Pedigree Profiles - The Prevalence of Northern Dancer in Modern Pedigrees

In any sort of selective breeding, an outcross is adding new bood.  As Thoroughbreds have stayed true to their name, tracing back to only a handful of similar ancestors, outcrossing is used to make sure one horse doesn't pop up in a pedigree more times than he or she should.  While line-breeding is still popular, the word outcross holds a positive ring nowadays, as racehorses have become saturated with certain sires and bloodlines.

It is nearly impossible to find a horse without Native Dancer in its pedigree.  The gray classic winner is the forerunner of several important sirelines and certainly left his mark on female families as well.  As it is difficult to find a modern Thoroughbred free of Native Dancer, we look instead to the popularity of a son of his daughter Natalma - Northern Dancer.

Northern Dancer came close to winning the Triple Crown of 1964, but was vanquished, like so many others, in the Belmont Stakes.  He avenged that loss by becoming, arguably, the 20th century's greatest sire.  At one point, the regal bay stallion commanded a $1 million stud fee, a half-million more than any other stallion before or after him.  Decades later, his many great sons enjoy as much fame as he - Sadler's Wells, Danzig, Nureyev, Dixieland Band, and others play a part in this vast list.

Now, nearly fifty years after Northern Dancer entered stud, he is in pedigrees with nearly as much frequency as his damsire.  All of the last five Kentucky Derby winners had the sire somewhere in their pedigree; the same can be said of the last five Kentucky Oaks winners and also the last five English Derby winners.  Most of these carried Northern Dancer more than once in their bloodlines.  This Northern Dancer breeding is not at all uncommon.

Though line-breeding as an idea has merit, we look now, five or six generations after Northern Dancer's descendants were born, and see an overabundance of his bloodline.  Certainly Native Dancer is much more prevalent, especially through sons like Raise a Native, but with Northern Dancer blood pooled in so many successful stallions and broodmares, he may become as much of a permanent part of the bloodline as Native Dancer or even ancestors like Pharos and Eclipse.

Out of 43 featured new stallions in The Bloodhorse's Stallion Register, only three had pedigrees completely free of the name Northern Dancer.  They are three stallions from completely different backgrounds with completely different racing records, yet they all share this defining characteristic, so rare in today's modern Thoroughbred.

Fort Larned
E Dubai - Arlucea (Broad Brush)
It is interesting that the first horse we talk about here is last year's Breeders' Cup Classic winner.  Affectionately nicknamed "Big Ugly," he is a grandson of two-time Breeders' Cup Distaff winner Bayakoa (Consultant's Bid), who herself was from sturdy Argentinian female lines.  Fort Larned's sire, E Dubai, was once the property of Godolphin Racing and Darley Stud, but now resides in Pennsylvania.  Fort Larned is by far his most successful runner.

You will find Native Dancer in Fort Larned's pedigree; he traces back to the gray stallion directly through his sireline.  The great Nashua is found twice in this pedigree, as is Fleet Nasrullah - another son of Nasrullah - and Turn-To, the progenitor of the Hail to Reason line.  Fort Larned stands at Adena Springs in Kentucky for $15,000.

I Want Revenge
Stephen Got Even - Meguial (Roy)
It has been nearly five years since the morning this colt was scratched from the Kentucky Derby.  He was the morning-line favorite, the impressive winner of the Wood Memorial three weeks before, and he seemed destined to wear the roses.  After that soft tissue injury was discovered, he never was quite the same horse in his sporadic returns to the track.   Now this dark bay stallion, who could have been a champion, awaits a stud career.  He is from the A.P. Indy sireline, which traces back to Bold Ruler and his sire Nasrullah.  Like Fort Larned, he is also from South American female lines.

Unlike Fort Larned, however, he has no inbreeding in the first five generations of his pedigree.  You only find Native Dancer once, and that's through his damsire, Roy, who is a son of Fappiano (Mr. Prospector).  Though what could have been a glorious career was severely abbreviated, he is an intriguing outcross for mares heavily laden with Northern Dancer blood.  I Want Revenge is at Pauls Mill in Kentucky for $10,000.

World Renowned
A.P. Indy - Splendid Blended (Unbridled's Song)
This last stallion seems very out-of-place after the two distinguished racehorses before him.  Unlike Fort Larned or I Want Revenge, he never won a Grade 1 event, let alone a stakes race.  He won only twice in his life, and both of those were claiming events at Santa Anita.  It looks as if he was given a chance at stud due to his nice bloodlines.  A.P. Indy needs no introduction; dam Splendid Blended was a two-time Grade 1 winner and daughter of Unbridled's Song, a Breeders' Cup Juvenile champion.

