Cup Chatter: Pletcher’s Dozen
October 26, 2009 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under Breeders' Cup, International Racing, Trainers
No less than twelve horses have been pre-entered by Todd Pletcher for the upcoming 2-day Breeders’ Cup on Nov 6-7 at Santa Anita Park.
Included in the dozen is Quality Road, who traveled 5f in 1:00.52 at Belmont Park in preparation for the $5 million Classic. The flashy 3yo obviously has talent, but ten furlongs is pushing the envelope, and how will be handle the Pro-Ride surface?
Quality Road will contest the Breeders' Cup Classic for Todd Pletcher
Exciting Juvenile Turf prospect Interactif breezed 4f in :49.14 on Oct 26th. He looked good in winning the Bourbon at Keeneland on Oct 11th.
Pletcher sure is loaded with promising youngsters, and according to clockers, Eskendereya had the move of the day. He worked in company with stablemate and fellow Cup entrant Aikenite. They finished up close together, but former reportedly galloped out strongly.
One baby not going to the Cup but making news was Florida Stallion series hero Jackson Bend. The Calder comet was purchased by Robert La Penta and will move to the barn of Nick Zito. Look for him in 3yo stakes ranks at the Gulf next winter.
Derby winner Mine That Bird uncorked a five furlong Pro-Ride bullet as he continues preparations for the Classic. He was last seen finishing 6th in the Goodwood.
Super Derby winner Regal Ransom (Classic) breezed a visually impressive five furlongs for Godolphin, and Lethal Heat went the same distance in the exact time of :58-2/5 for Barry Abrams. As noted in an earlier post, she might contest the Ladies’ Classic on Nov 6th and the Turf Sprint the following day.
On the international front, sharp conditioner Aidan O’Brien entered Rip Van Winkle in the Classic, and he’s the likely fav in that spot. Barn also has Mastercraftsman, who could go in the Dirt Mile (1st preference) or Classic.
Other Cup entrants from the O’Brien barn include Man of Iron (Marathon), Alfred Nobel (Juvenile), Beethoven (Juvenile), Lillie Langtry (Juvenile Filly Turf), and Viscount Nelson (Juvenile Turf).
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