belmont Stakes, with Orb waiting to make his move. Orb tried to catch up and take the lead, but failed. Oxbow passed him and placed third.

Affirmed: Three-Year-Old Season

 Despite an unusually long rest due to uncharacteristically rainy weather in South Carolina, Affirmed began his three-year-old season with a victory at Santa Anita, followed by a win in the San Felipe Handicap.

 After that, he defeated Balzac by eight lengths in the Santa Anita Derby. There was then only one race to win before he traveled back east: the Hollywood Derby. However, with little competition since Alydar was racing in the east coast, Affirmed began to develop bad habits. Whenever he was in the lead, he would mess around and waste time. This worried trainer Laz Barrera since the same thing had cost Affirmed the Champagne Stakes the year before. In spite of Barrera's worries, the Hollywood Derby proved no problem, and Affirmed, though slightly bored, managed to win by two lengths. After that, he went east and defeated Alydar in three classics.

Affirmed won the Kentucky Derby, with Alydar second and
Believe It third. Credit

 Then came the Kentucky Derby. Sensitive Prince took an early lead, setting a fast pace while Affirmed lingered in third place. Just as the pack entered the backstretch, Believe It took the lead, followed by Affirmed, who quickly replaced him. Alydar gave it his all, but only managed to beat Believe It for second place money. The roses belonged to Affirmed by one and a half lengths.

 In the Preakness, Alydar was more on top of things. When Affirmed took the lead at the half mile mark, Alydar followed close behind, waiting for the right moment to make his move. As soon as the two entered the homestretch, they fought hard until Affirmed won by a neck. Believe placed third for the second time.

Affirmed won the Belmont Stakes by a head in the closest
Belmont victory since 1962, when Jaipur barely defeated
Admiral's Voyage. 

 Only one more race remained, and only one horse stood between Affirmed and the Triple Crown: Alydar. Affirmed took the early lead, followed Alydar, who opted not to wait to make his move fairly late in the race like the two previous times. This time, with more than half a mile left, he began to battle his rival, doing everything in his power to steal the final Triple Crown jewel from Affirmed. Yet it was all in vain. After a long and hard-fought battle, Affirmed won by his head in the closest Belmont Stakes since 1962, when Jaipur barely defeated Admiral's Voyage.

 After a long and well-deserved rest, Affirmed once more won a race. In the Jim Dandy Stakes, he came from behind to beat Sensitive Prince, despite the slick track, carrying his winning streak to eight. However, he was unable to continue his streak to nine, as his fans had hoped. Although he came first in the Travers Stakes, he was disqualified for bumping Alydar.

 Next, he raced Seattle Slew, the previous Triple Crown winner, in the Marlboro Cup. To his fans surprise, he hardly gave Slew a challenge. Later, after a vet inspection, his owner, jockey, and trainer found that a throat infection had been the cause of his poor performance.

 In the Jockey Club Gold Cup, the two met for the second time. Affirmed failed to win once his saddle slipped after battling with Seattle Slew for an early lead. Seattle Slew, though, also failed. He was in poor condition considering the length of the two mile race, so Exceller won by a nose, becoming the first horse to defeated two Triple Crown winners, let alone in one race.

 Despite the fact that Affirmed had lost three times in a row: once because of poor health, another time due to to disqualification, and another due to tack failure, he was voted horse of the year. Lots of arguments followed that decision. Some people were outrage, thinking that Seattle Slew should have had the honors since he had defeated Affirmed---twice. Others believed that Affirmed had fair excuses for his failures. Nevertheless, Affirmed was 1978's Horse of the Year, and no argument could change that.

Affirmed: Two-Year-Old Season

 On February 24, 1975, a chestnut colt with almost perfect conformation was foaled on Harbor View Farm, Florida. His sire is Exclusive Native, winner of the Sanford Stakes and the Arlington Classics. Won't Tell You, sired by Crafty Admiral, is his dam. His pedigree on his dam's side traces back to War Admiral, 1937 Triple Crown winner, and Fighting Fox, full brother of Gallant Fox.

 Affirmed began his career with a victory in Belmont on May 24. Not wanting to waste time, trainer Laz Barrera entered the young colt in the Youthful Stakes, where he would race quality horses. Affirmed came from behind, crossing the finish line for a victory by a neck. 

