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Racing Headlines
Company seeks to go out on top in Mile Championship
The Hidetaka Otonashi trainee turned the corner when returning from his summer break in the Mainichi Okan (Jpn-G2), rallying from midpack to defeat reigning Horse of the Year Vodka (Tanino Gimlet) by one length. In the process, Company gained revenge on Vodka for beating him previously in the Yasuda Kinen. Conventional wisdom had it that the Mainichi Okan was merely a prep for the about 1 1/4-mile Tenno Sho (Autumn), where a sharper Vodka was expected to prevail. Instead, however, it was Company who confirmed the form by bursting to a 1 3/4-length decision over Screen Hero (Grass Wonder), with Vodka back in third. Company is dropping back in trip to the metric mile for the first time since the Yasuda Kinen, but will not meet any of the top three from that race here. His current form makes him the one to beat with regular rider Norihiro Yokoyama. Two international shippers will test the strength of the Japanese form. Both are fillies who arrive in the wake of career-best performances. French-based SAHPRESA (Sahm), who had finished fourth to mile star Goldikova (Ire) (Anabaa) in the Prix Rothschild (Fr-G1) this summer, comes off an upset score in the Sun Chariot S. (Eng-G1) at Newmarket. In that test, Sahpresa dismissed favored Ghanaati, heroine of the One Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1) and Coronation S. (Eng-G1), by 1 1/2 lengths. Olivier Peslier, a two-time winner of the Mile Championship with Zenno El Cid (2001) and Hat Trick (Jpn) (2005), picks up the mount aboard the Rod Collet trainee at Kyoto.
Captain Thule was sidelined by injury following his Satsuki Sho coup and did not reappear for nearly 16 months. The Hideyuki Mori pupil won his second start back, taking the Asahi Challenge Cup (Jpn-G3) at Hanshin, but flopped when 12th in the Tenno Sho (Autumn). Captain Thule could prosper back at the metric mile here, as could Grade 3 victor SMILE JACK (Tanino Gimlet). Other contenders include Grade 1 veteran FINE GRAIN (Fuji Kiseki), who was third in last year's Mile Championship but has been well beaten in his three starts this season; New Zealand Trophy (Jpn-G2) victor SAN CARLO (Symboli Kris S), who figures to show much more in his second start off a layoff; ABSOLUTE (Tanino Gimlet) and MARUKA SHENCK (Sunday Silence), the respective top two who fought out a photo-finish in the Saudi Arabia Royal Cup Fuji S. (Jpn-G3) last out; Keio Hai Spring Cup (Jpn-G2) scorer SUZUKA CAUSEWAY (Giant's Causeway), who is steadily rounding into form at present; sophomore stakes winner FIFTH PETAL (King Kamehameha), a troubled eighth in the Mainichi Broadcast Swan S. (Jpn-G2) who lures Christophe Lemaire into the saddle; and the multiple Grade 3-placed HIKARU OZORA (Manhattan Cafe), who gets the services of Christophe Soumillon.
Breeding & Sales News
Weanling filly, stallion prospects bring $50,000 at Keeneland
Lane's End, agent, consigned GRAND MINSTREL (Grand Slam), who was knocked down to Jason Hall, agent, for $50,000. Hip 4093 sold as a racing or stallion prospect. Winner of the 2007 Capote S., the Virginia-bred four-year-old has compiled a career mark of 11-2-3-2 while racking up earnings of $123,546. He is out of Grade 2 winner Colonial Minstrel (Pleasant Colony) and counts as half-siblings stakes victress Storm Minstrel (Storm Cat) and this year's Rushaway S. runner-up Ziegfeld (Elusive Quality). Grand Minstrel's second dam is Minstrella (The Minstrel), who was named champion two-year-old in Ireland in 1986 following wins in the Phoenix S. (Ire-G1), Moyglare Stud S. (Ire-G1) and Cheveley Park S. (Eng-G1). Others of note in the family include Grade 2 heroines Misty Gallore (Halo) and Mini Sermon (Pulpit) and Grade 3 scorer Pleasant Strike (Smart Strike), who posted near-miss seconds in this season's Red Bank S. (G3) and Cliff Hanger S. (G3) in his past two starts. The next highest price on Friday, and the top price for a mare, was reached by Hip 3789. Marette Farrell, agent, went to $47,000 to acquire the unraced SHADES OF A LADY (Giant's Causeway). Consigned by Hill 'n' Dale Sales Agency, agent, the Kentucky-bred sophomore is believed to be in foal to Harlington on a March 24 cover. Her dam, Shades of Grace (Seeking the Gold), is herself a daughter of Grade 2-placed Outlasting (Seattle Slew) and a half-sister to Grade 3 winner Fortitude (Cure the Blues). Shades of a Lady's third dam is Outstandingly (Exclusive Native), the champion two-year-old filly of 1984. Friday saw 233 horses attract winning bids, bringing in $1,778,400. That number is off by 40.6 percent compared to last year's corresponding session when 230 horses sold for $2,993,700. The average plummeted 41.4 percent, from $13,016 to $7,633, while the median was cut in half, from $10,000 to $5,000. The auction runs through Sunday, with each day's trade kicking off at 10 a.m. (EST). For more information, as well as live video of the sale, log onto keeneland.com.
Racing Headlines
Conduit, Summer Bird arrive in Japan
"The horse is in fine condition and does not seem to be worn out from the trip," said Conduit's groom Neil Varley. "This visit to Japan and the race will probably be the highlight of my life, so I'm looking forward to it. It's an honor just to be here for the Japan Cup, but since we've come all this way, we will give it our best." Conduit, a strong fourth in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1) two back, is coming off his second straight score in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita. The Sir Michael Stoute charge is expected to make his final career start in the approximately $6 million Japan Cup. Plans call for the chestnut to retire to stud next year at Shigeyuki Okada's Big Red Farm in Japan. Conduit has won two races this season that qualify him for lucrative bonuses if he performs well in the about 1 1/2-mile turf test at Tokyo. In addition to the Breeders' Cup Turf, he also captured the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth S. (Eng-G1) at Ascot this summer, and either one would have made him eligible according to the Japan Cup bonus structure. Conduit stands to pocket a $1,368,000 bonus if he wins the Japan Cup, a $547,000 windfall if he places second, and an extra $342,000 if he finishes third. Marsh Side, most recently fourth as the defending champion in the Canadian International (Can-G1), walked around the stable area on Friday and seems to be in fine form with great appetite. "He's in very good condition," assistant trainer Marcelino Olguin said. "(The Japan Cup) is expected to be a tough race. We'll give it our best to get the best result."
The Richard Hannon-trained Scintillo was a late addition to the Japan Cup. The four-year-old has failed to shine since landing the Grand Prix de Chantilly (Fr-G2) in May, winding up seventh in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (Fr-G1), a tailed-off last of nine behind Conduit in the King George and a distant sixth in the Prix du Conseil de Paris (Fr-G2) last out. "He is in very good form and seems to have found a liking for the stalls here at the international stables. He looks fresh and is enjoying himself," said Scintillo's groom Anna Kowalczyk. "As for his training, I will wait for orders from the trainer, but tomorrow, we'll only walk him around and not enter the track. The Japan Cup is a world-class race, and I'm delighted that we were invited here and to participate in a race of this caliber." "Scintillo left on Thursday, and everything seems to have gone according to plan," Hannon commented on his website, richardhannon.tv, on Friday. "Richard Jr. will be flying out next Tuesday, and we will give the horse a spin on the track midweek. "I am delighted to have snapped up Gerald Mosse, who has a great record in Japan and is a world-class jockey. "Scintillo might be one of the outsiders, but he is a decent colt, as he showed when winning at Chantilly last summer. The ground was rattling fast that day and conditions could well be similar in Japan, which would suit him ideally. He has a terrific turn of foot, and, while it is a very hot race, we are not going out there just for the sushi!" Scintillo will eventually continue his racing career in Australia for new owner Leonard Lucas.
Summer Bird, who was a distant second to Horse of the Year candidate Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro) in the Haskell Invitational (G1) in August, was most recently a gallant fourth to Horse of the Year candidate Zenyatta in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1). The Japan Cup Dirt, contested at about 1 1/8 miles at Hanshin, would mark Summer Bird's first try at a right-handed track. Company seeks to go out on top in Mile Championship
The Hidetaka Otonashi trainee turned the corner when returning from his summer break in the Mainichi Okan (Jpn-G2), rallying from midpack to defeat reigning Horse of the Year Vodka (Tanino Gimlet) by one length. In the process, Company gained revenge on Vodka for beating him previously in the Yasuda Kinen. Conventional wisdom had it that the Mainichi Okan was merely a prep for the about 1 1/4-mile Tenno Sho (Autumn), where a sharper Vodka was expected to prevail. Instead, however, it was Company who confirmed the form by bursting to a 1 3/4-length decision over Screen Hero (Grass Wonder), with Vodka back in third. Company is dropping back in trip to the metric mile for the first time since the Yasuda Kinen, but will not meet any of the top three from that race here. His current form makes him the one to beat with regular rider Norihiro Yokoyama. Two international shippers will test the strength of the Japanese form. Both are fillies who arrive in the wake of career-best performances. French-based SAHPRESA (Sahm), who had finished fourth to mile star Goldikova (Ire) (Anabaa) in the Prix Rothschild (Fr-G1) this summer, comes off an upset score in the Sun Chariot S. (Eng-G1) at Newmarket. In that test, Sahpresa dismissed favored Ghanaati, heroine of the One Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1) and Coronation S. (Eng-G1), by 1 1/2 lengths. Olivier Peslier, a two-time winner of the Mile Championship with Zenno El Cid (2001) and Hat Trick (Jpn) (2005), picks up the mount aboard the Rod Collet trainee at Kyoto.
Captain Thule was sidelined by injury following his Satsuki Sho coup and did not reappear for nearly 16 months. The Hideyuki Mori pupil won his second start back, taking the Asahi Challenge Cup (Jpn-G3) at Hanshin, but flopped when 12th in the Tenno Sho (Autumn). Captain Thule could prosper back at the metric mile here, as could Grade 3 victor SMILE JACK (Tanino Gimlet). Other contenders include Grade 1 veteran FINE GRAIN (Fuji Kiseki), who was third in last year's Mile Championship but has been well beaten in his three starts this season; New Zealand Trophy (Jpn-G2) victor SAN CARLO (Symboli Kris S), who figures to show much more in his second start off a layoff; ABSOLUTE (Tanino Gimlet) and MARUKA SHENCK (Sunday Silence), the respective top two who fought out a photo-finish in the Saudi Arabia Royal Cup Fuji S. (Jpn-G3) last out; Keio Hai Spring Cup (Jpn-G2) scorer SUZUKA CAUSEWAY (Giant's Causeway), who is steadily rounding into form at present; sophomore stakes winner FIFTH PETAL (King Kamehameha), a troubled eighth in the Mainichi Broadcast Swan S. (Jpn-G2) who lures Christophe Lemaire into the saddle; and the multiple Grade 3-placed HIKARU OZORA (Manhattan Cafe), who gets the services of Christophe Soumillon. Conduit, Summer Bird arrive in Japan
"The horse is in fine condition and does not seem to be worn out from the trip," said Conduit's groom Neil Varley. "This visit to Japan and the race will probably be the highlight of my life, so I'm looking forward to it. It's an honor just to be here for the Japan Cup, but since we've come all this way, we will give it our best." Conduit, a strong fourth in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-G1) two back, is coming off his second straight score in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita. The Sir Michael Stoute charge is expected to make his final career start in the approximately $6 million Japan Cup. Plans call for the chestnut to retire to stud next year at Shigeyuki Okada's Big Red Farm in Japan. Conduit has won two races this season that qualify him for lucrative bonuses if he performs well in the about 1 1/2-mile turf test at Tokyo. In addition to the Breeders' Cup Turf, he also captured the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth S. (Eng-G1) at Ascot this summer, and either one would have made him eligible according to the Japan Cup bonus structure. Conduit stands to pocket a $1,368,000 bonus if he wins the Japan Cup, a $547,000 windfall if he places second, and an extra $342,000 if he finishes third. Marsh Side, most recently fourth as the defending champion in the Canadian International (Can-G1), walked around the stable area on Friday and seems to be in fine form with great appetite. "He's in very good condition," assistant trainer Marcelino Olguin said. "(The Japan Cup) is expected to be a tough race. We'll give it our best to get the best result."
