Remember to click on the name of each Cup winner to view a replay.

The first of eight Breeders’ Cup races on Saturday went to Pounced, who did just that in the Turf Sprint. Chalk up another win for the euros. Bridgetown set the pace and held the place by a head over Interactif. Frankie Dettori booted home the John Gosden trainee.

California Flag was cooked on the pace in the ‘08 Turf Sprint, but he controlled proceedings throughout in a sharp wire job this time around. Joe Talamo was the pilot. Downhill specialist Gotta Have Her rallied for the place, and Cannonball rounded out the trifecta.

Lookin At Lucky was an unlucky 2nd in the BC Juvenile

Zensational was not a fast breaker, so he was in trouble after drawing the rail in the Sprint, and he was never comfortable in a disappointing but predictable 5th place finish. Four noses on the wire with CA-bred Dancing In Silks upsetting the applecart. Crown of Thorns, Cost of Freedom, and Gayego made up the rest of the top four. Joel Rosario got the win aboard the Carla Gaines trainee.

Bob Baffert did not get a break. Zensational was stuck on the rail in the Sprint, and his undefeated 2yo Lookin At Lucky was stuck in post 13 in the Juvenile. He had every right to fold after racing wide behind a tepid pace, but he rallied strongly under Gomez to just miss by a head. Overseas invader Vale of York was the stalk and pounce upset winner for Godolphin.

Goldikova won the ‘08 BC Mile with a perfect trip, and some thought she was vulnerable from a bad post this time around. I thought she was impossible to beat, and she rolled from the back of the pack to prove a much the best repeat winner. Euros are on a roll!

Zenyatta made her case for Horse of the Year after beating the boys in the BC Classic

Midshipman was my Dirt Mile top because of his pace advantage and ability to handle synthetic. He ran a fine race but was run down by my 2nd choice Furthest Land (Leparoux/Maker). Unfortunately, Ready’s Echo rallied to head my top out of the place, costing me a nice exacta.

Another overseas runner was attempting a grass repeat, and Conduit did just that in the Turf. He ran down a game Presious Passion, who opened up early as expected.

‘09 was the year of the girls beating the boys, and girl power was on full display as Zenyatta stormed past eleven male rivals en route to an exciting BC Classic victory. Mike Smith had his regular seat aboard the John Shirreffs trainee. Turf specialists Gio Ponti and Twice Over took down the place and show, and Summer Bird completed the superfecta.

The 2-day Cup extravaganza was a smashing success, and the Horse of the Year debate begins. Is it 8 for 8 Rachel Alexandra, who beat grade one males three times, or is it 5 for 5 Zenyatta, who won the BC Classic for her 14th win from as many lifetime starts?

Image: Newscom

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The undefeated miss breezed an effortless six furlongs in 1:12.40, and her morning jaunt was reportedly better than her final Cup move in ‘08. Earlier this year she did not seem to be quite as sharp as she was last season, but all of that has changed now, and she appears poised to deliver the goods in the Cup.

Zenyatta is approaching the Breeders' Cup on top of her game

In other Classic works, Summer Bird went five furlongs in :59.28 at Santa Anita. In his final work, he went fast early and slow late, and he might be worth trying to beat over a surface he might not particularly enjoy.

Gio Ponti worked four furlongs in :52.59 over a soft turf course at Belmont Park. He is enjoying a fine year and should be rolling late in the Classic.

Quality Road also drilled at Big Sandy, but he did his work on the main track, getting five panels 1:00.81. He should be a pace factor in the Cup, but his ability to handle synthetic ground is a major question.

2007 Classic show finisher Awesome Gem, coming off a win in the Hawthorne Gold Cup, went six furlongs in 1:13, and I would not be shocked if his late rally netted him another minor award.

Ky Derby winner Mine That Bird galloped a couple of miles on Oct 31st, and he will have his final Cup work on Monday.

Handicapping the Breeders’ Cup?

Use the BC Dashboard featuring over 100 replays, morning lines and handicapping analysis for all 14 races!

