Who Looks Good: Trackside Impressions From the Breeders' Cup

LEXINGTON, KY–Over the past few days that I've been in Lexington, I've been asked the same question quite a few times by friends and family who are not in attendance. “Who looks good?”

So, I decided I'd share my opinions on who has stood out this week with our TDN readers as well. Quick disclaimer: I have not seen every single Breeders' Cup horse, but I have seen many of them.

It is the World Championships, so, of course, every horse here looks fantastic. This list is just a few of the horses who have really caught my eye in the mornings based on physical condition, mental composure and/or movement over the racetrack. It is purely based on trackside impressions, not on past performances.

• FLIGHTLINE (Tapit) – Classic

As expected, the unbeaten sensation Flightline looks as good as he runs. I had the privilege of watching the GI Breeders' Cup Classic favorite grow up from the time he was a young foal until he sold at Fasig-Tipton's Saratoga Sale thanks to his wonderful breeder Jane Lyon. This was the first time I had seen him since and he certainly did not disappoint. Everything about the striking bay just screams athlete. He gobbles up ground in an effortless manner and the only indication of the amount of pure force and power being exerted is his rider Juan Leyva's tight hold and defensive stature in the saddle as he tries to rein in what trainer John Sadler referred to as a hurricane. Flightline is all business both on the track and when touring the barn or paddock. He has the cat-like walk all bloodstock agents and paddock analysts look for and never turned a hair despite the throng of media following his every move all week. In short, Flightline is exactly as advertised.

• MALATHAAT (Curlin) – Distaff

To sum it up in one word, Malathaat is a queen. She oozes class in everything she does. Between her big white blaze, beautiful physical and eager gallop, the Shadwell colorbearer immediately grabs the attention of anyone in her presence. Trainer Todd Pletcher has been sending her out with the pony this week as rider Amelia Green said the filly knows the race is near and has been ready to roll in the mornings. The bay has been quite pleased with her sidekick and bounds off readily as soon as she is turned free from him. Her perfect record at Keeneland already indicates her love for this surface and she skipped over it with ease each morning.

• NEST (Curlin) – Distaff

I have had a hard time trying to decide whether I prefer the aforementioned champion Malathaat or her year-younger stablemate Nest, who has been nothing short of phenomenal this year. Unfortunately, seeing them both in the flesh did not help me choose as Nest is also quite eye-catching on the racetrack. If Malathaat is the queen, then Nest is certainly the princess. She bounces out alongside the pony and stands at attention as she waits to be let loose. Once given the signal, the bay leaps into action and coasts long on cruise control. Like her barnmate, Nest could not look any better in flesh, coat or movement.

• CAVE ROCK (Arrogate) – Juvenile

Cave Rock is another whose physical certainly matches up with his strong performances. Despite his plain brown wrapper, the Bob Baffert runner immediately attracts the eye when he enters the track. He is very good-minded, especially for a 2-year-old who has never raced outside of California. He remained focused as he jogged backwards alongside assistant trainer Jimmy Barnes and kept that focus during his gallops and even during his paddock tour Wednesday. The paddock was full with media awaiting Flightline and Cave Rock strolled along beside his groom like a dog out for a walk, never turning a hair. His calm and cool attitude is reminiscent of his late, great sire. Back to his gallops, the dark bay is very light on his feet and travels over the Keeneland surface quite nicely.

• CARAVEL (Mizzen Mast) – Turf Sprint

While she is a longshot on paper, Caravel could not look better in the mornings. The petite gray travels like a freight train, charging around the Keeneland oval like a mare on a mission with her neck bowed and back nice and round. When I saw her in the paddock later on, Caravel walked along with her head low and relaxed, quite the contrast from her on-track persona.

• MODERN GAMES (IRE) (Dubawi {Ire}) – Mile

   Modern Games just looks like the happiest horse on the planet. He always has his ears pricked and a very pleasant expression on his face, no matter what he is doing. The chestnut, who seeks his second World Championships win, thunders over the track powerfully, ensuring he is not missed by any onlookers. The European invader's chestnut coat gleams like a new penny and he is fit as a fiddle.

• REGAL GLORY (Animal Kingdom) – Mile

    Regal Glory is just an extremely cool horse in every sense of the word. The flashy chestnut has the presence to match her accomplishments when she enters the track. Training late when the track is quieter, Regal Glory jogs onto the track with enthusiasm every morning, head held high and ears at full attention as she takes in her adoring fans. She sails over the dirt with ease and will only look better on the turf course. The Peter Brant colorbearer is another who could not look better as far as coat and muscle condition.

• EPICENTER (Not This Time) – Classic

If his morning appearance is any indication, Epicenter looks ready to rumble. The bay is a big ball of muscle with a gleaming coat to match. The sophomore has been under a snug hold by his rider and/or attached to a pony at his trainer's side each morning, which is an indication of his readiness. Epicenter travels over the track with big, powerful strides and is quite at home over the Lexington oval.

• HONORABLE MENTIONS: Jackie's Warrior (Maclean's Music) (Sprint), Arrest Me Red (Pioneerof the Nile) (Turf Sprint), Laurel River (Into Mischief) (Dirt Mile), Taiba (Gun Runner) (Classic), Atomically (Girvin) (Juvenile Fillies), Forte (Violence) (Juvenile), Order of Australia (Ire) (Australia {GB}) (Mile), Life Is Good (Into Mischief) (Classic), Hot Rod Charlie (Oxbow) (Classic), Oxymore (Astern {Aus}) (Juvenile Turf Sprint), and Andthewinneris (Oscar Performance) (Juvenile Turf).