Yesterday's results
Yesterday, I went 0 for 2 with my selections as Four Paws finished of the board in the fourth race and Tripped the Light lost a photo in the seventh race. I decided to skip today's card at Oak Tree and spend my time preparing for the big weekend of races at Oak Tree. The Breeders' Cup starts tomorrow and I can't wait for the all the great wagering opportunities that are ahead of us. I will be doing a full card analysis for both days of racing at Oak Tree, along with my best plays and suggested exotic wagers. Good luck to all of you out there and I will see back here tomorrow at Southerncalracing.com.
Marathon
Delightful Kiss: Arrived early this week and looks like a happy, healthy horse after putting in a very strong gallop Thursday. Zappa: Worked a solid seven furlongs in preparation for stretch back to 1 1/2 miles, showing a little more speed than expected, which might serve him well in a paceless event. Big Booster: Like Delightful Kiss, he looked very sharp galloping over the main track Thursday.
Turf Sprint
Salute the Count: He was full of run blowing out a very fast three furlongs in 34.80 seconds over the Pro-Ride on Thursday after missing a scheduled work in New York last weekend. He remains a question mark over the downhill course. Storm Treasure: He worked an easy half-mile over the main track Wednesday, finishing willingly, and like all of trainer Steve Asmussen's horses here has made a very striking appearance this week. An upset threat from off the pace on his best. Desert Code: Should have finished up stronger than 12.07 seconds considering he was under heavy pressure through the final furlong of his final Breeders' Cup prep, which took place over the regular, not hillside, turf course. California Flag: He was allowed to roll right into his last work, a three-furlong blowout that should have him on his toes from the outset of the Turf Sprint. He loves the hillside course but should have plenty of company on or near the front end. Idiot Proof: He had an opportunity to test the hillside course for the first time earlier this week, breezing a relatively easy half-mile after being given ample time to school over the unique strip. He seemed to handle the switch in surfaces from turf to the Pro-Ride back to turf with no problem, but is another who figures part of a blistering early pace. Get Funky: He turned in one of the better works of the week, zipping home his final three furlongs in 35.13 under a loose rein before galloping out strong around the turn. Owns home-field advantage over the course and possesses a running style that best fits the profile of the race.
Dirt Mile
Lewis Michael: He did all his major work in Kentucky before shipping locally, but has made a striking appearance and has been kept very busy during training hours since his arrival. He appears to be coming up to the race in top form. Two Step Salsa: His final prep was a slow one coming on the heels of a blistering five-eighths drill seven days earlier. He wasn't allowed to do much early, while kept wide throughout, although I did expect to see him level out just a bit better once straightening down the stretch. Pyro: Never got out of a fast gallop when working under the cloak of darkness earlier this week, leading one to speculate he might not be comfortable with the synthetic surface. Albertus Maximus: Training like a tiger, he punctuated his week with a very aggressive five-furlong work in which he zipped along early and finished willingly under a loose rein. Seems to be peaking at the right time, and perhaps is the best alternative to the favorite. Well Armed: His final prep may arguably have been the work of the week. Cruised along at a crisp pace without giving the appearance he was going nearly as fast as the stopwatch confirmed. He still had enough in the tank at the end to shade 12 seconds galloping out into the turn. He appeared totally relaxed throughout, an attribute that should serve him well with several speed types in this lineup.
Mile
Kip Deville: Did all his serious preparations in New York, where he was training up a storm, according to colleague David Grening. Looked like his old self galloping over the track here over the past couple of mornings. Precious Kitten: Finished up strong after a slow start to her final prep while working in rings to keep her from doing too much a week out from the race. Only negative was the fact that she did not gallop out real strong, although perhaps that was not unexpected considering she is a turf specialist working on Pro-Ride. Fits with the boys at her best. Goldikova: One of the world's premier turf fillies, she has done little more than jog and gallop since arriving locally. She seems to be adapting well to her surroundings but it is hard to figure how she might handle this rock-hard turf course. Daytona: He was full of run blowing out for the race and appears to relish his home course. Figures on or with the lead throughout. Whatsthescript: The two months between starts doesn't seem to have affected this improving colt, who finished up willingly in his final prep. Must overcome a very tough post.
Juvenile
Munnings: Perhaps he went slightly better than his stablemate Silent Valor when they worked in company over the weekend, although there was little to choose between them. The Champagne runner-up, he seems to be handling the Pro-Ride willingly enough. Might try to steal this one if able to come away running from the rail. Gallant Son: Gave the impression he could outrun his odds considering the manner in which he finished his bullet six-furlong work. Indicated he will certainly be fit enough to handle the distance after galloping an additional five furlongs following the conclusion of the sharp drill. Square Eddie: Has the high striding action one might associate with a turf horse, which may explain why he seems to handle artificial surfaces so well. He was not asked for much in his final prep until passing the wire, after which he was put to some urging to finish a final eighth in 11.86 seconds around the turn. Seems to have bounced out of the work well, with several nice gallops later in the week. Azul Leon: He attempted to lug in through the stretch while under some pressure to finish when working several minutes prior to stablemate Square Eddie. He certainly was the least impressive of the pair. Street Hero: Breezed in the blinkers he wore for the first time winning the Norfolk. He is normally a fast worker, and I expected a little stronger finish after he loped along through a rather leisurely opening half-mile in his final Juvenile prep.
Mine That Bird: Final time of his most recent work was a creditable 59.81 seconds, but he had to be kept to pressure to keep pace with his workmate, a 3-year-old maiden filly. Midshipman: Turned in one of the better works of the week, breaking off several lengths behind his workmate (an unraced maiden) before finishing up strong and galloping out willingly into the turn. Looks great, must overcome outside post.
Juvenile Turf
Coronet of a Baron: Seemed to stride out willingly enough working over turf for the first time, but would have liked to have seen him finish up just a bit stronger. Remains a bit of a question mark switching from dirt to grass. Skipadate: Turned in his final work equipped with blinkers, which he'll wear for the first time Saturday, and did show improved speed before tiring noticeably late in the stretch and during his gallop out.
Sprint
Cost of Freedom: Turned in a deceptively fast work since he did not give the appearance he was moving along at such a rapid clip, always a positive sign. Razor sharp but rail draw may not be in his best interests. Street Boss: Just like Cost of Freedom, surely a horse for the course. Was not allowed to do much more than open gallop blowing out Wednesday, but he obviously is among the major players in this lineup at his best. Fabulous Strike: I was looking forward to seeing him try the Pro-Ride for the first time, and while he moved over the surface willingly enough, he appeared to tire slightly and did not gallop out quite as strong as expected. Remains very dangerous if able to move forward off his huge effort in the Vosburgh. Midnight Lute: Training as well as anyone here this week and looking like his old, champion self. Relaxed early and put his massive stride on display coming down the stretch after changing leads perfectly exiting the turn in his latest work, while obviously showing no ill effects from his blistering 56 and change drill the previous week. Worked in a bar shoe, which will be removed on race day. First Defence: Gave every indication he'll be part of the early pace after sizzling over the course here last weekend before tiring just slightly at the end. Left little doubt he has adapted nicely to the Pro-Ride. Black Seventeen: Worked in company. Another who appeared to struggle keeping pace with his mate, struggling through a slow final quarter-mile under pressure. In Summation: He was hard-held early and then finished with good interest while hitting the ground quite hard coming down the stretch of a final prep that indicated he just may be cycling back to last winter's super form. Fatal Bullet: A synthetic surface specialist, but he got quite leg weary working over the local surface before falling apart completely during his gallop-out of a somewhat disappointing drill over the weekend.
Turf
Dancing Forever: Final time of his local turf work was irrelevant with the dogs out so far on the course. Finished on even terms under little urging after giving workmate a two-length head start. Should relish a return to firm ground. Spring House: Horse for the course showed some surprising speed blowing out over the main track. Gives every indication he is capable of bouncing back from disappointing try in the Clement Hirsch. Conduit: He has not appeared comfortable over the local course during a series of morning gallops, particularly on Thursday when allowed to open gallop down the lane. Eagle Mountain: In contrast to Conduit, he looked tremendous breezing over the turf course Thursday, switching leads perfectly and galloping out with plenty of energy back around to the clubhouse turn.
Classic
Go Between: Synthetic specialist had two very good mornings following his arrival from Kentucky earlier this week. Tiago: Like Go Between, he was full of energy Thursday in his first visit to the course, galloping at better than a two-minute clip much of the way.Duke of Marmalade: Got a little warm his first morning here, not as much the second, but looked a little stiff breaking off for his initial gallop over the course Thursday. Henrythenavigator: He lathered up noticeably during each of his first two mornings here and also needed a little time before beginning to stretch out galloping over the Pro-Ride for the first time Thursday. Smooth Air: He's obviously feeling full of himself after his two-minute lick turned into closer to a one-mile work Thursday. Student Council: Has had a very good week. He is giving every indication that he might just duplicate his career-best effort behind Commentator in the Whitney. Curlin: Continues to make a monstrous appearance, and it's hard to fault anything he's done over the Pro-Ride since his arrival earlier this month. The one to beat once again. Colonel John: Like Curlin, he was not asked to do much in his final prep earlier this week following back-to-back bullet drills turned in before our arrival last week. Champs Elysees: Turf specialist took to the main track quite nicely while working with the blinkers he'll wear for the first time in the Classic. Moved along at a crisp pace without urging throughout the very impressive five-furlong drill.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
HORSERACING NEWS
Preview of today's card and selections at Oak Tree
With all eyes on Oak Tree for the next few days we kick of Breeders' Cup with a Pick 6 carryover of over $99k. The Pick 6 will include races 3-8 and the pool should be huge. Today, I have put together a suggested Pick 6 and late Pick 4 for all my subscribers. I also have two selections, which are both 6-1 in the morning line. Good with all your selections and here is hoping we getting Breeders' Cup week started with a bang at Oak Tree.
Work of the day
Spring House (four furlongs in 47.78 seconds): For a horse who does his best running from off the pace going 1 1/4 miles to 1 1/2 miles on the turf, Spring House showed some surprising speed working over the Pro-Ride surface for trainer Julio Canani. The horse, entered in the 1 1/2-mile Turf, stood near the 5o1/2-furlong pole just soaking in the surroundings for nearly five minutes before breaking off right on top of the three-eighths marker. Breezed willingly on a relatively loose rein down the stretch and around to the seven-eighths pole, posting fractions of 11.82, 23.74, and 35.98 before completing his final eighth around the turn in a creditable 11.85. Pulled up a little quickly during the gallop-out, completing five furlongs around the clubhouse bend, in 1:02.21. Has held his form well since returning from Dubai last spring.