World Renowned's dam also traces back to Fappiano, who in turn traces back to Native Dancer through Raise A Native.  You can find two strains of Bold Ruler - through sons Boldnesian and Secretariat - in this pedigree.  While his accomplishments pale in comparison to the two stallions before him, his bloodlines hold just as much weight.  World Renowned stands at stud at Brazeau Thoroughbred Farms in California for $2,500.

Just three out of 43 featured new stallions.  That number could very well be zero in a decade.  While inbreeding is nothing new in Thoroughbred breeding, especially if you look back to the first great racehorses, it is certainly a subject to study and scrutinize.  The effect of this excess Northern Dancer blood, though it may not be felt for some time, might negatively limit the gene pool.

Game On Dude; Will Take Charge Clash in Clark.

Throughout the evening, I've had the pleasure of high speed Internet (as opposed to the HughesNet we've struggled with for a few weeks), browsing through Hong Kong racing forms, and watching a Twitter dialogue unfold over one hot topic - Game on Dude vs. Will Take Charge.  It is a match-up evenly divided between sides, with some favoring the elder's tactical speed and others expecting the sophomore to come running late.

Let me just say one thing - we are lucky to be even having this debate!  In this day and age, when horses often either retire or take a rest after the Breeders' Cup, it's nice to see some of the big guns going out on a limb to either win or secure year-end championships.

Clark Handicap (Friday, November 29th; 5:35 ET)
1. Game On Dude, M. Smith, B Baffert, 126
2. Finnegans Wake, J. Leparoux, D Romans, 116
3. Bourbon Courage, C. Lanerie, K Gorder, 117
4. Golden Ticket, R. Albarado, K McPeek, 120
5. Prayer for Relief, R. Santana, Jr., S Asmussen, 118
6. Easter Gift, J. Rosario, C. Brown, 116
7. Will Take Charge, L. Saez, D W Lukas, 123
8. Our Double Play, F. Torres, P Bauer, 113
9. Jaguar Paw, S. Bridgmohan, S. Lyster, 115

These two will be carrying the top weights in the field, with Game On Dude at 126 and Will Take Charge at a slightly lower 123.  They both exit the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) won by Mucho Macho Man, but each of them have different stories to tell regarding that race - while Game On Dude, the expected winner, puttered out at the top of the stretch after sitting off the pace, Will Take Charge came within inches of denying Mucho Macho Man the victory.

If Game On Dude gets an easy early lead and is still there at the far turn, it might be "game over" for his younger rival.  However, if he is pressed, or somehow loses that lead, Will Take Charge could do what his name suggests. 

A win in this Grade 1 event would put Game On Dude's name back on top for Horse of the Year honors, with wins in all three of California's prestigious Grade 1 handicap events as well.  A win by Will Take Charge could cement a three year-old title for the Unbridled's Song colt, especially if fellow sophomore Goldencents throws a clunker in the Cigar Mile (G1).  These championships on the line, among other things, are what make this debate so hot.

They are not without a strong supporting cast.  Prayer for Relief, a fairly consistent graded stakes runner, is here, as is Golden Ticket, the strong runner-up in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1) behind Goldencents.  Could either of those two - or the other handful entered in the race - steal the spotlight from the headliners?

Familiar narratives play out here - younger versus older, front-runner versus closer, Baffert versus Lukas, and so on and so forth.  Which of these two will come out on top?  Judging by the looks of Twitter, I don't think there's an agreeable answer for that question.

Japan Cup Dirt Nominations Preview (VIDEO)

Japan Cup Analysis and Selections

As promised in my nominations preview video, here is a written analysis of this weekend's Japan Cup (G1), as well as my top four selections.

The year has rolled by relatively quickly - in least in my eyes - and it is time yet again for Japan's biggest race, the Japan Cup.  Contested at 2400 meters (about a mile and a half) on turf, it has attracted in the past large fields of the best international runners. 

This year's edition of the race, however, has come up a little weak in many opinions.  Orfevre, who finished second in the Arc de Triomphe last out, is instead opting for the Arima Kinen (G1) in December as his career finale.  Favoritism is instead shifting back and forth between Gold Ship and Gentildonna.  Gentildonna, Japan's Horse of the Year last year, is winless this year so far, although all three of her races have been on-the-board finishes.  Gold Ship defeated Gentildonna two back but was fifth, far behind the winner, in his last race.

