SuperfectaBlog

Breeders' Cup Wrap-up, 2009

2009-11-10T14:43:00.005-05:00

While Zenyatta's historic win in the Classic seems to eclipse the rest of the two-day event, there were many other interesting storylines - each race stood out in its own way this year.

Marathon
What a fascinating result - nine-year-old Cloudy's Knight very nearly got there to be the oldest Breeders' Cup winner on record (and jockey Rosemary Homeister, Jr. would have been only the second female jockey to win a Breeders' Cup race), but he was run down by three-year-old Man of Iron. The Aiden O'Brien trainee was actually sold just before the race and will be moving to Luca Cumani's barn, but he proved yet again that like his half-siblings, Rags to Riches and Jazil, his dam's offspring like to run as long as possible. He will aim for the Dubai Carnival races next. Last year's winner, Muhannak, was no factor this year, but he also changed hands and will remain in California under the tutelage of Ben Cecil. Man of Iron was the only Ballydoyle horse who ran on Lasix - and their only winner this year.

Juvenile Fillies Turf
Tapitsfly rewarded her backers, professionally taking on Rose Catherine in the stretch. Favored Lillie Langtry came out of the race with a slab fracture, but she should be back after some minor surgery and time off. Tapitsfly gave trainer Dale Romans his first Breeders' Cup victory - and so far American-based runners are two-for-two in this turf event.

Juvenile Fillies
She Be Wild proved she enjoys running on synthetics, but she and the other top two finishes, Beautician and Blind Luck, will all be aiming for the Kentucky Oaks on conventional dirt. Both the runner-up and third-place finishers had some bad luck during the race, as did wiseguy favorite Biofuel, who got pretty knocked around - luckily, all seemed to have only minor complaints and a few of them may run again before the year is out.

Filly & Mare Turf
Legendary trainer Henry Cecil scored his first Breeders' Cup win when Midday took the Filly & Mare Turf - and perhaps she will be back to defend her title, as the plan is for her to remain in training next year. It's an exciting possibility.

Filly & Mare Sprint
Informed Decision gave jockey Julien Leparoux his second Breeders' Cup weekend win; as expected, it came down to a dogfight between the winner and top-class mare Ventura. We should see Informed Decision next year as well.

Filly & Mare Classic
Without stablemate Zenyatta to waltz past her in the closing strides, Life is Sweet finally had a chance to demonstrate her class - and trainer John Shirreffs plenty of confidence going in to Saturday's races.

Juvenile Turf
The first Breeders' Cup race on Saturday's card went to Pounced; the American-bred, European-based colt had the always-welcome piloting services of Frankie Dettori. Trainer John Gosden (who was based at Santa Anita for many years) snagged his second victory in this race, having won last year with Donativum.

Turf Sprint
California Flag, who had given himself an impromptu workout before the race, proved he suffered from no ill-effects from his adventure. Joe Talamo secured his first Breeders' Cup win aboard the California-bred speedball, with 'other' filly Gotta Have Her getting up for second (the well-traveled Diamondrella didn't fire on Saturday).

Sprint
Dancing in Silks scored a major upset - and made trainer Carla Gaines the third woman to train a Breeders' Cup winner in the process. All the 'big names' finished off the board, with Gayego getting closest in fourth. Favorites Zensational and Fatal Bullet finished near each other in fifth and sixth, and global star Fleeting Spirit did not seem to take to the surface. It was a fantastic race for longshot bettors!

Juvenile
Upset winner Vale of York gave up-and-coming Godolphin jockey Ahmed Ajtebi his first Breeders' Cup win. The horse may be pointed to the Kentucky Derby, but he'd be working against history by prepping in Dubai. Bob Baffert trainee Lookin at Lucky was not terribly lucky in the race, but he still finished a respectable second - and seems a more likely Derby contender.

Mile
Goldikova continued to display her brilliance - matching the great Miesque's back-to-back Mile wins, and she did so by overcoming a difficult post position and not the easiest trip in this year's installment. It caps a year in which she's been (mostly) beating up on the world's best milers and it means she now has seven G1 wins. The suggestion that she could come back next year to aim for a third Mile win was not immediately ruled out - let's hope it happens. For those who may grumble that it seems unfair to give an Eclipse award to a horse who has made a single US appearance this year, I'd say that's true - unless it's Goldikova.

Dirt Mile
Mastercraftsman was billed as unbeatable, but obviously no one told longshot Furthest Land. Followed closely on by perpetual maiden Ready's Echo and Midshipman, Furthest Land gave Julien Leparoux his third win for this year's Breeders' Cup. And Mastercraftsman? He's retired.

Turf
Another repeat - Conduit did it again. What was perhaps almost as exciting was Presious Passion's gutsy effort for second in the race - running off like a sprinter at the beginning, yet still managing to get a big slice of the purse. Dar Re Mi also ran a good race for third (overcoming some considerable traffic trouble), and we could see her again next year. Conduit will now retire to stud in Japan, and it's possible Presious Passion may also head to Asia - but in his case he'd be going to Hong Kong for the Hong Kong Vase.

Classic
Did Rip Van Winkle's feet bother him? Perhaps. But even if he had been in top form, it's difficult to imagine anyone having beaten Zenyatta on the day, as she was perfection incarnate. It's easy to overlook the quality efforts put in by both Gio Ponti in second and Twice Over in third, but neither had any sort of chance against the giant mare. Poor Einstein had to check behind the slowing Rip Van Winkle, which essentially took him out of the race, and Summer Bird did not have the best luck but still managed to be a closing fourth. But it was really all Zenyatta - and while the Horse of the Year discussions will go on, they really don't matter; she's one of the greatest, and that's all anyone will remember.

On Zenyatta, Rachel Alexandra and Memory

2009-11-08T09:07:00.003-05:00

Memory plays a very particular role in horse racing, and the journey from historical statistic into the realm of myth necessitates some editing of that memory.

We remember that Man o'War won twenty out of twenty-one races, but we give special note to his single loss - losing to a horse named Upset only seemed that much more perfect; we often forget that loss came when he was a little-known two-year-old, and not the legend he would become. Like so much in horse racing folk-memory, it looks that much more predestined when seen in retrospect.