Mile
Daytona (four furlongs in 47.80, according to track clockers): Was hard-held coming away from the pole while seemingly full of run, as one might expect from a horse who figures to set or be forcing the pace in the Mile. Finished up willingly before galloping out with good energy around the turn. Another who seems very comfortable over his home course.
Turf Sprint
Idiot Proof (about four furlongs in 47.85 on the hillside turf course): Local observers said they cannot recall any workouts down the hillside recently. Idiot Proof did a bit of schooling over the course prior to beginning his work in a sensible attempt to get him accustomed to the changeover from grass to dirt and back to grass again at the head of the stretch. Finally broke off somewhere in the vicinity of a half-mile pole obscured by palm trees then handled the switch in surfaces without a hitch while kept in hand throughout. Completed his final eighth in 12.04. Will be prominent from the outset in this event. Heros Reward: Like Idiot Proof, was given permission to visit the hillside course for a schooling session of his own, although he merely open galloped down the hill and through the stretch after having worked for the race last Saturday at Laurel.
Filly and Mare Sprint
Tiz Elemental (three furlongs in 36.84): Simply a maintenance-type move just three days removed from her race. Galloped out a half-mile in 49.44. Seems to be doing well but in pretty steep in this spot.
Leading the large European contingent to gallop over the Pro-Ride for the first time Tuesday was Goldikova, the Irish-bred filly who will take on males in the Mile. The two-time Group 1 winner made a good appearance while doing little more than jog along with Only Answer. She did lose her focus briefly while ducking out amidst traffic near Clocker's Corner at the head of the stretch. Eagle Mountain (Turf) had the busiest and most eventful day of all the Euros, jogging a mile accompanied by a stable pony before breaking off to gallop another easy mile on his own. Was kept near the inside rail, a path normally reserved for workers only at U.S. tracks, and was briefly startled when passed by a pair of workers approaching the three-eighths pole before quickly resuming his normal pace. Other Euro sightings included Fleeting Spirit, Sixties Icon, Winchester, and Beyond Our Reach on the main track, along with stablemates Visit and Conduit, who cantered five furlongs over the turf course. Smooth Air (Classic) was allowed to stretch his legs for the first time since arriving here Sunday, going 2 1/4 miles while picking up the pace the second time around. Mauralakana (Filly and Mare Turf) had a great morning, pulling her rider out of the saddle during a very energetic and eye-catching gallop while her rival Wait a While(Filly and Mare Turf) was once again full of run, galloping at a pace closer to a workout than a two-minute lick.
With all eyes on Oak Tree for the next few days we kick of Breeders' Cup with a Pick 6 carryover of over $99k. The Pick 6 will include races 3-8 and the pool should be huge. Today, I have put together a suggested Pick 6 and late Pick 4 for all my subscribers. I also have two selections, which are both 6-1 in the morning line. Good with all your selections and here is hoping we getting Breeders' Cup week started with a bang at Oak Tree.
Work of the day
Spring House (four furlongs in 47.78 seconds): For a horse who does his best running from off the pace going 1 1/4 miles to 1 1/2 miles on the turf, Spring House showed some surprising speed working over the Pro-Ride surface for trainer Julio Canani. The horse, entered in the 1 1/2-mile Turf, stood near the 5o1/2-furlong pole just soaking in the surroundings for nearly five minutes before breaking off right on top of the three-eighths marker. Breezed willingly on a relatively loose rein down the stretch and around to the seven-eighths pole, posting fractions of 11.82, 23.74, and 35.98 before completing his final eighth around the turn in a creditable 11.85. Pulled up a little quickly during the gallop-out, completing five furlongs around the clubhouse bend, in 1:02.21. Has held his form well since returning from Dubai last spring.
Mile
Daytona (four furlongs in 47.80, according to track clockers): Was hard-held coming away from the pole while seemingly full of run, as one might expect from a horse who figures to set or be forcing the pace in the Mile. Finished up willingly before galloping out with good energy around the turn. Another who seems very comfortable over his home course.
Turf Sprint
Idiot Proof (about four furlongs in 47.85 on the hillside turf course): Local observers said they cannot recall any workouts down the hillside recently. Idiot Proof did a bit of schooling over the course prior to beginning his work in a sensible attempt to get him accustomed to the changeover from grass to dirt and back to grass again at the head of the stretch. Finally broke off somewhere in the vicinity of a half-mile pole obscured by palm trees then handled the switch in surfaces without a hitch while kept in hand throughout. Completed his final eighth in 12.04. Will be prominent from the outset in this event. Heros Reward: Like Idiot Proof, was given permission to visit the hillside course for a schooling session of his own, although he merely open galloped down the hill and through the stretch after having worked for the race last Saturday at Laurel.
Filly and Mare Sprint
Tiz Elemental (three furlongs in 36.84): Simply a maintenance-type move just three days removed from her race. Galloped out a half-mile in 49.44. Seems to be doing well but in pretty steep in this spot.
Leading the large European contingent to gallop over the Pro-Ride for the first time Tuesday was Goldikova, the Irish-bred filly who will take on males in the Mile. The two-time Group 1 winner made a good appearance while doing little more than jog along with Only Answer. She did lose her focus briefly while ducking out amidst traffic near Clocker's Corner at the head of the stretch. Eagle Mountain (Turf) had the busiest and most eventful day of all the Euros, jogging a mile accompanied by a stable pony before breaking off to gallop another easy mile on his own. Was kept near the inside rail, a path normally reserved for workers only at U.S. tracks, and was briefly startled when passed by a pair of workers approaching the three-eighths pole before quickly resuming his normal pace. Other Euro sightings included Fleeting Spirit, Sixties Icon, Winchester, and Beyond Our Reach on the main track, along with stablemates Visit and Conduit, who cantered five furlongs over the turf course. Smooth Air (Classic) was allowed to stretch his legs for the first time since arriving here Sunday, going 2 1/4 miles while picking up the pace the second time around. Mauralakana (Filly and Mare Turf) had a great morning, pulling her rider out of the saddle during a very energetic and eye-catching gallop while her rival Wait a While(Filly and Mare Turf) was once again full of run, galloping at a pace closer to a workout than a two-minute lick.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
HORSERACING NEWS
Mast Track back in BC
After saying on Monday that Mast Track’s participation in the Breeders’ Cup “was not meant to be,” Bobby Frankel, his trainer and owner, reversed course on Tuesday at Santa Anita and said he would enter Mast Track on Tuesday in Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, despite Mast Track having a quarter crack on the outside of his right front hoof.“It’s not that bad,” Frankel said. “My blacksmith said it needs a patch, but I don’t think so.”
Pyro to run in Dirt Mile
Pyro has been re-routed from the Classic and into the Dirt Mile. Steve Asmussen, Pyro’s trainer, on Monday said Pyro would run in the Classic. But Monday night, Asmussen discussed options with Ron Winchell, Pyro’s owner, and they decided to run instead in the Dirt Mile.“We’re spreading out our opportunities,” said Asmussen, who has Curlin and Student Council in the Classic.
Workout of the day
Well Armed (four furlongs in 46.91 seconds): Any doubts as to the horse to beat in the Dirt Mile were erased early Monday morning after observing Well Armed just cruise through an eye-catching half-mile workout while seemingly covering the distance closer to 49 seconds than 47. With regular rider Aaron Gryder aboard, Well Armed immediately settled into a fluid stride, covering his opening quarter-mile in 12.22 seconds. He then proceeded to reel off consecutive eighth-mile splits of 11.50, 11.59, and 11.60 while under no pressure, giving the appearance he was completely relaxed and doing little more than galloping the entire way. He even tossed in an additional 11.96 split during his gallop-out around to the seven-furlong pole, just for good measure, before continuing out strongly around the clubhouse turn and into the backstretch.
Classic
Curlin (four furlongs in 50.06): Obviously, all eyes were on Curlin when the defending Classic champ walked out on the track at his usual time, shortly after daybreak, for his final Breeders' Cup prep. Anybody who expected the reigning Horse of the Year to do little more than lope through an easy half-mile work, as is his custom six days prior to his races, was surprised, however. Curlin was well within himself and as usual on his best behavior throughout the maintenance drill, posting splits of 13.10, 24.83, and 37.44 before galloping out an easy five furlongs in 1:03.91. He continues to make a tremendous appearance and gives the impression he's adapted to and handling the Pro-Ride surface flawlessly. Have seen nothing over the past several mornings that would suggest he's not going to be at his best once again on Saturday. Pyro (four furlongs in 51.17): The first of trainer Steve Asmussen's three Classic entrants to work, coming out shortly after 6:15 a.m. Because he was working under the cover of darkness, it was difficult to see exactly how hard-held Pyro might have been for all but the final furlong of his work, but not hard to tell he was moving along at a very slow pace. That notion was confirmed by his very casual splits of 13.60, 26.01, and 38.64 seconds. Finished with a little more interest, covering his final furlong in 12.53, but completely shut down once passing the wire, galloping out five-eighths in nearly 1:07. Ran poorly in his only previous start over an artificial surface in the Blue Grass and from this morning's work, one gets the feeling he might not be too fond of the Pro-Ride either. Student Council (four furlongs in 48:18): Nobody has made any better appearance than Student Council since I arrived here last week, and he confirmed that notion during his final Breeders' Cup prep, which was in sharp contrast to those of stablemates Curlin and Pyro. Despite being hard-held leaving the pole, Student Council was full of run and ready to roll and his rider did a good job holding him through an opening quarter in 12.25. The pace quickened without urging around the turn and down the stretch with all going extremely well until Student Council ducked out suddenly immediately after crossing the finish line. He still managed to gallop out five-eighths in 1:01.62, and despite the little indiscretion looked just fine and on his toes returning to the barn. Colonel John (four furlongs in 49.50): Jogged past the gap and through much of the stretch prior to beginning his work just a few yards in front of Curlin, and for a moment it appeared the two could actually wind up beginning their drills simultaneously. That might have been fun for railbirds but a potential disaster for both Classic contenders. Colonel John ultimately broke off first, leaving the pony right on top of the five-furlong pole after which he two-minute-licked to the half-mile marker to officially begin the work. From that point on, his breeze was pretty much a slightly faster carbon copy of Curlin's prep, an easy and well-controlled half-mile followed by a slightly faster gallop-out of 1:01.84. Not surprising, considering Colonel John is fresh off back- to-back bullet works earlier this month. Champ Elysees (five furlongs in 59.56): An important morning for this turf specialist, who will not only be switching to the main track for only the second time in his career but will be wearing blinkers for the first time in the Classic. Working with the blinkers on, Champ Elysees breezed along at a crisp pace while never asked at any point, going his opening quarter in a controlled 24.35 before completing his final three-eighths in a very solid 35.21. Was given a couple of taps of encouragement just as he crossed the wire and again near the 7 1/2-furlong pole to gallop out six furlongs in 1:12.03. A very encouraging and quicker-than-expected move from a horse who does his best running from off the pace.
