Qualified for the John Deere Breeders' Cup Turf via a victory in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational on September 30, 2007 at Belmont Park, one of the Breeders' Cup Challenge series races.

Strengths: Back-to-back winner of Monmouth's prestigious United Nations Handicap over the same course they'll contest the BC Turf (course record times both years at 1-3/8 miles). Among America's very best grass horses, he's finished fifth and third in the past two Turf renewals, with only Better Talk Now among the domestic rivals outfinishing him in either championship heat.

Weaknesses: Head-strong colt often fights his rider and struggles to relax, so he can victimize himself at times. Best at 1-1/8 to 1-3/8 miles, the 1-1/2 miles distance is within his scope, but a stretch in recognizing his very best kick.

In The Genes: Sire, Smart Strike, won 6 of 8 starts including the G1 Iselin at Monmouth on dirt. As a sire, he's off to a lightening start with offspring like Preakness winner Curlin and grade 1 winner Soaring Free. Dam, Belva, is an unraced daughter of BC Turf winner Theatrical and is a half-sister to grade 1 winners Hap and Pharma.

Status: Following his 7-length victory in the Breeder's Cup Turf (the largest margin in history by far), English Channel was retired and will begin a stud career at Hurricane Hall near Lexington, Ky. With $2,640,000 banked in 2007, he ranked third, only behind Curlin and Street Sense in purse earnings. He efforts earned him the Eclipse Award for outstanding turf horse of the year.

Bet You Didn't Know: The “real” English Channel is 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, equivalent to 14 runnings of the Breeders' Cup Turf.