We have similar blinkers on regarding Secretariat in that his rare losses also became part of his myth - of course he lost at Saratoga, the Graveyard of Champions - how could he not? Even the nature of that loss is couched in the language of folklore - his vanquisher, Onion, was trained by "Giant Killer" Allen Jerkins. Although Secretariat was Horse of the Year at two, it's his three-year-old year we remember; nothing in Triple Crown history can compare to his Belmont victory, which is perhaps the most indelible image in the entire sport of horse racing. We do not ask what caliber of horse Secretariat beat, because, quite frankly, it does not matter.

From our vantage point, it can be difficult to see Ruffian as anything other than the inevitably tragic heroine, hurtling toward her fate - we often overlook her record-shattering brilliance on the track because we know how the story ends, with a shattered leg. And yet she is still the benchmark for her sex - we still do not question what sort of competition she faced in the filly ranks, largely because she made any comparison to her peers irrelevant. Her memory had become part legend, part cautionary tale; despite considerable evidence that she was the product of a brilliant-but-fragile gene pool, Ruffian's death came to be framed as the natural outcome of sending a filly against the colts - a useful bit of received wisdom to point to when explaining why American fillies so rarely faced off against colts in the modern era.

Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta might be viewed as long-overdue avenging angels for Ruffian's cause. One proved that a tough bay three-year-old filly can take on not only boys her own age, but could also emulate racing's heroines of old and beat older males; the other proved that it was possible for a mare of otherworldly size to beat males while maintaining a perfect record - both results which were denied Ruffian.

We will not remember most of Rachel Alexandra's races against her own sex, save the Kentucky Oaks and her utter annihilation of the field by more than twenty lengths - we will remember her gritty Preakness victory, her runaway Haskell win and her hard-fought Woodward. The names of the other actors in her dramas may fade, but their roles will remain - we will remember that she beat the Kentucky Derby winner, the Belmont winner and the Stephen Foster winner. We will remember her milestones: the largest winning margins in Kentucky Oaks and Mother Goose history, the first filly to win the Preakness since 1924, the first filly or mare ever to win the Woodward.

Zenyatta's perfect record may have been curated by careful placement for much of her career, but the final gamble leading to her Breeders' Cup Classic victory proved that she had it in her all along to beat anything that came her way. The complaints about her relatively soft competition will not linger - we will only remember that she did not know how to lose, regardless of the field she faced. We will remember her quirks - her high-stepping, her pawing the ground in winner's circle after winner's circle, her sheer physical presence. We will remember how she towered over her competition, both literally and figuratively; given her size, coupled with her come-from-behind running style, she seemed like nothing less than a leviathan on the track, inhaling her lesser opponents in a final, devastating sweep.

In the end, Horse of the Year will not matter; the votes of a select few will bestow that title on one (or, ideally, both) of these outstanding fillies, but our collective memory will do them a better sort of justice - we will count Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta among the very greatest horses ever to have graced the track.

Zenyatta: Your Breeders' Cup Classic Champion

2009-11-07T19:57:00.008-05:00

Some early press reports -

Racing Post: Zenyatta Makes Breeders' Cup Classic History
The Age: Remarkable Zenyatta Takes Breeders' Cup Classic
New York Times: Zenyatta Stuns Males to Win Breeders' Cup Classic
New York Times: Zenyatta Wins the Breeders' Cup
The Blood-Horse: It's All Zenyatta in the BC Classic
Daily Racing Form: Zenyatta Triumphs in Classic
The Guardian: Zenyatta Joins the Immortals with Sensational Win in Breeders' Cup Classic
The Telegraph: Breeders Cup: Zenyatta provides fairytale finale in $5m Classic
The Times: Breathtaking Breeders’ Cup is all about the girl

Breeders' Cup 2009: Saturday

2009-11-07T13:50:00.015-05:00

We'll just go straight in for the commentary - latest updates always on Twitter.

Juvenile Turf
I had Viscount Nelson with Pounced in my exacta, so I won't be cashing any tickets, but it was a very professional effort by Pounced (with more than a little help from Frankie Dettori). In any event, it's always fun to see Dettori in the winner's circle. Lady Serena Rothschild, his owner, reminds me of this:

Turf Sprint
Nice to see Joe Talamo get a Breeders' Cup win - naturally, I had the other filly, Diamondrella, boxed in my exacta with California Flag - as well as Cannonball, who finished third. Gotta Have Her put in a great run for second, even if she did ruin my ticket.

Sprint
I only had Fleeting Spirit - obviously, she would have done better in the Turf Sprint. Wish I'd had the trifecta for this one! Still, Carla Gaines trains the winner, Dancing in Silks, and I'm all for more female trainers winning Breeders' Cup races.

Juvenile
Ahmed Ajtebi is having quite a year - he gave Vale of York a great ride.

Mile
GOL-D-KO-VA! Clap, clap, clapclapclap! That's how it's done, folks.

Dirt Mile
I had to dash out for that, but I'm glad I didn't bet it - I'd have had nothing. Really odd result.

Turf
What a great race - Conduit coming back to repeat, just like Goldikova - and fine runs from Presious Passion and Dar Re Mi. At least I got $3 on her - but how exciting to see two champions successfully defend their titles.

Classic
The gate scratch of Quality Road made everything peculiar - but what a result. Zenyatta proved everything and then some - and what great efforts from Gio Ponti and Twice Over as well.

Let Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta share Horse of the Year - who needs the colts?

Breeders' Cup 2009: Filly & Mare-athon Day

2009-11-06T15:09:00.011-05:00

The Breeders' Cup is finally upon us; from my vantage point (watching TVG), the weather looks perfect. We've had a few scratches - Kera's Kitten in the Juvenile Turf, and Allegre from tomorrow's Turf - but at least in the case of the former race, the Ramsey barn has so many talented Kitten's Joy offspring floating around that they've been able to slot Dean's Kitten in as a replacement.

While it does throw off our analysis a bit for that particular race (scroll down here if you missed any of 'insights' into each race), on the whole, we're sticking with our picks. Any exciting wagering wins will be reported - as will the usual 'why did I toss him/her out at the last minute?' wails.

