After the Wire - 9/30/2012

Evan recaps the Jockey Club Gold Cup, Beldame, and Awesome Again Stakes from the weekend.

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Ten Grade 1s on tap Saturday

You missed the worst million-dollar race I have ever seen (the Pennsylvania Derby), and one of the best races with a four-horse field that I can remember (Questing vs. My Miss Aurelia in the Cotillion).

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Beldame: Havre de Grace Destroys Royal Delta

Havre de Grace made a decisive case for favoritism in next month's Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), as she annihilated Royal Delta and three others in the $350,000 Beldame Invitational (gr. I) Oct. 1 at muddy Belmont Park.

Uncle Mo Turns in Blistering Half-Mile

With owner Mike Repole and trainer Todd Pletcher watching, 2010 juvenile champion Uncle Mo blazed four furlongs in a bullet :46.57 over Belmont Park's training track for his next start in the one-mile Kelso Handicap (gr. II).

Is Havre de Grace the BC Classic Favorite?

The latest odds say otherwise, but she certainly belongs in the mix

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Blind Luck Nears Work; Beldame a Possibility

Blind Luck, who hasn't recorded an official work since Aug. 17, is expected to breeze Sept. 7 at Hollywood Park, co-owner and trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said.

Awesome Maria Much the Best in Ogden Phipps

Awesome Maria remained perfect in four starts in 2011 and notched her first grade I win when she kicked away in the stretch to post an easy victory in the $250,000 Ogden Phipps Handicap June 18 at Belmont Park.

Rachel Alexandra's 1st Mating One for History

Mahubah's Corner columnist Avalyn Hunter reflects on the broodmare records of Rachel Alexandra's historic peers -- the four other 3-year-old filly Horses of the Year.

Life At Ten Rebounds With Beldame Romp

Life At Ten, who was beaten soundly by Persistently and the recently retired Rachel Alexandra last out, rebounded convincingly in the $350,000 Beldame Stakes (gr. I), romping to an easy victory Oct. 2 at Belmont Park.

Beldame: Life At Ten to Start Another Streak

Life At Life At Ten, who had a six-race win streak stopped in the Personal Ensign Stakes (gr. I) in her last start, will take on the Personal Ensign winner and four other rivals in the Beldame Stakes Oct. 2.

Guaranteed Grade I Pick 4 at Belmont Oct. 2

The New York Racing Association has announced a special "$500,000 Guaranteed All Grade I Pick 4" on the Belmont Park race card for Saturday, Oct. 2.

Belmont to Take Advance Wagers on the Arc

Belmont Park will take advance wagers Oct. 2 on the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and other group I undercard races, which will be run at Longchamp Oct. 3.

Beldame Next on Agenda for Persistently

Phipps Stable's Persistently appeared well the morning after her one-length upset victory over reigning Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra in Aug. 29, grade I, $300,000 Personal Ensign Invitational.

ITBOF Announces 2009 Champions

Daniel Sullivan, president of the Illinois Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Foundation, announced that Giant Oak has been selected its 2009 Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old male.

Champion Owner: Godolphin Racing

Maktoum family stable owner of seven U.S. grade I winners in 2009 including Flashing, Gayego, Music Note, Pyro, Seventh Street, and Vale of York

Serenading Sings Winning Tune in Falls City

John and Glen Sikura's Serenading drew away from Morena in midstretch to win the the $160,950 Falls City Handicap (gr. II) by three lengths on Thanksgiving Day at Churchill Downs.

Unbridled Belle, 'Temper Clash in Falls City

Grade I stakes winners Unbridled Belle and Swift Temper will carry top weight of 122 pounds apiece when they take on four rival fillies and mares in the Thanksgiving Day $150,000 Falls City Handicap (gr. II) at Churchill Downs Nov. 26.

Music Note Back in Ladies Classic as Favorite

Godolphin's Music Note was third in the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic last year. Careless Jewel, second choice at 2-1, is on the rail.

Cocoa Beach, Music Note are 'Dangerous Duo'

Cocoa Beach and Music Note have been here before. In 2008, at the end of long campaigns, they were still able to finish second and third, respectively, to Zenyatta in the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (gr. I) at Santa Anita.

Unbridled Belle Booked to Medaglia d'Oro

Multiple graded stakes winner Unbridled Belle will race once more and then be retired. She will be bred to top young sire Medaglia d'Oro.

Unbridled Belle Rings True in 'Alarm

Unbridled Belle, as expected, made her final start in New York a winning one, drawing off to an easy four-length victory as the prohibitive choice in the $109,000 Turnback the Alarm Handicap (gr. III) at Aqueduct Oct. 31.

Ladies Classic Has Appeal Even Minus Zenyatta

Rachel Alexandra isn't coming and Zenyatta is leaning to the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I). However, anyone who believes that doesn't leave much for the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (gr. I) needs to think again.

Unbridled Belle Says Goodbye to NY in 'Alarm

Millionaire mare Unbridled Belle, who has competed in some of New York's premier stakes races over the past four seasons, makes her final start in the Big Apple as the heavy favorite in the $100,000 Turnback the Alarm Handicap (gr. III) at Aqueduct Oct. 31.

Weekend Results Help Shape Godolphin's Plans

Last weekendfs racing helped to clarify the Breedersf Cup picture for runners from Godolphin Racing, including Gayago, Girolamo, and Cocoa Beach.

Countdown to the Cup: Beyond the Sea...a Bird

If Sea the Stars does not make the trip to California, which seems more likely than not, and joins Rachel Alexandra on the absentee list, it will create a void never before seen in the Breeders' Cup.