Cup Chatter: BC Classic (Part 1)

Jarrod Horak — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:50:57 +0000

As expected, Zenyatta has been pre-entered in both the Ladies’ Classic and against males in the $5 million Classic. Everyone would love to see her take on the gents, and I have a feeling she will do just that.

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

Cup Chatter: Pletcher’s Dozen

Jarrod Horak — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:40:36 +0000

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.