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2008 TURF AWARDS JANUARY 7, 2009 With the conclusion of another racing year, it's time for the second annual Reilly Turf Awards. For this rather lighthearted rendition of the obligatory year-in-review piece, each category will have three winners -- one in the Turf division (T), one in the Filly & Mare Turf division (F/M T), and one from the International scene (I). As the Empress/Kaiserin/Tsarina of these awards, I decree that a horse may be honored in only one category. This is chiefly designed to prevent boredom from the same predictable names cropping up. If you think that a certain someone has been egregiously omitted along the way, be patient. And so, starting with the dubious honors and progressing to the greatest, here are the winners of the coveted Reillys for 2008: Race with the Most Mayhem I -- The Prix de l'Abbaye (Fr-G1) at Longchamp was an outrageous farce whose chief victim was the dashing OVERDOSE (Starborough), the undefeated pride and joy of Hungary. If I were more conspiratorially minded, I'd swear that it was a Socialist plot against the best individual of Hungarian extraction to hit Paris since Nicolas Sarkozy. A false start was called as the speedballs came hurtling down the straightaway, with the officials noticing that one of the stalls had failed to open. It was not clear to all jockeys that a false start had been called, including Andreas Suborics, who continued to ride Overdose to a blistering triumph. Sadly, it was in vain, for the race was declared void and rerun a few hours later. Overdose had just blazed five furlongs in near course-record time in the false Abbaye, so he could obviously not take part in the rerun, which went to Marchand d'Or (Marchand de Sable). Overdose went on to vent his fury on Rome next time out, plundering the Premio Carlo e Francesco Aloisi (Ity-G3) in a manner not seen since the barbarian invasions. Indeed, even his compatriot Attila had spared Rome. T -- The recent Eddie Logan S. at Santa Anita witnessed a terrifying spill. BACK AT YOU (Stormy Atlantic) looked to be in full command at the top of the stretch, only to crash into the inside rail and slam Garrett Gomez into the turf. It is miraculous that neither horse nor rider was seriously injured. F/M T -- The Suwannee River H. (G3) at Gulfstream Park served up a double mayhem, both before and after GREEN GIRL (Fr) (Lord of Men) got up late to win by a half-length. In a royally uncooperative mood in her final start, she dislodged Rene Douglas twice in the post parade and did not reunite with him until entering the starting gate. As a result, Green Girl failed to carry the proper weight from the paddock to the post, in accordance with Gulfstream rules. Nevertheless, she was still declared the winner on the spot, and only after six weeks' worth of wrangling and due process was Green Girl finally disqualified. Most Lethal Surprise T -- For sheer inscrutability, RUMOR HAS IT's (Awesome Again) wire-to-wire shocker at 59-1 in the Kentucky Cup Turf (G3) takes the cake. Perhaps he just learned the old adage that "Rumor flies" and thought it applied to him. F/M T -- MAGICAL FANTASY (Diesis [GB]) rebounded from a pair of disappointing efforts to upset the Del Mar Oaks (G1) in slashing style at a generous 42-1. Trainer Paddy Gallagher added earmuffs to her equipment for the Del Mar Oaks, and apparently mollified, Magical Fantasy made amends by a driving two lengths. I -- INSPIRATION (Flying Spur) didn't even make the initial cut for the Hong Kong Sprint (HK-G1), but was only tossed in after a couple of international invitees bowed out. Logically dismissed at 67-1, in light of his lowly rating, the John Moore trainee conjured up the race of his life to upend a star-studded field, including Australia's own Apache Cat (Lion Cavern) and France's Marchand d'Or. Most Frustrating Trip T -- GIO PONTI (Tale of the Cat) never got the chance to battle archrival Court Vision (Gulch) in the Hollywood Derby (G1). While Court Vision took the overland route to glory, Gio Ponti was suffocating behind horses with nowhere to go. It's unclear whether he would have been able to outkick Court Vision, but Gio Ponti would surely have finished a lot closer than seventh with a fair shot. F/M T -- Although WAIT A WHILE's (Maria's