THE HUNDRED GRANDER

First run in 1935, the Santa Anita Handicap became the West Coast's most prestigious racing event because it consistently brought out the best between people and horses. Known in the early years as the "Hundred Grander," it often attracted the best runners in the nation. So many wanted to come to California that for many years, Santa Anita Park made its weight assignments for the 1 1/4-mile classic in December so that those with horses under consideration could make their shipping plans.

It got the nickname "Big Cap" for a reason: this race always was a huge deal. A record 85,527 came out to see the Argentinian 5-year-old Lord At War prevail over Greinton and Gate Dancer for trainer Charlie Whittingham in 1985. As the years went by, competition from other races around the country and, most notably, the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) hurt the race's draw. An event that once routinely attracted more than 50,000 spectators became more of a local affair in the past two decades. But for those that remember the glory days, that's why this year's Big 'Cap feels so special.

The 77th renewal of the Big 'Cap on March 8 features a classic rematch of the 2013 Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) held over this same Santa Anita track between winner Mucho Macho Man and runner-up Will Take Charge. They were separated by a nose in one of the most thrilling Classics on the 30-year anniversary of the race. Shipping cross-country, they are back to reprise that duel. 

Read more on BloodHorse.com: http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/83680/big-cap-seems-like-olden-days