Then there is the hard-knocking Eishin Flash, who found himself a distant third in his last start, the Tenno Sho Autumn (G1).  Before that, he was a winner at 1800 meters, beating Just a Way, who would end up defeating him in their next race.  (Gentildonna finished second in that race.)  Hit the Target looks appealing; two starts back, he defeated eventual Mile Championship (G1) winner Tosen Ra.  Like Tosen Ra, this son of King Kamehameha has veteran jockey Yutaka Take aboard, which can only help him.

A pair of fillies are entered here, attempting to give the lovely Gentildonna a run for her money.  Verxina, who drew the inside post, won the Victoria Mile (G1) earlier this year, but has run dully in her three starts after that.  Denim and Ruby is attempting to win the Japan Cup as a three year-old filly - as Gentildonna did - and gets a four pound weight break from her male rivals.  Last out, she was fifth behind Meisho Mambo in the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (G1) at Kyoto.

Some other Japanese entries of note include Tosen Jordan, who is coming into this race after two dull starts off a nine month layoff, and Admire Rakti, who finished second in a Grade 2 on this track last time out. 

The foreign trio in this race is led by Joshua Tree, who is coming off his third win in the Canadian International (G1) at Woodbine.  Unfortunately for him, the seven year-old son of Montjeu drew the outside post under Johnny Murtagh.  Both Dunaden and Simenon are coming out of the Melbourne Cup (G1), finishing eleventh and fourth, respectively, behind Fiorente.  They are making their Tokyo debut here, but Joshua Tree already has a race over the course, finishing unplaced.

While there are some intriguing names in here, and the foreign entries appeal to many, I am sticking with Japanese entries for my top four selections.  The invaders look a little suspect - even Simenon, who may be the strongest of the bunch, is racing at a shorter distance than what he'd like.  It is definitely a two horse race between Gold Ship and Gentildonna - either one of them could come out on top - with Eishin Flash and Hit the Target playing strong supporting roles.

Emily's Selections:
13 - Gold Ship
7 - Gentildonna
4 - Eishin Flash
16 - Hit the Target

Additional note: I picked the 13, Danon Shark, in the Mile Championship.  Obviously, he didn't win (but finished third!).  Hopefully this traditionally unlucky number can give me some luck here with Gold Ship.  Crossing my fingers!

Japan Cup Nominations Preview (VIDEO)

Just a wee slip of the tongue from me in there, as Gentildonna is 5-2, not 5-1.  :)

How Sunday Silence Reinvented the Japanese Racehorse

We've all experienced the mood after the sale of a nice horse to a country elsewhere - inward groans; saddened fans; discouraged breeders, hoping to keep that stakes-winning blood for themselves.  There was a negative stir from his admirers when I'll Have Another was sold to Japanese interests shortly after his Belmont scratch.  Despite their disappointment, his owners did what was best, as there simply was not enough American interest in the Derby and Preakness-winning colt.

Nearly a quarter-century before I'll Have Another, another classic-winning colt was stuck in the same boat.  Despite his brilliant 1989 season in which he captured the Horse of the Year title over Easy Goer, there was little buzz around Sunday Silence's future stud career.  Zenya Yoshida, who already owned one-fourth of the horse, bought out the other owners and sent him to Japan.  Shadai Stallion Station, a peaceful place on the smaller Japanese island of Hokkaido, would be his new home.

The leading sire in Japan at that time was Northern Taste, a blaze-faced chestnut stallion who had done his best racing in France.  He got the ball rolling for Yoshida, producing many classic winners and giving Shadai enough money and prestige to start purchasing more horses.  The new kid on the block, Sunday Silence, would end up covering many of Northern Taste's daughters - a fusion of blood that would ultimately prove successful.

Where America saw little, Japan saw promise, and turned that promise to gold.  Sunday Silence's first crop of foals to race included Japanese Derby winner Tayasu Tsuyoshi, Japanese Oaks winner Dance Partner, and champion juvenile Fuji Kiseki, who would later become a great sire himself.  1995 was the first year that Sunday Silence would top the sire list - taking that title from stablemate Northern Taste - and that reign would continue until 2007, more than five years after his death.

He had a knack for siring stallions.  One of the early greats was Stay Gold, who not only won big races in Japan but in Hong Kong and Dubai as well.  There was also Dance in the Dark and Special Week, both of them classic winners.  Agnes Tachyon, who won the Japanese St. Leger as a racehorse, was the world's leading sire by earnings in 2008.  Zenno Rob Roy excelled at longer distances, while Daiwa Major (out of a mare by Northern Taste) was a great mile runner.

