Breeders' Cup Memories: G1 Turf Sprint

Breeders' Cup regular Obviously (Ire) (Choisir {Aus}) is a perfect example of the maxim, “If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.” The front-running miler possessed the class and consistency to compete in five consecutive Breeders' Cups (2012-2016) resulting in a third, two fifths, a ninth and a first divided between four consecutive GI Breeders' Cup Miles 2012-2015) and the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint in 2016. It was the two-time GI Shoemaker Mile S. hero's gutsy display at Santa Anita in his final Breeders' Cup appearance that is my fondest memory of the determined gelding.

Trained initially Stateside by Mike Mitchell and later on, by Mitchell's former assistant Phil D'Amato, the Anthony Fanticola and Joseph Scardino colourbearer had been nabbed at the wire in a pair of Grade IIs early in 2016. A win in Belmont's GIII Poker S. in June proved the competitive spirit still burned in the 8-year-old, but back in California, he ran out of steam in the GII City Of Hope Mile S. after setting the opening half-mile in :43.97 in October.

I had noted with interest that Obviously would be cutting back in trip in the Breeders' Cup and with his record of first or second-place finishes in three downhill starts, thought this was just what the doctor ordered. (Unsurprisingly, this was a commonly held sentiment by the betting public and he duly started favourite at 7-2.)

Obviously was hustled up in between horses by Flavien Prat and took up his customary position on the engine. The first quarter sped by in :21.41, the half in :43.08 and it appeared that only Pure Sensation (Zensational) was a threat inside the final 100 yards. I had missed, however, the late surge of Om (Munnings) who was still sixth in midstretch. Fortunately, despite Om's determined dive, a nostril still separated the duo at the wire and Obviously became the second-oldest horse to win a Breeders' Cup race (video).