Mon) trip in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) was tactically perfect, it qualifies as frustrating because of what came to light after her third-place finish. Only later did we learn a possible reason why she did not power home in her customary fashion. It turns out she had spiked a fever a few weeks before and was given penicillin. Traces of procaine remained in her system in the Breeders' Cup, she therefore tested positive, and this positive test for procaine is what triggered the news about her fever. It would have been nice to know about this illness prior to the Breeders' Cup. She was certainly healthy and ready to go on the day, but that minor hiccup a few weeks before may have been enough to cost her. I -- LUSH LASHES (Galileo [Ire]) was desperately unlucky not to win the Nassau S. (Eng-G1). Each glimmer of daylight was slammed shut, forcing her to tap on the brakes, or snatch up abruptly and alter course yet again. When at last a seam presented itself, Lush Lashes took off in the blink of an eye. Her furious late rush fell a head short of a fortunate Halfway to Heaven (Ire) (Pivotal), who was swamped by Lush Lashes one stride past the wire. Most Mysterious Fizzle to a Promising Campaign T -- WAR MONGER (War Chant) hinted at serious potential earlier in the year, overcoming traffic problems to take the Sunshine Millions Turf S. at Gulfstream Park, and was being described as a monster. When stepping up into graded company, however, he morphed from a swaggering conqueror into a humble pacifist, and went winless for the rest of the season. War Monger's early promise ended up being only a feint. F/M T -- RUTHERIENNE (Pulpit) was one of my favorites in 2007, and when she opened her 2008 season with a swashbuckling coup in the Jenny Wiley S. (G2), she appeared to be picking up right where she left off. Unfortunately, the Christophe Clement filly never won again. The dark bay was the soul of consistency, placing third each and every time, but she was no longer the ruthless win machine of old. I -- When GETAWAY (Monsun) routed a useful field in the Jockey Club S. (Eng-G2) in May, he loomed as the heir apparent to Manduro and Shirocco (Ger), who raced for the same connections. Despite being owned by Baron Georg von Ullman and trained by Andre Fabre, though, Getaway was comprehensively put in his place in four Group 1 contests. When Getaway started the year, his name conjured up images of luxurious vacation spots. Several months later, it smacked more of absconding with ill-gotten goods. Most Crushing Piece of News T --SHAKIS (Ire) (Machiavellian) was reportedly better than ever heading into his career finale in the Citation H. (G1), but he never made it to the race, or to stud. He broke down after working a half-mile on Hollywood Park's Cushion Track and was euthanized. The demise of Shakis on a synthetic surface, just one week before his last start, calls to mind the tragedy of a soldier being killed just before the armistice. F/M T -- The death of NASHOBA'S KEY (Silver Hawk), after breaking a hind leg when kicking a wall, was a brutal shock that came out of the blue. As a formidable presence on both turf and synthetic, she would have been a prime contender wherever she showed up on Breeders' Cup Friday. I -- Hong Kong superstar ABSOLUTE CHAMPION (Marauding) was that rare individual who actually lived up to an ambitious name, and he deserved a better fate. At one time the world's highest rated sprinter, he fractured his right front forelock about one furlong into the KrisFlyer International Sprint (Mal-G1) and was euthanized. Most Heartwarming Story T -- The late-blooming DANCING FOREVER (Rahy) got his act together at the age of five to emerge as one of the nation's finest turf performers, but that's only part of the story. The Phipps homebred is the first foal from Dancinginmydreams (Seeking the Gold), who suffered a bad breakdown in the 2000 Frizette S. (G1). At that time, the idea that she would not only be saved and rehabilitated, but become the dam of a Grade 1 hero, seemed fanciful. So the mere fact that Dancing Forever exists is a triumph of life, and his top-level success is nothing short of remarkable. F/M T -- MARAM's (Sahm) victory in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf was heartwarming for reasons