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Life is Sweet for Shirreffs in Ladies' Classic

Life is Sweet had the track to herself late in the Ladies' Classic (Jim Tyrrell/Horsephotos.com) Pam and Martin Wygod's LIFE IS SWEET (Storm Cat) has faced a dynamo named Zenyatta (Street Cry [Ire]) in three of her last four starts, with that fourth run coming against the boys. On Friday, the bay lass finally found a race that didn't contain her nemesis, who also happens to be her stablemate, and ran away with the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (G1) by 2 1/2 lengths to give trainer John Shirreffs his second straight win in the race. "I'm just so happy for Life is Sweet," Shirreffs said. "She's such a nice filly. She ran so great early in the year. I was glad she was able to get it done today. She really deserves this. She had been coming into this race really great." Zenyatta was a dominant victress of last year's Ladies' Classic for Shirreffs, and Life is Sweet utilized a similar come-from-behind running style as her stablemate to make her conditioner just the third to earn consecutive runnings of the event. As 8-5 favorite Careless Jewel (Tapit) drew off to a quick and dominating lead through splits of :23 2/5, :45 3/5 and 1:09 3/5, jockey Garrett Gomez allowed Life is Sweet to settle in the rear of the field. The three-year-old gray Careless Jewel, who was seeking her sixth straight win, began to feel the effects of her swift pace and visibly shortened stride heading into the second turn. Life is Sweet was just gearing up at that point, circling the entire field and sweeping by down the center of the track. The bay miss effortlessly drew off to finish the 1 1/8-mile test in 1:48 2/5, earning her first victory since taking the Santa Margarita Invitational H. (G1) in mid-March over the Pro-Ride.

"I was a little disappointed the way she left the gate," Gomez admitted. "She was a little antsy today; she halfway hopped when she left the gate and she got pinched a little bit. She's been wanting just to drop back and not help me at all, and just completely off the bridle, and John (Shirreffs) told me today he thought she was back to her old self, and when I got around the first turn and she kind of grabbed me I said, you know, I think he's right. She grabbed a hold of me and I had to slow her down a little bit, just like I did this spring. She traveled exactly the same.

Life is Sweet proudly wearing the Breeders' Cup flowers (Ted Terquinio/Horsephotos.com) "I actually thought they'd go ahead and start backing up about the three-eighths pole and they kept kicking on and I started getting a little worried. I started making a little run and all of the sudden, about the quarter-pole, they all started coming back really solid and she started finding her stride. I went by the last one and she just stayed on really solid, and I'm glad she picked today to show up." Life is Sweet didn't get much respect from the wagering public as she was sent off the 8-1 fifth choice in the field of eight-horse field. She rewarded her faithful followers with $18.20, $8 and $5 while keying the $85.80 exacta ($1). Mushka (Empire Maker), winner of the Spinster S. (G1) last out via disqualification, held second by one length over a fast-closing Music Note (A.P. Indy), returning $12.80 and $6.40 at 16-1. "At the quarter-pole, she felt like a winner," said Kent Desormeaux, who had piloting duties aboard Mushka. "She cornered like she couldn't lose, but the winner came and got me." Music Note filled out the third spot in the Ladies' Classic for the second straight year, giving back $3.20 as the near 5-2 second pick and ending the $523.60 trifecta ($1). Proviso (GB) (Dansili [GB]), who crossed under the wire first in the Spinster but was placed second for interference, was another 2 3/4 lengths back in fourth, rounding out the 2-3-7-5 superfecta ($1) that totaled $2,533.40.

E.P. Taylor S. (Can-G1) runner-up Rainbow View (Dynaformer), who was trying a synthetic track for the first time, followed in fifth with Cocoa Beach (Chi) (Doneraile Court), Lethal Heat (Unusual Heat) and Careless Jewel completing the order under the wire.

"(Music Note) was stuck behind with nowhere to go, but when the rider (Rajiv Maragh) took a chance and moved her, she flew. But the winner was too far ahead by then. (Cocoa Beach) did not run well. Very disappointing," said trainer Saeed bin Suroor of his two charges.

Music Note (inside) couldn't run down Life is Sweet (Lauren Pomeroy/Horsephotos.com) "She broke well. At the first quarter she was going OK, but then she locked on to the bridle and went as far as she could as fast as she could. That's not her," jockey Robert Landry explained about Careless Jewel. "Normally, she'll just relax. It's disappointing because she is a much better filly than she showed today. That's for sure. She's a great filly. She'll be back and she'll be bigger and stronger." Life is Sweet began her career under the tutelage of Bill Mott, running fourth in last year's Ashland S. (G1) as well as recording runner-up efforts in the Sands Point S. (G2) and Calder Oaks while racing on turf. Once transferred to Shirreffs, and the synthetics in California, the now four-year-old immediately moved up her game, capturing the El Encino S. (G2), La Canada S. (G1) and aforementioned Santa Margarita. She faced fellow Shirreffs trainee Zenyatta for the first time in the Milady H. (G2), following her home to be second, then took on the boys in the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1), where she rallied for a third-place finish. Fourth-place runs resulted in Life is Sweet's past two races, once again behind Zenyatta, in the Clement L. Hirsch S. (G1) and Lady's Secret S. (G1). Returning to the winner's circle following this top-level score, her record now stands at 15-6-3-1 and she's banked $1,770,810 in lifetime earnings. "She's had some tough races," Gomez said. "Her campaign this summer was very difficult. She had to run against Zenyatta a couple times. She ran against the boys once. When you run some tough races like she did, it will take something out of you. I'm glad they were able to get her confidence back and have her prepared for today. My hat is off to John and Mr. and Mrs. (Pam and Martin) Wygod for a tremendous job."

The Kentucky-bred Life is Sweet is out of stakes winner Sweet Life (Kris S.), who ran second in the 2000 Beverly Hills H. (G1) and has since produced a juvenile full sister to the Ladies' Classic winner named Ain't She Sweet as well as an unnamed yearling full sister. Sweet Life is herself a half-sister to 1995 Milady H. (G1) victress Pirate's Revenge, four-time stakes scorer Echo of Yesterday and Grade 3-placed stakes hero Caribbean Pirate, all three by Pirate's Bounty.

Life is Sweet was preceded in stakes glory by another full sister, Sweet Catomine, who was named 2004 champion two-year-old filly following victories in that year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), Del Mar Debutante (G1) and Oak Leaf S. (G2). Sweet Catomine would go on to take the Santa Anita Oaks (G1) and Santa Ysabel S. (G3) before ending her racing career with a fifth to the boys in the Santa Anita Derby (G1).

Others of note in the family include 1996 Peter Pan S. (G2) and Bay Shore S. (G3) winner Jamies First Punch (Fit to Fight) as well as Grade 2 heroine Forest Fealty (Baederwood).

Midday shines brightly in Filly & Mare Turf

Midday became just the third sophomore to win, following Banks Hill and Ouija Board (Tara Gregg/Horsephotos.com) Legendary British horseman Henry Cecil has trained the winners of 35 classics over the course of his illustrious career, but not until Group 1 star MIDDAY (GB) (Oasis Dream [GB]) powered to victory in Friday's $1,818,000 Filly & Mare Turf (G1) did he hoist his first Breeders' Cup trophy. Under a heady ride by young jockey Tom Queally, the Juddmonte Farms homebred drove through to the inside of fellow Juddmonte runner Visit (GB) (Oasis Dream [GB]) in midstretch and kicked away to establish her supremacy. Midday had a comfortable length to spare over the late-running Pure Clan (Pure Prize), with defending champion Forever Together (Belong to Me) closing mildly for third. The winning sophomore reeled off 1 1/4 miles on Santa Anita's firm turf in 1:59 and furnished mutuels of $6.60, $4.80 and $3 as the 2-1 second choice. "It was lovely," Cecil said. "I did fancy Father Time (GB) (Dansili [GB]) in the Marathon, but he just didn't seem to let himself go at all (and wound up a distant sixth), so I was wondering what was going to happen here. It's a relief. It's great for the Prince (Khalid Abdullah). He has been a great supporter of mine. If it wasn't for him, I wouldn't be here now.

"I was quite happy. They suddenly quickened up a bit, and when (Queally) asked her, she moved through nicely. She finishes well, and she gets the trip well. When she hit the front, I think she thought she had just enough for the end, and she had."

"The biggest win of my career -- undoubtedly," said Queally, a 25-year-old native of County Waterford, Ireland. "She hit a flat spot over on the backside, and I had to get after her. She has a top gear that is really something, but we had to find it. When she quickens, it's just a dream. I saw lots of rails all the way around. It was a dream run. Nine times out of 10 it won't work out that way for you, but today was the day. I am over the moon."

In the early going, Midday settled in fifth as Visit strode to the lead through an opening quarter in :24. Dynaforce (Dynaformer) advanced to press the issue through a half in :48 4/5, with Rutherienne (Pulpit) in third and Maram (Sahm) in fourth.

As Visit injected more pace on the backstretch, getting six furlongs in 1:12 4/5, Midday improved her position along the rail and was a stalking third through one mile in 1:36. By this point, Visit had put away Dynaforce for good, but Midday was poised to strike turning for home. When Queally asked her in earnest in the stretch, Midday found another gear and drew clear of a stubborn Visit.

Pure Clan, who had been near the back early, eventually followed the winner's path through on the inside, but her rally was too little, too late to trouble a long-gone Midday. The runner-up gave back $7.80 and $4 at 7-1 and ended the $26.80 exacta ($1).

"(Pure Clan) came home great," rider Garrett Gomez said. "She actually surprised me that she was coming home as well as she was because the last sixteenth of a mile it was like I'd put some new gas in the machine. I actually just accelerated, and it's been a while since I've seen one do that after going a mile. She really kicked it into a nice over-gear for us and she ran good -- too bad I couldn't get her going sooner.

"(Trainer Bob Holthus) told me to ride her away from there and I couldn't get her to hook up. I couldn't get her to really do a whole lot. I couldn't get her on her feet enough, and I thought she's done this as many times as I have, so let her show me the way and hopefully sooner or later she'll help me, and she did. But that last sixteenth of a mile was pretty amazing."

Although Forever Together, last of eight for the first nine furlongs, delivered her customary late charge on the outside, she couldn't make an impression on the top two and settled for third. The slight 2-1 favorite crossed the wire 1 1/4 lengths adrift of Pure Clan and yielded $2.40 to show.

"I warned him (jockey Julien Leparoux) in the paddock that I didn't see much pace here, and told him you might want to be a little closer," said Jonathan Sheppard, Forever Together's trainer. "I was very concerned after a quarter-mile that she was too far back. She made her run, she always does, but from an almost impossible position."

"On the backside, I asked her a little bit just to stay with them," Leparoux recapped. "She made a good move from the three-eighths to the wire. I don't know, maybe she has lost a step, but not much. She just wasn't good enough today."

Forever Together had a neck to spare over Visit, who staved off Magical Fantasy (Diesis [GB]) by a nose to save fourth. The $1 trifecta was worth $95, and the $1 superfecta totaled $536.50 (6-5-2-1). Maram, Rutherienne and Dynaforce rounded out the order of finish.

Midday is the latest performer from her outstanding family (Tara Gregg/Horsephotos.com) With the $1,080,000 winner's windfall, Midday has joined the millionaires' club, sporting $1,565,655 in earnings from her 11-4-2-3 line. A steadily-improving type at two last season, the bay broke her maiden by a nose in her third start and concluded her campaign with a fourth in the Montrose Fillies S. Midday made her 2009 debut versus males in a conditions race at Epsom, where she finished an encouraging second, but took a massive leap forward when romping by six lengths in the Lingfield Oaks Trial. Midday then lined up in the Oaks (Eng-G1) and traveled beautifully until being hampered at the top of the straight. She recovered and knuckled down bravely in a protracted duel with the highly-touted Sariska (Pivotal), only to come up short by a head. Midday took her on again in the Irish Oaks (Ire-G1), but failed to handle the desperately soft ground and came home 7 1/2 lengths behind Sariska in third. On a better variety of soft going in the Nassau S. (Eng-G1) at Goodwood, Midday earned her first top-level score by an impressive 2 1/4 lengths from Rainbow View (Dynaformer). Midday was reportedly not quite fit when contesting the Prix de l'Opera (Fr-G1) last out off a two-month holiday. She made her move to strike the front in the stretch, but tired and was relegated to third.

Bred in Great Britain, Midday is out of the English stakes-placed Midsummer (Kingmambo), who is herself a half-sister to eight stakes performers -- chief among them Oaks heroine and English highweight Reams of Verse (Nureyev), as well as multiple Group 1 victor and Irish highweight Elmaamul (Diesis [GB]). Interestingly, Reams of Verse is the second dam of Group 1-placed Zacinto (GB) (Dansili [GB]), who will fly the flag for Juddmonte in Saturday's Breeders' Cup Mile (G1).

This is also the family of Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1) hero and multiple highweight Zafonic (Gone West); Group 3 winner Zamindar (Gone West), the sire of unbeaten champion Zarkava; and Regal Parade (Pivotal), who captured the Sprint Cup (Eng-G1) at Haydock on September 5.

Plans call for Midday to stay in training, and possibly defend her title in next year's Breeders' Cup at Churchill Downs.

She Be Wild rides rail for Juvenile Fillies score

She Be Wild is small but spunky (Ted Terquinio/Horsephotos.com) Jockey Julien Leparoux kept SHE BE WILD (Offlee Wild) ran along the rail in the lane of Friday's $1,818,000 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), and the move paid off as the dark bay lass scooted through a hole in late stretch to give trainer Wayne Catalano yet another Juvenile Fillies victory. Taking the 2006 running with eventual champion Dreaming of Anna, the conditioner saddled Nancy Mazzoni's colorbearer to finish up 1 1/16 miles in 1:43 4/5. "When they were loading, she was getting a little excited but she broke good," Catalano said. "Everything went well. I'm really happy with her. I was a little worried when it looked like she might get trapped, but I have a good rider who is patient. I felt good when she poked her head in the hole. She's not a big filly so it doesn't take much room." "I got a perfect race," Leparoux said. "I was on the rail all the way. I was hoping it would open up at the top, but I didn't really know. It did open up, a little bit, and that was good. That was all I needed." She Be Wild appeared ready to lead the field when the gates opened, spurting to the front, but Leparoux quickly got his mount settled down, opening the way for Always a Princess (Leroidesanimaux [Brz]) to take command through splits of :23 4/5, :47 2/5 and 1:11 3/5.

She Be Wild was content to track in the two path just behind in third while Connie and Michael (Roman Ruler) pressed Always a Princess. Connie and Michael couldn't keep up with the pace, fading as the field entered the stretch. Always a Princess still maintained the advantage through a mile in 1:37, but Leparoux had already angled She Be Wild over to the rail. The pair accelerated to take the win by three parts of a length.

Sent off the 7-1 fifth pick, She Be Wild rewarded her supporters with payouts of $16.80, $9 and $5 for her rail-skimming score. Beautician (Dehere) just got up to take second by a head over Blind Luck (Pollard's Vision), giving back $9.40 and $6 at 8-1 while show was worth $3 as the 7-2 favorite. The $1 exacta returned $72.20, the $1 trifecta totaled $407.90 and the 8-4-3-12 superfecta ($1) paid $7,384.90.

She Be Wild and Julien Leparoux teamed up for the first time here (Ted Terquinio/Horsephotos.com) "When she came to me at the barn, she was not a real big filly, but she had a lot of spunk to her," Catalano said. "Once we got to training her, she showed a lot of ability. She's got a tremendous stride for a small horse, and that's what caught my eye and my attention on her stride and her work ethics. And, the spunk that she had in her, they seemed to have a little horse that has a lot of heart." Biofuel (Stormin Fever) was making a big rally down the center of the track, but was slammed by Negligee (Northern Afleet) in midstretch when that one suddenly veered toward the grandstand. She recovered her stride and got up for fourth, a head in front of Always a Princess. Next under the wire were Negligee, Zilva (Successful Appeal), Connie and Michael, Ms Vanenzza (Successful Appeal), Bickersons (Silver Deputy), Devil May Care (Malibu Moon) and Champagne d'Oro (Medaglia d'Oro). She Be Wild dominated her first three starts, breaking her maiden by 7 1/4 lengths for a $40,000 claiming tag at Arlington Park in May. She took the rest of the summer off, returning on August 8 in the Top Flight S. to score by 5 1/4 lengths. The juvenile miss made her graded bow in the one-mile Arlington-Washington Lassie (G3) and closed for a 5 3/4-length victory on September 5, then suffered her first and only career loss when second by just a half-length in the Alcibiades S. (G1) at Keeneland on October 9. She avenged that defeat here, with Alcibiades winner Negligee finishing far back here.

Bred by her owner and Mike Mazzoni in Kentucky, She Be Wild was an OBS April two-year-old RNA at $19,000. She is out of Trappings (Seeking the Gold) and comes from the same family as 2002 Prioress S. (G1) winner Carson Hollow (Carson City) and 2002 Canadian champion turf horse Portcullis (Smart Strike).

Catalano is already looking to the future with She Be Wild, who moved her record to 5-4-1-0 having now earned $1,311,040.

"I think Mr. Mike and Nancy would like to look at the Kentucky Oaks (G1) down the road. So we'll look somewhere in that move," he said.

Decision decisive in Filly & Mare Sprint

Informed Decision remains unbeaten on synthetic surfaces (Ted Terquinio/Horsephotos.com) Augustin Stable's INFORMED DECISION (Monarchos) proved to be better than Ventura (Chester House) in the Madison S. (G1) at Keeneland in April and demonstrated her superiority over that rival once more Friday with a score in the $909,000 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) at Santa Anita. Under the guidance of Julien Leparoux, Informed Decision enjoyed a favorable stalk-and-pounce journey, getting the jump on Ventura to win by a comfortable 1 1/4 lengths. Final time for seven furlongs was 1:21 3/5. Informed Decision paid $8.80, $3 and $2.80 as the 3-1 second choice. "She broke good, and put me right where I wanted to be early in the race," Leparoux said. "She was nice and relaxed and comfortable. I was very happy from the start because I know what kind of kick she can give me. She can win any way."

Informed Decision tracked in second behind Free Flying Soul (Quiet American) through fractions of :23 1/5 and :45 4/5. Ventura, the 4-5 choice, was near the back of the nine-horse pack and was forced to swing five-wide turning for home, but by then Informed Decision had taken off and would not be denied.

"Pace makes the race. They were going exceptionally slow up front and there wasn't any one up there to help me," said jockey Garrett Gomez, aboard Ventura. "She gave me her usual kick as we started to make our run. She's the kind of filly that you have to time just right. If I ask her too soon, that's not good either. When my filly kicked in, she started to gain on the other one, but she kicked in too and went into a higher gear. I just couldn't catch her."

Ventura was three lengths clear of the 35-1 outsider Free Flying Soul for second, returning $2.60 and $2.20. The latter gave back $7.40. The $1 exotics paid $7.70 (exacta), $120.60 (trifecta) and $540 (7-9-1-2 superfecta). Fourth across the wire was 5-1 third choice Sara Louise (Malibu Moon), who was followed by Only Green (Ire) (Green Desert), Silver Swallow (Alphabet Soup), Evita Argentina (Candy Ride [Arg]), Seventh Street (A.P. Indy) and Game Face (Menifee).

"I'm pretty sure we'll keep her in training for next year," winning trainer Jonathan Sheppard said. "We'll give her a break as we did last year. Probably bring her back somewhere around Keeneland time somewhere in the spring."

Informed Decision ran her line to 14-11-0-2, $1,771,617. She began a five-race win streak in the Missile Belle S. at Belmont Park last September prior to ending her three-year-old season with a 4 1/4-length score in the Raven Run S. (G2) at Keeneland. The gray lass opened 2009 in the Madison S. beating Ventura by a head on the line, and continued her domination of the female sprinting ranks with a three-quarters of a length win in the Humana Distaff S. (G1) on Kentucky Derby Day. She posted a 4 3/4-length victory in the Chicago H. (G3) over Arlington Park's Polytrack on Independence Day, but could do no better than a one-paced third on Saratoga's sloppy dirt in the Ballerina S. (G1). She returned to the winner's circle following a strong 2 1/2-length score in the Presque Isle Downs Masters S. (G3) over Tapeta and last time landed the Thoroughbred Club of America S. (G3).

Bred in Kentucky by Charles L. Kidder & Nancy M. Cole, Informed Decision has passed through the sales ring twice, bringing $150,000 as a Fasig-Tipton July yearling and $320,000 as a Fasig-Tipton Midlantic May two-year-old. She is out of the winning Palangana (His Majesty) and has a pair of unnamed half-sisters, a Zavata juvenile and a Champali yearling, as well as a 2009 full brother. Informed Decision's second dam is Grade 3 winner and Grade 2-placed Countess North (Northern Dancer), who produced 1985 New Orleans H. (G2) winner Westheimer (Blushing Groom [Fr]).

This is the same family as three-time Grade 1 heroine Banker's Lady (Nijinsky II), Grade 1 scorer Ecton Park (Forty Niner), Grade 2 winners Banker's Gold (Forty Niner), Impetuous Gal (Briartic), Relaxing Rhythm (Easy Goer) and Spring Waltz (Silver Charm) as well as Grade 3 victress Meribel (Peaks and Valleys).

Tapitsfly lives up to her name in Juvenile Fillies Turf

Tapitsfly flew home at Santa Anita (Ted Terquinio/Horsephotos.com) Frank L. Jones Jr.'s homebred TAPITSFLY (Tapit) wore down the game pacesetter Rose Catherine (Speightstown) to prevail in Friday's $909,000 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf S. at Santa Anita. Trained by Dale Romans and ridden by Robby Albarado, the gray tracked in second while Rose Catherine winged her way through splits of :22 4/5, :47 and 1:10 1/5. The early leader was all heart when Tapitsfly challenged her in the stretch, but she could not fend her off. Tapitsfly had too much firepower inside the final furlong and forged ahead by a half-length to compete the firm-turf mile in 1:34 1/5. "No one deserves to win a race like this more than Mr. Jones," Romans said. "He's been in the business a long time and has had horses for over 30 years. My father (Jerry Romans) trained for him before me. It's just a great win for him and for me too. I thought we had a great trip. I thought that if she got her nose in front, she wouldn't stop. That other filly (Rose Catherine) ran a great race, but my filly hung on." "It was a great trip," Albarado said. "She broke well -- she put herself in position. I just wanted to clear most of them into the first turn so I wouldn't get packed out too wide. She's awful quick leaving the gate. She got herself into position and the first time I pressed, she went on. She came home nice. She's a little fighter, I'll tell you that. She's a true grass horse for sure. The only time I rode her on the grass she was at her most impressive."