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

Image: Newscom

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Colonel John rates a longshot look in the Classic. 2-time local graded winner just missed in the Goodwood, and he won the Grade 1 Travers at this distance last year. He was my Ky Derby top in ‘08, and I have always had a soft spot for him. He was visually impressive winning the Wickerr on the turf earlier this year, and I would like to see him return to the weeds at some point.

Chocolate Candy's first preference is the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile

Chocolate Candy is familiar to many because he was on the Triple Crown trail this year. He found trouble in the Ky Derby (5th) and Belmont Stakes (9th). He two starts since comprised of  a closing 2nd in the El Cajon and a respectable 5th versus older foes in the Goodwood. His speed ratings are on the upswing, and he should be sitting on a top effort in his 3rd race off a layoff. He clearly does his best work on synthetic ground, and note that the Dirt Mile is his first preference.

Bullsbay has a first preference in the Dirt Mile, and he is enjoying a career year. Go back to February of this year, and was a length behind Richard’s Kid in the Campbell at Laurel. Richard’s Kid won the Grade 1 Pacific Classic this summer at Del Mar, and Bullsbay nabbed the Grade 1 Whitney prior to finishing 3rd behind Rachel Alexandra when last seen in the Woodward at the Spa. The Graham Motion runner handles synthetic but owns stronger speed ratings on regular dirt.

Awesome Gem landed the show in Curlin’s 2007 BC Classic. Versatile late runner is a 2-time graded winner on dirt and exits a sharp tally in the Grade 2 Hawthorne Gold Cup. A win would surprise but he could rally for a minor award.

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 100 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: Newscom

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Mine That Bird shocked the world on the first Saturday in May with an improbable late running win in the Kentucky Derby. He had lost three straight before that, and he has dropped four starts since. Sustained runner is always at the mercy of the pace, and the 4-time synthetic winner finished last in the ‘08 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita. He was 6th of 10 when last seen in the Goodwood, the final local prep for the Classic. He drilled a :58 and change five furlong bullet over the Pro-Ride surface on Oct 26th.

Mine That Bird has lost four straight since winning the Ky Derby

Girolamo is an exciting 3yo with an outstanding pedigree. The Godolphin colorbearer has won all three of his starts this year and exits a strong tally in the Jerome Handicap at Belmont Park. He has never tried synthetic ground, but a more pressing matter is his lack of a route foundation. If he opts to go in the Classic, it will be his first start around two turns. He has a ton of raw talent, but he has a tall task confronting him.

Gio Ponti is an interesting prospect for trainer Christophe Clement. He had his four-race grade one win streak snapped in a place finish over boggy ground at twelve furlongs last time. He’s a 3-time winner at ten furlongs and won a graded event over the local synthetic track in Dec. ‘08. Classy colt is worth a look at playable odds.

Einstein is a graded winner on dirt, synthetic, and turf. He lone start over Santa Anita’s Pro-Ride surface resulted in a Big Cap victory in March of this year. Versatile sort worked a strong five furlong bullet at Churchill on Oct 25th in advance of his Cup tilt. He tries to end a 3-race losing streak, and note that he only missed by a neck when last seen in the Pacific Classic.

The ‘09 Classic drew sixteen pre-entries, and I’ll be back tomorrow to look at the final 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 100 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: Newscom

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

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

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The Shirreffs trainee has won all thirteen of her lifetime starts, and it would be great if she could go out on top in the toughest challenge of her career. 7-time grade one winner is 4 for 4 at Santa Anita.

Breeders' Cup Classic is Zenyatta's first preference

Overseas invaders dominated the 2008 Classic, with Raven’s Pass (John Gosden) and Henrythenavigator (Aidan O’Brien) leading the way. O’Brien is back for more, and he has possible favorite Rip Van Winkle.

The 3yo son of Galileo lost his first three starts this year to Arc winner Sea The Stars, and he promptly won his last two group one outings after fleeing that rival.

O’Brien also has Mastercraftsman. He pre-entered for the Classic, but it is his 2nd preference behind the Dirt Mile. The 4-time group one winner is a contender in either spot.

