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Steve Willard looks, acts, walks and talks like he’s been through some wars, traveled plenty of hard miles. He rides like he’s only known peace.

Willard rides Zenyatta like he doesn’t know she’s undefeated, like he hasn’t heard she’s morning-line favorite for Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Classic. He jokes with trainer John Shirreffs, reminisces with Hall of Famer Jerry Bailey. All the while, keeping peace with the biggest, toughest, most intimidating Thoroughbred at Santa Anita.

Richard Migliore upset last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint aboard Desert Code, the veteran jockey made all the right moves to win his first Breeders’ Cup race. He’s back this year to defend the crown on Desert Code.

Tuesday, we walked Santa Anita’s unique turf course with Migliore. He choreographed how to ride the downhill, the right turn (way more turn than you realize), the left turn and the “dirt” crossing.

Mig, take over.

And then there was one. And only one.

Saturday’s 22nd renewal of the U.S. Championship Supreme Hurdle Novice Stakes at Callaway Gardens prompted us to do a little digging through the history books. Guess what we found?

The Fields Stable’s Left Unsaid sits at number two in the countdown ofthe top Dynaformer-sired steeplechase runners. That’s number two with abullet.

FAR HILLS, N.J. – Tom Voss took three horses to Morven Park Oct. 12.Motel Affair fit in the claimer. Flat horse Always First needed a tuneup for Keeneland’s Sycamore. Your Sum Man came along for the ride.

Pari-mutuel wagering on the Far Hills Races never left the starting gate due to issues raised by the New Jersey Racing Commission in thedays leading up to the Oct. 17 meet.

Longtime steeplechase owner Calvin Houghland, a fixture at the Iroquois Steeplechase in Nashville, Tenn. since the 1930s, died Tuesday afternoon at 93. Houghland owned numerous steeplechase greats including 2009 Grade I winner Pierrot Lunaire.

It seemed like a good idea at the time. My friend Gregg Ryan invited my family and me to a hunt breakfast (only in the foxhunting world is a 1:30 breakfast considered normal) on Sunday. I don’t walk the sidelines. So, I sent an innocent text. “I want to go hunting, need horse and gear.” … Read more

 Dynaski falls next in line on the countdown, checking in at number three. Armata Stable’s charge has grown from a talented maiden to a accomplished open stakes performer in his brief seven race career.