 In the Great American Stakes, Affirmed met his rival: Alydar, who won their first race together. Next, Affirmed headed west to win the Hollywood Juvenile by seven lengths before returning east to win the Sanford Stakes with his new jockey, Steve Cauthen. 

 Ten days later, he met Alydar in the Hopeful Stakes, this time winning by half a length. A few weeks later, they met in the Futurity. The pair battled down the homestretch until Affirmed came out victorious by a nose. 

 Next came the Champagne Stakes. The track was sloppy, and Affirmed didn't notice that Alydar had passed him until he was too far gone, winning by one and one-quarter lengths.

Steven Cauthen explains what had happened when he said, "My horse had plenty left, but he was too busy playing games with Darby Road Creek he never saw Alydar until it was too late."

 One last time that season, the two raced, battling for victory in the Laurel Stakes and the Champion Two-Year-Old Colt title. They fought long hard down the homestretch at a tremendous speed, with the third place horse some ten lengths behind them. At last, Affirmed won by a neck, earning the title of Champion Two-Year-Old Colt.

Seattle Slew: Four-Year-Old Season

 After recovery from a respiratory infection and a near-fatal virus, Seattle Slew returned to the track in winning condition. His previous trainer, Bill Turner, had been fired, so he had a new trainer: Doug Peterson. Slew won two allowance races in Saratoga and Aqueduct, then lost by a neck in Meadowlands' Paterson Handicap.

 Then came the season's highlight: Slew and Affirmed, the 1978 Triple Crown winner, were going to race in the Marlboro Cup. Not long before the race, Slew's jockey was changed from Jean Cruguet to Angel Cordero, Jr. when Cruguet commented that Slew wasn't ready for the Marlboro Cup. Despite the change, Slew defeated Affirmed by three lengths. 

Seattle Slew running in the Marlboro Cup(credit).

 After that, Slew led from start to finish in the Woodward Stakes, defeating Exceller and It's Freezing by four lengths in track record time of 2:00. 

 Then came one of the greatest races of his career. In the Jockey Club Gold Cup, he battled Affirmed early on in the race, but failed to win, losing to Exceller by a nose. Affirmed was boxed in and ran fourth. Because of his victory, Exceller became the first and only horse to defeat two Triple Crown winners.

 In the Stuyvesent Handicap, his final race, Slew led from start to finish, winning by three and a quarter lengths. He was then retired. By then, he had won fourteen out of seventeen races and had earned $1,208,726. After he was bought for twelve million dollars as a stud horse with a fee reaching $100,000 dollars, he became an excellent stud horse with many notable offspring.

 Among his best is Swale, the 1984 Three-Year-Old Champion Colt. As a two-year-old, though, he stood in the shadow of his stablemate, Devil's Bag. Both were trained by Woody Stephens. While Devil's Bag was hailed as a wonder horse, Swale was just considered "Stephens' other horse." However, things changed when Devil's Bag retired due to a hairline fracture. Swale became the Derby's top contender. 

 The favorites were Althea and Life's Magic, two fillies trained by D. Wayne Lucas. Swale won then Derby by three and three-quarters lengths. Although he failed to win the Preakness, he almost effortlessly won the Belmont Stakes by four lengths. By the time he retired, he had won nine out of fourteen races, earning $1,583,661. Several days later, the racing world was stunned when Swale mysteriously collapsed and died after a workout. He was later buried on Claiborne Farm.

 Also among Seattle Slew's notable offspring are Slew o' Gold, a Hall of Fame colt; Landaluce, and undefeated who died of a viral infection as a two-year-old; A.P. Indy, 1992 Horse of the Year and Belmont Stakes winner; and many more. Even his daughters produced great offspring. The most famous is Cigar, two-time Horse of the Year. One of his descendants, Itsmyluckyday, raced in this year's Triple Crown. 

 During the months leading up to his death, Seattle Slew was in poor health and was beginning to recover from surgery. Then, in May 2002, twenty-five years after being named the tenth Triple Crown winner, the great champion passed away.

Seattle Slew: Three-Year-Old Season

 Seattle Slew, known as the "People's Horse," began his three-year-old season as a favorite for the Kentucky Derby. He first won a seven furlong race at Hialeah, running in the track record time of 1:20 3/5, followed by victories in the Flamingo Stakes and the Wood Memorial Invitational Stakes.