Sprint
Midnight Lute (four furlongs in 47.16): After an explosive five-furlong work in 56 and change here last week, the defending Sprint champ didn't need to come back with anything too fast five days before the race and he obliged with a very handy half-mile work in which he relaxed beautifully and changed leads on cue both entering and leaving the stretch. Galloped out very strongly, five-eighths in 59.68, and appears none the worse for wear from the foot injury he suffered at Del Mar. Worked in a bar shoe on his left front and it is not certain at this point whether he will switch to a plain shoe on race day. Black Seventeen (four furlongs in 48.16): Working in blinkers and in company with stablemate Kbello, Black Seventeen appeared to be under a bit of urging to keep pace with his mate. Both struggled a bit through a final furlong in 12.82. Did not gallop out particularly well either, pulling up five-eighths in 1:02.16. Leaves some doubt about whether he's as comfortable on Pro-Ride as over other artificial surfaces or dirt.
Turf Sprint
California Flag (three furlongs in 34.94): Took a good run to the three-eighths pole after leaving the pony in full stride and maintained a quick pace throughout, posting splits of 11.60 and 22.91 before galloping out a half-mile in 47.88. Fanned about four paths wide entering the stretch before angling back near the rail through the final furlong. One Union (five furlongs in 1:01.62 on turf): Appeared very eager swinging around the turn and breaking away from the pole, then finished well enough, shading 12 for his final furlong before galloping out willingly around the bend.
Juvenile
Mine That Bird (five furlongs in 59.81): Final time was creditable but he was under pressure much of the way to keep pace with workmate Precious Union, who was easily the more impressive of the pair. Shut down a bit once passing the wire, galloping out six furlongs in just 1:14.28.
Juvenile Turf
Coronet of a Baron (five furlongs in 1:03.04 on turf): Will be interested to see which race this colt's connections choose, the Juvenile or the Juvenile Turf, following Coronet of a Baron's first venture on grass. Broke off about four lengths behind stablemate African Diamond and passed his target after fanning well out leaving the turn, although he was under some pressure to keep his partner at bay nearing the wire. Expected something a little faster than 1:03 and change.
Juvenile Fillies Turf
Saucey Evening (three furlongs in 36.72): Both the turf or dirt and blinker questions might have been answered for this filly after she displayed good speed while equipped with shades, zipping through a sharp three-furlong drill before galloping out very strongly into the turn.
Juvenile Fillies
Palacio de Amor (four furlongs in 46.84): One of the better and more eventful works of the morning. Had the misfortune to break off just behind a team of workers from Bobby Frankel's barn. Stalked the pair while well in hand through a 22.95 opening quarter, then was so full of run her rider was forced to swing three wide to get around that duo at the quarter pole. Finished up and galloped out willingly enough without undue urging, although not sure if what ended up a harder-than-planned drill might be in the filly's best interests a mere four days out from her race.
Hollywood Park
Elusive Bluff (five furlongs in 1:02.32): Jockey Michael Baze was forced to make a couple of adjustments in this drill, as midway around the far turn he caught up to a pair of workers who had broken off an eighth of a mile in front of him and were going slow. Baze directed Elusive Bluff three wide around that duo, and then at the quarter pole he had to go around a horse that was galloping. In the stretch, Elusive Bluff was in the five path, but still managed to get his final three furlongs in 37.37 seconds. Baze, who had ridden Elusive Bluff on the turf at Belmont, said the horse handled the synthetic surface here "just as well.''
After saying on Monday that Mast Track’s participation in the Breeders’ Cup “was not meant to be,” Bobby Frankel, his trainer and owner, reversed course on Tuesday at Santa Anita and said he would enter Mast Track on Tuesday in Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, despite Mast Track having a quarter crack on the outside of his right front hoof.“It’s not that bad,” Frankel said. “My blacksmith said it needs a patch, but I don’t think so.”
Pyro to run in Dirt Mile
Pyro has been re-routed from the Classic and into the Dirt Mile. Steve Asmussen, Pyro’s trainer, on Monday said Pyro would run in the Classic. But Monday night, Asmussen discussed options with Ron Winchell, Pyro’s owner, and they decided to run instead in the Dirt Mile.“We’re spreading out our opportunities,” said Asmussen, who has Curlin and Student Council in the Classic.
Workout of the day
Well Armed (four furlongs in 46.91 seconds): Any doubts as to the horse to beat in the Dirt Mile were erased early Monday morning after observing Well Armed just cruise through an eye-catching half-mile workout while seemingly covering the distance closer to 49 seconds than 47. With regular rider Aaron Gryder aboard, Well Armed immediately settled into a fluid stride, covering his opening quarter-mile in 12.22 seconds. He then proceeded to reel off consecutive eighth-mile splits of 11.50, 11.59, and 11.60 while under no pressure, giving the appearance he was completely relaxed and doing little more than galloping the entire way. He even tossed in an additional 11.96 split during his gallop-out around to the seven-furlong pole, just for good measure, before continuing out strongly around the clubhouse turn and into the backstretch.
Classic
Curlin (four furlongs in 50.06): Obviously, all eyes were on Curlin when the defending Classic champ walked out on the track at his usual time, shortly after daybreak, for his final Breeders' Cup prep. Anybody who expected the reigning Horse of the Year to do little more than lope through an easy half-mile work, as is his custom six days prior to his races, was surprised, however. Curlin was well within himself and as usual on his best behavior throughout the maintenance drill, posting splits of 13.10, 24.83, and 37.44 before galloping out an easy five furlongs in 1:03.91. He continues to make a tremendous appearance and gives the impression he's adapted to and handling the Pro-Ride surface flawlessly. Have seen nothing over the past several mornings that would suggest he's not going to be at his best once again on Saturday. Pyro (four furlongs in 51.17): The first of trainer Steve Asmussen's three Classic entrants to work, coming out shortly after 6:15 a.m. Because he was working under the cover of darkness, it was difficult to see exactly how hard-held Pyro might have been for all but the final furlong of his work, but not hard to tell he was moving along at a very slow pace. That notion was confirmed by his very casual splits of 13.60, 26.01, and 38.64 seconds. Finished with a little more interest, covering his final furlong in 12.53, but completely shut down once passing the wire, galloping out five-eighths in nearly 1:07. Ran poorly in his only previous start over an artificial surface in the Blue Grass and from this morning's work, one gets the feeling he might not be too fond of the Pro-Ride either. Student Council (four furlongs in 48:18): Nobody has made any better appearance than Student Council since I arrived here last week, and he confirmed that notion during his final Breeders' Cup prep, which was in sharp contrast to those of stablemates Curlin and Pyro. Despite being hard-held leaving the pole, Student Council was full of run and ready to roll and his rider did a good job holding him through an opening quarter in 12.25. The pace quickened without urging around the turn and down the stretch with all going extremely well until Student Council ducked out suddenly immediately after crossing the finish line. He still managed to gallop out five-eighths in 1:01.62, and despite the little indiscretion looked just fine and on his toes returning to the barn. Colonel John (four furlongs in 49.50): Jogged past the gap and through much of the stretch prior to beginning his work just a few yards in front of Curlin, and for a moment it appeared the two could actually wind up beginning their drills simultaneously. That might have been fun for railbirds but a potential disaster for both Classic contenders. Colonel John ultimately broke off first, leaving the pony right on top of the five-furlong pole after which he two-minute-licked to the half-mile marker to officially begin the work. From that point on, his breeze was pretty much a slightly faster carbon copy of Curlin's prep, an easy and well-controlled half-mile followed by a slightly faster gallop-out of 1:01.84. Not surprising, considering Colonel John is fresh off back- to-back bullet works earlier this month. Champ Elysees (five furlongs in 59.56): An important morning for this turf specialist, who will not only be switching to the main track for only the second time in his career but will be wearing blinkers for the first time in the Classic. Working with the blinkers on, Champ Elysees breezed along at a crisp pace while never asked at any point, going his opening quarter in a controlled 24.35 before completing his final three-eighths in a very solid 35.21. Was given a couple of taps of encouragement just as he crossed the wire and again near the 7 1/2-furlong pole to gallop out six furlongs in 1:12.03. A very encouraging and quicker-than-expected move from a horse who does his best running from off the pace.
Sprint
Midnight Lute (four furlongs in 47.16): After an explosive five-furlong work in 56 and change here last week, the defending Sprint champ didn't need to come back with anything too fast five days before the race and he obliged with a very handy half-mile work in which he relaxed beautifully and changed leads on cue both entering and leaving the stretch. Galloped out very strongly, five-eighths in 59.68, and appears none the worse for wear from the foot injury he suffered at Del Mar. Worked in a bar shoe on his left front and it is not certain at this point whether he will switch to a plain shoe on race day. Black Seventeen (four furlongs in 48.16): Working in blinkers and in company with stablemate Kbello, Black Seventeen appeared to be under a bit of urging to keep pace with his mate. Both struggled a bit through a final furlong in 12.82. Did not gallop out particularly well either, pulling up five-eighths in 1:02.16. Leaves some doubt about whether he's as comfortable on Pro-Ride as over other artificial surfaces or dirt.