both human and equine. Trainer Chad Brown's grandfather had died earlier in the week, but not before urging him to go to Santa Anita to saddle Maram, his first Breeders' Cup starter. Second, co-owner Karen Woods explained that it was her esteem for the great filly Salsabil (Ire) -- heroine of the 1990 Irish Derby (Ire-G1), One Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1) and Oaks (Eng-G1) -- that led her to choose Sahm, an inexpensive son of Salsabil, as a suitable stallion for Maram's dam. I -- KANE HEKILI (Fuji Kiseki) is unquestionably the comeback story of the year. Making only his second start back after injuries forced him into a 28-month layoff, he won the Japan Cup Dirt (Jpn-G1) for the second time. Not only was it a thrilling stretch drive, in which he showed his trademark courage, but he made history by becoming the first two-time winner of that race. His improbable return is a tribute to the horsemanship of Katsuhiko Sumii. Best Campaign without a Grade/Group 1 Score T -- WHATSTHESCRIPT (Ire) (Royal Applause [GB]) was beaten only a half-length in the Eddie Read H. (G1), the victim of a career-best dazzler from Monzante (Maria's Mon), and there was no disgrace in finishing third to Goldikova (Ire) (Anabaa) and Kip Deville (Kipling) in the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1). We have not seen the last of this talented character, who may be ready for his close-up in 2009. F/M T -- VACARE (Lear Fan) was a valiant runner-up to Wait a While in the Yellow Ribbon S. (G1), her first start at 1 1/4 miles, and a decent fifth in the Filly & Mare Turf, beaten all of two lengths. Had she taken part in the John C. Mabee H. (G1) in her second outing of the year, instead of the ultra-deep Diana S. (G1), Vacare might have netted another Grade 1, to go along with her tally in the 2006 Queen Elizabeth II Invitational Challenge Cup (G1). I -- DARJINA (Zamindar) finished a gallant second in all six of her starts while racing exclusively in Group 1 company. The Aga Khan filly missed by a half-length to Jay Peg (Camden Park) in one of the deepest races anywhere on the globe last year, the Dubai Duty Free (UAE-G1); came within a head of landing the Queen Anne S. (Eng-G1) at Royal Ascot, with the winning Haradasun (Fusaichi Pegasus) benefiting from one of those slick Ballydoyle tactics; and went down by a half-length to Goldikova in the Prix de Rothschild (Fr-G1) and Prix du Moulin (Fr-G1). Best Turf Performance by a Dirt Horse T -- I must confess that I deliberately manufactured this category just to find a way to honor CURLIN (Smart Strike), a solid second in his only turf escapade in the Man o' War S. (G1). Principal owner Jess Jackson is to be commended for his bold vision, even if it did not pan out as hoped. The Horse of the Year was still an honorable runner-up to past Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) hero Red Rocks (Ire) (Galileo [Ire]). F/M T -- COCOA BEACH (Chi) (Doneraile Court) made a huge impression when winning the Matriarch S. (G1) in only her second career start on turf. Rallying from off a slow pace with ground-devouring strides, she mowed down defending champion Precious Kitten (Catienus). This opens up limitless vistas of opportunity for the Godolphin filly, who is clearly a horse for all surfaces. I -- I've never understood why Godolphin has kept DIABOLICAL (Artax) abroad on the turf, when his most notable moments have come on the dirt. His 2008 turf highlight was his excellent runner-up finish to course specialist Desert Code (E Dubai) in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. Most Heroic Performance in Defeat T -- OUT OF CONTROL (Brz) (Vettori) won this award twice over. Trying 1 1/4 miles for the first time in the Manhattan H. (G1), the Bobby Frankel trainee endured a wide trip, yet missed on the head-bob to Dancing Forever, who roared through on his inside. Two starts later in the Clement L. Hirsch Turf Championship S. (G1), Out of Control raced in close proximity to a scorching pace, ran his heart out in a protracted stretch duel with the closing Red Giant (Giant's Causeway), and went down by a head. His loss was all the more wrenching because the final time was a record 1:57 for 1 1/4 grassy miles. If justice prevails, Out of Control will be in control in at least Grade 1 