Breeders’ Cup notes (October 22nd)
October 22, 2008 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under Breeders' Cup, California Racing, Handicapping, Horses, Jockeys, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Synthetic Tracks, Trainers
Post positions have been drawn for the 2008 Breeders’ Cup, and here are notes for all 14 races…
Friday, October 24th
Ladies Classic
Zenyatta drew the rail and is the 3-5 fav for Friday’s feature race. Defending champ Ginger Punch is the 7-2 second choice.
Filly & Mare Turf
Wait A While is the 3-1 morning line favorite. Juddmonte Farms Visit is listed at 15-1 on the line, and she is expected to move to the Robert Frankel barn following the Cup. Forever Together drilled a 4f bullet in :47 at Keeneland.
Juvenile Fillies
Stardom Bound is the solid 2-1 late running choice.
Filly & Mare Sprint
3yo filly Indian Blessing is the 2-1 fav over multiple grade one winner Intangaroo. Classy turf mile specialist Ventura is the 5-1 3rd choice. Magnificence went 3f in :35-1/5, and Tiz Elemental went the same distance in :36-4/5.
Juvenile Fillies Turf
The speedy Laragh is the 7-2 fav over off the pace type Saucey Evening.
Saturday, October 25th
Classic
Curlin will break from post 9 and has been installed as the 7-5 favorite. The pace will likely be carved out by 10-1 Fairbanks.
Turf
Arc show finisher Soldier of Fortune is the 7-2 morning line choice. He is a classy, fresh and deserving fav. Red Rocks could be a vulnerable 5-1 2nd choice on the line. Spring House worked 4f in :47-4/5.
Mile
Classy overseas filly Goldikova is the 3-1 morning line fav…and rightfully so. Her only recent losses were to undefeated Arc heroine Zarkava. Whatsthescript is the 4-1 2nd choice stuck out in post 11. Defending champ Kip Deville is the 5-1 3rd choice and could end up offering value. Probable pacesetter Daytona worked 4f in :47-4/5. Bold Chieftain went the same distance at Golden Gate in :48-2/5.
Sprint
3-1 fav Street Boss had his 5-race win streak snapped in the Ancient Title last time, but that was only a prep for this and he could easily rebound from off the pace. Defending champ Midnite Lute is the 7-2 2nd choice looking to rebound. Fabulous Strike and Cost of Freedom share 3rd choice status at 4-1.
Juvenile
7-2 fav Munnings lands the rail and tries synthetic footing for the first time. 9-2 second choice Square Eddie looked good at Keeneland in his US bow.
Dirt Mile
Well Armed is the 3-1 fav in a competitive event. 20-1 Pyro has been purchased by Darley Stable. He will run in the silks of Ron Winchell on Saturday, and new owner Sheikh Mohammed will decide if he stays in training or retires. Mast Track has a small quarter crack and opted for this race instead of the Classic. Surf Cat drilled a 4f bullet in :45-4/5.
Turf Sprint
Get Funky is the tepid 9-2 fav breaking from post 13, but there is nothing wrong with outer posts in downhill sprints. Mr. Nightlinger is an outside speed threat at 6-1. Idiot Proof finished his morning preparations with a 1/2 mile breeze in :49 seconds.
Marathon
Overseas invader Sixties Icon at 2-1 and SoCal based Zappa at 5-2 will vie for role of fav in this new Cup event. Cedar Mountain breezed 4f in :49 seconds.
Juvenile Turf
Bittel Road is the late running 7-2 fav from post 11. Coronet of a Baron is the 9-2 second choice trying turf for the first time. City Style breezed a 1/2 mile in :49-2/5 at Retama in his final morning drill.
Curlin Photo Credit: Newscom
I’m betting heavy on Well Armed. The name evokes so many happy memories of my hillbilly relatives.
Good luck with Well Armed. He has a great shot in the BC Dirt Mile!
I have never bet on horses, but have been to the racetrack with my grandpa as a kid..it was fun!! Good luck .
I think Well Armed will do great!
Wow – looks like great fun – wish i was there for all the races!!
Horse racing is new to me, only been watching the last two years. Great blog. Having updates on the horses and how they are doing is great for us novices.
When I lived in New Mexico, I used to go the races from time to time. Brings back memories!
This is the most devestating and (finally)exciting Breeders Cup year. Finally…NO MORE STEROIDS!!! BETTER SURFACES and more safety features ie;whips, etc.Lets ALL take a moment of silence to THANK the Ones that have made these VERY NECESSARY changes possible: Barbero and Eight Belles, You did NOT die in vain and We THANK YOU.