Day two of the 2022 Breeders’ Cup blew through Lexington with everyone celebrating victories. While many were enjoying college football, the eyes of the thoroughbred world were focused on Lexington, and the races lived up to their expectations.
The first Breeders’ Cup race, the Filly & Mare Sprint for $1 million at a distance of seven furlongs, got my morning off to a win by the #8 Goodnight Olive which was trained by Chad C. Brown and ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jr. This filly was my partner’s pick. I guess that Randy appreciated my reminder of the #13 Echo Zulu was running in this race. An exacta pick put a little money in the bank along with the win.
The second Breeders’ Cup race was the Turf Sprint for $1 million at a distance of 5 ½ furlongs. Randy and I like the #7 Golden Pal but the colt got caught up in the Lexington traffic and finished off the board. Congratulations to the #10 Caravel who was trained by Brad Cox and the jockey Tyler Gaffalione who got his second Breeder’s Cup victory.
Now, it was time for the world to hear about the best medicine in central Kentucky. Cody’s Wish was a great story unfolding in the fifth race, or the Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile for another cool million. My heart and brain told me to bet the #7 Cody’s Wish to win, and I did. Yes, Cody’s Wish won everyone’s heart with his seventh win in ten, lifetime races. Hats off to Godolphin and the Make A Wish Foundation for bringing Richmond’s Cody Dorman and his namesake, Cody’s Wish, together again. Cody’s Wish is the son of Curlin and Dance Card by Tapit. Remember the name Tapit.
The sixth race was the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at a distance of 1 3/16 miles for three-year-olds and upward. My sentimental bet was the #8 Family Way trained by good friend Brendan P. Walsh. However, the #5 Tuesday gave the Irish team of trainer Aidan P. O’Brien and Ryan Moore another Breeders’ Cup crown. Well done, Lads!
The seventh race was the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, or six furlongs, for three-year-olds and upward with another $2 million purse. Randy and I liked the #2 Kimari and the #9 Jackie’s Warrior. Our exacta in this race did not work. The #6 Elite Power trained by William I. Mott and ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jr. proved to be the best today. Jackie’s Warrior finished third, but I like picking winners.
Now, it was time for the Breeders’ Cup Fanduel Turf Mile with a $2 million purse for three-year olds and upward. My slump continued with the #4 Modern Games taking home the victory. My tip on the #11 Annapolis did not materialize. The #4 Modern Games spoiled my party and won another Breeders’ Cup race for Godolphin.
The Breeders’ Cup Distaff at a distance of 1 1/8 miles for fillies and mares at three-year-olds and upward was next with a $2 million purse. My cart buddy and I had the #1 Malathaat to win, and my slump ended for the day. Todd Pletcher was the winning trainer, and John Velazquez was the jockey. Randy’s pony, the #6 Nest finished third.
The tenth race featured the Breeders’ Cup Turf at a distance of 1 ½ miles foe three-year-olds and upward. My original pick was the #2 War Like Goddess, but after a second look at the program I went with the #5 Rebel’s Romance, another Godolphin winner. Thank you to trainer Charlie Appleby and jockey James Doyle, you gave me my fourth winner of the day.
Finally, it was time for the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic and the star of the weekend, Flightline. The #4 Flightline did not disappoint the Lexington crowd. Flightline blew away the field with a dominant stretch run. Flightline has now won six straight races and four straight Grade I. Congratulations to John Sadler, the trainer, and Flavien Prat, the jockey. This will be a day etched in their memories for years to come. Also, thank you to John and Charlie for informing me about Flightline earlier this year.
Flightline is a special horse, and from my perspective the world needs some heroes today like Flightline and Cody’s Wish. Thank you Keeneland and the Breeders’ Cup for this past weekend. The two days of racing were fabulous events and special for many horse racing fans.
Last but not least, I must thank an old friend for the tip in the last race, or #2. The #2 Wakanaka capped off the weekend with another winner! Also, thank you to the horse racing fans that I met this weekend and please come back to Keeneland again.
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