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.

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.

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.''

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.

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.

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."

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.

HORSERACING NEWS

Yesterday's results and a preview of today's card
Yesterday, I went one for three with my selections as Tension Mounts($11.40) won the fourth race. Stormy Game looked to be in a good spot turning for home, but could only muster a third place finish and Concinnity missed the board. Yesterday's, winning selection adds to my profit that I am showing over the course of current Oak Tree meeting. To check my current stats click on Recent Selections up above. Today, I have three selections for all my subscribers, which are all part of the Pick 6 and the late Pick 4. Today, looks to be loaded with value and the payoffs should be nice. Remember we have a carryover in the Pick 6 so that means the pool will get quite large. This should also be the same for the late Pick 4 if recent trends stay the same as we usually see a much larger late Pick 4 pool on carryover days.
Pre-entries are in for Breeders' Cup 2008
A total of 180 horses, led by 2007 Horse of the Year Curlin, were announced on Thursday as a record number of pre-entries for the 25th Breeders’ Cup, to be held Oct. 24-25 at Santa Anita. Curlin was one of 16 horses pre-entered in the $5 million Classic, in which he is the defending champion. The Classic is the richest of the 14 races, worth $25.5 million, to be held over the two days. Among those entered against Curlin are the unbeaten Japanese colt Casino Drive, Pacific Classic winner Go Between, Travers winner Colonel John, and three European invaders - Duke of Marmalade, Henrythenavigator, and Raven’s Pass.The highlight of the Oct. 24 card is the Ladies' Classic, in which the unbeaten Zenyatta will face Cocoa Beach, Ginger Punch, Hystericalady, and Music Note. Because of the depth of quality in the Ladies' Classic, only eight horses were entered. Thursday’s announcement was the first of a two-step entry process. At this point, horses can be pre-entered in as many as two races; 30 horses were cross-entered.Next Tuesday, final entries are due. Horses who are cross-entered must be put into a single race, and then post positions are drawn for all 14 races. Most of the races are restricted to 14 starters, but three - the Dirt Mile, Juvenile Turf, and Juvenile Fillies Turf - are limited to 12. Eight of the 14 races were oversubscribed at the pre-entry stage. In those cases, horses in the body of the race were first determined by who had won Win and You’re In qualifying races this calendar year. Then horses were slotted based on points earned during the year in graded stakes races. Finally, a committee of international racing officials ranked the remaining contenders. For instance, in the Classic, 16 horses were pre-entered. Curlin, Go Between, and Well Armed won Win and You’re In races and were first in. Colonel John, Pyro, Smooth Air, Student Council, and Tiago got the next five slots, based on points in graded stakes. The committee gave the final six spots to Casino Drive, Champs Elysee, Duke of Marmalade, Henrythenavigator, Mast Track, and Raven’s Pass. The committee made Fairbanks and Awesome Gem alternates, in that order. They draw in if someone from the main body of the race defects between now and entry time Tuesday. In addition, for the first time this year, the Breeders’ Cup will have as many two also-eligibles per race at the final entry stage, giving those on the outside looking in a few more days to draw in. Scratch time for all 14 races is the morning of Oct. 24.

HORSERACING NEWS

A preview of today's card at Oak Tree
Today, I have 3 selections for all my members. Let's hope we start this week off with a bang and cash some winning tickets and quit having to settle for minor awards as we have had to do over the past few days. The card in general looks to have some upset possibilities and we should see some nice mutual payoffs throughout the day. Good luck to everyone out there and hope you can continue to build a bankroll as we get closer to the big Breeders' Cup weekend.
Race order for Breeders' Cup
Breeders' Cup on Wednesday released the race order and post times for the two Breeders' Cup cards at Santa Anita on Oct. 24 and 25. The first of five Breeders' Cup races on Friday will be the Filly and Mare Sprint, with a post time of 3:35 p.m. Eastern. That race will be followed by the Juvenile Fillies Turf, 4:15; Juvenile Fillies, 4:55; Filly and Mare Turf, 5:35; and the Ladies' Classic, 6:15. The full 10-race card will start at 2:05 with two allowance races, and the Ladies' Classic will be followed by the Grade 2 Las Palmas Handicap and two races carded by Santa Anita's racing office. The Saturday card will start at 1:10 p.m. Eastern with the Marathon, followed by the Turf Sprint, 1:50; Dirt Mile, 2:30; Mile, 3:15; Juvenile, 3:55; Juvenile Turf, 4:35; Sprint, 5:15; Turf, 6:00; and Classic, 6:45. Two races, the Damascus Stakes and the Oak Tree Derby, will follow the Classic
Awesome Gem to take a shot in Classic
The absence of Big Brown from the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Oct. 25 may lead Awesome Gem to start in the race for the second consecutive year.Third in the 2007 BC Classic at Monmouth Park, Awesome Gem was pre-entered for the Classic and the $2 million Mile on turf Tuesday, trainer Craig Dollase said."We'll take a shot in the Classic," Dollase said. "With Big Brown out, that helps his chances there." Owned by the West Point Thoroughbreds partnership, Awesome Gem will be a longshot in the BC Classic. Winless in five starts this year, Awesome Gem was second in the Grade 3 All American Handicap at Golden Gate Fields on Sept. 27 in his most recent start. Earlier this year, he was seventh in the Santa Anita Handicap and Pacific Classic and was second, by a nose, in the Wickerr Handicap on turf at Del Mar. Awesome Gem, who has won 4 of 20 starts and $1,219,882, has one stakes win in his career - the 2007 San Fernando Breeders' Cup Stakes at Santa Anita.
No Black Mamba in Breeders' Cup
John Sadler, the leading trainer at the Hollywood Park spring-summer and Del Mar meetings this year, has six hopefuls for the Breeders' Cup races on Oct. 24-25, but the list does not include his stakes-winning turf female Black Mamba. Black Mamba, the winner of the Beverly Hills and John Mabee handicaps in the summer, will be pointed for the $250,000 Las Palmas Handicap at Santa Anita on Oct. 24, Sadler said. To start in the BC Filly and Mare Turf, her owners, Doubledown Stables, would have to pay a $300,000 supplemental fee. "We're probably 99 percent that we're not going to supplement because of the cost," Sadler said.
Options for Saucey Evening
Saucey Evening, the winner of the California Cup Juvenile Fillies on Oct. 5, was pre-entered for the $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf and $2 million Juvenile Fillies earlier this week, trainer Graham Motion said. Both races are on Oct. 24. Motion said he is leaning toward running Saucey Evening in the Juvenile Fillies Turf. "I'm anxious to see her back on turf," he said. "Realistically, you want to get into the race where you're most competitive." Owned by Augustin Stable, Saucey Evening has won 2 of 4 starts. In her only start on turf, she won a five-furlong maiden race in her career debut at Colonial Downs on June 20.

