Top 10 Things in Racing to Look Forward to in 2016

4.) BEHOLDER – The great mare is scheduled to return to the race wars in 2016. Beholder pointed towards the Breeders Cup Classic this year and it would be exciting if she were to point towards it again in 2016. A plaque in the Hall of Fame certainly awaits this all time great and Richard Mandella’s training job of her is one of the most impressive in modern day racing. If she stays sound who knows what she may accomplish next year, especially with the Breeders’ Cup in her own backyard.

5.) 3-YEAR-OLD COLTS AND GELDINGS TURNING 4 – The overwhelming opinion amongst racing experts and fans this season was that the 2015 crop of 3-year-old colts and geldings was outstanding. It should be exciting to see how this crop progresses in 2016. Runhappy, Dortmund, Firing Line, Frosted, Keen Ice and Texas Red look to be returning. Perhaps some horse that none of us are even talking about right now will step up and become a star as a 4-year-old. Who will history see as the second best horse in AP’s crop? How will these colts and geldings progress next year? Stay tuned!

6.) RACHEL’S VALENTINA – It is well known that the greatest female racehorses in history don’t generally go on to be equally great broodmares. But it happens from time to time and Rachel Alexandra definitely exhibited promise to be the exception to the general rule. It’s sad the 2009 Horse of the Year won’t be bred anymore but it is exciting to see if her daughter, Rachel’s Valentina, goes on to be a champion just like her. Rachel Alexandra got better from 2 to 3 and it appears her daughter is the 2nd best filly of her crop at 2. What’s really exciting is the thought that Valentina’s connections would point her towards the Preakness Stakes just like her mama!