We'll be following along in real-time (except when day care pickup beckons) and will be posting some notes here, but you can get the most current thoughts on Twitter.

Good luck and safe journeys to all the horses and jockeys - I do apologize for today's title.

Thoughts -

Marathon
What a fantastic finish - really outstanding efforts from both winner Man of Iron and runner-up Cloudy's Knight. Here's something to ponder: imagine what Better Than Honour's stud fee would be if she were a stallion.

Juvenile Fillies Turf
I'd gone off Lillie Langtry last night after hearing about how she'd been taking to California (not well); Smart Seattle didn't have a good trip, so I'd draw a line through this one for her, but I'm very glad I threw a last-minute bet on Tapitsfly. I assumed she was going to be close to her morning-line odds, but when I noticed she drifted up, I was very excited. Nice win for the grey filly.

Juvenile Fillies
Well, I did get a piece of the action with Blind Luck's third - really good effort from She Be Wild. Poor Biofuel did not get the best of it.

Filly & Mare Turf
Should have stuck with my gut - I jumped off Midday before the race. Whoops.

Filly & Mare Sprint
So much for my Sara Louise/Ventura exacta. I had no good reason to ignore Informed Decision, just didn't like her odds. Handicapping FAIL.

Filly & Mare Classic
Life Is Sweet is pretty sweet on her own. Without Zenyatta to overshadow her, she was a game winner. Careless Jewel just ran off. Nice run from Music Note as well. One wonders if trainer John Shirreffs had any pressure to run his two star mares in different races - it's always a good idea to spread the risk!

I'm very encouraged by Julien Leparoux's day so far - I would love to see him win the Classic on Einstein tomorrow. See you then!

Breeders' Cup 2009: Classic

2009-11-05T10:20:00.001-05:00

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds

1 Mine That Bird, Chip Woolley, C. Borel, 12-1
Perhaps unfairly overlooked; he does have the rail and Bo-Rail.

2 Colonel John, Eoin Harty, G. Gomez, 12-1
Solid runner is flying a bit under the radar.

3 Summer Bird, Tim Ice, K. Desormeaux, 9/2
Gets better and better each time out - can't wait to see him again next year.

4 Zenyatta, John Shirreffs, M. Smith, 5/2
Her numbers and recent competition are the biggest concern - she looks amazing. Perhaps she just does all she needs to? In any case, it's great to see her here.

5 Twice Over (GB), Henry Cecil, T. Queally, 20-1
Tough European seems to offer great value here.

6 Richard's Kid, Bob Baffert, A. Solis, 12-1
The mystery horse; was his shock upset of Einstein the beginning of a pattern? His works have drawn raves.

7 Gio Ponti, Christophe Clement, R. Dominguez, 12-1
Solid, honest horse who happens to beat just about everybody - without garnering much acclaim. Great spot here.

8 Einstein (BRZ), Helen Pitts-Blasi, J. Leparoux, 12-1
He's got the ability, he just needs the luck - would love to see him (pictured) go out on a win, especially for Pitts-Blasi.

9 Girolamo, Saeed Bin Suroor, A. Garcia, 20-1
Three-race win streak is more G2 level, but he does have talent.

10 Rip Van Winkle (IRE), Aiden O'Brien, J. Murtagh, 7/2
If his foot doesn't bother him, he wins - if it does, he finishes up the track.

11 Regal Ransom, Saeed Bin Suroor, R. Migliore, 20-1
Came back from a post-Derby layoff with a win in the Super Derby; hard to evaluate where he sits.

12 Quality Road, Todd Pletcher, J. Velazquez, 12-1
Would have preferred to see him in the Dirt Mile - or even the Mile, given his Aussie breeding. Next time?

13 Awesome Gem, Craig Dollase, D. Flores, 30-1
Will he hit the board again? He did in the 2007 edition of this race.

Ideal world: Einstein & Zenyatta DH for first, Gio Ponti takes second, Summer Bird third Picks: Rip Van Winkle, Einstein, Gio Ponti, Twice Over

Breeders' Cup 2009: Turf

2009-11-05T10:15:00.001-05:00

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds

1 Telling, Steve Hobby, J. Castellano, 20-1
Sword Dancer winner is competitive with American turf runners, if not often in the winner's circle.

2 Conduit (IRE), Sir Michael Stoute, R. Moore, 7/5
Wins almost every time he does not face Sea the Stars - a worthy returning champion.

3 Red Rocks (IRE), B.J. Meehan, J. Leparoux, 20-1
2007 winner of this race has struggled to find his best form this year.

4 Allegre, Brian Koriner, J. Velazquez, 50-1
Big step up in class; distance may also be a concern.

5 Dar Re Mi (GB), John Gosden, L. Dettori, 3-1
Second to Zarkava last year and beat Stacelita (let's be honest) - good result in the Arc (pictured).

6 Presious Passion, Mary Hartmann, E. Trujillo, 4-1
Best US-based chance in the race; always gives his all.

7 Spanish Moon, Sir Michael Stoute, K. Fallon, 5/2
Very solid European performer (although American by birth) is a strong threat here.

8 Monzante, Mike Mitchell, R. Bejarano, 30-1
Recent form does not suggest a huge threat here.

Picks: Dar Re Mi, Conduit, Spanish Moon, Presious Passion

Breeders' Cup 2009: Dirt Mile

2009-11-05T10:07:00.000-05:00

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds

1 Mastercraftsman (IRE), Aiden P. O'Brien, J. Murtagh, 6/5
Class of the field, no question (pictured).

2 Furthest Land, Michael J. Maker, J. Leparoux, 20-1
Won Kentucky Cup Classic last time, but he's not beaten much.

3 Midshipman, Saeed Bin Suroor, G. Gomez, 6-1
Only blemish is a second in last year's Norfolk Stakes; second start off a long layoff.

4 Bullsbay, H. Graham Motion, J. Rose, 3-1
His third behind Rachel Alexandra in the Woodward is closer than most horses can claim to have come.

