Drosselmeyer (foaled April 1, 2007, in Kentucky) is an American Thoroughbred racehorse best known for winning the 2010 Belmont Stakes and the 2011 Breeders' Cup Classic.
[2] Drosselmeyer was purchased at the 2008 Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $600,000 by WinStar Farm LLC of Versailles, Kentucky, who entrusted his race conditioning to Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott.
"It looked like [the frogs] were becoming a bit of a problem, so we put on a simple aluminum bar shoe to give him a little protection," Mott said.
With the winners of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes both missing the Belmont, the favorites became the runners-up in those races, Ice Box and First Dude.
Drosselmeyer started his drive around the far turn and moved to the lead in mid-stretch, then held off a closing rush from Fly Down.
Elliott Walden, the racing manager of WinStar Farm, credited Smith for the change in tactics that allowed Drosselmeyer to make a sustained drive.
Ridden by Jose Lezcano, Drosselmeyer ran uncharacteristically close to the pace but tired in the stretch to finish seventh.
[9] In the Jockey Club Gold Cup on October 1, Drosselmeyer rebounded with a second place finish behind Flat Out over a muddy track at Belmont Park.
The field was considered very evenly balanced, featuring Flat Out (Jockey Club Gold Cup), Havre de Grace (Woodward Stakes), Stay Thirsty (Travers), Game On Dude (Santa Anita Handicap and Goodwood Stakes), So You Think (three European Group One wins) and Uncle Mo (Kelso Handicap).
[12][13] Reunited with Mike Smith, Drosselmeyer settled near the back of the field then made a sustained run down the center of the track to pass Game On Dude in the final strides of the race.