Looking Forward to 2012

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While perhaps not the best way to remember 2011, one of mymost poignant memories will be of 9-year-old gelding Secrets Untold, a gallant one-time G3 runner-up who, making his 77thcareer start today in the listedLyndhurst Handicap at Doomben, went down after clipping heels shortly afterthe start. Lying immobile on the turf, the dreaded green screen came out—but then,unbelievably, the old boy jumped to his feet! An unlikely miracle it seemed,but, alas, his condition (a broken shoulder) was such that hehad to be euthanized on track in full view of the grandstand. Moments likethis break your heart. Sadness replaced by elation, only to be smacked down by anguish.Thus is the emotional fate of any horse racing fan, and too many times in 2011I felt the tumultuous ups-and-downs of our sport.

However, in the spirit of optimism rather than negativityand regret, here are some of the things I’m most looking forward to in 2012:

1. Undefeated superstar BlackCaviar’s return to the track, with a campaign geared towards taking on theworld. Without a doubt, her 16-for-16 streak—not to mention the way in whichshe dominated her competition—made this BelEsprit mare the most exciting racehorse in the world last year, bar none. Afteranticipated starts in the G1 CF Orr (February 11) and G1 Futurity (February 25)both at Caulfield, Black Caviar willbe aimed for Royal Ascot in June.
2. The continuing internationalization of horse racing andbreeding, particularly the welcome influx of German strength and stamina. In2011, the most apple-pie of American races, the G1 Kentucky Derby, was won by Animal Kingdom—a colt by Brazilian-bredLeroidesanimaux out of the German-bredmare Dalicia. He wasn’t alone indemonstrating quality race horses result from good German breeding. GrahamMotion-trained German-bred Sanagas wonthe G1 Hollywood Turf Cup, while French-born (but entirely German-bred) Stacelita captured the G1 Beverly D andG1 Flower Bowl. And what about 3-year-old German filly Danedream—dominating winner of the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe—notto mention 4-year-old German-bred BeFabulous, winner of the G1 Prix Royal-Oak (French St. Leger) over 15.5furlongs? A little stout German blood may do wonders for American dirtbreeding.
3. Celebrating the blue-collar horses who prove, day-after-day,that horse racing is ultimately about the joy of running. With so many “quality”horses lightly-raced these days, what a pleasure it is to enjoy the gallantwarriors who continue to race with such enthusiasm. Rapid Redux, Awesome Gem,Ravalo, Star Guitar, The Tatling,Mustard, Catlaunch, Joey P, Russell Road—I’ll watch these horsesany day of the week, and I do.
4. Yet another crop of promising 3-year-olds on the Derbytrail. Admittedly, I can’t help myself—I love the Derby prep races. Once againthis year, along with my fellow contributors at Hello Race Fans!, we’ll be picking apartkey races for our DerbyPrep Alert—sign up now!

 Here’s hoping 2012 is prosperous and healthy for each one ofyou. Happy New Year!