Quality Road has the raw talent to threaten in the Classic, but ten furlongs is a bit out of his comfort range, and he has never tried synthetic ground. This is his first preference over the crowded Dirt Mile.

The ‘09 Classic drew sixteen pre-entries, and I’ll be back later today 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: Newscom

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

Below are post positions, morning line odds, and notes for the 2008 Breeders’ Cup Classic, to be run at ten furlongs over Santa Anita’s Pro-Ride surface on October 25, 2008.

Santa Anita Race 9: Grade 1 BC Classic, 3up, 10f

(1) Go Between (8-1) – Fresh synthetic specialist is training well for this. Garrett Gomez chose this one over Colonel John.

(2) Casino Drive (10-1) – Japanese runner is 3-3, and the $950k purchase is well-bred and has a world of potential.

(3) Tiago (15-1) – Mike Smith/John Shirreffs teamed up to win yesterday’s Ladies’ Classic with Zenyatta. He finished 2nd in the local prep for this.

(4) Duke of Marmalade (10-1) – Ten furlong overseas turf specialist has won 5 grade one races.

(5) Henrythenavigator (10-1) – Flat mile overseas turf specialist is Duke of Marmalade’s stablemate, and note that stable rider Murtagh chose to ride Duke in this event.

(6) Smooth Air (50-1) – Florida based 3yo has tactical speed but seems a cut below this group.

(7) Student Council (20-1) – Curlin’s stablemate is a grade one performer in his own right, and he is proven over synthetic footing.

(8) Raven’s Pass (6-1) – The 3rd and final overseas invader is similar to Henrythenavigator. He has had a long campaign.

(9) Curlin (7-5) – The defending Classic champ has not been as dominating in his recent races. He is training well for his first synthetic try.

(10) Fairbanks (10-1) – Was re-routed to this race when all of the pace defected. The one to catch.

(11) Colonel John (20-1) – My Derby top enjoys synthetic racing and won the Grade 1 Travers at this distance.

(12) Champs Elysees (20-1) – Marathon turf specialist was 3rd in the Big Cap in March. He adds blinkers for this.

To view my 2008 Breeders’ Cup Classic selections and wagering strategies, click here.

To view my 2008 Breeders’ Cup Sprint selections and wagering strategies, click here.

Duke of Marmalade Photo Credit: Newscom

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

Curlin breezed four furlongs in :49.60 on October 20th, and his stablemate Student Council continues to impress in morning drills, this time getting a half-mile in :48.18 while full of run. Shaun Bridgmohan will ride the latter.

Pyro, the 3rd member of the Steve Asmussen express, worked a pedestrian 4f in :51.17. Julien Leparoux has picked up the mount.

In other Classic news, Mast Track developed a quarter crack on Monday and has been eliminated from Cup consideration. The Frankel trainee was expected to set the pace in the Classic.

Robert Frankel will be represented in the Classic by Champs Elysees, who worked 5f in :59.60 while equipped with blinkers. Alan Garcia has picked up the riding assignment.

Eoin Harty has elected to start Well Armed in the Dirt Mile, and he worked an effortless 4f in :46.91 with a strong gallop out in preparation for that event. He is yet another early/pressing type out of the Classic.

Harty’s Colonel John breezed 4f in :49.20 with a 1:01.84 gallop-out. He clearly enjoys synthetic footing and is an improving three-year-old. Edgar Prado will ride as Garrett Gomez chose Go Between as his mount for the Classic.

Todd Pletcher’s Fairbanks, pre-entered in the Marathon and Classic, may now opt for the latter race after the aforementioned speed defections.

Awesome Gem is expected to chose the Turf Mile over the Classic. I was perusing his pp’s earlier today and thought he was a better fit at a flat mile on the turf.

Go Between worked 4f in :48.20 at Churchill on Monday, and he is expected to arrive at Santa Anita on Tuesday.

Casino Drive cantered around the Hollywood oval on Monday, and note that the versatile sort will be all over an expected tepid early pace in the Classic.

