Breeders’ Cup news (October 23rd): Ladies day is upon us
October 23, 2008 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under Breeders' Cup, California Racing, Handicapping, Horses, Jockeys, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Synthetic Tracks, Trainers
The 2008 Breeders’ Cup has arrived, and first up is Ladies Day on October 24th. Five Cup races will be run on Friday’s 10-race card at Santa Anita…
BC Filly & Mare Sprint – seven furlongs
Indian Blessing is riding a 3-race win streak, and her lone synthetic start was a diminishing head victory in a graded 7f race at Santa Anita in January. The Bob Baffert trainee, ridden by John Velasquez, figures to stalk the pace. The fleet Indyanne has been scratched due to a fever, so Lady Sprinter, Dream Rush, and Dearest Trickski are expected to carve out the fractions.
BC Juvenile Fillies Turf – eight furlongs
Laragh looks like the one to catch. We have a trio of overseas invaders in this race, including rail-sitter April Pride, maiden Beyond Our Reach, and Aidan O’Brien’s listed winner Heart Shaped. This wide open event is screaming for an upset.
Grade 1 BC Juvenile Fillies -eight and one-half furlongs
Stardom Bound broke her maiden in the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante, and she exits an easy victory in the Grade 1 Oak Leaf at this course/distance. It would not be a Breeders’ Cup without trainer D Wayne Lucas, and he has Be Smart, a $325k Keeneland sales grad out of Kentucky Derby-Preakness winner Smarty Jones. She paid $100 in her dirt sprint bow at the Spa, and she held the place when last seen in the Alcibiades at this distance.
Grade 1 BC Filly & Mare Turf – ten furlongs
Godolphin’s Folk Opera might be the one to catch. Stalking her will be probable favorite Wait A While, Dynaforce, and Halfway To Heaven. Watch for Forever Together to make her move in the stretch.
Grade 1 BC Ladies’ Classic – nine furlongs
The undefeated, late running Zenyatta might give a run at Horse of the Year if things break her way. First, she needs to win this race impressively, and her case would be strengthened considerably if Curlin goes down in defeat in Saturday’s Classic. Mike Smith rides Stardom Bound and Zenyatta, so her could be sitting on a big day.
Zenyatta Photo Credit: Newscom
Below is a YouTube replay of the 2008 Lady’s Secret, featuring Zenyatta.
I think Consequence can do well in the JF Turf at a bit of a price.
I always look forward to the Derby too besides the Breeders Cup.
I’ve just got into horse racing and what a thrill it is!!
love the name — Godolphin’s Folk Opera! This one will win! Just wait and see!
I love horses and rode show jumpers for 20 years. I always go to the racetrack because I am lucky and my knowledge with horses gives me a little edge. I did not know this race was on but I am so excited to find this web site. I will be looking at this a lot!!!!