When I was a child my grandfather (Poppy) and I would frequently attend the morning workouts at our home track in Saratoga Springs, NY; little did I know then it was the Historic Saratoga Racecourse. We equally enjoyed the view on the main track as we did across Union Avenue at the Oklahoma Training Track, but some mornings we just more special than others; those included a woman named Mary Ryan. A wealth of industry knowledge Mary was the commentator of the morning workouts, explaining the who, what, where, and often why of what we were witnessing before us. The majesty of these amazing equine athletes pulling everyone around them into their stride.
If someone had told me that I would have the opportunity to be The Morning Show Host at Saratoga, introducing a whole new generation of fans to this magic, and sharing memories with those who have attended for generations, I never would have believed it.
This past Saratoga Summer, I had the privilege of taking the mic 26 days throughout the season, sharing knowledge, interviewing fans, asking trivia questions, answering questions, and most of all witnessing history in the making as some of the most talented equine athletes in the world passed us all daily.
The best of the best would be on their way to California for the Breeders' Cup World Championships just a couple of months after the end of the iconic Summer Meeting.
As an owner, breeder, fan, or advocate of racing, there is nothing like attending a Breeders' Cup. As all of the above, the 2023 Breeders' Cup was one for the books on so many levels. For this Untamed Filly, it was a showcase of the talent I had the honor of watching for months just a few miles from my home, the athletes I was able to introduce to a whole new generation of fans on those Saratoga Mornings, many of whom performed on the Saratoga stage, now leaving their mark at the World Championships.
It began with Just F Y I, the first of three contenders taking home victories for Hall of Fame Trainer, Bill Mott in the NETJETS Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, an impressive contest where the talented phenom and California-trained Tamara (daughter of legendary Beholder) was defeated. Both had only two starts before their BC debuts, Just F Y I with a maiden win at Saratoga, followed by the Win and You're In Frizette (G1) at Belmont at The Big A. The second winner for Trainer Mott came with one of the most emotional stories the industry has ever witnessed, the incredible talent and power of Cody's Wish coupled with his incomparable bond to the late Cody Dorman. To say I feel blessed to have experienced the love between Cody and Cody's Wish firsthand is possibly the largest understatement I have ever written. I truly believe Cody's Wish crossed the line in the Big Ass Fans Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile knowing it would be the last ride he and his beloved person would take together, I believe he wanted to end their journey on the highest of highs, and in a way it was his greatest expression of love for his namesake. I am forever thankful to have experienced that moment just feet from the finish line at Santa Anita. For those who may not know, Cody's Wish was retired to Stud following the Breeders' Cup; Cody Dorman passed away while traveling home from California. Lastly, Elite Power took home the Qatar Racing Breeders' Cup Sprint, we watched him take the Vanderbilt (G1) and place second in The Forego (G2) just a couple of months before. Cody's Wish and Elite Power, both at age five, one an Eclipse award finalist, the other the 2022 Eclipse award winner respectively took home their World Champion status in 2022 and 2023, their lead-up to these incredible races, training in Saratoga Springs.
We're not done yet! Two runners for Chad Brown took home bragging rights from Santa Anita as well; the first Hard To Justify in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf after breaking her maiden (winning her first race) at Saratoga and The Miss Grillo Stakes (G2) at Belmont at The Big A. The second, is a repeat performer, an Eclipse Award winner, The PNC Bank Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint Champion; Goodnight Olive. Her incredible performance was electrifying, giving us all goosebumps as she pulled away with ease under the California sun. A few days later this well-accomplished mare was the co-sales topper for $6 Million at Keeneland. As of right now, it looks like she will be returning for a 2024 (6-year-old) campaign, and I cannot wait to see her!
In the one win each column, trainers Brad Cox, Richard Dutrow, and Todd Pletcher (HOF) were represented by athletes who stole the show in Saratoga. First up Idiomatic (Cox), let me just start by saying this Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff winner took my breath away in the Personal Ensign (G1) this year. She was equally stunning when training in the mornings at Saratoga, and a glimpse of her on the track before sunrise over the San Gabriel Mountains did not disappoint. If there is an award for comeback of the year (or decade) Richard Dutrow would be a top contender owing it all to White Abarrio. After a commanding demonstration in The Whitney (G1) at Saratoga, this son of Race Day ( a moderate son of Tapit) left us all in awe as he roared down the stretch pulling away from Japanese contender Derma Sotogake in the Longines Breeders' Cup Classic. Last, but certainly not least; Fierceness. This home-bred for industry leader Mike Repole came out with a bang in his maiden opener at Saratoga, making for an emotional owner/breeder. A win ( any win) is an incredible feeling, when you plan the conception of a foal, have them arrive healthy, get through their "toddler" phase, make it to training, and the winner's circle, in their first race ever... that is a WOW moment. Unlike the other BC Juvenile winners, Fierceness finished seventh in his second-lifetime contest; The Champagne ( G1) at Belmont at The Big A. Just goes to show, all athletes can have an off day. He matured a bit in October and came back in winning form taking the FanDuel Breeders' Cup Juvenile presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.
The journey to Santa Anita tallied 8 of 14 Breeders' Cup Winners and many others who graced us with their presence, poise, and energy on those Saratoga mornings. Among them, Arcangleo, the impressive son of the late Arrogate made his mark with triumph in The Belmont Stakes, a history-making moment for Trainer Jena Antonucci, as she became the first female trainer to win an American Triple Crown contest. That moment, highlighted her team, opening them up to the forum of public opinion and scrutiny more than ever as she trained Arcangelo into The Travers Stakes rather than have him run a prep race. Every morning, Arcangelo made his way out to the historic oval at Saratoga, collected, curious, professional, engaged, and devouring his training schedule. He radiated happiness, he paused to take everything in, his trusty pony, and most mornings, Jena by his side. The morning before The Travers, I met a woman visiting Saratoga for the first time from South Carolina, an avid racing fan, she shared her memory of running to the rail to watch the 1988 Breeders' Cup Distaff to see Personal Ensign at Churchill Downs, her excitement related to the weekend of racing ahead, and her hope to see one special horse up close. Moments later, Arcangelo appeared on the track, when I told her, the tears rolled as she laughed and took in the moment. Arcangelo went on to make history once again with a win the following day. While he made the trip to California and was training towards the Classic he was not quite 100% and scratched just days before the race. I am so appreciative to have been in his presence all summer and have the utmost respect for all trainers and owners who listen to their athletes. Watching the development of young horses like Locked (Pletcher) and Candied (Pletcher), seeing Royal Ascot winning Crimson Advocate (Weaver), celebrating 7-year-old runners like Casa Creed (Mott); hearing the memories of those who loved the sport before me, and introducing people of all ages to the world I am fortunate enough to be a part of are moments I will continue to cherish and am grateful to share with you.
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