The Richard Hannon-trained Scintillo was a late addition to the Japan Cup. The four-year-old has failed to shine since landing the Grand Prix de Chantilly (Fr-G2) in May, winding up seventh in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (Fr-G1), a tailed-off last of nine behind Conduit in the King George and a distant sixth in the Prix du Conseil de Paris (Fr-G2) last out. "He is in very good form and seems to have found a liking for the stalls here at the international stables. He looks fresh and is enjoying himself," said Scintillo's groom Anna Kowalczyk. "As for his training, I will wait for orders from the trainer, but tomorrow, we'll only walk him around and not enter the track. The Japan Cup is a world-class race, and I'm delighted that we were invited here and to participate in a race of this caliber." "Scintillo left on Thursday, and everything seems to have gone according to plan," Hannon commented on his website, richardhannon.tv, on Friday. "Richard Jr. will be flying out next Tuesday, and we will give the horse a spin on the track midweek. "I am delighted to have snapped up Gerald Mosse, who has a great record in Japan and is a world-class jockey. "Scintillo might be one of the outsiders, but he is a decent colt, as he showed when winning at Chantilly last summer. The ground was rattling fast that day and conditions could well be similar in Japan, which would suit him ideally. He has a terrific turn of foot, and, while it is a very hot race, we are not going out there just for the sushi!" Scintillo will eventually continue his racing career in Australia for new owner Leonard Lucas.
Summer Bird, who was a distant second to Horse of the Year candidate Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro) in the Haskell Invitational (G1) in August, was most recently a gallant fourth to Horse of the Year candidate Zenyatta in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1). The Japan Cup Dirt, contested at about 1 1/8 miles at Hanshin, would mark Summer Bird's first try at a right-handed track. Cigar Mile candidates to work over weekend Schooling sessions for Edward P. Evans' QUALITY ROAD (Elusive Quality) continue Saturday morning at Aqueduct, where the three-year-old will go through the paddock and load into the gate with jockey John Velazquez aboard as his connections ponder a start in the Cigar Mile H. (G1) on November 28. "We'll try to simulate a race scenario a little bit, and see if we can load him without incident," said Pletcher of Quality Road, who was scratched from the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Santa Anita on November 7 after a meltdown at the gate. "He'll breeze on Sunday, we'll see how that goes, and get with Mr. Evans and come up with a plan." Quality Road arrived back in New York on Tuesday by van, and began schooling sessions at Belmont Park the following morning under the supervision of Bob Duncan, the former starter for the New York Racing Association, who frequently works as a consultant. "I think he's handled everything since he's shipped in," Pletcher said. "He's done as well as you can hope for, but obviously this wouldn't be the way you would draw it up. He's been schooling perfect. The whole gate crew has gone out of their way, which we appreciate." Pletcher added that MUNNINGS (Speightstown), coming off a trio of third-place finishes in the Vosburgh S. (G1), King's Bishop S. (G1) and Haskell Invitational (G1), will start in the Cigar Mile whether or not Quality Road goes. "One has nothing to do with the other, really," he said. "I think Munnings gets a mile, no problem. If you look back at his Haskell at a mile and an eighth, he was right there at the eighth pole, and was just beaten by Summer Bird (Birdstone). Obviously, Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro) was an impressive winner but I felt he held his own pretty well." Meanwhile, Rick Mettee, assistant to trainer Saeed bin Suroor, said that VINEYARD HAVEN (Lido Palace [Chi]), who won the Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash (G1) in his most recent start, may work once more for the Cigar Mile. Vineyard Haven worked six furlongs in 1:13 at Belmont Park on Thursday. "We'll see what the weather does next week. He should be spot on for this race," said Mettee, adding that a decision would be made about Forego S. (G1) winner PYRO (Pulpit), who was 10th in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1), following his scheduled work this Sunday. "If Pyro breezes good on Sunday we may take a shot in the Cigar Mile; he may run as an entry with Vineyard Haven," he said. Cigar Mile candidates to work over weekend Schooling sessions for Edward P. Evans' QUALITY ROAD (Elusive Quality) continue Saturday morning at Aqueduct, where the three-year-old will go through the paddock and load into the gate with jockey John Velazquez aboard as his connections ponder a start in the Cigar Mile H. (G1) on November 28. "We'll try to simulate a race scenario a little bit, and see if we can load him without incident," said Pletcher of Quality Road, who was scratched from the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Santa Anita on November 7 after a meltdown at the gate. "He'll breeze on Sunday, we'll see how that goes, and get with Mr. Evans and come up with a plan." Quality Road arrived back in New York on Tuesday by van, and began schooling sessions at Belmont Park the following morning under the supervision of Bob Duncan, the former starter for the New York Racing Association, who frequently works as a consultant. "I think he's handled everything since he's shipped in," Pletcher said. "He's done as well as you can hope for, but obviously this wouldn't be the way you would draw it up. He's been schooling perfect. The whole gate crew has gone out of their way, which we appreciate." Pletcher added that MUNNINGS (Speightstown), coming off a trio of third-place finishes in the Vosburgh S. (G1), King's Bishop S. (G1) and Haskell Invitational (G1), will start in the Cigar Mile whether or not Quality Road goes. "One has nothing to do with the other, really," he said. "I think Munnings gets a mile, no problem. If you look back at his Haskell at a mile and an eighth, he was right there at the eighth pole, and was just beaten by Summer Bird (Birdstone). Obviously, Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro) was an impressive winner but I felt he held his own pretty well." Meanwhile, Rick Mettee, assistant to trainer Saeed bin Suroor, said that VINEYARD HAVEN (Lido Palace [Chi]), who won the Frank J. De Francis Memorial Dash (G1) in his most recent start, may work once more for the Cigar Mile. Vineyard Haven worked six furlongs in 1:13 at Belmont Park on Thursday. "We'll see what the weather does next week. He should be spot on for this race," said Mettee, adding that a decision would be made about Forego S. (G1) winner PYRO (Pulpit), who was 10th in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1), following his scheduled work this Sunday. "If Pyro breezes good on Sunday we may take a shot in the Cigar Mile; he may run as an entry with Vineyard Haven," he said. Top Godolphin mares retired; Sara Louise confirmed for Top Flight Rick Mettee, assistant to trainer Saeed bin Suroor, confirmed Friday that Godolphin's Grade 1-winning triumvirate of MUSIC NOTE (A.P. Indy), COCOA BEACH (Chi) (Doneraile Court) and SEVENTH STREET (Street Cry [Ire]) have all been retired. Music Note finished a close second to Proud Spell in the balloting for champion three-year-old filly in 2008 after wins in the Mother Goose S. (G1), Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) and Gazelle S. (G1). She ran second to Proud Spell in the Alabama S. (G1) and third to Zenyatta in the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic (G1). This season, Music Note won the Ballerina S. (G1) and Beldame S. (G1) prior to a repeat third in the Ladies' Classic. She retires with a mark of 12-7-1-2, $1,615,000. Cocoa Beach, the 2008 Horse of the Year in Chile, captured the Beldame and Matriarch S. (G1) in 2008 and was second to Zenyatta in the Ladies' Classic. From five starts this season, the five-year-old captured the De La Rose S. at Saratoga and was third in the Lady's Secret S. (G1). Her career ends with a mark of 16-10-2-2, $1,744,905. Seventh Street finishes with a record of 10-5-3-1, $716,000. She won the Apple Blossom H. (G1) and Go for Wand H. (G1) and placed second in the Ogden Phipps H. (G1), Ruffian H. (G1) and Barbara Fritchie H. (G2), but was unplaced in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) in her final start. Mettee also confirmed that stable stars JUSTENUFFHUMOR (Distorted Humor), REGAL RANSOM (Distorted Humor) and GAYEGO (Gilded Time) would winter in Dubai, while SARA LOUISE (Malibu Moon) and VINEYARD HAVEN (Lido Palace [Chi]) will remain in the United States. "We'll pick them up in the spring when we return," Mettee said. Sara Louise, fourth in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint in her most recent start, breezed Thursday morning in in preparation for the November 27 Top Flight H. (G2) over one mile. "Sara Louise ran okay (in the Breeders' Cup)," Mettee said. "We thought she would actually move up on the synthetic they way she trained over it, but she didn't. We thought she would be a competitive third in there and to see her come in a modest fourth was a little surprising. She'll run in the Top Flight and then get the winter off." KTO honors Wiggins as Horseman of the Year Veteran trainer Hal Wiggins, nearing the end of a distinguished training career capped by a record-smashing victory by Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro) in the Kentucky Oaks (G1), will be honored on Saturday as the recipient of the 2008 Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year Award, which is presented annually by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners (KTO). Wiggins will receive the award during the KTO's 21st annual awards dinner, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. (EST) at the Big Spring Country Club, 5901 Dutchmans Lane, in Louisville, Kentucky. Since 1989 the KTO has presented the Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year Award to a member of the racing industry who displays the spirit and passion for the sport exhibited by the late Warner L. Jones Jr., the famed Kentucky Thoroughbred breeder and owner and former chairman of the board of Churchill Downs. Wiggins, 66, plans to retire at the conclusion of the Churchill Downs fall meet on November 28, ending a distinguished training career than spans 34 years. The third-generation horseman launched that career with Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses in Louisiana in 1975, but Wiggins enjoyed his greatest success after he moved his training base to Kentucky. His clear career highlight came this spring when he saddled Dolphus Morrison and Mike Lauffer's Rachel Alexandra to score a record-smashing 20 1/4-length victory in the 135th running of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill. The homebred miss was purchased after that win by Stonestreet Stable and went on to record one of the most remarkable campaigns by a three-year-old filly in American racing history. Rachel Alexandra is among the front-runners for the Eclipse Award for 2009 Horse of the Year. Wiggins has saddled nearly 870 winners in his training career. Other stars conditioned by the native of Port Arthur, Texas, include Chorwon, a three-time winner of the Louisville H. at Churchill who earned more than $1 million in his career, as well as Morris Code, a multiple stakes winner who earned $745,000 in her career. Upon retirement, Wiggins and his wife, Renee, plan to move back home to Texas. Their son, Lon, is a Thoroughbred trainer based in Illinois. The previous winners of the KTO's Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year Award are Shug McGaughey (1989), Arthur B. Hancock III (1990), Woodford