Unbridled's Note still in shock after BC Turf Sprint loss
The bitter memories of an embarrassing loss at the hands of Mizdirection in Santa Anita’s Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint would stay fresh in the mind of Unbridled's Note and his camp. The Steven Asmussen-trained missed the mega chance of registering his first
triumph at the Grade One level.
All this drama took place on November 3rd, when a total of 14 horses entered the $1 million, Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. Over a distance of six and a half furlongs, all the participants tried their best, but the ultimate glory went to Mizdirection.
In the hands of M. E. Smith, the Mike Puype-trained could not get off a great start. However, she made smooth progress, running on down wide outside to challenge the leaders inside the final furlong. Her hard work paid off just before the wire, when she
managed to get her head in front.
There was still plenty to do, because the advantage was very little. The Jungle Racing LLC, Danny Grohs et al-owned made timely moves, and stayed ahead all the way through, capturing the big prize by half a length.
It was a terrible outcome for Unbridled's Note, who was carrying the highest odds of 9 to 2. Under C. Nakatani, the Mike McCarty-owned led inside the final 100 yards, but was surpassed by Mizdirection just before the finishing line.
The final outcome brought plenty of happiness to Mizdirection’s camp. The 4-year-old was initially given the odds of 20 to 1, but considering the great market popularity, the bookies cut her down to 7-1.
"I don't think they can get 20-1 down to 5-1," co-owner Jim Rome said after the race. “I got a feeling there people knew she was not a 20-1 horse, and they knew she was live."
"I'm having a hard time believing that just happened. I talked to Bobby Flay on my radio show earlier in the week and I said, 'You've been there before, you know what it's like.”
"I'm here to tell you that outside the birth of my daughter, it was the single most exhilarating moment of my entire life. I would say the same, but I'm too numb to even know how it feels."
A disgraceful loss would have shaken Unbridled's Note’s confidence to a great extent. And, it will be very hard for him to bounce back. Mizdirection, on the other hand, will aim for more after her first Grade One success.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not reflect Bettor.com’s editorial policy.
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