Seattle Slew after the flamingo Derby.
(Credit)

 By the time the Derby rolled around, critics were saying that the lightly raced three-year-old wouldn't stand a chance. Seattle Slew was agitated during the post parade, and was foaming around the mouth, proving to the doubters that he would tire easily. 

 Seattle Slew banged his face on the starting gate right at the beginning, nearly throwing jockey Jean Cruguet. For the Moment took the early lead. Despite his slow start, Seattle Slew caught and passed the leaders within the first quarter mile, leaving the early leaders to fade away.

Seattle Slew winning the Kentucky Derby.
(credit).

"He broke slowly. He was shut off immediately. He had to overcome adversity. And then he went on to do what he was supposed to do. That's the sign of a racehorse," said Billy Turner, Slew's trainer. 

 Seattle Slew won the Preakness in the same manner two weeks later. He ran the fastest opening mile on record, easily passing Iron Constitution, Run Dusty Run, J.O. Tobin. After that, he almost effortless won the Belmont Stakes, becoming the first Triple Crown winner to win all of the classics as well. Furthermore, he became the first Triple Crown winner to be purchased at an auction. Eight others had been raced by their breeder and Sir Barton had been sold privately. 

 After his impressive victories in the Triple Crown races, many people offered to by him, including a $14 million from someone from Texas. Slew became so popular that his owners made tee-shirts, cocktail glasses, and rings featuring the young star. Companies, wanting to gain popularity, featured Slew in their advertisements. 

 However, the star didn't remain undefeated for long. Mickey Taylor and the rest of the crew raced him in the Swaps Stakes two weeks after the Belmont against Billy Turner's advice. Consequently, Slew lost to the English champion J.O. Tobin.

 The Taylors and the Hills took a lot of criticism for Slew's defeat. When Bill Turner told the press that the star should have never entered that race, Mickey fired him. Then Slew suffered from respiratory infections and a near-fatal virus. Even so, he was name 1977 Horse of the Year. 

Seattle Slew: Two-Year-Old Season

 On February 15, 1974, a dark bay colt later named Seattle Slew was born on Ben Castleman's White Horse Acres. His sire was Bold Reasoning, Bold Ruler's grandson, and his dam was My Charmer, a descendant of the great mare Myrtlewood.

 Since Seattle Slew was neither the son of Northern Dancer or What a Pleasure, leading sires at the time, he was purchased for the bargain deal of $17,500 at Keeneland's Yearling Sale. Mrs. Karen Taylor, her husband Mickey, and Dr. and Mrs. Hill(the four shared ownership of Seattle Slew) named the colt in honor of their hometowns. The Taylors came from Seattle, and the Hills came from an area in Florida with lots of swamps, called slews. Hence the name, Seattle Slew.

 Seattle Slew was sent to Billy and Paula Turner's training facility in Maryland. He was clumsy, never got anything right, and swerved to the right when galloping, since his right foreleg curved to the outside. Because of that, Paula nicknamed him Baby Huey after an ungraceful cartoon character.

 However, he soon grew out of the name after several fast workouts in New York. A minor injury kept him out of the Futurity and the Cowden Stakes. Even though a horse named For the Moment dominated the juvenile division, people who had seen Slew's exercise rides knew that he would possibly be the star of the season.

 Seattle Slew won his first race, which was at Belmont Park. He easily repeated the performance before meeting For the Moment in the Champagne Stakes. Despite Billy Turner's belief that Slew needed more experience before entering a major stake race, Slew won by nine lengths, running 1:34 2/5, a new record. Because of his undefeated streak and his impressive victory in the Champagne Stakes, Slew earned Two-Year-Old Championship honors.

Assault: Three-Year-Old Season

 Assault began his three-year-old season with a victory at the Experimental Handicap, followed by the Wood Memorial Stakes. 

 In the the Derby Trial, he placed fourth, with Rippey, Spy Song, and With Pleasure in front of him. Fans began to doubt whether or not he had it in him to win the Derby. 

Assault in the winners circle(photo credit).

 The Kentucky Derby came not long afterward. Lord Boswell was the betting favorite, and Assault was the fourth favorite. When Spy Song took and early lead, Assault followed close behind, catching him and winning by eight lengths, a distance that equaled the Kentucky Derby's longest length victory. However, he missed Whirlaway's time by over five seconds, running only 2:06 3/5.