event in 2009. F/M T -- DYNAFORCE (Dynaformer) also turned in two heroic efforts in defeat. Despite being away from the races for 10 months, the Bill Mott mare gave the streaking Mauralakana (Fr) (Muhtathir [GB]) a real fright in the New York S. (G2). Next time out in a super renewal of the Diana, Dynaforce made what appeared to be a potent winning move, only to be nailed late by Forever Together (Belong to Me). I-- DAIWA SCARLET (Agnes Tachyon) was sidelined by injury for seven months before lining up in the prestigious Tenno Sho Autumn (Jpn-G1), but she came within two centimeters of victory. Even more to her credit, she set a ferocious pace and responded to a cavalry squadron of challengers in the stretch. Only Vodka (Tanino Gimlet), wider out on the course, got the better of her by that risibly small margin. Most Impressive Front-Running Tour de Force T -- SPIRIT ONE's (Fr) (Anabaa Blue) penchant for setting the pace was not often rewarded in his French homeland, but transferred to the friendlier confines of American racing in the Arlington Million S. (G1), it made him dangerous. With Ioritz Mendizabal demonstrating an acute sense of pace, Spirit One rattled off steady splits and stayed on determinedly through the stretch to defeat Archipenko (Kingmambo) by three-quarters of a length. F/M T -- Godolphin's FOLK OPERA (Ire) (Singspiel [Ire]) lulled her rivals to sleep in the E.P. Taylor S. (Can-G1) and made them all pay for it. A canny Frankie Dettori managed to slow the pace down to a crawl, and somehow, his fellow jockeys let him get away with it. Folk Opera cut loose at the top of the Woodbine stretch and asserted her authority in no uncertain terms. I -- The seven-year-old EGYPTIAN RA (Woodborough) ran his rivals off their feet in the International Mile Trial (HK-G2) in a stunning display. Opening up an unassailable lead, the Tony Cruz charge stopped the clock in 1:33.28, at that time the second-fastest mile ever run at Sha Tin, according to the South China Morning Post. Best Arrival in the Nick of Time T -- Eagle Mountain (GB) (Rock of Gibraltar [Ire]) appeared to have seized the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) by the scruff of the neck, until CONDUIT (Ire) (Dalakhani) burst from the pack. Unleashing a sustained charge in deep stretch, the Sir Michael Stoute pupil rapidly overhauled Eagle Mountain and drew clear. F/M T -- FOREVER TOGETHER may have a sentimental, touchy-feely name, but she really resembles a bird of prey who swoops late for the kill. She was visually impressive when flying home from last to catch Dynaforce in the Diana, but her up-in-time heroics were also well played in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf and First Lady S. (G1). I -- New Approach (Galileo [Ire]) had nearly all of the field straining behind him in the Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1), with the exception of HENRYTHENAVIGATOR (Kingmambo). "Henry" closed with a rush, as if he had secured the all-important weather gauge in the old days of sail, to accost the front-running dynamo and nip him at the wire. Most Ruthless Triumph T -- I found it impossible to choose between WINCHESTER's (Theatrical [Ire]) spectacular conquest of the Secretariat S. (G1) and GRAND COUTURIER's (GB) (Grand Lodge) demolition job in the boggy Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational S. (G1). Each personified total dominance. F/M T -- PRECIOUS KITTEN won only once from six starts in 2008, but that one was an utterly commanding performance in the Gamely S. (G1). She could be spotted as the winner from a long way out, well before she made her move, and she strolled home by a confident 2 1/4 lengths. I -- NEW APPROACH took over from his pacemaker and mercilessly galloped his opponents into the ground in the Champion S. (Eng-G1) at Newmarket. The gifted but idiosyncratic colt had finally put it all together for Jim Bolger, stretching clear in imperious fashion by six lengths, and smashing the course record in the process. New Approach thereby became only the third horse in history, and the first for nearly 100 years, to sweep the Dewhurst S. (Eng-G1), Derby (Eng-G1) and Champion. Special Award for Historic Accomplishment T -- EINSTEIN (Brz) (Spend a Buck) achieved a unique double by capturing two of Churchill's