Editing Native Dancer (section)

==Racing record==
===1952: two-year-old campaign===
In his first season of racing, Native Dancer won all nine starts. He was voted the [[American Champion Two-Year-Old Colt]] for 1952, with two of the three major polls also naming him [[American Horse of the Year|Horse of the Year]].

Native Dancer made his first start on April 19, 1952 in a [[maiden race]] at [[Jamaica Racetrack]] over five furlongs. Going off at odds of 7-5 in a field of nine, he settled into fourth place down the backstretch, then started a strong drive in the middle of the turn to win by {{frac|4|1|2}} lengths.<ref name=Maiden>{{cite news |title=TRIUMPHS BY NECK; Master Fiddle Scores in the $63,300 Wood by Beating Tom Fool |work=The New York Times |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1952/04/20/84251579.html |access-date=18 July 2019 |language=en}}</ref> Just four days later, he returned in the [[Youthful Stakes]] where he was made the odds-on favorite in a field of twelve. He pressed a fast early pace set by Retrouve then pulled away in the stretch to win by six lengths.<ref name=Youthful>{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=Native Dancer Captures Jamaica Youthful by 6 Lengths; 9-10 SHOT TRIUMPHS OVER TRIBE IN DASH  |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1952/04/24/archives/native-dancer-captures-jamaica-youthful-by-6-lengths-910-shot.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=18 July 2019 |date=24 April 1952}}</ref> The victory established the colt as the early leader of the two-year-old division.<ref name=Flash />

Native Dancer was then given a layoff to recover from sore shins. He returned to racing on the opening day of [[Saratoga Race Course]], August 4, in the [[Flash Stakes]] over {{frac|5|1|2}} furlongs. Again the odds-on favorite, he was ridden hard around the turn before drawing away in the stretch to win by {{frac|2|1|4}} lengths.<ref name=Flash>{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=Native Dancer Triumphs as Racing at Saratoga Starts; FLASH STAKES WON BY 4-TO-5 FAVORITE Native Dancer Triumphs Over Tiger Ski |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1952/08/05/archives/native-dancer-triumphs-as-racing-at-saratoga-starts-flash-stakes.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=19 July 2019 |date=5 August 1952}}</ref> On August 16, he entered the [[Saratoga Special Stakes|Saratoga Special]], noteworthy at the time for having a winner-takes-all purse of $17,000. He won by {{frac|3|1|2}} lengths over a muddy track.<ref name=SaratogaSpecial>{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=DOUBLE FOR GUERIN; Jockey Rides One Count and Native Dancer to Saratoga Triumphs  |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1952/08/17/archives/double-for-guerin-jockey-rides-one-count-and-native-dancer-to.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=19 July 2019 |date=17 August 1952}}</ref> He followed up by winning the [[Grand Union Hotel Stakes]] on August 23, defeating two previously undefeated colts – Tahitian King and Lafango. He won by {{frac|3|1|2}} lengths while running the fastest six furlongs at that year's Saratoga meeting, 1:11{{frac|1|5}}.<ref name=GrandUnion>{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=Native Dancer and One Hitter Take Spa Stakes Before Record 26,232; 26,232 AT SPA SEE NATIVE DANCER WIN |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1952/08/24/archives/native-dancer-and-one-hitter-take-spa-stakes-before-record-26232.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=19 July 2019 |date=24 August 1952}}</ref> He completed his dominance at Saratoga by winning the [[Hopeful Stakes]] on the meeting's closing day, August 31. Jockey [[Eric Guerin]] said, "I never had a second of worry. He took off when I asked him to."<ref name=Hopeful>{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=6 IN ROW FOR COLT; Unbeaten Native Dancer Earns $51,450 at Spa in 48th Hopeful TIGER SKIN RUNS SECOND  |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1952/08/31/archives/6-in-row-for-colt-unbeaten-native-dancer-earns-51450-at-spa-in-48th.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=19 July 2019 |language=en |date=31 August 1952}}</ref>