C. "Woody" Stephens (1991), Pat Day (1992), MacKenzie "Mack" Miller (1993), William. T. Young (1994), D. Wayne Lukas (1995), Allen R. Paulson (1996), James M. "Jim" Bolus (1997), W. Elliott Walden (1998), William S. Farish (1999), James E. "Ted" Basset III (2000), Jennie Rees (2001), Kenneth McPeek (2002), Dale Romans (2003), Kenneth & Sarah Ramsey (2004), John Asher (2005), Thomas H. Meeker (2006), Carl Nafzger (2007) and Brereton C. Jones (2008). Top Godolphin mares retired; Sara Louise confirmed for Top Flight Rick Mettee, assistant to trainer Saeed bin Suroor, confirmed Friday that Godolphin's Grade 1-winning triumvirate of MUSIC NOTE (A.P. Indy), COCOA BEACH (Chi) (Doneraile Court) and SEVENTH STREET (Street Cry [Ire]) have all been retired. Music Note finished a close second to Proud Spell in the balloting for champion three-year-old filly in 2008 after wins in the Mother Goose S. (G1), Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) and Gazelle S. (G1). She ran second to Proud Spell in the Alabama S. (G1) and third to Zenyatta in the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic (G1). This season, Music Note won the Ballerina S. (G1) and Beldame S. (G1) prior to a repeat third in the Ladies' Classic. She retires with a mark of 12-7-1-2, $1,615,000. Cocoa Beach, the 2008 Horse of the Year in Chile, captured the Beldame and Matriarch S. (G1) in 2008 and was second to Zenyatta in the Ladies' Classic. From five starts this season, the five-year-old captured the De La Rose S. at Saratoga and was third in the Lady's Secret S. (G1). Her career ends with a mark of 16-10-2-2, $1,744,905. Seventh Street finishes with a record of 10-5-3-1, $716,000. She won the Apple Blossom H. (G1) and Go for Wand H. (G1) and placed second in the Ogden Phipps H. (G1), Ruffian H. (G1) and Barbara Fritchie H. (G2), but was unplaced in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) in her final start. Mettee also confirmed that stable stars JUSTENUFFHUMOR (Distorted Humor), REGAL RANSOM (Distorted Humor) and GAYEGO (Gilded Time) would winter in Dubai, while SARA LOUISE (Malibu Moon) and VINEYARD HAVEN (Lido Palace [Chi]) will remain in the United States. "We'll pick them up in the spring when we return," Mettee said. Sara Louise, fourth in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint in her most recent start, breezed Thursday morning in in preparation for the November 27 Top Flight H. (G2) over one mile. "Sara Louise ran okay (in the Breeders' Cup)," Mettee said. "We thought she would actually move up on the synthetic they way she trained over it, but she didn't. We thought she would be a competitive third in there and to see her come in a modest fourth was a little surprising. She'll run in the Top Flight and then get the winter off." KTO honors Wiggins as Horseman of the Year Veteran trainer Hal Wiggins, nearing the end of a distinguished training career capped by a record-smashing victory by Rachel Alexandra (Medaglia d'Oro) in the Kentucky Oaks (G1), will be honored on Saturday as the recipient of the 2008 Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year Award, which is presented annually by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Owners (KTO). Wiggins will receive the award during the KTO's 21st annual awards dinner, which is scheduled for 6 p.m. (EST) at the Big Spring Country Club, 5901 Dutchmans Lane, in Louisville, Kentucky. Since 1989 the KTO has presented the Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year Award to a member of the racing industry who displays the spirit and passion for the sport exhibited by the late Warner L. Jones Jr., the famed Kentucky Thoroughbred breeder and owner and former chairman of the board of Churchill Downs. Wiggins, 66, plans to retire at the conclusion of the Churchill Downs fall meet on November 28, ending a distinguished training career than spans 34 years. The third-generation horseman launched that career with Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses in Louisiana in 1975, but Wiggins enjoyed his greatest success after he moved his training base to Kentucky. His clear career highlight came this spring when he saddled Dolphus Morrison and Mike Lauffer's Rachel Alexandra to score a record-smashing 20 1/4-length victory in the 135th running of the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill. The homebred miss was purchased after that win by Stonestreet Stable and went on to record one of the most remarkable campaigns by a three-year-old filly in American racing history. Rachel Alexandra is among the front-runners for the Eclipse Award for 2009 Horse of the Year. Wiggins has saddled nearly 870 winners in his training career. Other stars conditioned by the native of Port Arthur, Texas, include Chorwon, a three-time winner of the Louisville H. at Churchill who earned more than $1 million in his career, as well as Morris Code, a multiple stakes winner who earned $745,000 in her career. Upon retirement, Wiggins and his wife, Renee, plan to move back home to Texas. Their son, Lon, is a Thoroughbred trainer based in Illinois. The previous winners of the KTO's Warner L. Jones Jr. Horseman of the Year Award are Shug McGaughey (1989), Arthur B. Hancock III (1990), Woodford C. "Woody" Stephens (1991), Pat Day (1992), MacKenzie "Mack" Miller (1993), William. T. Young (1994), D. Wayne Lukas (1995), Allen R. Paulson (1996), James M. "Jim" Bolus (1997), W. Elliott Walden (1998), William S. Farish (1999), James E. "Ted" Basset III (2000), Jennie Rees (2001), Kenneth McPeek (2002), Dale Romans (2003), Kenneth & Sarah Ramsey (2004), John Asher (2005), Thomas H. Meeker (2006), Carl Nafzger (2007) and Brereton C. Jones (2008). Jockeys to contribute to Brimo fund On November 28, jockeys across North America will be asked to contribute one mount fee to the Julia Brimo Fund, set up to assist with her expenses during rehabilitation for her injuries. Brimo suffered head and back injuries in a spill at Keeneland on October 30 and is currently a patient at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto. Early next week, she is expected to be transferred to the Lyndhurst Centre, a leading spinal cord rehabilitation facility also in Toronto. In honor of Brimo, and to raise awareness of the plight of seriously injured jockeys, riders across North America will wear two patches on their boots on November 28. One patch will feature her name, "Julia," on it while the other will highlight the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). The Julia Brimo Fund was established at Fifth Third Bank by Cindy Werner, the wife of trainer Ronny Werner. Contributions can be made to the Fund by sending a check, made out to the Julia Brimo Fund, to Cindy Werner at 1116 Flat Rock Road, Louisville, KY, 40245. Championship up for grabs in Colonial Cup The mid-season exit of two-time champion Good Night Shirt (Concern) due to injury left a huge void in the steeplechase division that has not entirely been filled. That might change pending the results of Saturday's $100,000 Colonial Cup (NSA-G1), the final major jump race of the season, which will be contested over the Springdale course in Camden, South Carolina. Ten geldings and a mare will answer the call to post for the 2 3/4-mile event over National Fences. All who have won top-level events in Good Night Shirt's absence have been entered, though most have not enjoyed consistent form this season. The one with perhaps the fewest faults is YOUR SUM MAN (Ire) (Pistolet Bleu [Ire]), the unheralded seven-year-old who coasted home by 3 3/4 lengths in the October 17 Grand National (NSA-G1) in his North American debut in what could be labeled a massive upset. The Tom Voss charge was nearly two years removed from his last win in a novice hurdle at Punchestown, Ireland, and made what is left of the American jumping division look mediocre with a convincing win at Far Hills. PIERROT LUNAIRE (War Chant), who handed Good Night Shirt a three-length defeat in the Iroquois (NSA-G1) in May, showed little in the Grand National when beaten more than 23 lengths into fifth. The five-year-old did encounter trouble that day when clipping heels with a rival, and could bounce back with a more representative effort here. RED LETTER DAY (Red Ransom), who led from flag-to-finish in the Lonesome Glory (NSA-G1) two back, could not replicate that feat in the Grand National. A tiring fourth that day, he should nonetheless show speed from the start of the Colonial Cup. SPY IN THE SKY (Thunder Gulch), who romped by more than 10 lengths in the New York Turf Writers Cup (NSA-G1), was an okay fourth in the Lonesome Glory and most recently passed his first-level allowance condition on the flat at Aqueduct. Others of note are the veteran MIXED UP (Carnivalay), who finished far back in two starts since taking the A.P. Smithwick Memorial (NSA-G1); THREE CARART (Storm Broker), runner-up to Good Night Shirt in the 2007 Colonial Cup; and SWEET SHANI (NZ) (Kashani), the multiple Grade 1-placed mare who appears to be rounding into better form. Post time for the Colonial Cup is approximately 3 p.m. (EST). Jockeys to contribute to Brimo fund On November 28, jockeys across North America will be asked to contribute one mount fee to the Julia Brimo Fund, set up to assist with her expenses during rehabilitation for her injuries. Brimo suffered head and back injuries in a spill at Keeneland on October 30 and is currently a patient at the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto. Early next week, she is expected to be transferred to the Lyndhurst Centre, a leading spinal cord rehabilitation facility also in Toronto. In honor of Brimo, and to raise awareness of the plight of seriously injured jockeys, riders across North America will wear two patches on their boots on November 28. One patch will feature her name, "Julia," on it while the other will highlight the Permanently Disabled Jockeys Fund (PDJF). The Julia Brimo Fund was established at Fifth Third Bank by Cindy Werner, the wife of trainer Ronny Werner. Contributions can be made to the Fund by sending a check, made out to the Julia Brimo Fund, to Cindy Werner at 1116 Flat Rock Road, Louisville, KY, 40245. In brief Though Friday's $70,700 Monarch's Maze S. at Aqueduct was forced from turf to dirt due to inclement weather, it mattered little to James Scatuorchio and John Iracane's BITTEL ROAD (Stormy Atlantic), who successfully returned from a six-month break to capture the one-mile feature by a length under John Velazquez. The final time over the fast surface was 1:36 4/5. Unplaced in three previous starts this year while briefly on the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail, Bittel Road enjoyed a solid juvenile campaign last year with victories in the Bourbon S. (G3) and With Anticipation S., as well as a second in the Generous S. (G3). Trained by Todd Pletcher, the dark bay has now earned $335,764 from a line of 10-4-1-0... SOUTHERN HALO (Halo) died at Haras la Quebrada in Argentina Thursday at the age of 26, Racing Post reports. Pensioned prior to this year's southern hemisphere breeding season, the sire of 161 black-type winners has been represented by the likes of Team, named Argentina's Horse of the Year in 1998, and fellow Argentine champions El Compinche and Miss Linda (Arg). The latter found success in the United States when she upset the 2001 Spinster S. (G1) at Keeneland. Southern Halo shuttled to Ashford Stud near Versailles, Kentucky, from 1996 to 2002, standing for a top fee of $40,000 in 2001. His first North American crop included King's Bishop S. (G1) winner and dual-hemisphere sire More Than Ready. Other notable northern hemisphere progeny for Southern Halo include Princess Margaret S. (Eng-G3) heroine Saintly Speech and Canadian champion two-year-old Edenwold. Bred by E.P. Taylor, Southern Halo was purchased by the Niarchos family for $600,000 as a Keeneland July yearling and would go on to finish second in the Swaps S. (G1) and Super Derby (G1)... Phipps Stable's homebred DISTINCTIVELY (Awesome Again), a daughter of champion Heavenly Prize (Seeking the Gold), captured her initial win on Friday in Aqueduct's 5TH race. Ridden by Ramon Dominguez, the Shug McGaughey-trained three-year-old rallied four wide from last in the seven-horse field and won going away in her fourth career try. The dark bay lass was 3 1/4 lengths clear on the line while running one mile on the fast dirt in 1:38. Heavenly Prize was also trained by McGaughey and immediately showed promise when taking her maiden debut by nine lengths and then scoring a seven-length victory in the Frizette S. (G1). She would go on to run third in the 1993 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), and during the rest of her career would add scores in the Apple Blossom H. (G1), Beldame S. (G1), Alabama S. (G1), John A. Morris H. (G1), Go for Wand H. (G1), Gazelle H. (G1) and Hempstead H. (G1) to her resume. The mare finished second both times she tried the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1), and retired with $1,825,820 in lifetime earnings. Heavenly Prize has also succeeded in the breeding shed, foaling the likes of Grade 2-winning sire Pure Prize (Storm Cat) and dual Grade 1 victor Good Reward (Strom Cat)... Bluegrass Hall's VENATRIX (Theatrical [Ire]), a full sister to Grade 1 winner Geri and a half-sibling to Grade 2 victor A. P. Arrow (A.P. Indy), broke her maiden on Thursday in the 7TH race at Golden Gate Fields. With Russell Baze aboard, the Bob Hess Jr.-trained sophomore relished the yielding conditions of the turf course and reported home a 4 1/2-length winner in a final time of 1:44 2/5 for 8 1/2 furlongs. Out of the Mr. Prospector mare Garimpeiro, Venatrix's full brother Geri captured the 1996 Oaklawn H. (G1) and ran second in the next year's Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) en route to earning more than $1.7 million during his career. A. P. Arrow earned nearly $1.5 million during his five seasons of racing, taking the 2007 editions of the Clark H. (G2) and Skip Away H. (G3), and was retired earlier this year and sent to South Africa... Maryland Million Ltd. has announced that, starting with the 2009 foal crop, there will be no more foal nomination fees due. This means that every foal by a Maryland Million nominated stallion will now automatically be certified for the program. "We have always wanted to get every foal by every nominated stallion in the program, and this is the way to do it," said Cricket Goodall, executive director of Maryland Million Ltd. "Now when you breed to a Maryland Million nominated stallion you know that your foal is eligible to take advantage of this great program." The Maryland Million program offers opportunities throughout the year, with a bonus on maiden special weight races, and has its premier event Maryland Million Day in the fall of each year. Maryland Million Day, with 12 races and more than $1 million in purses, has become the highlight of the state's fall racing season... Canterbury Park received approval from the Minnesota Racing Commission on Thursday to conduct a 62-day Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse race meet in 2010. The meet, which will mirror the 2009 season, will begin May 14 and run through August 29, with Thursday and Friday post times of 7 p.m. (CT) and weekend and holiday post times of 1:30 p.m. The 17th renewal of the Minnesota Festival of Champions, a day dedicated to the best race horses bred in the state, will be held on the final day of the meet. The daily purse structure is expected to remain similar to last season when an average of $127,000 was paid to horsemen. "We were pleased, in light of the current economic situation, with the 2009 season. Fans continued to turn out and enjoy racing and we are hopeful they will again next season," Canterbury Park President Randy Sampson said. "As we plan our promotional calendar for 2010, we will continue to develop new ideas that will appeal to a broad base and offer value for the entertainment dollar." Attendance averaged 5,481 in 2009, a record since Canterbury reopened in 1995. The 2010 meet will mark the 25th anniversary of Canterbury, as opening day at the Shakopee, Minnesota, track, then called Canterbury Downs, was June 26, 1985... Multi-surface talents JUNGLE WAVE (Hold That Tiger) and FIELD COMMISSION (Service Stripe) will do battle with the improving sophomore EL BRUJO (Candy Ride [Arg]) in Saturday's C$150,000 Kennedy Road S. (Can-G3) going six furlongs over the Woodbine Polytrack. Jungle Wave, who took the Play the King S. (Can-G2) on turf three back, subsequently finished fourth in the Woodbine Mile (Can-G1) and third in the Nearctic S. (Can-G2), a race won by Field Commission. That rival is also a graded winner on the main track this season having bagged the Vigil S. (Can-G3) back in May. Meanwhile, El Brujo will step up to face older horses for the first time following triumphs in the Kentucky Cup Sprint (G3) and Perryville S. (G3). Others of note in the Kennedy Road field of 10 are Nearctic runner-up BOGUE CHITTO (Crafty Prospector) and the improving three-year-old YOU DON'T PASS (Pikepass), who has never finished worse than second in five starts to date... On Saturday, Churchill Downs S. (G2) winner ACCREDIT (E Dubai) and Jersey Shore S. (G3) winner CUSTOM FOR CARLOS (More Than Ready) will join seven others in the $60,000 Bet on Sunshine H., a six-furlong dash on the main track at Churchill Downs... The royally-bred SMART SURPRISE (Smart Strike) will try to defend her crown from 10 challengers in Sunday's C$150,000 Bessarabian S. at Woodbine. Since capturing last year's Bessarabian in her stakes debut, the Josie Carroll mare has gone on to land the Chou Croute H., Hendrie S. (Can-G3), Hill 'n' Dale S. and Ontario Matron S. A half-sister to multiple Grade 1 star Court Vision (Gulch), from the family of supersire A.P. Indy and classic winner Summer Squall, Smart Surprise was most recently third after pressing the early pace in the Belle Mahone S. With plenty of speed signed on in this seven-furlong affair, Smart Surprise figures to enjoy a better set-up here. On the other hand, her most dangerous opponent, Seaway S. (Can-G3) and Ontario Fashion S. winner TRIBAL BELLE (Tribunal), looms as the speed of the speed and has the ability to survive stiff pressure. Other contenders include Canadian stakes veterans AUTHENICAT (D'wildcat), GLITTER ROX (Glitterman) and YOU WILL LOVE ME (One Way Love); GEMSWICK PARK (Speightstown), who will try to recover the sparkling form that carried her to victory in the Old Hat S. (G3) earlier this year; and synthetic specialist SWEET LORENA (Langfuhr), runner-up to subsequent Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) queen Informed Decision (Monarchos) in the Presque Isle Downs Masters S. (G3) three back... Trainer Bob Baffert will send out one-third of the field in Sunday's $100,000 Moccasin S., as the new Hall of Famer is responsible for two of the six juvenile fillies entered in the seven-furlong feature at Hollywood Park. CRISIS OF SPIRIT (Vindication), whose second dam is Baffert's fellow Hall of Famer Silverbulletday, comes off a score in the Anoakia S., while her uncoupled stablemate, MISS HEATHER LEE (Trippi), rallied from last to take an allowance/optional claimer last out. They will face Grade 1-tested rivals in BICKERSONS (Silver Deputy) and IT TIZ (Tiznow), who are both cutting back in trip. Bickersons, third in both the Spinaway S. (G1) and Oak Leaf S. (G1), wound up 10th in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) in her latest venture. It Tiz, fourth in both the Darley Debutante S. (G1) and Oak Leaf, exits a confidence-boosting allowance victory. Completing the field are recent maiden winners LT. ANNE (Deputy Commander) and NEEKO (Swiss Yodeler)... Apprentice Freddie Lenclud will have a new agent when the Churchill Downs meet ends next Saturday and a new winter destination. "Doc Danner is going to have my book and I am going to Oaklawn Park the first of the year," said Lenclud, who had entertained thoughts of riding at Aqueduct in the winter. He will remain in Kentucky to ride at Turfway Park through December before going to Arkansas. Championship up for grabs in Colonial Cup The mid-season exit of two-time champion Good Night Shirt (Concern) due to injury left a huge void in the steeplechase division that has not entirely been filled. That might change pending the results of Saturday's $100,000 Colonial Cup (NSA-G1), the final major jump race of the season, which will be contested over the Springdale course in Camden, South Carolina. Ten geldings and a mare will answer the call to post for the 2 3/4-mile event over National Fences. All who have won top-level events in Good Night Shirt's absence have been entered, though most have not enjoyed consistent form this season. The one with perhaps the fewest faults is YOUR SUM MAN (Ire) (Pistolet Bleu [Ire]), the unheralded seven-year-old who coasted home by 3 3/4 lengths in the October 17 Grand National (NSA-G1) in his North American debut in what could be labeled a massive upset. The Tom Voss charge was nearly two years removed from his last win in a novice hurdle at Punchestown, Ireland, and made what is left of the American jumping division look mediocre with a convincing win at Far Hills. PIERROT LUNAIRE (War Chant), who handed Good Night Shirt a three-length defeat in the Iroquois (NSA-G1) in May, showed little in the Grand National when beaten more than 23 lengths into fifth. The five-year-old did encounter trouble that day when clipping heels with a rival, and could bounce back with a more representative effort here. RED LETTER DAY (Red Ransom), who led from flag-to-finish in the Lonesome Glory (NSA-G1) two back, could not replicate that feat in the Grand National. A tiring fourth that day, he should nonetheless show speed from the start of the Colonial Cup. SPY IN THE SKY (Thunder Gulch), who romped by more than 10 lengths in the New York Turf Writers Cup (NSA-G1), was an okay fourth in the Lonesome Glory and most recently passed his first-level allowance condition on the flat at Aqueduct. Others of note are the veteran MIXED UP (Carnivalay), who finished far back in two starts since taking the A.P. Smithwick Memorial (NSA-G1); THREE CARART (Storm Broker), runner-up to Good Night Shirt in the 2007 Colonial Cup; and SWEET SHANI (NZ) (Kashani), the multiple Grade 1-placed mare who appears to be rounding into better form. Post time for the Colonial Cup is approximately 3 p.m. (EST). In brief Though Friday's $70,700 Monarch's Maze S. at Aqueduct was forced from turf to dirt due to inclement weather, it mattered little to James Scatuorchio and John Iracane's BITTEL ROAD (Stormy Atlantic), who successfully returned from a six-month break to capture the one-mile feature by a length under John Velazquez. The final time over the fast surface was 1:36 4/5. Unplaced in three previous starts this year while briefly on the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail, Bittel Road enjoyed a solid juvenile campaign last year with victories in the Bourbon S. (G3) and With Anticipation S., as well as a second in the Generous S. (G3). Trained by Todd Pletcher, the dark bay has now earned $335,764 from a line of 10-4-1-0... SOUTHERN HALO (Halo) died at Haras la Quebrada in Argentina Thursday at the age of 26, Racing Post reports. Pensioned prior to this year's southern hemisphere breeding season, the sire of 161 black-type winners has been represented by the likes of Team, named Argentina's Horse of the Year in 1998, and fellow Argentine champions El Compinche and Miss Linda (Arg). The latter found success in the United States when she upset the 2001 Spinster S. (G1) at Keeneland. Southern Halo shuttled to Ashford Stud near Versailles, Kentucky, from 1996 to 2002, standing for a top fee of $40,000 in 2001. His first North American crop included King's Bishop