HORSERACING NEWS

Yesterday's results and current update of recent selections
Yesterday, I failed to select a winner as Spinning Sound did not hit the board, Railroad just missed settling for third and You Is What You Is finished a fast closing second returning $10 to place. The last few days have been a bit rough as my horse are firing, but they have been settling for minor awards. Current Stats for Oak Tree 9 for 45 winners = $96.60 returned based on a $2 wager; 23 for 45 In the money
Curlin versus the World in Classic
The Santa Ana winds are blowing hot from the north in Southern California, but the biggest compression of air on Tuesday was the sigh of relief from officials of both the Breeders’ Cup and Santa Anita’s Oak Tree meeting when Jess Jackson, the majority owner of Curlin, announced that the horse was pre-entered in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic on Oct. 25 at Santa Anita. Curlin was the Horse of the Year in 2007 and he is the defending champion in the Classic, making him the most marketable horse in the sport. But his participation in the Breeders’ Cup took on greater urgency Monday, when Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown, the other marquee name in Thoroughbred racing this year, was retired. Because Curlin has never raced on a synthetic surface, his competing in the Breeders’ Cup hinged on his adapting to the synthetic Pro-Ride surface at Santa Anita since his arrival in California two weeks ago. Curlin has had two workouts over the surface, including a strong five-furlong drill between races Monday afternoon. Jackson said there were several factors leading up to the decision to pre-enter, including Curlin’s progress over the past two weeks, Jackson’s wish of racing the horse in his home state of California, and his oft-stated desire to enhance what he calls Curlin’s “legacy.” “I think I owed it to the horse,” Jackson said on a national teleconference. “Curlin tells us he’s fit, and when a top athlete is ready, he wants to compete. And I do want to help enhance the fan base and give hardcore fans a chance to see him one more time.”
Goldikova to face the boys
Goldikova, the winner of two consecutive Group 1 races in France this summer, will start in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Mile at Santa Anita on Oct. 25, trainer Freddie Head said Monday. A 3-year-old filly, Goldikova had been considered a candidate for the BC Filly and Mare Turf on Oct. 24, but Head said he prefers to keep her racing at a mile."I think the Mile will be her race," Head said in a telephone interview. "The Mile is her best chance." Goldikova will have her final work on Thursday in France and will be sent to California on Sunday, Head said. "She's ready," he said. "She's very easy to train."
Classic contender works bullet
Colonel John worked six furlongs in 1:11.40 on Tuesday morning at Santa Anita for trainer Eoin Harty. The time was the fastest of 11 at the distance.
Gomez replaces Baze
Midshipman, the winner of the Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity on Sept. 1, will be ridden by Garrett Gomez in the BC Juvenile on Oct. 25. Trainer Bob Baffert made the decision over the weekend. Gomez will replace Tyler Baze, who rode Midshipman to a second-place finish in the Grade 1 Norfolk Stakes at 1o1/16 miles here on Sept. 28. "I just wanted to go with someone I've had luck with in the Breeders' Cup," Baffert said. Tyler "rode him well. No knocks on his ride. If he would have won, I never would have taken him off." Midshipman worked six furlongs in 1:11.40 on Monday, the fastest of 16 works at the distance. Baffert said that Midshipman worked five furlongs in 59.80 seconds, and galloped out six furlongs in 1:11.60.
Good work for Intangaroo
Intangaroo, the leading older female sprinter in the United States this year with three Grade 1 wins, worked five furlongs in 59.60 seconds at Hollywood Park on Monday. She is a top contender for the BC Filly and Mare Sprint on Oct. 24.
"She's right on track with what we wanted to do," trainer Gary Sherlock said. "I'm totally satisfied with the work."