Sent off as the 9-1 fifth choice in the 12-filly field, the winner returned $21.60, $8.60 and $6. Rose Catherine finished well clear in second by 3 1/4 lengths, paying $6.80 and $5.80 as the co-second choice at 6-1. House of Grace (Limehouse) got up for third, rewarding her backers with $5 at 7-1. Another 1 1/4 lengths back came the 20-1 Hatheer (Storm Cat), who prevailed in a tight four-way scramble for fourth. The $1 exotics were worth $76.20 (exacta), $479.40 (trifecta) and $7,358 (10-4-7-9 superfecta).

"(Rose Catherine) was running so easy for me," jockey Javier Castellano said of the runner-up. "Her ears were up. When I asked her, she took off. We just got beat, but I'm so, so happy with the way she ran."

Robby Albarado was all smiles following the Juvneile Fillies Turf (Ted Terquinio/Horsephotos.com) "I thought (House of Grace) ran well," trainer Ken McPeek said of the third-place finisher. "It was a turf course that obviously favored speed because the horses that were one and two early ended up that way. Mike (Luzzi) did a good job sneaking her up through the rail. For a closer in a field where speed held, she ran good." Jungle Tale (Lion Heart) rallied from last for fifth, followed by La Nez (Storm Creek), Potosina (Cactus Ridge), 3-2 favorite Lillie Langtry (Ire) (Danehill Dancer), Smart Seattle (Smart Strike), Lisa's Kitten (Kitten's Joy), Elusive Galaxy (Ire) (Elusive City) and Junia Tepzia (Ire) (Rock of Gibraltar [Ire]). The also-eligibles Dad's Crazy (Langfuhr), who had upset Tapitsfly in the Miss Grillo, and In the Slips (More Than Ready) did not draw into the field. "I had a bit of a bump turning into the straight," jockey Johnny Murtagh said of Irish shipper Lillie Langtry. "About halfway down the straight I got pushed out a bit, but I think I was done at the time. I'm not sure if she handled the course. She didn't turn well. She's a big, rangy filly." "Johnny said the race was a little bit rough," trainer Aidan O'Brien said. "He never got a happy run. I think he got a little bit of a bump early. We'll bring her home and train her for the classics at home." Tapitsfly took four tries to break her maiden. After accomplishing that agenda item at Saratoga on August 3, she switched to turf and posted a front-running score in the P. G. Johnson S. at the Spa one month later. Tapitsfly hoped to stay on the grass in the October 4 Miss Grillo S. at Belmont, but that event was transferred to the main track. Although Tapitsfly pressed the pace throughout, she ultimately tired and finished second as the 1-2 favorite. Now two-for-two on turf, she has compiled an overall mark of 7-3-2-1, $668,142.

The Kentucky-bred is the second registered foal from the winning Flying Marlin (Marlin), who has since produced an unnamed yearling filly by Pollard's Vision and a weanling filly by Strategic Mission. She hails from the family of globetrotting Grade 1 star Golden Pheasant (Caro [Ire]) and multiple Japanese Grade 1-placed Bella Rheia (Narita Top Road).

Man of Iron edges Cloudy's Knight in Marathon

Man of Iron just got the victory in the Marathon (Lauren Pomeroy/Horsephotos.com) The 2009 Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita got off to a thrilling start on Friday as MAN OF IRON (Giant's Causeway) rallied determinedly to catch Cloudy's Knight (Lord Avie) in deep stretch and outfinished his nine-year-old rival by a nose in the $454,500 Marathon. The European horses were expected to dominate the 1 3/4-mile event over the Pro-Ride, but Man of Iron was the most unheralded member of the four-horse contingent. The regally-bred colt garnered his first stakes victory when stopping the teletimer in 2:54 beneath Johnny Murtagh. Trained by Aidan O'Brien, Man of Iron entered his U.S. debut off an allowance score over the all-weather track at Dundalk, England, and the three-year-old finished fourth behind stablemate and Dirt Mile (G1) favorite Mastercraftsman (Ire) (Danehill Dancer) in the Diamond S. (Ire-G3) two back. The chestnut was best known for being the younger half-brother to a pair of Belmont S. (G1) winners, champion Rags to Riches (A.P. Indy) and Jazil (Seeking the Gold), but Man of Iron is now starting to carve out his own legacy on the track. "That was brilliant," O'Brien said. "We're delighted. Johnny gave him a wonderful ride. Johnny said that he was just going to take his time because that's the way he likes to be ridden. That's what he did. It was just a marvelous ride." Black Astor (Black Minnaloushe) broke running from the rail and led the way through opening splits in :48 1/5, 1:13 3/5 and 1:39 as Murtagh rated near the back of the field. Cloudy's Knight, who stalked in midpack under Rosemary Homeister Jr., got first run on the pacesetter midway on the far turn, and the venerable nine-year-old gelding, who recently returned from a year layoff with a pair of Grade 3 victories, stormed into the stretch with the lead. Mastery (GB) (Sulamani [Ire]), the 7-5 favorite, came next on the far outside, and Man of Iron, who shifted course to the inside leaving the far turn, was in full flight approaching the quarter-pole. Cloudy's Knight looked strong in upper stretch and reached the 12-furlong point with a length lead in 2:29 2/5, but he began to drift toward the outside and couldn't withstand the winner's late surge.

"It was his first time over the course so I let him just go along without any hurry," Murtagh said. "I wanted to stay out of trouble. I asked him at the three-eighths pole and he responded beautifully. He got the win right on the wire so it worked out just right."

Man of Iron gave the Europeans their first win on the day (Ted Terquinio/Horsephotos.com) Off as the 6-1 fourth choice among 10 rivals, Man of Iron paid $14.80, $7.20 and $4.40. Cloudy's Knight came next in the wagering at nearly 8-1 and gave back $7.40 and $4.60. It was 2 1/4 lengths back to Mastery, who returned $2.40. The $1 exotics totaled $60.10 (exacta), $225.10 (trifecta) and $2,845.50 for the 9-4-6-10 superfecta that included 30-1 Gangbuster (Langfuhr), who finished another 11 1/2 lengths back in fourth. Defending champ Muhannak (Ire) (Chester House) checked in fifth and was followed under the wire by 3-1 second choice Father Time (GB) (Dansili [GB]), Eldaafer (A.P. Indy), Nite Light (Thunder Gulch) and Black Astor. Sir Dave (Untuttable) was eased. Bred in the Bluegrass State by Shell Bloodstock, Man of Iron is out of Grade 2 heroine Better Than Honour (Deputy Minister), who finished second in the 1999 Acorn S. (G1) and third in the Mother Goose S. (G1), earning $250,920 from an 8-2-4-2 mark. She is out of 1982 Kentucky Oaks (G1) heroine Blush With Pride (Blushing Groom [Fr]), making her a full sister to Group 3 victor Turnberry Isle (Ire) (Deputy Minister) and a half-sister to Group 2 heroine and Group 1 runner-up Smolensk (Danzig) as well as Group 1 runner-up Maryinsky (Ire) (Sadler's Wells). Named Broodmare of the Year in 2007, the 13-year-old mare is also the dam of 2008 Peter Pan (G2) winner Casino Drive (Mineshaft) and the unraced two-year-old colt Arco Felice (Giant's Causeway).

This is the female family of multiple classic winner El Gran Senor (Northern Dancer), who was a champion in England and Ireland; English and Irish champion Try My Best (Northern Dancer); English, French and Irish highweight Xaar (Zafonic); and Spinning World (Nureyev), who captured the 1997 Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) and was highweighted in both France and Ireland.

Man of Honor has now earned $326,481 from a 10-4-0-1 career line.

BREEDERS' CUP THEY SAID IT

NOVEMBER 6, 2009

Garrett Gomez and John Shirreffs congratulate each other following Life is Sweet's win (Paula Smith/Horsephotos.com) "This mare's been running hard, and she actually ran against the boys a couple of times. (Trainer) John (Shirreffs) did a tremendous job getting the filly's confidence back up underneath her and having her ready for today. And that's all it was. Really kind of getting her confidence back, and like I said, he did a tremendous job doing that." —jockey Garrett Gomez on Ladies' Classic (G1) heroine LIFE IS SWEET (Storm Cat) "Well, yeah, because I knew she probably would have ended up second. Zenyatta's a champion mare, and this mare is, too, but Zenyatta's beat her a couple of times pretty handily." —Gomez laughing when asked if the absence of Zenyatta changed anything in the Ladies' Classic "Oh, we'd sure like to have a good pace and a good trip, and have a little luck tomorrow. Because in a big field you usually have to have some luck somewhere to save a little ground or get an opening. So that's what we're hoping for." —Life is Sweet's trainer, John Shirreffs, on the scenario he'd prefer for ZENYATTA (Street Cry [Ire]) in the Classic (G1)

"We were running in this race regardless. But we were very happy that she was going in the Classic."

—co-owner Martin Wygod on if he would have run Life is Sweet in the Ladies' Classic against Zenyatta

"I was trying to scream, but I wasn't breathing, so I was really trying to get it out, but I couldn't get it out because I had stopped breathing. It's extremely exciting. Especially when you know she got the job done and was still close to an eighth of a mile left for her. It was, I don't know, exhilarating."

—Wygod describing his reaction to seeing Life is Sweet winning the Ladies' Classic

"If she's totally sound, we would seriously think about racing her another year, but she's going to have to go over a careful exam. If she's 100 percent, we would think about another year."

—Wygod about bringing Life is Sweet back for a five-year-old campaign

"She had a little bit of trouble in the stretch, but I don't think that cost her the race. The pace was fast, and I thought that she would get to it, but she just didn't have it."

—jockey Rajiv Maragh on his ride aboard third-placer MUSIC NOTE (A.P. Indy) in the Ladies' Classic

"She was just in-and-out out there. She went left, she went right on me, and I couldn't get her to settle. And then, it just wasn't there. Today just wasn't her day."

—rider John Velazquez explaining PROVISO (GB) (Dansili [GB]) antics in the Ladies' Classic, where she ran fourth

"She was a little too fresh and keen and she had herself traveling three-wide into the bend. She didn't relax enough down the backstretch. Look where the winners come from; tells you everything, doesn't it?"

—trainer John Gosden on the performance of Ladies' Classic fifth RAINBOW VIEW (Dynaformer)

"Naturally I am a little disappointed. She's a young filly and she's had a tough season. She got tired at the end. The important thing is that she came back OK, and that was our main concern. She's a nice filly. And she's only three and has her whole career ahead of her."

—conditioner Josie Carroll on Ladies' Classic favorite CARELESS JEWEL (Tapit), who ran eighth and last after setting quick fractions on the front end

Henry Cecil (beside lady) gazes on as Midday graces the winner's circle (Lauren Pomeroy/Horsephotos.com) "I think it's a lovely feeling, I tell you. The Prince (Khalid Abdullah) has always been a great sort of friend and supporter for me, and very loyal through my bad times. It's lovely to be able to repay him with a win here, because he loves the Breeders' Cup. He adores it, and he deserves winners." —Master trainer Henry Cecil on scoring his first Breeders' Cup victory with Juddmonte Farms' homebred MIDDAY (GB) (Oasis Dream [GB]) in the Filly & Mare Turf (G1) "I think the Breeders' Cup, I always sort of dreaded it, because I haven't been a great success at it over the years. To win it, certainly lived up to my expectations, the excitement and thrill. Once you've won a race here you feel you can probably do it again. We have one more to come." —Cecil on breaking his long Breeders' Cup drought, and looking forward to TWICE OVER (GB) (Observatory) in Saturday's Classic (G1) "Well, we went through a bad patch for four or five years when things were going wrong in every way. I didn't have the horses, and probably my health hasn't been terribly good. But I was determined to get back. Probably I'll never get back to what I was, because I don't want to train more than 100 to 120 horses now, where I used to train 200. When I'm competing against armies with a battalion, it's not easy. I love to be able to compete in some good races. I feel everything is on the up -- it has been for the last two years. And long may it continue. —Cecil on his recent renaissance

"(Midday's) a peculiar filly in that she's got loads of class -- a great turn of foot -- but she tends to hit a flat spot. Of course it's a worry when the horse comes off the bridle a little bit. But I knew when she hit top gear she'd respond and find plenty for me. And thankfully she had plenty in reserve when it mattered."

—jockey Tom Queally is well acquainted with Midday's character

"I dissected it to begin with, and found there wasn't a whole lot of pace, and I didn't want to give the leaders too much of a lead. I always had it in the back of my mind that she might hit a flat spot, which she did. But as the boss likes me to ride the horses, keep it simple, get a nice position, and get her on the stretch. Keep her balanced. And I knew she had the heart and the attitude, plus the ability to dig deep when it mattered."

—Queally's pre-race analysis set the stage for his winning ride

"I've got to sit down and talk to Henry and Prince Khalid. But the plan would be to take her back to Europe and campaign her next year in Europe. And possibly come defend her title, hopefully at Churchill next year."

—Juddmonte Racing Manager Teddy Grimthorpe on future plans for Midday

"Personally I'd love to run her another year, but I've experience with horses like (1979 champion older mare) Waya (Fr). They tend to leave so much on the racetrack that I'd just as soon turn her into a broodmare."

—owner George Strawbridge Jr. speaking of champion FOREVER TOGETHER (Belong to Me), who finished third in her Filly & Mare Turf title defense

She Be Wild gave Leparoux the first of his two Friday BC wins (Lauren Pomeroy/Horsephotos.com) "When I was watching the rerun after the race (the Alcibiades), I knew what happened. I said, she had three races (going into it). She was pulled up (won easily) in all three races. She didn't get what she needed out of it to have a two-turn race. She had a two-turn race there at Keeneland." —trainer Wayne Catalano on SHE BE WILD's (Offlee Wild) only career loss in the Alcibiades S. (G1) prior to taking the Juvenile Fillies (G1) "I knew at the quarter pole (that she wouldn't go on). It's just her second start. I wouldn't throw rocks at her. She's very classy. She's maturing and has the brains to (be a two-turn horse)." —jockey Kent Desormeaux on Juvenile Fillies eighth-place runner CONNIE AND MICHAEL (Roman Ruler) "The Dubai World Cup is pretty special. But to win the Breeders' Cup here for Frank (Jones) is probably number one. It tops the list so far." —trainer Dale Romans on the victory of TAPITSFLY (Tapit) in the Juvenile Fillies Turf, which surpassed his win in the 2005 Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1) with Roses in May

"Well, I think it is the greatest moment by far. And many, many thanks to Dale. His father and I were very close. His daddy trained for me. And then, he passed on a little early in life, and Dale's my adopted son."

—Frank Jones, the owner/breeder of Tapitsfly, likewise savors the moment

"Well, I'm probably one of these folks that doesn't have a lot to do with the breeding or the racing of them. I just leave that in the hands of other people, and Beau Lane and Dale decided who we should breed this mare to. And obviously they've done a great job. And I just stand back and let them do their work, and I can go on about my other business."

—Jones gives the credit for Tapitsfly's success to others

"Yeah, I had trouble getting it drawn up because you couldn't figure out the formula. I told Robby (Albarado) we didn't have a lot of options. I thought we needed to break and give (Tapitsfly) the first sixteenth, eighth of the mile to try to clear the rest of the pack. And it worked out perfect, because it seemed she just liked to sit off of her (pacesetter Rose Catherine [Speightstown]) ."

—Jones on his strategy session with jockey Robby Albarado

Johnny Murtagh proudly sported the Irish flag following Man of Iron's Marathon score (Lauren Pomeroy/Horsephotos.com) "He didn't break very well, but it takes him maybe a half-mile to warm up into it. But I think going down the back straight for the second time at the half-mile pole when I gave him a little squeeze, he seemed to come alive. I was following the eventual second, and, you know, I decided to stay on the inside. Got a beautiful run through on the inside. It opened up, and he was very brave until the end." —jockey Johnny Murtagh on the trip of MAN OF IRON (Giant's Causeway), who got the Breeders' Cup program off to a rousing start with a nose decision over Cloudy's Knight (Lord Avie) in the Marathon "The last few days, watching the people and the excitement build. The recognition he's gotten as the (Kentucky) Derby (G1) winner has been great. I'm starting to realize that it's more of an honor than a privilege to win the Kentucky Derby." —trainer Chip Woolley when asked what his favorite part of Breeders' Cup week has been; the conditioner will saddle MINE THAT BIRD (Birdstone) in the Classic "I think it's a beautiful surface. For everybody, it's definitely the way forward. If you don't want to race on grass, it's the best alternative. It's safe. It's even. It's level. It's smooth. And it's still forgiving. I think for everybody going forward, all over the world, there is no doubt that it's a safe, beautiful surface." —conditioner Aidan O'Brien praising Santa Anita's Pro-Ride surface in advance of sending RIP VAN WINKLE (Ire) (Galileo [Ire[) in the Classic

"I don't know. It could have been a couple of things. It could have been the Pro-Ride. He had a long campaign all year long. Running against the best horses throughout the year. So it is the end of the year, so, you know, fresh horses came at him. I'm not going to blame it on the Pro-Ride, I'm not going to blame it on anything. It's unfortunate he went out in his last race not winning. First thing I thought about when I came to the gates today though."

—Albarado reminisces about his experience with two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, who wound up fourth in his synthetic debut in the 2008 Classic

Attendance and handle up on Breeders' Cup Friday

Attendance for Breeders' Cup Championship Friday at Santa Anita Park increased by 20 percent over Championship Friday last year as 37, 651 were on hand today for the nine-race card that included six Breeders' Cup World Championships races. Attendance on Championship Friday in 2008 was 31,257.

The common-pool handle for the nine races was $48,439,458 a 1 percent increase over the 2008 10-race Friday card. An additional $1,159,007 in a separate pool was wagered in France.

A total of approximately $8.8 million was wagered through exchange wagering on Betfair.

The on-track handle was $7,097,789, an increase of 3.6 percent from 2008. On-track handle increased by 9.8 percent when comparing wagering totals from the first nine races of last year's Friday card to this year's nine races, when $6,463,571 was bet 12 months ago.

The common-pool handle for Friday does not include the Classic Double on the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (G1) and the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) or the inaugural jockeys bet.

"This was an encouraging start for the event with solid support from the Southern California racing fans. We saw strong performances today on track, at the turnstiles and at the betting windows," Breeders' Cup President and CEO Greg Avioli said.

"(Friday's) strong wagering figures are an encouraging sign for Saturday's program with the great anticipation and fan appeal of Zenyatta's (Street Cry [Ire]) participation in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic," said Sherwood C. Chillingworth, executive vice president of the Oak Tree Racing Association.

Friday's program was the first of the two-day, 14- race, $25.5 million Breeders' Cup World Championships held during the Oak Tree Racing Association meeting at Santa Anita. The 26th Breeders’ Cup concludes Saturday with eight World Championships races.

BREEDERS' CUP PREVIEWS

Saturday's $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) figures to be an exciting race, but we'll be boringly conventional in our selections for the 1 1/4-mile centerpiece of the two-day fixture at Santa Anita. RIP VAN WINKLE (Ire) (Galileo [Ire]) gave wonder horse Sea the Stars a slight scare in the July 4 Eclipse S. (Eng-G1) at Sandown at about 10 furlongs, and subsequently flattered that form with big wins in the Sussex S. (Eng-G1) and Queen Elizabeth II S. (Eng-G1). Arguably Europe's second best horse up to 1 1/4 miles this year, the Coolmore representative should give a fine account of himself here and is the one to beat from a class perspective. He'll be a short price, he has foot problems and he's an unknown on Pro-Ride, so there are plenty of legitimate reasons to side elsewhere. However, we really can't wrap ourselves around any other horse in the field as our next four selections look interchangeable on paper.

EINSTEIN (Brz) (Spend a Buck) won the course-and-distance Santa Anita H. (G1) in March, and that's about all the evidence we need to convince us he's the best American hope. He couldn't be coming into the race any better and, aside from a couple downers over the Arlington Park turf, has been in the mix every time for the past year and a half. He has the tactical foot to be in striking distance throughout and should be in the frame once more.

The undefeated ZENYATTA (Street Cry [Ire]) makes her long-awaited debut against males here. We can envision her winning this, but can also see her falling just a bit short at a small price. Speed rating gurus don't really like her last two efforts, but she's capable of running much faster and on her best day she's equal to the American-based males she'll be facing here. While we don't entirely wish a first defeat as her Hall of Fame worthy career draws to a close, it would be sort of poetic justice as her connections unconscionably avoided a chance to add to her legacy against males earlier this year in such winnable races as the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) and Pacific Classic (G1). This field is much tougher than what she would have faced in those, which might prove to be her undoing. We'll see.

COLONEL JOHN (Tiznow) ran OK in last year's Classic despite being poorly prepared for the race. He had not started in the two months prior to the event, but this time Eoin Harty appears to have learned from his mistake. Colonel John bounced a little bit following his Wickerr S. score when fifth in the Pacific Classic (G1), but came right back to just miss in the Goodwood S. (G1). The form of that race has been questioned given the relative quality of the winner, Gitano Hernando (GB) (Hernando [Fr]), but on paper it won't take an effort much better than that to win if Rip Van Winkle has an off day.

RICHARD'S KID (Lemon Drop Kid) has become a new horse since arriving in the stable of Bob Baffert and switching to synthetics. His Pacific Classic and Goodwood performances were solid, and a similar run should be enough to get a piece of the purse. Again, there isn't much separating several of these.

TWICE OVER (GB) (Observatory) could be rated higher off his outstanding win in the Champion S. (Eng-G1) at Newmarket. He's eligible to adapt to Pro-Ride as well as any European-based runner, but the bottom line is that he's not quite as good as Rip Van Winkle, all things being equal. Rip's infirmities might allow this one to pull a surprise though we suspect that won't happen.

