NEWS
Caleb’s Posse rounds up Dirt Mile victory
Posted: Saturday, November 05, 2011 4:16 PM
CALEB'S POSSE
Patricia McQueen photo
For video of the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, click here.
by Steve Myrick
Caleb's Posse displayed a most impressive turn of foot down the stretch to capture the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1) for trainer Donnie Von Hemel, who co-owns the three-year old colt with Don McNeill's McNeill Stables and Everett Dobson's Cheyenne Stables.
Shackleford, winner of this year's Preakness Stakes (G1) led into the stretch and looked in full command a few paths off the rail. But Caleb's Posse, running well out in the middle of the Churchill Downs stretch, came flying late to win by four lengths going away.
Dobson became emotional when speaking of McNeill, who is battling health problems and could not attend the race. McNeill's health issues prompted him to contemplate getting out of the business, but the precocious Caleb's Posse helped change his mind.
“The horse showed a lot of talent early on,” Dobson said. “He's not the most physically imposing horse, but he always looked like he had that attitude. He had the 'it' factor; that's what dreams are made of.”
Caleb's Posse was a candidate for the Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1), but Von Hemel favored the one-turn Dirt Mile.
“He's a one turn horse, and I'm so glad he can do that very well,” Von Hemel said.
Von Hemel had only two previous starters in Breeders' Cup races and was well aware that the path to success is very difficult at this level.
“To win these kinds of races, everything has to be spot on.”
The son of Posse out of Abbey's Missy, by Slewacide, raced well back in the early part of the race, but went from eighth at the quarter pole to a threatening second at the top of the stretch.
Rider Rajiv Maragh was a bit concerned about timing.
“I really didn't want to make the lead too early,” Maragh said. “He inherited the lead earlier than I expected and he just kept on going.”
Final time for the race was 1:34.59.
Von Hemel said he thought Caleb's Posse merits consideration for Eclipse Award honors in the three-year-old division.
“He does have a couple of Grade 1 wins,” Von Hemel said. “I think you can make a case that way. I think you might be able to make a stronger case as champion sprinter.”
For an Equibase chart, click here.
Steve Myrick is a Thoroughbred Times contributing writer
