Breeders Cup preview: Curlin wins Gold Cup; BC Classic next
September 28, 2008 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under Breeders' Cup, Handicapping, Horses, Jockeys, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Synthetic Tracks, Trainers
Saturday’s Breeders Cup preview card at Belmont Park was run on a sloppy main track and a yielding turf, conditions that will not be seen at Santa Anita in October, the site of the 2008 Cup.
The Grade 1 Beldame
Heavy fav Ginger Punch made the pace from the inside, but Lemon Drop Mom never gave her a breather, and she was worn down by improving Godolphin runner Cocoa Beach.
I have never been a huge Ginger Punch fan, but I will give her the benefit of the doubt. She is best as a stalker, and note that she parlayed a show finish in last year’s Beldame into a win in the 2007 BC Distaff. She better bring her running shoes to California, because undefeated synthetic specialist Zenyatta is a beast! I have added a replay of the 2008 Beldame, courtesy of YouTube.
The Grade 1 Flower Bowl
Dynaforce made all the running and repulsed a bid from fav Mauralakana en route to a 4-length win. The winner clearly liked the footing and controlled the pace as well. Communique ran on well to just miss the place. The waters get much deeper in the BC Filly & Mare Turf.
The Grade 1 Vosburgh
Black Seventeen sat the right outside speed trip and outnodded game inside speedster Fabulous Strike. Both would add plenty of heat to the BC Sprint, and the winner has run well in four synthetic starts in California.
The Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational
Grand Couturier burst away to post an emphatic 10-1/4 length tally in a breakout performance. He was notching his 3rd Grade 1 win at twelve furlongs on the turf, and he handles any type of ground (good, firm, yielding). I do not know if he can duplicate that effort away from New York, and he figures to run into more than one talented overseas invader in the BC Turf.
The Jockey Club Gold Cup
Curlin surpassed $10 million and Cigar in earnings with a solid 3/4 length tally over stubborn Nick Zito pacesetter Wanderin Boy. Curlin has departed for Santa Anita and will have ample time to get a feel for the Pro-Ride surface. We are poised for a Horse of the Year showdown between Curlin and Big Brown in the BC Classic, and note that neither has ever tried synthetic ground. Below is a replay of the 2008 JC Gold Cup, courtesy of YouTube.
I sure hope Brownie wins the Breeders Cup, but I have a feeling that Cali regulars (Go Between, Well Armed and even Student C.) have an advantage as synthetic specialists, as long as anyone but Curlin wins, I’m happy though!
The synthetic specialists may hold the edge this year, and I am not sure the three-year-olds match up at this point. As a bettor, I would try to beat Big Brown and Curlin. Go Between is certainly a contender. Well Armed might not quite last ten furlongs against top notch company, but his promising stablemate Colonel John is a tad interesting and could save the day. Toss in a few classy overseas invaders and we are looking at an intriguing renewal of the BC Classic.