Alysheba

Frank Helps You Think It All Out cherishes its champions of the racetrack. Thus, we would be remiss not to note the passing of Alysheba- winner of the 1987 Kentucky Derby and Preakness. Alysheba was 25.

As the two big wins above attest, Alysheba was obviously talented as a three old. I mean, look at this roster of three year olds he whipped that day: Bet Twice, Cryptoclearnace, Gulch. But it was his return to the track at four to take on all comers that cemented him as one the sports’ true champions. He battled the great Ferdinand- another Kentucky Derby winner (thus bringing juice you would never see today when horses are retired instantly)- repeatedly, establishing two all-time greats as charasmatic rivals. He roamed the east coast- taking on all who dared- crowning his career by winning the Breeders' Cup Classic over Seeking the Gold, Waquoit and Forty Niner.

He made a whopping 26 starts, winning eleven- and those eleven were mostly of the right sort: Triple Crown, Breeders Cup, the Big ‘cap. Had he won the Belmont, he’d be an immortal- but he’ll have to settle for the Racing Hall of Fame.

Here is his 1987 Kentucky Derby win- rising from near his knees and rallying to win.



And the 1988 Breeders Cup Classic: