Cup Chatter: BC Classic (Part 2)

Part two of my Breeders’ Cup Classic blog, and below is a look at the next four pre-entrants.

Regal Ransom started his career in the US, and he was sent to Dubai for the winter following a disappointing effort in the ‘08 Norfolk at Santa Anita. He has been part of the exacta in 4 of 5 starts since, with his only below par effort a speed/fade trip in the Ky Derby. He returned from a 4+ month layoff to easily wire the Super Derby, and he continues to work well. Biggest questions are his ability to handle synthetic and his stamina.

Super Derby hero Regal Ransom is training well for Breeders' Cup

Richard’s Kid has found his best stride since moving to the Baffert barn and switching to synthetic. He smartly nabbed the Pacific Classic at Del Mar, and he proved that was no fluke with a closing show finish in the Goodwood. He is a grade one winner at this distance and is a viable price player.

Summer Bird obviously has ability with wins in the Belmont Stakes, Travers, and Jockey Club Gold Cup. He might be best on a wet track, and the Classic will be his first try on an all-weather surface. Owns fine positional speed since donning the hood.

Twice Over has won three straight overseas turf races at the ten furlong Classic distance. Group one winner could threaten if able to handle the footing. In last year’s St James Palace Stakes, he finished 3rd behind ‘08 Classic 1-2 finishers Raven’s Pass and Henrythenavigator.

The ‘09 Classic drew sixteen pre-entries, and I’ll be back tomorrow to talk about the next four players.

We have the 2009 Breeders Cup thoroughly covered on Horse Racing Nation. I am pleased to announce that we have launched the BC Dashboard!

Over 90 video replays. Fields and morning lines for all 14 races. Handicapping race outlook. Historical Race Profiles. Find it all at the BC Dashboard.

Results and video from all past Breeders’ Cup Classic races can be found here.

Image: Stacy Edwards