Assault was made the betting favorite when he ran against Lord Boswell and eight others in the Preakness on May 11. Assault was boxed in early in the race, and was forced wide in the backstretch as he passed Natchez. All the way down the homestretch, he held the lead, with Lord Boswell four lengths behind him. Despite fatigue, he crossed the finish line a neck ahead of his rival. 

 Lord Boswell was the favorite in the Belmont Stakes in spite of Assaults victories. Fans believed that he was more suited to longer distances because of his near victory in the Preakness, especially since Assault had been exhausted at the end of the race. Assault was the second favorite. 

 Assault stumbled at the start, so Hampden took the lead right away. Assault didn't make his move until he neared the first turn, when he gave all he could, passing Natchez and winning by three lengths. Even though the race had been exciting, fans still doubted the seventh Triple Crown winner.

 Two weeks later, Assault won the Dwyer Stakes, but his time was unimpressive, and fans just thought he was the best of that group of of three-year-olds. He next lost the Arlington Classic. When he returned to the barn, he was diagnosed with a kidney infection.

 A month later, he was back on the track. He finished third behind Mighty Story in the Discovery Handicap, then second behind Mahout in the Jersey Handicap. On September 25, he met Stymie for the first time. Stymie was famous for winning from-the-behind, and his career had begun with cheap races, until he became Champion Handicap Horse in 1945. A rivalry was born from the day they first met.

 Stymie won their first meeting, the Manhattan handicap, and Assault cam third. After losing by a neck to Bridal Flower in the Roamer Handicap, he once more challenged his new rival, this time in the Gallant Fox Handicap. Once again he came third.

 In the Pimlico Special, the two met again. Eddie Arcaro, who was riding Assault for the first time, was told not to make a move until Stymie did. Assault ended up winning his first race since the Dwyer Stakes, beating both Bridal Flower and Stymie. 

 Assault won by two lengths in his final start that season, the Westchester Handicap. Despite his losing streak, he earned Horse of the Year honors and was named leading money winning. He had earned $424,195, and had won eight out of fifteen races that year.

 

 

Assault: Two-year-old Season

  On March 26, 1943, a chestnut colt was born on King Ranch, a large Texan ranch owned by Robert Kleberg Jr. He sire, Bold Venture, had won the 1936 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, while his dam, Igual, was an unraced mare. However, her sire is two-time Horse of the Year Equipoise. Her dam's dam is Masda, Man o' War's full sister.

As a young horse, the chestnut colt, named Assault, stepped on a stake, permanently crippling himself. When Assault first trotted before trainer Max Hirsch, the man doubted whether he would ever be able to race. He raced four times before winning a race.

Because of the war, travel was highly restricted, so the Flash Stakes was held on at Belmont on August 5 instead of at Saratoga. he ended up finishing in a four-way photo finish.

 Next he finished third in the Babylon Stakes, with Southern Pride and Tidy Bid in front of him. In the Cowdin Stakes, he finished fourth behind Knockdown, revoked, and Southern Pride. After winning only two out of nine races that season, he was sent to South Carolina.

Count Fleet: Three-Year-Old Season

 Count Fleet began his three-year-old career with an easy victory in the St. James Purse, a mile and seventy yards long race. Then he won the Wood Memorial, a mile and three-sixteenths long race, with a time of 1:43, making quality horses like Blue Swords and Slide Rule look cheap. However, in doing so, he banged his left hind leg, threatening his chances of entering the Kentucky Derby. Even so, he did race. Johnny Longden held ice of the wound the whole time, and Count Fleet won despite his injuries. Once again, Blue Swords came second and Slide Rule third.

 The Preakness told the same story: Count Fleet first and Blue Swords second. The Blood-Horse magazine said, "If Count Fleet is the spectacular comet in the racing skies of 1943, then Blue Swords is the comet's tail."

Count Fleet in the winner's circle at one of the tracks
he raced on(photo credit).

 Count Fleet ran in the Withers stakes between the Preakness and the Belmont. He won by six lengths, with Slide Rule, who had skipped the Preakness, second.

