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BREEDERS' CUP PREVIEWS
Favored LOOKIN AT LUCKY (Smart Strike) is drawn widest of the baker's dozen in the $2 million Juvenile (G1), but the unbeaten colt has the tactical speed to put himself into the race from the start and should secure a decent position under Garrett Gomez, who guided Midshipman (Unbridled's Song) to a victory in the 2008 Juvenile from post 10. Trained by Bob Baffert, Lookin at Lucky is dual Grade 1 victor who has done just enough to win his four races to date while leaving plenty in the tank, and if we know his conditioner at all, the bay Kentucky-bred is primed for a career best. Recent IEAH purchase RADIOHEAD (GB) (Johannesburg) should offer some value for the exacta. Conditioned by Brian Meehan, who has had success on this stage on more than one occasion, the colt bagged the Norfolk S. (G2) earlier in the year and was second in the Middle Park S. (Eng-G1) most recently. His BRIS Class numbers are very strong, and the chestnut colt is bred to handle the added ground. Martin Dwyer ships in to ride the English-bred youngster, who shouldn't be too far back in his two-turn bow. D' FUNNYBONE (D'wildcat) is second to none on ability, registering BRIS Speed ratings of 101 and 103 in his last two outings, but remains a question mark in his first try on synthetic for trainer Richard Dutrow. A stylish winner of both the Saratoga Special S. (G2) and Futurity S. (G2) in his last pair, the Florida-bred gives the look of a horse who should handle this distance, but we still have no clue about the footing. He could drift up in price, and we'll use him with Edgar Prado. We like PULSION (Include) and think he could be a very interesting runner next season, and we'll use him here at expected long odds (20-1 morning line). It's possible that the colt will shine with the added ground off his tough-trip second in the Norfolk S. (G1) over this oval, and the Patrick Biancone runner is eligible to keep improving in his second stakes start. Mike Smith rides. ALFRED NOBEL (Ire) (Danehill Dancer) is a bit of a mystery, like many of the Euro invaders in here, but we do like the fact that the Grade 1 star has been well backed in each race of his life. The current form of the juvenile might be a bit off, but we still will not omit him from the exotics. The Aidan O'Brien runner will be able to save ground from his rail post before offering his rally. Pilgrim S. romper ESKENDEREYA (Giant's Causeway) is bred to love the all-weather strip and is obviously talented, so a big price on the colt could prompt us to take a swing. A good second on the green in his debut, the Kentucky-bred hasn't flashed much early footing but accelerated in a professional manner versus winners last out, and he should have plenty of room for improvement in this one. Javier Castellano will ride. AIKENITE (Yes It's True) rallied in a big way to be second in the Breeders' Futurity (G1) and is another viable win threat in this impossible field. Third in the Hopeful S. (G1) two races back, the dark bay Florida-bred has some tactical speed and a big kick, similar to many in this field. Alan Garcia will be aboard. Dewhurst S. (Eng-G1) upsetter BEETHOVEN (Ire) (Oratorio [Ire]) has already raced 10 times but seemingly is getting better with experience for O'Brien. The bay colt deserves consideration at a price. Group 1 runner-up VALE OF YORK (Ire) (Invincible Spirit) is another mystery import who could possibly move up with the surface switch. The Godolphin colt should have little problem with 1 1/16 miles, but we still like other Europeans better. Breeders' Futurity star NOBLE’S PROMISE (Cuvee) is improving rapidly for Ken McPeek and merits respect in this spot. The inexpensive yearling purchase has outrun his sales price and pedigree to date, but we fear that his bubble might burst here in this bulky and accomplished field. We'll stand against the colt. Sunday Silence S. winner WILLIAM'S KITTEN (Kitten's Joy) may be too slow to make an impact on this race from the 12 post. Hopeful second and Champagne S. (G1) third ASPIRE (Tale of the Cat) has a good deal of ability but has never raced upon a synthetic strip for Eddie Kenneally. The dark bay, who was a fine Saratoga debut winner this summer, has trained over the synthetic going at Keeneland and Santa Anita, but we can't recommend his chances. PISCITELLI (Victory Gallop) was basically no factor in both graded tries and is facing his deepest field to date for Greg Sacco.
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