5 Neko Bay, John Shirreffs, M. Smith, 20-1
Always first or second at Santa Anita, but against lesser opponents.

6 Mambo Meister, Philip A. Gleaves, M. Cruz, 30-1
Has a win last time out; seems more of a G3 performer.

7 Pyro, Saeed Bin Suroor, J. Velazquez, 10-1
Didn't do much in this race last year, but has done well since returning to the races late this summer.

8 Mr. Sidney, William Mott, K. Desormeaux, 12-1
Well-bred underachiever could use a win, but has faced some quality competition.

9 Chocolate Candy, Jerry Hollendorfer, J. Rosario, 15-1
Has been earning his keep the hard way, but has more talent than that might indicate.

10 Ready's Echo, Todd Pletcher, C. Borel, 20-1
Remember how he dead-heated for third in the Belmont behind Da'Tara? No? Still winless.

Picks: Mastercraftsman, Bullsbay, Midshipman, Pyro; longshot: Chocolate Candy

Breeders' Cup 2009: Mile

2009-11-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds

1 Court Vision, Richard Dutrow, Jr., R. Albarado, 12-1
Looked good last time out, but this is a tall order.

2 Whatsthescript (IRE), John W. Sadler, K. Desormeaux, 15-1
Third in this race last year; has not won since August of the same.

3 Cowboy Cal, Todd Pletcher, J. Velazquez, 6-1
Won the Oak Tree Mile last time out; as with Court Vision, the distance seems a better fit for him, but it's a big stage.

4 Delegator (GB), Saeed Bin Suroor, L. Dettori, 3-1
A notch below horses like Sea the Stars and Mastercraftsman, but could snag a win if Goldikova has an off day.

5 Karelian, George R. Arnold II, R. Maragh, 20-1
Second to Court Vision last time out; big step up in class.

6 Courageous Cat, William Mott, G. Gomez, 20-1
3-year-old seems to be developing nicely - perhaps next year.

7 Ferneley (IRE), Ben Cecil, R. Bejarano, 20-1
Beat Allicansayis Wow, second to Ventura. Likely to finish behind Goldikova.

8 Zacinto (GB), Sir Michael Stoute, R. Moore, 8-1
Most recently second to Rip Van Winkle at Ascot.

9 Gladiatorus, Saeed Bin Suroor, A. Ajtebi, 20-1
Formerly the world's highest-rated racehorse (according to Timeform), he's been hit and miss since then.

10 Justenuffhumor, Kiaran McLaughlin, A. Garcia, 10-1
Ultra-consistent until last time out.

11 Goldikova (IRE), O. Peslier, 8/5
The reigning champ (pictured) should equal Miesque's feat and repeat.

Picks: Goldikova, Zacinto, Delegator, Ferneley

Breeders' Cup 2009: Juvenile

2009-11-05T09:52:00.001-05:00

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds

1 Alfred Nobel (IRE), Aiden P. O'Brien, J. Murtagh, 20-1
Has G1 and G2 wins in Europe, not as lucky his last few races.

2 Piscitelli, Gregory D. Sacco, K. Desormeaux, 50-1
Maiden by Victory Gallop.

3 Beethoven (IRE), Aiden P. O'Brien, R. Moore, 20-1
Ten lifetime starts, has faced many tough European contenders (pictured).

4 Noble's Promise, Kenneth McPeek, W. Martinez, 8-1
Undefeated - in two starts, but one was a G1.

5 D'Funnybone, Richard Dutrow, Jr., E. Prado, 5/2
Has two G2 wins coming into this race.

6 Pulsion, Patrick L. Biancone, M. Smith, 20-1
Second in one lifetime start.

7 Vale of York (IRE), Saeed Bin Suroor, A. Ajtebi, 20-1
Competitive in solid company in Europe - last start in Italy.

8 Eskendereya, Todd Pletcher, J. Castellano, 10-1
Regally-bred son of Giants Causeway has a win from 1 start.

9 Aikenite, Todd Pletcher, A. Garcia, 8-1
Third and second in two G1 races; aims for a win.

10 Aspire, Eddie Kenneally, J. Leparoux, 30-1
Second in the Hopeful, third in the Champagne.

11 Radiohead (GB), M. Dwyer, 15-1
Winner of the (British) Norfolk Stakes has not been as lucky since, but gets Lasix this time.

12 William's Kitten, Michael J. Maker, R. Dominguez, 30-1
Ramsey homebred has one win from two starts.

13 Lookin At Lucky, Bob Baffert, G. Gomez, 8/5
Undefeated winner of the (California) Norfolk Stakes

Picks: Beethoven, Lookin At Lucky, Radiohead, Aikenite

Breeders' Cup 2009: Sprint

2009-11-05T09:47:00.000-05:00

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds

1 Zensational, Bob Baffert, V. Espinoza, 7/5
Likely the fastest horse in training (pictured); will the post position hurt?

2 Cost of Freedom, John Sadler, T. Baze, 20-1
Won the Ancient Title here...last year.

3 Fatal Bullet, Reade Baker, E. Da Silva, 9/2
Speedy 4-year-old loves synthetics; second in this race last year.

4 Crown of Thorns, Richard E. Mandella, R. Bejarano, 12-1
Seems to be improving after a long layoff, but probably not ready for this company.

5 Gayego, Saeed Bin Suroor, G. Gomez, 5/2
Ex-Derby candidate successfully reborn as a sprinter; can he keep up with Zensational?

6 Dancing in Silks, Carla Gaines, J. Rosario, 12-1
Step up in class for improving gelding.

7 Join in the Dance, Todd A. Pletcher, J. Velazquez, 30-1
Has yet to win a race.

8 Capt. Candyman Can, Ian Wilkes, J. Castellano, 15-1
3-year-old has thrived at sprinting distances.

9 Fleeting Spirit (IRE), Jeremy Noseda, L. Dettori, 8-1
Always competitive with the world's best turf sprinters; classy mare could pick up the pieces.