Tiago jogged and galloped at Hollywood as well. Regular pilot Mike Smith strings along.

Calder shipper Smooth Air arrived at Santa Anita on Sunday, and he also jogged and galloped nine furlongs. Manoel Cruz will ride.

Duke of Marmalade (Johnny Murtagh), Henry the Navigator (Johnny V), and Raven’s Pass (Frankie Dettori) will arrive from Europe later in the day on Oct. 20th.

Photo Credit: Newscom

I have added a replay (youtube) of the 2008 Juddmonte International, featuring Duke of Marmalade (pictured above).

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

Curlin, fresh off a sharp five furlong drill over Santa Anita’s Pro-Ride surface in between races on October 13th, has been pre-entered for a Breeders’ Cup Classic title defense on Oct. 25th. His five furlong work on Monday (pictured above) was completed in :59.11 while in company with Hawaii Calls.

Steve Asmussen also sent out Classic contender Student Council on Monday, and he drilled six furlongs in 1:12.40 under Shaun Bridgmohan.

Kentucky Derby hero Big Brown’s Classic hopes were dashed with a career ending injury to his right front heel following a turf work at Aqueduct on Oct. 13th. The fragile feet finally gave out as he worked without front shoes in company with defending BC Mile winner Kip Deville.

Casino Drive was an easy winner of an optional claiming event at Santa Anita on Oct. 13th (video replay below), and he earned a BSF of 92 for his efforts. The 3-3 Japanese sensation is definitely on target for the Classic. Victor Espinoza rode on Monday, and he will be aboard for his next start as well.

Grade 1 winning synthetic specialist Go Between worked with a purpose at Churchill Downs on Oct. 14th, logging seven panels in an impressive 1:23.60. He is scheduled to work once more before departing for SoCal on Oct. 21st.

In other BC Classic developments, last year’s 3rd place finisher Awesome Gem was pre-entered for the 2008 edition following the retirement of Big Brown. He worked five furlongs in :59 and change on Sunday.

Tiago drilled a strong six furlongs in 1:12 and change in preparation for the Classic last Saturday, and he reportedly galloped out strongly under Mike Smith as well. He is coming off a rallying place finish in the nine furlong Goodwood. He finished 5th as a three-year-old in the 2007 edition.

Smooth Air went a mile in 1:42 and change at Calder, and the ambitiously spotted sophomore is expected to work again on Friday before heading to Santa Anita the next day.

Travers hero Colonel John continues to work strongly, as he turned in a best of 11 six furlong move in 1:11.40 on Oct. 14th.

Photo credit: Newscom

Below is a replay of Casino Drive’s effortless Classic prep, courtesy of YouTube.

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

Three-year-old Colonel John, last seen winning the Travers Stakes by a scant nose, breezed four furlongs in :46.80 over Santa Anita’s Pro-Ride surface on Oct. 8th. The entire sophomore division could be in trouble versus older company, but the Colonel, an improving son of Tiznow, clearly enjoys synthetic footing and should give a good account of himself.

Casino Drive has returned from Japan, and his unorthodox walking/galloping routine continues at Hollywood Park. He shipped to the states and nabbed the Peter Pan in May, but a stone bruise kept him from competing in the Belmont Stakes. He was expected to train up to the Classic, but in a late development, he will race in an optional claiming event at Santa Anita on Sunday.

In other Classic news, Garrett Gomez has decided to ride Pacific Classic winner Go Between for trainer Bill Mott. He abandons aforementioned Travers hero Colonel John (pictured above).

Curlin, fresh off a slow half mile drill at Santa Anita, will work in company between races on Monday (10-13-08), and that drill should determine his Classic status.

Duke of Marmalade, a five-time overseas Group 1 winner this year, and most recently 7th behind undefeated three-year-old filly sensation Zarkava in the Arc, is a possible Classic entrant. He seems best at ten furlongs, and his trainer Aidan O’Brien has Arc show finisher Soldier of Fortune for the Turf.

Photo courtesy of Newscom.

Below is a replay of the 2008 Peter Pan, courtesy of YouTube.

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever