The Suburban and the Great Geldings

The Suburban and the Great Geldings

Joseph Di Rienzi
June 26, 2017

The Suburban Handicap is a venerable race for horses three years and older. It was inaugurated in 1884 and on July 8, 2017 will have its 131^st renewal at Belmont Park. Contested at 1¼ mile (except in 1975 and 1976), the Suburban, run usually around Independence Day, was for much of the 20^th century the handicap race, testing champions and major runners by requiring them to carry added weight over their opponents to make the races more competitive. The cavalcade of winners lists some of the legends of American thoroughbred racing such as Equipoise, Assault, Tom Fool, Nashua, Bold Ruler, Buckpasser, Dr. Fager and Easy Goer. In this piece, I would like to focus on two extraordinary geldings, Kelso and Forego, who, in total, ran in the Suburban nine times. They did not win the Suburban regularly (only three wins among them), but each time they carried excessive weight and did their breed proud.

Kelso and Forego raced in different decades with the former in the 1960’s and the latter in the 1970’s. They were both late developers in that their full potential was not realized until the latter part of their three year-old season. Both Kelso and Forego were owned by women who were not afraid to run their horses underweight penalties displaying the true sporting nature that seems so lacking in the contemporary fear of losing stature and monetary value.

Kelso, a son of the brilliantly fast Your Host, was a 1957 foal owned and bred by Mrs. Richard C. du Pont (at Claiborne Farm in Paris, Kentucky) and raced in the name of Bohemia Stable. Gelded before he ever became a racehorse, Kelso was not an impressive physical specimen. He was long and thin with dark bay or brown coat. In the field or the walking ring, he did not give the appearance of anything special. When he was in competition, this impression changed dramatically. He had the perfect racing style as a stalker who could sustain a drive for as long as they ran races in America.

                                                               
                                                                            

Kelso
(www.spiletta.com)

As a two year-old, Kelso won once in three starts with two placings without competing in stakes races. In his sophomore year, Kelso was turned over to veteran Carl Hanford to train. He did not make his first start till June 22, 1960, but he quickly showed his brilliance winning several stakes and capping the year with an American track record performance in the 2 mile Jockey Club Gold Cup. Incredibly, he won this race in five consecutive years.  For his efforts, Kelso was voted both 1960 Three Year-old Champion and Horse of the Year.

Kelso’s first attempt at the Suburban Handicap was in 1961. The reigning Horse of the Year had waited till May to begin his four year-old season with an allowance win at Belmont Park. This led to his first major race, the Metropolitan Handicap, where he was asked to carry 130 lb. In a thrilling finish, Kelso ran down All Hands for a neck victory while conceding 13 lb. in the 1 mile contest. Racing at Belmont Park in the Whitney Stakes again carrying 130 lb., he finished a head behind Our Hope (who carried 111 lb.), but he was repeatedly bumped on the rail and was subsequently awarded the victory. In his first Suburban Handicap carrying 133 lb., Kelso dominated the race winning by 5 lengths over Nickel Boy (112 lb.). In the Brooklyn Handicap, the finale of the New York Handicap Triple Series at Aqueduct Racetrack, Kelso burdened with 136 lb. ran down Divine Comedy (118 lb.) with Yorky (122) third. Winning the Met, the Suburban, and the Brooklyn in the same year was considered quite a feat as up to this point it had been accomplished by only two other horses, Whisk Broom II (1913) and Tom Fool (1953).  At year’s end Kelso was named Champion Older Male Horse and Horse of the Year (again).

Kelso returned as a five year-old in 1962, but he had a more difficult time asserting his leadership of the division. He made his first start in the Metropolitan Mile under 133 lb. and was not ready finishing a poor sixth to Carry Back, the previous year’s three year-old champion and Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner, who set a new track record in the Met while getting 10 lb. from Kelso.

Kelso regrouped with a win in an allowance race and met Carry Back again in the Suburban Handicap with the former carrying 132 lb. and the latter 126 lb. But there would be a new adversary for both trained by soon to be legendary Allen Jerkens in Hobeau Farm’s Beau Purple. He came into the Suburban with the reputation of a speedy but erratic racehorse. What no one but Allen Jerkens seemed to know was that if left alone on the lead, Beau Purple’s courage would increase and his pedigree would carry him as far as racehorses needed to travel. Weighted at 115 lb. in the Suburban, Beau Purple set a moderate pace and met the challenge of Kelso winning by 2½ lengths in new track record time at Aqueduct with Carry Back finishing last. In all Kelso and Beau Purple would split 3 and 3 in head to head competition. However, Kelso’s fall campaign would net him additional Horse of the Year and Champion Older Male awards.

Now six years-old, the three-time Horse of the Year began 1963 in Florida with victories in the Seminole and Gulfstream Park Handicaps and a second (to old rival) Beau Purple in the Widener Handicap. On the way to his home base in New York, Kelso stopped off at Bowie Racetrack to run in the 8½ furlong John B. Campbell where he carried (131 lb.) and beat four year-old Crimson Satan (124) by ¾ of a length. Kelso skipped the Metropolitan Handicap but won the Nassau County Stakes easily under 132 lb. He then won his second Suburban (133 lb.) by 1¼ lengths over Saidam (111 lb.). Finishing the year in fine style, the brown gelding garnished his fourth Horse of the Year and third Champion Older Male awards.

In the first half of 1964, Kelso seemed to be showing his age (seven). Slowed by an injury in Florida over the winter, his connections thought he should have a California beginning to his campaign. He started in the Los Angeles Handicap and finished eighth to another transplanted New Yorker, Greentree Stable’s Cyrano, the previous year’s winner of the Met Mile. His next effort was not much better as he finished sixth behind longshot Mustard Plaster in the Californian Stakes. In both these races, he was conceding significant weight to his opponents, but his losses can be more attributed to the hard surface at Hollywood Park.

Returning to the friendly (for Kelso) confines of New York, he won an allowance race at Aqueduct under 136 lb. as a prep for the Suburban Handicap.  Kelso carrying 131 lb. in the Suburban and facing Rex C. Ellsworth’s Olden Times (128 lb.) and Cain Hoy Stable’s Iron Peg (116 lb.). The latter was a returnee from an unsuccessful career in England who had won his first three U. S. starts all by open lengths. The Suburban was a scorcher as Iron Peg, having stalked Olden Times, took over in deep stretch and withstood Kelso’s charge to win by a diminishing head. Despite losing, it was clear from his performance that Kelso was still the horse others would have to overcome to assume the leadership of the older horse division. In the end, Kelso would defend his Champion Older Male title and win the Horse of the Year Award for the fifth time.

Kelso did race in 1965, but due to a late June start he did not run in that year’s running of the Suburban Handicap. He would be stopped by injuries before he could mount his traditional fall surge, and after a single start as a nine year-old in 1966 at Hialeah Racetrack, he was sent home to Mrs. du Pont's Woodstock Farm in Chesapeake City, Maryland.

Forego was born in 1970 in the same crop as Meadow Stable’s immortal Secretariat and foaled at Claiborne Farm (just as Kelso). He was bred and owned by Mrs. Martha Farish Gerry and raced under the colors of Lazy F. Ranch. For the first part of his career he was trained by Sherrill W. Ward and then after his retirement, Frank Whiteley Jr. took over as Forego’s conditioner. Unraced as a two year-old and gelded because of his size, temperament and ankle problems that would persist through his entire career, Forego was a dark bay son of Argentinian champion Forli (Arg) out of the mare Lady Golconda by Hasty Road.

                                                                       

Forego
(www.spilletta.com)

                                                             

                                                                                                                                 
  Beginning with a fourth in a maiden race at Hialeah, he reeled off two wins in 6 furlong races. Playing catch up with his sophomore contemporaries in 1973, he placed in stakes leading up to the Kentucky Derby and was given a legitimate chance due to his obvious speed and class. The best Forego could finish was fourth as Secretariat set the track record for the Derby that still stands. For most of the rest of Forego’s sophomore year, he was known as the best race horse in the U. S. not to win a stake race. That dubious honor changed in late fall when he was victorious in the both the Discovery and Roamer Handicaps showing an ability to win despite carrying additional weight.

In 1974 Forego started his four year-old campaign in Florida and quickly established himself as the leading older horse on the East Coast winning the Donn, Gulfstream Park and Widener Handicaps with Darby Dan Farm’s doughty True Knight finishing second each time. A study in physical contrasts between the gigantic Forego and the diminutive True Knight, they, nonetheless, were great competitors.