We're downgrading the best dirt runners in the field, SUMMER BIRD (Birdstone) and QUALITY ROAD (Elusive Quality). We wish them well as they both deserve to run big races, but considering what happened to Curlin last year we're not convinced either will be at home on Pro-Ride. If they can stay healthy through 2010, they should be huge factors when this is renewed at Churchill Downs. GIO PONTI (Tale of the Cat) was the best American grass runner this year, and not being entirely suited to 1 1/2 miles, has wound up in the Classic. He's won over this surface before, but his Sir Beaufort S. (G3) win does not compare all that favorably with what others have done on the same surface, and his flop versus a relatively weaker field in the Strub S. (G2) gives us plenty cause for pause.

AWESOME GEM (Awesome Again) won a weak renewal of the Hawthorne Gold Cup (G2) last time, and while he has won or placed in eight of 12 starts on synthetics, his very best efforts on those surfaces were some time ago. MINE THAT BIRD (Birdstone) certainly could have needed his last race in the Goodwood, his first start in more than two months, but the Kentucky Derby (G1) winning gelding still does not appear to be of this class even with a few lengths progression. Jockey Calvin Borel insists he's a better horse on dirt, and he might be completely on the money with that observation.

The Godolphin duo of REGAL RANSOM (Distorted Humor) and GIROLAMO (A.P. Indy) might have been better suited preparing for a race like the Cigar Mile (G1) on November 28, and either or both could still make that Aqueduct race. Regal Ransom, who flopped in the Norfolk (G1) last year in his only prior start on synthetic, got away with murder setting a slow pace in the Super Derby (G2) while Girolamo is untested beyond a mile and has been peaking on dirt.

The $3 million Turf (G1) will feature a field of seven, including three classy European invaders and an American-based speedster. Defending champion CONDUIT (Ire) (Dalakhani) is a deserving 7-5 choice on the morning line, but we'll tab his stablemate SPANISH MOON (El Prado [Ire]) for the win.

Trained by Michael Stoute, Spanish Moon exits an excellent win in the Prix Foy (Fr-G2) at Longchamp, easily holding off multiple Group 1 hero Vision d'Etat (Chichicastenango), and effortlessly scored in the Prix de Saint-Cloud (Fr-G1) two back, leaving three-time Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1) runner-up Youmzain (Sinndar) in his wake that afternoon. The bay has really come on this season as a five-year-old, and he's a fresh horse with only two starts since March. We feel that he's sitting on a big performance here and like the addition of Kieran Fallon to the saddle.

DAR RE MI (GB) (Singspiel [Ire]) has registered outstanding BRIS Class numbers while knocking off the best female opposition in Europe this season, and the four-year-old exits a very respectable fifth behind Sea the Stars in the Arc. Trainer John Gosden excelled last year at Santa Anita, winning two Breeders' Cup races, and figures to have this multiple Group 1 heroine ready for a career best. The bay lass has some tactical speed and should sit a good trip under Frankie Dettori before getting involved in the stretch run.

Conduit scares us, but the deep closer will face a more difficult task at much shorter odds this time around. Following last year's success (the chestnut registered a 111 BRIS Speed rating for his 1 1/2-length decision), the four-year-old stepped up to face the cream of the European crop, squaring off against the likes off Sea the Stars and Rip Van Winkle (Ire) (Galileo [Ire]), and while he performed admirably in those spots, it's been a tough season. We question whether he'll be as sharp as last year, with Stoute giving him Lasix after bypassing on the drug in 2008, and will have to let him beat us for the win.

PRESIOUS PASSION (Royal Anthem) will take them as far as he can on the front end and merits serious respect for the exotics. We have a ton of respect for the Mary Hartmann-trained gelding, but we'll go against him at 12 furlongs in this spot. Winner of the last two editions of the United Nations (G1), the six-year-old shipped to Santa Anita for the 1 1/4-mile Clement L. Hirsch Memorial Turf Championship (G1) on October 11 and ran his rivals into the ground, recording an easy wire-to-wire decision. We'd give him a chance at 10 furlongs, but he may not be able to last the entire trip against these classy foes.

TELLING (A.P. Indy) recorded a 33-1 upset in the Sword Dancer Invitational (G1) two back and finished a decent third in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational (G1) last time. The five-year-old has show nice improvement for trainer Steve Hobby this season and loves an extended route of ground, but we have too many class concerns here to recommend his chances. MONZANTE (Maria's Mon) is a hard-knocking gelding for Mike Mitchell, but we can't envision him successfully stepping up in distance and class. RED ROCKS (Ire) (Galileo [Ire]), the 2006 Turf winner at Churchill Downs, is unplaced in three attempts this year and appears past him prime.

ALLEGRE (Orientate) was scratched Thursday.

A stellar cast of 11 will vie in arguably the most exciting race on the Saturday card, the $2 million Mile (G1), over the lawn, and we're taking a shot with DELEGATOR (GB) (Dansili [GB]) in this difficult test for conditioner Saeed bin Suroor. The bay sophomore is clearly among the top milers in Europe, evidenced by his top showing in the Celebration Mile S. (Eng-G2) and strong placings in the English Two Thousand Guineas S. (Eng-G1) and St. James Palace S. (Eng-G1) at this distance, and he ranks second by BRIS Class only to the defending champion, who is stuck in the far outside post. Delegator may have turned some off when third in his prep for this, but that event was quirky and he was taken out of his element from the get-go. Frankie Dettori will ride, which is a big plus to us, and the colt is favorably drawn in post 4.

It's hard to hold one career turf loss against JUSTENUFFHUMOR (Distorted Humor), so we won't and will give him a big chance at the top prize. Trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, the scintillating four-year-old rolled off a six-pack of turf wins in succession, all coming in fairly easy fashion on all kinds of turf conditions, and he's registered some triple-digit BRIS Late Pace ratings of 110 and 109. The emerging star had his first hiccup at Keeneland last out in the Shadwell, but little of what we see at Keeneland impacts our feelings of a horse, especially when the weather played havoc with the lawn like it had. The race could set up perfectly for the colt, which could cover-up the fact that he is not a true one-mile runner. Alan Garcia will be flying atop the Kentucky-bred.

Defending champ and turf stalwart GOLDIKOVA (Ire) (Anabaa) may prove impossible to beat, but we'll play against the likely overwhelming favorite for the win. The sensational filly has been compared to some of the top female runners in recent European memory and deservedly so, as she demolishes nearly every field that stand in her path, and she was brilliant last year over Santa Anita's turf, posting big BRIS numbers in the easy 1 1/4-length decision. The classy four-year-old drew widest of all and enters off a loss than no one in her camp expected, and trainer Freddie Head will give her Lasix after running juice-free in 2008. She may be not be as good as she was last year, but Goldikova could still get the job with something less than her best under Olivier Peslier.

COWBOY CAL (Giant's Causeway) seems worthy of a Grade 1 tally but could be compromised by his post position and running style for Todd Pletcher. The ultra-consistent four-year-old sports a sparkling 11-5-4-1 career turf line and looked the part with a facile triumph in the Oak Tree Mile S. (G2) leading up to this demanding test. If John Velazquez can somehow manage to avoid getting caught up in a duel, the game colt should have a big chance at a decent price.

COURT VISION (Gulch) endured a frustrating 2009 campaign prior to his last test, when the four-year-old cut back to a mile to capture the Shadwell Turf Mile S. (G1) at Keeneland for trainer Richard Dutrow. The talented colt has excuses for much of this year, often being a turf course that didn't suit him, but we're quite encouraged by his showing last out over a demanding oval. The rail should have little impact on the exotics threat under Robby Albarado. KARELIAN (Bertrando) returned from a lengthy break to run a huge second in the Shadwell Turf Mile last out and should be ready to add more gas to the early fire in here. Trained by Rusty Arnold, lightly raced seven-year-old is no fluke as he's put in eight straight solid performances, but this field is too much to pick him for the win. We will include the bay in the gimmicks, however.

The lightly raced, yet very talented, ZACINTO (GB) (Dansili [GB]) has never been worse than second from five career starts for trainer Sir Michael Stoute, highlighted by his runner-up showing last out in the Queen Elizabeth II S. (Eng-G2). The rapidly developing sophomore was soundly defeated by our top pick two back but turned the tables on him last out in an oddly run event, so we fear that this colt will be overbet on this occasion. WHATSTHESCRIPT (Ire) (Royal Applause [GB]) was third in this event in 2008 but does not enter in form similar to last season for John Sadler. The Grade 2 star has faced inferior foes and couldn't run them down, so even though the expected fast pace should help him here, we have some doubts as to whether he's good enough.

The impeccably-bred COURAGEOUS CAT (Storm Cat) has the bloodlines to be a big threat in a race of this nature, but he's being asked to do a lot for Bill Mott. A troubled trip third versus considerably lesser in the Jamaica H. (G1) last out, the Grade 2 winner might have the wrong running style to make a big impact against this type at this juncture. Garrett Gomez will be in the irons. FERNELEY (Ire) (Ishiguru) ran his eye balls out when second in the Woodbine Mile S. (Can-G1) most recently, but we simply can't see the five-year-old duplicating that performance against a full field of Grade 1-quality milers. Dubai Duty Free (UAE-G1) speedball GLADIATORUS (Silic [Fr]) was soundly thumped in three subsequent starts following his superb score in Dubai, and even though it appears that he returned to form in Milan last out, we still see him as not much more than a pace presence.

Electric sophomore ZENSATIONAL (Unbridled's Song) will look to lock up championship honors in the $2 million Sprint (G1) on Saturday, but the Bob Baffert charge must overcome the rail post and face easily the best field he's encountered to date. A facile winner of three straight Grade 1 races, Zensational is a scintillating beast of a sprinter and could run this field off their respective feet with a lifetime showing. With that said, we feel compelled to try and upend the favorite in this deep field.

We like GAYEGO (Gilded Time) to rally for the win in here for Godolphin. The Grade 2 hero set a track mark at Hollywood last November and has put in a quartet of strong showings since, most notably a stylish win in the Ancient Title S. (G1) most recently, and he's a top BRIS figure-earner, registering 111 Late Pace numbers as well as triple-digit Speed ratings in his last two outings. The ultra-talented four-year-old is not a pure sprinter but loves this oval, and a strong early tempo in front of him might be all he needs to run by them late under Garrett Gomez.

Top European sprinter FLEETING SPIRIT (Ire) (Invincible Spirit) has been first or second in 10 of 13 tries for trainer Jeremy Noseda and clearly belongs with this type, ranking first by BRIS Class ratings. The four-year-old filly was a stylish winner of the July Cup (Eng-G1) three back and has put in a pair of big second-place finishes since. The combination of Frankie Dettori, the outside draw and an expected square price makes the late runner more than playable to us.

Zensational shouldn't be too hampered by the inside post as he was likely to fly early regardless, but he's yet to see early pressure from foes that will likely push him every step of the way in here. Baffert knows how to ready them for this stage, so we wouldn't be shocked to see him lead at every call if he runs his best.

FATAL BULLET (Red Bullet) was a strong second in this race in 2008, netting an impressive 106 BRIS Speed rating over the Pro-Ride, and comes in off of a sharp score in the Phoenix S. (G3) at Keeneland last out. The Reade Baker pupil is a synthetic machine, winning nine of 11 with a pair of seconds in 11 all-weather tries, and he's posted a pair of solid five-furlong works in advance of this race. He's favorably drawn outside of Zensational, and he seems to be a bit more relaxed this time around. We give the four-year-old a big chance to run well.

CROWN OF THORNS (Repent) has been on our radar since he broke his maiden in January 2008, and he showed that he can sprint when second in the Ancient Title last time for Richard Mandella. The talented four-year-old looks to be in excellent form since missing a lot of time with an injury, making his third start off the layoff here, and while this trip might be a tad short for him, he can surely rally for a top-three award with a lifetime best. Rafael Bejarano inherits a live mount.

Grade 1 winner COST OF FREEDOM (Cee's Tizzy) was denied a chance to run in this last season but will line up on this day with hopes of pulling off a major upset. The John Sadler trainee had a dream prep for this when taking the lead prior to tiring to fourth in the Ancient Title S. (G1) over this oval -- indicating that he might have been a tad short in his second race of the year -- and is a threat to move forward off that effort. We see the gelding as a live exotics threat at big odds.

Grade 1-winning sophomore CAPT. CANDYMAN CAN (Candy Ride [Arg]) proved that he can handle synthetic surfaces with a rallying second in the Phoenix last out for Ian Wilkes and is another who should be considered for the exotics in this group. The consistently excellent gelding is a superb one-turn animal in superb form, but we feel that this is not his preferred surface and the trip out west after a long campaign might take something out of him. DANCING IN SILKS (Black Minnaloushe) has registered a trio of wins in succession for conditioner Carla Gaines, but has yet to try graded foes and might be a cut below the best in here. JOIN IN THE DANCE (Sky Mesa) is winless in two career synthetic tries, has just one tally from 12 races and is not nearly fast enough to run with this group early.

Favored LOOKIN AT LUCKY (Smart Strike) is drawn widest of the baker's dozen in the $2 million Juvenile (G1), but the unbeaten colt has the tactical speed to put himself into the race from the start and should secure a decent position under Garrett Gomez, who guided Midshipman (Unbridled's Song) to a victory in the 2008 Juvenile from post 10. Trained by Bob Baffert, Lookin at Lucky is dual Grade 1 victor who has done just enough to win his four races to date while leaving plenty in the tank, and if we know his conditioner at all, the bay Kentucky-bred is primed for a career best.

Recent IEAH purchase RADIOHEAD (GB) (Johannesburg) should offer some value for the exacta. Conditioned by Brian Meehan, who has had success on this stage on more than one occasion, the colt bagged the Norfolk S. (G2) earlier in the year and was second in the Middle Park S. (Eng-G1) most recently. His BRIS Class numbers are very strong, and the chestnut colt is bred to handle the added ground. Martin Dwyer ships in to ride the English-bred youngster, who shouldn't be too far back in his two-turn bow.

D' FUNNYBONE (D'wildcat) is second to none on ability, registering BRIS Speed ratings of 101 and 103 in his last two outings, but remains a question mark in his first try on synthetic for trainer Richard Dutrow. A stylish winner of both the Saratoga Special S. (G2) and Futurity S. (G2) in his last pair, the Florida-bred gives the look of a horse who should handle this distance, but we still have no clue about the footing. He could drift up in price, and we'll use him with Edgar Prado.

We like PULSION (Include) and think he could be a very interesting runner next season, and we'll use him here at expected long odds (20-1 morning line). It's possible that the colt will shine with the added ground off his tough-trip second in the Norfolk S. (G1) over this oval, and the Patrick Biancone runner is eligible to keep improving in his second stakes start. Mike Smith rides.

ALFRED NOBEL (Ire) (Danehill Dancer) is a bit of a mystery, like many of the Euro invaders in here, but we do like the fact that the Grade 1 star has been well backed in each race of his life. The current form of the juvenile might be a bit off, but we still will not omit him from the exotics. The Aidan O'Brien runner will be able to save ground from his rail post before offering his rally. Pilgrim S. romper ESKENDEREYA (Giant's Causeway) is bred to love the all-weather strip and is obviously talented, so a big price on the colt could prompt us to take a swing. A good second on the green in his debut, the Kentucky-bred hasn't flashed much early footing but accelerated in a professional manner versus winners last out, and he should have plenty of room for improvement in this one. Javier Castellano will ride.

AIKENITE (Yes It's True) rallied in a big way to be second in the Breeders' Futurity (G1) and is another viable win threat in this impossible field. Third in the Hopeful S. (G1) two races back, the dark bay Florida-bred has some tactical speed and a big kick, similar to many in this field. Alan Garcia will be aboard. Dewhurst S. (Eng-G1) upsetter BEETHOVEN (Ire) (Oratorio [Ire]) has already raced 10 times but seemingly is getting better with experience for O'Brien. The bay colt deserves consideration at a price.

Group 1 runner-up VALE OF YORK (Ire) (Invincible Spirit) is another mystery import who could possibly move up with the surface switch. The Godolphin colt should have little problem with 1 1/16 miles, but we still like other Europeans better. Breeders' Futurity star NOBLE’S PROMISE (Cuvee) is improving rapidly for Ken McPeek and merits respect in this spot. The inexpensive yearling purchase has outrun his sales price and pedigree to date, but we fear that his bubble might burst here in this bulky and accomplished field. We'll stand against the colt.

Sunday Silence S. winner WILLIAM'S KITTEN (Kitten's Joy) may be too slow to make an impact on this race from the 12 post. Hopeful second and Champagne S. (G1) third ASPIRE (Tale of the Cat) has a good deal of ability but has never raced upon a synthetic strip for Eddie Kenneally. The dark bay, who was a fine Saratoga debut winner this summer, has trained over the synthetic going at Keeneland and Santa Anita, but we can't recommend his chances. PISCITELLI (Victory Gallop) was basically no factor in both graded tries and is facing his deepest field to date for Greg Sacco.

Multiple Group 1 hero MASTERCRAFTSMAN (Ire) (Danehill Dancer) is the one to beat in the Dirt Mile (G1), but the three-year-old could leave himself plenty to do in the stretch. We'll try to beat him with MIDSHIPMAN (Unbridled's Song), who registered a front-running victory in the 2008 Juvenile (G1) over the Pro-Ride and looks like the lone speed here. The chestnut earned a 111 BRIS Late Pace rating in last year's Juvenile win, and the Saeed bin Suroor trainee received a good prep for the 2009 Breeders' Cup when capturing a 6 1/2-furlong allowance/optional claiming event at Belmont Park on September 18, drawing clear in deep stretch to a 3 1/4-length score. He's well drawn in post 3 with Garrett Gomez, who should be essentially rating on the front end before asking for the classy colt's best.

Mastercraftsman figures to come rolling late, but we're concerned that he will drop too far back during the early stages from his rail post. He's been competing at much longer distances recently, going 1 5/16 miles twice and 1 1/4 miles once in his last three starts, and the confirmed router was second by a length to Sea the Stars in the about 10-furlong Juddmonte International (Eng-G1) three back. The Aidan O'Brien runner still looks extremely formidable, but we'll try to beat the likely odds-on favorite on the extreme cut back.

READY'S ECHO (More Than Ready) is an attractive 20-1 on the morning line and could come flying late for a minor award. The pace scenario doesn't flatter the Todd Pletcher colt, but he's shown that he can close effectively late off of a slow pace. He's going well presently, placing in his last three starts versus graded rivals, and owns a commendable 3-1-2-0 mark on synthetics. Consider the improving four-year-old for the top three.

NEKO BAY (Giant's Causeway) looks like a possible exotics player at long odds. The six-year-old shows huge BRIS Late Pace numbers (118 and 113 in last two starts), but he's started only once this season, winning a one-mile allowance at Oak Tree on October 9. We're not sure he'll be fit enough to handle this class hike, but we like the way he's training for John Shirreffs and will include him in our exotics.

BULLSBAY (Tiznow) didn't fire over the Cushion Track in the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) this summer, but the Graham Motion-trained horse has had success over synthetic ovals in the past. Dirt is still his preferred surface, though, and the Whitney H. (G1) winner probably prefers a little more ground than eight furlongs. However, the five-year-old still merits respect based on his BRIS Class and Speed numbers, and we won't be surprised to see him grab a minor award.

CHOCOLATE CANDY (Candy Ride [Arg]) is a hard-knocking colt for Jerry Hollendorfer who should appreciate the cut back to a mile, but he's never had much success against top-class rivals and isn't well-drawn in post 9. We can't recommend his chances. PYRO (Pulpit) exits a victory in the Forego (G1) and would loom as a serious contender if this race was on real dirt, but he's run poorly in two previous efforts on synthetics and looks vulnerable to us here.

Grade 1 winner MR. SIDNEY (Storm Cat) looks more comfortable on turf, dropping his only previous synthetic start versus allowance rivals, and has class concerns as well. FURTHEST LAND (Smart Strike) rallied to a solid win in the Kentucky Cup Classic (G2) last time, but he's probably not fast enough to handle this class hike. MAMBO MEISTER (King Cugat) has never started over a synthetic oval, and the Calder shipper could find this company too difficult.

A full field of 12 will face the starter in the $1 million Juvenile Turf (G2), and the post draw wasn't kind to morning-line favorite INTERACTIF (Broken Vow), who is stuck in the 10-hole. POUNCED (Rahy) is more favorably drawn in post 4, and we'll go with the John Gosden-trained colt. After breaking his maiden in his second start, the chestnut recorded an excellent second in the Grand Criterium (Fr-G1) last out, and he ranks second by BRIS Class based upon that effort. Don't be surprised to see him improve off that performance for Gosden, who saddled last year's inaugural Juvenile Turf hero Donativum (GB) (Cadeaux Genereux), and Pounced's running lines indicate that he owns some tactical speed. We'll look for him to race within striking position under Frankie Dettori before rallying.

VISCOUNT NELSON (Giant's Causeway) is a well-bred colt from Aidan O'Brien's shedrow who could make his presence felt. Out of a Group 1 winner and a half-brother to Group 1 victor Horatio Nelson (Danehill), the dark bay posted a solid score in the Hurricane Run S. prior to his close second in the Champagne S. (Eng-G2) last time. That looks like a very encouraging effort from the well-meant colt, and we give him a chance to keep improving with a victory here from post 2. Johnny Murtagh will retain the mount.

Interactif made a smashing turf debut in the With Anticipation (G3) two starts back, drawing clear to a 4 1/4-length decision at Saratoga, and followed it with a professional one-length score over soggy conditions in the Bourbon S. (G3) at Keeneland last time. The Todd Pletcher colt is obviously a talented turf runner with a bright future, and we won't be surprised to see him make it three straight with jockey Kent Desormeaux. However, the stalker may have to change tactics due to his poor post, and that could be enough to leave him vulnerable against the European invaders.

Group 3 winner BUZZWORD (GB) (Pivotal) finished a commendable third behind our top choice in the Criterium and didn't run poorly when fifth in the Dewhurst (Eng-G1) most recently. The Godolphin colt figures to appreciate the added ground and looked like a dangerous sleeper to us before drawing post 11, and we won't count him out of exotics consideration even with the terrible starting position. If he drifts up from his 6-1 morning line, we may even make a small saver on him.