Picks: Zensational, Fleeting Spirit, Fatal Bullet, Capt. Candyman Can

Breeders' Cup 2009: Juvenile Turf

2009-11-05T09:32:00.003-05:00

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds

1 Zip Quik, Patrick L. Biancone, M. Smith, 50-1
Has 1 win so far, from 5 starts; often in the money.

2 Viscount Nelson, Aiden P. O'Brien, J. Murtagh, 6-1
Lovely breeding, some nice European wins so far.

3 Codoy, Mark Hubley, G. Gomez, 15-1
Second to Interactif (pictured) in the Bourbon at Keeneland.

4 Pounced, John Gosden, L. Dettori, 9/2
Very American-bred colt returns from Europe; second in G2 company there.

5 Gallant Gent, Craig A. Lewis, J. Rosario, 30-1
Third in the Norfolk.

6 Awesome Act, Jeremy Noseda, R. Moore, 20-1
Another Euromerican, like Pounced, although only has a maiden win.

7 Bridgetown, Kenneth McPeek, R. Landry, 8-1
Won the G3 Summer Stakes at Woodbine.

8 King Ledley, Darrin Miller, R. Bejarano, 20-1
Yet another US-bred coming from Europe; has 8 lifetime starts, 1 win.

9 Kera's Kitten, Michael J. Maker, R. Maragh, 12-1
Ramsey homebred has a turf win.

10 Becky's Kitten, Wesley Ward, J. Leparoux, 12-1
Another Ramsey Kitten, this one second in the Summer Stakes

11 Interactif, Todd Pletcher, K. Desormeaux, 4-1
Has 2 G3 wins on turf - will that form translate?

12 Buzzword (GB), Saeed Bin Suroor, A. Ajtebi, 6-1
G3 winner in France; not as lucky in G1 company.

Picks: Viscount Nelson, Pounced, Interactif, Becky's Kitten

Breeders' Cup 2009: Filly & Mare Classic

2009-11-04T10:52:00.005-05:00

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds

1 Careless Jewel, Josie Carroll, R. Landry, 2-1
Looks absolutely outstanding here - and it would be great to see a female trainer score a big win.

2 Life Is Sweet, John Shirreffs, G. Gomez, 8-1
Although she has a chance to step out of stablemate Zenyatta's shadow, this may not be her day.

3 Mushka, William Mott, K. Desormeaux, 12-1
Has a 2-win streak (of sorts - see below) and won over Keeneland's synthetic surface - will she like this one?

4 Lethal Heat, Barry Abrams, A. Solis, 20-1
Her recent record of running in third and second will not help her here.

5 Proviso (GB), Robert J. Frankel, J. Velazquez, 8-1
Gave Mushka her Spinster Stakes win - by DQ - but that was her 1st US start. Winner in France.

6 Cocoa Beach (CHI), Saeed Bin Suroor, R. Migliore, 8-1
Second to Zenyatta in this race last year; her form this year isn't quite up to last year's standards.

7 Music Note, Saeed Bin Suroor, J. Castellano, 9/5
Reeled off 2 G1 wins in a row and will be a strong contender.

8 Rainbow View, John Gosden, J. Leparoux, 6-1
Second in her 1st North American start, she's been a few lengths behind the very best European competition.

Picks: Careless Jewel, Music Note, Rainbow View, Life Is Sweet

Breeders' Cup 2009: Filly & Mare Turf

2009-11-04T10:29:00.003-05:00

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds

1 Visit (GB), Robert J. Frankel, J. Velazquez, 10-1
Always close, but has not won since last August.

2 Forever Together, Jonathan Sheppard, J. Leparoux, 5/2
Defending champion back for another crack.

3 Rutherienne, Christophe Clement, A. Garcia, 8-1
Finally won after tough luck her previous two trips; this is a tough field for her, but it's a nice price.

4 Magical Fantasy, Patrick Gallagher, A. Solis, 3-1
Loves California turf - coming in off a 4-race winning streak.

5 Pure Clan, Robert E. Holthus, G. Gomez, 5-1
Won the Flower Bowl last time out, but finished 10th in this race last year.

6 Midday (GB), Henry Cecil, T. Queally, 4-1
Already proven to be very classy in Europe, the first-time-Lasix angle could give her an unbeatable edge (pictured).

7 Dynaforce, William Mott, K. Desormeaux, 8-1
6th in the Flower Bowl, but a Beverly D winner; also unlucky in this race last year.

8 Maram, Chad C. Brown, J. Lezcano, 15-1
Has only 2 starts this year, seems a notch or two below her form last year.

Picks: Midday, Rutherienne, Magical Fantasy, Forever Together

Breeders' Cup 2009: Filly & Mare Sprint

2009-11-04T10:08:00.003-05:00

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds

1 Free Flying Soul, Bruce Headley, M. Smith, 50-1
California mare likes the track, but seems outclassed here.

2 Sara Louise, Saeed bin Suroor, L. Dettori, 9/2
Hey, she's beaten Rachel Alexandra - and has proven herself as a tough sprinter since then (pictured).

3 Game Face, Todd A. Pletcher, E. Prado, 10-1
Winner of the G1 Princess Rooney has had ups and downs this year.

4 Only Green (IRE), Freddy Head, O. Peslier, 20-1
More than just Goldikova's rabbit, she won last time out in France when running in her own right - and gets Lasix here.

5 Silver Swallow, Bruce Headley, A. Solis, 30-1
Has been competitive in top company - but has had a long layoff.

6 Evita Argentina, John W. Sadler, J. Rosario, 20-1
Has both wins and disappointing finishes over this surface.

7 Informed Decision, Jonathan E. Sheppard, J. Leparoux, 5/2
Has beaten Ventura in the past and could well do so again.

8 Seventh Street, Saeed bin Suroor, R. Maragh, 4-1
Second in the Ruffian last time out and winner of the Go For Wand before that - will be a threat.

9 Ventura, Robert J. Frankel, G. Gomez, 8/5
May be better at a mile, but it would be nice to see here win for ailing Bobby Frankel.

