HORSE RACING

[Lumi]

HORSE RACING
TODAY AT OAK TREE AT SANTA ANITA

By Richard Eng

Post Time 10:05 a.m.

Race 1 - 7 furlongs, $100,000 Damascus, 3-year-olds

M One Rifle - Did everything but win last time in a solid try; speed did well yesterday, Mike Smith on cruise control.

Supreme Summit - Draw a line thru his Ancient Title race and his resume looks fine; tactical speed to sit a nice trip.

Long Shot - Coronet of a Baron

Race 2 - 1 mile (turf), $1-million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, 2-year-olds

Viscount Nelson - After a test drive debut, he's been nearly perfect since; kicks off the Saturday Euro invasion.

Pounced - Big rider switch to Frankie Dettori for the money shot; John Gosden never sends over an empty wagon.

Long Shot - Buzzword

Race 3 - 6 1/2 furlongs (turf), $1-million Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, 3-year-olds and up

Gotta Have Her - In a likely horses for courses race, she is 4-for-4 wins down the hill; exits a powerful hillside prep.

Diamondrella - Purchased by IEAH Stable; their strike rate with newcomers is amazing, brilliant turf sprinter.

Long Shot - Noble Court

Race 4 - 6 furlongs, $2-million Breeders' Cup Sprint, 3-year-olds and up

Gayego - Loved his prep win in the Ancient Title; there will be enough early speed to set up his powerful late kick.

Zensational - Heavy chalk drew the dreaded rail for the third start in a row; not sure he's faced as good as these.

Long Shot - Fatal Bullet

Race 5 - 1 1/16th miles, $2-million Breeders' Cup Juvenile, 2-year-olds

Lookin At Lucky - Has the best home field advantage of any in the BC; tactical speed allows him to sit a perfect trip.

Aspire - Has yet to run on synthetics will inflate his odds; dead late closer has been begging to travel 2-turns.

Long Shot - Aikenite

Race 6 - 1 mile (turf), $2-million Breeders' Cup Mile, 3-year-olds and up

Goldikova - Chance for another repeat winner from 2008; filly has kept up her top form in a fantastic career.

Justenuffhumor - Did not run a step over a Keeneland soggy bog; offers good value at 10/1 over very firm ground.

Long Shot - Delegator

Race 7 - 1 mile, $1-million Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, 3-year-olds and up

Mastercraftsman - Part of an amazing Euro contingent of talent; drops 5-pounds off a crushing win in the Diamond.

Chocolate Candy - Reunited with Joel Rosario who rides him best; he prefers to sit in arrears and make one brush.

Long Shot - Midshipman

Race 8 - 1 1/2 miles (turf), $3-million Breeders' Cup Turf, 3-year-olds and up

Conduit - The Euros appear to be shooting fish in a barrel; last year's winner may be facing an easier task today.

Dar Re Mi - Was nearly on equal terms with Conduit in the Arc; top class filly with tactical speed to sit a trip.

Long Shot - Spanish Moon

Race 9 - 1 1/4 miles, $5-million Breeders' Cup Classic, 3-year-olds and up

Gio Ponti - Fits the profile I'm looking for and he's 12/1; good on sod or synthetics, he closes like a banshee.

Rip Van Winkle - Old saying, no foot, no horse; if Aidan O'Brien says he's OK, then expect his best, no excuses.

Long Shot - Colonel John

Race 10 - 1 1/8th miles (turf), $150,000 Oak Tree Derby, 3-year-olds

Battle of Hastings - Did not handle the soggy bog at Keeneland last time; firm ground is where he does his best work.

Rendevous - Shortens up in distance, which should suit him; upset the Del Mar Derby over the race favorite.

Long Shot - The Usual Q.T.

Best Bet - M One Rifle (race 1)

Santa Anita Friday - Picks/Winners/Mutuels, 17/4/$50.80; Long Shots, 9/1/$14.80; Best Bet, 1/0/$0

Santa Anita Totals - 472/129/$817.80; Long Shots, 237/37/$401.20; Best Bets, 28/13/$51.20

SIMULCAST PICK OF THE DAY - #4 Thank U Philippe (8/5) in race 4 at Aqueduct. For scoring purposes, we'll make a hypothetical $2 win, place and show bet, $6 total. On Friday, Muhaaseb won at Aqueduct paying $3.00 to win, $2.30 to place and $2.10 to show. Stats - 164/122/$935.70

 

[Lumi]

At the Breeders' Cup - Saturday

At the Breeders' Cup - Saturday

At the Breeders' Cup - Saturday

I?m still a bit dizzy after watching ESPN?s ridiculous camera angles on Breeders? Cup Friday.



It?s great to watch all of the races in HD, but is sure would be nice to just use a traditional pan shot, like the one we watch the other 363 days of the year.