marquee events for older horses -- the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (G1) on Derby Day and the Clark H. (G2) on dirt on Thanksgiving weekend. One of the classiest horses in training, the handsome dark bay deservedly carved this niche for himself in the record book. F/M T -- YOU LIFT ME UP (Lord Carson) will go down in history as the winner of the last race at Bay Meadows, the Last Dance S. I – The Aidan O'Brien-trained YEATS (Ire) (Sadler's Wells) defied the march of time to win his third straight Ascot Gold Cup (Eng-G1) in tremendous fashion, matching the feat of the great French stayer Sagaro. Two Southern Hemisphere champions also equaled extraordinary achievements in their countries. Australian Horse of the Year WEEKEND HUSSLER (Hussonet) tied the legendary Kingston Town by capturing six Group 1 events during the season, and South African Horse of the Year POCKET POWER (Jet Master) turned the Queens Plate (SAf-G1)/ J & B Met (SAf-G1) double for the second year in a row, matching Politician's exploits. In the Far East, the sensational GOOD BA BA (Lear Fan) became the first horse ever to sweep Hong Kong's three premier mile events. Most Exciting Stars on the Rise T -- Sporting the colors of Princess Haya, DONATIVUM (GB) (Cadeaux Genereux) landed the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf in the manner of a top-notch athlete. It remains to be seen whether he will really use Kempton's Kentucky Derby Challenge S. as a springboard to the Run for the Roses on dirt, but in any event, the gray gelding is virtually certain to reappear in America at some point in 2009. F/M T -- LARAGH (Tapit) promises to develop into an outstanding filly, as her rout in the Jessamine S. illustrated. While the lanky gray returned to synthetic for a clear-cut score in the Hollywood Starlet S. (G1), and is more than likely on the Kentucky Oaks (G1) trail at present, I won't be surprised if she winds up back on the turf next summer. Laragh could be just the type for the American Oaks Invitational (G1). I -- CROWDED HOUSE (GB) (Rainbow Quest) crushed the field in the usually informative Racing Post Trophy (Eng-G1). Well back early, the Brian Meehan charge bolted home by 3 1/2 lengths to stamp himself as a leading Derby hope. Bravest Performance in Victory T -- SEASPEAK (Mizzen Mast) and COWBOY CAL (Giant's Causeway) engaged in a knock-down, drag-out, no holds barred free-for-all in the Bryan Station S. (G3). Neither one gave an inch as they fought to the wire. Seaspeak's nose finished first, but he was disqualified as the aggressor in their barging match. Cowboy Cal was awarded the victory, and considering that he had not raced since the Kentucky Derby (G1), his effort was especially commendable. F/M T -- DIAMOND DIVA (GB) (Dansili [GB]) could have been forgiven if she had let up when passed by Ventura (Chester House) in the CashCall Mile Invitational (G2). But she kept trying as hard as she could, and her virtue was rewarded when Ventura lost her focus. Diamond Diva clawed her way back and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. I -- DUKE OF MARMALADE (Ire) (Danehill) looked well and truly caught by Papal Bull (Montjeu [Ire]) in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. (Eng-G1). Indeed, after producing such a sudden surge to take command, he could hardly be expected to find another gear when Papal Bull rocketed alongside and put his head in front. But "The Duke" showed that he was no mere cipher with a title -- he had the heart and stomach of a king. Responding to Johnny Murtagh's urgent call, the O'Brien horse somehow managed to make a second move and put Papal Bull away. I'm convinced that The Duke was never the same again after the King George, but he gave us all an indelible memory. Most Breathtaking, Instantaneous Acceleration T – GOLDIKOVA's rocket blast in the Breeders' Cup Mile was reminiscent of the turbo-charged Miesque. Moreover, the fact that Goldikova had to wait for room, before she was able to unload her barrage, only served to heighten its dramatic effect. Her fireworks should become a fixture on the Breeders' Cup highlight reel for years to come. F/M T – MAURALAKANA delivered a startling turn of foot in the Sheepshead Bay H. (G2), displaying a greater incendiary power than I thought she had. The