Breeders’ Cup review (October 25th): Raven’s Pass surprises Curlin
October 25, 2008 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under Breeders' Cup, California Racing, Horses, International Racing, Jockeys, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Synthetic Tracks, Trainers
It was a fun and exciting two days of racing, and I had success selling my full card Breeders’ Cup analysis. I got a pair of best bets home (Ventura, Albertus Maximus), and I also tabbed the Ladies’ Classic exacta, the Mile trifecta/superfecta, and Donativum ($13.60) in the BC Juvenile Turf.
Breeders’ Cup recap: Saturday, October 25, 2008
BC Marathon
The day started out well for the Euros as overseas synthetic specialist Muhannak ($26.80) kicked it up a few notches to upset the Mike Mitchell duo of Church Service and Big Booster.
BC Turf Sprint
Desert Code ($75.00) returned to previous sharp downhill form in a shocking win over 5-1 Godolphin overseas invader Diabolical. Steve Asmussen trainee Storm Treasure rallied from last to garner the show.
BC Dirt Mile
My best bet on the card Albertus Maximus ($14.60) rallied smartly down the center under Gomez to post a sharp 1-1/4 length victory over Rebellion. The winner has improved since Cerin took over the training at Del Mar. Two Step Salsa made all the pace and gamely held the show over Super Derby hero My Pal Charlie, who made a bold run but flattened out. Lewis Michael and Well Armed disappointed as the top two choices in the wagering.
BC Mile
Goldikova ($5.60) was much the best in a powerful victory over defending champ Kip Deville. The talented overseas filly is trained by Freddie Head and ridden to perfection by Olivier Peslier. Whatsthescript (post 11) rallied from last to grab the show away from Precious Kitten.
BC Juvenile
Midshipman ($9.20) made all the running for Gomez/Baffert to turn the tables on Norfolk winner Street Hero, who ended up a decent 3rd in here. Square Eddie finished 3rd as the top three played cat and mouse all the way around the track.
BC Juvenile Turf
Donativum ($13.60) got the job done for me under a heady ride from Frankie Dettori, and he outsmarted Murtagh aboard Westphalia. Coronet of a Baron was a fine 3rd in his turf bow. 29-1 Louisiana Downs shipper City Style rallied to finish a respectable 4th.
BC Sprint
Great job by Bob Baffert to have Midnight Lute ($7.40) ready to defend his title following hoof problems and one below par prep. It was reminiscent of Da Hoss. Garrett Gomez was booting home his 3rd Cup winner on the day, and 2nd for Baffert. Early/pressing Synthetic specialist Fatal Bullet ran too good to lose. Street Boss outgamed In Summation for 3rd.
BC Turf
My strong top Eagle Mountain sat the perfect trip and was always traveling smoothly, but fellow overseas invader Conduit ($13.60) ran him down in the lane. Dancing Forever headed fav Soldier of Fortune out of 3rd.
BC Classic
I wanted nothing to do with Curlin (4th) in this race, but I was not smart enough to come up with John Gosden’s flat mile turf speicalist Raven’s Pass ($29.00), who capped off a big day for Frankie Dettori. Fellow Euro Henrythenavigator was 2nd best, and Goodwood runner-up Tiago rallied to land the show. My top choice Go Between washed out in the post parade and was stuck in traffic along the rail in a better than appears 5th. Decent effort by 3yo Colonel John (6th), who made a nice move to battle for the lead turning for home. He should make some noise in this division next year. Zenyatta seemingly has the inside track for Horse of the Year, and you’ll get no argument here!
Raven’s Pass Photo Credit: Newscom
Below is a YouTube replay of the 2008 BC Classic.
there is just *something* so thrilling about horse racing
CURLIN~~~STILL~~~Horse of the year AGAIN? OF course….and WHY? Because HE’s SIMPLY…..THE BEST!!! Now We wait and see how many more can The “ZEN” win???YAY! RUFFIAN has come back to us!!!
The Breeder’s Cup is so exciting and you never know until the end which horse is going to surprise you the most. Curlin still may be horse of the year, but you have to expect the unexpected and in the end anything can happen!