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CLASSIC COUNTDOWN: 10 BEST SANTA ANITA HANDICAPS
In this edition, the top ten runnings of the Santa Anita Handicap - one of the highlights on the American racing calendar, are revealed as determined by Jon White. Since the inaugural running of the Santa Anita Handicap in 1935, it has been one of the most coveted prizes in American racing and has been won by many of the sports all-time greats.
When introduced in the 1935, this 1-1/4 mile event which would become widely known as, "The Big Cap", was an instant success largely due to its monstrous $100,000 purse.
Below are the top ten runnings of the Santa Anita Handicap - each race and horse chosen having its own unique story:
10) BEST PAL (1992) - retired at that time as the richest California-bred horse in history with $5.6 million in earnings.
9) Trainer, Richard Mandela's remarkable 1997 training feat saddling the 1,2,3 finishers: SIPHON, GENTLEMEN and SANDPIT.
8) COUGAR II (1973) - the first horse to ever win the race on works alone trained by the great Charlie Whittingham.
7) ROUND TABLE (1958) - the first horse to break the 2-minute barrier of the race running it in 1:59.4 and carrying 130 lbs.!
6) SPECTACULAR BID (1980) - "BID" was unbeatable in '80 winning all nine of his races including the Strub Series.
5) AFFIRMED (1979) - the only TC winner to win the "Big Cap" winning by 4 huge lengths breaking the track record in 1:58.2!!
4) NOOR (1950) - the most over-rated "Big Cap" win with CITATION being beat by NOOR after conceding 22 lbs. to the victor.
3) ALYSHEBA (1988) - ALYSHEBA turned the tables on his nemesis, FERDINAND, after losing to him in the '87 BC Classic.
2) JOHN HENRY (1982) - JOHN HENRY wins his 2nd straight "Big Cap" following the disqualification of PERREAULT in 1982.
1) SEABISCUIT (1940) - Hollywood couldn't have scripted a better story. SEABISCUIT finally wins the race in his 3rd attempt.
(25 Minutes)
Listing Info: | |
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Listing ID: | 817 |
Format(s) Available: | DVD And VHS |
Category: | U.S. & Canadian Flat Racing |