Breeders' Cup Bonanza

Most people think of October 31st as Halloween.  I think of it as the first day of the Breeders' Cup.  Four races will be run later today and nine on Saturday.  The single best day of horse racing in America is tomorrow, November 1st and while many will be sitting with beer in hand watching hours of college football, some of us will be watching the best in the world, thoroughbreds that is, charging 30-40 mph down a synthetic track in southern California to collect some big paychecks.  This is more NFL than NCAA. This is the Pro Bowl.

As always, eyes will be on the big race, the Classic and the contenders are the "who's who" of the racing world.  Some familiar names will be there, it'll be an exciting race.  Shared Belief is the favorite to win and jockey Mike Smith will ride an amazing nine horses in this year's meet. There is a great article about him in the new Sports Illustrated.  This is also good, much shorter. Read here.

Mike Smith was Zenyatta's jockey and he won with her at the Cup but failed to win the Classic the last time she ran (she won it once), by a nose. She was so far behind in that race, no one ever thought she'd be a factor but she came back and almost won it. It was one of the most amazing races ever.  He was chastised for a bad ride but those who know racing and riding often give him credit for almost winning it.  And let's face it, a mare like Zenyatta, well, let's just say she would only do it her way.  That's her below:

And if just watching these famous horses isn't enough, you can always purchase the Judith Leiber handbag.  Who says fashion and horse racing don't mix.

If I was lucky enough to catch the red-eye for LA tonight, just in time to arrive for tomorrow's races, this is what I'd wear.  This Marni dress which has some wool in it, just in case it's chilly.

A hat of course:

 These Chloe pumps, not too high, as I'd be on my feet all day:

 And this Valentino bag:

All clothes are from Net-a-Porter.

A girl can dream can't she?

Happy Friday, Happy Halloween, and Bring on the Breeders' Cup!