A good horse can take people on the ride of a lifetime. Owning a horse like Twilight Eclipse is why people get into this game. He’s taken his Partners on an incredible journey and is set to compete in his third straight Breeders’ Cup. This horse merits a long look in the $3,000,000 Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) on Saturday at Keeneland. This Halloween don’t think of vampires from the Twilight Saga: Eclipse, but think of the brown turf monster with four legs and a heart the size of Kentucky.
Third in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf at Santa Anita, Twilight Eclipse earned his well-deserved first grade one win in the Man O’War in May at Belmont after finishing second or third in six grade one events. Since his career began in 2012, he’s amassed over $1.82 million in earnings. Not too shabby for a horse who was purchased for $1,000 as a yearling.
West Point Thoroughbreds purchased the son of Purim privately in June of 2012 after watching his two wins at Indiana Downs. We were blown away by how well he moved and got him into trainer Tom Albertrani’s hands immediately. Now here we are with seven wins and earnings creeping up on $2 million.
“Twilight Eclipse has never been better,” said Albertrani. “He’s like fine wine, he’s just gotten better with age. His last work was probably the best work he’s had in his life. This horse has shown he’s one of the top turf horses in the country and oftentimes doesn’t get the respect he deserves. He shows up every single time.”
“I’m biased, but I truly think this horse should have won the Joe Hirsch last time out,” said WPT Chief Operating Officer Tom Bellhouse. “He’s had some really bad racing luck this year and still been right there at the wire. He got blocked by two horses who were backing up last time and then finished like a monster. I’ve heard several people call this horse the loveable loser, and they might be rethinking that statement come Saturday afternoon. We’re heading to Kentucky knowing that if the racing Gods cooperate and let this horse work out the trip he deserves, we’re getting our picture taken.”
Need some more convincing that this horse can get the job done? Click here to read “Could Twilight Eclipse Win the Breeders’ Cup Turf?”
Post time for the Breeders’ Cup Turf is 4:50 ET. The race will be televised live on NBC Sports Network.