S. (G1) winner and dual-hemisphere sire More Than Ready. Other notable northern hemisphere progeny for Southern Halo include Princess Margaret S. (Eng-G3) heroine Saintly Speech and Canadian champion two-year-old Edenwold. Bred by E.P. Taylor, Southern Halo was purchased by the Niarchos family for $600,000 as a Keeneland July yearling and would go on to finish second in the Swaps S. (G1) and Super Derby (G1)... Phipps Stable's homebred DISTINCTIVELY (Awesome Again), a daughter of champion Heavenly Prize (Seeking the Gold), captured her initial win on Friday in Aqueduct's 5TH race. Ridden by Ramon Dominguez, the Shug McGaughey-trained three-year-old rallied four wide from last in the seven-horse field and won going away in her fourth career try. The dark bay lass was 3 1/4 lengths clear on the line while running one mile on the fast dirt in 1:38. Heavenly Prize was also trained by McGaughey and immediately showed promise when taking her maiden debut by nine lengths and then scoring a seven-length victory in the Frizette S. (G1). She would go on to run third in the 1993 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), and during the rest of her career would add scores in the Apple Blossom H. (G1), Beldame S. (G1), Alabama S. (G1), John A. Morris H. (G1), Go for Wand H. (G1), Gazelle H. (G1) and Hempstead H. (G1) to her resume. The mare finished second both times she tried the Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1), and retired with $1,825,820 in lifetime earnings. Heavenly Prize has also succeeded in the breeding shed, foaling the likes of Grade 2-winning sire Pure Prize (Storm Cat) and dual Grade 1 victor Good Reward (Strom Cat)... Bluegrass Hall's VENATRIX (Theatrical [Ire]), a full sister to Grade 1 winner Geri and a half-sibling to Grade 2 victor A. P. Arrow (A.P. Indy), broke her maiden on Thursday in the 7TH race at Golden Gate Fields. With Russell Baze aboard, the Bob Hess Jr.-trained sophomore relished the yielding conditions of the turf course and reported home a 4 1/2-length winner in a final time of 1:44 2/5 for 8 1/2 furlongs. Out of the Mr. Prospector mare Garimpeiro, Venatrix's full brother Geri captured the 1996 Oaklawn H. (G1) and ran second in the next year's Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) en route to earning more than $1.7 million during his career. A. P. Arrow earned nearly $1.5 million during his five seasons of racing, taking the 2007 editions of the Clark H. (G2) and Skip Away H. (G3), and was retired earlier this year and sent to South Africa... Maryland Million Ltd. has announced that, starting with the 2009 foal crop, there will be no more foal nomination fees due. This means that every foal by a Maryland Million nominated stallion will now automatically be certified for the program. "We have always wanted to get every foal by every nominated stallion in the program, and this is the way to do it," said Cricket Goodall, executive director of Maryland Million Ltd. "Now when you breed to a Maryland Million nominated stallion you know that your foal is eligible to take advantage of this great program." The Maryland Million program offers opportunities throughout the year, with a bonus on maiden special weight races, and has its premier event Maryland Million Day in the fall of each year. Maryland Million Day, with 12 races and more than $1 million in purses, has become the highlight of the state's fall racing season... Canterbury Park received approval from the Minnesota Racing Commission on Thursday to conduct a 62-day Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse race meet in 2010. The meet, which will mirror the 2009 season, will begin May 14 and run through August 29, with Thursday and Friday post times of 7 p.m. (CT) and weekend and holiday post times of 1:30 p.m. The 17th renewal of the Minnesota Festival of Champions, a day dedicated to the best race horses bred in the state, will be held on the final day of the meet. The daily purse structure is expected to remain similar to last season when an average of $127,000 was paid to horsemen. "We were pleased, in light of the current economic situation, with the 2009 season. Fans continued to turn out and enjoy racing and we are hopeful they will again next season," Canterbury Park President Randy Sampson said. "As we plan our promotional calendar for 2010, we will continue to develop new ideas that will appeal to a broad base and offer value for the entertainment dollar." Attendance averaged 5,481 in 2009, a record since Canterbury reopened in 1995. The 2010 meet will mark the 25th anniversary of Canterbury, as opening day at the Shakopee, Minnesota, track, then called Canterbury Downs, was June 26, 1985... Multi-surface talents JUNGLE WAVE (Hold That Tiger) and FIELD COMMISSION (Service Stripe) will do battle with the improving sophomore EL BRUJO (Candy Ride [Arg]) in Saturday's C$150,000 Kennedy Road S. (Can-G3) going six furlongs over the Woodbine Polytrack. Jungle Wave, who took the Play the King S. (Can-G2) on turf three back, subsequently finished fourth in the Woodbine Mile (Can-G1) and third in the Nearctic S. (Can-G2), a race won by Field Commission. That rival is also a graded winner on the main track this season having bagged the Vigil S. (Can-G3) back in May. Meanwhile, El Brujo will step up to face older horses for the first time following triumphs in the Kentucky Cup Sprint (G3) and Perryville S. (G3). Others of note in the Kennedy Road field of 10 are Nearctic runner-up BOGUE CHITTO (Crafty Prospector) and the improving three-year-old YOU DON'T PASS (Pikepass), who has never finished worse than second in five starts to date... On Saturday, Churchill Downs S. (G2) winner ACCREDIT (E Dubai) and Jersey Shore S. (G3) winner CUSTOM FOR CARLOS (More Than Ready) will join seven others in the $60,000 Bet on Sunshine H., a six-furlong dash on the main track at Churchill Downs... The royally-bred SMART SURPRISE (Smart Strike) will try to defend her crown from 10 challengers in Sunday's C$150,000 Bessarabian S. at Woodbine. Since capturing last year's Bessarabian in her stakes debut, the Josie Carroll mare has gone on to land the Chou Croute H., Hendrie S. (Can-G3), Hill 'n' Dale S. and Ontario Matron S. A half-sister to multiple Grade 1 star Court Vision (Gulch), from the family of supersire A.P. Indy and classic winner Summer Squall, Smart Surprise was most recently third after pressing the early pace in the Belle Mahone S. With plenty of speed signed on in this seven-furlong affair, Smart Surprise figures to enjoy a better set-up here. On the other hand, her most dangerous opponent, Seaway S. (Can-G3) and Ontario Fashion S. winner TRIBAL BELLE (Tribunal), looms as the speed of the speed and has the ability to survive stiff pressure. Other contenders include Canadian stakes veterans AUTHENICAT (D'wildcat), GLITTER ROX (Glitterman) and YOU WILL LOVE ME (One Way Love); GEMSWICK PARK (Speightstown), who will try to recover the sparkling form that carried her to victory in the Old Hat S. (G3) earlier this year; and synthetic specialist SWEET LORENA (Langfuhr), runner-up to subsequent Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) queen Informed Decision (Monarchos) in the Presque Isle Downs Masters S. (G3) three back... Trainer Bob Baffert will send out one-third of the field in Sunday's $100,000 Moccasin S., as the new Hall of Famer is responsible for two of the six juvenile fillies entered in the seven-furlong feature at Hollywood Park. CRISIS OF SPIRIT (Vindication), whose second dam is Baffert's fellow Hall of Famer Silverbulletday, comes off a score in the Anoakia S., while her uncoupled stablemate, MISS HEATHER LEE (Trippi), rallied from last to take an allowance/optional claimer last out. They will face Grade 1-tested rivals in BICKERSONS (Silver Deputy) and IT TIZ (Tiznow), who are both cutting back in trip. Bickersons, third in both the Spinaway S. (G1) and Oak Leaf S. (G1), wound up 10th in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) in her latest venture. It Tiz, fourth in both the Darley Debutante S. (G1) and Oak Leaf, exits a confidence-boosting allowance victory. Completing the field are recent maiden winners LT. ANNE (Deputy Commander) and NEEKO (Swiss Yodeler)... Apprentice Freddie Lenclud will have a new agent when the Churchill Downs meet ends next Saturday and a new winter destination. "Doc Danner is going to have my book and I am going to Oaklawn Park the first of the year," said Lenclud, who had entertained thoughts of riding at Aqueduct in the winter. He will remain in Kentucky to ride at Turfway Park through December before going to Arkansas.
Workout Patrol
On the Kentucky worktab Stephen Foster H. (G1) hero MACHO AGAIN (Macho Uno), prepping for an expected run in the November 27 Clark H. (G2), worked five furlongs in 1:01 1/5 over the fast main track at Churchill Downs on Friday. The Dallas Stewart trainee was last seen running fourth in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1). Multiple Grade 1-placed stakes winner COPPER STATE (Jump Start), prepping for the Falls City H. (G2) on Thanksgiving Day, covered four furlongs in :49. She was second in the Chilukki S. (G2) last out. Grade 3 veteran WISE RIVER (Belong to Me), who has run below par on yielding ground of late, sped in :48 4/5 in preparation for a possible tilt at the River City H. (G3) on the Clark undercard. EL CABALLO (El Corredor), runner-up in the Mervin H. Muniz Jr. Memorial H. (G2) earlier this year, finished up in :50 4/5. He's been out of action since taking an allowance over the Churchill sod in June. Wood Memorial S. (G1) third JUST A COINCIDENCE (Forestry) went three panels in a leisurely :39 3/5. He was a distant fourth in the Withers S. (G3) when last seen in April. Kentucky Cup Turf (G3) third SILVER MOUNTAIN (Victory Gallop), a nose allowance victor most recently, covered five furlongs in 1:03 3/5. He's entered in an allowance at Churchill on Tuesday, which goes as the 7TH race. Stakes winner BEST LASS (Werblin), a turf allowance winner earlier this month, traveled four panels in :49 4/5. On the California worktab Acorn S. (G1) queen GABBY'S GOLDEN GAL (Medaglia d'Oro), last seen running off the board in the July 4 Prioress S. (G1), worked four furlongs in :48 4/5 over the Pro-Ride at Santa Anita. Lure S. victor BLUE CHAGALL (Fr) (Testa Rossa) worked a co-bullet three-quarters in 1:12 3/5 to prepare for the November 27 Citation H. (G1) at Hollywood Park. MYTHICAL POWER (Congaree), unraced since capturing the Lone Star Derby (G3) by 7 1/2 lengths on May 9, logged five-eighths in 1:01 4/5. Grade 3 winner TIZ WEST (Gone West), fourth in the Morvich H. (G3) two back, covered six furlongs in 1:13 3/5. Grade 1-placed stakes winner LA NEZ (Storm Creek), sixth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf most recently, posted four panels in :48. Del Mar H. (G2) runner-up SIR DAVE (Untuttable), eased in the Breeders' Cup Marathon last out, traveled a half-mile in :49 4/5. Grade 1 hero EVER A FRIEND (Crafty Friend), winner of an allowance/optional claimer in his seasonal debut on November 5, traveled five-eighths in 1:00 1/5 on Hollywood Park's Cushion Track. The Mike Mitchell-trained six-year-old is gearing up for an expected start in the Citation. Fellow Grade 1 scorer and Mitchell trainee MONZANTE (Maria's Mon), sixth last out in the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1), negotiated five furlongs in 1:00 1/5. The five-year-old gelding is also headed for the Citation. Grade 3 victor RED ARROW (Aus) (Red Ransom), unplaced in the Ancient Title S. (G1) off a five-month break most recently, covered four panels in :48 4/5. CANONIZE (Aldebaran), unraced since suffering his first career loss when third in the May 24 Lazaro Barrera Memorial S. (G3), worked four furlongs in :50 1/5. Grade 3-placed MACHISMO (Trippi), last seen running eighth in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-G1) in March, logged a half-mile in :48 1/5.