Native Dancer made his next start on September 22 at [[Belmont Park]] in a six-furlong special weight race. He broke in fifth place in the field of six, then steadily improved his position to win by {{frac|1|1|4}} lengths.<ref name=SpecialWeight>{{cite web |last1=Nichols |first1=Joseph C. |title=Parading Lady Captures Vosburgh at Belmont by Length and a Half |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1952/09/23/archives/parading-lady-captures-vosburgh-at-belmont-by-length-and-a-half.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=19 July 2019 |date=23 September 1952}}</ref> Just five days later, he returned in the [[Belmont Futurity]], then one of the most prestigious races for two-year-olds in the United States. He turned in a "superlative performance" to win while tying the world record for {{frac|6|1|2}} furlongs, 1:14{{frac|2|5}}. He had been hard pressed though – Guerin admitted that he had thought the colt was beaten with an eighth of a mile remaining when he was headed by Tahitian King. But Native Dancer responded in the final furlong to open a {{frac|2|1|4}} lead advantage. He became the first gray horse to win the race.<ref name=Futurity>{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=Undefeated Juvenile Equals World Mark in 8th Victory; $107,545 FUTURITY TO NATIVE DANCER |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1952/09/28/archives/undefeated-juvenile-equals-world-mark-in-8th-victory-107545.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=19 July 2019 |date=28 September 1952}}</ref>

Native Dancer made his final start as a two-year-old in the [[East View Stakes]] at Jamaica on October 22 over a distance of {{frac|1|1|16}} miles. He won with ease, "wiggling his ears and having much fun" as he crossed the finish line {{frac|1|1|2}} lengths ahead of Laffango, who had earlier won the [[Champagne Stakes (United States)|Champagne Stakes]]. Guerin confirmed that Native Dancer had eased himself after taking the lead at the head of the stretch. "He's not going to do any more than you make him do," he said. "I never hit him with the whip."<ref name=EastView>{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=Native Dancer Wins Ninth in Row to Break Earnings Mark; UNBEATEN COLT, 1-5, SCORES AT DISTANCE Native Dancer Earns $38,525 at Jamaica for 2-Year-Old Record of $230,495 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1952/10/23/archives/native-dancer-wins-ninth-in-row-to-break-earnings-mark-unbeaten.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=19 July 2019 |date=23 October 1952}}</ref>

Native Dancer finished the year with nine wins, seven of them in stakes races, and earnings of $230,245, then a record for a two-year-old. He had been the odds-on favorite in all but his first start.<ref name=EastView /> He was named the American Champion Two-Year-Old. The Thoroughbred Racing Association also named him the American Horse of the Year, a "break with tradition" as two-year-olds are not normally considered for the award since they typically only race against horses of the same age and competition is not considered as deep.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=VANDERBILT COLT IS HORSE OF YEAR; Native Dancer Named the 1952 American Champion -- Morris Is New T. R. A. President |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1952/12/05/archives/vanderbilt-colt-is-horse-of-year-native-dancer-named-the-1952.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=19 July 2019 |date=5 December 1952}}</ref> The Turf and Sports Digest, polling 176 sportswriters, also awarded him Horse of the Year honors<ref>{{cite web |title=St. Petersburg Times: Native Dancer Horse of the Year |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=KKxaAAAAIBAJ&pg=3415,2094278&dq=native-dancer+horse-of-the-year&hl=en |website=news.google.com |access-date=19 July 2019}}</ref> However, the Daily Racing Form voted instead for [[One Count]], winner of the Belmont and Jockey Club Gold Cup.<ref>{{cite web |title=Greensburg Daily Tribune: Name One Count Horse of the Year |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=9ZVWAAAAIBAJ&pg=1078,2616842&dq=one-count+horse-of-the-year&hl=en |website=news.google.com |access-date=19 July 2019}}</ref>

He was assigned 130 pounds in the [[Experimental Free Handicap]], seven pounds ahead of Laffango and Tahitian King.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=Campbell Assigns Native Dancer Top Weight for the Experimental; Gray Is Only Fourth Colt in History of Race to Draw 130 or More Pounds |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/01/10/archives/campbell-assigns-native-dancer-top-weight-for-the-experimental-gray.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=19 July 2019 |date=10 January 1953}}</ref>

===1953: three-year-old campaign===
In his three-year-old campaign, Native Dancer received a great deal of media attention leading up to the 1953 [[Kentucky Derby]]. He won the [[Gotham Stakes]] and the prestigious [[Wood Memorial]], but in the [[1953 Kentucky Derby]], he lost for the only time in his career. Native Dancer subsequently won the [[Preakness Stakes|Preakness]], [[Belmont Stakes|Belmont]] and [[Travers Stakes]], a feat accomplished until then only by [[Duke of Magenta (horse)|Duke of Magenta]], [[Grenada (horse)|Grenada]], [[Man o' War (horse)|Man o' War]] and [[Whirlaway]]. Native Dancer finished the season with nine wins (all of them stakes races) from ten starts and was named [[American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse|Champion Three-Year-Old Colt]].