Picks: Sara Louise, Ventura, Informed Decision, Seventh Street; longshot Only Green

Breeders' Cup 2009: Juvenile Fillies

2009-11-03T20:46:00.003-05:00

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds

1 Zilva, H. Graham Motion, J. Rose, 30-1
4th in the Alcibiades; taller order here.

2 Ms Vanenzza, Juan Vasquez, J. Rocco, 30-1
Beat Juvenile Turf entrant Potosina in the Blue Hen Stakes.

3 Blind Luck, Jerry Hollendorfer, T. Baze, 3-1
2nd in the G1 Debutante, won the G1 Oak Leaf (pictured); very tough here.

4 Beautician, Kenneth McPeek, R. Albarado, 6-1
Has been competitive, but doesn't have a win - yet.

5 Bickersons, Kelly Breen, J. Rosario, 20-1
Twice 3rd in G1 company - but also lacking a win.

6 Connie and Michael, Kenneth McPeek, K. Desormeaux, 4-1
Impressive in her win at Keeneland, but it's still early days.

7 Devil May Care, Todd A. Pletcher, J. Velazquez, 8-1
Winner of the Frizette; will she take to the Polytrack?

8 She Be Wild, Wayne M. Catalano, J. Leparoux, 8-1
G3 winner and G1-placed; has talent.

9 Champagne d'Oro, John Daley, M. Garcia, 50-1
DQ'd from a win in August, 8th in the Del Mar Futurity - would need luck.

10 Negligee, John P. Terranova II , R. Maragh, 6-1
Alcibiades winner seems to be on the improve.

11 Always a Princess, Bob Baffert, G. Gomez, 6-1
2nd in the Oak Leaf Stakes, interesting pedigree.

12 Biofuel, Reade Baker, E. Da Silva, 15-1
G3 winner in Canada; has yet to establish consistent pattern, but that's not unexpected.

Picks: Blind Luck, Always a Princess, Negligee, She Be Wild

Breeders' Cup 2009: Juvenile Fillies Turf

2009-11-03T19:39:00.003-05:00

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds
1 Potosina, Mark Shuman, J. Velazquez, 20-1
Two-time stakes winner with mid-Atlantic connections, but likely outgunned here.

2 Elusive Galaxy (IRE), Ben D. A. Cecil, R. Bejarano, 12-1
Won her first time out in Ireland and has finished 3rd to Lillie Langtry (pictured); a close 3rd last time out at Woodbine.

3 Smart Seattle, H. Graham Motion, J. Rose, 8-1
Always in the money, this is in her first time in graded company; she beat Hatheer to break her maiden. Due for a win?

4 Rose Catherine, Todd A. Pletcher , J. Castellano, 8-1
Speedy breeding, but her only win was in a maiden special weight; not sure why she's as low as 8-1.

5 La Nez, J. Eric Kruljac, M. Smith, 20-1
Winner of more than $150,000 so far; has a 3rd in a G1 race and a win over the Santa Anita (main) track.

6 Jungle Tale, Steven M. Asmussen , S. Bridgmohan, 15-1
2nd in the Natalma Stakes at Woodbine; does seem to prefer turf to Polytrack.

7 House of Grace, Kenneth G. McPeek, M. Luzzi, 4-1
Undefeated - in two races - she beat Smart Seattle by a nose in her last race.

8 Lillie Langtry, Aidan P. O'Brien, J. Murtagh, 3-1
Six lifetime starts, half wins, the rest in the money. Really, what's not to like? Besides, I once stayed in a hotel that had been one of the human Lillie Langtry's residences, and that seemed to work out well.

9 Hatheer, Kiaran P. McLaughlin, A. Garcia, 10-1
A winner over turf, although perhaps a notch below the European horses.

10 Tapitsfly, Dale L. Romans, R. Albarado, 8-1
Like House of Grace, she's finished ahead of Smart Seattle and seems consistent.

11 Junia Tepzia (IRE), Peter Schiergen, K. Fallon, 8-1
Undefeated - but this time in one start (albeit a listed race). Likely needs more seasoning.

12 Lisa's Kitten, Michael J. Maker, J. Leparoux, 12-1
A winner at Retama Park. (Where? Oh, Texas.) Also finished behind Tapitsfly and Smart Seattle at Saratoga.

Picks: Lillie Langtry, Smart Seattle, House of Grace, Tapitsfly; La Nez as a longshot

Breeders' Cup 2009: Marathon

2009-11-03T19:23:00.004-05:00

The post positions, in this case, have no real impact on my more detailed thoughts on this field which are already up on the NTRA site - while Mastery (pictured) and Father Time seem the class of the field, I like Black Astor at a price.

# Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds
1 Black Astor, Lisa Lewis, Alex Solis, 12-1
2 Muhannak (IRE), Ralph M. Beckett, Ryan Moore, 12-1
3 Nite Light, Todd A. Pletcher, John Velazquez, 4-1
4 Cloudy's Knight, Jonathan E. Sheppard, R. Homeister, 8-1
5 Father Time (GB), Henry Cecil, Eddie Ahern, 3-1
6 Mastery (GB), Saeed bin Suroor, L. Dettori, 9/5
7 Sir Dave, Jack Carava, Joel Rosario, 20-1
8 Eldaafer, Diane Alvarado, R. Bejarano, 30-1
9 Man of Iron, Aidan P. O'Brien, John Murtagh, 8-1
10 Gangbuster, J. Keith Desormeaux, Kent Desormeaux, 30-1

Will Zenyatta Bump Up Street Cry's Stud Fee?

2009-11-03T14:23:00.005-05:00

Shocking's Melbourne Cup win gave his sire, Street Cry, G1 winners at both sprinting and staying distances, but the stallion could garner even more accolades this weekend. While Street Sense has already carried the banner for Street Cry in the Juvenile in his 2-year-old season, and Zenyatta took the Ladies' Classic last year, if she were to win the Classic this time around, one presumes his stud fee would take another leap upward (and well done to Darley for updating the graphics on his page to reflect the latest news - if not the body text - while that might be taken as a given in other sports, it's relatively rare in racing to see the marketing piece done with any style, as anyone who has ever watched stud farm ads on TVG can attest).

We'll know the answer to the will-she-won't-she dance this afternoon when the post positions for each race are drawn; it's hard to imagine Zenyatta's connections wouldn't want to take the bigger shot. But the solid European contingent is feeling very confident indeed already - and while Santa Anita's surface is given as the major reason, I would argue that last year the better horses on the day won, for the most part (as, indeed, was the case of the previous year on Monmouth Park's sloppy track, despite arguments to the contrary) - whether it will go the same way this year remains to be seen.