International Headlines
Numbers up at Goffs' November Foal Sale Goffs' November Foal Sale concluded on a high Friday, with increases across the board following a final session which proved a resounding success. After totting up a sale average of €22,260, an 11-percent increase on 2008, and a €13,000 median, up 30 percent, the company's officials were in celebratory mood. "The contrast between 2008 and 2009 has been palpable in terms of atmosphere, buzz, statistics, clearance rates and the overall attitude of all the players attending horse auctions," Goffs Chief Executive Henry Beeby said. "Twelve months ago, the industry was facing the bleakest of times as the worst effects of the worldwide economic downturn impacted on the bloodstock world. The real worry in November 2008 was fear of the unknown, as no one really knew how long, how deep and the shock of the fall resulted in some form of paralysis at the sales, which manifested itself in frighteningly low clearance rates as the autumn progressed. "Happily, the bloodstock world is a remarkably resilient and hardy world populated by a bunch of pragmatic optimists who simply put their heads down and focused on what we know and can influence, rather than what is out of our hands. That approach resulted in better than expected yearling sales, which in turn flowed through to a really solid foal trade at Goffs this week. Indeed, the vibrancy of the market yesterday and today in particular is testament to the enduring success and popularity of Irish bloodstock and the forward-thinking approach and stamina of foal speculators who have been forced to fight significant groups of end users for the best foals each day." Topping proceedings, and the sale overall, was a colt from the first crop of Dylan Thomas (Ire) who sold to Hideyuki Mori for €200,000. Out of In My Dreams (Sadler's Wells), who is a half-sister to Rock of Gibraltar (Ire), Hip No. 811 was consigned by Carriganog Stud and was a stand-out on pedigree on a day of bluebloods. "He will go back to Japan eventually," said Takashi Kodama, who was buying on behalf of Mori. "He's a very nice and well-bred colt. Rock of Gibraltar stood for a season in Japan and was very popular with Japanese breeders." Dylan Thomas was also responsible for a February-foaled colt from Abbeville & Meadow Court Studs who sold for €140,000. Hip 715, out of Virginia Rose (Galileo [Ire]), who is a half-sister to 2002 Prix Giullaume d'Ornano (Fr-G2) scorer and 2003 Tattersalls Gold Cup (Eng-G1) runner-up Highdown (Selkirk), was snapped up by Jim Bolger. Kennycourt Stud were in the thick of the action and, for much of the day, had the top-priced foal when going to €165,000 for a son of Azamour (Ire). Consigned by Rheindross Stud, Hip 738 was the subject of a major update a week ago when Godolphin's Passion for Gold (Medaglia d'Oro) ran away with the Criterium de Saint-Cloud (Fr-G1). That serious contender is out of C'est L' Amour (Thunder Gulch), who also features as this colt's second dam, and this purchase could prove a pinhooking triumph come next summer. Kennycourt Stud's owner Eugene McDermott also paid €130,000 for Ballylinch Stud's Hip 814, a colt from the first crop of 2007 Prix du Jockey-Club (Fr-G1) and Prix Jean Prat (Fr-G1) winner Lawman. The foal is a half-brother to the Group 3-winning Ashdown Express (Ashkalani), who was also second in the 2004 July Cup (Eng-G1), and 2003 Mrs. Revere S. (G2) scorer Hoh Buzzard (Ire) (Alhaarth). Two others heading Kennycourt's way were Meath Farm's Hip 671, a colt from the first crop of Teofilo out of dual Group 3 scorer Redstone Dancer (Namid) who fetched €110,000, and Hip 746 , Eyrefield Lodge Stud's son of Montjeu (Ire). The latter counts as his third dam English and French champion Marwell (Habitat), who would go on to produce multiple highweight Marling (Ire) (Lomond) and Irish champion Caerwent (Caerleon). He was acquired for €75,000. "They're very good, strong, good-walking colts by exciting young stallions and they will be back for resale next autumn," McDermott said. "We've been buying flat foals for the last couple of years and it has been working out so far. One of the two-year-olds that we sold as a yearling in 2008 was Don Carlos (Ger) (Galileo [Ire]), who was fourth to Passion for Gold at Saint-Cloud on Sunday." As the session drew to a close, two colts set the dying embers alight when selling for €160,000 apiece. Willie Browne's Meadowlands Stud snapped up Cloneymore Farm's Hip 840, a son of Cape Cross (Ire) out of the top-class speedster Miss Sally (Danetime), while Paddy Twomey matched that figure 11 lots later for a son of Pivotal. Out of the fast and precocious black-type performer Ooh Aah Camara (Danehill Dancer), he was consigned by Dermot and Meta Cantillon's Tinnakill House Stud. That came shortly after Jim Bolger paid €150,000 for the sale's top-priced filly, who hailed from the first crop of his beloved Teofilo. From the draft of Riversfield Stud, Hip 847 is out of a full sister to the top-class Green Desert duo Kheleyf and Bint Allayl. Selling of the breeding stock begins Saturday. Full results may be found on www.goffs.com.
Workout Patrol
On the Louisiana worktab At Fair Grounds on Friday, Washington Park H. (G3) winner GRAN ESTRENO (Arg) (Lucky Roberto) breezed five furlongs in 1:01 2/5 over the fast main track. He was third in an allowance most recently. Eight-time stakes hero STAR GUITAR (Quiet American) breezed a half-mile in :49 1/5. The Al Stall Jr. charge extended his winning streak to four in the recent Delta Gold Cup S. and will look to make it five in the December 12 Louisiana Champions Day Classic S. ABBY'S ANGEL (Touch Gold), victorious in the Indian Maid H. last time following a second in the Gardenia H. (G3), traveled in :50 1/5. On the Kentucky worktab Stephen Foster H. (G1) hero MACHO AGAIN (Macho Uno), prepping for an expected run in the November 27 Clark H. (G2), worked five furlongs in 1:01 1/5 over the fast main track at Churchill Downs on Friday. The Dallas Stewart trainee was last seen running fourth in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1). Multiple Grade 1-placed stakes winner COPPER STATE (Jump Start), prepping for the Falls City H. (G2) on Thanksgiving Day, covered four furlongs in :49. She was second in the Chilukki S. (G2) last out. Grade 3 veteran WISE RIVER (Belong to Me), who has run below par on yielding ground of late, sped in :48 4/5 in preparation for a possible tilt at the River City H. (G3) on the Clark undercard. EL CABALLO (El Corredor), runner-up in the Mervin H. Muniz Jr. Memorial H. (G2) earlier this year, finished up in :50 4/5. He's been out of action since taking an allowance over the Churchill sod in June. Wood Memorial S. (G1) third JUST A COINCIDENCE (Forestry) went three panels in a leisurely :39 3/5. He was a distant fourth in the Withers S. (G3) when last seen in April. Kentucky Cup Turf (G3) third SILVER MOUNTAIN (Victory Gallop), a nose allowance victor most recently, covered five furlongs in 1:03 3/5. He's entered in an allowance at Churchill on Tuesday, which goes as the 7TH race. Stakes winner BEST LASS (Werblin), a turf allowance winner earlier this month, traveled four panels in :49 4/5. On the California worktab Acorn S. (G1) queen GABBY'S GOLDEN GAL (Medaglia d'Oro), last seen running off the board in the July 4 Prioress S. (G1), worked four furlongs in :48 4/5 over the Pro-Ride at Santa Anita. Lure S. victor BLUE CHAGALL (Fr) (Testa Rossa) worked a co-bullet three-quarters in 1:12 3/5 to prepare for the November 27 Citation H. (G1) at Hollywood Park. MYTHICAL POWER (Congaree), unraced since capturing the Lone Star Derby (G3) by 7 1/2 lengths on May 9, logged five-eighths in 1:01 4/5. Grade 3 winner TIZ WEST (Gone West), fourth in the Morvich H. (G3) two back, covered six furlongs in 1:13 3/5. Grade 1-placed stakes winner LA NEZ (Storm Creek), sixth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf most recently, posted four panels in :48. Del Mar H. (G2) runner-up SIR DAVE (Untuttable), eased in the Breeders' Cup Marathon last out, traveled a half-mile in :49 4/5. Grade 1 hero EVER A FRIEND (Crafty Friend), winner of an allowance/optional claimer in his seasonal debut on November 5, traveled five-eighths in 1:00 1/5 on Hollywood Park's Cushion Track. The Mike Mitchell-trained six-year-old is gearing up for an expected start in the Citation. Fellow Grade 1 scorer and Mitchell trainee MONZANTE (Maria's Mon), sixth last out in the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1), negotiated five furlongs in 1:00 1/5. The five-year-old gelding is also headed for the Citation. Grade 3 victor RED ARROW (Aus) (Red Ransom), unplaced in the Ancient Title S. (G1) off a five-month break most recently, covered four panels in :48 4/5. CANONIZE (Aldebaran), unraced since suffering his first career loss when third in the May 24 Lazaro Barrera Memorial S. (G3), worked four furlongs in :50 1/5. Grade 3-placed MACHISMO (Trippi), last seen running eighth in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (UAE-G1) in March, logged a half-mile in :48 1/5. On the Florida worktab Grade 3 winner JET PROPULSION (Double Honor), hero of an allowance last out, breezed a half-mile in :52 over Calder's fast dirt on Friday. The Donna Green trainee is gearing up for his next engagement in either the December 5 Tropical Turf H. (G3) or an allowance before then. "I'd rather run him in the one-mile allowance if it goes than the stakes," Green admitted. "Otherwise, he'll run in the Tropical Turf. In retrospect, I wish I'd run him in the stakes last weekend (Bonnie Heath Turf Cup), but I didn't want to run against Soldier's Dancer (Lost Soldier). "If I'd known that fractions would be that slow, :25 and :50, I'd have run him. He would have been out there clear on the lead by himself ahead of that pace, but he's doing great now and happy to be settled in at home. His last race was good." Grade 3 winner GRASSHOPPER (Dixie Union), unplaced in the Ben Ali S. (G3) last out, covered three furlongs in :37 1/5 on Palm Meadows Training Center's fast main track. Group 3 scorer ELUSIVE WARNING (Elusive Quality), unraced since an off-the-board run in the 2008 Summer Mile S. (Eng-G2), prepared for his return to U.S. competition by breezing a half-mile in :49. Grade 1-placed stakes victor MAMBO IN SEATTLE (Kingmambo), last seen running third against allowance/optional claiming rivals in late May, posted three panels in :39 1/5. Group 1 hero STAR PLUS (Arg) (Alpha Plus), fourth in the 2008 River City H. (G3) when last seen, worked three furlongs in :41 on the firm turf. On the Maryland worktab Grade 3 veteran AH DAY (Malibu Moon), unplaced in his last two, covered three furlongs in :35 2/5 over the main track at Laurel on Friday in advance of the Fall Highweight H. (G3) on Thanksgiving Day. Multiple stakes queen ALL GIVING (Allen's Prospect), unplaced in the Seton Hall University S. last out, was clocked in :36 2/5 over the good track at Bowie. On the Louisiana worktab At Fair Grounds on Friday, Washington Park H. (G3) winner GRAN ESTRENO (Arg) (Lucky Roberto) breezed five furlongs in 1:01 2/5 over the fast main track. He was third in an allowance most recently. Eight-time stakes hero STAR GUITAR (Quiet American) breezed a half-mile in :49 1/5. The Al Stall Jr. charge extended his winning streak to four in the recent Delta Gold Cup S. and will look to make it five in the December 12 Louisiana Champions Day Classic S. ABBY'S ANGEL (Touch Gold), victorious in the Indian Maid H. last time following a second in the Gardenia H. (G3), traveled in :50 1/5.
