I agree that Chris McCarron was one of the great money riders (Angel Cordero, too). Chris won the Travers just a few days after his mother died, in a thrilling stretch duel nosing out the favorite, Behrens. After the race, we ran into him at an Italian restaurant where he was celebrating with his family. As he walked past our table and we offerred congratulations, he chatted with us for several minutes. Great Guy!
My vote for greatest BC race was the inaugural classic. Owners Allen and Crovo paid $180,000 to supplement Wild Again. They stiffed (or prepped) him in a 7f race in Northern California and got their price in the BC at 30-1. Went to Vegas and bet him HUGE-had to hide in the men\'s room first waiting for the photo, then surviving the inquiry!