Starting tomorrow, we'll do a race-by-race analysis (although you can preview the Marathon here) - check back then, and follow us on Twitter for live thoughts on the races Friday and Saturday! In the meantime, you can catch us on Alex's radio show tomorrow discussing All Things Breeders' Cup - tune in!

We Interrupt Breeders' Cup Week for the Melbourne Cup

2009-11-02T12:30:00.003-05:00

While we look forward to the Breeders' Cup draw tomorrow, tonight (at least for those in North America) is the Melbourne Cup. There's a 24-horse field entered this year, including last year's winner, Viewed - and not a little intrigue. Should Mourilyan win, will the money make Bad Things Happen in Chechnya? Will Alcopop (pictured), a 7-year-old gelding with a previous career as an occasional cattle wrangler (not to mention a little-known provincial jockey) find the winner's circle? Veteran trainer Bart Cummings, who conditions Viewed as well as Roman Emperor and Allez Wonder, doesn't think so - and his reasoning serves to highlight a major difference between US and Australian racing:

"He's a very good horse but he hasn't raced for three weeks, so who knows? I would have preferred him to race a little closer than three or four weeks ago."

Viewed ran last Saturday (yes, on Halloween - they do things differently Down Under) and came out of the race with some superficial injuries, but he's been cleared to attempt a Melbourne Cup repeat Tuesday - all while carrying the field's high weight.

Other favored horses include the Kiwi hope Daffodil, who won the Australian Oaks, but she has an outside post to overcome; Roman Emperor and Shocking also have many backers (including, in the case of Shocking, prime minister Kevin Rudd).

TVG will be airing the race live (you're looking for the seventh race from Flemington), which should go off around 11 pm EST. Set your TiVos - and check back in tomorrow for our real kickoff to Breeders' Cup week.

Breeders' Cup Pre-entries - Initial Thoughts

2009-10-28T11:16:00.006-04:00

You'll want to go over these today - I'll be doing that on a train shortly, with more to come later. In the meantime, here are a few quick thoughts --

Zenyatta's first preference is the Classic - huzzah!

Dar Re Mi is down for the Turf, with the F&M Turf as her second choice; also good.

Summer Bird has the Turf has his second choice - I'd love to see him try this at some point.

A thought inspired by Mine That Bird in the Classic - should the Kentucky Derby count as a Win & You're In race? Not knocking him specifically, since he has been working nicely and since I think his other Triple Crown race efforts are underrated, but would a horse who had done nothing since winning the Derby automatically get a spot in the Classic? Just wondering.

Square Eddie has first preference in the Turf Sprint - that seems a good fit.

Chocolate Candy is technically out of the field at this point (with his first preference, sensibly, being the Dirt Mile) - I'd rather see Quality Road try the Dirt Mile, currently his second choice over the Classic - perhaps he could take on the Mile next year. Like Summer Bird, I think he could do quite well on the grass.

Black Astor in the Marathon, trained by Lisa Lewis - does that make five female trainers with Breeders' Cup entries this year (including Helen Pitts-Blasi, Josie Carroll, Carla Gaines and Jenine Sahadi)? Did I miss anyone? I worry that may be a record.

Breeders' Cup Musings & Arc Winning Dates

2009-10-27T10:52:00.005-04:00

While we are focused on the Breeders' Cup, across the pond they are already thinking about next year's 2000 Guineas and the Derby, thanks to St. Nicholas Abbey's impressive victory in the Racing Post Trophy over the weekend. The 2-year-old Montjeu colt is 3-for-3 so far - if nothing else, he's already accomplished considerably more than the last colt named for a Barbados landmark. While no American-based 2-year-olds have (so far) suggested future brilliance, there's a long time between now and next Spring.

But there is still plenty of European interest in the Breeders' Cup - Zacinto is back on for the Mile, while Mastercraftsman may take the Dirt Mile (this leaving the way clear for Rip Van Winkle in the Classic). Godolphin and Ballydoyle may be the biggest largely-European teams represented (and we will take a closer look at their entries later), but there's plenty beyond them - Dermot Weld is likely to send out Famous Name in the Dirt Mile, while Henry Cecil has Middday in the Filly & Mare Turf, Father Time in the Marathon and Twice Over aiming for the Classic. Jeremy Noseda has Awesome Act primed for the Juvenile, while his outstanding mare Fleeting Spirit is going for the 'dirt' Sprint. And, of course, Freddie Head has both Goldikova (pictured) in the Mile and her pacemaker, Only Green, in the Filly & Mare Sprint.

That's not to say the US contingent is lacking firepower; while another major name has definitely been ruled out (Indian Blessing), Einstein and Summer Bird are both looking sharp, and even unlucky-of-late Mine That Bird worked a bullet over the Santa Anita surface. Zenyatta also had a good workout - tomorrow we should discover which in race(s) they've opted to pre-enter her.

Finally, of course, comes the news that Sea the Stars will, as predicted, stand at stud in Ireland. He'll be at the Aga Khan's Gilltown Stud, where last year's Arc winner, Zarkava, will pay him a visit. It will not be the first time an Arc winner has been bred to an Arc winner - Urban Sea, dam of Sea the Stars, was sent to Lammtara, producing Melikah (winner of the Pretty Polly stakes, and now a broodmare). Urban Sea was also sent to Peintre Celebre, a breeding that resulted in the unheralded Emily - so it's no guarantee of success.

Check back later in the week for more on Breeders' Cup pre-entries...

No Alarms and No Surprises

2009-10-23T14:13:00.006-04:00

The Breeders' Cup defections continue apace; Icon Project has been retired with a tendon injury, Macho Again caught a cough, Gitano Hernando and Lahaleeb didn't want to pay entry feeds, Rail Trip has a foot bruise and Septimus isn't going to make the trip from Europe. With the retirement of Sea the Stars and the absence of Rachel Alexandra, things were starting to look a little thin this week for the big event - but there have been some interesting developments.