Carryover Watch
For Saturday or Next Raceday
Workout Patrol
On the Florida worktab Grade 3 winner JET PROPULSION (Double Honor), hero of an allowance last out, breezed a half-mile in :52 over Calder's fast dirt on Friday. The Donna Green trainee is gearing up for his next engagement in either the December 5 Tropical Turf H. (G3) or an allowance before then. "I'd rather run him in the one-mile allowance if it goes than the stakes," Green admitted. "Otherwise, he'll run in the Tropical Turf. In retrospect, I wish I'd run him in the stakes last weekend (Bonnie Heath Turf Cup), but I didn't want to run against Soldier's Dancer (Lost Soldier). "If I'd known that fractions would be that slow, :25 and :50, I'd have run him. He would have been out there clear on the lead by himself ahead of that pace, but he's doing great now and happy to be settled in at home. His last race was good." Grade 3 winner GRASSHOPPER (Dixie Union), unplaced in the Ben Ali S. (G3) last out, covered three furlongs in :37 1/5 on Palm Meadows Training Center's fast main track. Group 3 scorer ELUSIVE WARNING (Elusive Quality), unraced since an off-the-board run in the 2008 Summer Mile S. (Eng-G2), prepared for his return to U.S. competition by breezing a half-mile in :49. Grade 1-placed stakes victor MAMBO IN SEATTLE (Kingmambo), last seen running third against allowance/optional claiming rivals in late May, posted three panels in :39 1/5. Group 1 hero STAR PLUS (Arg) (Alpha Plus), fourth in the 2008 River City H. (G3) when last seen, worked three furlongs in :41 on the firm turf.
Graded Previews
TRACK BANDIT PREVIEWS
Only six sophomores will line up in Saturday's $100,000 Discovery H. (G3) at Aqueduct, and the Shug McGaughey-trained GONE ASTRAY (Dixie Union) is the one to beat in the nine-furlong affair. The dark bay colt has really come to life since switching to two-turn races, racking up dominating victories in the Ohio Derby (G2) and Pennsylvania Derby (G2) in his last two. He's also been earning century-topping BRIS numbers of late, garnering a 106 Speed figure for his Penn Derby win and a 116 Late Pace rating for a close head second in the Coronado's Quest S. Gone Astray has winning experience over the track, and appears more than capable of adding this one to his resume. Eddie Castro retains the mount. BIRDRUN (Birdstone) might offer the best chance for some value in this race. The Bill Mott charge broke his maiden by 10 1/2 lengths against claiming rivals on a sloppy track at Saratoga, and has since run second twice before breaking through his first-level allowance condition on October 21. That front-running win netted the chestnut colt a 102 Speed rating and should have set him up perfectly for his stakes bow in this spot. Alan Garcia will be taking over riding duties on Birdrun, and the 5-1 morning-line shot could take this field from gate-to-wire. BAD ACTION (Brahms) has won or placed second in eight of his last nine races. That coupled with his 8-1 morning-line price makes us believe the Gary Contessa charge might help boost the exotics. The dark bay gelding has spent a good portion of the year racing on turf, but he switched over to Meadowlands' dirt to capture the Pegasus S. (G3) by a half-length last out. Though his numbers aren't quite as impressive as our top two, Bad Action has proven his ability against this caliber and should come running late under David Cohen. HAYNESFIELD (Speightstown) owns five wins from eight career starts, but most of those came on Aqueduct's inner dirt earlier this season. The Steve Asmussen-conditioned colt has tailed off quite a bit since his 6 1/4-length victory in the Whirlaway S. on February 7, finishing a well-beaten eighth in the Gotham S. (G3) next out before being put on the shelf. He returned on October 2 to just miss in the Sir Keys S. by a head, and visited the winner's circle when capturing his last one, the Empire Classic S. at Belmont Park. Though the chestnut seems to be on the improve, we'll let him beat us for the win and just tab in the bottom of the gimmicks. Ramon Dominguez has the call. PRECURSOR (A.P. Indy) posted a gate-to-wire score in the Proud Truth S. last out, repulsing a late bid from Bad Action. However, that win, along with his two other career victories, came on sloppy, sealed tracks. With sunny conditions forecast for Saturday, a fast surface seems probable, and we don't think Precursor will be able to duplicate his winning effort. REDDING COLLIERY (Mineshaft) seems to prefer less ground than what this race offers. We can't recommend.
Saturday's $100,000 Hollywood Prevue S. (G3) serves as a prep for next month's CashCall Futurity (G1), and in this seven-furlong feature we like INDIAN FIREWATER (Indian Charlie) for the potent combo of co-owner Mike Pegram, trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Garrett Gomez. Fourth to a highly regarded maiden winner in his Del Mar debut, Indian Firewater came right back to graduate at the same venue by more than four lengths and earned a 99 BRIS Speed rating. The odds-on choice when attempting to pass his first allowance condition at Santa Anita last time, the dark bay unfortunately endured a wide trip and was outkicked to the wire while settling for the silver medal. If he can avoid another wide journey, we feel he is more than capable in this spot. Another Baffert trainee is MACIAS (Purge), who has won two of three including the Jack Goodman S. by a neck last time. Though he only captured that race by a neck, he found himself in the unusual position of dueling early on, which left his tank a bit empty at the end. He's clearly a major threat again in this one, though we find it intriguing that Gomez has sided with our selection here. AMERICAN LION (Tiznow) invades from Kentucky along with jockey Julien Leparoux. He beat a next-out winner by nearly seven lengths when breaking his maiden at Keeneland last out, and could be any kind for trainer Eoin Harty. PICO PICO (Pico Central [Brz]) did not perform up to snuff in a pair of routes recently, but like his sire he might simply prefer one-turn races. He gets a chance to redeem himself on the cutback here. Last-out maiden winners GET MY FIX (Posse) and TRIBAL FACE (Tribal Rule) earned Speed ratings that aren't too far off what the top selections have earned, though they still seem a cut below on paper. SEATTLE RULER (Roman Ruler) reverted to lackluster form in the Norfolk S. (G1) after breaking his maiden in the Barretts Juvenile over dirt at Fairplex. He simply seems to prefer dirt to the various synthetic surfaces he will constantly have to race over as long as he remains on this circuit. PURSE LUVA (Pollard's Vision) is a three-time winner, albeit in two claiming races and a starter allowance restricted to maiden claiming winners. He obviously lacks the necessary class to pull off the upset.
Saturday's $100,000 Cardinal H. (G3) has attracted a contentious field of nine turf distaffers, led by Churchill course specialist ACOMA (Empire Maker). Although we believe that the David Carroll filly will rebound from her last two subpar efforts, we're not so bullish as to endorse her for the win as the 5-2 morning-line favorite. Instead, we'll go value-hunting with the Jonathan Sheppard-trained LONG APPROACH (Broad Brush), a 12-1 chance who missed narrowly in last year's running of the 1 1/8-mile Cardinal. Long Approach has been sparingly campaigned over the past two seasons, and she enters this test off a nearly seven-month layoff, but we have full confidence in Sheppard's ability to have her ready to fire off the bench. Two starts ago, the five-year-old chased home Mushka (Empire Maker) in an off-the-turf Keeneland allowance, an effort that looks even better since Mushka's promotion to victory in the Spinster S. (G1) at the same venue. When last seen in April, Long Approach rallied to finish second to the classy Criticism (GB) in the La Prevoyante H. (G2) on Calder's turf. The tactical filly figures to settle just off an honest early pace, and she should get first run on the deep closers. Kent Desormeaux has the return call. Acoma is two-for-two over the Matt Winn Turf Course, having captured the Mrs. Revere S. (G2) a year ago and the Mint Julep H. (G3) in June. She had valid excuses in her last pair -- irregular bloodwork signaled something was amiss following her poor sixth in the Delaware H. (G2) on the main track, and Keeneland's soft turf may not have been to her liking when she trailed home ninth in the First Lady S. (G1). Acoma still has to prove that she's back to her best, however, for new rider Jesus Castanon. Note also that she's spotting five pounds to Long Approach (121 versus 116). MY BABY BABY (Bernstein) typically gives a good account of herself, and the Ken McPeek trainee has never finished worse than second on the Churchill lawn (3-1-2-0). Runner-up to Acoma in the Mrs. Revere, she was a close second to Cocoa Beach (Chi) (Doneraile Court) in the De La Rose S. in her belated 2009 bow. In her latest venture, My Baby Baby rolled to a good-looking allowance/optional claiming score on Keeneland's Polytrack. Her regular rider Robby Albarado, who guided Acoma last time out, interestingly sticks with My Baby Baby in this spot. LEAMINGTON (Pleasant Tap) benefited from being lone speed when capturing the Voodoo Dancer S. two back, soundly defeating My Baby Baby in fourth, but she won't get that luxury Saturday. Still, the Graham Motion filly is strikingly consistent, boasting a 5-2-2-0 mark this season. Her lone blemish was a retreating fifth in the boglike Flower Bowl Invitational (G1), and she'll improve considerably back on better ground. Leamington is a must-use in the exotics with Calvin Borel, who piloted her to an allowance score over this course and distance in June. Southern California shipper LEMON CHIFFON (Lemon Drop Kid) runs her race every time. While we don't think that she's quite good enough to win outright, we won't be surprised if the hard-trying mare works her way into the superfecta. The Sean McCarthy pupil threw a scare into Black Mamba (NZ) (Black Minnaloushe) in the C.T.T. and Thoroughbred Owners of California H. two back, and she was most recently a solid fourth in the Yellow Ribbon S. (G1). Jon Court will partner the late runner. YOU GO WEST GIRL (Mr. Greeley) made mincemeat of fellow New York-breds in the Ticonderoga H. last time, and a duplication of that effort would make her a top-tier contender in this spot. On the other hand, the Tom Proctor mare is taking a jump in class to graded company and might be overbet. The deep-closing SOCIAL QUEEN (Dynaformer) is capable of uncorking a big late run, but she tends to leave herself too much to do. TIZFIZ (Tiznow) deserves credit for just hanging on in the San Gorgonio H. (G2) in January, and for beating an iffy bunch of males in the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. H. on Labor Day. If she were lone speed, we'd take a closer look, but her chances diminish with other early speed in here in the form of ZASKAR (GB) (Anabaa). It's feast or famine for Zaskar, who either turns in bold front-running efforts or drops right out of it. The John Terranova II trainee could make us look bad for dismissing her, yet we're not sure about the cutback in distance in this spot.
Workout Patrol
On the Maryland worktab Grade 3 veteran AH DAY (Malibu Moon), unplaced in his last two, covered three furlongs in :35 2/5 over the main track at Laurel on Friday in advance of the Fall Highweight H. (G3) on Thanksgiving Day. Multiple stakes queen ALL GIVING (Allen's Prospect), unplaced in the Seton Hall University S. last out, was clocked in :36 2/5 over the good track at Bowie.
Results
NORTH AMERICAN NON-GRADED STAKES RESULTS
Spot Plays/Highlights/Weather
SPOT PLAYS For Saturday
HIGHLIGHTS For Saturday
*all times Eastern
Results
NORTH AMERICAN ALLOWANCE RESULTS
Spot Plays/Highlights/Weather
WEATHER For Saturday
North American Maiden Winners
HANDICAPPER'S EDGE is compiled by Bloodstock Research Information Services Inc. 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 2007, Bloodstock Research Information Services Inc. Information as to the races, race results and earnings was obtained from results charts published in the Daily Racing Form and is utilized herein with the permission of the copyright owner, Daily Racing Form Inc.