The beginning of the 21st century brought even more promise for the stallion, including his best runner, who was born only months before his death.  Deep Impact became one of Japan's most celebrated runners, winning the Triple Crown as well as a handful of prestigious races for older horses.  The only horse to beat him in his home country was Heart's Cry (also by Sunday Silence), who would later win in Dubai.  Hat Trick became a world-renowned miler and is now at stud in the United States.  And let us not forget about the ladies!  Still in Love won 2003's Triple Tiara, and Dance in the Mood also was a champion three year-old filly in Japan. 

After several months battling laminitis, Sunday Silence passed away from heart failure in 2002.  He left big shoes to fill at Shadai, but his sons quickly began to carry on his legacy.  The first Japanese horse to win the Melbourne Cup, Delta Blues, was by Sunday Silence's son Dance in the Dark.  Orfevre (Stay Gold) and Gentildonna (Deep Impact), who are two of Japan's most celebrated racehorses today, both have Sunday Silence as their grandsire.  Deep Impact, who was Sunday Silence's greatest runner, is now arguably his greatest producer as well.

It is hard to find a top runner in Japan without Sunday Silence in their pedigree.  The black stallion, who in 1990 was largely ignored by American breeders, revolutionized the bloodlines of his new home.  It can be argued that his sons and daughters propelled Japan into the 21st century as one of the world's premier racing countries. 

You know that saying, "One man's trash is another man's treasure"?  While he certainly was never trash, Sunday Silence certainly remains one of Japan's national treasures.

Mile Championship (G1) Preview and Selections

Sunday afternoon - which means about 1:40 AM ET for my American readers - Kyoto will hosts its Group 1 Mile Championship.  A hefty field of eighteen is assembled for the 1600 meter event, including last year's winner, Sadamu Patek.  The five year-old son of Fuji Kiseki rallied from off the pace in 2012 to give veteran rider Yutaka Take his first Mile Championship win.  Second and third place finishers Grand Prix Boss and Donau Blue are also here, though both are coming into 2013's edition after less than stellar years.

Noticeably absent here is Lord Kanaloa, who smoked several of these in his two Grade 1 starts this year.  That racehorse, who would most likely be a strong favorite to win this race, is instead pointing for Hong Kong.

Three females will try their hand against the boys, including Donau Blue.  The best of them this year is Meine Isabel, who was a good fourth in the Yasuda Kinen (G1) behind Lord Kanaloa.  Three year-old filly Red Oval gets a slight breather - the lowest weight in the large field.

A horse to look out for is Danon Shark.  Sixth in the Mile Championship last year, he has finished on the board in all five of his starts this year so far, including a third in the Yasuda Kinen, where he was one of a trio closing fast near the wire.  He won comfortably in his last out, a Grade 3 prep for this race, and should be primed to run a big effort here.  Look out also for Clarente, who sizzled 1800 meters in 1:45 and change two starts back.  This lower-level graded runner could make some noise here.

Look for three year-old colt Copano Richard and Garbo to be on or near the pace, as well as Sakura Gospel.  They should set a hot tempo for the closers to come running, just as Sadamu Patek did last year.

Can lightning strike twice?  The beginning half of this year was not good for Sadamu Patek, but after a four month layoff, he made a lovely closing drive in tandem with Daiwa Maggiore to snatch third in the 1400 meter Swan Stakes (G2) behind Copano Richard last month.  That run was encouraging - and after all, his form lines weren't so good going into 2012, either.  And speaking of Daiwa Maggiore, the four year-old colt has only been off the board four times in 15 starts - an ultra-consistent, very honest runner, indeed.

Several internationally known jockeys will be riding this race; besides Yutaka Take, who is aboard Tosen Ra, there is William Buick on Donau Blue, Mickael Barzalona riding  L'lle d'Aval, and Ryan Moore gets a leg up on Grand Prix Boss.

