On a weekend when many hopes were realized and some were dashed, the most significant results came in preps for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, with both Bernardini and Lava Man scoring runaway victories to remain on course for a showdown for Horse of the Year on Nov. 4 at Churchill Downs.

The $5 million Classic, the richest of the eight Breeders’ Cup races that will be run at Churchill Downs, is shaping up as the race of the year. If Bernardini, Lava Man, and Invasor are all in the gate, as expected, both Horse of the Year and champion older horse will be decided. The Kentucky Derby, run at the same 1 1/4-mile distance at the same track, might be the “greatest two minutes in sports,” but this year’s Classic will be, for 2006, the sport’s greatest two minutes.

Bernardini got a Beyer Speed Figure of 117 in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont Park. With victories also in the Preakness, Jim Dandy, and Travers, he has likely wrested the 3-year-old title from Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, regardless of what happens in the Classic. But if Bernardini can close out the year - and, most likely, his career - with a victory in the Classic, he will be Horse of the Year, too.

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