====Preparing for the Triple Crown====
Native Dancer was given some time off at the end of his two-year-old campaign, then resumed training in California at [[Santa Anita Racetrack]]. He gave his connections a scare in late January when he threw his exercise rider after stumbling to his knees following a workout. He then bolted and was loose for five minutes, running into the paddock where he jumped some benches and ran through flower beds. When he tangled a leg in the reins, he finally slowed down enough to be recaptured. No serious damage was done.<ref>{{cite web |title=NATIVE DANCER IN MISHAP; Vanderbilt's Colt Tosses Rider and Bolts, but Escapes Injury |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/01/30/archives/native-dancer-in-mishap-vanderbilts-colt-tosses-rider-and-bolts-but.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=20 July 2019 |date=30 January 1953}}</ref>

He was shipped to New York in mid-March<ref>{{cite web |title=Native Dancer Arrives Fit for 3-Year-Old Bid |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/03/18/archives/native-dancer-arrives-fit-for-3yearold-bid.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=20 July 2019 |date=18 March 1953}}</ref> and made his first start of the year in the [[Gotham Stakes]] on April 18. As the race attracted 18 entries, it was run in two divisions, with Native Dancer the odds-on favorite is his division and Laffango the favorite in the second division.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=Native Dancer and Laffango Favored in Divisions of Gotham Today |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/04/18/archives/native-dancer-and-laffango-favored-in-divisions-of-gotham-today.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=20 July 2019 |date=18 April 1953}}</ref> He raced in mid-pack during the early part of the race, then "did a bit of hustling" turning into the stretch to take the lead. He won under a hand ride by two lengths.<ref name=Gotham>{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=38,201 AT JAMAICA SEE NATIVE DANCER WIN 10TH STRAIGHT; Undefeated Colt, Making 1953 Debut, Takes First Section of Gotham by 2 Lengths |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/04/19/archives/38201-at-jamaica-see-native-dancer-win-10th-straight-undefeated.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=20 July 2019 |date=19 April 1953}}</ref> Sportswriter George Ryall wrote, "Any question in your mind about Native Dancer is easy to answer; he's as good as you thought."<ref>{{cite web |title=On This Day... |url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/176272/on-this-day |website=BloodHorse.com |access-date=27 July 2019 |language=en}}</ref>

Native Dancer extended his winning streak to eleven in the [[Wood Memorial]] on April 25. Going off as the 1-10 favorite, he was restrained until the top of the stretch, then "whizzed away" from his rivals to win by {{frac|4|1|2}} lengths over Tahitian King.<ref name=WoodMemorial>{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=NO. 11 FOR 1-10 SHOT; Unbeaten Native Dancer Takes $123,750 Wood in Romp at Jamaica |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/04/26/archives/no-11-for-110-shot-unbeaten-native-dancer-takes-123750-wood-in-romp.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=20 July 2019 |date=26 April 1953}}</ref>

The Gotham and Wood Memorial were both televised by NBC. Native Dancer's gray coat helped him stand out on the black and white screens of the day, helping him to become the first TV star of the sport.<ref>{{cite web |title=BH 100: Ghost in the Machine |url=https://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/213439/bh-100-ghost-in-the-machine |website=BloodHorse.com |access-date=27 July 2019 |language=en}}</ref>

====Kentucky Derby====
The [[1953 Kentucky Derby]], held on May 2, was the sole loss of Native Dancer's career.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Davidowitz |first1=Steve |title=The Best and Worse of Thoroughbred Racing |url=http://www1stage.drf.com/misc/excerpts/bestandworst_chapter1.pdf |website=Daily Racing Form (book excerpt) |access-date=21 July 2019}}</ref> He dominated news coverage leading up to the race and was the odds-on favorite.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Daley |first1=Arthur |title=Sports of The Times; On the Dawn Patrol |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/04/30/archives/sports-of-the-times-on-the-dawn-patrol.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=21 July 2019 |date=30 April 1953}}</ref> His main rival was supposed to have been Correspondent, who had won three straight, including the [[Blue Grass Stakes]] in which he set a track record.<ref>{{cite web |title=Native Dancer and Correspondent Loom Big in Kentucky Derby Field|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/04/27/archives/native-dancer-and-correspondent-loom-big-in-kentucky-derby-field.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=21 July 2019 |date=27 April 1953}}</ref> [[Dark Star (horse)|Dark Star]] won the [[Derby Trial]] a few days before the Derby but was largely dismissed by the bettors at odds of 25-1.<ref name="NYT-DerbyRoach">{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=CHOICE JUST MISSES; Dark Star, $51.80, Pins 1st Loss in 12 Races on Native Dancer  |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/05/03/archives/choice-just-misses-dark-star-5180-pins-1st-loss-in-12-races-on.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=21 July 2019 |date=3 May 1953}}</ref>

