Curlin repeated as Horse of the Year at the Eclipse Award ceremonies. The recently retired all-time North American money earner stands at Lane’s End Farm with a $75k stud fee. Undefeated miss Zenyatta took home Older Female honors.

Big Brown was unanimously voted 3yo Champion, and Proud Spell took down 3yo filly honors over her late stablemate Eight Belles.

As expected, Midshipman is the Juvenile Champ, and Stardom Bound nabbed Juvenile Filly honors.

The other equine Eclipse Awards went to Conduit (Turf Male), Forever Together (Turf Female), Benny the Bull (Male Sprinter), Indian Blessing (Female Sprinter), and Good Night Shirt (Steeplechaser).

Steve Asmussen was the top Trainer, and Garrett Gomez the leading Jockey. Pascacio Lopez nabbed Apprentice Jockey honors, and Stronach Stables edged out IEAH Stables by one vote. Adena Springs (Frank Stronach) took home the Breeder trophy.

California

Colonel John is recovering from a pulled muscle and will miss the upcoming Strub Stakes.

Promising 3yo Pioneerof The Nile continues to tear up Pro-Ride surface in advance of the Robert B. Lewis (G2) on Feb 7th.

Stardom Bound is expected to make her 3yo bow in the Feb 7th Las Virgenes (G1).

Florida

Despite a gloomy economy, handle is on the rise at Gulfstream, and that news is not surprising given the daily full fields and great betting opportunities.

A pair of Kentucky Derby preps are on tap this week at the Gulf. Break Water Edison and Hello Broadway lead the field in the seven panel Hutcheson (G2) on Friday, and Idol Maker (Empire Maker) should prove hard to handle in the Holy Bull (G3) for Todd Pletcher.

Recent Eclipse Award winner Benny the Bull is coming out of retirement after recovering from an ankle chip. The Dutrow/IEAH runner will likely return this summer.

Japan

Casino Drive got back on the beam in an allowance victory, and it would be great to see him return to the US later this year. He may end up in the Dubai World Cup in March.

Photo Credit: newscom.com

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

Kentucky Derby hero Big Brown has his fans, but his Horse of the Year hopes went up in flames with his Belmont Stakes debacle.

Curlin, a daunting physical specimen, had a fantastic four-year-old campaign with five wins in seven starts, including victories in the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup, Woodward, Stephen Foster, and Dubai World Cup.

His two losses occurred in the Breeders’ Cup Classic over synthetic footing, and a runner-up effort in Man O’ War on turf.

The soon to be retired son of Smart Strike has not lost a conventional dirt race since finishing 3rd in the 2007 Haskell at Monmouth, and it was good to see him in racing silks following an outstanding three-year-old campaign.

Curlin, North America’s all-time leading money earner, was not nearly the same horse from a visual standpoint the second half of 2008. He did not show his customary turn of foot in the aforementioned Man O’ War, but that was a turf marathon so his somewhat flat effort can be forgiven. He was all out to defeat Past the Point in the Woodward, and that rival has failed twice since and has never won a graded event.

Again, Curlin was pushed to the limit in the JC Gold Cup by the late Wanderin Boy, and that one frequently settled for minor awards in big races. A victory in the BC Classic would have made this conversation a non-issue, but Curlin’s 4th place effort opened the door, and Zenyatta is poised to kick it down.

Unlike her male counterpart, Zenyatta was not a one surface wonder. Her undefeated 7-7 season included four grade one tallies, including the Apple Blossom at Oaklawn Park on conventional dirt, defeating 2007 Eclipse Award (Older Female) winner Ginger Punch in the process.

She capped her 2008 season with a smashing victory in the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic, defeating the talented Cocoa Beach, who came back to win the Grade 1 Matriarch at Hollywood Park.

Zenyatta is my choice to win Horse of the Year honors over Curlin in what should be a hotly contested vote. Note that Zenyatta is expected to resume her racing career in 2009.

Curlin Photo Credit: Newscom

Below is a YouTube replay of the 2008 Ladies’ Classic…

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

Undefeated filly sensation Zenyatta made her case for Horse of the Year with a powerful performance in the Ladies’ Classic. She remains in light training until a decision is made regarding her future. I would like to see her race next year and possibly take on males at some point.

Ginger Punch finished 6th in her Ladies’ Classic title defense, and the Robert Frankel trainee has been retired. The five-year-old mare won six Grade 1 races and amassed over $3 million in career earnings.

Carriage Trail, 4th in the Ladies’ Classic, has been retired.

Curlin, 4th in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, returned to Churchill Downs on Monday, and his future will be decided by majority owner Jess Jackson. It would be great to see him return to race another season, but he has nothing left to prove on the track and is a valuable commodity at stud. The future is also uncertain for surprise Classic winner Raven’s Pass.

Classic runners Henrythenavigator (2nd) and Duke of Marmalade (9th) have both been retired to stud. Fairbanks (10th) and Student Council (11th) also reportedly ended their racing days on Saturday.

Colonel John, a more than respectable 6th in the Classic, will be back for a four-year-old campaign. I always liked this son of Tiznow, and he should continue to improve next year.

BC Filly & Mare Turf winner Forever Together will receive a much needed vacation. She will return to race in 2009.

Visit, a solid 4th in the BC F&M Turf, will remain in Southern California while moving to the Robert Frankel barn. I expect good things out of her next year.

Impressive Juvenile Fillies winner Stardom Bound is expected to be sold in Kentucky on Nov. 2nd as her 85-year-old owner Charles Cono gets out of the game.

Juvenile Fillies runner-up Dream Empress is expected to race next in the Golden Rod at Churchill on Nov. 29th.

Filly and Mare Sprint winner Ventura will race next year for Robert Frankel, who mentioned that Precious Kitten, 4th in the BC Mile, will make her final career start in the Nov. 30th Matriarch at Hollywood Park.

Filly and Mare Sprint favorite and runner-up Indian Blessing is seemingly better on conventional dirt, and trainer Bob Baffert would like to send her to Dubai in March.

2007 BC Mile hero Kip Deville, 2nd behind the sensational Goldikova in the 2008 edition, is scheduled to make his next start in the Hong Kong Mile on December 14th.

Mile show finisher Whatsthescript is likely to run in the Citation at Hollywood Park on Nov. 28th.

The aforementioned Goldikova has returned to her French base, and the three-year-old filly will race again next year. It would be great to see her in the 2009 Cup, also held at Santa Anita Park.

Donativum, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf winner under a heady ride by Frankie Dettori, has now won three straight since being gelded earlier this year. The John Gosden trainee could shoot for the 2009 Kentucky Derby.

BC Turf winner Conduit could race next in the Japan Cup on Nov. 30th. Place finisher Eagle Mountain will run in Hong Kong on Dec. 14th.

Turf 7th place finisher Winchester will contest the Hollywood Derby on Nov. 30th at Hollywood Park.

In other thoroughbred racing news, the fall meet at Santa Anita Park concluded on Sunday, and racing switches to Hollywood Park on October 29th. Belmont Park also wrapped up its fall meet, and Aqueduct opens on Oct. 29th as well.

Zenyatta Photo Credit: Newscom

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever

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.

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

Post positions have been drawn for the 2008 Breeders’ Cup, and here are notes for all 14 races…

Friday, October 24th

Ladies Classic

Zenyatta drew the rail and is the 3-5 fav for Friday’s feature race. Defending champ Ginger Punch is the 7-2 second choice.

Filly & Mare Turf

Wait A While is the 3-1 morning line favorite. Juddmonte Farms Visit is listed at 15-1 on the line, and she is expected to move to the Robert Frankel barn following the Cup. Forever Together drilled a 4f bullet in :47 at Keeneland.

Juvenile Fillies

Stardom Bound is the solid 2-1 late running choice.

Filly & Mare Sprint

3yo filly Indian Blessing is the 2-1 fav over multiple grade one winner Intangaroo. Classy turf mile specialist Ventura is the 5-1 3rd choice. Magnificence went 3f in :35-1/5, and Tiz Elemental went the same distance in :36-4/5.