My top selections:
13) Danon Shark
12) Clarente
4) Daiwa Maggiore
2) Sadamu Patek

Stephen Wong's Take on Tonight's Zipping Classic

In just under 45 minutes, the Zipping Classic (G2) will go off.  Read what guest blogger Stephen Wong has to say about this stakes event:

Zipping Classic 2400m
Group 2. Apprentices cannot claim

No    Horse (Barrier)        Jockey            Trainer                                    Weight  Price
 1    Precedence (4)          C Williams      Bart & James Cummings       59         3.40
 2    Sertorius (1)              R Maloney      J Edwards & B W Elkington 59         3.80
 3    Ransomed (6)            C Newitt         G R Vile                                 59        11.00
 4    Midsummer Sun (2)   D Oliver         Sam Kavanagh                      59         9.00
 5    What’s In A Name (3) D Dunn         J D Smith                              58        41.00
 6    Epingle (7)                 B Rawiller      M C Kent                              57         8.00
 7    Detox (9)                    B Melham      Jake Stephens                        57        41.00
 8    Queenstown (8)          N Rawiller     Ms G Waterhouse                  56         5.50
 9    Kazanluk (10)             K McEvoy    Anthony Freedman                56        15.00
10    Miss Zenella (5)         L Nolen        P G Moody                             56        31.00

Odds courtesy TAB

Comments by Stephen Wong (@SW064351)
 1 Precedence: Fought on bravely to prevail in Queen Elizabeth. In flying form and deserved favourite but 1-for-20 record at track is a concern.
 2 Sertorius: Just missed in Queen Elizabeth and meets Precedence 2.5 kilos worse but still one of the leading chances.
 3 Ransomed: Won Spring Classic two starts back before faltering in Sofitel last week. Worth another chance.
 4 Midsummer Sun: Broke awkwardly before storming home to grab second in Cup Day Plate. Must be respected.
 5 What’s In A Name: Southern Australian shipper who is racing well but this is much tougher.
 6 Epingle: Finished strongly in Matriarch. Consider.
 7 Detox: Struggling for best form. Tested in this.
 8 Queenstown: Consistent mare who has yet to miss the quinella this preparation. Will race prominently and take plenty of catching.
 9 Kazanluk: Worked home well enough in Matriarch. Rough place claims.
10 Miss Zenella: Should improve over the 2400m but others look to have her measure.

Tips
 4 Midsummer Sun
 1 Precedence
 8 Queenstown
 2 Sertorius

(Editor's note: Stephen's beautiful formatting on Word is unfortunately mangled in the machine we call Blogger.  If it looks sloppy, well, blame Blogger!  Or me, if you fancy...)

Pedigree Profile - Point of Entry

One of the many in this recent wave of year-end retirements, Point of Entry will command a $25,000 stud fee at Frank Stronach's Adena Springs Farm.  Unlike a few other new stallions in 2014, Point of Entry boasts longevity, finishing out his career at age five.  What this Phipps-bred stallion also has is a tremendous pedigree that should earn him a lot of points as a new stud.

Point of Entry is sired by Dynaformer, a temperamental son of Roberto whose offspring find their footing in all different kinds of situations.  From the brilliant three year-old Barbaro to the old veteran Perfect Drift, or Melbourne Cup (G1) winner Americain to steeplechase champion McDynamo, it seems like Dynaformers can do it all.  Yet after a quick search on Bloodhorse's Stallion Register, I found only 16 sons of the deceased stallion standing in America.  Point of Entry may be one of a few to carry on Dynaformer's male line.

Dynaformer himself was a Grade 2 winner and a grandson of Hail to Reason, whose son Halo - like Dynaformer - was particularly ill-tempered as well.  His dam, Andover Way, was a Grade 1 winning daughter of leading sire His Majesty, to whom Point of Entry is inbred 3x4.  Dynaformer passed away last April at the ripe old age of 27.

That stallion provides a solid top half to Point of Entry's sparkling female line.  It is a Phipps family product through the first couple of generations and boasts several champions.  Point of Entry is a half-brother to Pine Island (Arch), a two-time Grade 1 winner who suffered a fatal injury in the 2006 Breeders' Cup Distaff.  Another half-sister, Chili Cat (Storm Cat), was stakes-placed as a racehorse.  His dam, Matlacha Pass (Seeking the Gold), is a full sister to both Pleasant Home and Country Hideaway.  Pleasant Home is best known as the runaway winner of the 2005 Breeders' Cup Distaff, while Country Hideaway, a Grade 2 winner, produced another Grade 2 winner in Boca Grande (A.P. Indy).

Third dam Maplejinsky (Nijinsky II) was a nice racemare, winning a few Grade 1 events, but was even better in the breeding shed.  Her daughter Sky Beauty (Blushing Groom (FR)) was phenomenal on the track, winning 9 Grade 1 races, including the 1993 Filly Triple Crown.  She didn't produce much of note at first, but time has paid off - her great-grandson Violence (Medaglia d'Oro) is a Grade 1 winner and also a new stallion for 2014.  Maplejinsky also produced Silence Beauty (Sunday Silence), dam of Grade 1 winner Tale of Ekati.