Dark Star, starting from the next-to-outside post position, went to the early lead and moved over to the rail. Native Dancer was eighth as they went down the stretch for the first time and was then bumped by longshot Money Maker as they entered the first turn. He started to make up ground on the final turn while racing wide, then was moved to the inside as he entered the stretch in third place. Still nearly three lengths behind, Guerin went to the whip and Native Dancer gradually closed ground. Dark Star held his position on the rail so Native Dancer was swung to the outside. He continued to edge closer with each stride but fell just short, losing by a head.<ref name=NYT-DerbyRoach /><ref name=SI-Guerin />

In addition to Native Dancer being fouled on the first turn, Guerin commented after the race that the colt had not cared for the track.<ref name=NYT-DerbyRoach /> However, Guerin was given a large share of the blame for the loss because of his racing tactics. One reporter wrote, "he took that colt everywhere on the track except the ladies' room."<ref name="Simon">{{cite book | last1 = Simon | first1 = Mary | title =Racing Through the Century: The Story of Thoroughbred Racing in America | publisher=BowTie Press| year = 2003| isbn = 1-889540-92-7}}</ref> Native Dancer was farther back than usual in the early part of the race, which resulted in more traffic problems. Instead of mounting a single drive on the outside, Guerin changed position several times in the final quarter of a mile, costing the colt momentum. Guerin later explained, "He just didn't want to run early. And when he didn't want to run, he didn't run."<ref name="SI-Guerin">{{cite web |last1=Putnam |first1=Pat |title=When Guerin and the Dancer Were out of Step |url=https://www.si.com/vault/1973/08/06/615705/when-guerin-and-the-dancer-were-out-of-step |website=SI Vault |access-date=21 July 2019 |language=en}}</ref>

''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine later reported, "When he lost the Kentucky Derby by a head, thousands turned from their TV screens in sorrow, a few in tears." As a measure of Native Dancer's growing fame, ''Time'' added, "Hundreds of people, old and young, have sent him letters and greeting cards. Little girls have organized fan clubs in his name."<ref name="Top100">{{cite book |title=Thoroughbred champions : top 100 racehorses of the 20th century |year=1999 |url=https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781581500240/page/34 |url-access=registration |publisher=The Blood-Horse, Inc |isbn=1-58150-024-6 |pages=[https://archive.org/details/isbn_9781581500240/page/34 34-37] |edition=1st }}</ref>

Native Dancer made his next start in the [[Withers Stakes]] on May 16 at Belmont Park. Facing only two other horses, he went off as the 1-20 favorite (the legal minimum) with win-only betting allowed. Native Dancer stumbled when leaving the starting gate but quickly recovered. He took a narrow lead about three furlongs from the finish and opened a significant margin around the eighth pole when Guerin flicked his whip. The final margin was four lengths.<ref name=Withers>{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=1-20 CHOICE FIRST; Native Dancer Triumphs Easily in Three-Horse Race at Belmont |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/05/17/archives/120-choice-first-native-dancer-triumphs-easily-in-threehorse-race.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=21 July 2019 |date=17 May 1953}}</ref>

====Preakness Stakes====
On May 23, Native Dancer entered the Preakness Stakes as the 1-5 favorite. He again faced Dark Star, who set a fast early pace with Tahitian King to his outside. Native Dancer rated in fourth position on the rail, then started his move on the final turn, splitting between the two front runners. Tahitian King dropped back and eventually finished sixth. At the head of the stretch, Dark Star also gave way, leaving Native Dancer alone on the lead. However, longshot Jamie K then started to close ground rapidly. Guerin went to the whip and Native Dancer responded to win by a neck. Guerin admitted that he had been worried. "When Dark Star stopped, I found myself in the lead a little sooner than I wanted," he said.<ref name="NYT-Preakness">{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=Native Dancer Takes Preakness |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/05/24/archives/jamie-k-is-second-arcaros-mount-extends-native-dancer-15-royal-bay.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=21 July 2019 |date=24 May 1953}}</ref> It was later determined that Dark Star had bowed a tendon during the race: he never raced again.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dark Star, Lame After the Preakness, Is Retired From Competition |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/05/26/archives/dark-star-lame-after-the-preakness-is-retired-from-competition-turf.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=21 July 2019 |date=26 May 1953}}</ref>

Besides being the odds-on favorite to win, Native Dancer was so heavily bet to show that it created a minus pool. A show bet pays if the horse finishes in the top three positions, and the legal minimum payout in Maryland at the time was $2.20 for a $2 bet. In order to cover the bets plus the associated taxes, the Maryland Jockey Club had to pay $46,012 ({{Inflation|US|46012|1953|r=-3|fmt=eq}}) into the pool.<ref name=NYT-Preakness />

The trophy for the Preakness is the [[Woodlawn Vase]], considered the most valuable trophy in sports with a value of roughly $4 million. Before 1954, the vase itself was given to the winning owner, who kept it for the following year. In 1954 though, Vanderbilt declined to take the original trophy home and instead was given a replica. This set a new tradition where the original Woodlawn Vase is displayed at Pimlico on Preakness day but otherwise resides at the [[Baltimore Museum of Art]]. Vanderbilt's replica trophy was sold at auction in 2018 for $100,000.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Klingaman |first1=Mike |title=Owner's trophy for Native Dancer's 1953 Preakness win bought at auction by local developer |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/horse-racing/bs-sp-racing-preakness-trophy-20180608-story.html |website=baltimoresun.com |date=8 June 2018 |access-date=27 July 2019}}</ref>

====Belmont Stakes====
Native Dancer was shipped to Belmont Park on May 24. He was walked the next two days to recover from the Preakness, then resumed galloping in the morning. He had several timed workouts in the interval leading up to the Belmont: {{frac|5|8}} mile in 1:04 on May 30, a mile in 1:44{{frac|1|5}} on June 1, {{frac|3|8}} mile in 0:35{{frac|3|5}} on June 4, {{frac|1|1|4}} miles in 2:07 on June 5, {{frac|1|1|2}} miles in 2:38{{frac|2|5}} on June 9, and {{frac|3|4}} mile in 1:13{{frac|2|5}} on June 12.<ref name="NYT-Belmont" /> Training practices have since changed dramatically. For example, [[California Chrome]] had only one timed workout in the three weeks between the 2014 Preakness and Belmont.<ref>{{cite web |title=Training for the Triple Crown: How Times Have Changed |url=https://www.paulickreport.com/news/ray-s-paddock/training-for-the-triple-crown-how-times-have-changed/ |website=Paulick Report |access-date=22 July 2019 |language=en |date=24 May 2014}}</ref>

The [[Belmont Stakes]], run on June 13, was a similar race to the Preakness. Native Dancer was again the heavy favorite, and the [[New York Racing Association]] did not allow show betting. Ram o' War set the early pace with Native Dancer biding his time in fourth place around the first turn. He was tracked closely by Jamie K and the two horses started their move together on the final turn. Jamie K briefly took the lead as they entered the stretch, but Native Dancer fought back. The two colts dueled for the final furlong, with Native Dancer again prevailing by a neck. He completed the {{frac|1|1|2}} miles in 2:28{{frac|3|5}}, then the third-fastest running of the race behind [[Count Fleet]] and [[Citation (horse)|Citation]].<ref name=NYT-Belmont>{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=Native Dancer Wins Belmont |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/06/14/archives/jamie-k-neck-back-native-dancers-strong-finish-takes-118600.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=21 July 2019 |date=14 June 1953}}</ref>

"He doesn't win in a flashy sort of a way," said Winfrey, "but he keeps on winning. The Belmont is supposed to be 'the test of the champion' and if it is, he certainly answered the question."<ref name="Lazy">{{cite web |title=Native Dancer, 'Lazy So-and So,' Will Be Kept Too Busy to Loaf; Dwyer at Aqueduct and Arlington Classic Are Next Fields to Conquer on Heavy Schedule for the Gray Galloper |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/06/15/archives/native-dancer-lazy-soand-so-will-be-kept-too-busy-to-loaf-dwyer-at.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=21 July 2019 |date=15 June 1953}}</ref>

To date, Native Dancer is one of only two "dual Classic winners" to come from the state of Maryland (the other being his son [[Kauai King]], who won the 1966 Kentucky Derby and Preakness).