Turf Sprint
California Flag (three furlongs in 34.94): Took a good run to the three-eighths pole after leaving the pony in full stride and maintained a quick pace throughout, posting splits of 11.60 and 22.91 before galloping out a half-mile in 47.88. Fanned about four paths wide entering the stretch before angling back near the rail through the final furlong. One Union (five furlongs in 1:01.62 on turf): Appeared very eager swinging around the turn and breaking away from the pole, then finished well enough, shading 12 for his final furlong before galloping out willingly around the bend.
Juvenile
Mine That Bird (five furlongs in 59.81): Final time was creditable but he was under pressure much of the way to keep pace with workmate Precious Union, who was easily the more impressive of the pair. Shut down a bit once passing the wire, galloping out six furlongs in just 1:14.28.
Juvenile Turf
Coronet of a Baron (five furlongs in 1:03.04 on turf): Will be interested to see which race this colt's connections choose, the Juvenile or the Juvenile Turf, following Coronet of a Baron's first venture on grass. Broke off about four lengths behind stablemate African Diamond and passed his target after fanning well out leaving the turn, although he was under some pressure to keep his partner at bay nearing the wire. Expected something a little faster than 1:03 and change.
Juvenile Fillies Turf
Saucey Evening (three furlongs in 36.72): Both the turf or dirt and blinker questions might have been answered for this filly after she displayed good speed while equipped with shades, zipping through a sharp three-furlong drill before galloping out very strongly into the turn.
Juvenile Fillies
Palacio de Amor (four furlongs in 46.84): One of the better and more eventful works of the morning. Had the misfortune to break off just behind a team of workers from Bobby Frankel's barn. Stalked the pair while well in hand through a 22.95 opening quarter, then was so full of run her rider was forced to swing three wide to get around that duo at the quarter pole. Finished up and galloped out willingly enough without undue urging, although not sure if what ended up a harder-than-planned drill might be in the filly's best interests a mere four days out from her race.
Hollywood Park
Elusive Bluff (five furlongs in 1:02.32): Jockey Michael Baze was forced to make a couple of adjustments in this drill, as midway around the far turn he caught up to a pair of workers who had broken off an eighth of a mile in front of him and were going slow. Baze directed Elusive Bluff three wide around that duo, and then at the quarter pole he had to go around a horse that was galloping. In the stretch, Elusive Bluff was in the five path, but still managed to get his final three furlongs in 37.37 seconds. Baze, who had ridden Elusive Bluff on the turf at Belmont, said the horse handled the synthetic surface here "just as well.''
Monday, October 20, 2008
HORSERACING NEWS : Workouts for Breeders' Cup
Yesterday's results
Yesterday, I went 1 for 2 with my selections as Saxophone($12.00) captures the second race. My other selection Miss Anziayan ran third as she tired deep in stretch. The biggest disappointment came when Mark S the Cooler or Empire House failed to win the third leg of the early Pick 4, which cost me a shot at huge money. I suggested a $54 play using ALL in the fourth leg, which was won by For the House who paid $100 on the win end. That was the type beat that a handicapper remembers forever.
Current Stats for Oak Tree
11 for 59 winners = $120.20 returned based on a $2 wager
29 for 59 In the Money.
Work of the Day
Consequence (four furlongs in :46.18 seconds): For the second morning in a row, the first work of the day was the best. On Saturday it was Cocoa Beach and today the honor belonged to another filly, Consequence, who may have trainer Shug McGaughey wishing he'd entered her in the Juvenile Fillies instead of the Juvenile Fillies Turf, considering the manner in which she handled the Pro-Ride.Working with rings, Consequence actually began in relatively easy fashion, covering her opening eighth of a mile in 12.44 seconds, but then came back with splits of 11.00, 11.35 and 11.39 despite changing leads a shade late and without any urging from her rider. She continued willingly into the turn, galloping out five furlongs in 58.14, which was faster than all but First Defence's work at that distance on Sunday’s tab.
Turf
Out of Control (five furlongs in 1:00.89): Was the first of trainer Bobby Frankel's workers just after dawn. Especially liked the way he finished up, covering his final furlong in 11.37 seconds before galloping out another eighth in 12.44 around to the seven-eighths pole. An encouraging breeze, considering he is strictly a turf specialist and an indication he remains on top of his game following a career best performance last month in the Clement Hirsch. Dancing Forever (five furlongs in 1:00.18 on turf): Worked in company with Mississipian, breaking off about a length and a half behind his partner before finishing up on even terms while under little or no pressure to complete a final quarter-mile in 23.58 seconds. The time was pretty much irrelevant with the dogs out so far but it was the second best of six at the distance and this colt figures to relish the hard local course compared to the softer ground he raced over in his previous two starts.
Sprint
Fabulous Strike (five furlongs in 59.13): An important work considering it was his first on Pro-Ride and he seemed to handle the surface well. Went along at a fast pace as expected, posting splits of 11.16, 23.04, 34.54 and 46.70 seconds without need of urging. Did seem to tire slightly at the end, finishing up his final furlong in 12.43 and did not gallop out particularly strong, completing six furlongs in 1:14.24. Fatal Bullet (five furlongs in 1:01.25): With a near perfect record on artificial surfaces, this is one of the sleepers in the field, although his first real test over Pro-Ride was not a raving success. After warming up by galloping a mile and three-eighths, Fatal Bullet came away from the pole in a leisurely 12.88 seconds for his opening furlong, picked up the pace willingly around the turn and into the stretch, but got very weary while struggling home through a final furlong on a loose rein in 13. The gallop-out was non-existent, six furlongs in a disappointing 1:16.72. First Defence (five furlongs in 57.97): Normally not a fast worker for a sprinter, First Defence zipped along from start to finish to post the fastest of the more than 70 times recorded at the distance. He began with an opening quarter and three-eighths in 22.70 and 33.83 seconds despite being taken well in hand, and completed a half in a sizzling 45.54 before tiring a bit at the end. Still had enough in the tank to gallop out three-quarters of a mile in 1:11.48, which easily bettered any of the six-furlong workouts on Sunday's tab.
Juvenile Turf
Skipadate (five furlongs in 1:01.06): Interesting to see Skipadate come out to work with blinkers, considering he has not raced with the equipment in his first three career starts. Went along at a relatively strong clip for a turf specialist breezing on dirt, although he did tire noticeably through late stretch and during his gallop-out, completing a final furlong in 13.09 seconds before going out an additional eighth of a mile in a sluggish 15. Bourbon Bay (six furlongs in 1:16.22 on the turf): Trainer Neil Drysdale secured the services of Hall of Fame rider Angel Cordero Jr. to breeze his 2-year-old in company with stablemate Green Lyons. Breaking off a couple of lengths behind his partner, Bourbon Bay was under little pressure while tracking his target before finally easing alongside entering the stretch. Neither horse was under any real urging down the lane, although Green Lyons did appear to be going the easiest of the pair at the wire.
Juvenile
Gallant Son (six furlongs in 1:12.38): Will need one scratch to work his way off the also-eligible list and into the Juvenile Turf, and from the looks of this work, the Emerald Downs invader is likely capable of outrunning his odds. Began at a leisurely pace, covering his opening half in 49.05 seconds, but finished very strong, covering his final quarter-mile under mild urging in 23.45 before shading 13 to gallop-out seven-eighths in 1:25.56. Even more impressive was the manner in which he galloped strongly all the way back around to the top of the stretch after completing his work. Munnings and Silent Valor (both five furlongs in :59.76): Trainer Todd Pletcher sent his two Juvenile candidates out in company and the pair worked as a team through splits of 24.42, 35.80 and 47.51 seconds with Munnings going easiest at the end and galloping out slightly best, six furlongs in 1:12.39.Street Hero (five furlongs in 1:02.55): Working in blinkers and with jockey Alex Solis aboard, Street Hero just loped along under little pressure, but considering the slow early pace - an opening half in 50.22 - he should have finished better than his 12.33-second final furlong. Midshipman (six furlongs in 1:12.26): Easily one of the more impressive works of the morning. Working in company and outside stablemate Judge Kent, Midshipman came away three lengths behind his partner but finished up on even terms through a final quarter-mile in a very sharp 23.30 seconds before galloping out seven-eighths in 1:25.96. Appears very comfortable over his home track and to be maintaining his sharp form.Mile Precious Kitten (five furlongs in 1:00.97): The Frankel barn had a good morning and this filly was no exception. Working with rings and well within herself throughout, the three-time Grade 1 winner began at a leisurely pace before finishing up her final three-eighths in 35 and change under no encouragement. Did shut down a little quickly during her gallop out, however, finishing up six furlongs in a somewhat disappointing 1:15.31.
Dirt Mile
Two Step Salsa (five furlongs in 1:01.81): After working five furlongs in :58 seconds here last week, it appeared jockey Martin Pedroza was under instructions not to let him go too fast this morning. Two Step Salsa barely got out of a two-minute lick leaving the five-furlong pole, covering his opening furlong in 13.44. He did quicken just a bit around the turn while kept well off the rail, fanned six or seven paths wide entering the stretch but never really leveled out even after being straightened away for the drive.
Turf Sprint
Get Funky (five furlongs in 59.50): Turf specialist looked sharp over the Poly-Ride while equipped in rings and under pretty much a loose rein throughout. Completed his final three-eighths in 35.13 seconds before galloping out six furlongs in 1:12.59.Desert Code (five furlongs in 1:00.23): Worked in blinkers and should have finished up stronger than 12.07 seconds considering he was under heavy pressure through much of the final
furlong.
Marathon
Fairbanks (five furlongs in 1:00, according to track clockers): Simply a maintenance move for this veteran who appears to have cycled back to peak form.
Juvenile Fillies
Persistently (four furlongs in :51.04): In sharp contrast and perhaps a reaction to Consequence's extremely fast work earlier in the morning, she barely got out of a two-minute lick coming away from the pole, covering her opening furlong in 13.78 before finishing up with a series of 12 and change eighth-miles. Ducked out suddenly turning into the stretch and never really picked up the bit at any point.
Filly and Mare Sprint
Tizzy’s Tune (five furlongs in 1:01.01): Comes into the Filly and Mare Sprint as a longshot and did little to inspire additional confidence during a relatively slow and uninspiring work shortly after the renovation break.