HORSERACING NEWS

Preview of today's races and yesterday's selections
Today, I have three selections for all my members, which range from 3-1 in the morning line to 6-1. I think this card has a lot of potential for some large payoffs. Yesterday, I went 0 for 3 with my selections as Vequelin and South of France settled for place money.
Big Brown retired
Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner Big Brown has been retired after the colt suffered an injury to his right front foot during a workout Monday morning at Aqueduct. Thus, the dream match-up of Big Brown and Curlin will not take place as anticipated in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Oct. 25. Curlin, the reigning Horse of the Year, was due to work at Santa Anita between races on Monday. Big Brown tore off a chunk of the inside quarter of his right front foot while working six furlongs in company with defending Breeders' Cup Mile winner Kip Deville over Aqueduct's turf course. The two multiple Grade 1 winners worked head and head throughout the move, which Daily Racing Form timed in 1:12.89. Big Brown worked without front shoes. The injury would take too long to heal to make the Breeder's Cup or any other race this year, his connections said. Co-owners Michael Iavarone - along with his wife and two daughters - and Paul Pompa Jr. observed the work from the backstretch along with trainer Richard Dutrow Jr.
Casino Drive wins final prep for Classic
Casino Drive was pronounced ready for the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Oct. 25 after winning an allowance race in his synthetic track debut on Sunday. Casino Drive ($2.80) finished three-quarters of a length in front of Dakota Phone after leading by a length with a furlong remaining. Ridden by Victor Espinoza, Casino Drive ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.14. The $52,800 race was the first start for the Japanese-based Casino Drive since his victory in the Grade 2 Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park in May. Casino Drive is now unbeaten in three starts. He won a maiden race in Japan in February before the Peter Pan. "It was a perfect prep race," said Nobutaka Tada, the racing manager for owner Hidetoshi Yamamoto. "He's not at the top of his form, and we hope he's improving. He was a good boy today." Espinoza kept Casino Drive off the rail throughout the race, racing two-wide on the first turn and three-wide on the backstretch. With a three-wide rally on the final turn, Casino Drive engaged pacesetters By Spot and Informed and took the lead with minimal effort. "It was a slow pace and that's why I let him go at the three-eighths pole, so he could get something out of the race for the next race," Espinoza said. Espinoza said he urged Casino Drive in the final furlong. "I wanted to see how much horse I had," Espinoza said. Espinoza added that he had "plenty."

HORSERACING NEWS

Preview of today's races and yesterday's results
Today, I have posted three selections for all my clients. I am looking forward to watching Casino Drive one of the top contenders for this years Breeders' Cup Classic run in the 8th race at Oak Tree. Yesterday, both of my selections settled for minor awards as they both finished 3rd.
Mast Track headed to Dirt Mile
Mast Track, winner of the Hollywood Gold Cup in June, will start in the $1 million Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile on Oct. 25 and not the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic on the same day, trainer Bobby Frankel said Saturday. Frankel said the entries and starting fees of the two races and the distances were the main factors in his decision.
McGaughey looks to be busy at Breeders' Cup
Despite running just three horses in the Breeders' Cup the last five years, trainer Shug McGaughey's nine wins still rank him second in the history of the event. This year, McGaughey is expected to have four chances to add to his total. As of Saturday, McGaughey was hoping to run Carriage Trail in the Ladies' Classic, Consequence in the Juvenile Fillies Turf, Persistently in the Juvenile Fillies, and Dancing Forever in the Turf. Dancing Forever, Consequence, and Persistently were all expected to ship to California on Tuesday, while Carriage Trail, who won the Grade 1 Spinster on Oct. 5, will remain in New York until Sunday.

HORSERACING NEWS

Preview of today's races and yesterday's results
The card at Oak Tree is loaded with value as most of the races look to be very competitive. This is especially true of the Pick 6 races where there is no clear cut single in the sequence. A good strategy to attack the Pick 6 today would be to play multiple tickets and use a variety of singles throughout the Pick 6. If you have a opinion go with it and good luck as the payout should be huge in the Pick 6. I have two horses for my clients today and two late Pick 4 tickets. Yesterday, I went 1 for 2 with my selections as Ginoboli ($9.60) wired the field. My other selection Where's Scarlet got a good introduction to racing and she is a filly to follow as the distances get longer.
News on Breeders' Cup Juvenile Contender
On a national stage later this month, trainer Ron Ellis is hoping to prove that the 2-year-old colt Believe in Hope is better than his third-place finish in the Norfolk Stakes on Sept. 28. Believe in Hope is a candidate for the $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita on Oct. 25. Should he run well in that race, Believe in Hope will get plenty of attention. The BC Juvenile is annually one of the most talked-about races on the Breeders' Cup program because of its ramifications for the Triple Crown the following spring. Ellis expects Believe in Hope to be part of such races after the Norfolk, in which he finished three-quarters of a length behind race winner Street Hero. "I thought he was best horse the other day," Ellis said. "He got slammed around and got knocked out of position. He never could get any momentum. If you give any credence to galloping out in front, he galloped out in front."
Preview of today's feature at Oak Tree
Tasha's Miracle is winless in seven starts since the Grade 3 Sorrento Stakes at Del Mar in August 2007. This does not concern trainer John Sadler as Tasha's Miracle is being prepared for Saturday's $100,000 Harold Ramser Handicap at Santa Anita.Sadler also starts Dawn Before Dawn, the expected pacesetter. Dawn Before Dawn was second to Ramser entrant Sweeter Still in the Sandy Blue Handicap at a mile on turf at Del Mar on Aug. 15 and returned to win the Torrey Pines Stakes at a mile on the main track there on Aug. 31."Dawn is starting to put it together," Sadler said. "I think they both have excellent chances." In the Torrey Pines, Dawn Before Dawn finished a length in front of Miss Singhsix. Trained by Paddy Gallagher for a partnership that includes Team Valor International, Miss Singhsix has raced primarily on synthetic tracks in her five-race career. In her only start on turf, she finished fourth in an optional claimer at Hollywood Park in May, a race that did not discourage Gallagher. "She ran kind of evenly in her first start," Gallagher said. "She's worked well on turf. There are not many other places to run." Sweeter Still seeks her fourth stakes win of the year and must be respected. Trained by Jeff Mullins for David Lanzman and Jason Wood, she won turf stakes at Santa Anita, Hollywood Park, and Del Mar this year.

