Grade 3 Morvich highlights Oak Tree @ Santa Anita opening day
September 23, 2008 by Jarrod Horak
Filed under Breeders' Cup, California Racing, Handicapping, Horses, Jockeys, Miscellaneous, Racetracks, Stakes Races, Synthetic Tracks, Trainers
The race to the 2008 Breeders Cup Championships kicks into high gear with the opening of the Oak Tree @ Santa Anita meet on Wednesday (Sept.24th).
The new Pro-Ride surface will get the acid test, and if early indications mean anything, it should pass with flying colors.
The Grade 3 Morvich Handicap, a downhill turf event for three-year-olds and up, is a Breeders Cup Win and You’re In event, with the winner earning a spot in the newly created BC Turf Sprint.
Get Funky is the one to beat in the Morvich. He has won 2 straight turf sprints, and he is 2-2 down the dip. He has won his last 4 turf sprint starts and owns running style versatility.
Rebellion exits a fine place finish in a graded Polytrack affair at Del Mar, and the classy late runner is a 3-time winner on the sod.
Siren Lure is a multiple downhill winner, but the 7yo has not won since 2006 and might need the outing.
Ten Maropa won a Grade 3 hillside event in his US bow in March, and he is training well for Mullins.
One Union won a thrilling renewal of the restricted Wickerr at Del Mar, and synthetic specialist Tropic Storm always fires for Craig Dollase. Desert Code is a speed threat from the outside post under Gomez.
Below is a replay of the 2008 Pat O’Brien from Del Mar, featuring Morvich contender Rebellion, courtesy of YouTube.