BRIDGETOWN (Speightstown) convincingly broke his maiden at Saratoga two back and shipped to Woodbine for a facile 1 1/2-length score in the Summer (Can-G3) last time. We can't knock what he's done so far, but the competition will get much stiffer for the Kenny McPeek trainee. He shows a couple of drills at Santa Anita and is equipped with a good draw, so we could easily see using him in the exotics. Summer runner-up BECKY'S KITTEN (Kitten's Joy) is another one to consider for part. He's displayed a strong finishing kick since switching to turf two starts back for Wesley Ward, and 8 1/2 furlongs will be no problem for the improving dark bay. However, the Kentucky-bred is saddled with a less-than-favorable starting position (post 9).

AWESOME ACT (Awesome Again) is trained by the dangerous Jeremy Noseda, who saddled Wilko to a major upset in the 2004 Juvenile (G1), but the colt was no factor in the Dewhurst last time and doesn't look as good as some of his fellow Europeans. DEAN'S KITTEN (Kitten's Joy) defeated a questionable group at Belmont last out, winning the Vision S. over soft turf, and owns low BRIS numbers. He's also stuck in the far outside post.

CODOY (Bernstein) closed a lot of ground late in the Bourbon, but we question whether he can be effective here over firm turf. KING LEDLEY (Stormin Fever) has already raced eight times overseas without much success, and we don't like him stretching out to two turns. GALLANT GENT (Yankee Gentleman) captured a listed stakes at Fairplex two starts back and looks up against it in his turf bow. ZIP QUIK (City Zip) exits a dull showing in the Del Mar Futurity (G1) and looks overmatched in his turf debut.

SUMMER MOVIE (Holy Bull) will need to draw in from the also-eligibles list, and we can't recommend his chances from the far outside. KERA'S KITTEN (Kitten's Joy) was withdrawn by his connections so that Dean's Kitten could draw into the field.

Dean's Kitten chosen over Kera's Kitten for Juvenile Turf

After discussing options, owners Ken and Sarah Ramsey and trainer Mike Maker informed the Breeders' Cup racing office Friday morning that they would withdraw KERA'S KITTEN (Kitten's Joy) from Saturday's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, thus allowing their DEAN'S KITTEN (Kitten's Joy) to draw in off the also-eligible list.

"We would have been comfortable running either one of them, but were forced to pick," Maker said. "It was a tough call. Dean's Kitten has more seasoning. He's been running against better competition and we feel he'll be better (than Kera's Kitten) with the short turn around. We're running the horse we feel gives us the best chance to win."

Dean's Kitten, who draws into post 12, will be ridden by Ramon Dominguez.

In other Breeders' Cup news:

SUMMER BIRD's (Birdstone) trip to the paddock to school with the field for Thursday's 2ND race was uneventful. According to trainer Tim Ice, the Belmont S. (G1) winner took everything in stride.

"He got on the muscle a little bit coming home, but that's normal," Ice said. "So far so good."

Allegre scratched from Turf

Allegre will miss his shot in the Turf (Harold Roth/Horsephotos.com) Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) prospect ALLEGRE (Orientate) was scratched late Thursday afternoon after developing an abscess in his right front foot. Trainer Brian Koriner reported the foot trouble on Thursday morning, opting not to send the four-year-old out to the track for his usual exercise. A decision on his status for the Turf was originally expected to come on Friday. Allegre had a three-race win streak, which included victories in the Wildcat H. and Black Bart S., broken when third in the Walter R. Cluer Memorial S. at Turf Paradise last out. The bay was listed at 50-1 on the morning line for the Turf, with John Velazquez named to ride.

In other Breeders' Cup news:

STRIKE THE DEAL (Van Nistelrooy) galloped on the main track Thursday morning after remaining in the barn Wednesday morning as the Turf Sprint contender experienced a "hiccup" following his trip from England on Saturday.

Strike the Deal's "hiccup" is a thing of the past (Harold Roth/Horsephotos.com) Trainer Jeremy Noseda reported the four-year-old chestnut, who captured the World Trophy (Eng-G3) and Scarborough S. in his past two starts, was "back on track" for Saturday's race. "Things went well today," said Noseda, who closely watched Strike the Deal as he galloped on the Pro-Ride. "He's back on track." LILLIE LANGTRY (Ire) (Danehill Dancer), the 3-1 favorite on the morning line in the Juvenile Fillies Turf, created a brief stir when unseating her rider on Thursday morning. Trainer Aidan O'Brien said the Group 2 winner became frightened and reacted, dropping the rider, who held onto the reins and did not let Lillie Langtry get loose. "She got a little detached from the others (in O'Brien's string) and got confused," O'Brien said. "When she started looking, she was like a child after losing her mommy. She started looking, and she didn't know whether to go forward or backward. And she couldn't see the other horses." O'Brien took over for the rider, who had fallen hard but was not injured, and climbed into the saddle. He said he wanted to make sure the filly calmed down.

"She was in a confused state and we had to get her out of it and into her own comfort zone quick," O'Brien said.

CALIFORNIA FLAG (Avenue of Flags) also suffered no ill effects from his run-off on Wednesday.

The Brian Koriner charge galloped Thursday morning, none the worse for wear after being spooked by another horse following schooling in the gate and dumping his rider before running the wrong way through the stretch. He returned to the barn without further incident.

BREEDERS' CUP INTERNATIONAL ODDS

To get a sense of how three top European bookmakers view the Breeders' Cup, here are their prices for the major contenders as of Saturday at 12:30 p.m. (EST).

JUVENILE TURF

JUVENILE

MILE

TURF

CLASSIC

INTERNATIONALS IN THE BREEDERS' CUP

NOVEMBER 6, 2009

by Kellie Reilly

Since it's become customary for me to post a special Breeders' Cup feature outlining my thoughts on the international brigade, I feel obliged to do so once again this year. My colleague, Tim Holland, has already posted very helpful descriptions of each international contender in his Breeders' Cup Preview, so I'll just chime in with complementary information that won't duplicate his efforts. Be sure to read us both to get the widest range of information!

BREEDERS' CUP FRIDAY

Marathon

FATHER TIME (GB) (Dansili [GB]), a full brother to French Group 1 heroine and 2007 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) third Passage of Time (GB), has not built upon his eye-catching four-length romp in the King Edward VII S. (Eng-G2) at Royal Ascot this summer, but I have the nagging sense that he is better than his last couple of races. Arguably too far off the pace in both, the Henry Cecil colt offered a mild rally without seriously threatening in the Great Voltigeur S. (Eng-G2) and St. Leger (Eng-G1). With more forward tactics, and a possibly more congenial synthetic surface, Father Time is eligible to display a sharper turn of foot.

St. Leger hero MASTERY (GB) (Sulamani [Ire]) has been installed as the 9-5 morning-line favorite after beating Father Time in his past two. The Godolphin colt may not confirm that form at Santa Anita, however. Mastery is a one-paced, grinding type, and he needed every bit of the St. Leger's 14 furlongs and 132 yards to get up by three-quarters of a length. Mastery won't have the luxury of the long Doncaster stretch here, and he'll also lose those extra 132 yards. Neither of those may prove to be drawbacks to this genuine performer who has literally never run a bad race, but he must show a tad more finesse to win in these conditions. Mastery is a half-brother to Godolphin's talented Kirklees (Jade Robbery), who was a late scratch from the Melbourne Cup (Aus-G1) earlier this week.

The royally-bred MAN OF IRON (Giant's Causeway) has yet to live up to his glorious pedigree. After indifferent results on the turf, Aidan O'Brien switched him to the Dundalk Polytrack, and the chestnut responded by winning two of three. I attribute that turnaround to class relief more than anything else, and his well-beaten fourth in the Diamond S. (Ire-G3) on the same surface tends to support that view. Also, for whatever it's worth, Ballydoyle had been planning to send Septimus (Sadler's Wells) to the Marathon until he was ruled out recently. I can't escape the notion that Man of Iron is basically a stand-in and wouldn't be here if Septimus had been ready.

Defending champion MUHANNAK (Ire) (Chester House) has not managed to hit the board since taking last year's Marathon. Having come here a year ago on an upward curve, the Ralph Beckett charge has more questions to answer this time around.

Juvenile Fillies Turf

O'Brien's LILLIE LANGTRY (Ire) (Danehill Dancer) is quite a bit better than the yard's representative last year, Heart Shaped (Storm Cat), who just missed in the inaugural running. Successful in the Debutante S. (Ire-G2) and Coolmore Stud Fillies Sprint (Ire-G3), Lillie Langtry is coming off an impressive score in the Tattersalls Timeform Fillies' 800, in a faster time than males posted in the Tattersalls Timeform Million at Newmarket on the same day. The dark bay is out of a well-related Darshaan mare, suggesting that she should relish stretching out to two turns. Lillie Langtry is clearly the one to beat. (Update: She panicked during training hours Thursday morning when she got separated from her group and unseated her rider, but did not escape. O'Brien said that she "was like a child after losing her mommy." I'm inclined to think that was a reaction to one peculiar circumstance, and hopefully not something that would recur on raceday.)

The undefeated JUNIA TEPZIA (Ire) (Rock of Gibraltar [Ire]) has thrashed lesser opponents in Italy and deserves to take a crack at this level. The Team Valor International colorbearer proved that she was simply in a different league when coasting home by 3 1/4 lengths in the Premio Coolmore. For whatever it's worth, one of the well-beaten also-rans in that race, Charming Woman (Invincible Spirit), came back to capture a listed stakes at Rome on October 25. Junia Tepzia has reportedly been a handful at Santa Anita, and at one point unseated Kieren Fallon. Hopefully that's not a prelude to similar behavior on Breeders' Cup Friday. If she keeps her cool, Junia Tepzia rates as an intriguing contender.

ELUSIVE GALAXY (Ire) (Elusive City) brought some smart credentials to her North American debut in the Natalma S. (Can-G3), only to disappoint in fourth, and she needs to step up on that effort to factor here. On the other hand, she might not have wanted to be on the lead that day, setting a contested pace. Prior to her reverse in the Natalma, Elusive Galaxy had finished third to Lillie Langtry in the Debutante. Two starts back, she was second in the Ballygallon Stud S. to Long Lashes (Rock Hard Ten), who was subsequently purchased by Godolphin and went on to capture the Sweet Solera S. (Eng-G3). Elusive Galaxy promises to be a useful type on the Southern California turf scene for new trainer Ben Cecil, but I'm not sure what to expect from her in this spot.

Filly & Mare Sprint (G1)

ONLY GREEN (Ire) (Green Desert) has won a pair of French stakes going about seven furlongs on soft turf this year, but that's a world apart from the conditions, and caliber of opponents, she'll face in this spot. When tackling Group 3-level males in the Prix de Ris-Orangis (Fr-G3) over about six furlongs on good ground, she faded to last of 11. I wonder whether trainer Freddie Head brought her along as a traveling companion/lady-in-waiting for Goldikova (Ire) (Anabaa)? After all, Only Green has already served as Goldikova's pacemaker on occasion. Perhaps the best thing that can be said about Only Green is that she's very well bred. From a terrific family, she is a half-sister to French highweight older mare, multiple Group 1-winning sprinter and successful broodmare Occupandiste (Ire) (Kaldoun).

Filly & Mare Turf (G1)

Nassau S. (Eng-G1) heroine MIDDAY (GB) (Oasis Dream [GB]) is my top selection in my latest Filly & Mare Turf Diary, where I extol her virtues at length. The Juddmonte Farms homebred was compromised by traffic trouble when missing by a head in the Oaks (Eng-G1), just subdued by probably an above-average Oaks winner in Sariska (Pivotal). That formline looks very strong, and Midday upheld it with her emphatic score in the Nassau. Her only subpar efforts this season were two thirds, with palpable excuses in each. Her third in the recent Prix de l'Opera (Fr-G1) should serve as the perfect tightener for this engagement, which figures to play to her most fearsome strengths. I envision her taking up a good tracking spot early, kicking for home on the far turn and staying on too strongly for the closers.

Ladies' Classic (G1)

Last year's unbeaten champion juvenile filly in Europe, RAINBOW VIEW (Dynaformer), has some appeal as a sleeper in her synthetic debut. The John Gosden pupil took a while to get back to her best this season, but she never ran badly in defeat. Fifth on unsuitably firm ground in the One Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1), Rainbow View was a mightily troubled, if well-beaten, fourth in the Oaks, and she was again hampered en route to a sneakily-good third in the Coronation S. (Eng-G1). After finishing a close fourth to Goldikova and Heaven Sent in the Falmouth S. (Eng-G1), Rainbow View turned the corner. She was a gallant runner-up to Midday in the Nassau, then convincingly defeated older foes in the Matron S. (Ire-G1). In both of those efforts, she turned the tables on Heaven Sent, underscoring how much she had progressed since midsummer. Although Rainbow View was upset by the inexplicable Lahaleeb (Ire) (Redback) in the E.P. Taylor S. (Can-G1) last out, I have an inkling that she's just not a true 1 1/4-mile filly. Hence the 1 1/8 miles of the Ladies' Classic may be the best trip for her. As a half-sister to this year's Northern Dancer Turf S. (Can-G1) winner Just as Well (A.P. Indy) and Bewitch S. (G3) queen Winter View (Thunder Gulch), Rainbow View hails from the family of 2008 Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) star Raven's Pass. Note that Gosden had previously compared Rainbow View to Ryafan, herself a top-two-year-old who took some time to come to herself at three, but concluded 1997 with a five-race winning streak and an Eclipse Award.

PROVISO (GB) (Dansili [GB]) should be evaluated principally on the basis of her Spinster S. (G1) performance, but I'll throw her in because all of her prior experience came in Europe. Although the Juddmonte filly showed talent at two, winning the Prix du Calvados (Fr-G3) and placing second in the Fillies' Mile (Eng-G1), she lost her way at three and appeared to be a cut below proper Group 1 standard. Proviso did not dispel that notion early on in this campaign, but she began to come around for former trainer Andre Fabre over the summer. When third to Goldikova in the Prix Rothschild (Fr-G1), Proviso defeated a few tough customers. Next time out, she won the Prix du Pin (Fr-G3), narrowly beating the colt Varenar (Rock of Gibraltar [Ire]), who came back to upset Goldikova in the Prix de la Foret (Fr-G1). For a filly who had acted like the sort who just didn't train on, Proviso's renaissance has come as a bit of a surprise to me. Perhaps because of her past failures, I half-expect the other shoe to drop at some point, but that may be far too harsh and uncharitable a view. If she can keep up her current form, she warrants respect.

BREEDERS' CUP SATURDAY

Juvenile Turf (G2)

POUNCED (Rahy) is qualified to hand Gosden his second straight victory in this event, following on the heels of Donativum (GB) (Cadeaux Genereux) one year ago. Unlike Donativum, who never took part in a Group race at two, and whose formlines were compelling because they tied in with others, Pounced is already proven at the Group 1 level himself. Stepping up off his three-length maiden score at Newbury, the chestnut set the pace in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (Grand Criterium) (Fr-G1) and yielded only to the Aga Khan's seasoned and highly-regarded Siyouni (Pivotal). Pounced defeated a few notable rivals in that deep race, despite his relative lack of experience. He was then under consideration for such major contests as the Dewhurst S. (Eng-G1) and Racing Post Trophy (Eng-G1), but once the fall brought more rain to England, Gosden decided to aim for the Breeders' Cup. With his tactical speed, he figures to get a lovely ground-saving trip. Pounced has an alluring pedigree that blends high-class speed and stamina. His second dam, Irish St. Leger (Ire-G1) queen Eurobird (Ire) (Ela-Mana-Mou), is a half-sister to two champions -- Irish Derby (Ire-G1) conqueror Assert (Ire) (Be My Guest) and French Derby (Fr-G1) hero Bikala (Kalamoun).

If Pounced is an improved version of Donativum, the O'Brien-trained VISCOUNT NELSON (Giant's Causeway) is an improved version of last year's runner-up from the same yard, Westphalia (Ire) (Danehill Dancer). Viscount Nelson is bred to enjoy firm turf, but has kept running into softer-than-ideal conditions in Europe. Add in the fact that he tends to be lackadaisical, and requires some encouragement to put forth an effort, and it's safe to say that he has a lot more to offer than his bare past performances suggest. Viscount Nelson was most recently second in a salty renewal of the Champagne S. (Eng-G2), failing to catch Godolphin's much-touted Poet's Voice (Dubawi) by three-quarters of a length. With his glittering pedigree (as discussed by my colleague Vance Hanson in his Juvenile Diary), Viscount Nelson is probably crying out for a longer distance already. My only reservation about him is that he may want even more ground than Santa Anita's fast, two-turn mile, and he may be caught for speed at a certain stage. That's pure conjecture, though, and even if I happen to be right on that score, he's still a near-certainty to finish in the top three.

AWESOME ACT (Awesome Again) is a sneaky 20-1 on the morning line for Jeremy Noseda, who masterminded Wilko's stunning upset in the 2004 Juvenile (G1). Out of a full sister to French champion two-year-old and outstanding sire Machiavellian (Mr. Prospector), the chestnut was nominated to an array of prestigious races before his debut. He then had the misfortune to hook a couple of Godolphin Group horses-in-the-making in his first two starts, finishing second to future Racing Post Trophy third Al Zir (Medaglia d'Oro) and then just losing on the line to subsequent Group 3-placed Ameer (Monsun). When at last breaking his maiden in style, he beat next-out Autumn S. (Eng-G3) winner Morana (Alhaarth). Things went wrong for Awesome Act in the Dewhurst, where he was compromised by a troubled start and unable to make an impression. He gets a positive rider switch to top British pilot Ryan Moore, and if he can get off to a clean beginning, Awesome Act is capable of producing a serious change of gear late.

BUZZWORD (GB) (Pivotal) faces a tall task from the dreadful 12 post. The Godolphin colt is an honest sort who has been holding his own among some heavy hitters, but I don't think he has as much upside as the aforementioned trio. Buzzword benefited from a tactically-astute ride to beat Siyouni three starts back, but that result was turned upside down last time out, when he finished third to Siyouni and Pounced in the Grand Criterium. I can't see why Buzzword would be able to gain his revenge on Pounced here.

Much the same can be said of KING LEDLEY (Stormin Fever), who will be making his U.S. debut for Darrin Miller. Although the dark bay has been performing fairly consistently in quite smart company in Ireland, he seems to have reached his plateau. Like Viscount Nelson, however, King Ledley could show a new dimension on firm turf. I'm not persuaded he's going to move up going two turns, being by Stormin Fever and out of a Mt. Livermore mare, but he is out of a half-sister to Florida Derby (G1) star and Classic hopeful Quality Road (Elusive Quality).

Turf Sprint

LORD SHANAKILL (Speightstown) has been pointing to the Breeders' Cup ever since his owner transferred him to Richard Mandella over the summer. Among the most accomplished juveniles in England last year, he missed by a nose in the Dewhurst, and has been somewhat unlucky as a miler this season. Lord Shanakill spiked a fever that prevented him from getting a prep race under his belt for the Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1), and it showed as he wound up a distant 12th. He turned in much more representative efforts in his next two -- a commendable third in the St. James's Palace (Eng-G1) to Mastercraftsman (Ire) (Danehill Dancer) and Delegator (GB) (Dansili [GB]), and a victory in the Prix Jean Prat (Fr-G1), holding on for dear life by a head. A return to sprinting could be right up his alley, and he has been training sharply for Mandella. Lord Shanakill has the raw talent, if he is ready to fire his best shot off a three-month layoff.

I was all set to lobby for STRIKE THE DEAL (Van Nistelrooy) as an upset candidate, until a last-minute complication arose that prevented his taking to the track Wednesday morning. On his website, Noseda described it as a "little problem with bruising to his near fore foot." Strike the Deal was able to return to the track Thursday morning, apparently in better shape. It's one thing to have a setback far enough out from a race so one has time to recover; it's obviously more difficult to have an 11th-hour problem. Strike the Deal was in the best form since his juvenile days, when he won the Richmond S. (Eng-G2), finished a close second in the Middle Park S. (Eng-G1) and fourth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (where I rather liked him). After toiling in the sprinting ranks without much distinction for the better part of two years, he suddenly whipped back into form once teaming up with new rider Fallon two starts ago. A change in tactics did the trick. With Fallon taking him further back early, and producing him late, Strike the Deal has won both races, the Scarborough S. in course-record time at Doncaster and the Dubai World Trophy (Eng-G3). In the latter, he beat Total Gallery (Namid), who came back to defeat Fleeting Spirit (Ire) (Invincible Spirit) in the Prix de l'Abbaye (Fr-G1). That form makes him a legitimate contender, if we can only see the real, healthy Strike the Deal Saturday.

Dirt Mile (G1)

MASTERCRAFTSMAN (Ire) (Danehill Dancer), who would have been a threat in the Classic, is on merit the best horse in the race by some way. Last year's European champion two-year-old after pulverizing his opponents in the Phoenix S. (Ire-G1), and battling to photo-finish victories in the National S. (Ire-G1) and Railway S. (Ire-G2), the O'Brien colt has shown more stamina than the average miler this campaign. Mastercraftsman sluiced through soft going to romp in the Irish Two Thousand Guineas (Ire-G1) and just outstayed Delegator in the St. James's Palace. That tenacious success led O'Brien to compare him to Giant's Causeway, and he duly stepped up to the vicinity of 1 1/4 miles or so for his next three starts -- the Juddmonte International (Eng-G1), where he momentarily threatened to upend Sea the Stars, until that true great overhauled him; the Irish Champion S. (Ire-G1), where he tired to third after chasing a fast pace; and the Diamond S. (Ire-G3) against an overmatched group on Dundalk's Polytrack. Mastercraftsman is now dropping back sharply in trip, and while the prospects for an upset do not appear likely, the cut-back has the potential to be tricky. He has a relentlessly high cruising speed, but I wonder whether this spot -- one mile on a flat track -- is ideal for him. Nevertheless, as the class of the field, Mastercraftsman is entitled to win, regardless of whether it's his favorite set-up or not.

Juvenile (G1)

Of the four Europeans, new IEAH recruit RADIOHEAD (GB) (Johannesburg) is the most enticing. The Brian Meehan pupil overcame horrendous trouble in deep stretch -- no exaggeration -- to win the Norfolk S. (Eng-G2) at Royal Ascot going away. If you have not yet seen this race, watch the video and determine for yourself how badly he was slammed into, and how understandable it would have been if he had gotten the wind knocked out of him, or lost his concentration, or simply got frightened. Brushing that aside like an old pro, Radiohead righted himself instantly and staged a remarkable recovery. The chestnut was next thrown to the wolves against a tough, grizzled set of veteran sprinters in the Nunthorpe S. (Eng-G1), but proved himself to be no lamb. Radiohead rolled home late for third, beaten all of 1 1/2 lengths by two-time Nunthorpe winner Borderlescott (Compton Place). I think Jamie Spencer moved too soon on him when he faded to fourth in the Mill Reef S. (Eng-G2), and sure enough, with Martin Dwyer back aboard last time out, he flew in the final yards to grab second to the highly-regarded Awzaan (Alhaarth) in the Middle Park. Dwyer, who gets along very well with him, has the Breeders' Cup mount.