HORSERACING NEWS

Preview of today's card and yesterday's results
Today, the card looks tough as a couple of the races are wide open. I came up with two live selections for my members, which are 8-1 and 6-1 respectively in the morning line. I think we could very well see a Pick 6 carryover heading into weekend racing at Oak Tree. Yesterday, I went 0 for 2 with my selections and the suggested late Pick 4 ticket went 3 for 4, but I did identify the biggest price winners in the late Pick 4 sequence.
Zenyatta works a bullet
John Shirreffs is not the sort of trainer to demand fast workouts from his horses. So when Zenyatta, his undefeated 4-year-old filly, worked six furlongs in 1:11.20 at Hollywood Park on Thursday, even Shirreffs took notice. "We didn't expect her to go that fast," he said. "She worked very good. I think the track is pretty fast today." The workout is one of two that Zenyatta will have in October before she starts as a strong favorite in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic at Santa Anita on Oct. 24. Shirreffs said Zenyatta will work again Friday, seven days before the ninth start of her career. Zenyatta's time equaled the fastest of 13 recorded works at the distance. Dearest Trickski, a multiple stakes-winning filly and a candidate for the BC Filly and Mare Sprint, worked in 1:11.20.
Prep race for Casino Drive
Casino Drive, the undefeated 3-year-old colt from Japan, will start in an optional claimer at Santa Anita on Sunday in advance of a scheduled appearance in the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic on Oct. 25. Casino Drive is part of a seven-horse field in Sunday’s eighth race, which is run over 1 1/16 miles. The decision to start Casino Drive in the prep race, as opposed to training him up to the BC Classic, was made on Thursday, after Casino Drive breezed five furlongs in 1:02 at Hollywood Park. “He will run definitely,” said Nobutaka Tada, the racing manager for owner Hidetoshi Yamamoto. “He’s feeling very good and that’s why we entered him. We can give him a prep race.”

HORSERACING NEWS

Preview of today's card and yesterday's results
The race card today does not look to have a lot of value to it today in my opinion, as many of the favorites look to be placed right and will be tough to defeat. I think you can find some value by playing second or third choices. I have two selections for you today, but neither of them are greater than 4-1 on the morning line, but they both look to be spotted perfectly and both should be tough deny today. For those of you who like to play the exotics I have a suggested late Pick 4 for you today.
News on Casino Drive
There is a pathway at the south end of Hollywood Park's stable area that leads from Barn 50, at the west end, all the way up to the training track, at the east end. On Wednesday morning, shortly after sunrise, two horses began walking on that path, up and down, with nary a rest, for nearly an hour. Then they went to the main track to gallop. The training regimen is highly unusual in the United States, but for anyone who was at Belmont Park four months ago, the scene was quite familiar. Casino Drive, one of those horses, had that extensive training schedule nearly every morning at Belmont Park leading up to the Belmont Stakes. But he never made the race. Now, he has returned from Japan, perhaps even more of a mystery horse this time around. Casino Drive will be attempting, quite improbably, to take on the best horses in the world, in only his third lifetime start, his first start on a synthetic surface, off a five-month layoff, in the Breeders' Cup Classic on Oct. 25 at Santa Anita.
Colonel John tunes up for Classic
Travers Stakes winner Colonel John, who will be heading to the Classic off a two-month layoff, breezed a half-mile in 46.80 seconds on Wednesday at Santa Anita.
Curlin with special work
Curlin, the defending champion in the Classic and the 2007 Horse of the Year, will work between races on Monday at Santa Anita, in company, so as to best approximate the conditions under which he would race in the Classic if he does compete, assistant trainer Scott Blasi said.
News on Ladies' Classic
The race name may be different, and the surface may be new, but there will be something quite familiar when the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic is run on Oct. 24 at Santa Anita's Oak Tree meeting. Three times in its previous 24 runnings, which came on dirt as the Distaff, trainer Shug McGaughey won the race, with the magnificent Personal Ensign, Hall of Famer Inside Information, and longshot Pleasant Home. McGaughey will try to add a fourth win this year with Carriage Trail, who earned a berth in the Ladies' Classic when she set a track record in the Spinster Stakes last Sunday at Keeneland. Carriage Trail is an example of a horse whose Breeders' Cup participation this year is largely due to her performances on synthetic surfaces. She has won 3 of 4 starts at Keeneland, which has Polytrack. McGaughey is hoping she can transfer that form to Pro-Ride, the synthetic surface at Santa Anita.

HORSERACING NEWS

Preview of today's selections and race card from Oak Tree
Today, for all our members we have three selections and a suggested late Pick 4. I think the value can be found in the middle to the end of the today's race card. The shortest price in the morning line for my selections today is 7/2, while the other two are 6-1 and 8-1 respectively. My suggested late Pick 4 ticket is an affordable $54 investment and I think we will see a payoff well in excess of the $54 investment.
Early testing for Breeders' Cup entrants
The Breeders' Cup will randomly select approximately half of the horses that are pre-entered in the event's 14 races at Santa Anita Park in Southern California on Oct. 24-25 for out-of-competition drug tests designed to detect the use of powerful blood-doping drugs, officials of the organization have said. The horses who will be subject to the out-of-competition tests will be randomly determined after the horses are pre-entered on Oct. 14. The pre-entry form includes language giving the Breeders' Cup the right to draw blood from a horse at any time up until the race to test for blood-doping drugs like erythropoetin and darbepoetin.
News on Big Brown and other horses from the Dutrow Barn
They were only morning workouts, but trainer Richard Dutrow Jr. was so pleased with what he saw from several of his Breeders' Cup hopefuls Tuesday at Aqueduct, he felt like doing a little celebrating. Dutrow's dynamic duo of Big Brown and Kip Deville both breezed smartly over Aqueduct's turf course on Tuesday morning in preparation for starts in Breeders' Cup races at Santa Anita on Oct. 25. Big Brown, pointing to the $5 million Classic, went six furlongs in 1:14.64 while tracking Salute the Count, a Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint candidate. Meanwhile, Kip Deville, working alone, went six furlongs in 1:12.97 as he aims for a repeat of his BC Mile victory from a year ago. Kip Deville is 2 for 2 over Santa Anita's turf course.
Iavarone said that Court Vision, winner of last weekend's Grade 2 Jamaica Handicap, is "very much under consideration" for a start in the $3 million Breeders' Cup Turf. "To me, he looked awesome," said Iavarone, whose IEAH Stable owns Court Vision in partnership with WinStar Farm. "He was in [Ramon] Dominguez's hands the whole way. In previous races he needed to be nudged along. I don't see any downside. If he doesn't run his race then we can bring him back for the Hollywood Derby a month later. He could be one of the top grass horses in North America next year." Frost Giant, the Grade 1 Suburban winner worked six furlongs on dirt in 1:12.21. He was on the muscle, dragging Nevin through early fractions of 11.75 seconds, 22.88, 34.58, and 46.83 before tiring in the final quarter, which was timed in 25.38 seconds. Frost Giant, also owned by IEAH, is pointing to the $500,000 Breeders' Cup Marathon at 1 1/2 miles on Pro-Ride.
Smooth Air headed to Classic
The final decision has been made and travel arrangements are set for Smooth Air, who will compete in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Oct. 25 if he qualifies for a starting berth in the 14-horse field. "The owner definitely wants to get into the Classic, if that's possible," said trainer Bennie Stutts, referring to Brian Burns and his Mount Joy Stables. "In fact, he's already sent in his $50,000 pre-entry fee. With his permission, I also nominated Smooth Air to the Grade 2 Oak Tree Derby, which is a mile and one-eighth race on the turf for 3-year-olds to be run the same day, as insurance in case we don't get into the Classic."