Kodiak Kowboy is going to contest the Sprint, which will now feature hard-knocking mare Fleeting Spirit (pictured) with Frankie Dettori aboard. Fleeting Spirit had been aimed at the Turf Sprint, given her aptitude against some of the world's best turf sprinters - clearly, the thinking is that her form will translate directly to the synthetic surface. Of course, it may just be a case of sharing the wealth - her stablemate, Strike the Deal, is down for the Turf Sprint. Capt. Candyman Can seems to be maturing nicely into this division, however - it would be no bad thing to see him represent for the 3-year-old American boys - if he likes the track.

But back to speedy European horses for the moment; Goldikova's rabbit, Only Green, has an entry - but she will be running in her own right in the Filly & Mare Sprint. Whether she can stack up to Sara Louise, Indian Blessing or Ventura in that race remains to be seen - it's shaping up to be one of the stronger races for North American-based horses. The same might be said of the Filly & Mare Turf - Diamondrella, Pure Clan, Rutherienne and Forever Together are a formidable bunch - although Midday, who has faced Sariska and who will have the services of Tom Queally (even though he's not staying on Fleeting Spirit), could well be ready for them.

The Irish contingent is looking very strong; Aiden O'Brien plans to send out Beethoven and Alfred Nobel in the Juvenile, with Viscount Nelson taking the Juvenile Turf option. Man of Iron, half-brother to Belmont winners Rags to Riches and Jazil, might be seen in the Marathon, now that Septimus has been ruled out. Naturally, Rip Van Winkle and Mastercraftsman are looking like the major stars for Ballydoyle as they work toward the Classic - but don't count out either Einstein or Zenyatta. Given the notable absences from the Classic, one hopes it's becoming more and more likely that's where Zenyatta will be entered; there's nothing for her to prove against anyone in the likely Filly & Mare Classic field.

There was some action in the Juvenile division; IEAH managed to come up with some cash that is not tied up in a lawsuit to purchase Radiohead. The Racing Post seems to find this a bit peculiar:

The deal, thought to be for in excess of $1 million, represents a calculated gamble on behalf of IEAH, as Radiohead has yet to race beyond 6f or on an artificial surface.

In addition to doubts about his stamina to see out the 1m½f trip of the Juvenile, his new owners will also need to fork out the bulk of a $100,000 entry fee because Radiohead was not Breeders' Cup registered as a foal.

On the plus side, the horse's name and new associations give ample opportunity for dropping in Radiohead titles and lines from songs (one wonders if they listened to 'We Suck Young Blood' before the purchase - presumably 'Karma Police' was not on the playlist) - but really, I'd prefer to see a winner's circle free of fake tans.

We will continue to round up Things Breeders' Cup-related next week, then we'll start getting serious about it, with a closer look at each race coming soon. We're nearly there - in the meantime, why not check out the DeFrancis Das h this weekend?

Keeping Time

2009-10-21T10:49:00.003-04:00

I wrote a new post about the Breeders' Cup Marathon last week for the NTRA that has yet to appear there (in case you're wondering why part of a 'new' article will be out of date by the time you read it), but since that's not up yet, why not check out my most recent review? It's a little more timely.

You can expect more about this story in my next Marathon post - whenever that goes up.

Jigsaw Falling Into Place

2009-10-20T13:31:00.004-04:00

As we move inexorably closer to Breeders' Cup time (pre-entries are to be announced in a little more than a week), things are fairly quiet - last weekend's (stateside) races were most notable for a major exit, rather than as Breeders' Cup preps.

But it was a satisfying exit; Champs Elysees capped his career in style, by going out on a win in the Canadian International. He beat a thoroughly professional field that included Jukebox Jury and Quijano, and he is now off to join his brothers, Dansili and Cacique, at Banstead Manor Stud. It will be interesting to see how they price him, given the economy and the fact that Juddmonte is rather awash in Danehill-Hasili stallions - Dansili is already a proven sire, with notable offspring including Arc winner Rail Link (also a Juddmonte stallion) and Zambezi Sun, but Champs Elysees has had a more varied racing career, including G1 wins - Dansili never won a G1 race. Fellow G1-winning brother Cacique's fee is officially private, while Dansili stands for £65,000 - will Champs Elysees sit somewhere in the middle, or come in at a lower rate as the junior partner?

And so to some racing that may have more of an impact on the Breeders' Cup - the Newmarket Champion Stakes. Twice Over (something of a stablemate to Champs Elysees in the sense that both reside under the very large Juddmonte banner) was the winner and while he has earned a spot in the Turf, he may instead follow the European crowd to the Classic. Something of an underachiever at 3 and earlier this year (despite a race record full of glittering opponents, including Sea the Stars, Vision d'Etat, Tartan Bearer, Henrythenavigator and Raven's Pass - who finished behind Twice Over in the Craven Stakes), he has recently come into his own. On Saturday, he beat a fine field including favo(u)red Fame & Glory (an unthreatening 7th - he may have been tired from a season of chasing Sea the Stars) and held off strong efforts from Mawatheeq and Sariska. Unfortunately neither will be coming to the Breeders' Cup - Sariska is getting a break before aiming for next year's Arc - but it seems likely we'll see both next year. As for Twice Over, he's flying slightly under the radar (at least compared to Rip Van Winkle) - you may want to make note of him.

Also hoping to go out on a win like Champs Elysees is Red Rocks, winner of the 2006 Turf - but with a slight difference. If a stallion deal for the 6-year-old is not finalized before the Breeders' Cup, he'll head to Fasig-Tipton a few days after the race for the auction block. Someone could pick up a bargain - although if Spanish Moon, Conduit and Dar Re Mi do show up, he'll have his work cut out for him.

Other horses operating in stealth mode (but who appear on the Breeders' Cup possibles list - PDF warning) include Stardom Bound - she may not have lived up to her potential in the spring, but she's been working toward redemption in the Filly & Mare Classic. Whether her strong workouts will translate back into a win in the afternoon remains to be seen - but the prospect of Zenyatta losing to 'Baby Z' (or to Music Note or Icon Project) should send her to the 'classic' Classic (where her name presently does not appear) - a good finish behind just about anyone in this potential field still says a lot. We should know reasonably soon, in either case.

We'll look at other possible Breeders' Cup matchups later, but if Radiohead does come for the Juvenile, will he prove fitter/happier than the local boys?