Henrythenavigator Helps Euros Rule

In BC Classic History Tiznow Is King

Nov 3, 2008 BarbaraAnne Helberg

In American-sponsored Breeders' Cup Classic lore, Tiznow rules. Henrythenavigator helped European runners come to the fore by placing in one of five titles on October 25

Henrythenavigator was one of three horses, and one of two European-based entries, to defeat Breeders' Cup Classic defending champion Curlin October 25 at Santa Anita's Oak Tree meet. Raven's Pass, the winner, began his career in England at mile distances, as did Henrythenavigator.

European entries won five of the nine races on Breeders' Cup males day October 25.

In BC Classic History Tiznow Is Best

Only America's Tiznow, who entered the American Racing Hall of Fame this year, is a two-time winner of the BC Classic. Tiznow's wins were historically close. He bested Giant's Causeway by a neck at Churchill Downs in 2000, then returned to defend his crown in 2001 at Belmont Park, winning by a nose over Sakhee.

Frankie Dettori was the losing jockey aboard Sakhee. He had also lost the Classic with Ireland's Swain, who finished third in 1998. Experiencing a beautiful trip saddled to Raven's Pass, who overtook Curlin's lead handily, Dettori's Classic shortcomings ended in his familiar flying dismount in the winner's circle.

BC Classic Complete Order of Finish

The complete order of finish of the 2008 BC Classic, with prior 2008 race records of all entrants, and their pedigrees and jockeys follows:

  1. Raven's Pass ----- 7:2-4-0 ----- Elusive Quality--Ascutney, by Lord At War ----- F. Dettori
  2. Henrythenavigator ----- 6:4-1-0 ----- Kingmambo--Sequoyah (IRE), by Sadler's Wells ----- J. Velazquez
  3. Tiago ----- 7:1-3-1 ----- Pleasant Tap--Set Them Free, by Stop the Music ----- M. Smith
  4. Curlin ----- 6:5-1-0 ----- Smart Strike--Sherriff's Deputy, by Deputy Minister ----- R. Albarado
  5. Go Between ----- 5:2-3-0 ----- Point Given--Mediation (IRE), by Caerleon ----- G. Gomez
  6. Colonel John -----5:3-0-1 ----- Tiznow--Sweet Damsel, by Turkoman ----- E. Prado
  7. Smooth Air ----- 7:3-1-2 ----- Smooth Jazz--Air France, by French Deputy ----- R. Bejarano
  8. Champs Elysees (GB) ----- 7:2-1-2 ----- Danehill--Hasili (IRE), Kahyasi (IRE) ----- A. Garcia
  9. Duke of Marmalade (IRE) ----- 6:5-0-0 ----- Danehill--Love Me True, by Kingmambo ----- J. Murtagh
  10. Fairbanks ----- 6:2-2-0 ----- Giant's Causeway--Alaska Queen, by Time for a Change ----- R. Migliore
  11. Student Council ----- 7:1-1-1 ----- Kingmambo--Class Kris, by Kris S. ----- S. Bridgmohan
  12. Casino Drive ----- 3:3-0-0 ----- Mineshaft--Better Than Honour, by Deputy Minister ----- V. Espinoza

Raven's Pass and Henrythenavigator

Henrythenavigator had held a three to zip win streak against Raven's Pass headed into the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (Eng-1) at Ascot last September 27. R.P. got the victory, then again beat his chief rival in the BC Classic. Their rivalry may continue into next season and revive in the 2009 Breeders' Cup World Championships, which are scheduled for a repeat on Santa Anita's artificial surface.

BC Classic Competition Historically High

The hope for keen competitiveness in the BC Classic came to fruition in the race's very first run held in 1984. Three horses charged to the finish like cavalry stallions fronting an historic battle.

Wild Again, a supplemental entry with longshot odds, Gate Dancer, and the race's favorite, Slew o' Gold hooked up so closely that jockey Angel Cordero, Jr. claimed interference against Gate Dancer after the fact. Stewards upheld the claim and placed Slew o' Gold second, while disqualifying wire second place finisher Gate Dancer to third.

BC European Entries Will Likely Grow

Henrythenavigator, trained by Aidan O'Brien, Europe's most successful conditioner this season, spent the year as a significant miler. When asked about running the Stanjamesuk.com Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-1), St. James Palace Stakes (Eng-1), and BGC Susex Stakes (Eng-1) champion in the longer BC Classic (1-1/4 miles), O'Brien cited the race as being too good an opportunity to pass up.

European horses regularly run on turf, which "feels" much like synthetics. Santa Anita's switch to Pro-Ride surfacing brought the Euros to the Breeders' Cup in large contingents, most of which, hyped by the Euros high winning numbers, expect to return in 2009.

The copyright of the article Henrythenavigator Helps Euros Rule in Horse Racing is owned by BarbaraAnne Helberg. Permission to republish Henrythenavigator Helps Euros Rule in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.