When the Belmont finally came, the owners of Blue Swords and Slide Rule decided to skip it, not wanting to be humiliated one more time. Count Fleet only had to beat two horses, which he did easily. In fact, he won by six lengths, becoming the sixth Triple Crown winner.

 Count Fleet retired due to an injured fetlock soon afterwards. His retirement came as a relief to the owner of Blue Swords, who had been beaten several times.

 He enjoyed great success at stud, producing stake winners and the 1952 Horse of the Year. Count Fleet passed away on December 3, 1973, and is buried at Stoner Creek.

Preakness Stakes 2013

Just two weeks ago, Orb came from last to first in the Kentucky Derby, just as Secretariat always has done. Now it is time for the Preakness Stakes this weekend. Lots of talk has been going around about whether or not he will win the Triple Crown. If you're a racing fan, or are just interested, it is important to know what he is up against(to learn about the pedigrees of the horses that were in the Derby, see Kentucky Derby Part 1, Part 2).

Itsmyluckyday(photo credit)
Itsmyluckyday did well as a two-year-old. He came second
in his first race, a five furlong one, and won his second,
a four furlong race. Then he placed third in the Tyro Stakes.
Next he won both the Fasig Tipton Turf Dash and the
Foolish Pleasure Stakes before coming sixth in
Delta Downs Jackpot. He finished the season fourth in the
Dania Beach Stakes. This year, he debuted with a victory
in the Gulfstream Park Derby, followed by a second
victory the Holy Bull Stakes. He then came second
in the Florida Derby. Most recently, he came
fifteenth in the Kentucky Derby.

Govenor Charlie(photo credit)
Govenor Charlie never raced last year, and was
lightly raced this year. He only raced three times this year.
His first race was a six furlong one at Santa Anita in which he placed
second. The next was a one mile long race, also at Santa
Anita, and he placed first. His most recent race is the Sunland Derby,
one and one eighth miles long. He won that one, too. Though he doesn't
have the experience that the others do,  he certainly has the talent.
His sire and dam are Midnightlute and Silverbulletway.

Oxbow(photo credit)
Last year, Oxbow only raced five times. He came seventh in a five and a half
furlong race at Saratoga. Following that, he ran three seven furlong races,
coming fourth in the one at Keeneland and third and first in the two at Churchill
Downs. Afterwards, he placed fourth in the CashCall Futurity.
He started this year's season with a victory in the LeComte Stakes.
Then he placed fourth in the Risen Star Stakes, second
in the Rebel Stakes,  fifth in the Arkansas Derby and
sixth in the Kentucky Derby.

Will Take Charge(photo credit)
Last year, Will Take Charge came fifth in a five and a half furlong
race at Saratoga before winning a seven furlong race at Keeneland.
Then he came thirteenth in the Kentucky Jockey Club. Next
he finished second in the Remington Springboard Mile.
This year, he won the Smarty Jones Stakes, came sixth in
the Southwest Stakes, then won the Rebel Stakes. He came eighth in
the Derby.

Mylute(photo credit)
Last year, Mylute began his career with third place in a five and half
furlong race at Churchill Downs. Then he came second in the
Praire Gold Juvenile, another five and half furlong race,
and first in a six furlong race at Arlington Park. After that
he came fifth and second, respectively, in the mile long  Arlington-Washington
Futurity and the Jean Lafitte Stakes. He then came third in the
Delta Downs Jackpot, first in a mile and seventy yards race,
seventh in the Risen Star Stakes, second in the Louisiana Derby,
and fifth in his most recent race, the Kentucky Derby.

Departing(photo credit)
Departing is one of the three horses entering in the Preakness
that never made it to the Derby. He raced only once last year,
coming first in a six furlong race. This year, he came first
in a one mile and seventy yards long race, and in the mile long
Texas Heritage race. After that, he came third in the Louisiana
Derby. In his most recent race, the Illinois Derby, he finished first.
His sire and dam are War Front and Leave.

Titletown Five(photo credit)
Titletown Five never raced in the Derby. Maybe it is because he has
not won a single race this year. He did, however, come fourth in the Derby
Trial. He came ninth in this year's Louisiana Derby and
second in a six furlong race in Oakland. Last year, he was
luckier. He came second in a seven furlong race at Saratoga,
and fourth in a five furlong race also at Saratoga. Before that,
he came third in a four and a half furlong race at Churchill.
His sire and dam are Tiznow and D'Wildcat Speed.