HORSERACING : HANDICAPPING TIP #5 WORKOUTS PART 2

Handicapping Tip #5 Workouts Part 2
Today, I continue the talk about workouts. As I stated last week, official morning workouts are the only gauge the general public has to determine how a horse is doing since he/she last raced or coming into a race. I will be answering the following questions in today's talk on workouts. What do fast or slow works show in a horses ability/improvement or in the development of a horse? Does distance play a role in workouts? What to look for with first time starters and a horse coming off a layoff?
What do fast or slow works show in a horses ability/improvement or help in the development of a horse?
When a horse works fast in the AM he/she is probably showing their true ability/improvement. Here are a couple of examples: a bullet drill form the gate for a first time starter, a fast drill when there has been an equipment change (i.e. blinkers on/off or first time gelding), a fast work following a trainer change especially if the trainer is known to work his/her horses slow and a fast work coming out of a good or improved race. Slow drills help develop a horses stamina and are used as maintenance for a horse that is in good form or is racing fit. Slow drills are every bit as important as fast drills. Slow drills are important in developing a horses stamina and are helpful when a horse is trying to learn how to relax and finish off a race, which is important for young horses or horses stretching out in distance. Horses who are in good form or are racing fit may not need fast works, but need slow works just to maintain their current form.
Does distance play a role in workouts?
Shorter drills would include three and four furlong drills and can help sharpen up a horses early speed. These shorter drills could be helpful for a horse who is cutting back in distance, where stamina should not be questioned. Longer drills would include six and seven furlong drills and could help in aiding a horses stamina. These longer drills could be helpful for a horse who is stretching out to a distance of ground or just stretching out in general. A good example of how distance is important in workouts is a first time starter who is scheduled to run 5.5 furlongs in his/her first start and has an official six furlong drill on their work tab. I will always give this horse a good look, because they have worked farther than the race is carded for and stamina should not be questioned.
What to look for with first time starters and horses who are coming off a layoff?
With first time starters I look for consistent well spaced drills first of all. Consistent well spaced means every week over roughly a two month period of time. To me consistency is the most important part of this equation as consistency shows fitness, while a horse with gaps or missed works (not once a week) may show a horse who has some physical problems that have kept them off a strict regimen to prepare for their debut. With first time starters I like to see two to three recorded gate drills, one may not be enough and four or more could be a sign of a problem at the gate for this particular horse. How fast these drills are is not important as a I stated earlier, but I would like to see a couple of the works on the fast side. Fast gate drills are a good sign as I do like to see moderate to fast gate drills for first timers. Gate drills are timed from a stand still while other drills are timed from a run up and fast gate drills can be a sign of ability. When it comes to workouts with horses coming off the layoff I look for consistent well spaced workouts, with a mixture of short/long and fast/slow drills. These drills should have taken place over a period of time, which should have given the horse enough time to be prepared to win off the layoff.
General Point
When trying to find horses who are live first time out or off the layoff, workouts are a good clue, but you need to answer a few more key questions before making a well informed decision. Is this horse bred to win early or has the horse shown the ability to win off the layoff? Has this trainer shown the ability to win with first time starters or horses off this length of layoff? Is this how this trainer has prepared similar horses in the past? These questions along with understanding how official workouts help prepare a horse will help you make an informed opinion.
How the Formulator has made handicapping easier.
The Formulator has helped by allowing the handicapper to access past performances of similar horses that a particular trainer has trained, it will also allow you to see how a trainer has prepared these similar horses in the past. The Formulator also allows you access to breeding information on a particular horse, which lets you know how a hoses siblings has performed.
Personal Conclusion
Official workouts are a big part of how a trainer prepares a horse and how you interpret those works can help you the handicapper identify live horses. Trainers prepare horses to run different distances and use different types of workouts to help them properly prepare a horse for that new distance. Preparing a horse for a race is done with a variety of works and each one of them plays a key role in getting a horse to perform their best in the afternoon.

RACE RESULTS

Yesterday's results
The always contentious races on Cal Cup Day led to my biggest mutual of the meet. As Swift Winds took the Cal Cup Mile and returned $24.20, I hope you were able to take advantage of this big payoff. My other two selection Candy Pull finished third and Tutta Bella finished fourth after getting bet down to the 5/2 favorite. Swift Winds capped off a good weekend of handicapping as I went 3 for 6 with my selections over the weekend. My other two winners came in the last two races of Saturday's card as Queen Ofthe Catsle ($11.20) took the feature and Alpine Nugget ($8.60) won the nightcap, which led to $40.40 late double payoff.
Current Stats for Oak Tree
7 for 30 winners = $78.60 returned based on a $2 wager
First official work on Pro-Ride for Curlin
With a week to go to until pre-entries are taken for the Breeders' Cup, and two weeks until final entries are due, Steve Asmussen, the trainer of Curlin, reiterated on Monday that he and majority owner Jess Jackson are going to wait as long as possible to decide whether to run in the $5 million Classic Oct. 25 at Santa Anita."One step at a time," Asmussen said after Curlin worked a slow half-mile in 52.80 seconds on Monday morning at Santa Anita. "We want to show Curlin the patience I think he deserves. I'll discuss with Mr. Jackson everything we're seeing and everything Curlin is communicating to us." Asmussen added, "Telling him he needs to like it isn't going to happen. We're going to listen to him."
"Win and You're In" news from Keeneland
Carriage Trail didn't run straight in Sunday's Grade 1, $500,000 Juddmonte Spinster Stakes at Keeneland, but she sure ran fast. Despite drifting well out into the middle of the racetrack in the stretch, Carriage Trial dominated in the Spinster, a Win and You’re In prep for the Oct. 24 Breeders Cup Ladies' Classic, establishing a track record for 1 1/8 miles by racing the distance in 1:46.77 over Polytrack. Well positioned by jockey Kent Desormeaux, Carriage Trail took advantage of how the race unfolded on the backstretch when Jibboom and Rosinka engaged early leader Sharp Susan, as they raced a half-mile in 47.42 and six furlongs in 1:11.02. This left Carriage Trail in a perfect stalking position in fourth, and she pounced on the outside leaving the turn and quickly opened up in the stretch.
Earlier on the Sunday card, Bittel Road reaffirmed his status as one of the leading American prospects for the Oct. 25 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf by winning the Grade 3, $200,0000 Woodford Reserve Bourbon Stakes. Bittel Road'swin in the Bourbon, a Win and You’re In qualifier for the Juvenile Turf, improved his record to three-for-three, following victories in a maiden race at Belmont and the With Anticipation Stakes at Saratoga. Although successful, Bittel Road did not look the part of the winner for much of the race. Shuffled back early, he sat 11th of 12 until midway on the final turn, blocked behind a wall of horses in a congested field. Once clear in the lane, he quickly showed why he had been made the even-money favorite. With a burst of speed, he blew by horses, catching Irish invader Driving Snow in the closing yards to win by a head under Rajiv Maragh, who substituted for John Velazquez, who took off his mounts over the weekend after being shaken up in a spill Friday.
"Win and You're In" news from Belmont
One day after Mani Bhavan finished last as the favorite in the Alcibiades at Keeneland, her stablemate, Sky Diva, rolled to a 3 3/4-length victory in Saturday's Grade 1, $400,000 Frizette at Belmont Park. The victory earned Sky Diva a spot in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Santa Anita on Oct. 24. Steve Klesaris, who trains Sky Diva for owner Jeff Puglisi, said the Juvenile Fillies is under "strong consideration." Klesaris, who picked up his 1,000th career training victory earlier in the day at Delaware Park, said the multiple stakes-winning Mani Bhavan won't race again this year. Despite the fact that Sky Diva was making the jump from a debut win against three maidens at Delaware Park, Klesaris was quite confident in her chances in the Frizette. Klesaris's confidence was well-placed as Sky Diva, under Ramon Dominguez, saved ground down the backside, tipped three-wide at the five-sixteenths pole, cruised past pacesetting Gemswick Park in upper stretch, and won comfortably. Persistently, the even-money favorite, rallied to get second by two lengths over Gemswick Park.