Announcements
National Turf Clocker Reports The smoke has cleared from a memorable Breeder's Cup and it has come to our attention that the FIRST, SECOND and FIFTH place finishers in the Breeder's Cup Handicapping Challenge are not only National Turf users, but SUBSCRIBERS. Our most sincere congratulations and major kudos to Dave Wilkenfeld of New York (1st), Bryan Herrity of Minnesota (2nd) and Eugene Calahan of North Carolina (5th). Wilkenfeld came away with the $125,000 first prize money by accumulating a $41,125 bankroll. The three amassed $173,000 in total prize money for the placings. And, of course, this is an indirect testament to the outstanding job done by National Turf's indefatigable clocker Andy Harrington and his assistant John Wilson. Andy's observations were spot on and passed along some invaluable information during the two days of races and we understand the players put it to great use. If you are playing Hollywood Park, you need National Turf clockers services on your side. The Wizard hitting over 40% winners in 2009 The Wizard has been on a tear with his selections. His full-card analysis covers all of the major tracks this weekend, from Aqueduct to Churchill Downs to Hollywood Park. His Pick of the Day continues to roll on, hitting at an incredible 40 percent clip for the entire year! Visit the Wizard menu today. Ultimate edge for Fair Grounds! Looking for an edge at Fair Grounds? Look no further than the Ultimate PPs from Brisnet.com. Loaded with detailed track bias stats and accurate BRIS Pace and Class Ratings, the Ultimate PPs are the best in the industry. Log on to Brisnet.com now for superior information on the popular Fair Grounds meet. Then, watch the incredible HD signal live on TwinSpires TV or your local OTB parlor. From ALL-Ways software data files to Ultimate PPs to Wizard selections, Brisnet.com has you covered for this great meet. Frandsen
Publishing presents: "Pick up just about any book or essay on the subject of wagering on horse races and chances are pretty high the author will tell you the Pick 3 is a great wager. It is indeed a great wager...if it is played properly. There are some realities about playing the Pick 3 that the general public just does not understand. This is good news because it provides the opportunity to gain a significant edge over the public. This article covers the reasons why the Pick 3 is a good wager, exposes the realities missed by the public and shows you the best way we know to play the Pick 3." So, let's get started. (Read the whole article) The Kentucky Handicapper heating up at Churchill! The Kentucky Handicapper Sheet wrapped up a successful day at Churchill Downs on November 13 by selecting No Such Work on top at nearly 15-1 in the finale, tabbing four winners overall on the afternoon as well as the cold late Daily Double that returned $71.80! The Sheet also had Northern Choice in the 4TH race, Devilish Berti in the 5TH race and Hamazing Destiny in the 9TH race on top. Churchill Downs' autumn meet features competitive fields with plenty of wagering appeal, and the Kentucky Handicapper is the best source for winners. It's a bargain at only $3.
Graded Previews
AMERICAN GRADED STAKES PREVIEWS
Only six sophomores will line up in Saturday's $100,000 Discovery H. (G3) at Aqueduct, and the Shug McGaughey-trained GONE ASTRAY (Dixie Union) is the one to beat in the nine-furlong affair. The dark bay colt has really come to life since switching to two-turn races, racking up dominating victories in the Ohio Derby (G2) and Pennsylvania Derby (G2) in his last two. He's also been earning century-topping BRIS numbers of late, garnering a 106 Speed figure for his Penn Derby win and a 116 Late Pace rating for a close head second in the Coronado's Quest S. Gone Astray has winning experience over the track, and appears more than capable of adding this one to his resume. Eddie Castro retains the mount. BIRDRUN (Birdstone) might offer the best chance for some value in this race. The Bill Mott charge broke his maiden by 10 1/2 lengths against claiming rivals on a sloppy track at Saratoga, and has since run second twice before breaking through his first-level allowance condition on October 21. That front-running win netted the chestnut colt a 102 Speed rating and should have set him up perfectly for his stakes bow in this spot. Alan Garcia will be taking over riding duties on Birdrun, and the 5-1 morning-line shot could take this field from gate-to-wire. BAD ACTION (Brahms) has won or placed second in eight of his last nine races. That coupled with his 8-1 morning-line price makes us believe the Gary Contessa charge might help boost the exotics. The dark bay gelding has spent a good portion of the year racing on turf, but he switched over to Meadowlands' dirt to capture the Pegasus S. (G3) by a half-length last out. Though his numbers aren't quite as impressive as our top two, Bad Action has proven his ability against this caliber and should come running late under David Cohen. HAYNESFIELD (Speightstown) owns five wins from eight career starts, but most of those came on Aqueduct's inner dirt earlier this season. The Steve Asmussen-conditioned colt has tailed off quite a bit since his 6 1/4-length victory in the Whirlaway S. on February 7, finishing a well-beaten eighth in the Gotham S. (G3) next out before being put on the shelf. He returned on October 2 to just miss in the Sir Keys S. by a head, and visited the winner's circle when capturing his last one, the Empire Classic S. at Belmont Park. Though the chestnut seems to be on the improve, we'll let him beat us for the win and just tab in the bottom of the gimmicks. Ramon Dominguez has the call. PRECURSOR (A.P. Indy) posted a gate-to-wire score in the Proud Truth S. last out, repulsing a late bid from Bad Action. However, that win, along with his two other career victories, came on sloppy, sealed tracks. With sunny conditions forecast for Saturday, a fast surface seems probable, and we don't think Precursor will be able to duplicate his winning effort. REDDING COLLIERY (Mineshaft) seems to prefer less ground than what this race offers. We can't recommend.
Saturday's $100,000 Hollywood Prevue S. (G3) serves as a prep for next month's CashCall Futurity (G1), and in this seven-furlong feature we like INDIAN FIREWATER (Indian Charlie) for the potent combo of co-owner Mike Pegram, trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Garrett Gomez. Fourth to a highly regarded maiden winner in his Del Mar debut, Indian Firewater came right back to graduate at the same venue by more than four lengths and earned a 99 BRIS Speed rating. The odds-on choice when attempting to pass his first allowance condition at Santa Anita last time, the dark bay unfortunately endured a wide trip and was outkicked to the wire while settling for the silver medal. If he can avoid another wide journey, we feel he is more than capable in this spot. Another Baffert trainee is MACIAS (Purge), who has won two of three including the Jack Goodman S. by a neck last time. Though he only captured that race by a neck, he found himself in the unusual position of dueling early on, which left his tank a bit empty at the end. He's clearly a major threat again in this one, though we find it intriguing that Gomez has sided with our selection here. AMERICAN LION (Tiznow) invades from Kentucky along with jockey Julien Leparoux. He beat a next-out winner by nearly seven lengths when breaking his maiden at Keeneland last out, and could be any kind for trainer Eoin Harty. PICO PICO (Pico Central [Brz]) did not perform up to snuff in a pair of routes recently, but like his sire he might simply prefer one-turn races. He gets a chance to redeem himself on the cutback here. Last-out maiden winners GET MY FIX (Posse) and TRIBAL FACE (Tribal Rule) earned Speed ratings that aren't too far off what the top selections have earned, though they still seem a cut below on paper. SEATTLE RULER (Roman Ruler) reverted to lackluster form in the Norfolk S. (G1) after breaking his maiden in the Barretts Juvenile over dirt at Fairplex. He simply seems to prefer dirt to the various synthetic surfaces he will constantly have to race over as long as he remains on this circuit. PURSE LUVA (Pollard's Vision) is a three-time winner, albeit in two claiming races and a starter allowance restricted to maiden claiming winners. He obviously lacks the necessary class to pull off the upset.
Saturday's $100,000 Cardinal H. (G3) has attracted a contentious field of nine turf distaffers, led by Churchill course specialist ACOMA (Empire Maker). Although we believe that the David Carroll filly will rebound from her last two subpar efforts, we're not so bullish as to endorse her for the win as the 5-2 morning-line favorite. Instead, we'll go value-hunting with the Jonathan Sheppard-trained LONG APPROACH (Broad Brush), a 12-1 chance who missed narrowly in last year's running of the 1 1/8-mile Cardinal. Long Approach has been sparingly campaigned over the past two seasons, and she enters this test off a nearly seven-month layoff, but we have full confidence in Sheppard's ability to have her ready to fire off the bench. Two starts ago, the five-year-old chased home Mushka (Empire Maker) in an off-the-turf Keeneland allowance, an effort that looks even better since Mushka's promotion to victory in the Spinster S. (G1) at the same venue. When last seen in April, Long Approach rallied to finish second to the classy Criticism (GB) in the La Prevoyante H. (G2) on Calder's turf. The tactical filly figures to settle just off an honest early pace, and she should get first run on the deep closers. Kent Desormeaux has the return call. Acoma is two-for-two over the Matt Winn Turf Course, having captured the Mrs. Revere S. (G2) a year ago and the Mint Julep H. (G3) in June. She had valid excuses in her last pair -- irregular bloodwork signaled something was amiss following her poor sixth in the Delaware H. (G2) on the main track, and Keeneland's soft turf may not have been to her liking when she trailed home ninth in the First Lady S. (G1). Acoma still has to prove that she's back to her best, however, for new rider Jesus Castanon. Note also that she's spotting five pounds to Long Approach (121 versus 116). MY BABY BABY (Bernstein) typically gives a good account of herself, and the Ken McPeek trainee has never finished worse than second on the Churchill lawn (3-1-2-0). Runner-up to Acoma in the Mrs. Revere, she was a close second to Cocoa Beach (Chi) (Doneraile Court) in the De La Rose S. in her belated 2009 bow. In her latest venture, My Baby Baby rolled to a good-looking allowance/optional claiming score on Keeneland's Polytrack. Her regular rider Robby Albarado, who guided Acoma last time out, interestingly sticks with My Baby Baby in this spot. LEAMINGTON (Pleasant Tap) benefited from being lone speed when capturing the Voodoo Dancer S. two back, soundly defeating My Baby Baby in fourth, but she won't get that luxury Saturday. Still, the Graham Motion filly is strikingly consistent, boasting a 5-2-2-0 mark this season. Her lone blemish was a retreating fifth in the boglike Flower Bowl Invitational (G1), and she'll improve considerably back on better ground. Leamington is a must-use in the exotics with Calvin Borel, who piloted her to an allowance score over this course and distance in June. Southern California shipper LEMON CHIFFON (Lemon Drop Kid) runs her race every time. While we don't think that she's quite good enough to win outright, we won't be surprised if the hard-trying mare works her way into the superfecta. The Sean McCarthy pupil threw a scare into Black Mamba (NZ) (Black Minnaloushe) in the C.T.T. and Thoroughbred Owners of California H. two back, and she was most recently a solid fourth in the Yellow Ribbon S. (G1). Jon Court will partner the late runner. YOU GO WEST GIRL (Mr. Greeley) made mincemeat of fellow New York-breds in the Ticonderoga H. last time, and a duplication of that effort would make her a top-tier contender in this spot. On the other hand, the Tom Proctor mare is taking a jump in class to graded company and might be overbet. The deep-closing SOCIAL QUEEN (Dynaformer) is capable of uncorking a big late run, but she tends to leave herself too much to do. TIZFIZ (Tiznow) deserves credit for just hanging on in the San Gorgonio H. (G2) in January, and for beating an iffy bunch of males in the Edward J. DeBartolo Sr. H. on Labor Day. If she were lone speed, we'd take a closer look, but her chances diminish with other early speed in here in the form of ZASKAR (GB) (Anabaa). It's feast or famine for Zaskar, who either turns in bold front-running efforts or drops right out of it. The John Terranova II trainee could make us look bad for dismissing her, yet we're not sure about the cutback in distance in this spot.
Racing Highlights
For Saturday
*all times Eastern HANDICAPPER'S EDGE is compiled by Bloodstock Research Information Services Inc. 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 2007, Bloodstock Research Information Services Inc. Information as to the races, race results and earnings was obtained from results charts published in the Daily Racing Form and is utilized herein with the permission of the copyright owner, Daily Racing Form Inc.
Announcements
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