Back in New York, Forego won the 7 furlong Carter Handicap defeating ace sprinter Mr. Prospector and then in the Met Mile, Forego at 134 lb. was unable to hold off 60-1 outsider, Arbees Boy (112 lb.) who caught Forego and pulled away to a 2 length victory. In 1974, the Suburban Handicap was run later in the summer, and Forego, in between the Met and the Suburban, had finished second in the Nassau County Handicap and won the Brooklyn Handicap (defeating True Knight again). In his first try at the Suburban, Forego carried 131 lb. to True Knight’s 127 lb. True Knight rallied from some 20 lengths off the pace to swoop by Forego and Plunk (114 lb.). At the finish, True Knight was 1½ lengths in front of Plunk who bested Forego by a head. This was the first time in five races that True Knight had finished in front of Forego. However, by year’s end, Forego has established himself as the best horse in the U. S. and won Eclipse Awards as Champion Older Male Horse, Sprinter and Horse of the Year.

Forego followed the same path in 1975 as in the previous year on the way for a second try at the Suburban. Starting with a successful beginning in Florida, albeit with a reoccurrence of his ankle injury which forced him to miss a race, he won the Carter Handicap (under 134 lb.) and finished third in the Metropolitan Handicap under a crushing 136 lb. to Gold and Myrrh (122 lb.) and Stop the Music (124 lb.). Carrying 132 lb., Forego won the 1¼ mile Brooklyn Handicap running down Monetary Principle (109 lb.) to win by 1½ lengths breaking the Belmont Park track record.

The Suburban Handicap was stretched out to 1½ miles, to make the finale of the New York Handicap Triple more interesting, and Forego was assigned a hefty 134 lb. Demonstrating the courage and will that defines the best in the breed, Forego fought off old nemesis Arbees Boy (118 lb.) to win by a head. At the end of the year, Forego won again Eclipse Awards for Older Male Horse and Horse of the Year.

In 1976, Forego, the two time defending Horse of the Year, was now trained by Frank Whiteley, Jr. after the long time conditioner for Lazy F. Ranch, Sherrill Ward, had to step down due to ill health. Recovering from ankle problems, Forego wintered at Whiteley’s training base in Aiken, South Carolina and then was sent to New York to start his six year-old season in the late spring. Forego returned to the races in the latter part of May with a comfortable win in an allowance race at Belmont Park that served as a springboard to the Metropolitan Handicap. In a race that eluded him the previous two years, Forego was assigned 130 lb. in the six horse field and faced last year’s Preakness winner, Master Derby (126 lb.) and Lord Rebeau (119 lb.). Coming from next to last in the one mile race, Forego struck the lead in deep stretch over Master Derby, and in a tight finish, the massive gelding prevailed by a head.

Forego, as he had done previously, tuned up for the Suburban by running next in the Nassau County Handicap which he won easily, carrying 132 lb. The Suburban Handicap was run next in the New York Handicap Triple Series, this time at 9½ furlongs at Aqueduct. The 1976 renewal had a four horse field: Forego (134 lb.), 1975 Kentucky Derby winner, Foolish Pleasure (125 lb.), Lord Rebeau (115 lb.) and longshot Gorgo (115 lb.). With a moderate pace that worked against Forego’s closing thrust, a thrilling finish found three horses noses apart with Foolish Pleasure, first, Forego, second and Lord Rebeau third.

With a slight adjustment in the weights, the three faced each other again in the 1¼ mile Brooklyn Handicap which attracted eight entries. This time the pace was faster, and Forego (134 lb.) could launch his bid from off the pace more effectively. He collared Lord Rebeau (114 lb.) at the top of the stretch and drew away to a 2 length win. Foolish Pleasure (126 lb.), rallied mildly to finish third, 4½ lengths back. Highlighted by a dramatic win in the Marlboro Cup Handicap carrying 137 lb. with now regular rider William Shoemaker, Forego won, for the third time, Eclipse Awards for best Older Male and Horse of the Year.  

Forego, now seven, wintered well and returned to the races in 1977, just like he did the previous year with a deceptively easy ½ length win in an allowance race. In the Met Mile, Forego at 133 lb. faced twelve rivals. Running his customary race from well back, Forego swept by all to win going away by 2 lengths over Co Host (111 lb.) with Full Out (115 lb.), third 2 lengths back. In the last four renewals of the Met, Forego had won twice and finished second twice.  

After the Met Mile, Forego, following last year’s script, ran next in the Nassau County Handicap at Belmont Park, and under 136 lb. surged from off the pace to defeat Co Host (110 lb.) by a ½ length with Norcliffe (117 lb.), third, a neck behind. As can be seen, the weight differentials were getting absurd. Carrying a career high of 138 lb. in the back to 1¼ mile distance Suburban, he failed by a neck in catching Quiet Little Table (114 lb.) with three year-old Nearly On Time (104 lb.) another neck away. The winner tracked runaway pacesetter Nearly On Time for most of the race. Taking the lead in the final furlong, Quiet Little Table held on as Forego closed while drifting way out towards the outer rail. In the final race in New York’s Handicap Triple, the 1½ mile Brooklyn Handicap, Forego finished an uncharacteristically weak second (beaten 11 lengths), albeit carrying 137 lb., to the stayer Great Contractor (112 lb.). Forego, despite suffering one of the largest losses in his storied career, was cheered. Over the last four years, he competed in twelve of the New York Handicap Triple races, always under top weight while winning six, four times second and twice third. This is a record for the ages. 

Forego was able to win his fourth consecutive Eclipse Award for Older Male with a powerful victory in the Woodward Handicap in the fall, but injuries prevented him from racing further in 1977. (The Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year went to the Triple Crown hero, Tayhill Farm’s Seattle Slew.)

Forego had one last fling at the Suburban as an eight year-old in 1978.  Running on bad legs, he won an allowance race to start the year as a prep for the Suburban. Forego weighted at 132 lb., faced major winner Cox’s Ridge (130 lb.). Also in the field was Upper Nile (113 lb.), a four year-old son of Nijinsky II (Can) owned by Rokeby Stable. Run on a sloppy track, both Forego and Cox’s Ridge were unplaced, finishing fifth and sixth, respectively. Upper Nile was victorious by 1½ lengths over plucky Nearly On Time (109 lb.) with Great Contractor (114 lb.), 2¼ lengths further back. In the aftermath, Mrs. Martha Gerry, mistress of Lazy F. Ranch, decided that Forego’s racing career had come to an end and he was retired to the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. What we are left with is the legacy of the greatest weight carrying champion of modern times.

In all the two great geldings, Kelso and Forego, ran in the Suburban Handicap nine times. Their collective record was three wins, four seconds, one third and one unplacing. They carried weight that varied from 131 – 138 lb., averaging 133 lb.; an amazing feat that almost seems mythical by today’s standards. It is a great testimony to the sportsmanship of their owners, Allaire du Pont and Martha Gerry, the persistence of their trainers, Carl Hanford, Sherrill Ward and Frank Whiteley, and the courage of these mighty steeds – Kelso and Forego.

Woody's Five Belmont Straight

Woody’s Five Belmont Straight

Joseph Di Rienzi

4 May 2017

In the storied history of the Triple Crown series, there are few greater training achievements than what was accomplished by Woodford Cefis Stephens from 1982 to 1986. Woody, as he was known, was a native born Kentuckian who had established by the latter half of the 20^th century one of the more powerful thoroughbred racing stables on the East Coast. He was no stranger to Triple Crown success having won the Preakness Stakes in 1952 with Blue Man and the Kentucky Derby (the 100^th renewal) with Cannonade in 1974. But what would put him in the record books was the singular achievement of having horses trained by him win the Belmont Stakes for five consecutive years. In this piece, I will discuss the horses and events leading up to each Belmont Stakes from 1982 through 1986.

Woody Stephens
                                        (gettyimages)                                          

The first two classics of 1982 were inconclusive in establishing a three year-old leader. The Kentucky Derby was won by a longshot, Arthur Hancock and Leone J. Peters’ Gato Del Sol. He subsequently skipped the Preakness Stakes to await the Belmont. Christiana Stable’s Linkage who would have been favored in the Derby, if he ran, was upset in the Preakness by Nathan Scherr’s Aloma’s Ruler.

After the Preakness, both Aloma’s Ruler and Linkage moved on to the Belmont Stakes to face Gato Del Sol. However, there was another horse stirring in the shadows that would create a whirlwind in the next three weeks. Henyrk de Kwiatkowski’s Conquistador Cielo, a racy bay son of Mr. Prospector, bought as a yearling at Saratoga for $150,000, had ended his juvenile year after suffering an injury in finishing a close fourth in the Sanford Stakes at Saratoga. Trained by Woody Stephens, he finished third in a 7 furlong allowance race at Hialeah in February. Then, he was an impressive winner of a similar race 10 days later by 4 lengths. Delayed by a minor injury, Conquistador Cielo ran in what had previously been called the Preakness Prep a week prior to Pimlico’s signature race and came from just off the pace to win by 3 lengths in the 8½ furlong contest. Withheld from the Preakness, Stephens shipped his colt back to Belmont Park when he ran in a 1 mile allowance race for three years and older and stunned the field with an 11 length win in very fast time.