HORSERACING NEWS

Preview of today's selections and yesterday's results
It is Cal Cup Day at Oak Tree as all eleven races on the card will be restricted to horses bred in the state of California. Big payoffs has been the norm in previous reunions of the Cal Cup at Oak Tree and today looks no different, especially in the middle to end of today's card. Yesterday, I released two winners as Queen Ofthe Catlse ($11.20) won the feature and Alpine Nugget ($8.60) took the night cap. The late double returned ($40.40) for those back to back winners to end the day.
Champagne winner unlikely to run in Breeders' Cup
Bobby Frankel told anyone who would listen how good he thought Vineyard Haven is. It's unlikely there are any doubters remaining. After putting away a pace challenge from longshot A.P. Cardinal, Vineyard Haven, under Edgar Prado, galloped to a 5 3/4-length victory over a deep field in the Grade 1, $400,000 Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park. Munnings finished second, three-quarters of a length ahead of 3-1 favorite Cribnote. Vineyard Haven added the Champagne to his victory in last month's Grade 1 Hopeful at Saratoga, putting him squarely atop the 2-year-old colt division. The Champagne was part of the Breeders' Cup's Win and You're In program, meaning Vineyard Haven earned an automatic berth into the $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita on Oct. 25. But Frankel, who is majority owner of Vineyard Haven, is leery of running Vineyard Haven over Santa Anita's Pro-Ride surface - as well as back in three weeks - and said Saturday from Keeneland, "I don't think I'll run."
Three year old filly remains perfect after Arc
Zarkava came with her typical late run to win the $5.5 million Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp on Sunday, extending her perfect record to 7 for 7 with a resounding victory over Youmzain. Immediately after the race, the Aga Khan said: "The Breeders' Cup Turf is unlikely, but I still haven't spoken to her trainer," Alain de Royer-Dupre.
"Win and You're In" news from Woodbine
A rejuvenated Marsh Side stole the show in the Grade 1, $2 million Canadian International at Woodbine Saturday, earning a berth in the Breeders' Cup Turf Oct 25 at Santa Anita in the BC Win and You’re In race. Marsh Side returned a record $61.20 to win in the mile and a half turf event, which eclipsed the previous record of $57.20 set by Nassipour in 1985. Folk Opera, confidently handled by Frankie Dettori, led every step of the way to score by 1 3/4 lengths in the Grade 1 E.P. Taylor Stakes at 1 1/4 miles on turf. The $1 million E.P. Taylor is a Win and You're In race for the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf. True to Tradition held off 52-1 shot Rouse the Cat in the final strides to take the $502,800 Nearctic Stakes, a Win and You're In race for the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. True to Tradition broke on top and then proceeded to track front-runner Starticus through fractions of 22.63 seconds and 44.99 in the six-furlong turf dash. Grand Adventure edged Skipadate by a head in the $303,900 Summer under Woodbine's leading stakes-winning rider, Eurico Rosa da Silva.The Summer, a one-mile turf stakes for 2-year-olds, was a Win and You're In race for the BC Juvenile Turf.
News from Keeneland
The strategy could not have been any simpler. Trainer Dale Romans instructed jockey Robby Albarado to grab the lead aboard Thorn Song and keep going as far as he could, a plan that worked brilliantly Saturday in the 23rd running of the Grade 1, $600,000 Shadwell Turf Mile at Keeneland. Romans, said Thorn Song most likely will accept the automatic berth into the Breeders' Cup Mile, which he earned through the Shadwell's Win and You're In provision.