Update of who is out of the Breeders' Cup
Mast Track will not run in the Breeders' Cup after suffering a quarter crack on Monday, according to Bobby Frankel, his trainer and co-owner. Believe in Hope, the third-place finisher in the Grade 1 Norfolk, is out of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile after developing a temperature on Sunday, trainer Ron Elllis said Monday morning.Trainer Steve Asmussen confirmed Monday that J Be K would not start in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Asmussen said he was not pleased with the way J Be K, a two-time graded stakes winner earlier this year, bounced out of his last start in the Grade 1 Vosburgh at Saratoga on Sept. 27.Red Giant, a four-time stakes winner, was withdrawn from Saturday’s $3 million Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita because of illness and will be retired, trainer Todd Pletcher said on Sunday. Tropic Storm, was also declared from the Breeders’ Cup.
Yesterday, I went 1 for 2 with my selections as Saxophone($12.00) captures the second race. My other selection Miss Anziayan ran third as she tired deep in stretch. The biggest disappointment came when Mark S the Cooler or Empire House failed to win the third leg of the early Pick 4, which cost me a shot at huge money. I suggested a $54 play using ALL in the fourth leg, which was won by For the House who paid $100 on the win end. That was the type beat that a handicapper remembers forever.
Current Stats for Oak Tree
11 for 59 winners = $120.20 returned based on a $2 wager
29 for 59 In the Money.
Work of the Day
Consequence (four furlongs in :46.18 seconds): For the second morning in a row, the first work of the day was the best. On Saturday it was Cocoa Beach and today the honor belonged to another filly, Consequence, who may have trainer Shug McGaughey wishing he'd entered her in the Juvenile Fillies instead of the Juvenile Fillies Turf, considering the manner in which she handled the Pro-Ride.Working with rings, Consequence actually began in relatively easy fashion, covering her opening eighth of a mile in 12.44 seconds, but then came back with splits of 11.00, 11.35 and 11.39 despite changing leads a shade late and without any urging from her rider. She continued willingly into the turn, galloping out five furlongs in 58.14, which was faster than all but First Defence's work at that distance on Sunday’s tab.
Turf
Out of Control (five furlongs in 1:00.89): Was the first of trainer Bobby Frankel's workers just after dawn. Especially liked the way he finished up, covering his final furlong in 11.37 seconds before galloping out another eighth in 12.44 around to the seven-eighths pole. An encouraging breeze, considering he is strictly a turf specialist and an indication he remains on top of his game following a career best performance last month in the Clement Hirsch. Dancing Forever (five furlongs in 1:00.18 on turf): Worked in company with Mississipian, breaking off about a length and a half behind his partner before finishing up on even terms while under little or no pressure to complete a final quarter-mile in 23.58 seconds. The time was pretty much irrelevant with the dogs out so far but it was the second best of six at the distance and this colt figures to relish the hard local course compared to the softer ground he raced over in his previous two starts.
Sprint
Fabulous Strike (five furlongs in 59.13): An important work considering it was his first on Pro-Ride and he seemed to handle the surface well. Went along at a fast pace as expected, posting splits of 11.16, 23.04, 34.54 and 46.70 seconds without need of urging. Did seem to tire slightly at the end, finishing up his final furlong in 12.43 and did not gallop out particularly strong, completing six furlongs in 1:14.24. Fatal Bullet (five furlongs in 1:01.25): With a near perfect record on artificial surfaces, this is one of the sleepers in the field, although his first real test over Pro-Ride was not a raving success. After warming up by galloping a mile and three-eighths, Fatal Bullet came away from the pole in a leisurely 12.88 seconds for his opening furlong, picked up the pace willingly around the turn and into the stretch, but got very weary while struggling home through a final furlong on a loose rein in 13. The gallop-out was non-existent, six furlongs in a disappointing 1:16.72. First Defence (five furlongs in 57.97): Normally not a fast worker for a sprinter, First Defence zipped along from start to finish to post the fastest of the more than 70 times recorded at the distance. He began with an opening quarter and three-eighths in 22.70 and 33.83 seconds despite being taken well in hand, and completed a half in a sizzling 45.54 before tiring a bit at the end. Still had enough in the tank to gallop out three-quarters of a mile in 1:11.48, which easily bettered any of the six-furlong workouts on Sunday's tab.
Juvenile Turf
Skipadate (five furlongs in 1:01.06): Interesting to see Skipadate come out to work with blinkers, considering he has not raced with the equipment in his first three career starts. Went along at a relatively strong clip for a turf specialist breezing on dirt, although he did tire noticeably through late stretch and during his gallop-out, completing a final furlong in 13.09 seconds before going out an additional eighth of a mile in a sluggish 15. Bourbon Bay (six furlongs in 1:16.22 on the turf): Trainer Neil Drysdale secured the services of Hall of Fame rider Angel Cordero Jr. to breeze his 2-year-old in company with stablemate Green Lyons. Breaking off a couple of lengths behind his partner, Bourbon Bay was under little pressure while tracking his target before finally easing alongside entering the stretch. Neither horse was under any real urging down the lane, although Green Lyons did appear to be going the easiest of the pair at the wire.
Juvenile
Gallant Son (six furlongs in 1:12.38): Will need one scratch to work his way off the also-eligible list and into the Juvenile Turf, and from the looks of this work, the Emerald Downs invader is likely capable of outrunning his odds. Began at a leisurely pace, covering his opening half in 49.05 seconds, but finished very strong, covering his final quarter-mile under mild urging in 23.45 before shading 13 to gallop-out seven-eighths in 1:25.56. Even more impressive was the manner in which he galloped strongly all the way back around to the top of the stretch after completing his work. Munnings and Silent Valor (both five furlongs in :59.76): Trainer Todd Pletcher sent his two Juvenile candidates out in company and the pair worked as a team through splits of 24.42, 35.80 and 47.51 seconds with Munnings going easiest at the end and galloping out slightly best, six furlongs in 1:12.39.Street Hero (five furlongs in 1:02.55): Working in blinkers and with jockey Alex Solis aboard, Street Hero just loped along under little pressure, but considering the slow early pace - an opening half in 50.22 - he should have finished better than his 12.33-second final furlong. Midshipman (six furlongs in 1:12.26): Easily one of the more impressive works of the morning. Working in company and outside stablemate Judge Kent, Midshipman came away three lengths behind his partner but finished up on even terms through a final quarter-mile in a very sharp 23.30 seconds before galloping out seven-eighths in 1:25.96. Appears very comfortable over his home track and to be maintaining his sharp form.Mile Precious Kitten (five furlongs in 1:00.97): The Frankel barn had a good morning and this filly was no exception. Working with rings and well within herself throughout, the three-time Grade 1 winner began at a leisurely pace before finishing up her final three-eighths in 35 and change under no encouragement. Did shut down a little quickly during her gallop out, however, finishing up six furlongs in a somewhat disappointing 1:15.31.
Dirt Mile
Two Step Salsa (five furlongs in 1:01.81): After working five furlongs in :58 seconds here last week, it appeared jockey Martin Pedroza was under instructions not to let him go too fast this morning. Two Step Salsa barely got out of a two-minute lick leaving the five-furlong pole, covering his opening furlong in 13.44. He did quicken just a bit around the turn while kept well off the rail, fanned six or seven paths wide entering the stretch but never really leveled out even after being straightened away for the drive.
Turf Sprint
Get Funky (five furlongs in 59.50): Turf specialist looked sharp over the Poly-Ride while equipped in rings and under pretty much a loose rein throughout. Completed his final three-eighths in 35.13 seconds before galloping out six furlongs in 1:12.59.Desert Code (five furlongs in 1:00.23): Worked in blinkers and should have finished up stronger than 12.07 seconds considering he was under heavy pressure through much of the final
furlong.
Marathon
Fairbanks (five furlongs in 1:00, according to track clockers): Simply a maintenance move for this veteran who appears to have cycled back to peak form.
Juvenile Fillies
Persistently (four furlongs in :51.04): In sharp contrast and perhaps a reaction to Consequence's extremely fast work earlier in the morning, she barely got out of a two-minute lick coming away from the pole, covering her opening furlong in 13.78 before finishing up with a series of 12 and change eighth-miles. Ducked out suddenly turning into the stretch and never really picked up the bit at any point.
Filly and Mare Sprint
Tizzy’s Tune (five furlongs in 1:01.01): Comes into the Filly and Mare Sprint as a longshot and did little to inspire additional confidence during a relatively slow and uninspiring work shortly after the renovation break.
Update of who is out of the Breeders' Cup
Mast Track will not run in the Breeders' Cup after suffering a quarter crack on Monday, according to Bobby Frankel, his trainer and co-owner. Believe in Hope, the third-place finisher in the Grade 1 Norfolk, is out of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile after developing a temperature on Sunday, trainer Ron Elllis said Monday morning.Trainer Steve Asmussen confirmed Monday that J Be K would not start in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Asmussen said he was not pleased with the way J Be K, a two-time graded stakes winner earlier this year, bounced out of his last start in the Grade 1 Vosburgh at Saratoga on Sept. 27.Red Giant, a four-time stakes winner, was withdrawn from Saturday’s $3 million Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita because of illness and will be retired, trainer Todd Pletcher said on Sunday. Tropic Storm, was also declared from the Breeders’ Cup.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
HORSERACING NEWS : Final work for big names
Yesterday's results and a preview of the card from Oak Tree
Yesteday, we went 0 for 2 with our selections as Instant Action and Details R Sketchy failed to hit the board. My other selection Onebadkitty was a scratch at the gate in the 8th race. The scratch of the Onebadkitty meant I got the post time favorite in this leg of the late pick 4, which led to a winning late Pick 4 ticket. The main track was dominated by front end speed yesterday for the first time at the current Oak Tree meeting. Make sure you take note of that for future reference. Today, I have two selections, early Pick 4 and late Pick 4 for all my subscribers. We also will see Alpha Kitten in today's feature Anoakia Stakes for two year old fillies. She broke her maiden first time out in impressive fashion at Del Mar. Jockey Tyler Baze summarized Alpha Kitten's trip: "It was terrible." And that is putting it mildly."She broke straight in the air, and got knocked sideways," Baze said. "The second jump she got knocked sideways again. I got her outside and was just going to give her a race. Then I smooched to her, threw the reins at her once, and she blew their doors off." According to trainer John Saddler "The calendar was against her," referring to her only start, on Aug. 30, two days before the Del Mar Debutante. Saddler said,"I had thoughts of the Oak Leaf," referring to the 1 1/16-mile race Sept. 27 at Santa Anita. "But [the Mosses] said you don't need to be in a rush, so we're taking more of a conservative approach. She is really good." Alpha Kitten has been working super, and enters the $75,000 Anoakia with the top figure and possibly the brightest future. Barring the unforeseen, the outcome should be exactly as Baze predicts - victory by the favorite. "Seriously, if she doesn't win, I'll be surprised," he said. "She is something special. She might be 'Baby Zenyatta.'"
