Albertus Maximus In BC Dirt, Goldikova In Mile
Four-Year-Old Romps Over Well Armed; Ireland Lady Beats Males
Oct 28, 2008
Ireland's Goldikova scored handily in the Breeders' Cup World Championships October 24 at Santa Anita Park, while Albertus Maximus gave a grand performance on October 25 with his powerhouse run in the Dirt Mile, defeating former foe Well Armed, who failed to charge.
In a race of history replete with two-time winners and previous Irish champions, Goldikova didn't figure into anyone's pre-race favorite's list. The three-year-old filly took on her colt counterparts and older males in the $2 Million Mile (G1) on the Santa Anita turf course in a mile chase usually planned for three-year-old males and up.
The third female in history to win the turf event, Goldikova may well be back to attempt to put her own special stamp on the BC Mile.
Goldikova Shuns Filly Friday
All five of the 2008 Breeders' Cup World Championships races for fillies and mares took place on Friday, October 24 at Santa Anita. The day was quickly coined "Filly Friday", but this girl, Irish Goldikova, took the unconventional route, kissed Friday goodbye and stepped on the synthetic surface on Saturday with the boys.
The result was a stunning upset of defending champion Kip Deville and some flashy older males. The pretty brown bay Irish lady got help from jockey Olivier Preslier in careening out of traffic at the quarter pole to kick free and power her way to the wire, while the boys faded from view. She covered the mile of firm turf in 1:33.40, 1-1/4 lengths in front.
Kip Deville was a late closer for second, and Whatsthescript beat Precious Kitten by a head for third place.
Goldikova improved her record to six wins from nine starts. She's also got two seconds and a third on her resume, a sparkling slate of never running off the board.
Past Winners of the BC Mile
Goldikova's win in the BC Mile marked the 25th anniversary of the event. Following is a list of the other 24 past winners:
2007 -- Kip Deville; 2006 -- Miesque's Approval; 2005 -- Artie Schiller; 2004 -- Singletary; 2003 -- Six Perfections (FR); 2002 -- Domedriver (IRE); 2001 -- Val Royal; 2000 -- War Chant; 1999 -- Silic (FR); 1998 -- Da Hoss; 1997 -- Spinning World; 1996 -- Da Hoss; 1995 -- Ridgewood Pearl (GB); 1994 -- Barathea (IRE); 1993 -- Lure; 1992 -- Lure; 1991 -- Opening Verse; 1990 -- Royal Academy; 1989 -- Steinlen (GB); 1988 -- Miesque (female); 1987 -- Miesque (female); 1986 -- Last Tycoon (IRE); 1985 -- Cozzene; 1984 -- Royal Heroine (female) (IRE).
Maximum Drive from Albertus Maximus
With Rebellion also closing late behind him, Albertus Maximus went into overdrive and overpowered his opponents in the $1 Milion BC Dirt Mile after taking charge from the turn into the lane. He easily put away his Goodwood Stakes (G1) conqueror, Well Armed, in 1:33.41.
Two Step Salsa was keeping step all the way in the early going, but gave way to the flying Maximus and held on for third. Rebellion was able to maintain his charge to grab second place.
Last year, Corinthian, with Kent Desormeaux up, won the inaugural BC Dirt Mile. Gottcha Gold, ridden by C.C. Lopez, was second, and Discreet Cat, guided by Garrett Gomez, crept into third.
