CHARISMA EDGES OUT CHAOS IN BREEDERS' CUP
The Week in Review, by T.D. Thornton
This year's Breeders' Cup revealed itself as a microcosm of the current state of North American racing: An inability to dodge off-track dysfunction (Friday) paired with sensational on-track action (Saturday).
Luckily, the corking performances unleashed over the course of the two-day thrill show were emphatic enough to spark more than a few exhilarating expectations for 2022.
That will make it a touch easier to endure an entire winter of wincing at the oft-repeated social media meme Afor purse money only@ while simultaneously wondering if the presumed juvenile champ will even be allowed to compete in next year's GI Kentucky Derby.
Other topical industry subplots also surfaced over the course of the 14-stakes lineup at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Among them were the continued globalization of high-end racing, the phasing-out of Lasix, and recently reformed whip rules.
The first of those three was a welcome development, with two horses bred and campaigned by Japanese connections breaking through in the world championships for the first time.
The latter two regulatory transitions proved only to be bit players in the overall performance, with neither triggering the levels of harm and alarm that have long been prognosticated by opponents of change.