Hollywood Park Works
Santa Teresita, who figures to be the longest shot in the Ladies' Classic, worked six furlongs in 1:14.40for trainer Eric Guillot. Tiago worked six furlongs at Hollywood Park in 1:12.60 with his regular jockey, Mike Smith. Awesome Gem, worked six furlongs in 1:11.80 for trainer Craig Dollase.
Oak Tree Notes
Ladies' Classic
Cocoa Beach (five furlongs in 57.80) as impressive as anybody during the busy morning, she zipped along at a fast pace while never asked and still had plenty in reserve to gallop out an additional furlong to the seven-eighths pole in 11.83 seconds. She is apparently having little difficulty adapting to the Pro-Ride. She will face a formidable foe in Zenyatta but couldn't be coming into the race looking any sharper. Music Note (five furlongs in 1:00.74): In a contrast in style from stablemate Cocoa Beach, she went off at a leisurely pace through early fractions of 25.46 and 37.07 seconds before finishing up a solid enough final quarter in 23.67 under a loose rein despite appearing to bobble momentarily inside the sixteenth pole. She galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.62. Ginger Punch (five furlongs in 1:00.76): Working with rings, equipment designed to help give a rider a little more leverage, Ginger Punch cruised along at an even pace, covering her opening three furlongs in 36.63 seconds before coming home in 24.13 without urging. Her gallop-out was ordinary (six furlongs in 1:13.88). Nothing flashy here, and perhaps she is still somewhat of a question mark over the surface. Bear Now (five furlongs in 1:03.48): She spent a long time warming up before finally breaking off at the five-furlong pole. She seemed willing enough after angling to the rail and getting her opening eighth in 12.48 seconds but was somewhat lackluster thereafter, completing the final quarter in a dull 25.90 before galloping out three-quarters in a very slow 1:18.83. The work was perhaps a bit of an overreaction to a near bullet five furlongs in 58 and change here last week.
Filly and Mare Sprint
Indian Blessing (five furlongs in 59.14 seconds): This Eclipse Award winner was never asked for any speed but still turned in a rapid move while going along rather effortlessly. She switched leads on cue at the top of the stretch and finished up nicely without need of urging before galloping out six furlongs in 1:12.28. It was perhaps not as brilliant as her work over dirt, but it did not show enough to suggest the Pro-Ride might prove a major chink in her armor. Ventura (final half in 46.14 seconds): This turf specialist looked great over the Pro-Ride, breezing along at a crisp pace without need of pressure, with her final quarter in 23.16 seconds before galloping out another furlong in 13.22. She may prove a live alternative to the favorite. Zaftig (six furlongs in 1:11.40, according to track clockers): With so much activity taking place at the same time, some works just slip through the cracks, and this was one I did not see. That was unfortunate, since it was a key work for a filly who has not started in nearly five months. Her final time suggests she's sharp and obviously having little difficulty adapting to the unfamiliar surface.
Filly and Mare Turf
Wait a While (five furlongs in 1:01.48 over the turf): The cones were placed well out past the middle of the course, making the final time somewhat irrelevant. Wait a While was a bit anxious breaking away from the pony but quickly settled into a nice stride and one unmistakably of a turf specialist. She completed her final quarter in 24.57 seconds with her head cocked toward the grandstand the entire length of the stretch. She looks poised for a big effort in her career finale. Sealy Hill (five furlongs in 59.51 seconds): She followed tradition by working over the artificial main-track surface rather than on grass and made a very good impression, especially the manner in which she galloped out six furlongs in 1:12.10 with the need of only a couple of light taps from her rider's turned-down stick.
Juvenile Fillies
Black Magic Mama (six furlongs in 1:14.76): One might have expected a little stronger finish after she loped along in a rather leisurely 50.50 seconds for her opening half-mile. She was put under some mild urging to finish around the turn to the seven-furlong pole.
Juvenile Fillies Turf
C Karma (five furlongs in 1:00.09): This versatile filly went easily enough with the gallop-out (six furlongs in 1:12.47), perhaps the most impressive part of her work.
Dirt Mile
Albertus Maximus (five furlongs in 59.24 seconds): He breezed swiftly, albeit under a loose rein while working with rings. He finished with interest despite zipping his opening three-eighths in 35.04. He had enough left in the tank to gallop out six furlongs in a very solid 1:12.36. He gives the impression he's peaking at just the right time.
Juvenile
Azul Leon (six furlongs in 1:14.34): He drifted out off the turn, attempting to lug in some through much of the final furlong before finishing up to the seven-furlong pole under moderate pressure. Square Eddie (six furlongs in 1:15.15): He went along at a slow pace, seemingly by design. He has high action and really jumped into his lead change when finally switching over nearing the eighth pole. He was put to some pressure to finish, but did shade 12 seconds for his final furlong around the turn.
West Side Bernie (four furlongs in 47.60, according to track clockers): He was under strong urging to finish.
Marathon
Zappa (six furlongs in 1:12.06): As would be expected from a horse heading to the Marathon, he did his best work through the stretch and out to the seven-furlong marker on the clubhouse turn.
Mile
Whatsthescript (seven furlongs in 1:26.40, according to track clockers): Caught the last three furlongs of this one in a credible 36.50 seconds, and he was still going strong enough to gallop out a mile in 1:39 and some change.
Sprint
Cost of Freedom (five furlongs in 59.83 seconds): He was under cruise control from the outset, and it was somewhat surprised to see he had shaded 1:00 as easily as he loped along, especially after completing his opening quarter-mile in an ordinary 24.22 seconds. The gallop-out was especially sharp, six furlongs in 1:11.92. He seems to be maintaining his vastly improved form. In Summation (four furlongs in 47.99 seconds): The rider had his feet on the dashboard coming away from the pole, restraining the Grade 1 winner through a quarter in 24.74 seconds before finally letting him roll a bit down the stretch. He posted one of the better final quarter-mile fractions (23.24) of the busy morning. He galloped out equally well (five eighths in 1:00.43) and has the looks of a sleeper.
Belmont Park Notes
Ladies' Classic
Carriage Trail (four furlongs in 48.49 seconds: Having just won the Grade 1 Spinster at Keeneland by 7 3/4 lengths and then shipping back to New York, not much was expected in her last work before shipping cross-country for the Ladies' Classic. But her half-mile move over Belmont Park's main track Saturday signified she could be a strong exacta threat under Zenyatta. Carriage Trail, trained by three-time Distaff winning trainer Shug McGaughey, broke into a light jog at the 1 3/8-mile pole and didn't get out of it until leaving the stable pony and breaking into a gallop at the 5 1/2-furlong pole. Under exercise rider Pam York, Carriage Trail went along slowly until about four strides before the half-mile pole, when she picked up the pace quickly, and went an opening eighth mile in 12.54 seconds. Her next eighth was 11.84 and she finished her final quarter in a solid 24.09 while York maintained a strong hold on the reins. She galloped out five furlongs in 1:01.34 and pulled up six furlongs in 1:16.27. Carriage Trail was scheduled to ship to California on Sunday.
Juvenile Fillies Turf
Maram (five furlongs in 1:02.36): The undefeated winner of the Grade 3 Miss Grillo worked on the main track, breezing in company with Victory Sign, an older claiming horse whom trainer Chad Brown said is not an overly zealous workhorse. Brown said he didn't want Maram to do too much,as she just ran on Oct. 1. Under exercise rider Punchie Goberdhan, Maram, working outside of Victory Sign, went in fractions of 12.45, 24.27, and 35.69 seconds for three furlongs. In the stretch, Maram drifted slightly, but Brown said that was by design. He didn't want Maram to go past Victory Sign, so Goberdhan took the filly a few paths away from her when he felt her getting aggressive. Maram was scheduled to ship on Sunday. Freedom Rings/Dancing Daisy (four furlongs in 51.97 seconds): Though still a maiden, Freedom Rings, a New York-bred daughter of Proud Citizen, got into the field, while the statebred maiden winner Dancing Daisy is buried seven-deep on the also-eligible list and was not scheduled to be put on Sunday's plane to California. The David Donk-trained pair worked a half-mile in company over the training track. Freedom Rings, beaten a neck by Maram in the Grade 3 Miss Grillo, is dwarfed in size by the scopey Dancing Daisy. Freedom Rings, under jockey Alan Garcia worked on the inside of Dancing Daisy, under Josue Villa. The pair went together through an opening eighth in 13.29 seconds and a quarter in 25.53. They finished their last quarter in 26.44 and Garcia was urging Freedom Rings while Villa was barely asking Dancing Daisy. Freedom Rings galloped out five furlongs in 1:16.17.
Juvenile Turf
Relatively Ready (five furlongs in 1:04.16): Working in company with the older filly Queen of Protocol, a 3-year-old multiple winner, and ridden by Cornelio Velasquez, Relatively Ready broke off about a length behind Queen of Protocol but less than a sixteenth of a mile into the breeze he was on even terms. The pair went 12.86 seconds for the opening eighth and 24.96 for the first quarter. After three furlongs in 36.81, Relatively Ready put a head in front. Late switching leads, Relatively Ready began to drift out several paths while pulling away from Queen of Protocol. Once he switched, Relatively Ready did go back to the inside, but his final quarter of 27.35 seconds does not inspire confidence. Donk noted that Relatively Ready only has one eye, his left. "I think he's got ability, but he's only got one eye," Donk said. "It's an education process. He's going to come across different situations, but it's not often you get to run for a million dollars."
Filly and Mare Sprint
Jazzy (four furlongs in 48.54 seconds): Under exercise rider Gustavo Delgado, this Argentine-bred mare went four furlongs over the main track, carrying her head high as she normally does.