Godolphin's VALE OF YORK (Ire) (Invincible Spirit) has grown on me over the last day or so, especially since Saeed bin Suroor just said that he works well on a Tapeta surface. He has solid European form and figures to be ignored in the wagering. A good-looking debut winner at York, he was slow to break in the Acomb S. (Eng-G3) but finished a creditable fifth. That Acomb has turned out to be a key race, with the winner Elusive Pimpernel (Elusive Quality) going on to finish second in the Racing Post Trophy, the runner-up Emerald Commander (Pivotal) subsequently runner-up in the Criterium International (Fr-G1), and the third-placer Poet's Voice going on to beat Viscount Nelson in the Champagne. Vale of York promptly rebounded with a driving score in the Stardom S., and next he was a good third in the Royal Lodge (Eng-G2), whose sixth-placer Mikhail Glinka (Galileo [Ire]) has since romped in the Eyrefield S. Vale of York was most recently a near-miss second in the Gran Criterium (Ity-G1) at Milan, where he was forwardly placed early and led in the stretch before being caught late. From the black type-rich family of Guineas hero King of Kings (Ire), Vale of York could emerge as a long-range U.A.E. Derby (UAE-G2) hopeful. I can envision him factoring here at tantalizing odds.

I have mixed feelings about the O'Brien pair, neither of whom looks up to pulling a Johannesburg-style victory. ALFRED NOBEL (Ire) (Danehill Dancer) won the Phoenix and Railway this summer, but I don't think those were especially strong renewals. Last of six on unsuitably soft ground in the National, he was most recently fifth in the Tattersalls Timeform Million. Considering that the top four were all racing on the far side of the course, and he did the best of those on the stands' side, there was likely a draw bias at work. Still, he was beaten 5 1/2 lengths, and the winner posted a slower time than Lillie Langtry. BEETHOVEN (Ire) (Oratorio [Ire]), in contrast, is on the upswing. After looking like a second-rate animal for his first nine starts, he suddenly sprang to life when blinkers were added for the Dewhurst, and he pulled a 33-1 upset. Perhaps notably for his Breeders' Cup prospects, however, Beethoven needed time to pick up, and he won't get a stiff test like Newmarket here. O'Brien has compared Beethoven to his sire, Oratorio (Ire), who similarly kept improving over time, but I'm afraid that he may get outpaced and find things happening too fast for him at Santa Anita. Hence, of the two, Alfred Nobel is probably the one better suited to the Juvenile. The fact that Johnny Murtagh rides would ordinarily suggest that there's more confidence behind Alfred Nobel as well. Still, note that Moore did a brilliant job when picking up the mount on Beethoven in the Dewhurst, and it's logical to keep him on Beethoven.

Even a difficult draw is not enough for me to lose faith in defending champion GOLDIKOVA (Ire) (Anabaa), who just appears to be a class apart. Suffice it to say that trainer Freddie Head has been delighted with her condition coming into her title defense. Goldikova has simply destroyed some of the best milers in Europe this season, and there's no compelling reason to think that she can't mete out the same treatment to her Breeders' Cup rivals. Her acceleration is a thing of beauty.

DELEGATOR (GB) (Dansili [GB]) had the misfortune of clashing with Sea the Stars in the Guineas and Mastercraftsman in the St. James's Palace, but he pressed each to dig deeper to repel his challenge. In an ordinary year, Delegator may well have won both prizes. Subsequently snapped up by Godolphin, he delivered his trademark turn of foot to win the Celebration Mile (Eng-G2). Delegator was disappointing in the Queen Elizabeth II (Eng-G1) most recently at Ascot, where he launched a bid, only to weaken and checked in a well-beaten third. Santa Anita should suit him much better than Ascot, and he deserves to rank as the second choice here.

Juddmonte's ZACINTO (GB) (Dansili [GB]) ran a far better race in the QEII, accosting Rip Van Winkle (Ire) (Galileo [Ire]) before being rebuffed and settling for a terrific second. If you like Rip Van Winkle in the Classic (as I do), then as a matter of strict logic, you should like Zacinto here. Alas, while I have great respect for Zacinto, and fear him as a top-tier contender, my concerns for him in this spot outweigh my high regard for him in principle. The mile at Ascot is a taxing one, putting a premium on stamina, and quite unlike the pure speed required at Santa Anita. Earlier this summer, Zacinto's connections had revealed that they expect his optimum trip to be 1 1/4 miles. In keeping with that assessment, the original plan after the QEII was to stretch him out to that trip in the Champion S. (Eng-G1) at Newmarket, and the Mile was just not on his agenda. Unfortunately, Zacinto sustained a slight muscle pull, and Stoute rerouted him to the Mile. Zacinto is a high-class performer who has never finished worse than second in his brief career, but he may not have the push-button acceleration to maintain that record here.

I tabbed Godolphin's exuberant front runner GLADIATORUS (Silic [Fr]) as my longshot in my last Turf Diary, where I discussed Goldikova and Delegator in depth as well. I'll confine myself to saying that Gladiatorus is capable of wiring a top-notch field on his day. Conditions at Santa Anita should be ideal for him.

I would have preferred FLEETING SPIRIT (Ire) (Invincible Spirit) to take another crack at the Turf Sprint, where she was eligible to improve on her fourth-place effort from last year, but Noseda has opted for this spot. Fleeting Spirit is a top-class sprinter who has excelled against males for the past two seasons, and she is likely even better this year at four. Runner-up to Australian supremo Scenic Blast (Scenic [Ire]) in the King's Stand S. (Eng-G1) at Royal Ascot in her 2009 debut, she then emphatically dismissed her rivals in the July Cup (Eng-G1). Fleeting Spirit had excuses in her last two, finding the ground too soft in the Sprint Cup (Eng-G1) and having a problem with the stalls handlers before getting off slowly in the Abbaye, but she still finished a close second in both. Although Fleeting Spirit trains on synthetic at home, and the surface in and of itself is not a concern, the problem is that main-track sprinting is America's game. Fleeting Spirit has the talent to perform well, but tackling the likes of North America's elite speed burners on their own home court is awfully tough. She also reportedly didn't break well when schooling from the gate Friday morning.

I treated the principal Europeans exhaustively in my Turf Diary, so will just hit the bullet points here.

I believe that Juddmonte's SPANISH MOON (El Prado [Ire]) is world-class, and he comes here off two smart victories in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (Fr-G1) and Prix Foy (Fr-G2) for Stoute. Although gate issues have caused him to be banned from Britain for the past six months, Spanish Moon has not had a problem in France, and he has reportedly schooled well at Santa Anita. Note that Stoute just said that there is little to choose between Spanish Moon and his defending Turf champion CONDUIT (Ire) (Dalakhani), confirming the view I expressed in the Diary. Spanish Moon projects a stalking trip with new rider Fallon, he'll get the jump on Conduit, and he won't be easy to run down.

The filly DAR RE MI (GB) (Singspiel [Ire]) has solid claims to upstage both Stoute horses. Trained by Gosden, the royally-bred four-year-old had chased the peerless Zarkava last year, and this season, she has beaten Oaks winner Sariska (discussed above in my entry on Midday) and French Oaks (Fr-G1) queen Stacelita (Monsun). Dar Re Mi proved that she could mix it up with Europe's best males when finishing a close fifth in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1), historically a key race for producing Turf winners. Dar Re Mi was only a length behind fourth-placer Conduit that day, and I suspect that she can reverse that at Santa Anita with new pilot Frankie Dettori. Like Spanish Moon, she should be forwardly placed early.

Conduit has done nothing wrong since his blistering triumph here one year ago, and I could be woefully underestimating him. After capturing the prestigious King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. (Eng-G1) in late July, the chestnut was freshened in advance of an autumn campaign. Hence Conduit did very well to finish fourth in the Arc, missing second by two heads, and he stands to improve here, especially reverting to a left-handed course. The Breeders' Cup has always been his principal objective, and Stoute surely has him primed. My one sticking point is that Spanish Moon and Dar Re Mi are better than the horses he beat in the 2008 Turf, and that's why I'm inclined to think that an upset of this heavy favorite could be in the offing.

The inscrutable RED ROCKS (Ire) (Galileo [Ire]), hero of the 2006 Turf, will be making his swan song. The Brian Meehan veteran was an encouraging fourth in a strong renewal of the Cumberland Lodge S. (Eng-G3) last out in his return from a six-month layoff, and he will get the fast pace/firm turf set-up that he relishes. On the debit side of the ledger, however, he is scheduled to be sold at Fasig-Tipton next week, and this smacks of a roll of the dice to boost his marketability as a stallion. It's hard to escape the notion that his best days are past, but I wouldn't be shocked if he rallies for fourth.

I love RIP VAN WINKLE (Ire) (Galileo [Ire]), who would have been hailed as Europe's glamour three-year-old, were it not for Sea the Stars. Long highly regarded, he suffered serious foot trouble over the winter that interrupted his preparation for the classics. The full extent of those problems was only just made public earlier this week. Rip nevertheless performed admirably when fourth in both the Guineas and the Derby (Eng-G1). The bay colt finally began to justify his enormous reputation in the about 1 1/4-mile Eclipse S. (Eng-G1), where he tracked Sea the Stars, kept pace with that great rival, and accelerated to issue a stern challenge. Sea the Stars hurled him back in stakes-record time, but Rip crushed everyone else by a long way, led by third-placer Conduit. Had Sea the Stars run in the Irish Derby (Ire-G1) as originally planned, Rip would have been lionized as a mind-boggling winner of the Eclipse. Since then, despite the recurrence of foot trouble, Rip has outclassed first-rate milers in the Sussex S. (Eng-G1) and QEII. In both of those races, Rip has displayed tactical speed and a ferocious kick. In the QEII, he showed stamina to pull away from Zacinto and won somewhat cleverly. O'Brien has called Rip the best he's ever trained. While I'm not qualified to pass judgment on that, I rank him as the best Classic contender O'Brien's ever had. His form through Sea the Stars is simply invincible. I have the utmost confidence in Rip, believe that he'll handle the surface, and expect him to give Ballydoyle its long-awaited first Classic trophy.

Juddmonte's TWICE OVER (GB) (Observatory) should have been given more respect than 20-1 on the morning line, which is nothing short of an insult to a Cecil-trained Group 1 winner. I had covered his background in my last International Diary, outlining his trading decisions last year with Raven's Pass, who went on to land the 2008 Classic. Cecil maintains that Twice Over is better in 2009, and that he exited his career-best victory in the October 17 Champion in grand shape. As much as I respect the connections, I am worried about the fact that the Classic will be his fourth race in two months, and that he's coming off three weeks' rest. That pattern is reminiscent of when he flopped behind Sea the Stars and Rip in the Eclipse. Like Zacinto in the Mile, Twice Over was not reckoned as a Breeders' Cup contender until after his most recent race, at which point he was pitched into the equation. I won't be entirely surprised if Twice Over outperforms his odds, but I rate him more than a cut below Rip.

HANDICAPPING INSIGHTS

NOVEMBER 6, 2009

by Dick Powell

The Breeders' Cup will be run for the 25th time this weekend at Santa Anita and it will be great to have the attention back on handicapping the horses and not on the host site.

One area in which I disagree with many of my fellow handicappers is how the large pools of the Breeders' Cups represent a great opportunity for a life-changing score. These races are super tough to wager on and I recommend that you tread lightly. If anything, take the usual amount that you might bet and spread it thinner because of the depth of the fields. If you have a strong opinion, great, but don't go gimmick crazy without at least making a win bet if the odds justify it. With 14 races spread over two days, the last thing you want is to forget your money management skills and come up short of funds when you need them.

FRIDAY

Marathon: MASTERY (GB) (Sulamani [Ire]) is the type of horse that the Breeders' Cup hoped to attract when they carded this race last year. He won the English St. Leger (Eng-G1) in his last start and does have some form on an all-weather track. Play him in straight exactas over Father Time (GB) (Dansili [GB]).

Juvenile Fillies Turf: LILLIE LANGTRY (Ire) (Danehill Dancer) had a big win on ground similar to what she will see Friday when she won a Group 3 in Ireland. Has progressed nicely for trainer Aidan O'Brien and should have no trouble getting two turns. Underneath, I'll use Tapitsfly (Tapit) and Smart Seattle (Smart Strike).

Juvenile Fillies (G1): BLIND LUCK (Pollard's Vision) won the Oak Leaf (G1) here at this distance with a strong rally and should get a similar setup from post 3. Beautician (Dehere) had a nightmare trip in the Alcibiades S. (G1) at Keeneland in her synthetic track debut. Always a Princess (Leroidesanimaux [Brz]) has enough speed to overcome the 11 post under Garrett Gomez.

Filly & Mare Turf (G1): MIDDAY (GB) (Oasis Dream [GB]) beat older fillies the first time she tried them on soft turf then came back with a good third on ground that was much firmer. Just missed by a head in the Epsom Oaks (Eng-G1) in June against much better than these. Visit (GB) (Oasis Dream [GB]) just missed last out when running to close to the pace; draws the rail and gets Gomez back.

Filly & Mare Sprint (G1): INFORMED DECISION (Monarchos) has a brilliant closing kick, loves the distance and has never been beaten on a synthetic track. She'll run these down with a well-timed move from Julien Leparoux. Sara Louise (Malibu Moon) has never raced on a synthetic track but she has the pedigree and running style to be successful here. Ventura (Chester House) will be overbet off a terrific win over males going a mile on the turf in fast time. Defending champ loved it here last year.

Ladies Classic (G1): CARELESS JEWEL (Tapit) should have the early lead all to herself and as long as she isn't too crazy before the race she can take them gate-to-wire. Cocoa Beach (Chi) (Doneraile Court) ran well here last year and was stuck behind a slow pace last time out. Music Note (A.P. Indy) has won two Grade 1 stakes in a row and shows up here fresher than she was last year.

SATURDAY

Juvenile Turf (G2): INTERACTIF (Broken Vow) has a deadly late kick and will be flying late with Kent Desormeaux. Pounced (Rahy) is a lightly-raced Euro from the John Gosden barn who was a good second in a Group 1 last out. Viscount Nelson (Giant's Causeway) has to make sure he doesn't get shuffled back too far from an inside post.

Turf Sprint: LORD SHANAKILL (Speightstown) won a Group 1 two starts back going a mile and did great last year going this distance. This is an impossible race to handicap but at least he's shown he can run well against big fields. California Flag (Avenue of Flags) will be the one to catch with Joe Talamo. Cannonball (Catienus) should have won at Ascot this summer and has a strong kick.

Sprint (G1): ZENSATIONAL (Unbridled's Song) has been training even faster than normal for Bob Baffert and he'll have to break alertly from the rail. Fleeting Spirit (Ire) (Invincible Spirit) does not behave at the gate, so you'll know how she'll do before the race is run. If she loads without incident, watch out. Gayego (Gilded Time) could get the same pace set-up that he got in the Ancient Title (G1) and run these down.

Juvenile (G1): ALFRED NOBEL (Ire) (Danehill Dancer) is a Group 1 stakes winner from O'Brien who was beaten last out when racing on the wrong side of the track. No shot when racing over heavy ground two starts back. Lookin at Lucky (Smart Strike) has to overcome post 13 but he loves this track. Vale of York (Ire) (Invincible Spirit) is a speedy Euro who should handle American racing.

Mile (G1): ZACINTO (GB) (Dansili [GB]) still hasn't won a group stakes but he was a terrific second two starts back then rallied well to get second behind Classic favorite Rip Van Winkle. Goldikova (Ire) (Anabaa) was overbet in this race last year when she won at 9-5 and figures to be lower here. Justenuffhumor (Distorted Humor) hated the soft turf last time out and will relish the return to firm going.

Dirt Mile (G1): MASTERCRAFTSMAN (Ire) (Danehill Dancer) ships in from Ireland for O'Brien off a sensational win on an all-weather track going longer. Winner of two Group 1 stakes going a mile, he is fast enough to handle any pace scenario. Ready's Echo (More Than Ready) is a one-dimensional closer who will be flying late to get a piece. Midshipman (Unbridled's Song) won here last year and had a good prep for this in his only start this season.

Turf (G1): DAR RE MI (GB) (Singspiel [Ire]) beat the two best turf fillies in Europe two starts in a row then ran well in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1) last out. Spanish Moon (El Prado [Ire]) is a lightly-raced turfer from Sir Michael Stoute who loves this distance. Presious Passion (Royal Anthem) will have a gigantic lead and we'll be wondering if he's going to stop.

Classic (G1): RIP VAN WINKLE (Ire) (Galileo [Ire]) has been knocking heads with Europe's best all year and comes into this race with two huge wins going a mile. ZENYATTA (Street Cry [Ire]) finally gets a chance to go long on her favorite track. Training bullets for this. Mine That Bird (Birdstone) ran well on synthetics last year and comes in here relatively fresh at a good price. Key to any exotics. Summer Bird (Birdstone) could be compromised by running over a sloppy track last out at Belmont that a few horses did not come out of well.

HOLLAND'S BREEDERS' CUP SPOT PLAYS

NOVEMBER 6, 2009

by Tim Holland

Friday

Filly and Mare Sprint (G1): While it may be argued that this year's edition is tougher than the 2009 running that VENTURA (Chester House) won by an easy four lengths, it could also be said that the Bobby Frankel-trained filly is even better 12 months later. Lightly campaigned this year she is fresh and returns to Santa Anita where she has won her only two starts which were both at this distance. Similar to last year, Ventura drew a wide post and there is enough early speed entered to benefit her closing style.

Ladies' Classic (G1): Cross-entered in the Filly and Mare Turf (G1), RAINBOW VIEW (Dynaformer) landed in this spot. Very highly rated as a juvenile, the John Gosden trained filly was disappointing in the One Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1) and Epsom Oaks (Eng-G1) but has shown a return to form this fall, primarily when winning the Matron S. (Ire-G1). Her better showings have coincided with softer ground which may, in addition to the mile-and-a-quarter distance, explain her inability to defeat Lahaleeb (Ire) (Redback) in the E.P. Taylor (Can-G1) on firm turf last out. The ability to handle soft turf has translated well for horses trying the Pro-Ride surface and Rainbow View filly can pull off a mild upset for the stable that sent Raven's Pass out for his win in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) last year.

Saturday

Juvenile Turf (G2): VISCOUNT NELSON (Giant's Causeway) was sent on the same course by Aidan O' Brien, who saddled 2008 Juvenile Turf runner-up Wesphalia (Ire), when winning the Hurricane Run S. before contesting the Champagne S. (Eng-G2) at Doncaster. Despite not emulating Westphalia when he was defeated in the Champagne, Viscount Nelson ran a creditable race as the runner-up, beaten less than a length. He's never run a bad one in his four starts and the half-brother to Horatio Nelson (Ire) will have a leading chance with a ground-saving trip from his inside post.

Dirt Mile (G1): The 2008 champion two-year-old,MIDSHIPMAN (Unbridled's Song) returns to the scene of his Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) victory last year. Transferred after that triumph to the Saeed Bin Suroor stable, Midshipman was laid up for much of the year and only reappeared at Belmont in September where, despite drifting out when tiring, he was very impressive in an allowance victory. With little other early speed expected from his rivals, Midshipman may dominate this field over a surface he is proven on.

Classic (G1): Seven months ago, QUALITY ROAD (Elusive Quality) was all the rage for the Kentucky Derby (G1) after his impressive win in the Florida Derby (G1) indicated that he was the leading three-year-old, but an injury thwarted his Triple Crown claims. He made an impressive reappearance in August when winning the Amsterdam S. (G2) at Saratoga, followed by a slightly disappointing effort in the Travers (G1) when he faded to third behind Summer Bird. That defeat may have led one to believe that Quality Road might have been best at distances up to a mile but in his next race, the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) over the same mile-and-a-quarter trip, he showed improvement when staying on well to be beaten just a length by Summer Bird. Being by Elusive Quality, who sired Raven's Pass, and out of a mare by the turf star Strawberry Road (Aus), Quality Road should have no problem with the synthetic surface. With plenty of speed, he should get a good trip from his outside post just off the early leaders.

THOROUGHBRED BEAT

NOVEMBER 5, 2009

Breeders' Cup Longshot Edition

by James Scully

Here are six longshots in the Breeders' Cup that I will be looking to incorporate into my betting action this weekend:

Friday

Juvenile Fillies Turf: There is little buzz surrounding HATHEER (Storm Cat), but the Kiaran McLaughlin-trained filly has been favored in all three starts (3-5 when she easily broke her maiden at Saratoga) and was unfortunate to have the Jessamine S. come off the turf last time at Keeneland. If that race stays on the lawn and she wins as expected, the daughter of 2002 champion turf mare Golden Apples (Ire) would be one of the favorites on the morning line here. Instead, Hatheer is listed at 10-1 with Alan Garcia.

Filly & Mare Turf (G1): RUTHERIENNE (Pulpit) is the early 8-1 co-fifth choice and looks very sneaky in this spot. After dropping her final six outings in 2008, the five-year-old mare has returned to form for Christophe Clement, registering BRIS Late Pace ratings of 113-116-109 in her last three starts, and she looks capable of handling the 10-furlong trip over the firm turf in Southern California. An awesome winner of the 2007 Del Mar Oaks (G1) at 1 1/8 miles, Rutherienne could come flying in the stretch beneath Garcia.

Ladies' Classic (G1): Bill Mott excels with fillies and mares, recording a 6-2-0-1 mark in the Ladies' Classic, and he's got a dangerous longshot this year in MUSHKA (Empire Maker). The four-year-old filly will enter the race on the upswing, posting a convincing victory in the Glens Falls H. (G3) prior to her win via disqualification in the Spinster S. (G1) last out, and I loved that Mott blew her out three furlongs on Tuesday in preparation. Mushka is good on turf, but she's better on synthetics (two-for-two). She appears to be peaking and is an enticing 12-1 on the morning line with Kent Desormeaux.

