Division rankings: White Abarrio proves mettle in Breeders' Cup

Well, it’s that time of year again when the post Breeders’ Cup hangover plagues us all. It is the period when we reflect on the achievements of our beloved horses, learn about the numerous retirements of many of those favorites, and hold out hope that a few will remain in training for another season. 

In the weeks and months preceding the Breeders' Cup, I underestimated the chances of White Abarrio, to the extent of stating that he would be one of the biggest underlays of the entire Breeders' Cup weekend. There is much to dissect here. 

Before delving into my thoughts on White Abarrio and his trainer Rick Dutrow, let's first take a look at this week's updated division rankings.

Older dirt males

1. White Abarrio. This guy proved me wrong, making my previous thoughts on him look foolish. A facile win in the Breeders' Cup Classic moves him to the top here. Despite a somewhat sparse resume, he was the best older male to run around two turns in 2023. It will be a close vote in this division, but he will get mine as the Eclipse winner in this division.

2. Cody's Wish. Sentimental story of the Breeders' Cup, this guy prevailed in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. If we set aside the personal stories and emotion and just talk facts, the field he beat in the Dirt Mile was the weakest since that race's inception. He split his two meetings with White Abarrio and falls to No. 2 based on "strength of schedule".

3. Proxy. Closed to pick up the show spot in the Breeders' Cup Classic, this guy had two graded-stakes wins from six starts this year prior to that effort. 

4. Zandon. Simply didn't fire in the Breeders' Cup Classic finishing ninth. Previous to that effort he got his first win of the season in the Woodward (G2) as he closed to win going away. Before that he finished runner-up three times in graded stakes, the last two being the Met Mile (G1) and the Whitney. 

5. Bright Future. The winner of the Jockey Club Gold Cup for his first stakes win, he finished sixth in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Next 5: Slow Down Andy, Defunded, Senor Buscador, Smile Happy, Skippylongstocking

Older dirt females

1. Idiomatic. Gutsy winner of the Breeders' Cup Distaff, this gal will win the Eclipse in this division and perhaps get some horse of the year votes. Finished 8-for-9 on the season, a tally that includes three Grade 1 wins. 

2. Clairiere. Another tough-luck defeat in the Breeders' Cup Distaff as she had traffic trouble in the stretch. Clairiere has shown up for all of big events this division had to offer this year, winning two Grade 1 races. 

3. Adare Manor. Was simply not good enough in the Breeders' Cup Distaff finishing seventh, but only beaten three lengths. Dominated her division in California previous to the Breeders' Cup winning five of six races prior. 

4. Search Results. Beaten less than three lengths in the Breeders' Cup Distaff when finishing sixth. Got her first win of the year in the Locust Grove (G3) at Churchill Downs prior to the Breeders' Cup. Grade 1-placed two times earlier this year. 

5. Secret Oath. The winner of the Azeri (G2) earlier this season, she has been runner-up in three Grade 1 events in 2023, including the Personal Ensign last out. Was retired because of injury.

Next 5: Le Da Vida, Nest, Played Hard, Fun to Dream, A Mo Reay.

3-year-old males

1. Arcangelo. He was super impressive in the Travers (G1), defeating a quality field. Validating his Belmont win was critical, and he did that and more. Missed the Breeders' Cup Classic and is now retired. 

2. Arabian Knight. Finished a good fourth in the Breeders' Cup Classic, beaten two and a half lengths. Was all heart in winning the Pacific Classic (G1) over older horses and fellow 3-year-olds previous to the Breeders' Cup Classic.

3. Geaux Rocket Ride. Was narrowly defeated in the Pacific Classic, but he lost nothing in defeat. The Haskell winner was recently seriously injured and had to be euthanized. A tragic end, but this guy won't be forgotten by his connections or thousands of fans like myself.

4. Forte. Disappointed in the Travers, finishing fourth, beaten eight lengths. No way to spin the loss, no excuses. Recently retired and missed the Breeders' Cup.

5. Mage. Finished last in the Travers, but he gets a mulligan off of that effort considering what he has done prior. Missed the Breeders' Cup Classic but will stay in training to run at age 4. Could start next in the Pegasus World Cup in January at Gulfstream.

Next 5: Angel of Empire, National Treasure, Derma Sotogake, Disarm, Practical Move

3-year-old females

1. Pretty Mischievous. She nearly caught the loose-on-the-lead winner of the Cotillion (G1), Ceiling Crusher, but had to settle for the runner-up spot. She didn't lose much luster and has this Eclipse sewn up, in my opinion. She won the Acorn (G1) and the Kentucky Oaks (G1). Scratched from the Breeders' Cup Distaff, she will win the Eclipse in this division. 

2. Randomized. Runner-up in the Breeders' Cup Distaff, this gal came on late at the end of the season. Scored in the Beldame (G2) over older for her second graded-stakes win prior to the Distaff and during the summer she won the Alabama (G1).

3. Wet Paint. Simply didn't fire in the Breeders' Cup Distaff finishing a eighth. Won the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) earlier this season and was runner-up in the Alabama (G1).