Yesteday, we went 0 for 2 with our selections as Instant Action and Details R Sketchy failed to hit the board. My other selection Onebadkitty was a scratch at the gate in the 8th race. The scratch of the Onebadkitty meant I got the post time favorite in this leg of the late pick 4, which led to a winning late Pick 4 ticket. The main track was dominated by front end speed yesterday for the first time at the current Oak Tree meeting. Make sure you take note of that for future reference. Today, I have two selections, early Pick 4 and late Pick 4 for all my subscribers. We also will see Alpha Kitten in today's feature Anoakia Stakes for two year old fillies. She broke her maiden first time out in impressive fashion at Del Mar. Jockey Tyler Baze summarized Alpha Kitten's trip: "It was terrible." And that is putting it mildly."She broke straight in the air, and got knocked sideways," Baze said. "The second jump she got knocked sideways again. I got her outside and was just going to give her a race. Then I smooched to her, threw the reins at her once, and she blew their doors off." According to trainer John Saddler "The calendar was against her," referring to her only start, on Aug. 30, two days before the Del Mar Debutante. Saddler said,"I had thoughts of the Oak Leaf," referring to the 1 1/16-mile race Sept. 27 at Santa Anita. "But [the Mosses] said you don't need to be in a rush, so we're taking more of a conservative approach. She is really good." Alpha Kitten has been working super, and enters the $75,000 Anoakia with the top figure and possibly the brightest future. Barring the unforeseen, the outcome should be exactly as Baze predicts - victory by the favorite. "Seriously, if she doesn't win, I'll be surprised," he said. "She is something special. She might be 'Baby Zenyatta.'"
Hollywood Park Works
Santa Teresita, who figures to be the longest shot in the Ladies' Classic, worked six furlongs in 1:14.40for trainer Eric Guillot. Tiago worked six furlongs at Hollywood Park in 1:12.60 with his regular jockey, Mike Smith. Awesome Gem, worked six furlongs in 1:11.80 for trainer Craig Dollase.
Oak Tree Notes
Ladies' Classic
Cocoa Beach (five furlongs in 57.80) as impressive as anybody during the busy morning, she zipped along at a fast pace while never asked and still had plenty in reserve to gallop out an additional furlong to the seven-eighths pole in 11.83 seconds. She is apparently having little difficulty adapting to the Pro-Ride. She will face a formidable foe in Zenyatta but couldn't be coming into the race looking any sharper. Music Note (five furlongs in 1:00.74): In a contrast in style from stablemate Cocoa Beach, she went off at a leisurely pace through early fractions of 25.46 and 37.07 seconds before finishing up a solid enough final quarter in 23.67 under a loose rein despite appearing to bobble momentarily inside the sixteenth pole. She galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.62. Ginger Punch (five furlongs in 1:00.76): Working with rings, equipment designed to help give a rider a little more leverage, Ginger Punch cruised along at an even pace, covering her opening three furlongs in 36.63 seconds before coming home in 24.13 without urging. Her gallop-out was ordinary (six furlongs in 1:13.88). Nothing flashy here, and perhaps she is still somewhat of a question mark over the surface. Bear Now (five furlongs in 1:03.48): She spent a long time warming up before finally breaking off at the five-furlong pole. She seemed willing enough after angling to the rail and getting her opening eighth in 12.48 seconds but was somewhat lackluster thereafter, completing the final quarter in a dull 25.90 before galloping out three-quarters in a very slow 1:18.83. The work was perhaps a bit of an overreaction to a near bullet five furlongs in 58 and change here last week.
Filly and Mare Sprint
Indian Blessing (five furlongs in 59.14 seconds): This Eclipse Award winner was never asked for any speed but still turned in a rapid move while going along rather effortlessly. She switched leads on cue at the top of the stretch and finished up nicely without need of urging before galloping out six furlongs in 1:12.28. It was perhaps not as brilliant as her work over dirt, but it did not show enough to suggest the Pro-Ride might prove a major chink in her armor. Ventura (final half in 46.14 seconds): This turf specialist looked great over the Pro-Ride, breezing along at a crisp pace without need of pressure, with her final quarter in 23.16 seconds before galloping out another furlong in 13.22. She may prove a live alternative to the favorite. Zaftig (six furlongs in 1:11.40, according to track clockers): With so much activity taking place at the same time, some works just slip through the cracks, and this was one I did not see. That was unfortunate, since it was a key work for a filly who has not started in nearly five months. Her final time suggests she's sharp and obviously having little difficulty adapting to the unfamiliar surface.
Filly and Mare Turf
Wait a While (five furlongs in 1:01.48 over the turf): The cones were placed well out past the middle of the course, making the final time somewhat irrelevant. Wait a While was a bit anxious breaking away from the pony but quickly settled into a nice stride and one unmistakably of a turf specialist. She completed her final quarter in 24.57 seconds with her head cocked toward the grandstand the entire length of the stretch. She looks poised for a big effort in her career finale. Sealy Hill (five furlongs in 59.51 seconds): She followed tradition by working over the artificial main-track surface rather than on grass and made a very good impression, especially the manner in which she galloped out six furlongs in 1:12.10 with the need of only a couple of light taps from her rider's turned-down stick.
Juvenile Fillies
Black Magic Mama (six furlongs in 1:14.76): One might have expected a little stronger finish after she loped along in a rather leisurely 50.50 seconds for her opening half-mile. She was put under some mild urging to finish around the turn to the seven-furlong pole.
Juvenile Fillies Turf
C Karma (five furlongs in 1:00.09): This versatile filly went easily enough with the gallop-out (six furlongs in 1:12.47), perhaps the most impressive part of her work.
Dirt Mile
Albertus Maximus (five furlongs in 59.24 seconds): He breezed swiftly, albeit under a loose rein while working with rings. He finished with interest despite zipping his opening three-eighths in 35.04. He had enough left in the tank to gallop out six furlongs in a very solid 1:12.36. He gives the impression he's peaking at just the right time.
Juvenile
Azul Leon (six furlongs in 1:14.34): He drifted out off the turn, attempting to lug in some through much of the final furlong before finishing up to the seven-furlong pole under moderate pressure. Square Eddie (six furlongs in 1:15.15): He went along at a slow pace, seemingly by design. He has high action and really jumped into his lead change when finally switching over nearing the eighth pole. He was put to some pressure to finish, but did shade 12 seconds for his final furlong around the turn.
West Side Bernie (four furlongs in 47.60, according to track clockers): He was under strong urging to finish.
Marathon
Zappa (six furlongs in 1:12.06): As would be expected from a horse heading to the Marathon, he did his best work through the stretch and out to the seven-furlong marker on the clubhouse turn.
Mile
Whatsthescript (seven furlongs in 1:26.40, according to track clockers): Caught the last three furlongs of this one in a credible 36.50 seconds, and he was still going strong enough to gallop out a mile in 1:39 and some change.
Sprint
Cost of Freedom (five furlongs in 59.83 seconds): He was under cruise control from the outset, and it was somewhat surprised to see he had shaded 1:00 as easily as he loped along, especially after completing his opening quarter-mile in an ordinary 24.22 seconds. The gallop-out was especially sharp, six furlongs in 1:11.92. He seems to be maintaining his vastly improved form. In Summation (four furlongs in 47.99 seconds): The rider had his feet on the dashboard coming away from the pole, restraining the Grade 1 winner through a quarter in 24.74 seconds before finally letting him roll a bit down the stretch. He posted one of the better final quarter-mile fractions (23.24) of the busy morning. He galloped out equally well (five eighths in 1:00.43) and has the looks of a sleeper.
Belmont Park Notes
Ladies' Classic
Carriage Trail (four furlongs in 48.49 seconds: Having just won the Grade 1 Spinster at Keeneland by 7 3/4 lengths and then shipping back to New York, not much was expected in her last work before shipping cross-country for the Ladies' Classic. But her half-mile move over Belmont Park's main track Saturday signified she could be a strong exacta threat under Zenyatta. Carriage Trail, trained by three-time Distaff winning trainer Shug McGaughey, broke into a light jog at the 1 3/8-mile pole and didn't get out of it until leaving the stable pony and breaking into a gallop at the 5 1/2-furlong pole. Under exercise rider Pam York, Carriage Trail went along slowly until about four strides before the half-mile pole, when she picked up the pace quickly, and went an opening eighth mile in 12.54 seconds. Her next eighth was 11.84 and she finished her final quarter in a solid 24.09 while York maintained a strong hold on the reins. She galloped out five furlongs in 1:01.34 and pulled up six furlongs in 1:16.27. Carriage Trail was scheduled to ship to California on Sunday.
Juvenile Fillies Turf
Maram (five furlongs in 1:02.36): The undefeated winner of the Grade 3 Miss Grillo worked on the main track, breezing in company with Victory Sign, an older claiming horse whom trainer Chad Brown said is not an overly zealous workhorse. Brown said he didn't want Maram to do too much,as she just ran on Oct. 1. Under exercise rider Punchie Goberdhan, Maram, working outside of Victory Sign, went in fractions of 12.45, 24.27, and 35.69 seconds for three furlongs. In the stretch, Maram drifted slightly, but Brown said that was by design. He didn't want Maram to go past Victory Sign, so Goberdhan took the filly a few paths away from her when he felt her getting aggressive. Maram was scheduled to ship on Sunday. Freedom Rings/Dancing Daisy (four furlongs in 51.97 seconds): Though still a maiden, Freedom Rings, a New York-bred daughter of Proud Citizen, got into the field, while the statebred maiden winner Dancing Daisy is buried seven-deep on the also-eligible list and was not scheduled to be put on Sunday's plane to California. The David Donk-trained pair worked a half-mile in company over the training track. Freedom Rings, beaten a neck by Maram in the Grade 3 Miss Grillo, is dwarfed in size by the scopey Dancing Daisy. Freedom Rings, under jockey Alan Garcia worked on the inside of Dancing Daisy, under Josue Villa. The pair went together through an opening eighth in 13.29 seconds and a quarter in 25.53. They finished their last quarter in 26.44 and Garcia was urging Freedom Rings while Villa was barely asking Dancing Daisy. Freedom Rings galloped out five furlongs in 1:16.17.