Saturday

Turf Sprint: GET FUNKY (Straight Man) was the 9-2 second choice in the 2008 inaugural edition, but the Grade 2 winner drew a terrible post (13) and never got untracked down the hill. He got very good over the summer last year and was possibly past his peak heading into the Breeders' Cup, but the six-year-old appears headed in a positive direction this season for John Sadler, who has used a couple of route races in preparation. Get Funky wasn't much of a factor in those starts, but turned in his best performance of 2009 in the Morvich H. (G3) last time, rallying well for runner-up honors, and signaled his readiness with a six-furlong bullet work in 1:10 3/5 last Saturday. With a good post (5) and 20-1 odds on the morning line, he's one to consider for at least part under Rafael Bejarano.

Juvenile (G1): Experience on the Pro-Ride proved to be an edge in last year's juvenile events at Santa Anita, and the winner of the October 10 Norfolk S. (G1) at Santa Anita will probably head to the post as a solid favorite in the Juvenile. However, I give Norfolk runner-up PULSION (Include) a shot to run well at huge odds. Breaking from post 11 last time, the Patrick Biancone colt rallied from far back into a ridiculously slow pace, splitting horses in the stretch to finish a half-length clear of third, and netted a whopping 110 BRIS Late Pace rating in his first stakes effort. The late runner will get realistic fractions up front and break from a much better post (6) on Saturday, and Pulsion is 20-1 on the morning line with regular rider Mike Smith. If he improves off the Norfolk, the Florida-bred could light up the tote board.

Mile (G1): WHATSTHESCRIPT (Ire) (Royal Applause [GB]) is another Sadler trainee who figures to be overlooked (15-1 morning line), but this classy miler is a horse for the course that finished third at 4-1 in the 2008 Mile. I like the way Sadler has judiciously handled the five-year-old with the Breeders' Cup in mind, freshening him off a fast-closing third in the July 25 Eddie Read S. (G1), and the October 10 Oak Tree Mile (G2) should serve as a solid set-up for the ferocious closer. Cowboy Cal (Giant's Causeway) was loose on the lead setting easy fractions last time, and Whatsthescript offered a good showing late, making up a lot of ground in the stretch to finish only 1 1/4 lengths back in third. The pace scenario looks completely different here, with Gladiatorius (Silic [Fr]), Karelian (Bertrando), Courageous Cat (Storm Cat) and Cowboy Cal all potentially mixing it up through spirited fractions. After being hindered with the extreme outermost post in his last two starts, Whatsthescript figures to be comfortably saving ground from post 2 before firing up the late burners with Desormeaux.

OAK TREE NOTEBOOK

BREEDERS' CUP WEEK EDITION

by John Mucciolo

No graded races were held during the final weekend leading into the Breeders' Cup.

Track Stats

From a total of 42 races held over the Arcadia racetrack during the week, favorites won at a 52 percent clip and the top two betting choices combined for 76 percent of the wins. From 29 frays contested on the Pro-Ride oval, 10 animals won in wire-to-wire fashion (34 percent), while five of the 13 grassy tussles went all the way on the lead (38 percent).

Speed played a much more prominent role this past week than at any other juncture during the meeting, yielding numerous winners on both the main oval and turf. We're not too worried about the track being biased for the big weekend, but it's something we'll keep an eye on for Wednesday and throughout the week.

Bob Baffert, who is winning at a terrific 31 percent clip this meet (16-for-52 overall; 15-for-46 on the Pro-Ride), continued his sizzling ways last week, sweeping the first four races on Sunday's program. He'll have four starters in the Breeders' Cup, and all of them appear to be training forwardly heading into their main engagement.

The bettors are having success for the majority of the meet, with 64 percent of the top two betting choices coming through at the wire.

Meet Totals

Post Positions (wins):

BREEDERS' CUP HORSES TO WATCH

Friday (11/6)

Juvenile Fillies -- LILLIE LANGTRY (Ire) (Danehill Dancer) is the most highly regarded import in this deep race and has been bet down to cents on the dollar in her last trio of affairs. While the competition is tough, she may go off at 5-2 or more for the first time since her debut.

Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) -- In a race with very little early speed signed on, multiple Grade 1 queen SEVENTH STREET (Street Cry [Ire]) could be the one to catch turning for home for conditioner Saeed bin Suroor. The filly has never run on a synthetic oval, but if she thrives on it, look out!

Juvenile Fillies (G1) -- BIOFUEL (Stormin Fever) rallied into a moderate pace to inhale her foes in the Mazarine S. (Can-G3) over Woodbine's Polytrack last out. Trainer Reade Baker knows how to get a good one ready for a race of this caliber, and since we see this field as somewhat questionable, a big price on this filly might be worth a stab.

Filly and Mare Turf (G1) -- PURE CLAN (Pure Prize) was just a shell of herself in this race last season and big improvement is expected this time around. The classy four-year-old was especially impressive in the Flower Bowl Invitational S. (G1) most recently, pulling away late over a course she didn't particularly care for.

Ladies' Classic (G1) -- In the most evenly matched field of the day, two-time Group 1 heroine RAINBOW VIEW (Dynaformer) might fall through the cracks some after her runner-up finish in the E. P. Taylor S. (Can-G1) in her North American debut. Her best puts her right there.

Saturday (11/7)

Dirt Mile (G1) -- Four-time Group 1 star MASTERCRAFTSMAN (Ire) (Danehill Dancer) looks to be heads and shoulders clear of this field and should win unless something awful happens to the colt breaking from the rail. He might be the single of the two-day program.

Juvenile (G1) -- Regular readers of the notebook could verify that we've been bullish on the chances of PULSION (Include) to make an impact in a race of this stature, and we're standing firm on our original thoughts of the Patrick Biancone charge.

Mile (G1) -- ZACINTO (GB) (Zacinto [GB]) has never been worse than second and put in a spirited rally to be runner-up in the competitive Queen Elizabeth II S. (Eng-G1) for Juddmonte.

Sprint (G1) -- GAYEGO (Gilded Time) was so visually impressive in his Ancient Title S. (G1) romp that we could argue for him to be favored against this fine field. The Godolphin color bearer might not be a true six-furlong horse, but an early speed duel could be enough to vault him to a win with any improvement.

Classic (G1) -- ZENYATTA (Street Cry [Ire]) has never lost and was really only challenged once or twice, so we expect a huge showing against the boys in her toughest task to date.

A Look Ahead

The 26th running of the Breeders' Cup will take place over Friday and Saturday at Santa Anita. The weather forecast is outstanding (sunny and mid-70s), and there is no better backdrop in Thoroughbred racing than the San Gabriel Mountains. Enjoy the weekend!

CLASSIC DIARY

NOVEMBER 4, 2009

by James Scully

In this final diary, I'll give my analysis and selections for the Classic (G1) and Dirt Mile (G1) on Saturday, and the Marathon on Friday. All three races will feature a strong international presence, especially the Marathon where the Americans appear to have very little chance, and the lowest-priced morning line favorite in the 14-race Breeders' Cup program is Irish raider MASTERCRAFTSMAN (Ire) (Danehill Dancer), who is listed at 6-5 in the Dirt Mile.

CLASSIC

The major storylines in this year's Classic involve the first two choices on the morning line. RIP VAN WINKLE (Ire) (Galileo [Ire]) is the fearsome invader from Europe, where he ranked second only to Sea the Stars, and the Irish star is so good that he knocked a serious Classic contender, stablemate and multiple Group 1 hero Mastercraftsman, to the Dirt Mile. An outstanding winner of the Queen Elizabeth II S. (Eng-G1) in his last outing, Rip Van Winkle will attempt to give Coolmore and Aidan O'Brien their first Classic victory. The three-year-old colt looks like the likely favorite in the wagering, but ZENYATTA (Street Cry [Ire]) is the slight morning-line choice at 5-2, and the outstanding mare will be the sentimental favorite for many Thoroughbred racing fans.

Thirteen-for-13 in her distinguished career, the unbeaten champion will pursue unprecedented glory in her first start against males (no filly or mare has won in 25 runnings of the Classic). Zenyatta likes to put on a show with her antics in the paddock and post parade, but the gigantic five-year-old is all business on the track. She's a late-running dynamo for John Shirreffs.

I'll give a brief mention to six horses that aren't in my top three -- a pair of Triple Crown race winners, a couple of turf stars and two up-and-coming runners in royal blue. Belmont S. (G1) hero SUMMER BIRD (Birdstone) will enter the Classic on the upswing, winning the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) and Travers S. (G1) in his last two outings, and his 112 BRIS Speed rating last time merits serious respect. However, the late-starting sophomore recorded nine workouts over the Pro-Ride last fall/winter before being sent from trainer John Sadler's barn to Tim Ice, who debuted the chestnut in March at Oaklawn Park. Sadler is as sharp as they come out West and if he felt that the talented colt was better suited to the dirt, we're inclined to doubt Summer Bird on the Pro-Ride. Kentucky Derby (G1) upsetter MINE THAT BIRD (Birdstone) also doesn't appear to be at his best over Santa Anita's synthetic oval. He was no factor in the Goodwood S. (G1) earlier in the  Oak Tree meet and finished last in the 2008 Juvenile (G1).

Turf notables EINSTEIN (Brz) (Spend a Buck) and GIO PONTI (Tale of the Cat) are both eligible to outperform our expectations. Einstein captured the Santa Anita H. (G1) in March and will enter the Classic fresh for Helen Pitts-Blasi, finishing a good second in the Pacific Classic (G1) last time. He's a hard-hitting seven-year-old who loves the 1 1/4-mile distance. Gio Ponti is another accomplished 10-furlong runner, easily scoring in the Arlington Million (G1) and Manhattan H. (G1) at the distance this summer, and displayed a tremendous finishing kick over the Pro-Ride when capturing the Sir Beaufort S. (G3) last December. The Christophe Clement colt will be running late under Ramon Dominguez.

REGAL RANSOM (Distorted Humor) and GIROLAMO (A.P. Indy) are extremely promising for Godolphin and could be major contenders when the Classic returns to dirt in 2010, but we can't get excited about their chances this year. The former is more accomplished, winning the Super Derby (G2) and U.A.E. Derby (UAE-G2) this season, but he ran poorly over the Pro-Ride last fall and is a serious question mark at the Classic distance. The sky is the limit for Girolamo, who has registered three smashing wins since returning to the races this year in August, but the untested phenom has never tried two turns or a synthetic track.

Quality Road has stamina in his female line (Harold Roth/Horsephotos.com) 1st -- QUALITY ROAD (Elusive Quality) is the fastest American-based runner in the field based on BRIS Speed ratings after Summer Bird. The Florida Derby (G1) winner has garnered BRIS Speed ratings of 111, 110 and 109 this season, and he exits a good second, beaten a length, in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. Out of a Strawberry Road (Aus) mare, the bay colt hails from a classy family, including some turf runners. Turf horses tend to make a smooth transition to the synthetic tracks, and Quality Road's sire, Elusive Quality, is responsible for 2008 Classic winner, Raven's Pass. Quality Road is winless in two starts at 10 furlongs, recording a third in the Travers in his first attempt, but we feel the Pro-Ride will benefit him similar to Raven's Pass, who had never won past a mile prior to last year's Breeders' Cup. Quality Road established himself as the early Kentucky Derby favorite with a convincing victory in the Florida Derby in track-record time, but foot problems derailed his Triple Crown plans. He's now back at full strength for Todd Pletcher, with solid three preps under him since early August, and his natural speed looks like an advantage on Saturday. Regal Ransom is the only other front runner in the field and should provide a perfect target for John Velazquez, who figures to sit close before striking aboard Quality Road. We'll get plenty of value and the perfect trip with him.

2nd -- TWICE OVER (GB) (Observatory) doesn't own the lofty reputation of fellow European Rip Van Winkle, but the English invader is a 10-furlong specialist who will enter the Classic in excellent condition for Henry Cecil.

Runner-up in the 2008 Champion S. (Eng-G1) to Epsom Derby (Eng-G1) hero New Approach, Twice Over turned in a couple of solid efforts earlier this year, falling less than a length short in the Prince of Wales's S. (Eng-G1) and Lockinge S. (Eng-G1), before receiving a freshening in early July. He returned from the short rest in sharp form, winning two races prior to a half-length success in the 2009 edition of the Champion, knocking off a notable group of rivals in the about 1 1/4-mile test. It was a career-best performance for the improving four-year-old.

We like getting value with Europeans in the Classic, and Twice Over will probably be higher than 10-1. Arcangues won the 1993 edition at 133-1, and 1990 runner-up Ibn Bey (GB) was 38-1. Raven's Pass and Henrythenavigator, the 1-2 finishers last year, were 13-1 and 19-1, respectively. Cecil knows how to prepare his horses for the international trip, finishing in the money with three of six Breeders' Cup starters, including Dushyantor at 58-1 in the 1998 Turf (G1).

The Juddmonte homebred reportedly made a terrific appearance when visiting Santa Anita's track for the first time on Monday morning, and Twice Over rates as a very live longshot.

3rd -- Tabbing RIP VAN WINKLE and ZENYATTA as co-third selections is arguably a cop-out, but I didn't want to leave them out of our top three. Rip Van Winkle deserves ultimate respect, but he's never won past a mile and has battled some physical issues this season for O'Brien. At short odds, there's no guarantee he'll handle his first start on a synthetic track. Zenyatta is at her best on the Pro-Ride, but she hasn't registered a triple-digit BRIS Speed rating this year and figures to be overbet in this daunting spot.

Longshot -- AWESOME GEM (Awesome Again) passed a lot of rivals to finish a non-threatening third in the 2007 Classic, and the six-year-old gelding will enter this year's event in good condition for Craig Dollase, registering a 1 1/4-length decision in the Hawthorne Gold Cup (G2) last out. He's a two-time Grade 1 runner-up on synthetic tracks, and 10 furlongs is his best distance. Awesome Gem looms as a potential gimmicks crasher at long odds.

DIRT MILE

After appearing on course for the Classic, MASTERCRAFTSMAN was redirected to the Dirt Mile by O'Brien, and the Irish-based colt looks like a standout over his nine rivals.

1st -- MASTERCRAFTSMAN reeled off consecutive wins this year in the Irish Two Thousand Guineas (Ire-G1) and St. James's Palace S. (Eng-G1) before dropping a pair of decisions against Sea the Stars in the Juddmonte International (Eng-G1) and Irish Champion S. (Ire-G1). The gray colt still managed to place in both spots, finishing second by a length in the former, and he rebounded from those respectable setbacks with a confidence-building victory in a Group 3 event last time, showing an affinity for synthetic with a five-length decision over the all-weather track at Dundalk. Saturday's eight-furlong distance is the perfect fit for the champion juvenile, who should receive a ground-saving trip from his rail post, and Mastercraftsman figures to be along in time.

2nd -- MIDSHIPMAN (Unbridled's Song) was the only front-running winner over the Pro-Ride in last year's Breeders' Cup, cruising to a 1 1/4-length tally in the Juvenile (G1), and appeared to have all the physical tools to win the Kentucky Derby in 2009. However, the Godolphin colt missed most of his three-year-old campaign due to injury, making his belated return in a 6 1/2-furlong allowance/optional claimer at Belmont Park on September 18. Even though chestnut drew clear to a 3 1/4-length decision that afternoon, there are still legitimate concerns about fitness in his second start back. He'll be re-united with Garrett Gomez, the best big-money jockey in U.S. racing, and Midshipman will probably try to take his rivals all the way on the front end.

3rd -- BULLSBAY (Tiznow) is a two-time winner on the all-weather tracks, but the Whitney H. (G1) victor appears more comfortable on dirt. However, the Graham Motion runner received a favorable draw in post 3 with regular rider Jeremy Rose, and he's capable of grabbing a minor award here based on class alone.

Longshot: NEKO BAY (Giant's Causeway) has class concerns in this spot, but the improving late runner has posted BRIS Late Pace ratings of 118 and 113 in his last two outings and is a potential bomber for the exotics under Mike Smith.

MARATHON

The Marathon was extended to 1 3/4 miles this year, and four of the 10 runners are international shippers. I expect them to sweep the top two spots and won't be surprised to see a Euro trifecta.

Father Time could move up on synthetic (Harold Roth/Horsephotos.com) 1st -- FATHER TIME (GB) (Dansili [GB]) has finished behind Mastery (GB) (Sulamani [Ire]) in his last two starts, but we'll look for him to turn the tables here. Trained by Cecil, the three-year-old colt showed an affinity for the synthetic when winning his career bow last season, and the Group 2 winner is eligible to keep improving off a solid fourth in the about 1 3/4-mile St Leger (Eng-G1) last time. I think he'll appreciate the tighter track at Santa Anita. 2nd -- MASTERY posted a mild upset in the St Leger and will merit serious respect as the likely favorite in the Marathon. The Godolphin runner has won or placed in his last five starts while competing against top company, finishing third behind eventual Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1) third-placer Cavalryman (Halling) in the Grand Prix de Paris (Fr-G1) three starts back, but we weren't thrilled with his lone effort on a synthetic track in the Kempton Kentucky Derby Challenge earlier this season. The three-year-old looks much-improved since that effort, but I'll still give Father Time a slight edge this time around.

3rd -- CLOUDY'S KNIGHT (Lord Avie) was added to the Marathon mix after returning from 12-month layoff with a pair of recent Grade 3 wins, and we have a ton of respect for trainer Jonathan Sheppard. The nine-year-old gelding probably isn't good enough to challenge for it all, but he's a contender for a minor award given his strong present form. It will be a great story if he somehow posts the upset under Rosemary Homeister Jr.

Longshot -- MAN OF IRON (Giant's Causeway) lacks the credentials of the top Europeans in the field, but the half-brother to Belmont S. (G1) winners Rags to Riches and Jazil exits an encouraging victory over the synthetic track at Dundalk and is trained by O'Brien. Give him a chance to run well in his U.S. debut.

TURF DIARY

NOVEMBER 4, 2009

by Kellie Reilly

For only the third time in Breeders' Cup history, the reigning champions in both the Turf (G1) and Mile (G1) are back to defend their crowns in the same year. The results of those previous twin defenses may be instructive. In the 1993 championships at Santa Anita, Lure won his second straight Mile, but Fraise failed to repeat in the Turf and wound up fourth. A dozen years later, in 2005 at Belmont, both defending champions were dethroned in their respective events -- Singletary finished eighth in the Mile and Better Talk Now checked in seventh in the Turf.

As tiny as that sample is, it points to a larger historical pattern. It's not easy to win two Breeders' Cup titles, but the Mile has yielded more two-time winners than the Turf. While the electric Miesque (1987-88), the speedy Lure (1992-93) and the stout-hearted Da Hoss (1996, 1998) all won two runnings of the Mile, only the top-class High Chaparral (Ire) managed to capture two editions of the Turf (2002-03). And famously, he had to share that second victory in a dead-heat with Johar, who got up to join him at the wire.

These historical clues reinforce my instincts about our current defending champions. Mile superstar GOLDIKOVA (Ire) (Anabaa) belongs on that elite list of dual Breeders' Cup winners, but does Turf hero CONDUIT (Ire) (Dalakhani)?

I'm not guilty of dithering over that particular question. I made a crystal-clear decision some time ago about my top selections in the Turf, which features a stellar cast of Europeans and a less persuasive group of Americans. When it came to ranking the placed horses in the Mile, however, I must admit that I've toyed with the order almost as much as the House and Senate leadership have tinkered with the various health care bills.

So, with the usual disclaimer that I make no pretense of being a steely-eyed handicapper, but rather an observer with transparent rooting interests, here are my top three, and intriguing longshot, for the Turf and Mile.

TURF

Spanish Moon is bred on the powerful Sadler's Wells/Rainbow Quest cross (Harold Roth/Horsephotos.com) 1st -- Juddmonte Farms' homebred SPANISH MOON (El Prado [Ire]) has the profile of an improving older horse who has been carefully managed by Sir Michael Stoute, and that makes him the most dangerous challenger to his stablemate Conduit. I believe that Spanish Moon has a similar level of ability to Conduit, but their careers have hitherto followed different paths, so this judgment requires some extrapolation on my part. Spanish Moon flashed more raw talent as a juvenile than Conduit, winning his lone start at Newmarket in such blistering fashion that he rocked the antepost betting for the Derby (Eng-G1). Unfortunately, he suffered a cracked pelvis that robbed him of nearly all of his sophomore season. Spanish Moon's four-year-old campaign was a roller-coaster ride, but it concluded on a high note, and set the stage for his break-out 2009. The five-year-old burst onto the international scene in his reappearance on Dubai World Cup night, when he ran a winning race in the Dubai Sheema Classic (UAE-G1), only to be nipped at the wire. Spanish Moon promised to be a force in the major English prizes, but his unruly behavior at the starting gate led to his being banned from racing in Britain for the past six months. As a result, he never got the opportunity to take on Conduit in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. (Eng-G1).

Rerouted to France, Spanish Moon captured both of his subsequent starts, the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (Fr-G1) in June and the Prix Foy (Fr-G2) in September. That entitled him to be a serious player in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1), but the Juddmonte brain trust decided to swerve Sea the Stars and keep Spanish Moon fresh for a late autumn campaign. Interestingly, one previous Turf winner, In the Wings (GB) (1990), had also landed the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and Prix Foy on the way to the Breeders' Cup. He ran in the Arc, finishing fourth, before heading to the Turf.

Spanish Moon's form looks rock solid and stacks up tantalizingly well against Conduit. He has defeated three-time Arc runner-up Youmzain (Sinndar) twice this season, and last time out, he beat Vision d'Etat (Chichicastenango), who had in turn handled subsequent King George runner-up Tartan Bearer (Spectrum). Moreover, Spanish Moon has tactical speed, which should help him to get first run on Conduit at Santa Anita, and he picks up a gifted rider in Kieren Fallon.

A victory by Spanish Moon would be satisfying on several levels -- as the belated fulfillment of his potential; as a tribute to his recently-deceased sire, El Prado (Ire); and as a long overdue first Turf trophy for Juddmonte.

2nd -- At her best, the four-year-old filly DAR RE MI (GB) (Singspiel [Ire]) could spoil the prospects for a Stoute exacta. Ironically, her sire, Singspiel (Ire), was the bottom half of the Stoute exacta in the 1996 Turf. Singspiel was the even-money favorite, but he was upstaged by his 13-1 stablemate, Pilsudski (Ire). (Like Spanish Moon upstaging Conduit, perhaps?)