4. Ceiling Crusher. Won the Cotillion (G1) last out, securing her first Grade 1 win. Prior to the Cotillion she won the Torrey Pines (G3) at Del Mar. She did not target the Breeders' Cup.

5. Defining Purpose. Off the board in the Cotillion last out but did win the Ashland (G1) and Indiana Oaks (G3) earlier this season and was third in the Alabama (G1).

Next 5: Occult, Faiza, Hoosier Philly, Dorth Vader, Window Shopping

Turf males

1. Up to the Mark. Really ran well in the Breeders' Cup Turf, nearly winning but settling for a close second. Will win the Eclipse in this division on the basis of that effort and his three previous Grade 1 wins this season. 

2. Master of the Seas. The winner of the Breeders' Cup Mile started three times in North America this season and ran great in all of them. He was runner-up to Up to the Mark in the Turf Mile and before that he scored a win in the Woodbine Mile (G1).

3. Casa Creed. Only beaten a half-length in the Breeders' Cup Mile, this guy was never off the board this season going 2-for-5 that included one Grade 1 win. 

4. Bolshoi Ballet. Ran them off their feet in the Sword Dancer (G1) last time out, and that alone bumps him this high, considering the state of this division. Before the Sword Dancer he was winless in four starts overseas. He was scratched out of the Breeders' Cup Turf.

5. Exaulted. He was a tough-luck runner-up last out in the Del Mar Mile (G2), but before that he was 4-for-4 since being moved to grass from dirt. Won the Shoemaker Mile (G1) earlier this season but missed the Breeders' Cup.

Next 5: Gold Phoenix, Hong Kong Harry, Nation's Pride, Set Piece, Annapolis

Turf females

1. In Italian. Despite her late season woes, this gal will get my vote as the Eclipse winner of this division. She has two Grade 1 wins on the season and still has a resume worth keeping her at the top and no other did enough to knock her off this top spot. Was off the board last time out in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. 

2. War Like Goddess. Overmatched in the Breeders' Cup Turf finishing seventh. Previous to the Breeders' Cup she scored a big win over the males winning the Joe Hirsch (G1) for the second year in a row.

3. Moira. She only won one time this season but she was very good in all of her starts. Last out she finished third in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf. She finished in the money in stakes in all six of her starts this season.

4. Gina Romantica. She made only four starts this season but scored a big win in the First Lady (G1) and then finished a very good fourth last out in the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1).

5. Whitebeam. Didn't fire when off the board in the First Lady (G1). Previously she upset In Italian in the Diana for her first Grade 1 win and second graded-stakes victory overall. Before the Diana she won the Gallorette (G3) on Preakness day at Pimlico. Was flattered by Fev Rover's Beverly D. (G1) win as that one finished third in the Diana. 

Next 5: Fev Rover, Mawj, Caravel, Closing Remarks, With the Moonlight.

Male sprinters

1. Elite Power. Not only will this guy win the Eclipse in this division, he will get votes in the older dirt male category and also horse of the year. Was outstanding in the Breeders' Cup Sprint, running the fastest race of the year by any male at any distance in his win. One of the better sprinters we have seen run over the last couple of decades.

2. Cody's Wish. He has one Grade 1 sprint race win this year, the Churchill Downs (G1), and after his loss in the Whitney he rebounded with a win in the Vosburgh (G2). Won the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1) last out.

3. Gunite. Second best to Elite Power again, this time in the Breeders' Cup Sprint. Finished behind his rival several times this season but did give him his only loss in 2023, the Forego (G1) at Saratoga.

4. The Chosen Vron. He won the Bing Crosby (G1) last out for his eighth straight win, and the previous seven wins all were listed stakes. This California-bred gelding loves sprinting belongs here. Finished fifth in the Breeders' Cup Sprint.

5. Anarchist. He won the Pat O'Brien (G2) after previously finishing runner-up to The Chosen Vron in the Bing Crosby. This guy has put together a good record this year, running eight times and never finishing worse than second. Has two graded-stakes wins in 2023. 

Next 5: Speed Boat Beach, Dr. Schivel, Nakatomi, Sibelius, Repo Rocks.

Female sprinters

1. Echo Zulu. Devastating blow to racing and the Breeders' Cup with her career-ending injury. Now we all hope and pray for a successful recovery. I believe she was the best female sprinter we have seen in over 20 years. She was clearly the fastest speed-figure wise, and she dominated last year's Eclipse winner, Goodnight Olive, in the Ballerina (G1) last out. She was the best female sprinter this season.

2. Goodnight Olive. Ran a powerful race in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint winning for the second year in a row. Previous to the Breeders' Cup she ran her race in the Ballerina but faced a monster in Echo Zulu. The Eclipse winner from last season started her season with a win in the Madison (G1) at Keeneland. Despite her season, Echo Zulu was clearly the best in this division.

3. Society. Finished fourth in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint and finished the season with a 2-for-5 record that included one graded-stakes win.