====Summer campaign====
Winfrey planned a busy summer campaign to keep his "lazy so-and-so" active.<ref name=Lazy /> Native Dancer responded to the challenge, winning the Dwyer, Arlington Classic, Travers and American Derby in quick succession. On July 4, he went off as the 1-20 favorite in the [[Dwyer Stakes]]. He took the lead near the head of the stretch, "loafed for a while, exerted himself just a bit in the final yards," and won by {{frac|1|3|4}} lengths. Carrying 126 pounds, he conceded 10 pounds to each of his four rivals. Even though win-only betting was allowed, Native Dancer still created a small minus pool with a mandatory minimum payout of $2.10 for a $2 bet.<ref name="Dwyer">{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=DWYER TO CHOICE; Native Dancer, 1 to 20, Wins Another |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/07/05/archives/dwyer-to-choice-native-dancer-1-to-20-wins-another-dictar-runnerup.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=22 July 2019 |date=5 July 1953}}</ref>

Native Dancer then traveled to Chicago for the [[Arlington Classic]], run over a distance of a mile on a heavy track on July 18. His main rivals were expected to be Jamie K and Van Crosby, who had equaled the track record for seven furlongs in his previous start. Native Dancer carried 128 pounds, conceding six pounds to each of his seven rivals. As expected, Van Crosby set the pace, but was run down by Native Dancer turning into the stretch. Native Dancer continued to draw away and won by nine lengths, the biggest margin of victory of his career. Longshot Sir Mango closed late for second; Jamie K was never a factor.<ref name="ArlingtonClassic">{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=A 9-LENGTH ROMP; Native Dancer Beats Sir Mango |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/07/19/archives/a-9length-romp-native-dancer-beats-sir-mango-jamie-k-fifth-in.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=22 July 2019 |date=19 July 1953}}</ref>

On August 15, Native Dancer made his next start in the prestigious [[Travers Stakes]] at Saratoga. He conceded six pounds to Dictar and twelve to the other three entrants. In the walking ring, he was surrounded by a throng of fans looking for photographs. "It's the way people act when the president goes by in a parade," commented one man. Native Dancer maintained his calm. At the break, Fly Wheel took the early lead but soon dropped back. Guardian II then took over the lead for a few lengths before Dictar took command on the backstretch. Native Dancer bided his time until the {{frac|3|16}} pole, then powered away to win by {{frac|5|1|2}} lengths ahead of Dictar. Native Dancer again created minus pools in the win and place betting – show betting was not allowed.<ref name="Travers">{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=COLT TAKES NO. 17; Native Dancer Scores by 5 1/2 Lengths|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/08/16/archives/colt-takes-no-17-native-dancer-scores-by-5-12-lengths-dictar-next.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=22 July 2019 |date=16 August 1953}}</ref>

Guerin was suspended for an incident in another race<ref>{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=Guerin Is Out of American Derby as Spa Stewards Suspend Him Ten Days; JOCKEY JOB OPEN ON NATIVE DANCER |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/08/18/archives/guerin-is-out-of-american-derby-as-spa-stewards-suspend-him-ten.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=22 July 2019 |date=18 August 1953}}</ref> and so missed Native Dancer's next start, the [[American Derby]] on August 22. [[Eddie Arcaro]] got the mount after the horse he had been scheduled to ride, Jamie K, was withdrawn from the race.<ref>{{cite web |title=Arcaro to Ride Native Dancer in Rich American Derby at Chicago Saturday |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/08/19/archives/arcaro-to-ride-native-dancer-in-rich-american-derby-at-chicago.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=22 July 2019 |date=19 August 1953}}</ref> Arcaro had previously questioned Native Dancer's credentials, saying, "All the Dancer has done is go around beating the same horses, and most of the time carrying equal weight." He had also questioned the horse's soundness. After galloping him for the first time though, he said, "He's a big, powerful animal. He handled well and had a good disposition."<ref>{{cite web |title=ARCARO TAKES RIDE ON NATIVE DANCER |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/08/21/archives/arcaro-takes-ride-on-native-dancer-jockey-after-first-workout-on.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=22 July 2019 |date=21 August 1953}}</ref>

Travelling back to Chicago, Native Dancer went off as the 1-10 favorite in a field of eight in the American Derby on August 22. He settled near the back of the pack behind a fast early pace set by Sir Mango. Entering the far turn, Native Dancer moved to the outside and into fourth place. Without any urging, he surged forward rounding the far turn and won by two lengths. He completed the {{frac|1|1|8}}-mile race in 1:48{{frac|1|5}}, just one-fifth of a second off the track record.<ref name="AmericanDerby">{{cite web |last1=Nichols |first1=Joseph C. |title=FIRST BY 2 LENGTHS; Native Dancer Captures Rich Race Under Arcaro in Near-Record Time AMERICAN DERBY TO NATIVE DANCER |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/08/23/archives/first-by-2-lengths-native-dancer-captures-rich-race-under-arcaro-in.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=22 July 2019 |date=23 August 1953}}</ref> Arcaro believed that the colt could have broken the record if urged. "But he was winning, so I didn't see any point in pressing him," he said. "I let him run his own race." Despite the easy win, Arcaro still believed that Native Dancer had something to prove. He rated [[Citation (horse)|Citation]] as the best horse he had ever ridden.<ref>{{cite web |date=24 August 1953 |title=Citation still no. 1, Eddie Arcaro says |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/08/24/archives/citation-still-no-1-eddie-arcaro-says-native-dancer-has-to-prove.html |access-date=22 July 2019 |website=The New York Times}}</ref>

