This year's Classic showcased many of this year's
talented three-year-olds. Derby, Preakness and Haskell winner War Emblem
was making his last start. Travers winner Medaglia D'Oro was looking for
a good showing to steal the title, along with Pacific Classic winner
Came Home. Four-Year-Old Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Evening Attire was
looking to duplicate the efforts of his sire Black Tie Affair who had
won both races.
Medaglia D'Oro may have three-year-old title
Medaglia D'Oro left the gate as the favorite, with War Emblem as the
second pick. In the early going War Emblem battled with E Dubai but the
battle left neither with anything left in the stretch. At the mile mark
Medaglia had a head lead over Jose Santos and Volponi. The race
was over at that point as 43 to 1 shot Volponi opened up an easy lead
and cruised to an easy six length victory. The win was the first
Breeders' Cup win for Santos in five years and the first ever for New
York based trainer Phil Johnson. Phil, who had his start in the
Chicago area, enjoyed his homecoming.
Jose Santos enjoys Classic win
Long Shot Volponi gives trainer Phil Johnson his
first Breeders' Cup win.