Fourth dam Gold Beauty (Mr. Prospector) was the champion sprinter of 1982, beating the boys on a few separate occasions.  Her best offspring was the exceptional racehorse Dayjur, who won three year-old championships in England and France and only lost the 1990 Breeders' Cup Sprint to Safely Kept because he jumped a shadow in just a few strides before the wire. 

Besides His Majesty, Point of Entry is also inbred to Mr. Prospector (3x5), Nashua (4x5), and champion two year-old and Preakness (G1) winner Hasty Road (5x5).

An Obituary to a Filly

The idea for this eulogy, of a sort, has been sitting in my head since last Saturday; until now, I have found neither words nor sentiment to write it down.  Now, though, it is time to pay tribute to a beautiful racehorse and to ponder that age-old question, "What could have been?"

Though triumph is sweet, its bitter twin, tragedy, is never far behind, like a shadow clinging to light.  Bob Baffert may have won two Breeders' Cup races last Saturday, but not before tragedy reared its ugly head, taking the life of a filly that could be special.

We see this so often in horse racing, and yet it always hits us just as hard as the last.  There are always shining stars lost too soon to the world beyond our knowledge.  A delicate young horse, on legs seemingly too spindly to support all that muscle on top, runs at speeds many animals can only dream of.  Nature has designed those legs to carry weight, but, like any injury, there are times when fate steps into play, and not for the better.

Secret Compass had two wins in five starts going into the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, including a narrow victory in the Grade 1 Chandelier Stakes over She's a Tiger, who would later be disqualified from her first place finish in the Breeders' Cup.  She was bred to be spectacular - by the speedy Discreet Cat, who was sometimes described as "freaky," and out of a mare by Maria's Mon, who sired not one, but two, Kentucky Derby winners.  On TVG's The Works, she received unanimous A+ ratings from the panel in her last workout before the big event.

It seemed as if Secret Compass had a real shot to win, and many selected her as their champion.

She's a Tiger set the early pace in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies.  Not far behind, after a couple others, was Secret Compass, preparing to pounce on the far turn.  Her backers, whose eyes were glued to her, watched as she steadily made up inches down the backstretch.  They hit the far turn and the filly began to make a sharp move towards the inside.  She would collar the leaders soon -

It was almost like a punch in the gut.  Within instants, the filly stumbled and fell to her knees, her body flipping with the impact, struggling to bring herself upright.  The whole racing world drew in sharp breath.  Some cursed; some cried.  Others stared blankly, unwilling to believe what they had just witnessed.

Breakdowns, like other sudden, violent events, have a way of cementing themselves into the memory of every witness.  This injury was certainly no exception.

Prayers and pleas rang through the air in the minutes between the accident and the bad news.  At the wire, Ria Antonia had been declared the winner after She's a Tiger was disqualified for stretch interference.  Her connections whooped and hollered joyfully, but my mind - as well as many others' - was only for the fallen filly being attended to on the far turn.

A lateral condylar fracture, with dislocation, ripped Secret Compass from us.  She lost the blood supply in that leg, staggering near her injured jockey, and was euthanized before she could bring herself further pain.

John Velazquez missed the chance to ride several horses that day, including Wise Dan, who successfully defended his title in the Breeders' Cup Mile.  In an instant, the entire mood of the day took a turn.

Why?  Her name is added to the list of those fillies we lost so soon - Landaluce, Go for Wand, Ruffian - that could have gone on to do even greater things.  As with any premature loss, "What could have been?" hangs heavy in the air, sticking in the throats of the grieving and prompting questions and debates for decades to come.  The loss of something so young, so promising - a child, if you will - will break any heart that stops and ponders this seemingly unfair occurrence.

The game went on.  Her trainer, Bob Baffert, won two Breeders' Cup races that day, including the Breeders' Cup Juvenile with New Year's Day.  Sorrow filled his eyes and choked his voice at the mention of his deceased filly; even in triumph, tragedy has a way of maintaining a stranglehold.  As for me, my heart felt a little heavier for the rest of the day.  With each time the horses left the gate, I would wish and pray that all of them crossed the wire unscathed. 

That's what we all want, isn't it?  "May they all come home safe."

Some people have a way of portraying this sport as a selfish, cruel way to go about things, forcing horses to run against their will and putting their riders in harm's way.  In the end, though, every pastime has its flaws, its fears, and its tragedies.  Each time a horse goes down on the track, a human in the barn sheds more than a few tears.  They are not just commodities or athletes to the people who live and work with them every day; these horses become family, friend, and idol alike.

