by: Elizabeth Rancani

History is full of races that are spectacular to watch. Everyone wishes they were at Belmont in June of 1973 to watch that famous red horse win by an astonishing 31 lengths. Few dispute that was the greatest performance ever witnessed.

History is also full of races where a nose decided the winner. Two fabulous animals hooked eyeball to eyeball refusing to yield. That is the true measure of a champion. A horse that doesn’t want to lose, and refuses, though wearing to be passed in the stretch. The 1978 Jockey Club witnessed a great duel between Exceller and Seattle Slew. It was Exceller’s moment, but Slew proved he was every bit the champ when he came back after leading and refused to give up. Sunday Silence and Easy Goer hooked up in the Preakness Stakes, and Sunday Silence refused to be passed by the two year old champ. Only a photo could tell which horse would wear the black eyed susans. Then Real Quiet hung tough and was denied his Triple Crown by the narrowest of margins. Personal Ensign nipped Champion filly Winning Colors in a Breeders Cup Distaff for the ages. It is often the close calls that show the heart of a champion, more so than the dazzling displays of brilliance.

This past weekend was spectacular in terms of racing. Go Between battled Well Armed and prevailed, two older horses, proving that they should not to be ignored on Breeders Cup Day. The always tough Ginger Punch would not be defeated and got her snout to the wire first in the Personal Ensign. The Travers seemed devoid of stars when Big Brown passed, but Colonel John proved that he was worth the hype in the Spring. Mambo in Seattle is also a star on the rise. The Breeders Cup will not be a cakewalk for Big Brown if Go Between, Well Armed, Colonel John and Mambo in Seattle have anything to say about it. They run well on synthetics, and are now battle tested.

Seabiscuit was battle tested, and while War Admiral looked clearly superior on paper, it was the battle tested Seabiscuit that prevailed when they met. Dodging Curlin may be the best thing for Big Brown. Curlin is battle tested. He won the Preakness after looking Street Sense in the eye, and lost the Belmont by a head to the well- rested filly with a five pound weight advantage.

Big Brown may have all he can handle with the aforementioned four. It will be a Classic to remember, and the Distaff side will be tough as well. Ginger Punch may have let Zenyatta by her the first time they met, but she is no rollover. If she goes to the Distaff, she will make the trip count. Last year’s thriller may be nothing compared to this year’s. Synthetics make for close finishes anyway, but this year may take that to another level. A blanket finish bringing the game to challenge the brilliant.