Juvenile Turf
Relatively Ready (five furlongs in 1:04.16): Working in company with the older filly Queen of Protocol, a 3-year-old multiple winner, and ridden by Cornelio Velasquez, Relatively Ready broke off about a length behind Queen of Protocol but less than a sixteenth of a mile into the breeze he was on even terms. The pair went 12.86 seconds for the opening eighth and 24.96 for the first quarter. After three furlongs in 36.81, Relatively Ready put a head in front. Late switching leads, Relatively Ready began to drift out several paths while pulling away from Queen of Protocol. Once he switched, Relatively Ready did go back to the inside, but his final quarter of 27.35 seconds does not inspire confidence. Donk noted that Relatively Ready only has one eye, his left. "I think he's got ability, but he's only got one eye," Donk said. "It's an education process. He's going to come across different situations, but it's not often you get to run for a million dollars."
Filly and Mare Sprint
Jazzy (four furlongs in 48.54 seconds): Under exercise rider Gustavo Delgado, this Argentine-bred mare went four furlongs over the main track, carrying her head high as she normally does.
Saturday, October 18, 2008
HORSERACING NEWS
Preview of today's selections and yesterday's results
Today, I have three selections and two suggested late Pick 4 tickets for all of my subscribers. Yesterday, I went 0 for 3 as Zephaniah and Zilla both finished fourth. My third selection Dadsalittleunusual just came up short and finished second in the seventh.
Zenyatta ready to roll
Keep it under your hat, but the clocker says Zenyatta looks like she's ready to run a big one in the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic. Obviously, nobody needs any added incentive to wager on the undefeated Zenyatta, who is the marquee name on Day 1 of this year's Breeders' Cup. But for the overwhelming number of horseplayers who plan to single Zenyatta in every multiple wager possible, they can do so with even more confidence after watching her breeze an effortless six furlongs in 1:11.66 seconds under regular exercise rider Steve Willard on Friday morning on Hollywood Park's Cushion Track surface.
Surface is a question for Munnings
Though there was a plethora of talented juveniles that performed on dirt this year in New York, when it comes to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile there will only be one of them competing. Munnings, runner-up to division leader Vineyard Haven in the Grade 1 Champagne, will carry the torch for the New York juvenile contingent in the $2 million Juvenile at Santa Anita on Oct. 25. Provided there are no defections from the field, Munnings will be the only one of the 14 horses in the Juvenile that will have raced exclusively on dirt. This year's Breeders' Cup is being run on Santa Anita's new Pro-Ride surface."The obvious X-factor is the surface," trainer Todd Pletcher said in his Belmont Park office Friday morning before heading to Southern California. "I felt like he was as good as any 2-year-old on the East Coast this summer, so if that form transfers to the Pro-Ride I feel comfortable that he fits very well."
Today, I have three selections and two suggested late Pick 4 tickets for all of my subscribers. Yesterday, I went 0 for 3 as Zephaniah and Zilla both finished fourth. My third selection Dadsalittleunusual just came up short and finished second in the seventh.
Zenyatta ready to roll
Keep it under your hat, but the clocker says Zenyatta looks like she's ready to run a big one in the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic. Obviously, nobody needs any added incentive to wager on the undefeated Zenyatta, who is the marquee name on Day 1 of this year's Breeders' Cup. But for the overwhelming number of horseplayers who plan to single Zenyatta in every multiple wager possible, they can do so with even more confidence after watching her breeze an effortless six furlongs in 1:11.66 seconds under regular exercise rider Steve Willard on Friday morning on Hollywood Park's Cushion Track surface.
Surface is a question for Munnings
Though there was a plethora of talented juveniles that performed on dirt this year in New York, when it comes to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile there will only be one of them competing. Munnings, runner-up to division leader Vineyard Haven in the Grade 1 Champagne, will carry the torch for the New York juvenile contingent in the $2 million Juvenile at Santa Anita on Oct. 25. Provided there are no defections from the field, Munnings will be the only one of the 14 horses in the Juvenile that will have raced exclusively on dirt. This year's Breeders' Cup is being run on Santa Anita's new Pro-Ride surface."The obvious X-factor is the surface," trainer Todd Pletcher said in his Belmont Park office Friday morning before heading to Southern California. "I felt like he was as good as any 2-year-old on the East Coast this summer, so if that form transfers to the Pro-Ride I feel comfortable that he fits very well."
Friday, October 17, 2008
HORSERACING NEWS
Preview of today's selections and yesterday's results
Today, I have 3 selections for all my subscribers. I think I found some good value with today's selections, with some interesting angles behind them. Yesterday, I was unable to connect with any of my 3 selections as Dona Amelia's third place finish was my best result on the day. The Pick 6 was hit and we are another day closer to Breeders' Cup weekend and here is hoping we can add to our bankroll today for next weekend.
Zenyatta scares off competition
The smallest field among the 14 Breeders' Cup races is the Ladies' Classic, but the quality certainly trumps quantity. As Santa Anita regular Dick Van Patten would tell you, eight is enough. Led by the unbeaten Zenyatta, a small but spectacular field was pre-entered in the $2million Ladies' Classic, which will be the last of five Breeders' Cup races run on Oct. 24, the first of two days of Breeders' Cup races at Santa Anita. The field for the 1 1/8-mile race is so strong that Ginger Punch, who won the race last year when it was known as the Distaff, will be no better than a distant second choice. Ginger Punch has been the odds-on favorite in all seven of her starts this year. Not this time. Zenyatta, who likely already has sewn up the Eclipse Award in this division, will be an overwheming favorite to record her ninth straight victory, including seven this year. She is coming off a victory over Santa Anita's Pro-Ride surface in last month's Lady's Secret Stakes, which marked her third Grade 1 win this year.
Looking for a repeat
Ginger Punch has a chance to win her second straight Breeders' Cup race in the Ladies' Classic. And Curlin, of course, will be trying for consecutive wins in the BC Classic. But let us not overlook Kip Deville, a horse with a good chance to take down the Breeders' Cup Mile for the second year in a row - with still more racing perhaps in his future. Five-year-old Kip Deville is an Oklahoma-bred son of Kipling out of a mare by the old California sire Encino - not the kind of pedigree one rushes off to a career at stud. Asked if Kip Deville was singing his swan song in this year's BC Mile, trainer Rick Dutrow said: "Not if he wins. If he wins, we're going to try and come back for a three-peat. We love the horse, love watching him run. That's more exciting to us than sending him off to the farm and start breeding him." Kip Deville was one of 14 pre-entries in the BC Mile. If all were to start in the race, the gate would be full, but a field of 11 seems more likely. Awesome Gem and Raven's Pass have the Classic listed as their first preference, and Ventura has the Filly and Mare Sprint; all seem likely to wind up in the other races. The top European in the Mile will be the 3-year-old filly Goldikova, whose trainer, Freddie Head, won consecutive editions of this race while riding the famed Miesque. Trainer Aidan O'Brien entered a lesser-known miler, U S Ranger, while putting Henrythenavigator only in the Classic. Lord Admiral, the well-traveled 7-year-old who finished fourth in the Shadwell Turf Mile, completes the European contingent.
In fact, in terms of overseas participation, the first Breeders' Cup on a synthetic racing surface has hurt the Mile as much as it has helped the Classic. Were the main-track races on dirt this year, both Henrythenavigator and Raven's Pass - the two best Euro milers of the moment - could easily have been pointed to this race rather than the 1 1/4-mile Classic.
Today, I have 3 selections for all my subscribers. I think I found some good value with today's selections, with some interesting angles behind them. Yesterday, I was unable to connect with any of my 3 selections as Dona Amelia's third place finish was my best result on the day. The Pick 6 was hit and we are another day closer to Breeders' Cup weekend and here is hoping we can add to our bankroll today for next weekend.
Zenyatta scares off competition
The smallest field among the 14 Breeders' Cup races is the Ladies' Classic, but the quality certainly trumps quantity. As Santa Anita regular Dick Van Patten would tell you, eight is enough. Led by the unbeaten Zenyatta, a small but spectacular field was pre-entered in the $2million Ladies' Classic, which will be the last of five Breeders' Cup races run on Oct. 24, the first of two days of Breeders' Cup races at Santa Anita. The field for the 1 1/8-mile race is so strong that Ginger Punch, who won the race last year when it was known as the Distaff, will be no better than a distant second choice. Ginger Punch has been the odds-on favorite in all seven of her starts this year. Not this time. Zenyatta, who likely already has sewn up the Eclipse Award in this division, will be an overwheming favorite to record her ninth straight victory, including seven this year. She is coming off a victory over Santa Anita's Pro-Ride surface in last month's Lady's Secret Stakes, which marked her third Grade 1 win this year.
Looking for a repeat
Ginger Punch has a chance to win her second straight Breeders' Cup race in the Ladies' Classic. And Curlin, of course, will be trying for consecutive wins in the BC Classic. But let us not overlook Kip Deville, a horse with a good chance to take down the Breeders' Cup Mile for the second year in a row - with still more racing perhaps in his future. Five-year-old Kip Deville is an Oklahoma-bred son of Kipling out of a mare by the old California sire Encino - not the kind of pedigree one rushes off to a career at stud. Asked if Kip Deville was singing his swan song in this year's BC Mile, trainer Rick Dutrow said: "Not if he wins. If he wins, we're going to try and come back for a three-peat. We love the horse, love watching him run. That's more exciting to us than sending him off to the farm and start breeding him." Kip Deville was one of 14 pre-entries in the BC Mile. If all were to start in the race, the gate would be full, but a field of 11 seems more likely. Awesome Gem and Raven's Pass have the Classic listed as their first preference, and Ventura has the Filly and Mare Sprint; all seem likely to wind up in the other races. The top European in the Mile will be the 3-year-old filly Goldikova, whose trainer, Freddie Head, won consecutive editions of this race while riding the famed Miesque. Trainer Aidan O'Brien entered a lesser-known miler, U S Ranger, while putting Henrythenavigator only in the Classic. Lord Admiral, the well-traveled 7-year-old who finished fourth in the Shadwell Turf Mile, completes the European contingent.
In fact, in terms of overseas participation, the first Breeders' Cup on a synthetic racing surface has hurt the Mile as much as it has helped the Classic. Were the main-track races on dirt this year, both Henrythenavigator and Raven's Pass - the two best Euro milers of the moment - could easily have been pointed to this race rather than the 1 1/4-mile Classic.
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