So as Secret Compass is a member of a family, it is fitting to give her tribute, as we would for any of our family members.  It has been observed that the youngest stars to die often do so violently; they also shed the brightest light for the longest time.  Through her short time here, Secret Compass showed brilliance.  Now she runs in some other realm, unencumbered by pain.  Those who loved her will not forget her; the history books will still contain her name.  But as we humans are so connected to the here and now, the earthly solidity of things, we must bid her a proper farewell.

Goodbye, Secret Compass.

Throwback Thursday - Twitter Edition!

Throughout yesterday and part of today, I asked my Twitter followers for some of their favorite racing memories.  Here's what they had to say:

Do you have a great memory you'd like to share?  Add it below in the comments!

Stephen Wong's Thoughts on the G1 Crown Oaks

This is guest blogger Stephen Wong's take on tonight's Crown Oaks at Flemington.  Remember that Stephen backed the winner, Fiorente, in the Melbourne Cup!

Crown Oaks 2500m

Group 1. Apprentices cannot claim

No     Horse (Barrier)            Jockey               Trainer                     Weight        Price

 1     May’s Dream (5)           N Hall               D K Weir                     55.5          7.00

 2     Arabian Gold (1)           H Bowman        D Vandyke                  55.5          10.00

 3     Kirramosa (10)             N Rawiller          J G Sargent                 55.5          2.50

 4     Gypsy Diamond (8)     J McDonald        J A O’Shea                 55.5           9.00

 5     Solicit (4)                    G Boss                M Ellerton & S Zahra  55.5          10.00

 6     Quayside (7)               B Avdulla            D Payne                       55.5          21.00

 7     Every Faith (9)            M Zahra              R W Smerdon             55.5          51.00

 8     Zanbagh (2)                B Shinn               G H Walter                  55.5          4.80

 9     Melaleuca (3)              B Prebble            T & K O’Sullivan       55.5          20.00

10     Tear Gas (6)               C Williams           D T O’Brien               55.5          41.00

Odds courtesy TAB

Comments by Stephen Wong (Twitter handle: @SW064351)

 1 May’s Dream: Battled determinedly to edge Solicit for second on Saturday. Consider.

 2 Arabian Gold: Kept on okay in Wakeful but distance is a query. Place looks best.

 3 Kirramosa: Rallied wide from rear to win Wakeful. Pace is a concern but is still the one to beat.

 4 Gypsy Diamond: Ran on in closing stages on Saturday but pace looks against her here. Place claims.

 5 Solicit: Classy filly who hasn’t missed a place this preparation. One of the leading chances.

 6 Quayside: Hit the line strongly when winning at Rosehill. Each-way claims.

 7 Every Faith: Has failed to threaten in recent runs. Pass.

 8 Zanbagh: Strung together a pair of easy wins at Ballarat. Worth some thought.

 9 Melaleuca: Put in a shocking run in Wakeful. Looking elsewhere.

10 Tear Gas: Weakened tamely in first attempt at Group company and looks well held.

Tips

 3 Kirramosa

 5 Solicit

 6 Quayside

 1 May’s Dream

2013 Melbourne Cup and Insights by Guest Blogger Stephen Wong

In just a matter of hours, 24 horses will go to the post for Australia's marquee racing event, the Melbourne Cup.  It is the ultimate test of stamina, contested over 3200 meters (two miles), and has been run every year since 1861, won by champions like Carbine, Phar Lap, and Makybe Diva.  Last year's winner, Green Moon, starts in this race, as does the 2011 winner Dunaden.

Providing some excellent insight on the runners in the race is guest blogger Stephen Wong.  Stephen has a master's degree in investment management and also writes for www.fasttrack.hk, a racing page covering everything from horses to fashion to drama in the event.  He has a very good grasp on international racing and will give us a strong opinion on each of the runners in this race.   