Christophe Clement mare suddenly propelled herself past the leaders and scorched to a three-length victory. I – MONTMARTRE (Montjeu [Ire]) left the Grand Prix de Paris (Fr-G1) field for dead in a few strides, eliciting a comparison to the sublime *Sea-Bird II himself. If he comes back at anywhere near that form in 2009, the Aga Khan colt will make life miserable for his opponents in the season's most sought-after prizes. Most Exceptional Virtue Consistently Displayed T – HYPERBARIC (Sky Classic) was not the most talented member of the division, but he ended up being the most reliable. While this is partly due to shrewd spotting by Julio Canani, it must be emphasized that Hyperbaric is genuine to the core. The bay gelding ran eight times, never finished worse than third, and actually improved over the course of the year. Hyperbaric opened his campaign with four straight placed efforts, including the Arcadia H. (G2), Shoemaker Mile (G1) and American. After a change in tactics that put him closer to the early pace, he ended 2008 with a four-race winning streak, capped by the Oak Tree Mile (G2) and Citation H. (G1). Hyperbaric is a newly turned six-year-old, so he should be a force in Southern California for at least another year, if not longer. F/M T – VENTURA may have thrown away the CashCall Mile in a fit of absent-mindedness, but I was wrong to condemn her for that indiscretion in one of my Filly & Mare Turf diaries. In fact, the Juddmonte Farms homebred never ran a bad race all year, compiling a 7-4-2-1 mark, and she was at times electrifying. Two of Ventura's victories came on synthetic, principally her incredible rally in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, but the Frankel filly also garnered the grassy Just a Game S. (G1) in a sizzling 1:32 3/5. Ventura showed true gameness when runner-up versus males in the Woodbine Mile (Can-G1), and had the turf been firm for her that day, she could well have won. She still has her quirks, to be sure, but lack of heart is not among them. I – RAVEN'S PASS (Elusive Quality) followed a trajectory from hard-luck disappointment to ringing vindication. Bred by Stonerside and ultimately campaigned by Princess Haya, the chestnut gave his utmost every time while competing in august company. Earlier in the season, the John Gosden colt kept coming too late and wound up chasing Henrythenavigator in the Two Thousand Guineas, St. James's Palace S. (Eng-G1) and Sussex S. (Eng-G1), and Tamayuz (Nayef) in the Prix Jean Prat (Fr-G1). "Raven" exacted revenge on Henry in the Queen Elizabeth II S. (Eng-G1) and Breeders' Cup Classic (G1). While the respective merits of Henry and Raven will be argued by their partisans down through the ages, it is indisputable that Raven was the soul of high-class dependability in every circumstance. World's Best Turf Performer: In the wake of the pageant of names listed so far, there is only one left to be honored -- the peerless ZARKAVA (Zamindar), who retired undefeated and unchallenged. Her seasonal reappearance in the Prix de la Grotte (Fr-G3) was perfunctory, her Poule d'Essai des Pouliches (French One Thousand Guineas) (Fr-G1) was effortless, her Prix de Diane (Fr-G1) was arrogant, her Prix Vermeille (Fr-G1) was an annihilation, and her Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1) was pure class triumphing over adversity. Rightly did the Aga Khan describe Zarkava as the "apogee" of his family's nearly century-long breeding enterprise. Lifetime Achievement Award: The Aga Khan's dual classic hero KAHYASI (Ile de Bourbon), the broodmare sire of Zarkava, was euthanized in June at the age of 23. Kahyasi captured the Derby and Irish Derby (Ire-G1) in 1988, and I will never forget his unwavering courage at the Curragh. Despite being struck into early in the Irish Derby, he fought to a narrow victory, heedless of the blood flowing freely down his leg. These days, however, Kahyasi is remembered more as a broodmare sire, as he has left a priceless legacy through his daughters. In addition to siring Zarkasha, the dam of Zarkava, Kahyasi is also responsible for the blue hen Hasili (Ire), the dam of Dansili (GB), Banks Hill (GB), Heat Haze (GB), Intercontinental (GB), Cacique (Ire) and Champs Elysees (GB). Requiescat in pace.
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