Street Sense could be capper to Nafzger's big year

This has been a memorable year for thoroughbred trainer Carl Nafzger.

He won the Kentucky Derby in May with Street Sense and will saddle the 3-year-old colt for the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic, as well as Lady Joanne for the $2 million Breeders' Cup Distaff, on Saturday at Monmouth Park.

On Oct. 13, he was inducted into the Texas Horse Racing Hall of Fame, where he proudly recounted his Texas heritage.

That would be enough for most leaders in the sports industry, but Nafzger is not through. On Nov. 4, he will receive another honor — one near and dear to his heart — when he will be inducted into the Professional Bull Rider's Ring of Honor.

Nafzger, 66, was born in Plainview and grew up on a farm near Olton. He was drawn to the rodeo and made a name for himself, becoming the the third-leading bull rider in the world in 1963.

"I loved the rodeo," Nafzger said. "It was a way of life for me in the '60's, but as any bull rider will tell you, it's not a matter of if you will get hurt, more like when."

So Nafzger set his sights on the world of thoroughbred racing and embarked on a new career, one that vaulted him into the upper echelon of trainers and produced a stellar list of champions.

His career highlights are plentiful, with Eclipse Awards for top distaffer Banshee Breeze in 1998 and Street Sense, as top 2-year-old colt, in 2006. Nafzger reached international prominence with Unbridled's win in the 1990 Kentucky Derby and his celebrated race call to Frances Genter.

Unbridled went on to win the Breeders' Cup Classic and was honored as Horse of the Year. Nafzger received an Eclipse Award as leading trainer.

Once again, the spotlight is on Nafzger and Street Sense in Saturday's $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic.

The dark bay colt, owned by James Tafel, has little to prove. He won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile last November at Churchill Downs by 10 lengths and put the "Juvenile jinx" to bed when he drew off to dominate 19 rivals in the Kentucky Derby.

"I'm excited," Nafzger said. "It's what you're in racing for; it's going to be a great race with a nice field of horses.

"This is one of the best fields ever in the Classic. You'll have the top three finishers in the Kentucky Derby and Lawyer Ron. The race has speed, stamina, closers and class, and I'm glad to be part of it."

Nafzger has fond memories of Unbridled and will never forget the colt's riveting final stretch run in the 1990 Breeders' Cup.

"There was tons of speed in that race," Nafzger said. "They set a blistering pace and Unbridled got a clear shot on the rail and made up seven lengths. This year's Classic will be a real jockey's race and whoever gets the right trip will probably win it."

Win or lose, Nafzger is proud of the accomplishments of Street Sense, who will be retired to stud after the Classic.

"He's done something that some horses have never done," Nafzger said. "He's the only horse in history that's won the Derby, Jim Dandy and the Travers.

"He won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile and the Derby and we'd love to add the Classic to that list."

10:51 AM - 10/25/2007

Barbaro's Race

Trainer Michael Matz, left, helps put a blanket of roses on his horse Barbaro after winning the 132nd Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, Saturday, May 6, 2006 in Louisville, Ky.

12:07 PM - 6/1/2006