While Native Dancer was having a noteworthy campaign in the three-year-old division, [[Tom Fool]] was enjoying an equally brilliant one as a four-year-old. Racetracks began to alter stakes schedules and purses in hopes of having the two champions face off. For example, Pimlico increased the purse for the [[Pimlico Special]] to $50,000. Belmont Park followed suit by increasing the purse and changing the date of the Sysonby Stakes.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dancer, Tom Fool Race Goal of Pimlico Track |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/08/04/archives/dancer-tom-fool-race-goal-of-pimlico-track.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=22 July 2019 |date=4 August 1953}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=Tom Fool-Native Dancer Race in Prospect as Belmont Changes Sysonby Date; MILE TEST SEPT. 26 RAISED TO $50,000 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/08/08/archives/tom-foolnative-dancer-race-in-prospect-as-belmont-changes-sysonby.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=22 July 2019 |date=8 August 1953}}</ref> The hopes for a race between the two died when several bruises were found on Native Dancer's left forefoot after the American Derby. He missed the rest of the year.<ref>{{cite web |title=NATIVE DANCER OUT OF RACING FOR 1953 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/09/20/archives/native-dancer-out-of-racing-for-1953-additional-bruises-on-injured.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=22 July 2019 |date=20 September 1953}}</ref>

Native Dancer was named [[American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse|champion three-year-old]] by all three major industry polls. However, in the Horse of the Year voting, he came second behind Tom Fool, who had won all ten of his starts.<ref>{{cite web |title=TOM FOOL HORSE OF YEAR; Native Dancer Named Leading 3-Year-Old by Turf Experts |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/11/14/archives/tom-fool-horse-of-year-native-dancer-named-leading-3yearold-by-turf.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=22 July 2019 |date=14 November 1953}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Writers Pick Tom Fool As 'Horse of the Year' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1953/12/17/archives/writers-pick-tom-fool-as-horse-of-the-year.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=22 July 2019 |date=17 December 1953}}</ref>

===1954: four-year-old campaign===
In 1954, Native Dancer won all three races he entered, including the [[Metropolitan Handicap]]. His connections hoped to complete the [[New York Handicap Triple]], or perhaps race in Europe on the turf. However, Native Dancer was retired as a result of a recurring foot injury with a record of 21 wins out of 22 lifetime races.

At the beginning of the 1954, Native Dancer was in Maryland where he spent the winter at Sagamore Farm. By February, he was galloping three miles a day. He was then shipped to New York in late March to resume training with Winfrey. He now faced a new challenge: as an older horse, he would be expected to carry high weight imposts in the handicap format pervasive at the time. His connections considered sending him to England to compete in the [[King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes]] if the weights got too high.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Dancer May Race at Ascot -- If Weights Here Get Too Heavy |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/03/20/archives/the-dancer-may-race-at-ascot-if-weights-here-get-too-heavy.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=27 July 2019 |date=20 March 1954}}</ref> Vanderbilt also discussed entering the colt in the [[Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe]] in France.<ref>{{cite web |title=Native Dancer May Run In France Next Autumn |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/06/27/archives/native-dancer-may-run-in-france-next-autumn.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=27 July 2019 |date=27 June 1954}}</ref>

Native Dancer made his first start of the year in a six-furlong allowance race at Belmont Park on May 7. He went off at odds of 3-20 in a seven-horse field, with Laffango the second choice at 7-1. He raced in mid-pack for the first half-mile, then "took the lead in about three huge strides." After hitting the front near the top of the stretch, Native Dancer relaxed but still won by {{frac|1|1|4}} lengths.<ref name="Allowance">{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=Native Dancer Takes Belmont Sprint in His First Race Since Last August |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/05/08/archives/native-dancer-takes-belmont-sprint-in-his-first-race-since-last.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=27 July 2019 |date=8 May 1954}}</ref>

