Breeders’ Cup entrants continue to go through their final paces as the big days loom, and Zenyatta made a favorable Halloween impression at Hollywood Park.
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.
In other Classic works, Summer Bird went five furlongs in :59.28 at Santa Anita. In his …read more

Part two of my Breeders’ Cup Classic blog, and below is a look at the next four pre-entrants.
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 …read more

Indian Blessing, ‘08 Breeders Cup Filly & Mare Sprint runner-up, has decided to take a pass on that same race this year. Her conditioner Bob Baffert has reportedly not been happy with her recent training. She is better on conventional dirt, but it is too bad she is skipping the Cup.
In other Breeders Cup news, Classic contender Summer Bird worked between races at Santa Anita on Oct 25th. He went five furlongs in 1:00.45 under regular rider Kent Desormeaux. As is always the case in works leading up to big races, the connections were …read more

The Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup will be run at Belmont Park on Saturday, October 3rd, and the favorite for the ten furlong test will likely be Belmont Stakes (G1) and Travers (G1) hero Summer Bird. He is the other bird no more, and he has become especially dangerous since adding blinkers and showing much improved tactical speed.
The Tim Ice runner should take up a nice stalking position once again, but a horse he vanquished in the Travers (G1) might turn the tables on him, and his name is Quality Road.
Many might remember Quality Road as the early favorite …read more

Belmont Stakes winner and Haskell runner-up Summer Bird moved to the head of the three-year-old class with a sharp stalk and pounce trip in the Grade 1 Travers on August 29th at Saratoga Race Course.
Under a confident ride by Kent Desormeaux, the Tim Ice runner was eager to run and put himself in the garden spot on the outside over the sloppy footing, and the race was basically over after Our Edge and Kensei wilted.
The good looking son of Summer Bird has a grasp on Champion 3yo honors, and the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) is next …read more

The Grade 1 Travers Stakes will not have filly sensation Rachel Alexandra, but it is looking like a solid field of eight for the $1 million showcase at Saratoga on August 29th.
Rachel Alexandra will wait for the Grade 1 Woodward at the same venue on September 5th, and she will face a new challenge against older males, but that is a story for another day.
Back to the Travers, and Derby and Belmont winners Mine That Bird and Summer Bird will square off against Quality Road, Kensei, Warrior’s Reward, Our Edge, Hold Me Back, and Charitable Man.
Mine That …read more

The Grade 1 Travers will be run on August 29th, and it should the event of the summer.
Derby winner Mine That Bird, a flat 3rd in the West Virginia Derby last time, worked four furlongs in a solid :48.22 at Saratoga on August 10th. The drill was 7th best of 22, and he is expected to work two more times before the big dance.
Kensei, fresh off back-to-back graded wins in the Dwyer and Jim Dandy, is the now horse with a 2-for-2 record at the Spa. He breezed an easy four panels in :51 and …read more

Derby winner Mine That Bird runs in West Virginia, and Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra takes on Belmont hero Summer Bird in the Haskell.
Mine That Bird makes his first post Triple Crown start at Mountaineer on Saturday, and he’s been training well for his return. A strong effort will propel him to the mid-summer Derby on August 29th.

The West Virginia Derby is not a cakewalk, and Big Drama is a serious prominent throughout threat. Others considered probable are Awesome Rhythm, Miner’s Escape, Monty’s Best, and Soul Warrior.
Also on Saturday, Saratoga plays host to Grade 2 Jim Dandy, the …read more

SoCal three-year-olds take center stage in the Grade 2 Swaps on July 18th, but they will have to go forward without Pioneerof The Nile , who recently retired with a leg injury.
Lexington (G2) winner Advice will ship in for Todd Pletcher, and the late runner figures to attract plenty of support at the windows. Fellow sustained runner and Lexington runner-up Conservative is also expected for Shug McGaughey.
The shippers will have their hands full with good looking Affirmed (G3) wire job winner Grazen . Also expected for the Swaps are Affirmed runner-up Misremembered , Quindici Man, Scorewithcater, Dover Street Art, and Massone.

Rachel …read more

Mine That Bird returned to the worktab with a solid four furlong move in :49 and change at Churchill on July 7th. He galloped out strongly and is on course for the Grade 2 West Virginia Derby on August 1st. He will reunite with Mike Smith for at least his next few outings.

Rachel Alexandra had her first morning activity since her facile Mother Goose tally. Clockers caught the daughter of Medaglia D’Oro in an easy :50 and change over four panels. The work was recorded over the Oklahoma Training track at Saratoga, and her next start is undetermined.
Quality …read more