The John Gosden trainee may not have the cache of the first distaff winner of the Turf, Pebbles (GB) (1985), but she has much more to recommend her than Miss Alleged, who upset the 1991 Turf. Out of the first-rate Darara (Ire) (Top Ville), from a terrific Aga Khan family, Dar Re Mi is tough as nails and excels at the 1 1/2-mile distance.

Last year, Dar Re Mi had the misfortune of playing second fiddle to the peerless Zarkava in the Prix Vermeille (Fr-G1), which Zarkava won in stakes-record time. Prior to that, Dar Re Mi had finished runner-up to Lush Lashes when she smashed the course record in the Yorkshire Oaks (Eng-G1) (held at Newmarket in 2008). This season, Dar Re Mi has exposed the pretensions of the two most hyped sophomore fillies in Europe, while spotting them significant weight: she upended Oaks (Eng-G1) heroine Sariska (Pivotal) in the Yorkshire Oaks (back at York this time) and beat French Oaks (Fr-G1) star Stacelita (Monsun) fair and square in the Vermeille, only to be disqualified in a travesty of justice.

Dar Re Mi is coming off a better-than-appears fifth in the Arc. As noted in my last International Diary, she was up close in the main body of the field throughout, threw down a bold challenge in the stretch before Sea the Stars bolted clear, and was passed late by fourth-placer Conduit. Dar Re Mi figures to stay on more strongly at Santa Anita than she did at Longchamp, and if she doesn't take top honors herself, she is likely to make the winner work for the trophy. With the late-breaking news that Frankie Dettori will ride, Dar Re Mi looks all the more appealing.

3rd -- I may well be selling CONDUIT short here, and it won't be a surprise if he overturns my finely-reasoned speculation. Although he's clearly better than the past defending Turf champions who have flopped in their ensuing runs, I'm not quite convinced that he measures up to High Chaparral.

Let's compare their resumes: High Chaparral won the Racing Post Trophy (Eng-G1) at two; swept the Derby and Irish Derby (Ire-G1) the following season; at four, he added the 1 1/4-mile Irish Champion S. (Ire-G1) to his haul; and he was twice third in the Arc. In contrast, Conduit was modest at two; began his sophomore season in handicap company, progressing to take the St Leger (Eng-G1) and Turf; was blown away by Sea the Stars and Rip Van Winkle (Ire) (Galileo [Ire]) in the 1 1/4-mile Eclipse S. (Eng-G1) this summer; and relished the step back up to 1 1/2 miles to garner the King George in solid if unspectacular fashion.

Furthermore, I think that Conduit faces tougher European opposition this time. Last year's runner-up, Eagle Mountain (GB) (Rock of Gibraltar [Ire]), was making his second start off a year-long layoff at a distance that may have been a shade too far, and the fourth-place finisher was the one-paced Soldier of Fortune (Ire) (Galileo [Ire]), who just didn't strike me as a horse who'd be suited by Santa Anita. Neither can hold a candle, in my view, to Spanish Moon or Dar Re Mi.

Having stated the case for the prosecution, I am duty-bound to point out that Conduit stands to move forward off his closing fourth in the Arc. He had not raced since the King George, and only the rarest of horses is capable of winning the Arc off that kind of layoff. The Arc may prove to be the ideal prep for the Turf, and indeed, no fewer than six Turf winners came out of the Arc (seven if you include Miss Alleged, who ran in the Arc two starts before her Turf score).

There is one way that Conduit does resemble High Chaparral: both were arguably better suited to racing left-handed than right-handed. All four of Conduit's 2009 starts have come on right-handed courses, so he could improve considerably going left-handed at Santa Anita.

Just two further thoughts, whose relevance is questionable but nevertheless worth stating. First, Conduit was mildly colicky a few weeks ago, when rumors were rife that he may miss the Turf, but Stoute quashed that gossip in short order, and Conduit has reportedly been training sharply ever since. That's a non-issue at this point. The second matter is slightly more curious, not in and of itself, but because of the timing: Ballymacoll Stud has just sold Conduit to a Japanese stud farm. The sale makes perfect commercial sense, but why was it finalized prior to the Turf? Is his market value at its height right now, when he's the raging favorite for the Turf, but may not be if he's beaten?

Longshot -- TELLING (A.P. Indy) came from out of the blue this campaign, but he is a well-bred individual who began life with Darley, and is putting it all together at the right time for trainer Steve Hobby. I think that he has not gotten the credit he deserves for a convincing victory in the Sword Dancer Invitational (G1) at Saratoga, where he raced within striking distance of a ferocious pace but powered home strongly. His losses on either side of that 33-1 upset were both sneakily good. Telling finished fast for fifth in the 1 1/4-mile Arlington H. (G3), beaten all of 1 1/2 lengths by Just as Well (A.P. Indy), who went on to chase Gio Ponti (Tale of the Cat) in the Arlington Million (G1) and then took the Northern Dancer Turf S. (Can-G1) via disqualification. As discussed in my previous Turf Diary, Telling's effort in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational (G1) was also encouraging. Unlike the lovable PRESIOUS PASSION (Royal Anthem), who will attract some support but whom I just can't envision wiring a field of this stature, Telling should be completely overlooked in the wagering and will be doing his best work in the final quarter-mile.

MILE

Goldikova will try to become the fourth horse to win two runnings of the Mile (Ed Van Meter/Horsephotos.com) 1st -- Trainer Freddie Head has compared GOLDIKOVA favorably to Miesque, whom he rode to two slashing victories in the Mile, and the resemblance is striking. Both are blessed with a blinding turn of foot that stuns their rivals into submission. On merit, Goldikova deserves to join Miesque on the honor roll of two-time Breeders' Cup winners, and it will be a massive shock if she does not. Indeed, Goldikova has an easier task in that her Mile tilts are coming in virtually identical conditions at Santa Anita. Miesque, in contrast, won her Miles on firm Hollywood turf and a rain-softened course at Churchill. In 2008, Goldikova brought compelling credentials to the Mile, having defeated older foes in the Prix Rothschild (Fr-G1) and Prix de Moulin du Longchamp (Fr-G1) and having placed second to Zarkava in the French One Thousand Guineas (Fr-G1).

This year, with two glaring exceptions, Goldikova has been even more dominating. Those two reverses should be disregarded: her 2009 debut is a total throw-out since the Head yard was battling a bug at the time, and her narrow loss in the Prix de la Foret (Fr-G1) last time out was better than it looks on paper. Goldikova was dropping to about seven furlongs for the first time, broke from a far outside post, forced a very fast pace while wide, sauntered to the front on the bridle, got tired and was run down late. Unlike Goldikova, who looked like the winner in the stretch, the early leader gave way badly and wound up a long way back, underscoring what a breakneck tempo it was. The Foret would be significant if Goldikova were trying one of the Breeders' Cup Sprint races, but it shouldn't portend much for her back over a course and distance that she relishes. Recall that the great Miesque herself entered both of her Breeders' Cups off losses.

Over the summer, Goldikova looked sublime, as described at length in a few International Diaries. After a cozy score in the Falmouth S. (Eng-G1), she successfully defended her Rothschild title in grand style, skipping clear and easing down late. Two weeks later, Goldikova throttled males in the Prix Jacques le Marois (Fr-G1) by a dazzling six lengths, shattering the stakes record in one of the continent's most prestigious mile events. Since the bay appears to thrive on racing, I suspect that Head prepped her in the Foret because it was closer to the date of the Breeders' Cup, even though the distance wasn't ideal. If so, then Goldikova should be sitting on a tremendous performance.

2nd -- DELEGATOR (GB) (Dansili [GB]) has claims to be considered best-of-the-rest, but only if he duplicates the early-season form he showed for Brian Meehan, before he was purchased by Godolphin. An impressive winner of the Craven S. (Eng-G3) in his sophomore bow, he battled with Sea the Stars in the Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1), but was outstayed by that titan in the closing stages and finished a gallant second. Delegator turned in another terrific runner-up effort in the St. James's Palace S. (Eng-G1) at Royal Ascot, where he briefly threatened to upset Mastercraftsman (Ire) (Danehill Dancer), only to be outstayed again in the final yards.

A clear pattern emerges: Delegator is capable of delivering a potent burst of speed, but he can't sustain it for long. Ironically, the fact that he had traffic trouble in the Celebration Mile (Eng-G2) two back may have worked to his benefit: when he finally broke free, he roared clear and won well from Mile rival ZACINTO (GB) (Dansili [GB]). (Delegator may not keep that victory he scored in his Godolphin debut, for he subsequently tested positive for a banned substance.)

Delegator disappointed in his second start for Godolphin, folding to a tame third behind Rip Van Winkle and a much-improved Zacinto in the Queen Elizabeth II S. (Eng-G1) at Ascot. Based on that effort, Zacinto appears to have outstripped Delegator, but for one key fact: Santa Anita's mile puts a premium on speed, which is Delegator's forte, unlike Ascot's stiffer test that so plainly suited Zacinto. Delegator will finally get an easy mile to play to his strengths, instead of the courses that have been pushing him to the limit. If he's still at his best at this late stage of the season, Delegator figures to sprint around the turn and charge home late.

3rd -- I found it past my powers to try to separate the American-based contingent, which boasts several smart late runners who are well qualified to get up for a minor award. So I'm going in a different direction and tabbing the game, genuine pace factor COWBOY CAL (Giant's Causeway) to hold off the spirited closers for third. I've always had a soft spot for the old Stonerside Stable horses, and I was very high on Cowboy Cal in the wake of his devastating triumph in the Laurel Futurity in 2007. His three-year-old season was interrupted in the wake of a poor performance in the Kentucky Derby (G1), but he returned as resilient as ever last fall.

It's notable that when Robert and Janice McNair sold their bloodstock and farm to Sheikh Mohammed, they retained Cowboy Cal for themselves, and he has vindicated that decision. Things haven't always panned out for him, and he has been foiled by circumstances at times, but when he gets the right set-up, he is a tenacious competitor. I have an inkling that the Mile is going to unfold well for him. Cowboy Cal is better when he plays a stalking role, and he should have a target here. Also, unlike a couple of his archrivals, COURT VISION (Gulch) and JUSTENUFFHUMOR (Distorted Humor), who would arguably prefer a trifle longer distance, the flat mile is ideal for Cowboy Cal. He's a perfect three-for-three at this trip on the turf, and he exits a victory in the Oak Tree Mile (G2) over the course, an historically productive prep for the Mile.

Remember that last year, Stonerside-breds Raven's Pass and Midshipman (Unbridled's Song) covered themselves in Breeders' Cup glory for their new connections. How appropriate, then, would it be for the McNairs to watch Cowboy Cal do well for them here.

Longshot -- This choice is either a lightning-bolt of insight, or a lunatic delusion, but I can't ignore Godolphin's ostensible second-stringer GLADIATORUS (Silic [Fr]). As anyone who saw his jaw-dropping romp in the Dubai Duty Free (UAE-G1) can attest, he's capable of running a world-class field off its collective feet. Subsequently switched from Mubarak bin Shafya to Godolphin, he was bitterly disappointing in his first three starts in the royal blue silks. I'm not willing to condemn him for those efforts, or write him off as an inflated Dubai wonder who was put in his place in Europe. In the middle of the summer he had foot trouble that ruled him out of a projected tilt at the Arlington Million, and it's possible that he was only just rounding into form when slaughtering a weak field in the Premio Vittorio di Capua (Ity-G1) in Milan last time out. Gladiatorus may be in his element on a turning circuit like Santa Anita, and I wouldn't put it past him to go straight to the front and hold on for a long way. A son of 1999 Mile hero Silic (Fr), Gladiatorus is inbred 3 x 3 to the influential Blushing Groom (Fr), and his second dam is champion and Irish One Thousand Guineas (Ire-G1) queen Al Bahathri.

SPRINT DIARY

NOVEMBER 4, 2009

by Vance Hanson

To regular readers of this column hoping to meet or exceed last year's Return on Investment (ROI) by backing my top selections in the three Breeders' Cup sprint races: it isn't going to happen. I'm not far off the mark when saying lucrative selections on the scale of DESERT CODE (E Dubai) come with Halley's Comet frequency when uttered from my mouth or typed on my keyboard, so getting back $25 for every $2 wagered this time is unrealistic given who I'm supporting.

I really don't see any major surprises in either the Sprint (G1) or Filly & Mare Sprint (G1), but I have included a longshot or two among my top selections in the Turf Sprint, which I consider to be one of the best betting races over the two-day fixture.

SPRINT

Fatal Bullet won't have Midnight Lute to contend with this year (Harold Roth/Horsephotos.com) 1st -- FATAL BULLET (Red Bullet) has an impeccable 11-9-2-0 mark on synthetic surfaces, including a second-place finish over this very track in last year's Sprint behind Midnight Lute. And unless I'm completely wrong about the second selection, I don't see a horse of that caliber standing between the 2008 Canadian Horse of the Year and the winner's circle. Only the bad luck of a poor start will prevent the gelding from being on or near the front, and he's proven to be tough as nails if forced to go head-to-head for a prolonged period, an example being his final prep in the Phoenix S. (G3) at Keeneland. Though he hasn't quite matched his very best BRIS Speed ratings from a year ago this season, few of his rivals here have met that standard either so his very best can undoubtedly win this.

2nd -- ZENSATIONAL (Unbridled's Song) will be the favorite off comfortable wins in the Pat O'Brien S. (G1), Bing Crosby S. (G1) and Triple Bend H. (G1), an unprecedented sequence of wins for a three-year-old. While I'm not so convinced of his vulnerability as I was of Lost in the Fog's in 2005, the two do share the commonality of having earned a lofty reputation while facing little in the way of serious competition. His trio of wins were Grade 1s in name only as the sprint division in Southern California this year was as mediocre as I can ever recall. The gray colt might prove to be everything his fans have said he is, but there were certainly underlying reasons why a three-year-old unexpectedly dominated a division with such a rich history of producing quality dash specialists. The bottom line is that the Sprint will be his first serious test all year, and at a price hovering around even-money I'm taking a stand against him.

3rd -- CAPT. CANDYMAN CAN (Candy Ride [Arg]) is now the sentimental choice after breeder and co-owner Dr. Joseph Rauch unexpectedly died last weekend. I'm still not quite sure why I put him here instead of the seemingly more logical GAYEGO (Gilded Time), a course and distance specialist. Perhaps it was to be intellectually consistent since he finished within a half-length of my top selection in the Phoenix. Or maybe it's because I'm not as enthralled with Gayego's Ancient Title S. (G1) now as before, which could be an entirely wrong-headed feeling. Capt. Candyman Can is certainly competing on a surface that is not his preferred one and over a distance about a furlong shorter than optimum, but I can't completely overlook his progressive form over the past several months and I think he can clear some of the more obvious hurdles to land a minor share.

Longshot -- COST OF FREEDOM (Cee's Tizzy) could not have been entering this race any better...a year ago. A failure to pass a veterinary inspection forced his withdrawal from the 2008 Sprint following a minor upset win in the Ancient Title, and while he hasn't shown his very best form since then, do note he was returning from an 11-month layoff when fourth in the Pirate's Bounty S. on September 9 and was far sharper when occupying the same position behind Gayego in this year's renewal of the Ancient Title. He actually made the lead briefly in the stretch in the latter and might be ready to peak in his third race back.

FILLY & MARE SPRINT

1st -- VENTURA (Chester House) was nowhere to be found on my list of selections last year. Lesson learned. Though her campaign has been much shorter this season, she really hasn't done anything to dispel the notion that seven furlongs on Pro-Ride is her game and the fillies and mares she'll be facing will just be playing it. No, she hasn't completely shaken off her habit of missing by narrow margins on occasion, but from all appearances she couldn't be entering this race any better physically or form-wise.

2nd -- SARA LOUISE (Malibu Moon), one could argue, is Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro) competing in the Breeders' Cup by proxy. Okay, I might be stretching that a little as the likely Horse of the Year certainly wouldn't have been running in this race if she had come to California. But the Godolphin colorbearer is the last one to have beaten the great filly, in the 2008 Pocahontas S. (G3), and has validated that juvenile form with two outstanding efforts this season in the Victory Ride S. (G3) and in the Gallant Bloom H. (G2), where she bowed by a head to dual champion Indian Blessing (Indian Charlie). She has reportedly taken to the Pro-Ride well in her local works, and certainly has the class and form to run a good one behind Ventura. Given how imposing that one looks on paper, however, she's more than likely a year away from her destined coronation in the next renewal over dirt at Churchill Downs.

3rd -- INFORMED DECISION (Monarchos) brings an undefeated record over synthetic surfaces, a 6-5-0-1 mark at the distance and a victory over Ventura in the Madison S. (G1) to the table -- a solid one-two-three punch. She might indeed be the best hope among those not named Ventura, and if you're trying to beat the chalk why not go with the one who has actually done it? However, my gut has been telling me for some time that the gray, who has no Pro-Ride experience, might not like it as much as Polytrack or Tapeta or at least not as much as Ventura. Not all synthetic surfaces are the same, and Ventura would be the first to tell you, if she could, that she kind of prefers the Pro-Ride to Polytrack. I'm guessing Informed Decision is in the opposing camp.

Longshot -- EVITA ARGENTINA (Candy Ride [Arg]) is not nearly as bad as she looked in the September 4 Rancho Bernardo H. (G3) at Del Mar. This is the same filly, after all, that beat colts over this course and distance in the San Vicente S. (G2) and whipped her elders in the A Gleam H. (G2) at Hollywood, further evidence of the paucity of quality older sprinters in California this season. On the flip side, her Speed ratings are consistently lower than those earned by the major contenders. Too many things need to break her way in order for her to garner more than a minor share.

TURF SPRINT

1st -- DIAMONDRELLA (GB) (Rock of Gibraltar [Ire]) is in the wrong race from a sporting perspective. I would love to have seen how her explosive late kick would have measured up against those of the European challengers in the Mile (G1), in particular Goldikova (Ire) (Anabaa). Alas, we can only speculate. This race is certainly the second best option for her as she took a relatively fierce disliking to synthetic two back in the Presque Isle Downs Masters S. (G3). Indeed, if not for that inappropriate placement in the hopes of making her a Filly & Mare Sprint candidate, she'd be riding into town on a seven-race win streak. There are some hurdles here -- facing males for the first time and inexperience over the tricky downhill course that involves crossing the Pro-Ride -- but with the right trip we see this mare in contention late with one of her patented scorching rallies. I've preached for two years that the edge in this race will go to those with positive experience over the course and distance, which proved to be the case last year, but this amazon appears to have the talent to lessen that necessity. I'm prepared to either look like a genius or a fool for outthinking myself.

2nd -- NOBLE COURT (Doneraile Court) is a tip of the hat to my aforementioned dogma of favoring a horse for the course. If not for the presence of Zensational, this one would have made a larger impact on the main track division in California this year and would likely be running in the Sprint. This is by far the more appropriate spot as his two prior turf sprint attempts would suggest. The first was a neck loss in the six-furlong Captain Squire H. across town at Hollywood in 2007, the other a victory in the course-and-distance Joe Hernandez S. in March, a race won last year by my old friend Desert Code, who seems too off-form to back with confidence this time. Not so this five-year-old, who shows only one unplaced finish in his career (he subsequently missed more than 13 months of action following a fifth in a division of the 2008 El Cajon S). His BRIS Late Pace ratings are superb (ranging from 106 to 118 in his last six starts), so if he gets a clear run in this congested field look out. I'll be backing both of my top two selections in the win pool.

3rd -- CANNONBALL (Catienus) nearly scored a historic win for the Americans at Royal Ascot in June when falling short by a neck in the Golden Jubilee S. (Eng-G1) after a less-than-heady ride by Olivier Peslier. The New York-bred gelding finally got off the duck this season in his next outing in the Commentator S. at Saratoga, and before one downgrades that win against mere state-breds note that among the vanquished were SILVER TIMBER (Prime Timber), who had taken the Jaipur S. (G3) and subsequently landed the Woodford S. (G3). Cannonball narrowly missed in a pair of graded events in Kentucky last spring, but probably found those affairs and the King's Stand S. (Eng-G1) at Royal Ascot too short. This distance should hit him between the eyes, so the only real concern here is his ability to handle this unique course.

Longshot -- GOTTA HAVE HER (Royal Academy) was a late addition to the list of probables following her score in the Senator Ken Maddy H. (G3) on October 17, one of four wins she has in as many attempts over this course and distance. Trainer Jenine Sahadi, who won back-to-back Breeders' Cup Sprints with Lit de Justice and Elmhurst in 1996-97, has no qualms about bringing her back on short rest nor about putting her in with males, and she looks most interesting as a kicker for trifecta and superfecta wagers.

JUVENILE DIARY

NOVEMBER 4, 2009

by Vance Hanson

I'm not straying too far off the reservation in either Breeders' Cup race for juvenile colts and geldings. Affinity for the Santa Anita strip has been the virtual key to success in the Juvenile (G1) every time it has been contested there, whether on dirt or Pro-Ride. The Juvenile Turf (G2) has only been run twice previously, so no discernible patterns have emerged as to what kind of horse tends to have the most success in it. Instead, I'll stay with the tried and true motto of "class on the grass," though my view of what constitutes superior class may not look so astute once the results come in.

JUVENILE

1st -- LOOKIN AT LUCKY (Smart Strike) is hardly brilliant from a BRIS Speed rating perspective nor in the way he's won most of his races this year, but by gosh the undefeated colt sure does like whatever that stuff is they run on in California. And that's really all that matters once the gates open. Trainer Bob Baffert continues to be pleased with the way the bay has prepared for this, and I won't argue with him as it's the others in the field who have to worry about either the footing, the distance or both. He's already a pro in both respects, and is the deserving favorite.

2nd -- ESKENDEREYA (Giant's Causeway) strikes trainer Todd Pletcher's fancy enough for him to bypass a seemingly more logical spot in the Juvenile Turf. As a son of Giant's Causeway, the chestnut can probably run on everything, and he will have by the time Saturday night rolls around. Runner-up in a two-turn turf maiden at Saratoga, the chestnut returned to take the Pilgrim S. Belmont Park, which was downgraded after it was switched from turf to dirt, by 7 1/4 lengths. It was a fine effort that yielded a solid 95 Speed rating over a track that was clearly drying out and tiring. He's clearly an individual with multiple avenues for future success.