Goldencents(photo credit)
Goldencents is the type of horse that takes and early
lead and tries to hold it wire to wire. However, he
failed in the Kentucky Derby and placed 17th,
with only two horses behind him. Most of his races
have been done in California. He placed first
in both the Sham Stakes and Santa Anita Derby
at Santa Anita, but came fourth in the
san Felipe Stakes, also at Santa Anita.
In 2012, he came first in the Delta Downs Jackpot
at Delta Downs and in a five and a half furlong
race at Del Mar. His only race besides the Derby
outside of California was the Foxwoods
Champagne, at Belmont.

Orb(photo credit)
Orb has an excellent percentage of wins. All of them
are at distances over a mile, which greatly affects his chances
of being a Triple Crown winner. Three of his races are
at Gulfstream, in the Florida Derby and the
Fountain of Youth, while the other is at
Aqueduct. He has place third in a
seven furlong race, and fourth in a six and a half furlong race and
in a one mile race at Belmont. And, of course, is his incredible
win in the Derby. It was amazing to see him zip from last to
first place in the mile and a quarter race to win by
two and a half lengths.

Whirlaway: Three-year-old Season

 Whirlaway returned to the track in 1941. In his two races before the Kentucky Derby, he bore to the outside, afraid of the inner rail, which cost him the races. Because of that, Ben Jones trained him at home by running him between the rail and another horse. This may have made all the difference in the Derby.

 Equipped with a modified one-eye blinker and an experienced jockey, Eddie Arcaro, Whirlaway ran a somewhat straight line, winning by eight lengths and running 2:01 2/5, a new track record. Then rumors that Whirlaway had been using drugs began to spread. Even the usually calm Ben Jones was angry at the serious accusations.

Whirlaway in the Kentucky Derby winner's circle(credit).

 Nevertheless, Whirlaway proved himself in the Preakness Stakes. He was far behind the other horses after leaving the gate, and it seemed that he would not win. Then he made his move. He sped down the backstretch, passing every single horse for a win of five and a half lengths. It was incredibly breathtaking.

 By the time the Belmont Stakes rolled along, people were scared of Whirlaway's bursts of speed, so only a field of four horses ran that day. Whirlaway's three challengers tried to upset his strategy by setting a slow pace early on, but Eddie Arcaro had anticipated that, and cruised along right past them. He became Calumet Farm's first of two Triple Crown winners(see Citation).

 Whirlaway won several races after that. He beat Market Wise in the Dwyer Stakes, then won the American Derby, the Travers Stakes, defeated War Relic in the Saranac Handicap, and won the Lawrence Realization.

 However, oddly enough, the best race of his career is considered Jockey Club Gold Cup. He and Market Wise had battled throughout the race at a tremendous pace, until Market Wise finally won by a nose, setting a new American record of 3:20 2/5 in the process.

 Near the end of the 1941 season, Whirlaway was sent to the west cost to race there, but the bombing of Pearl Harbor cut the season to and abrupt end. He couldn't return home right away, because World War II travel restrictions. It wasn't until March the next year that he could finally leave.

 Despite the restrictions, he was still successful, and was named 1941 Horse of the Year and Champion Three-Year-Old Colt.

Whirlaway: Two-year-old Season

 On April 2, 1938, Whirlaway, a chestnut colt with a beautiful tail, was born out of of Dustwhirl on Calumet Farms. His sire Blenheim II, was a Thoroughbred from England. Blenheim II had won the Epsom Derby in 1930.

 Ironically, another foal who shared the same markings had born around the same time. Trainer Ben Jones and his son JImmy had a hard time telling the two apart until they finally began training.

 Jimmy claimed that Whirlaway "gave the impression of being tireless, able to gallop all day if we didn't stop him." Unfortunately, with his gift of stamina came a rather unpleasant trait: he had trouble running in a strait line, and would zigzag around the track when he was in the lead. Consequently, he barely won his first, which took place on June 3, 1940, though he was the superior horse.

 Whirlaway was not only the most promising colt that year horse, but also the most difficult to train. Because of this, Ben Jones focused his attention on Whirlaway while his son trained the other horses.

