Eight Search For Breeders’ Cup Classic Berth in Awesome Again

By Margaret Ransom

Saturday’s $300,000 Awesome Again Stakes (GI), inaugurated as the Goodwood Stakes in 1982 at the now-defunct Oak Tree at Santa Anita fall racing season, was re-named in 2012 to honor track owner Frank Stronach’s 1998 Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI) winner. And, for more than two decades, it was Southern California’s signature prep for Racing’s Championship Day — even before it gained “Win & You’re In” status several years ago.

Since its inception, the nine-furlong main track feature has drawn some impressive names from around the country and the winners’ list counts several eventual Breeders’ Cup Classic winners, champions and even Horses of the Year. Ferdinand won in 1987 and was that year’s top thoroughbred. He was joined in subsequent years by… (more) 

(Editor’s Note: Dortmund is expected to be withdrawn from the race.)