By Jill Williams
It's not often one is surprised when a 1-2 favorite wins, but Liam's Map had such a tumultuous trip in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile after a history of front-running scores that he had every right to lose.
“I like the way he did it,” said Javier Castellano, who also had won the GI Woodward with the horse the month before. “He had missed the break. [Todd] Pletcher told me, 'Make sure he breaks good and get a good position,' but when the gate opened, he missed the break. He had to find the best spot and show he was an amazing horse the way he did it behind horses. It was in the way he did it that was very special. When I asked a little bit, he took off, and I just hand rode him. So amazing, very professional. He was very unique. I don't have any words to say how happy I was. He was just the right horse.”
Liam's Map (2011 gray or roan horse, Unbridled's Song–Miss Macy Sue, by Trippi)
Lifetime record: MGISW, 8-6-2-0, $1,358,940
Breeders' Cup connections: B-Albaugh Family Stable LLC (KY); O-Teresa Viola Racing Stables and West Point Thoroughbreds; T-Todd Pletcher; J-Javier Castellano.
Current location: Lane's End Farm, Versailles, Ky.
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