Stephens, realizing what he had in his barn, entered Conquistador Cielo less than two weeks later in the Metropolitan Handicap facing mostly older horses. The New York racegoers saw his form and despite his lack of seasoning made Conquistador Cielo the post time favorite. Under regular jockey Eddie Maple, the son of Mr. Prospector put on a show, racing with the early pace and easily pulling away for a 7¼ length victory. The time for the mile was a new track record, faster than Bald Eagle, Kelso, Bold Lad, Buckpasser and Forego ever ran in their respective Met Mile victories. The buzz in the winner’s circle was the idea of entering Conquistador Cielo in the Belmont Stakes even though it was only five days away. After some thought, owner de Kwiatkowski, an expansive and enterprising personality, gave the go ahead, and Woody Stephens, taking a page from trainer Elliot Burch’s playbook who with his three Belmont Stakes winners had won the Met Mile twice with the other runner finishing second, recognized a Met Mile – Belmont double was not without precedent.

Eleven horses entered the Belmont, and the race had all the prime contenders in Derby winner Gato Del Sol, Preakness winner Aloma’s Ruler, unlucky Preakness loser Linkage and the unknown factor, Conquistador Cielo. The handsome colt’s Met Mile win was off the charts, but the prevailing question, was he too “speedy” with Mr. Prospector and Bold Ruler (through his dam’s sire) in his bloodlines to handle the 1½ mile distance. A pace duel with Aloma’s Ruler, seemed likely, compromising both their chances. Adding to the drama, Eddie Maple, Conquistador Cielo’s rider was injured in a fall at Belmont the day before and could not ride. Woody Stephens made a phone call late in the day to California to secure the services of Laffit Pincay, Jr. After some travel complications, Pincay managed to get to Belmont Park (via Boston) on the morning of the race to ride a horse he had never seen in the Belmont Stakes.

The public settled on Linkage as the favorite, although there were also questions about his stamina. Conquistador Cielo was the second choice and Gato Del Sol the third favorite. A sloppy racetrack on Belmont Day may have played in “Cielo’s” favor, although he had no previous off track experience. As the field left the starting gate, Aloma’s Ruler tried to gain the lead, but he was outsprinted, first by longshot Anemal to his inside, then by Conquistador Cielo racing very wide around the clubhouse turn. Once the leaders straightened out on the backstretch, Conquistador Cielo secured the lead and set credible fractions. His first challenge came from High Ascent who ranged up on the inside. That was easily repelled and, as Cielo extended his lead around the sweeping far turn, Linkage became his closest pursuer. However, the chase was futile, for just as in the Met Mile, Conquistador Cielo was soaring as the name, “Conqueror of the Sky”, implies. He easily pulled away to an astounding margin, that, if visions of Secretariat’s Belmont win in 1973 had faded from memory, this would have been the most dominant Belmont win in recent history. Some 14 lengths behind the flying “Conquistador” was Gato Del Sol who rallied to be second, 4 lengths ahead of Illuminate who had 3¾ lengths ahead of Linkage.  Aloma’s Ruler, who dropped out of contention early, finished ninth. The time was good, considering the sloppy conditions, and everyone at Belmont was convinced they saw an exceptional performance by a brilliant colt. Owner de Kwiatkowski and trainer Stephens were justly rewarded by their courage in running back so quickly, and jockey Pincay had won his first classic race. (For de Kwiatkowski, this Belmont victory would be the first of two. For Woody Stephens, this was the beginning of one of the most incredible streaks in Triple Crown history.)

Conquistador Cielo
(www.horseracingnation.com)

                                                         

 The classic picture in 1983 was just as unfocused as 1982 as the Belmont Stakes approached. The Kentucky Derby winner, David J. Foster’s Sunny’s Halo, who had finished sixth in the Preakness Stakes avoided the Belmont Stakes due to his trainer’s aversion to racing in New York, which at that time prohibited race day medication. However, the Preakness winner, Maryland bred Deputed Testamony [sic] owned by Francis Sears and trained by William Boniface, Jr. was in the fifteen horse field. Favoritism went to Equusequity Stable’s Slew o’ Gold, a tall sculptured son of Seattle Slew out of the mare Alluvial, making him a half-brother to 1979 Belmont Stakes winner Coastal. He had finished a good fourth in the Kentucky Derby and had tuned up for the Belmont with an eye catching victory in the Peter Pan Stakes. Woody Stephen’s entry was Caveat, another Maryland, bred who had made a strong impression with a dramatic close from far back to finish second in the Kentucky Derby. Just like Slew o’ Gold, Caveat had bypassed the Preakness but had won an allowance race impressively against older horses in his Belmont prep.

In an unorthodox renewal of the Belmont, Au Point, went right to the lead and set credible fractions with Slew o’ Gold, in closest pursuit followed by Deputed Testamony. Angel Cordero, unable to restrain his mount, allowed Slew o’ Gold to range up alongside Au Point increasing the tempo of the race. Meanwhile, Laffitt Pincay, who had Caveat initially far back, was making good progress along the inside, so that by the time the field was sweeping around the Belmont final turn, Caveat was just behind the leaders on the inside. At the top of the stretch, Slew o’ Gold moved the lead and Au Point, who had blocked Caveat’s path, abruptly tired, allowing Pincay to drive his mount through the opening. Once free, Caveat surged to the front readily passing Slew o’ Gold to win by 3½ lengths with the latter gamely holding second by 1¾ lengths over Barberstown with Deputed Testamony in sixth. The time was good, but what was remarkable was that the first 10 furlongs were run in under 2 minutes with the fifth quarter in under 24 seconds, which I believe cost Slew o’ Gold the race. (He would show his affinity for the 1½ mile distance in winning the Jockey Club Gold Cup twice and be voted Champion three year-old in 1983 and Champion Older Horse the following year.)

Caveat’s victory represented continuity in racing as he was owned in a partnership that involved August Belmont IV (descendant of the racetrack’s founder), Robert Kirkham and breeder James Ryan (making Maryland breds victorious in two thirds of this year’s classics). Woody Stephens and Laffit Pincay were celebrating their second straight Belmont having won the previous year with Conquistador Cielo. Unfortunately for racing fans, Caveat came out of the Belmont with an injury that would ultimately force his retirement.      

                                                     

Caveat
(www.horseracingnation.com)

                                                 

In early 1984, Woody Stephens trained the two highest ranked sophomores. Hickory Tree Stable’s Devil’s Bag was the undefeated Two Year-old Champion of 1983 and considered a possible super horse. After a shocking defeat in the Flamingo Stakes, his career was carefully managed to avoid future losses. Sensing he was not at his best, Devil’s Bag was retired by his connections after winning the Derby Trial Stakes, a week before the Kentucky Derby. Woody Stephens’ other main hope was a sleek dark bay or brown son of Seattle Slew from a distinguished Claiborne Farm female family, named Swale. The dam, Tuerta, was sired by Argentinian super horse Forli, so the breeding represented a serious effort by the owners of Claiborne Farm (and their partners) at producing a classic racehorse. His two year-old season was marked by some narrow victories in several major races. Swale came to the forefront of the three year-old division winning the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park.

After a puzzling loss in the slop in the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland, Swale rebounded with a strong performance to win the Kentucky Derby by 3¼ lengths. The victory marked a long sought after goal of the Hancock’s of Claiborne Farm, the birthplace of so many outstanding thoroughbreds. Woody Stephens, who had contracted pneumonia during Derby Week, was miraculously present in the winner’s circle along with jockey Laffit Pincay. However, their Derby joy was tempered when Swale ran poorly in the Preakness, finishing seventh to Ken Opstein’s Gate Dancer who had been disqualified from fourth to fifth in the Derby.

The Belmont Stakes was viewed as the deciding race between the two classic winners, Swale and Gate Dancer. However, there was a great deal of uncertainty whether they would reproduce their best form, given the inconsistency of this classic group. By post time, astute New York bettors made Swale the clear favorite based on the win-lose-win rhythm of his campaign, and the handicapping assumption that being the only real speed in the race, Swale could control the pace.

Right on cue, Pincay sent the panther-like Swale to the lead, and, sure enough, they set a leisurely pace for the first 6 furlongs. Just behind Swale was longshot Minstrel Star and Play On with Angel Cordero keeping Gate Dancer closer to the pace than usual. Around the far turn, Play On and Gate Dancer tried to close ground on Swale, but Pincay kept his mount in front as the stamina in the colt’s pedigree was showing its influence. In the stretch, Swale continued to maintain a daylight margin as his strove to the finish winning by 4 comfortable lengths over late closing Pine Circle who was 3 lengths in front of Morning Bob. Gate Dancer, forced out of his best racing style, finished sixth. The time was good with Swale finishing the last ½ mile very strongly. Seth Hancock, President of Claiborne Farm and family received the Belmont trophy in the winner’s circle. For Woody Stephens (who had recovered from his illness) and Laffit Pincay, this was a Belmont “hat trick” as they both celebrated their third victory in a row in this classic. (For the record, Woody Stephens was the first trainer to accomplish this in almost 100 years. However, Mr. Stephens was not done with his Belmont Stakes streak.)

