And that was Breeders' Cup 2011

In what looked like an episode from "Jockeys" Mike Smith came charging through on Drosselmeyer to defeat Chantal Sutherland on Game on Dude.

Smith and Sutherland had an on again off again relationship through the filming of the popular TV series

which is currently off again. Close to the post it looked like the Canadian would be come the first

woman jockey to win the Classic but Smith gave Drosselmeyer a brilliant drive down the outside to get

the victory that so painfully escaped him last year. This also gave trainer Bill Mott a win in both the

Ladies Classic and this race, a feat that has only been accomplished once before. Ruler on Ice ran

third followed by Havre de Grace and then So You Think, who raced on what little pace there was but

could not pick up at the finish.

The day started off much in the way it was going to continue - with a huge upset when Afleet Again won

the Marathon from Bird Run and Giant Oak. Meeznah was pulled up - not sure yet what that story is,

and Brigantin, the only one not on drugs, just didn't like the surface.

The O'Brien camp started the day well when Wrote won the Juvenile Turf over 1600m from Excaper,

ridden by another Canadian woman jockey Emma Jayne Wilson and Faraaj third.

The Sprint went to Amazombie from Force Freeze and favourite Jackson Bend, who would be better

suited by a longer trip. Aikenite returned to form with a good 4th.

The Dirt Mile was a very open race and went to Caleb's Posse from Shackelford and old friend Tres

Borrachos jumped out of his skin to take third at 33/1.

The Turf was a brilliant result for the O'Briens when young Joseph rode St Nicholas Abbey to victory

over a decent margin from Sea Moon with Brilliant Speed third. Favourite Sarafina was desperately

unlucky as she was boxed in an unable to get out in time and could only finish fourth. In fact the rail on

the whole was not a good place to be.

Union Rags had looked like a very good thing in the Juvenile 1800m but it was the grey Hansen who

pushed through and stole the win in a close photo finish. Norfolk winner Creative Cause ran third,

proving again that form line.

And then the Mile - Goldikova didn't get there for her 4th win in this race thanks to a 64/1 shot Court

Vision who hadn't won anything in ages, and Turallure second. Goldikova just failed to have that killer

kick and that may be a sign that she is ready now for her new career. Gio Ponti was fourth and he too

was bidding farewell to the track.

On Friday a tiring Secret Circle held on just long enough to win the Juvenile Sprint from the fast

finishing Schumoos from Brian Meehan's yard with Garret Gomez riding. Holdin Bullets at 16/1 finished

third ahead of Seeker and although both tracks were pronounced "good" there was definitely a bit of

softness in this race.