HORSE RACING NEWS

Preview of today's selections and yesterday's results
Today, I have 3 selections for you, an early Pick 4 and multiple late Pick 4 tickets. I have two singles in the late Pick as I see it and if we are able to hit them both and be right in the other two races we can possibly cash two Pick 4 tickets. Yesterday, I was 1 for 4 with my selections as Bewitching Bartok score in the 3rd race and returned $7.00. Showtime Apollo hit the board as he ran 3rd in the night cap at a huge price. I was alive going to the last race of the late Pick 4 to three horses, but the best I could do was 3rd with the previously mentioned horse.
Update on Classic contender Casino Drive
Casino Drive, the winner of the Peter Pan Stakes at Belmont Park in May who missed the Belmont Stakes in June because of a bruised foot, arrived in California on Wednesday to prepare for the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Oct. 25. Thursday, Casino Drive was in quarantine at Hollywood Park. He was scheduled to be released from quarantine on Friday and will have his first exercise on the racetrack on Saturday or Sunday, according to Nobutaka Tada, spokesman for owner Hidetoshi Yamamoto and trainer Kasuo Fujisawa. It is unclear whether Casino Drive will have a prep race at Santa Anita in coming days. There is an opportunity for a start in an allowance race here on Oct. 12. "We don't know yet," Tada said. "He may go directly to the Classic. We'll see."
Dirt Mile for Maximus
A third-place finish by Albertus Maximus in the Grade 1 Goodwood Stakes on Sept. 27 has led trainer Vladimir Cerin to point the 4-year-old to the $1 million Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile on Oct. 25. Owned by Brandon and Marianne Chase, Albertus Maximus finished 1 3/4 lengths behind Well Armed in the Goodwood, closing from eighth in a field of 10 to be closest to the front at the finish. The Goodwood, a key prep to the BC Classic, was Albertus Maximus's second start for Cerin, preceded by a victory in the Windy Sands Handicap at a mile at Del Mar on Sept. 1 in track-record time of 1:35.37. Albertus Maximus's success at a mile has given Cerin confidence for the BC Dirt Mile.
Dream Empress in the Breeders' Cup
In the Alcibiades, Dream Empress ($6.80) also was a winning second choice when she gave trainer Ken McPeek his third victory in the race. Dream Empress, a Bernstein filly owned by Livin the Dream Racing LLC, secured a spot in the Oct. 24 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies by virtue of the Win and You're In program.

HORSERACING NEWS

Today's card and yesterday's results
Today, I have 4 selections for you. I have also out together a suggested Pick 6 and late Pick 4 play, so you get a look at the horses I like throughout the card today. Yesterday, we went 0 for 3 with out daily picks, but I did identify 4 winners throughout the day if you used my top plays for the two Pick 4's i released. These winners were in the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 6th races on the card.
Preview of "Win and You're In" races from Keeneland
The Keeneland turf course looks green and lush, belying the weeks of drought in the Bluegrass region. A new irrigation system installed when Keeneland underwent its massive renovation and Polytrack installation in 2006 has kept the grass from turning brown and crunchy, but the truth is that, underneath, there isn't much give to the ground. This is very good news for Shakis and War Monger. How does each prefer his turf? The harder, the better. Both have thrown in a couple of less-than-firm clunkers this year, but when last they met, over a dry Saratoga course on Travers Day, they filled out the exacta in a deep field of 10 in the Grade 2 Bernard Baruch, with Shakis rolling past War Monger in late stretch. Now comes their most important clash to date, with all sorts of stuff on the line. Shakis and War Monger are among 13 older horses, including one also-eligible, set to run Saturday at Keeneland in the Shadwell Turf Mile, a critical race sporting a $600,000 purse, a Grade 1 ranking, and a Win and You're In berth to the Breeders' Cup Mile. The 23rd running of the Shadwell anchors an extraordinary Saturday card at Keeneland. Four other stakes, including the Grade 1 Lane's End Breeders' Futurity, are on tap, with none of the 10 races worth less than $50,000. In all, Saturday purses at Keeneland total more than $2 million. A $150,000 guaranteed pick six will be offered on races 5through 10 and includes all five stakes races.
Preview of "Win and You're In" races from Woodbine
Doctor Dino, who has been competitive in top company while journeying far and wide over the last few seasons, has been made the 2-1 favorite for Saturday's Grade 1 Canadian International here at Woodbine. A field of 10 for the $2 million Canadian International, a 1 1/2-mile turf race for 3-year-olds and upward, was announced at a ceremonial draw here Wednesday. Doctor Dino will begin from post 3 and will have a new rider in Frankie Dettori for the Canadian International, which is part of the Breeders' Cup's Win and You're In program for the first time. The winner qualifies for a berth in the Breeders' Cup Turf. Three other stakes also will be contested over the turf course here Saturday and offer automatic Breeders' Cup berths to the winners: the Grade 1, $1 million E.P. Taylor (Filly and Mare Turf), for fillies and mares at 1 1/4 miles; the Grade 2, $500,000 Nearctic (Turf Sprint), for 3-year-olds and upward at six furlongs; and the Grade 3, $300,000 Summer (Juvenile Turf), for 2-year-olds at one mile.