Juvenile Fillies Turf

The speedy Laragh is the 7-2 fav over off the pace type Saucey Evening.

Saturday, October 25th

Classic

Curlin will break from post 9 and has been installed as the 7-5 favorite. The pace will likely be carved out by 10-1 Fairbanks.

Turf

Arc show finisher Soldier of Fortune is the 7-2 morning line choice. He is a classy, fresh and deserving fav. Red Rocks could be a vulnerable 5-1 2nd choice on the line. Spring House worked 4f in :47-4/5.

Mile

Classy overseas filly Goldikova is the 3-1 morning line fav…and rightfully so. Her only recent losses were to undefeated Arc heroine Zarkava. Whatsthescript is the 4-1 2nd choice stuck out in post 11. Defending champ Kip Deville is the 5-1 3rd choice and could end up offering value. Probable pacesetter Daytona worked 4f in :47-4/5. Bold Chieftain went the same distance at Golden Gate in :48-2/5.

Sprint

3-1 fav Street Boss had his 5-race win streak snapped in the Ancient Title last time, but that was only a prep for this and he could easily rebound from off the pace. Defending champ Midnite Lute is the 7-2 2nd choice looking to rebound. Fabulous Strike and Cost of Freedom share 3rd choice status at 4-1.

Juvenile

7-2 fav Munnings lands the rail and tries synthetic footing for the first time. 9-2 second choice Square Eddie looked good at Keeneland in his US bow.

Dirt Mile

Well Armed is the 3-1 fav in a competitive event. 20-1 Pyro has been purchased by Darley Stable. He will run in the silks of Ron Winchell on Saturday, and new owner Sheikh Mohammed will decide if he stays in training or retires. Mast Track has a small quarter crack and opted for this race instead of the Classic. Surf Cat drilled a 4f bullet in :45-4/5.

Turf Sprint

Get Funky is the tepid 9-2 fav breaking from post 13, but there is nothing wrong with outer posts in downhill sprints. Mr. Nightlinger is an outside speed threat at 6-1. Idiot Proof finished his morning preparations with a 1/2 mile breeze in :49 seconds.

Marathon

Overseas invader Sixties Icon at 2-1 and SoCal based Zappa at 5-2 will vie for role of fav in this new Cup event. Cedar Mountain breezed 4f in :49 seconds.

Juvenile Turf

Bittel Road is the late running 7-2 fav from post 11. Coronet of a Baron is the 9-2 second choice trying turf for the first time. City Style breezed a 1/2 mile in :49-2/5 at Retama in his final morning drill.

Curlin 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

Big Brown worked six furlongs over a good Aqueduct turf course in 1:14.64 on Oc. 7th. The move was in company with stablemate Salute the Count, a possible entrant in the newly formed Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint.

The dogs were up, about 12 feet out, and the Richard Dutrow runner completed his final two furlongs in :23.85 while galloping out seven panels in 1:29.26. The 2008 Kentucky Derby hero is expected to have two more works before heading to Santa Anita on Oct. 21st.

Curlin had his first activity over Santa Anita’s new Pro-Ride synthetic surface, getting four furlongs in a pedestrian :52.80 on Oct. 6th.

The Steve Asmussen trainee will work in company on Oct. 13th, and we should get a better gauge of his ability to handle synthetic ground next week.

Curlin’s stablemate Student Council, also gearing up for the Classic, breezed six furlongs in 1:15.60

In other Classic developments, Smooth Air is being pointed to the big race. The Hutcheson and Ohio Derby winner was last seen taking the Needles Stakes over the Calder grass, and note that trainer Bernie Stutts also nominated him to the Oak Tree Derby for grassy three-year-olds on the Breeders’ Cup undercard. He will head to SoCal on Oct. 18th. Below is a replay of the 2008 Ohio Derby, courtesty of YouTube.

Whitney and Mass Cap hero Commentator will not participate in the BC Classic, and the Nick Zito trainee is likely done for the year. He will remain in training to shoot for a third Whitney title in 2009.

Post from: Thoroughbred Fever