An incredibly sad endnote to the 1984 classic season occurred eight days after the Belmont Stakes when Swale, returning from a routine gallop to his barn, rolled over and was pronounced dead a short time later. Cardiac arrest was suspected, and after a thorough post-mortem examination, it was discovered the colt had a heart abnormality that might have led to his death. Many of the tragedies involving horses are hard to rationalize, but this may be the most inexplicable of all. The adage, “In horse racing the highs are very high and the lows are very low.”, has seldom been truer than in the case of Swale.

Swale
(www.pinterest.com)

                                                   

Woody’s main classic hope in 1985 was Henryk de Kwiatkowski’s Stephan’s Odyssey. In the first crop of the owner’s stallion Danzig, the bay colt, bred for distance, being out of a Gallant Man mare, had a short but successful juvenile season. After breaking his maiden at Belmont in October and finishing fourth in an allowance race, Stephan’s Odyssey was shipped to California, and after winning an prep race, he was victorious in the Hollywood Futurity. In Florida over the winter, he ran competitively with the best on the East Coast and went into the Kentucky Derby with a viable chance. However, he was unable to catch the runaway leader, Hunter Farm’s Spend a Buck, finishing second by 5¼ lengths. Skipping the Preakness Stakes, Stephens prepared Stephan’s Odyssey for a run at the Belmont.

However, Woody had another entry in the Belmont in Brushwood Stable’s Crème Fraiche. The gelded son of Rich Cream, who seemed to be designated as a “B” level horse, had run second consecutively in the Hutcheson, Swale and Everglades Stakes, and the Louisiana Derby. He broke that string in the Derby Trial rallying from off the pace for a ½ length victory on the muddy Churchill Downs surface.  Stephens, after some thought, did not enter this doughty warrior in the Kentucky Derby. Instead, Crème Fraiche, ran in the Jersey Derby where he faced Spend a Buck who had avoided the other Triple Crown races in order to capture a $2 million bonus by winning four New Jersey stakes races. In the 1¼ mile race, Spend a Buck, just had enough to hold off Crème Fraiche by a neck at the finish. 

On Belmont Day, a field of eleven was assembled on a muddy track surface. Last year’s Two Year-old Champion, Chief’s Crown, who had finished third in the Derby and second in the Preakness, was favored. However, the Woody Stephens’ entry of Stephan’s Odyssey and Crème Fraiche was a close second choice. (Besides, getting two legitimate contenders on one betting ticket, horse players were very aware of Stephens’ Belmont Stakes magic.) Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Klein’s Tank’s Prospect, who had narrowly defeated Chief’s Crown in the Preakness, was the third choice.

The pace was rapid with both Chief’s Crown and Tank’s Prospect taking mid-pack positions with the Stephens’ duo parked in the rear. Around the far turn as the leaders tired, Chief’s Crown launched his dependable bid while Tank’s Prospect lost ground suddenly and was pulled up lame. Meanwhile, Crème Fraiche on the outside and Stephan’s Odyssey on the rail were rallying strongly. At the top of the stretch, the two Stephens’ entrants sandwiched Chief’s Crown between them, and after a brief struggle, they pulled away from the juvenile champion. At the finish, Crème Fraiche bested Stephan’s Odyssey by a ½ length with Chief’s Crown 4½ lengths back in third. A gelding winning the Belmont is never good for the breed, but since Brushwood Farm owner, Elizabeth Moran was a major breeder, buyer and seller of horses, Crème Fraiche’s win was warmly received by the thoroughbred community. For Eddie Maple, who lost the mount on Conquistador Cielo due to injury on the eve of the 1982 Belmont and had been replaced on other occasions by Laffit Pincay, this victory was particularly satisfying. For Woody, well, the beat just kept going on with now four consecutive Belmont victories.    

Crème Fraiche
(www.pinterest.com
                                                                                                                                                            

Stephens’ Belmont Stakes horse for 1986 followed a similar path as Conquistador Cielo and Crème Fraiche in racing neither in the Kentucky Derby nor the Preakness Stakes. Henyrk de Kwiatkowski’s Danzig Connection was a rangy bay son of Danzig out of a Sir Ivor mare who as a two year-old rose out of allowance competition to win a minor stakes race (on a disqualification) and finish a close second in the Young America Stakes, both at the Meadowlands Racetrack. In the lead up to the Belmont Stakes, Woody Stephens, brought Danzig Connection back just in time. Beaten in his first two races against older allowance horses, the long-legged son of Danzig showed an improved effort in leading all the way to win the Peter Pan Stakes by a measured ¾ of a length.

The Kentucky Derby and the Preakness Stakes had been won by two California based runners who were frequent rivals. At Louisville, Mrs. Howard B. Keck’s Ferdinand trained by the “Bald Eagle” Charles Whittingham and ridden by Bill Shoemaker pulled an upset, while in the Preakness, Carl Grinstead and Ben Rochelle’s Snow Chief trained by Mel Stute, unplaced in the Derby, rebounded to defeat Ferdinand by 4 lengths. Snow Chief’s connections decided to forego the Belmont and shipped their colt back to California. The ten horse Belmont field did feature Ferdinand who was completing his participation in all three classics. The rains came on Belmont Day making the racetrack sloppy, and the public was uncertain of Ferdinand’s ability to handle the off going so they settled on the Derby second, Rampage, as the favorite. Danzig Connection, despite Woody Stephens’ Belmont win streak was fifth choice at 8-1. 

Mogambo, who was unplaced in the Derby, was sent to the lead followed by Danzig Connection. Ferdinand, a resolute one run horse, was positioned close by in third on the rail with John’s Treasure fourth just to his outside. The time for the first ½ mile was fast, but it slowed considerably with each passing ¼ of a mile. At the ½ mile pole, Chris McCarron on Danzig Connection went up to challenge Mogambo with Shoemaker on Ferdinand sensing he had to move earlier than he wanted, did so around the long far turn. In doing so, Shoemaker had to steady his colt a bit as John’s Treasure, also went after the leaders. Mogambo dropped back readily, but at the top of the stretch Danzig Connection, Ferdinand and John’s Treasure were three abreast in what promised to be a rousing duel to the finish. However, McCarron had not asked all from his mount, and, when he did, Danzig Connection spurted clear and finished with a 1¼ length margin of victory. In the battle for second, John’s Treasure edged Ferdinand by a neck.

So Woody Stephens kept his streak going now with five straight Belmonts. (There may have been no Triple Crown winner this year, but there was a triple of sorts in that Stephens was the third separate 70+ year-old trainer (along with Whittingham and Stute) to win a classic in 1986.) Owner Henryk de Kwiatokowski was at the beginning of Stephens’ streak with his Conquistador Cielo in 1982, but Chris McCarron was new to the classic victory party.

Danzig Connection
(www.horseracingnation)

                                             

 As a postscript, Woody Stephens’ Belmont Stakes streaked ended in 1987 when trainee, Hickory Tree Stable’s Gone West finished sixth. However, his “Five Belmont Straight” is a record that is singular in the  history of American thoroughbred classic races.

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Wayne's Double Triple

Wayne’s Double Triple

Joseph Di Rienzi

29 April 2017

Wayne Lukas
(www.nj.com)

Trainer D. Wayne Lukas has had one of the greatest impacts on thoroughbred racing in the United States in the latter half of the 20^th century. From the early 1980’s through 2000, he was by far the dominant trainer in North America. Establishing effectively a national stable, Lukas had horses racing in multiple venues. Willing to ship across country, his stable of runners was able to take advantage of lucrative purses. The trademark “white bridle” of his trainees was seen in the winner’s circle of this country’s most prestigious races. His influence was particularly felt in two year-old races, classics, and on Breeders’ Cup Day.  With a core of highly talented assistants, Wayne could serve as a CEO of his training establishment. His top assistant was his son, Jeff, who in the eyes of many observers, was an equal partner in the fabulous success of the Lukas stable. Other assistants such as, Mark Hennig, Kiaran McLaughlin, and above all, Todd Pletcher have gone on to great success in their own training careers. To recapitulate Wayne Lukas’ training achievements is beyond the scope of this piece. What I would like to do is recapture a singular achievement he accomplished in winning six consecutive Triple Crown races from 1994 to 1996 with four different horses.

In early 1994, Wayne Lukas was preparing a headstrong colt for a classic campaign. Overbrook Farm and David P. Reynolds’ Tabasco Cat had ended his two year-old season with a third place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. The burnished chestnut son of Storm Cat would accomplish much more in 1994, however, his name will always be associated with an accident that severely injured Jeff Lukas and ultimately altered the balance of power of American trainers. A loose Tabasco Cat ran into Jeff Lukas in December 1993 and caused head injuries so extensive that he could never rejoin his father full time. Without his son’s tireless work on the backstretch or at race centers, Wayne Lukas, would eventually lose his dominance, as his assistants (see above) gradually siphoned off owners to launch their own successful training careers. (In a footnote to this history, Jeff Lukas passed away in May 2016 at the age of 58.)

Tabasco Cat began 1994 with two stakes victories in California. In January, he prevailed by a length in the El Camino Real Derby and in early March won the San Rafael Stakes by the same margin. The Santa Anita Derby contained Tabasco Cat, last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner, Brocco and a lightly raced newcomer to stakes competition Strodes Creek in the six horse field. Down the stretch the compact but powerfully built Tabasco Cat and the taller and longer Brocco dueled; the latter edging clear by ¾ of a length at the finish. Strodes Creek, who seemed still inexperienced, closed some ground late to be third, 1 length back. The final time was good, and the performances by the first three finishers were strong enough to merit all going forward to the Derby.

There was a widespread belief that this year’s edition of the Kentucky Derby had a deep and talented field of fourteen starters. The headline matchup was the vaunted Holy Bull from the East vs. Brocco from the West. However, there were other secondary contenders that merited strong consideration such as Tabasco Cat, Strodes Creek, Go for Gin, Valiant Nature and Soul of the Matter. At post time, Holly Bull was the solid favorite over Brocco with Tabasco Cat and Strodes Creek the third and fourth choices, respectively. All the pre-race predictions and strategy went by the wayside when conditions made for a sloppy racetrack. The start was also eventful in that Go for Gin bore out bumping Tabasco Cat. Holy Bull was off slowly and found himself in an uncomfortable position behind a wall of horses heading for the first turn. At the front of that wall was Go for Gin, who soon opened a clear lead racing near the middle of the racetrack (the driest). His jockey Chris McCarron allowed him to drift out in the stretch as only Strodes Creek mounted a serious challenge. At the finish, Go for Gin was 2 lengths in front of Strodes Creek with Blumin Affair, 2½ lengths behind in third place. Brocco was another ¾ of a length further back in fourth. Tabasco Cat finished sixth, Holy Bull, a shocking twelfth and Valiant Nature finished thirteenth.

In the aftermath of the Derby, estimations of the quality of the year’s sophomore crop were deflated. The two pre-race favorites, Holy Bull and Brocco did not go on to the Preakness Stakes. The Derby second, Strodes Creek, was reserved for the Belmont Stakes. The Preakness did have Go for Gin and Derby participants Blumin’ Affair (third), Tabasco Cat (sixth) and Powis Castle (eighth). Among the non-Derby runners were Numerous who had won the Derby Trial Stakes, Louisiana Derby winner, Kandaly, and Robert E. Meyerhoff’s “local hope” Concern.

On a fast, but dull Pimlico surface, Go for Gin was favored in the ten horse field, but strong support was accorded Tabasco Cat whose Derby un-placing was blamed on bumping and the sloppy Churchill track condition. Compared to the roughly run Derby, the Preakness was a gentleman’s affair. Go for Gin broke well and McCarron set him in second place off the early pace. Tabasco Cat under Pat Day, settled in a stalking fourth position while Concern assumed his customary place in last. Halfway down the backstretch, Go for Gin went up to challenge and take the lead. Day eased Tabasco Cat to the outside around the final turn and took chase after the Derby winner. The stretch run was exciting as Tabasco Cat and Go for Gin both fought valiantly with the former gradually gaining a slight advantage that became ¾ of a length at the finish. Go for Gin, in a game effort, easily held second, 6 lengths in front of rallying Concern.

During the presentation of the Preakness trophies, there was some underlying emotion as Tabasco Cat was responsible for Jeff Lukas’ injury. Wayne Lukas, stoic as always, quietly expressed his feeling for his son and the satisfaction of demonstrating Tabasco Cat’s quality. For co-owner David P. Reynolds, a long-time Maryland circuit participant, this Preakness win was a dream come true. For the other owner, William T. Young, Tabasco Cat’s victory was another affirmation of the strength of his own stallion, Storm Cat.    

The advance buildup to the Belmont Stakes focused both on the deciding match between the Derby and Preakness winners, and the addition of both Brocco and Strodes Creek, rested and ready for the 1½ mile test. Brocco seemed particularly strong in his Belmont workouts, and pre-race speculation had him the favorite for the Belmont. However, he bruised a front foot the Thursday before the big race, and Brocco’s connections were unable to relieve all the soreness for him to compete. In his absence, a field of six started in the Belmont Stakes with Strodes Creek the slight favorite over Go for Gin with Tabasco Cat the third betting choice.

After the start, Go for Gin galloped straight to the lead with Tabasco Cat assuming the second position just to his outside. McCarron on Go for Gin allowed his mount to go wide on the clubhouse turn carrying Tabasco Cat with him as Strodes Creek settled on the inside in fourth place. Go for Gin set solid early fractions over the very fast Belmont surface. Down the backstretch, McCarron asked Go for Gin to lengthen his lead, but Pat Day on Tabasco Cat immediately took up the chase while Jerry Bailey was unable to have Strodes Creek keep up with the accelerated pace. Around the far turn and into the stretch, the race was between Go for Gin and Tabasco Cat. Visions of a repeat of the tense Preakness finish, dissipated as Tabasco Cat readily drew clear for a 2 length victory in a fast final time. The Derby winner, showing his heart, held second by ½ length over Strodes Creek who lumbered in third. Tabasco Cat’s Belmont victory completed a Triple Crown “triple” for trainer of Wayne Lukas in that he had previously won both the Derby (Winning Colors in 1988) and Preakness (Codex in 1980 and Tank’s Prospect in 1985).

                                               

Tabasco Cat

                                                                                          

Wayne Lukas appeared to be in a prime position in 1995 in the lead up to the classics. Not only did he train Timber Country, the Two Year-old Champion and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner of 1994, but he also was preparing Serena’s Song, a top leading juvenile filly for a run at the males. Timber Country was a long legged dark chestnut son of Woodman out of a very strong female family that was purchased as a yearling for $500,000 by the partnership of Gainesway Farm, Overbrook Farm and Rob and Beverly Lewis. Owned solely by Bob and Beverly Lewis, Serena’s Song, on the other hand, was on the small side, but well conformed. To add to his already imposing stable, Thunder Gulch, a compact but powerfully built son of Gulch was purchased by Michael Tabor in the fall of 1994 and turned over to Lukas to train.

Wayne Lukas sent Thunder Gulch to Florida for his early prep races. In the Fountain of Youth Stakes, Thunder Gulch showed what would be his trademark toughness in coming slightly off the pace for a neck victory over Suave Prospect. In the Florida Derby, Nick Zito ran a three horse entry (Suave Prospect, Star Standard and Kresa) against Thunder Gulch, but the result was still same, albeit, tighter with Thunder Gulch winning by a nose over Suave Prospect. The close finishes and the so-so final times of both the Fountain of Youth and Florida Derby did not dispel the idea that Lukas has stronger Derby contenders back in California, one of which was a filly.

Lukas started Serena’s Song against her own gender, and she was a 2 length winner of the Santa Ynez Breeders’ Cup Stakes. Next was the 1 mile Las Virgenes Stakes, in which Serena’s Song prevailed again by a 1¼ length margin. In the ½ furlong longer Santa Anita Oaks, Serena’s Song took a clear lead in the upper stretch and gamely held off Urbane’s rally to win by a head. With these consecutive victories, Wayne Lukas was ready to test Serena’s Song against males.

Timber Country began his campaign in the San Rafael Stakes where he found the mile distance too short for his stretch kick or two horses too fast in losing by 2 lengths. The winner, Larry the Legend, was an Illinois bred, re-purchased in a California two year-old sale to dissolve a partnership for $2,500. The San Felipe Handicap featured the two pre-Derby favorites Timber Country and Burt Bacharach’s brilliant and undefeated Afternoon Deelites. Pace conditions and a slight weight advantage (3 lb.) were all in Afternoon Deelites’ favor, and he went off the overwhelming favorite. The Bacharach colt assumed the lead from the two front runners around the far turn, drew clear and then was able to hold off Timber Country’s charge to win by 1 length.

Presumably, the Santa Anita Derby would clarify leadership as the two San Felipe principals returned joined in the eight horse field by Larry the Legend. This time Afternoon Deelites was the slight favorite over Timber Country with Larry the Legend the distant third choice. In the upper stretch, Afternoon Deelites pulled clear on the way to an apparent victory. However, at the furlong pole the son of Private Terms started shortening his stride, and Larry the Legend re-rallied after having been passed. In a very close finish, the upstart gained the victory by a head over the erstwhile super star. Timber Country slowly made up ground on the leaders to finish fourth but only beaten about a total of 1½ lengths. The final time was good, but the final part was run slowly, attesting to the conclusion that Afternoon Deelites lost the race, rather than Larry the Legend having won it.   

In the starting gate for the 9 furlong Jim Beam Stakes at Turfway Park was Serena’s Song, testing the waters at the distance and against male foes. Sent off the favorite, the filly bounded out of the gate on top and led all the way in one of the most impressive performances to date by her generation. Tejano Run put in a good closing rally to be second 3½ lengths back. After the Jim Beam, Lukas was ambivalent about “Serena’s” next start, but obviously the goal was to run in either the Kentucky Oaks or save her for the feature race on the following day at Churchill Downs.

The Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland featured the Florida combatants Thunder Gulch and Suave Prospect along with Tejano Run and three others. One of those “others”, Wild Syn, produced a 30-1 upset, leading all the way while setting a slow pace and fighting off several challenges. At the finish, he was 2½ lengths in front of Suave Prospect who was a head in front of Tejano Run. Thunder Gulch, the favorite, was up near the pace early, but he showed no rally in finishing fourth beaten a total of 4½ lengths. As a result of Thunder Gulch’s flat effort, Mike Smith, who rode him in his two Florida victories, opted to ride Wood Memorial winner Talkin Man in the Kentucky Derby.

The buildup to the Kentucky Derby had the usual additions and subtractions. Larry the Legend’s time near the front of the classic contenders’ list was short lived in that he suffered a bone chip as the result of his winning effort in the Santa Anita Derby that required surgery.  (As a consequence, Gary Stevens, “Larry’s” regular rider accepted the mount on Thunder Gulch that Mike Smith had vacated.) Wayne Lukas on a nationally televised broadcast announced that Serena’s Song would bypass the Kentucky Oaks and be entered in the Kentucky Derby.

The 121^st Kentucky Derby had a field of nineteen and presented a real puzzle. There was general consensus that there was quality in the field, but no single horse was coming in with impeccable credentials. Wayne Lukas saddled three: the entry of Timber Country and Serena’s Song (the Lewis’s owned part of the former and all of the latter), and Thunder Gulch. Timber Country had the looks, breeding and had run his best race at Churchill Downs in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. However, he had lost his last 3 starts. Serena’s Song was streaking, however, her “need the lead” running style might be compromised by the early pace. Thunder Gulch’s flat performance in the Blue Grass made him the forgotten horse in the Lukas pantheon. At post-time, the Timber Country-Serena’s Song entry was the slight choice over Talkin Man with Jumron, Tejano Run and Afternoon Deelites the only others with single digit odds. Thunder Gulch was dismissed at 24-1.

On a very fast racetrack, the pace was rapid with Serena’s Song sent flying for the lead, chased by Wild Syn, Citadeed and Talkin Man. Down the backstretch, a wall of contenders gathered around the filly’s wake that included, in addition to those mentioned earlier, Afternoon Deelites and Thunder Gulch. Around the stretch turn, Talkin Man made his move inside Serena’s Song, whereas Gary Stevens guided Thunder Gulch outside her. Once in the stretch, the son of Gulch, showing his stamina, pulled away as both Talkin Man and Serena’s Song retreated. The closers Tejano Run, Jumron and Timber Country vied for the minor honors. At the finish, Thunder Gulch was 2¼ lengths in front of Tejano Run who was a head in front of Timber County who was rallying between horses. Serena’s Song, exhausted by her early efforts, finished sixteenth. The final time was fast, attributed to the track condition and hot early pace.

This victory was the second Derby for the Wayne Lukas – Gary Stevens duo, having won with Winning Colors in 1988. For Michael Tabor, who had so much success in Europe with his partners at Coolmore, this was his first U. S. classic win.  Finally, Thunder Gulch’s breeding was confirmation that the brilliance of a sire such as Gulch, who was not a 1¼ mile horse (he finished sixth in the 1987 Derby), coupled with stamina from a female family (the second dam, Shoot a Line (GB) was an Oaks winner in England and Ireland) can produce a classic winner.

As was becoming the rule, the Preakness Stakes, two weeks after the Derby, produced a much less contentious field. Every year, hopes raised in preparing for the first classic give way to resignation after a poor performance on the first Saturday in May. Perceptions of a deep quality crop of three year-olds seem to evaporate after the 1¼ mile Derby. Left for the other two classics is the Derby winner, some Derby returnees and a few new faces to the Triple Crown series. The first three finishers in the Kentucky Derby made the trip to Baltimore for the Preakness along with Talkin Man and Mecke. Serena’s Song did run at Pimlico, but it was on the Friday before the Preakness in the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes winning by 9 lengths. The Preakness’ new faces included Star Standard, winner of the Lexington Stakes and a Maryland horse, Oliver’s Twist. The betting public went back to Timber Country and Talkin Man as the first and second choice, respectively, relegating the Derby winner, Thunder Gulch to the third betting favorite.

As the eleven horse field left the starting gate, Mystery Storm and Star Standard vied for the lead, followed by Talkin Man. Oliver’s Twist assumed a good position on the rail in fourth with Thunder Gulch just outside. Timber Country under Pat Day was not far back in sixth, and Tejano Run was seventh. The positions were unchanged around the far turn as both Talkin Man and Thunder Gulch went up to challenge the leaders and Oliver’s Twist looked for racing room on the inside. At the same time, Timber Country made a sweeping move around the stretch turn. In the straight, the lead changed quickly as first Mystery Storm, then Star Standard faltered. Briefly challenging for the lead, Talkin Man was once again unable to maintain his momentum. For a moment, a huge upset loomed as Oliver’s Twist burst through the inside. However, Pat Day had Timber Country in full stride and he closed impressively to win by ½ length over the local hope. Thunder Gulch was just a neck behind Oliver’s Twist in a game effort.

Despite Thunder Gulch’s defeat, Wayne Lukas was very happy in validating his high opinion of Timber Country. It was clear throughout the lead up and running of the first two classics that even though Timber Country lost his first four races, Lukas still considered the big son of Woodman his best prospect. For the partnership of Gainesway, Overbrook and the Lewis’ a classic win was added to this prospective stallion’s resume. Finally, the Preakness was becoming Pat Day’s private party as he was recording his fourth victory in the middle jewel. 

Having won the Kentucky Derby with Thunder Gulch and the Preakness with Timber Country, the Belmont Stakes appeared to be Wayne Lukas’ for the taking. Most racing analysis thought the 1½ mile distance and sweeping Belmont turns ideal for the long striding Timber Country. However, racing’s ill winds blew his way as the son of Woodman contracted a virus and was scratched, never to race again. In his absence, Thunder Gulch faced a modest field of ten opponents.

Nick Zito had Star Standard ready from his Preakness fourth place finish to try to control the pace under jockey Julie Krone. Driven to the lead from his outside post position, Star Standard set moderate fractions closely tracked by Wild Syn and Thunder Gulch. As Wild Syn dropped back at the ½ mile pole, Gary Stevens had Thunder Gulch engage Star Standard, and the two dueled around the far turn and into the stretch. Both Krone and Stevens asked their mounts for all, but it was Thunder Gulch who proved the stronger, gradually edging away for a 2 length victory. Star Standard was a clear second, 3½ lengths in front of Citadeed. The final time was one of the slowest on record for a Belmont run on a track rated fast. Notwithstanding, Thunder Gulch was now a double crown winner and clearly the leader of his age and sex. The real achiever was Wayne Lukas who at this point, starting with Tabasco Cat’s Preakness of 1994, had trained the winners of five straight classics, including all three this year. 

 

Thunder Gulch

Timber Country

                                                                                                                                                               

In 1996 Wayne Lukas had several contenders for the Triple Crown. His most accomplished at the start of the year was Michael Tabor’s Honour and Glory, a fast son of Relaunch, who appeared to have distance limitations. There was also Peter Mitchell’s Prince of Thieves who was a winner of the Santa Catalina Stakes at Santa Anita. However, both failed in the Santa Anita Derby, questioning their classic potential.

The Louisiana Derby featured another Wayne Lukas trained contender, Grindstone, a son of Unbridled, owned by Overbrook Farm, had only two outings as a two year-old, a maiden win a Belmont and then a close fourth place finish in the Bashford Manor Stakes at Churchill Downs. Away from the races since July 1, 1995, Grindstone resurfaced at Santa Anita on February 16, 1996 to finish second beaten 3 lengths in an allowance race. Sent to New Orleans, Grindstone, under Jerry Bailey showed a strong stretch kick to win by 3½ lengths over Louisiana bred, Zarb’s Magic. Staying down south for the Arkansas Derby, Grindstone ran another strong race, but this time could not pass Zarb’s Magic, losing by a neck.

Most of the talk leading up to the Kentucky Derby involved the favorite Unbridled’s Song. The brilliant long legged son of Unbridled had won the 1995 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in his third start. He had brushed off losses in two races at Gulfstream Park with convincing wins in both the Florida Derby and Wood Memorial Stakes.  After getting an acrylic patch for an injured hoof, he developed a bruise and possibly an infection. Veterinarians and farriers performed various procedures all under the supervision of Unbridled’s Song’s beleaguered trainer, Jim Ryerson. With bar shoes on both front feet he worked a fast ½ mile the Wednesday before the Derby and was deemed fit to run. (A further strike against Unbridled’s Song was he drew the number 20 post position, which at that time was considered a disadvantage.)

With the questions surrounding Unbridled’s Song many of the others in the nineteen horse field (there was one scratch) felt they had legitimate chances. Wayne Lukas had five entrants: the Overbrook Farm coupling of Editor’s Note and Grindstone, Michael Tabor’s entry of Honour and Glory and Victory Speech (owned with Mrs. John Magnier), and Peter Mitchell’s Prince of Thieves. Sonny Hine had his own Skip Away, and Bob Baffert saddled both Cavonnier and Semoran. Twice Derby winner, Nick Zito brought both Louis Quatorze and Diligence to the race.

In a dramatic renewal, Honor and Glory went right to the lead. Unbridled’s Song broke well from his far outside post and ranged up third around the far turn. Down the backstretch, Unbridled’s Song cruised up beside Honour and Glory with Cavonnier right behind the early leaders in fifth place. The early pace was fast, and it was clear the front group would pay a price for their early efforts. Around the far turn, Unbridled’s Song put Honour and Glory away and looked for the moment as if he would draw away to a magnificent, improbable victory. However, the injury, the pace or the distance caught up with him, and he started shortening stride after going wide around the turn. Halo Sunshine and Cavonnier together passed the tired leader in mid-stretch, and Craig Perret, riding the former, accidently struck the latter on the nose as they battled together. Near the finish Cavonnier pulled clear and seemed on his way to Derby glory when Jerry Bailey, who had guided Grindstone from the latter part of the field through traffic, urged his mount forward and just caught Cavonnier at the finish to win by a nose. Prince of Thieves closed belatedly, 3½ lengths behind, to give Wayne Lukas a 1-3 finish. Halo Sunshine was fourth, a neck behind, and Unbridled’s Song, who, all things considered, ran a courageous race in finishing fifth. Other presumed contenders did not fare as well with Editor’s Note in sixth, Skip Away finishing twelfth, Louis Quatorze, sixteenth and Honour and Glory in eighteenth place.

In the winner’s circle, William T. Young, Kentucky born, received his long sought after Derby trophy. For Wayne Lukas, this was his third Derby and sixth straight classic win dating from Tabasco Cat’s Preakness Stakes victory in 1994. Jerry Bailey, who was acknowledged as the sport’s premier jockey, celebrated his second Derby win having accomplished it before in 1993 with Sea Hero. In Grindstone, Unbridled, (winner of the Run for the Roses in 1990) was siring this year’s winner, but not with the son expected.

Wayne Lukas’ classic streak came to end in the 1996 Preakness Stakes. After the Derby, Grindstone suffered a recurrence of a bone chip that had sidelined him for most of his juvenile season and was retired almost immediately. Lukas ran Prince of Thieves, Editor’s Note and Victory Speech in the Preakness, but the best finish was a third by Editor’s Note behind Louis Quatorze and Skip Away who ran nearly 1-2 around the whole Pimlico oval.

Lukas did have a sort of redemption in the Belmont Stakes when Editor’s Note captured the final jewel of the Triple Crown. The son of Forty Niner made a sustained run around the long Belmont final turn to have only Skip Away ahead of him at the top of stretch. In a protracted battle, Editor’s Note forged ahead in the shadow of the finish to prevail by 1 length. So, Wayne Lukas was back in the winner’s circle after his classic win streak was stopped at six after the Preakness. He would go on (to date) to win another Kentucky Derby (Charismatic in 1999), the Preakness twice (Charismatic in 1999 and Oxbow in 2013) and another Belmont (Commendable in 2000), but from the third week in May 1994 till the second week in June 1996, you saw his familiar smile in the winner’s circle of every American classic.

Grindstone
(www.pinterest.com)

                                                  

                                               

The Darby Dan Sister-Brother Duo

The Darby Dan Sister-Brother Duo

Joseph Di Rienzi

3 April 2017
jdirienzi@ndm.edu

As we get closer to the 2017 Triple Crown series, it is evident that the venerable Darby Dan Farm is having a resurgence, at least in its stallion division. Contenders such as Gunnevera, Girvin and Magalacy are sired by, respectively, Dialed In, Tale of Ekati and Shackleford, all standing stud at Darby Dan Farm in Lexington, Kentucky. To recount the thoroughbred success of Darby Dan achieved by its founder, John W. Galbreath, his wife, Dorothy, and their heirs would be beyond the scope of this article. Over some sixty years, thoroughbreds associated with this stable have performed at the highest level and have won such races as the Kentucky Derby (twice), the Preakness, the Belmont Stakes (twice), the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and the Epsom Derby. Numerous champions and major stake winners have carried their silks and important bloodlines are still prevalent today from their strong female families.

This piece will recount two siblings, Primonetta and Chateaugay, female and male, respectively that raced in the early 1960’s for Darby Dan Farm. Born two years apart, they were both sired by 1955 Kentucky Derby winner Swaps (who had just begun his stud duties at Darby Dan) and produced by the mare Banquet Belle; she sired by Polynesian.  Trainer by James P. Conway, Primonetta and Chateaugay became the first two champions bred by Darby Dan and helped establish the stable at the highest ranks of American racing.  

Primonetta
(afleetalexandra.tumbir.com)

      

Chateaugay
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There were two exceptional three year-old fillies in 1961, and their respective performances would lead to a lively divisional rivalry and heated debate as to who was the better. Brookmeade Stable’s Bowl of Flowers, trained by Elliot Burch was the Two Year-old Filly Champion of 1960. A beautifully bred daughter of Sailor from the soon to be great broodmare Flower Bowl (dam of Darby Dan’s brilliant, but star-crossed Graustark), Bowl of Flowers showed speed and class from the beginning.  As a two year-old, she won the National Stallion (Filly Division), the Frizette and the Gardenia Stakes. As a three year-old, Bowl of Flowers set sights on the Triple Tiara for fillies in New York. She won the Acorn Stakes at one mile, was upset by Ogden Phipps’, Funloving in the 9 furlong Mother Goose Stakes, but she came back and scored a resounding win in the Coaching Club American Oaks at 10 furlongs. Bowl of Flowers’ arch rival was the lightly raced Primonetta. (The name means “first little one” in Italian, a reference to her being the first female offspring by her sire, Swaps.) A beautiful chestnut, Primonetta was undefeated as a two-year old, and she continued at three winning the Prioress Stakes, the Miss Woodford Stakes and Delaware Oaks. She first tasted defeat after nine starts in the Monmouth Oaks to Fred W. Hooper’s My Portrait losing by a neck, but in the first of two pivotal meetings, Primonetta defeated Bowl of Flowers in the Alabama Stakes at Saratoga by over 5 lengths, leading from start to finish. After assuming the leadership of the three year-old filly division, Primonetta went into a protracted four race losing streak that culminated in the Spinster Stakes at Keeneland Race Course. In this 9 furlong weight for age race, she again faced Bowl of Flowers who this time ran Primonetta down in deep stretch to win by a ¾ of a length and claim the three year-old filly championship. 

Early in 1962, Bowl of Flowers sustained an injury that forced her retirement. Primonetta on the other hand would gain the older female horse championship winning 7 out of her 10 starts. Her stakes wins included the Regret, the Molly Pitcher and Falls City Handicaps and a victory this time in the Spinster Stakes. In two of her losses, she finished behind Meadow Stable’s three year-old filly champion Cicada.

As 1963 began, there were two leading contenders for the classics based on their respective two year-old form, and there was some discussion as to who was superior. In the East, Cain Hoy Stable’s Never Bend was voted Two Year-old Champion after a ten race campaign that saw him win such traditional stakes races as the Belmont Futurity, Cowdin and Champagne Stakes. From the West, Rex C. Ellsworth’s Candy Spots had run only three times as a juvenile, but in his last race he defeated Never Bend in the Arlington-Washington Futurity. The two principals both made their first appearances in allowance races in February, Candy Spots at 6 furlongs at Santa Anita Racetrack and Never Bend in a 7 furlong exhibition race at Hialeah Racetrack. They both won, but their margins of victory could not be more disparate. Candy Spots won his race by a nose, while Never Bend was 14 lengths ahead of his nearest rival. However, they both were impressive in their own ways. Candy Spots’ win over the good racehorse Bonjour owned by Patrice Jacobs was accomplished with little urging from jockey William Shoemaker, whereas, Manual Ycaza let Never Bend use his blistering speed to overwhelm his three opponents. Their next races were both run on March 2, Never Bend in the Flamingo Stakes and Candy Spots in the Santa Anita Derby. Never Bend went wire-to-wire in the Flamingo to win by 5 lengths, but he had to be reminded to keep running. His final time was not impressive which suggested he may have distance limitations.  The Santa Anita Derby was more eventful in that there was a four horse spill that completely changed the way the race was run. Shoemaker aboard Candy Spots avoided the fallen (horses and riders) and was able to defeat outsider Sky Gem by a 1½ lengths in slow time, which can be attributed to the disruption. 