On May 15, Native Dancer entered the [[Metropolitan Handicap]], in which he was assigned 130 pounds – from 13 to 24 pounds more than his eight rivals. He raced further back than usual, trailing by ten lengths with a half mile remaining and still seven lengths back at the quarter pole. Down the stretch, Guerin hit him four times with the whip. Native Dancer "answered the question" and lengthened his stride. He closed steadily, getting his nose in front with just 30 yards remaining. He completed the mile in 1:35{{frac|1|5}}, then the second-fastest running of the race in its history.<ref name="Met">{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=Native Dancer, 1 to 4, Takes Metropolitan at Belmont Park |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/05/16/archives/straight-face-2d-native-dancer-1-to-4-takes-metropolitan-at-belmont.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=27 July 2019 |date=16 May 1954}}</ref>

Native Dancer was supposed to make his next start in the [[Suburban Handicap]], then part of the [[New York Handicap Triple]] (consisting of the Metropolitan, Suburban and Brooklyn Handicaps). However, after a workout in late May, he showed signs of lameness. Heating was found in the [[Horse hoof|coronet band on his right fore]], though X-rays showed nothing. Winfrey originally gave the colt a 50% chance of being fit for the Suburban.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nichols |first1=Joseph C. |title=Native Dancer Becomes a Doubtful Starter in Suburban |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/05/26/archives/native-dancer-becomes-a-doubtful-starter-in-suburban-decision.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=27 July 2019 |date=26 May 1954}}</ref> Native Dancer worked three furlongs on May 27 but pulled up lame. His connections ruled him out of the Suburban.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Nichols |first1=Joseph C. |title=Ailing Native Dancer Is Withdrawn From the Suburban |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/05/28/archives/ailing-native-dancer-is-withdrawn-from-the-suburban-star-colt-put.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=27 July 2019 |date=28 May 1954}}</ref>

Native Dancer finally returned to racing at Saratoga on August 16 in the Oneonta Handicap, run at a distance of seven furlongs over a [[Track condition|sloppy track]]. He was assigned 137 pounds, conceding his rivals from 18 to 30 pounds. Even with the handicap, only two horses faced him so betting was not allowed. He won easily by nine lengths in 1:24{{frac|4|5}}, just {{frac|1|4|5}} seconds off the track record despite the track conditions.<ref name="Oneonta">{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=Native Dancer Outruns First Glance and Gigantic at Saratoga |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/08/17/archives/native-dancer-outruns-first-glance-and-gigantic-at-saratoga.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=27 July 2019 |date=17 August 1954}}</ref>

His next target was the [[Saratoga Cup]] but he showed signs of lameness after a 10-furlong workout on August 22, again in the right forefoot. Veterinarian William Wright diagnosed the problem as a "bruised digital cushion, with a secondary inflammation of the bursae between the navicular and [[coffin bone]]." He was retired with a record of 21 wins from 22 starts, and earnings of $785,420, then fourth all-time behind [[Citation (horse)|Citation]], [[Stymie (horse)|Stymie]] and [[Armed]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Roach |first1=James |title=Native Dancer, Winner of 21 of 22 Races, Is Retired From Competition; VANDERBILT COLT WILL GO TO FARM Dancer Shows Signs of Old Foot Injury Following Fast Ten-Furlong Workout |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/08/23/archives/native-dancer-winner-of-21-of-22-races-is-retired-from-competition.html |website=The New York Times |access-date=27 July 2019 |date=23 August 1954}}</ref>

Native Dancer was voted the [[Eclipse Award for Horse of the Year|United States Horse of the Year]] for 1954, beating [[High Gun]] by 19 votes to 11 in the Daily Racing Form poll<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=xU1UAAAAIBAJ&pg=4723,6241249&dq=native-dancer+horse-of-the-year&hl=en |title=Native Dancer Horse of Year |publisher=St. Joseph News-Press |date=1954-11-27 |access-date=2012-02-27}}</ref> and winning the TRA award for the second time.<ref>{{cite news|last=Roach |first=James |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1954/12/03/archives/native-dancer-named-horse-of-year-haskell-elected-t-r-a-president.html |title=Native Dancer Named Horse of Year |work=New York Times |date=1954-12-03 |access-date=2012-02-27}}</ref> He appeared on the May 31 cover of ''[[Time (magazine)|Time]]'' magazine. Many consider the "Gray Ghost of Sagamore" to have been the first Thoroughbred television star and [[TV Guide]] ranked him as a top icon of the era".<ref name="Simon"/><ref name=DNAWinner>{{cite web |title=Native Dancer's DNA the winner |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2008/05/02/native-dancers-dna-the-winner/ |website=The Denver Post |access-date=22 July 2019 |date=2 May 2008}}</ref>