Emirates Melbourne Cup 3200m

Group 1. Apprentices cannot claim

No     Horse (Barrier)            Jockey               Trainer              Weight        Price

 1       Dunaden (1)                   J Spencer            M Delzangles       58.5          41.00

 2       Green Moon (10)           B Prebble            R Hickmott          57.5          35.00

 3       Red Cadeaux (23)          G Mosse             E Dunlop              56.5          51.00

 4       Sea Moon (7)                 S Arnold             R Hickmott           56.5          16.00

 5       Brown Panther (6)         R Kingscote        T Dascombe          55            18.00

 6       Fiorente (5)                    D Oliver              Ms G Waterhouse 55              7.00

 7       Foreteller (15)                C Newitt             C J Waller             55             26.00

 8       Dandino (4)                    R Moore             M Botti                 54.5          11.00

 9       Ethiopia (14)                  R McLeod           P G Carey            54.5          71.00

10      Fawkner (8)                    N Hall                 R Hickmott          54.5          16.00

11      Mourayan (19)                B Avdulla           R Hickmott          54.5         126.00

12      Seville (9)                       H Bowman          R Hickmott         54.5          17.00

13      Super Cool (13)              C Brown              M Kavanagh       54.5          31.00

14      Masked Marvel (2)         M Rodd               R Hickmott            54          35.00

15      Mount Athos (22)           C Williams          L M Cumani          54          10.00

16      Royal Empire (11)          K McEvoy           Saeed Bin Suroor  54          21.00

17      Voleuse De Couers (21)  J McDonald        M D Moroney        54          16.00

18      Hawkspur (18)                J Cassidy             C J Waller           53.5          14.00

19      Simenon (12)                  R Hughes             W P Mullins       53.5          17.00

20      Ibicenco (17)                   L Nolen                P G Moody              53        51.00

21      Verema (3)                      C Lemaire             A De Royer-Dupre  53        15.00

22      Dear Demi (16)              C Munce                C E Connors            51        17.00

23      Tres Blue (20)                T Berry                  Ms G Waterhouse    51        23.00

24      Ruscello (24)             (a)C Schofield            E Walker                  50        61.00

Odds courtesy TAB

Comments by Stephen Wong (Twitter: @SW064351)

 1 Dunaden: Best runs have been in Australia, winning three of four starts. Weight is against him but will conserve ground with the gun draw and be running on late. Must be respected.

 2 Green Moon: Lead-up form this campaign has been suspect and must carry 3kg additional. Needs to lift.

 3 Red Cadeaux: Veteran gelding who went down by the slimmest of margins two years ago. Carries top weight and wide draw only makes task tougher.

 4 Sea Moon: Runs of late have been progressively better. Can lift Cup if he can reproduce Hardwicke form.

 5 Brown Panther: British galloper who has won at the Group 2 level over this distance. Will be competitive the but the pace could prove his undoing.

 6 Fiorente: Hasn't set a foot wrong this preparation and showed he can be effective at the sharper trips. Massive hope.

 7 Foreteller: Distance is a query and can't have at this stage.

 8 Dandino: Hit the line strongly in Caulfield Cup and will get a solidly run race to suit. Was unplaced over this distance two years ago but should be included in the exotics.

 9 Ethiopia: Form this term has been inconsistent despite showing improvement in Lexus. Looking elsewhere.

10 Fawkner: Gets relief in the weights despite winning Caulfield Cup in dominant fashion. Keep safe.

11 Mourayan: Run in Mackinnon on Saturday was disappointing and looks well held.

12 Seville: Scored in Metropolitan but the form of beaten runners since has collapsed. Under the odds.

13 Super Cool: Showed plenty of promise as a three-year-old but pedigree suggests trip will prove too far.

14 Masked Marvel: Finished second-last in Cox Plate after firing up early. Will likely have to commit early from the low draw. Pass.

15 Mount Athos: Got into the clear when it was all too late last year. Must overcome a wide draw but will be flying late. Go close.

16 Royal Empire: Consistent galloper who has yet to run a poor race this preparation but is unproven this company. Hard to have.

17 Voleuse De Coeurs: Thrashed rivals in Irish St Leger while toting 61kg. Has proven form over trip and must be respected.

18 Hawkspur: Forgive Caulfield Cup run as he fell victim to a troubled trip. Still needs to find a few lengths to compete with these.

19 Simenon: Former hurdler who kept grinding to the line in Herbert Power. Will strip fitter and is one of the leading chances.

20 Ibicenco: Won Geelong Cup but this is a different kettle of fish. Happy to let him go.

21 Verema: Has class on her side but was comfortably held by Cavalryman in Dubai Gold Cup. Place claims look best.

22 Dear Demi: Brilliant run to flash home for third in Mackinnon on Saturday. Place best.

23 Tres Blue: Gets in carrying postage stamp weight and is worth some thought.

24 Ruscello: Backs-up on three days rest and is entered here as an afterthought. Drawn the carpark and will be pestered on the lead. Sure to find these too strong.

Stephen's Selections:

 6 Fiorente

 4 Sea Moon

19 Simenon

15 Mount Athos