Never Bend left Florida for Kentucky and did not compete in the Florida Derby. There were some rumors as to his soundness, but they were denied by his connections. Candy Spots did ship to South Florida and ran in the Florida Derby at Gulfstream. He was a convincing winner (4½ lengths), albeit in slow time. In a plan which was considered highly unusual, Candy Spots’ handlers declared that this race run on March 30 would be his final prep for the Derby. Never Bend ran in two allowance races in Kentucky. The first was the 7 furlong Forerunner Purse which he won unimpressively by a length. As the rumor mills were starting to churn about his soundness, he turned around and won the 7 furlong Stepping Stone Purse at Churchill Downs by 8 lengths in fast time.   

While Never Bend was preparing to run in Kentucky, other challengers were emerging. The most prominent at the time was Greentree Stable’s No Robbery, a dark bay son of Swaps, who came to be the talk of New York in the spring of 1963.  No Robbery actually started twice as a two year-old winning both starts impressively. No Robbery began his sophomore year with two dominant allowance wins at Aqueduct Racetrack in fast time. Undefeated, he went into the Wood Memorial as a very strong favorite against George D. Widener’s Crewman (last year’s Garden State Stakes victor) and Bonjour who, trained by the owner’s father, Hirsch, naturally had run east to west and back east in almost all the major races of his generation the past two years. This would to be the class test for No Robbery, and, he passed it in flying colors (actually the salmon pink and black of Greentree) leading from start to finish (although bearing out in the stretch) and defeating Bonjour by 2½ lengths with Crewman finishing ninth.

Another challenger to emerge was clearly below most racegoers’ radar. In retrospect, he should not have been, given his good looks, breeding, connections, and the improvements he was showing race by race. His name was Chateaugay, a handsome chestnut son of Swaps. More laid back and slower to develop than his champion older sister, Primonetta, Chateaugay had a five race, two year-old campaign that was highlighted with a close fourth place finish in the Pimlico Futurity. As a three year-old, he won two allowance races at Hialeah and Keeneland respectively. He was the wagering favorite in what was presumed a below average Blue Grass Stakes field (Never Bend, Candy Spots and No Robbery were not entrants) and prevailed by a head in a long drive. A note to take away was the Blue Grass was run in much faster time than any of the 9 furlong races won by the triumvirate mentioned previously.

The stage was set for one of most compelling Kentucky Derby’s in history. There were two undefeated horses (Candy Spots and No Robbery), a two year-old champion (Never Bend), and a horse undefeated at three (Chateaugay). Because of these resumes, the field was only nine entries, relatively low for modern renewals of this race. Most of the talk centered on The Big Three – Candy Spots, No Robbery and Never Bend. There was a growing consensus that Candy Spots was one of the great ones, but there were still doubters that felt he would be severely tested by the two Eastern speedsters, No Robbery and Never Bend. From a breeding standpoint, it is remarkable that five of the nine members (Candy Spots, Chateaugay, Bonjour, No Robbery and longshot On My Honor) all carried blood from the stallion Khaled (GB). 

After the break, Never Bend went right to the lead with No Robbery in close attendance and Candy Spots not far back in third after slightly checking on the first turn. Positions were unchanged as they headed to the far turn with Chateaugay gradually making progress from sixth position to fourth. Ridden by Braulio Baeza, Chateaugay launched his bid at the top of the stretch, and his momentum carried him pass everyone to wrest the lead from Never Bend.  As befits his name, Never Bend fought bravely, giving ground grudgingly to his chestnut rival. No Robbery who again attempted to bear out, faded eventually finishing seventh. Candy Spots who was on the inside at the top of stretch was wheeled to the outside and rallied late just missing second to Never Bend. The final margin was 1¼ lengths with Never Bend holding off Candy Spots for second by a neck. On My Honor was well back in fourth with Bonjour sixth. The final time was good, indicating the quality of the field and the legitimacy of the running. On the one hand, this was a shocking upset, in that none of the Big Three won, but it was clearly recognized that Chateaugay was a talented colt that was just reaching his full potential. For John Galbreath, who had great success in other sports, this was at the moment his crowning achievement in thoroughbred racing. He would repeat a Derby victory in 1967 with Proud Clarion and go on to breed and own an English Derby winner in Roberto in 1972. 

The Preakness was to be a rematch of the first three finishers in the Kentucky Derby. (No Robbery came out of the Derby with an injury and only raced twice more in his racing career without winning a major race.)  Candy Spots looking to redeem his lofty reputation was a slight favorite over Never Bend with Chateaugay the third choice. Never Bend set a moderate pace with Candy Spots tracking and Chateaugay back in sixth place in the eight horse field. When Candy Spots came up alongside, Never Bend had little response perhaps due to the tiring nature of the Pimlico track surface and would finish well back in third. Chateaugay, on the other hand launched a bold rally just as in the Derby, but this time Candy Spots repulsed the challenge and drew away to a convincing 3½ length victory. This result seemed to restore Candy Spots to “great horse” status, despite his Derby defeat. His admirers pointed out that the “gray ghost” Native Dancer also only lost one race, the Kentucky Derby. 

In the interval between the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes, Candy Spots was not idle. He won the Jersey Derby at Garden State Park handily. All that was needed was a Belmont Stakes trophy to cement his claim as one of racing’s top horses. The Belmont Stakes (run at Aqueduct this year due to Belmont’s renovation) found Chateaugay the only serious challenger to Candy Spots as Never Bend was given time off from his efforts in the Derby and Preakness. In a race which was run around three turns, Candy Spots took the lead from Bonjour down the backstretch, set slow fractions, easily fought off challenges from Louis Haggin’s Choker and Bonjour and bounded into the stretch with a clear lead. Braulio Baeza aboard Chateaugay saved ground around the turns and mounted his challenge coming up the inside of Candy Spots. What was surprising was not that Chateaugay was able to prevail, but the ease in which he ran past Candy Spots in the stretch winning by 2½ lengths. Either the 1½ mile distance of the Belmont or Chateaugay’s overall superiority lead to Candy Spots’ defeat and a diminution of his reputation. With this second classic win over his three year-old rival, Chateaugay assumed the leadership of the division, a position he would not relinquish the rest of the year.

The leading three year-olds had less than stellar second half-seasons. Candy Spots won the Arlington Classic and American Derby but finished second to Elmendorf Farm’s B. Major in the Chicagoan at Arlington Park.  Chateaugay finished third to last year’s Hopeful Stakes winner, Greentree Stable’s Outing Class, in the Dwyer Stakes. Never Bend after a brief rest returned to racing with an allowance victory. The three had their reunion in the “Midsummer Derby” (the Travers Stakes). It was anticipated that it would settle the three-year old championship. However, the result was anything but conclusive. At 20-1 odds, George D. Widener’s Crewman who had won the Kent and Leonard Richards Stakes at Delaware Park earlier in the summer, found the top level form that had produced a victory in the previous year’s Garden State Stakes. He defeated similar longshot Hot Dust by 1½ lengths with Chateaugay another length back in third, Candy Spots fourth and Never Bend sixth and last.

After the Travers disappointment, the trio never were all in the same race again. Never Bend racing against older horses finished second in the United Nations Handicap (on grass) to Mrs. Marion DuPont Scott’s Mongo, and to Bohemia Stable’s mighty Kelso in the Woodward Stakes. He concluded his career defeating Chateaugay (back in fourth) in the 9 furlong Yankee Handicap at Suffolk Downs. Retired, Never Bend went to a distinguished career at stud at Spendthrift Farm. Candy Spots raced in the Aqueduct Stakes, and again, could do no better than fourth, this time to Kelso. Unraced at four years-old, Candy Spots came back racing at five winning the San Pasqual Handicap and placing in three stakes races during the first part of 1965. Chateaugay was able to win the one mile Jerome Handicap in September and that combined with his two classic wins were sufficient to award him the Three Year-old Male Championship of 1963. He would race two more years, without much success, winning only two minor races and finishing second in the 1964 Roseben Handicap.

In the breeding shed, older sister, Primonetta was the more significant, producing several top runners, including Maud Muller (by Graustark), Prince Thou Art and Cum Laude Laurie (both by Hail to Reason). She also produced Irish stakes winner Grenfall (by Graustark). Chateaugay, who eventually was exported to Japan for stud duty, had moderate success as a stallion with the durable True Knight being by far his most prominent U. S. runner. Whatever, their genetic legacy, both Primonetta and Chateaugay provided a foundation for the overall success of Darby Dan Farm that has continued to this very day.