4. Yuugiri. Came on late in the season, winning the Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes (G2) and then finishing runner-up in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint. 

5. Matareya. Filly won the Derby City Distaff (G1) four starts back, defeating Goodnight Olive. Two starts back she finished third in the Ballerina, but she finished her season with an eighth-place finish in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint.

Next 5: Wicked Halo, Three Witches, Frank's Rockette, Fun to Dream, Sterling Silver.

2-year-old males

1. Fierceness. Rebounded from an abysmal Champagne (G1) where he was seventh to overpower the Breeders' Cup Juvenile field by over six lengths.

2. Muth. Second best in the Breeders' Cup, he looks to be the best in the west right now heading into 2024. Ran in the American Pharoah (G1) previous to the Breeders' Cup and scored a nice win.

3. Locked. Closed well in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile to be third, and looks to have a very bright future. Won the Breeders' Futurity (G1) earlier in the season and will now prepare for a 3-year-old campaign.

4. Timberlake. The beaten favorite in the Hopeful, he finished runner-up to Nutella Fella. Scored a nice win the Champagne (G1) at Belmont in the slop and last time out in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile he ran an even fourth.

5. Prince of Monaco. The winner of the Del Mar Futurity (G3) could do no better than fifth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Finished the season 3-for-4.

Next 5: Nutella Fella, Mirahmadi, The Wine Steward, West Saratoga, Gold Sweep, Pirate

2-year-old females

1. Just F Y I. Looked very good winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies and in the process, earning an Eclipse in this division. The Frizette (G1) winner is unbeaten in three career starts.

2. Tamara. Disappointed as favorite in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies but was found afterwards to have a cracked splint bone. This daughter of Beholder won the Del Mar Debutante (G1) rather easily in her start prior to the Breeders' Cup, but also no doubt gets a bump in her reputation given her pedigree.

3. Candied. Won the Alcibiades in just her second start, defeating Brightwork, among others. Finished third in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies.

4. Hard to Justify. 3-for-3 on the grass and defeated all comers in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1).

5. Ways and Means. The heavy favorite in the Spinaway (G1) after winning her maiden race impressively, she was defeated by Brightwork. Finished with racing this season because of a chipped ankle.

Next 5: Brightwork, Chatalas, V V's Dream, Jody's Pride, Here U Come Again.

Dutrow and White Abarrio deserve the accolades

When the horses crossed the finish line in the Pegasus World Cup (G1) back on January 28 all eyes were on the winner, Art Collector. Finishing some 13 1/2 lengths back in eight was the 2022 Florida Derby winner, White Abarrio. This marked White Abarrio’s sixth straight loss since that Florida Derby win, with half those results in off the board finishes.

Few, if any, could have predicted what White Abarrio would become.

Under the guidance of Saffie Joseph Jr. through the first stage of his career, the 4-year-old colt was transferred to Dutrow's stable following the unfortunate deaths of two of Joseph's other horses in the spring. Additionally, Joseph faced restrictions from entering races in several states. Before joining Dutrow's stable, White Abarrio had lost six of his last seven races, although he did secure a victory in an optional claimer in his final start under Saffie Joseph Jr. 

Under Dutrow's guidance, we witnessed a transformed White Abarrio. Making his debut for his new trainer in the Met Mile (G1), he finished a somewhat unexpected third place behind Cody's Wish in that one-mile race. Two months later, in the Whitney (G1) at Saratoga, once again up against Cody's Wish, White Abarrio, dismissed at 10-1 odds, was dominant in victory. White Abarrio not only won the Whitney, but he also won it with shocking ease, running off by over six lengths. 

This version of White Abarrio was different, prompting widespread skepticism. As racing enthusiasts, we tend to be cynical, and the abrupt change in form raises questions. The new trainer, Dutrow, resumed training earlier this year following a 10-year suspension imposed by New York racing officials due to a history of violations. Although the 64-year-old successfully trained Big Brown to victories in the 2008 Kentucky Derby and Preakness, controversy surrounded him when he admitted to regularly administering anabolic steroids to Big Brown and other horses in his stable. 

So yes, the skepticism was warranted. 

Dutrow has served his time, and everyone deserves a second chance. He has seized that opportunity and made the most of it. The crucial adjustment Dutrow implemented for White Abarrio was in the shoes. Described by his connections as having exceptionally thin hoof walls, White Abarrio, under his previous trainer Joseph, wore standard shoes. Dutrow, however, opted for glue-on shoes. The results speak for themselves. The impact was evident immediately in both White Abarrio's training and races. 

Now White Abarrio is a Breeders’ Cup Classic champion and possible Eclipse winner. Better yet, White Abarrio will run next season while many of his rivals have retired. 

I extend my apologies to Dutrow and commend his efforts with White Abarrio. While he may be unaware of this, my apologies also go to White Abarrio. You, too, were given a second chance, and much like your trainer, you've made the most of it, now sitting atop the racing world in this country.

These two have taught me valuable lessons, and moving forward, I won't hastily disregard a horse or a person based on preconceived notions.