3rd -- D' FUNNYBONE (D'wildcat), along with Jackson Bend (Hear No Evil), are the two best juveniles I've seen on dirt this year. Take that for what it's worth, which might not be a whole lot for a race contested on Pro-Ride. The bottom line is that I'm expecting the Rick Dutrow pupil's class to get him through to at least a minor award. He's looked outstanding in winning the Saratoga Special S. (G2) and Futurity S. (G2) by wide margins, and though he will stretch out beyond seven furlongs for the first time in addition to trying a foreign surface, his raw ability might take him a long way.

Longshot -- PISCITELLI (Victory Gallop), as we noted in our last edition, looks like the kind who will make great strides at nine furlongs and farther over dirt. He hasn't looked quite as home on synthetic as he did in his first two starts on dirt at Monmouth, rallying for third in a slowly-run renewal of the Arlington-Washington Futurity (G3) and finishing fifth in the Breeders' Futurity (G1). He gets a pass for the latter effort after breaking slower than usual, trailing the 14-horse field for a half-mile and making a notable three-wide move to improve his position. A price play for those going deep in the vertical exotics.

JUVENILE TURF

1st -- VISCOUNT NELSON (Giant's Causeway) is a beautifully-bred colt flying the flag for the Coolmore connections. A son of Epsom Oaks (Eng-G1) winner Imagine (Ire) (Sadler's Wells), who has also produced French Group 1-winning juvenile Horatio Nelson (Danehill), Group 2-winning juvenile Kitty Matcham (Rock of Gibraltar [Ire]) and her multiple Group 1-placed full brother Red Rock Canyon (Ire), the dark bay has the bloodlines to be any kind. While his second in the Champagne S. (Eng-G2) at Doncaster last time was not spectacular visually, he made great strides that day off a win in a listed stakes at Tipperary. He appears to handle any footing, a good thing as the course will undoubtedly be very firm for this. The Europeans have been making American turf stars look second rate for a while now, so I'm betting the trend continues here.

2nd -- INTERACTIF (Broken Vow) is easily the best juvenile turf colt to come out of this country in some time. The probable favorite here, he displayed an amazing turn of foot to reach the front in both the With Anticipation S. (G3) and Bourbon S. (G3), the latter over a course that might have been a little soft for his liking. He really doesn't have any holes and only a bad trip might prevent him from keeping this lucrative prize home. At a short price, however, I'll take a stab elsewhere.

3rd -- POUNCED (Rahy) has run first or second in all three starts, the latest being a second in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere (Fr-G1) on the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1) undercard. A plus in his corner is trainer John Gosden, the man responsible for Raven's Pass in last year's Classic (G1). From the running lines the colt appears to have a touch of speed and should be within striking distance the whole way. He might prove to be the more formidable European invader.

Longshot -- BECKY'S KITTEN (Kitten's Joy) was going nowhere fast on dirt, but this son of 2004 turf male champion Kitten's Joy has expectedly relished the switch to grass, starting with a maiden score at Saratoga and followed by a last-to-second rally in the Summer S. (Can-G3) at Woodbine. He's been working lights-out since his arrival in California, and could be an enticing win prospect if the price is in double-digit territory. He could certainly be rated higher here.

In brief

William Deburgh's TUSCAN EVENING (Ire) (Oasis Dream [GB]) snapped a two-race losing streak when taking the $200,000 Las Palmas H. (G2), the nightcap on the Breeders' Cup Friday program at Santa Anita. The four-year-old tracked in second for more than six furlongs before taking control in the upper stretch and drawing off to a 1 1/4-length victory under Rafael Bejarano. The time for a mile on the firm turf was 1:33 2/5. The Jerry Hollendorfer pupil has now won three stakes this season, preceding this win with scores in the Royal Heroine Mile (G2) and Redondo Beach S. She now boasts earnings of $509,408 from a line of 20-6-3-5...

Longshots dominated Friday's $111,000 Ack Ack H. (G3) at Churchill Downs, with Amerman Racing Stables' DEMARCATION (Gulch) pulling off the 10-1 upset by 1 1/2 lengths with 21-1 and 13-1 chances occupying the next two slots. Trained by Paul McGee and ridden by Jesus Castanon, Demarcation completed one mile over the fast main track in 1:36. Though he had positive dirt form in the past, the five-year-old gelding had become better known for his turf prowess the last two seasons. Demarcation's last visit to the winner's circle had been at Churchill Downs after dead-heating in the grassy River City H. (G3) last November. Demarcation now boasts earnings of $357,646 from a line of 26-7-3-8...

Pin Oak homebred MUCH OBLIGED (Kingmambo) cut it close as the odds-on favorite, but did get up in the final yards to take the $60,000 Blushing K. D. H. on the opening-day program at Fair Grounds on Friday. Under Francisco Torres, the four-year-old filly prevailed by a half-length while completing about 1 1/16 miles on the firm turf in 1:45 3/5. Trained by Malcolm Pierce, Much Obliged was winning for the first time in stakes company since the American One Thousand Guineas in May 2008. She's narrowly missed twice at the graded level, finishing a neck second in the 2008 Boiling Springs S. (G3) and a head third to Princess Haya (Street Cry [Ire]) and champion Forever Together (Belong to Me) in the Canadian S. (Can-G2) last time. Her record now stands at 15-6-2-1, $369,157...

Leading third-crop sire CACTUS RIDGE will stand the 2010 season at Vinery near Lexington, Kentucky. The eight-year-old son of Hennessy is the sire of 16 stakes horses and earners of more than $5 million, including recent Queen Elizabeth II Invitational Challenge Cup (G1) victress Hot Cha Cha. Cactus Ridge retired unbeaten in four starts, including a three-length score in the 2003 Arlington-Washington Futurity (G3). His 2010 stud fee has not been announced...

Stakes winner ELUSIVE SPARKLE (Elusive Quality), a half-sister to 2007 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Street Sense (Street Cry [Ire]), ran her last race on Thursday according to trainer Carl Nafzger. The four-year-old bay finished ninth in the 8TH race to end her career with a record of 18-2-4-3 for earnings of $112,028 for owner James Tafel. "One retired yesterday and one debuts today," Nafzger said, referring to BROADWAY TICKET (Distorted Humor), a three-year-old half-sister to Street Sense. Broadway Ticket, who like her siblings is out of Bedazzle (Dixieland Band), is owned by Randall Bloch, John Seiler and Robert Manfuso. The juvenile miss ran eighth in the 7TH race at Churchill on Friday...

Pennsylvania Derby (G2) and Ohio Derby (G2)-winning GONE ASTRAY (Dixie Union) will make his next start in the $100,000 Discovery H. (G3) at Aqueduct  on November 21, according to Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey. "He's changed since we started running him two turns," McGaughey said. ""He ran second at Monmouth (in the 1 1/16-mile Coronado's Quest) and then second to Blame (Arch) in the (1 1/8-mile) Curlin at Saratoga, and his last two races (Penn and Ohio Derbies) have been great." Stablemate IMPERIAL COUNCIL (Empire Maker), runner-up in the Gotham (G3) and Peter Pan S. (G2), breezed for the fifth time Friday morning since his return to the worktab in mid-October, going three furlongs in :37 2/5. Eighth in the May 25 Met Mile (G1) in his last start, the sophomore will likely return to the races this winter in Florida, said McGaughey's assistant, Buzzy Tenney...

Also under consideration for the Discovery (G3) is HAYNESFIELD (Speightstown), who returned to the winner's circle for the first time in more than eight months when he won the $250,000 Empire Classic at Belmont Park on October 24. "He came out of the race well," said trainer Steve Asmussen's assistant, Toby Sheets, "and we know he likes Aqueduct." The three-year-old chestnut won three straight stakes at the Big A last winter -- the Damon Runyon, Count Fleet and Whirlaway -- before finishing eighth in the Gotham (G3) in March. He returned to the races on October 2 with a head runner-up finish in the 6 1/2-furlong Sir Keys S. at Belmont Park...

Elliott Mavorah's INTERPATATION (Langfuhr), the 43-1 upset winner of the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational (G1) at Belmont Park last month, leaves next Saturday for his engagement in the $4 million Japan Cup Invitational (Jpn-G1) on November 29. He will be accompanied by two stablehands on the 14-hour direct flight to Tokyo, said trainer Bobby Barbara. "I'm leaving on the 24th, which means I'll be having sushi for Thanksgiving," Barbara said. "The owners are going, but the only thing we don't have is a jockey. We'll wait until after the Breeders' Cup is over and make a decision by Wednesday." Interpatation's victory in the Joe Hirsch was his first since winning the Larry R. Rivello President's Cup S. at Philadelphia Park on September 15, 2007. "We are all excited -- this is a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Barbara, whose furthest travels with the gelding have been to Florida. "He's doing great, and I can't wait to go."...

2007 Pennsylvania Derby (G2) winner TIMBER RESERVE (Forest Camp), who returned off a 10-month break to finish off-the-board against allowance/optional claiming rivals on September 3 and was third in Wednesday's Half High S., could have a quick turn around and reappear in next Saturday's $100,000 Stuyvesant S. (G3) at Aqueduct. "It was a good effort," trainer John Kimmel said of the one-mile Half High. "I think his best deal really is a two-turn race though. These long sprints around one turn just might not be his thing -- he fails to accelerate the way you need to finish those." Kimmel is confident that Timber Reserve is coming around, though. "He came out of (the Half High) looking really good," Kimmel said. "When he was younger, this horse used to breeze and it was a struggle to get him to go in :59 -- he'd want to go in :58. I think it may just be taking him a little longer to get back to the level of fitness where he needs to be to run with top level horses. He was really in peak form for the Meadowlands Cup (G2) last year and I'd like to get him back to the level he was at as a three-year-old. Everything else is right, though and that's why I'm thinking about running him back in the Stuyvesant. Two turns, a mile and an eighth, that's probably his best kind of race."...

One race prior to the Blushing K. D., Louisiana native Shane Sellers returned to Fair Grounds after an absence of more than four years to win aboard the Keith Bourgeois-trained MR. SKIE'S SPIRIT (Ide). "I'm very excited, but I'm a little emotional right now," said Sellers, who was a nationally prominent reinsman during the 1990s before retiring from the saddle four and a half years ago. "Four and a half years is a long time. Praise God that I got another opportunity to ride. Life is all about opportunity, and I'm glad they gave me another chance. I'll try to make a better go of it this time." Sellers finished second in the 2003-2004 Fair Grounds standings to Robby Albarado when he last hung his tack at the New Orleans oval...

Saturday's Breeders' Cup undercard at Santa Anita features the $150,000 Oak Tree Derby (G2), which concludes the 10-race program, and the $100,000 Damascus S., which kicks off festivities before the eight scheduled Breeders' Cup events. The strong favorite in the Oak Tree Derby over 1 1/8 miles on turf will be BATTLE OF HASTINGS (GB) (Royal Applause [GB]), a three-time graded stakes winner this season including the Virginia Derby (G2). He seeks to rebound from two recent losses in the Del Mar Derby (G2) and Shadwell Turf Mile (G1), the latter versus older horses. Also dropping back into the straight three-year-olds is RENDEZVOUS (Victory Gallop), the Del Mar Derby winner who was only fifth in the Clement L. Hirsch Turf Championship (G1) last time. Other Del Mar Derby participants coming back are ACCLAMATION (Unusual Heat), METEORE (Pulpit) and OIL MAN (Ire) (Pyrus), while the East Coast will be represented by Grade 3 winner NO INFLATION (Repriced). The Damascus, a seven-furlong main track dash, features California Cup Sprint winner M ONE RIFLE (One Man Army), Grade 1-placed CORONET OF A BARON (Pure Prize), and SMART BID (Smart Strike), who makes his first start since finishing a close second in the Transylvania S. (G3) in April...

Golden Jubilee S. (Eng-G1) scorer ART CONNOISSEUR (Lucky Story) has been retired and will stand at the Irish National Stud at a fee of €7,000. Successful in last year's Coventry S. (Eng-G2) at Royal Ascot, where subsequent Group 1 winners Intense Focus (Giant's Causeway) and Lord Shanakill (Speightstown) were second and third, respectively, the Richard Green-owned three-year-old returned to the Royal meeting in June to capture the Golden Jubilee by a neck from Cannonball (Catienus). In a deal brokered by Luke Lillingston, the former Michael Bell trainee, who also ran second to Mastercraftsman (Ire) (Danehill Dancer) in last year's Phoenix S. (Ire-G1) at The Curragh, will stand alongside the likes of Invincible Spirit and Verglas (Ire). In total, he won four of his 11 starts and £386,000 in prize money. The establishment's chairwoman Lady O'Reilly said, "We are delighted to stand Art Connoisseur and have no doubt he will prove a very attractive prospect to commercial breeders with his good looks and superb turn of foot. We have a top-class track record in recent years, with both Invincible Spirit and Elusive City being European Champion First-Crop Sires in the past four years. His breeder Denis McDonnell is a valued client of the Irish National Stud, and we are very happy to have the opportunity to stand the Group 1 winner he bred."...

REDBACK (Mark of Esteem [Ire]), whose Lahaleeb (Ire) recently captured the E. P. Taylor S. (Can-G1), has been sold to stand at Haras de Victot in Normandy, the Racing Post reported on Friday. In a deal brokered by Kern/Lillingston's Ed Sackville and Christophe Nouvellet, the English Two Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1)-placed 10-year-old, who also sired 2006 Queen Mary S. (Eng-G2) winner Gilded (Ire), will leave his Irish base of Tally-Ho Stud where he stood in 2009 at €5,000...

ONE CAROLINE (Unbridled's Song), who made a favorable impression winning the first five starts of her career including the Rampart S. (G2) by 6 1/2 lengths, returns from a six-month absence Saturday as the favorite in the $150,000 Chilukki S. (G2) at Churchill Downs. The one-mile test will be the gray's first start since her defeat at odds of 1-2 in the May 1 Louisville Distaff (G2), but the Rusty Arnold trainee does have two prior wins over the track. Another big name in the Chilukki is SWIFT TEMPER (Giant's Causeway), who was second to One Caroline in the Sabin S. (G3) earlier this year and has since gone on to win the Ruffian H. (G1), Delaware H. (G2) and Sixty Sails H. (G3). She did not handle the switch to Polytrack when finishing 10th in the Spinster S. (G1) last time. DUBAI MAJESTY (Essence of Dubai), who captured the Winning Colors S. (G3) at the spring meet, enters off a score in the Franklin County S. on grass, while Grade 2 victor PAYTON D'ORO (Medaglia d'Oro) comes in off a win in the Remington Park Oaks. The field also includes graded stakes performers COPPER STATE (Jump Start), ROYALE MICHELE (Elusive Quality), MALIBU PRAYER (Malibu Moon) and the D. Wayne Lukas-trained pair COLOR ME UP (Aptitude) and BE FAIR (Exchange Rate)...

JAMBALAYA (Langfuhr), who returned from a 25-month layoff with a two-length victory over allowance/optional claiming rivals at Woodbine on September 18, will make his second back in Saturday's $150,000 Red Smith H. (G2) at Aqueduct. Winner of the Arlington Million (G1) in his 2007 finale, the seven-year-old gelding will face six rivals in the 1 3/8-mile turf affair named for the legendary sports writer, including three-time Grade 1 hero GRAND COUTURIER (GB) (Grand Lodge), who exits a third in the October 3 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1); last-out Knickerbocker (G3) scorer OPERATION RED DAWN (Miswaki); and SPICE ROUTE (GB) (King's Best), a two-length winner of the 12-furlong Elkhorn S. (G2) earlier this season...

Aqueduct will also offer a pair of one-mile events for two-year-olds on Saturday, the $150,000 Nashua S. (G2) and $100,000 Tempted S. (G3) for fillies. THANK U PHILIPPE (Proud Accolade), who exits a runner-up finish to the well-regarded Jackson Bend (Hear No Evil) in the In Reality division of the Florida Stallion S., is a top contender for Marty Wolfson in the Nashua. BUDDY'S SAINT (Saint Liam), a good-looking recent maiden winner at Belmont Park, is also in the line-up. WORSTCASESCENARIO (Forbidden Apple), a 4 1/4-length winner of the Adirondack S. (G2) two starts back, will look to rebound from a well-beaten eighth as the favorite in the Matron S. (G2) when she squares off against six challengers in the Tempted. Last-out maiden winners AILALEA (Pulpit), MAMBO FEVER (Stormin Fever) and KITTY IN A TIZZY (Tiznow) all merit respect.

For Saturday or Next Raceday

SPOT PLAYS

For Saturday

HIGHLIGHTS

For Saturday

*all times Eastern

WEATHER

For Saturday

HANDICAPPER'S EDGE is compiled by Bloodstock Research Information Services. This newsletter may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without the prior written permission of the copyright owner. Copyright 2009, Bloodstock Research Information Services. Information as to the races, race results and earnings was obtained from Equibase Company LLC and is utilized herein with the permission of the copyright owner, Equibase Company LLC.

Take the Wizard to the
Breeders' Cup with you!

"Once again, the Breeders' Cup is upon us. As we all know, handicapping the World Championships is an extremely difficult and somewhat trying task to say the least. There is a plethora of information available for you to purchase, and that does not even take into account the statistics and info that can be found in each horse's past performance record. Factor in that virtually everyone has an opinion, and is willing to share it, which further complicates your goal to select winners and make money.

"Bottom line, the difference between winning and losing sometimes boils down to how you construct your wagers. With a vast array of bets that will confront you on Friday and Saturday, a wagering strategy will be paramount to your success. What separates my Breeders' Cup products from the pack is the detailed wagering strategies which I employ myself for each race. It is possible for me to not select the winner of a race, but still make money in the because of the way I have laid out my wagers.

"Suffice it to say, I don't hit or make money on every race I bet. But, having a well-thought out plan of attack in place makes for a more enjoyable and hopefully profitable Breeders' Cup."

-- The Wizard

The following are Wizard products available for the Breeders' Cup.

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New for 2009

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Choose your favorite BRIS Past Performance file. All Brisnet.com PPs, data files and handicapping reports go online starting November 3!

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Breeders' Cup Marathon: Stronger than last year
by Geir Stabell
Published: 2009-10-20

Brisnet.com will be the source for Globeform reports, for the very first time, during the upcoming Breeders' Cup at Oak Tree on November 6-7. The following is a sample analysis of the Breeders' Cup Marathon from Globeform.

Santa Anita: Muhannak landed this event 12 months ago and he will be shooting for back-to-back wins as he goes in the Breeders' Cup Marathon on 'Ladies' Day.'

His task is going to be an altogether different one, however, as the field for the 1 3/4-mile test is shaping up to be a lot stronger this time.

Septimus, well established as one of the best stayers in Europe over the past three years, is expected to get his name printed in the program, as is the English St. Leger (Eng-G1) winner Mastery alongside impressive Royal Ascot winner Father Time. Even more quality will be added if the high-class turf veteran Grand Couturier ends up going in this event also.

GLOBEFORM RATINGS
BREEDERS' CUP MARATHON
Santa Anita 6 November 2009 – 1 3/4 miles Pro-Ride
Purse: $500,000

Contenders presented with best Globeform ratings, sires, trainers

121 – SEPTIMUS (Sadler's Wells)/A O'Brien
119 – GRAND COUTURIER (Grand Lodge)/T Wilson
116 – MASTERY (Sulamani)/S bin Suroor
115 – FATHER TIME (Dansili)/H Cecil
115 – DRY MARTINI (Slew Gin Fizz)/B Tagg
115 – SPRING HOUSE (Chester House)/J Canani
115 – NIGHT LITE (Thunder Gulch)/T Pletcher
114 – MUHANNAK (Chester House)/R Beckett
114 – RISING MOON (Runaway Groom)/R Dutrow
114 – CHURCH SERVICE (Pulpit)/M Mitchell
113 – ELDAAFER (A.P. Indy)/D Alvarado
112 – BIG BOOSTER (Accelerator)/M Mitchell
111 – BLACK ASTOR (Black Minnaloushe)/L Lewis
111 – STREAM CAT (Black Minnaloushe)/P Biancone
110 – UNUSUAL SUSPECT (Unusual Heat)/B Abrams

2008 BREEDERS' CUP MARATHON
1 – MUHANNAK (Chester House) R Beckett/P Smullen - Globeform 113
2 – Church Service - GF 110
3 – Big Booster - GF 108

Won by head, 3/4 length

The Kentucky Handicapper gives out six winners at Keeneland!

The Kentucky Handicapper Sheet enjoyed a banner day at Keeneland on October 16, tabbing six of 10 winners and selecting a cold Pick 3 that returned $229.60!

The Kentucky Handicapper began the day by tabbing runner-up It's a Miracle (Three Wonders) in the 1ST race, who was just headed by a 30-1 shot on the wire. The next three picks all resulted in wins, with Came East (Came Home) returning $17.60 for his dominating 10-length score in the 2ND, Upperline (Maria's Mon) paying $5.80 for his head decision in the 3RD and My New Lady (Your Eminence) giving back $6.60 for her 1 1/4-length victory in the 4TH. Those three also resulted in a Pick 3 that totaled $229.60.

The Sheet continued by giving out Moyer's Pond (Monarchos), who ran second to a longshot winner in the 5TH. Octavo (Forestry) got the Kentucky Handicapper back on the winning track with a 1 1/2-length victory in the 6TH race, paying $4.40. The winner of the 7TH race, Radical Sabbatical (Harlan's Holiday), who was worth $8.40, was the second pick on the Sheet.

Those who boxed the Kentucky Handicapper's top three picks in the 8TH race were rewarded with a $58 exacta, after his third choice, A Diehl (Aldebaran), won the race and top pick Calculating Jimmy (Cozar) took second. The Sheet ended the day on a winning note, giving out Dubai Majesty (Essence of Dubai) in the featured Franklin County S. to return $6.20 and Bacetto (Kissin Kris), who gave back $11.80 as the scorer of the 10TH and final race.

Also, those who followed the Kentucky Handicapper Sheet were rewarded with a $74 daily double for the 2ND and 3RD races and a $40.60 daily double for the last two races on the card!

The Kentucky Handicapper is the best source for winners and it's a bargain at only $3.