Whirlaway standing beside
Ben Jones, his trainer(photo credit).

 In the Arlington Futurity, jockey Johnny Longden tried unsuccessful to get Whirlaway to run in a straight like other horses do. As a result, the pair placed third behind a horse called Swain. He had a little more luck in the U.S. Hotel Stakes, this time placing third. Then disaster happened.

 In the Saratoga Special, when Whirlaway was continue his usual zigzags, he crashed into the outer rail, winning despite his injuries.

 Ben Jones called Whirlaway the dumbest horse he had trained, but he knew that he was also the fastest, so he spent time with the horse to break him of his bad habits. Even turf write Bill Corum had faith in The Flying Tail(name for his bushy tail), and predicted the he would win that year's Hopeful and Futurity Stakes, as well as the next year's Triple Crown.

 True the prediction, Whirlaway won the Hopeful Stakes, but not with out injury. While on the track, a piece of debris flew into his eye, yet he continued despite the injury, proving that he had the heart to win.

However, he had to leave the track for two months while veterinarians and eye specialists treated the eye, finally managing to save it. Once he had returned, he won the Breeders' Futurity in Keeneland, followed by the Walden Stakes at Pimlico.

 By that time, he had become the season's top money winner, and shared the title of Two-year-old Champion with Our Boots.

War Admiral: Four-Year-Old Season

 In 1938, War Admiral returned to the track with a victory in the McLennon Memorial Handicap. Then he raced in the Widener Handicap, carrying 130 pounds, yet coming second to a horse weighted only 104 pounds.

  Racings fans raved about organizing a match race for War Admiral and Seabiscuit. Finally, after much disputing, it was decided that the two would race in Belmont Park on Memorial Day for a purse of $100,000, the biggest of any match race to this day. However, Seabiscuit scratched six days before due to leg injury.

 So War Admiral went to the Queen's County Handicap instead, and defeated the great horse Snark by a length. For some reason, he failed to go the post in the Suburban Handicap, supposedly because he would have to give four pounds to his rival, Pompoon.

 Ironically, Pompoon didn't even how up at the Suburban Stakes, and went to the Massachusetts Handicap instead, failing to place for the first time of his career.

War Amiral, too, wasn't doing so well. The right forefoot that he had injured back in the Belmont Stakes was bothering him. Consequently, lost to Snark, drawing a lot of attention from his fans. However, he was back in tiptop form in the Wilson Stakes, winning by eight lengths, despite the muddy track.

He then raced in the Saratoga Handicap, beat Esposa, the mare he had defeated in his previous race, by a neck. Despite her losses, Esposa tried and failed to beat War Admiral in the Whitney Stakes and the Saratoga Cup. She at least managed to place second. After that, War Admiral won by three lengths in the two mile long Jockey Club Gold Cup.

 Meanwhile, Seabiscuit was winning in the west, and had just won the Hollywood Gold Cup.

Then, the public thought it was high time that the two heroes, Seabiscuit and War Admiral, had their long-awaited match race. This time, however, it would be in the Pimlico Special, and the purse a scant $15,00 compared to the $100,000 they had been offered at Belmont. Even so, the two sportingly raced.

 They didn't use starting gates, since War Admiral despised them. The race was finally decided to be a mile and three-sixteenths, since both horses had won a that distance before, and the two carried 120 pounds each.

After two false starts, the race was on. Seabiscuit then used an unusually strategy: instead of coming from behind, he took and early lead, followed closely by War Admiral. The two battled into the homestretch, with Seabiscuit the victor by four lengths.

 War Admiral then went on to win his last race of the season, the Rhode Island Handicap, and Seabiscuit was named Horse of the Year.

 War Admiral raced only once as a five-year-old. He defeated Pasteurized, the 1938 Belmont Stakes winner, before an injured ankle brought an abrupt end to his racing career.

 He retired to stud at Faraway Farm before being moved to Hamburg Place in 1958. He sired many champions, as well as successful broodmares. One of his daughters is Busher, the mare who had beat Calumet Farm's champion Armed in the Washington Park Handicap, and was named 1945 Horse of Year. Another example is Busanda, winner of several stake races, including the 1951 Suburban Handicap.She is a two-time winner of the Saratoga Gold Cup. Among her offspring is Buckpasser, 1966 Horse of the Year.