It was nearly impossible to figure out the race flow and to catch moves horses made. I had a tough time picking up horses and just when I find who I was looking for ESPN would cut to another shot.



On the bright side, ESPN kept Stammerin? Hank Goldberg to a minimum, and it looks like I am going to lose my side bet on how many times Hank says ?Um.?




I played the over, as usual.



I thought the stunner was not the losses of short priced favorites Mastery and Ventura, but how easily Life is Sweet rolled over her foes in the Ladies? Classic.



Zenyatta?s stablemate won by 2 ? lengths but she was much the best, with 16/1 longshot Mushka rallying for second.



Horses with trips over a synthetic surface seemed to hold the edge over horses that made their last starts on dirt, much like last year.



Europeans won two of the six races on Friday, Man of Iron ($14.80) taking the Marathon, and Midday ($6.60) winning the Filly & Mare Turf.



I think the Europeans could dominate on Saturday, possibly winning as many as five races.



There are several vulnerable favorites I am going to be wagering against, including Zensational and Zenyatta.





Here is today's opening race from Aqueduct to get our day off to a good start:



AQU Race 1 Alw $50,000s (12:30 ET)

#7 Banking Holiday 5/2

#3 Taum Sauk 8/1

#6 Almighty Silver 4/1

#8 Mr. Universe 8/1



Analysis: #7 Banking Holiday regressed last out off a career top two back when coming up a head a neck short for this condition. The runner up and fourth place finisher in that race came back to win next out. Last out the colt did have some trouble, getting blocked behind runners on the far turn and only rallied mildly late. The colt has picked up for wins although they came against softer. Figures to rebound here for the high % Maker barn.



#3 Taum Sauk pressed the early pace and faded to finish sixth last out as my top pick. He has earned a career top two back, a fig that puts her right in the mix here. He owns solid early and mid pace numbers and is making his third start of his current form cycle. There is some other early zip in here so he won't have things easy up front, but the price again today is worth giving him a shot.



Wagering

WIN: #7 to win at 2/1 or better.

EX: 3,7 / 3,6,7,8

TRI: 3,7 / 3,6,7,8 / 2,3,6,7,8



Today's Featured Race of the Day from Oak Tree at Santa Anita:



SA Race 4 BC Sprint G1 (12:10 PT)

#5 Gayego 5/2

#9 Fleeting Spirit 6/1

#4 Crown of Thorns 12/1

#1 Zensational 7/5



Analysis: #5 Gayego prepped for this with a visually impressive victory in the Ancient Title (G1) over the main track here. The colt had to steady lightly when in tight early, settled in a nice spot just off the rail and came with a four wide run down the stretch to roll by the field. The colt now has won 4 of 7 on the fake stuff with a couple of runner up finishes. The colt will get a good pace set up here and he looks capable of moving forward as he makes his third start of his current form cycle.



#9 Fleeting Spirit is the wildcard in the race. She was fourth in the BC Turf Sprint last year, beaten 2 1/4 lengths after breaking a step slow. She was off a step slow last out in a 16 horse field in the Prix del'Abbaye de Longchamp (G1), one of the top turf sprint races in the world, beaten a neck by Total Gallery. I love the jock switch to Dettori here and it is interesting Noseda elects to take on the boys on the Pro Ride this year. She needs to break better and she should be flying at the finish.

#4 Crown of Thorns was a good second to #5 Gayego last out in the Ancient Title and looks like he is sitting on a big one here in his third start off the bench. He was sidelined in February of '08 after winning the Robert Lewis (G2) in his first start against winners and has come back a more mature runner and tough to pop a 102 Beyer off a 19-month layoff. This guy has a ton of upside potential and Mandella in his corner. Worth tossing in the mix here at a generous price.



#1 Zensational has been off flat footed in each of his last two starts, breaking fourth in a five horse field in the Pat O'Brien (G1) and fifth and last in the Bing Crosby (G1) two back. I secretly was rooting for a rail draw and got it. If this guy breaks here as he did in his last two starts, he could be in deep waters if some of the speed to his outside angle in on him. He just has the look of the underlay of the day to me at the 7/5 ML odds.



Wagering

WIN: #5 to win at 5/2 or better.

EX: 5,9 / 1,4,5,9

TRI: 5,9 / 1,4,5,9 / 1,3,4,5,8,9



Today's Featured Race of the Day from Aqueduct:



AQU Race 7 Tempted S. G3 (3:33 ET)

#7 Tizahit

#3 Worstcasescenario

#1 Cuff Me

#2 Aialea



Analysis: #7 Tizahit shipped to Del Park for her stakes debut and made a good late rally to finish in the runner up spot in a solid effort. The third and sixth place finishers came out of that race to win stakes in their next starts. The Weaver filly is cutting back to one turn here but she should catch a solid early pace in front of her in here and she should be rolling late again. The 8/1 ML looks more than fair.



#3 Worstcasescenario really looked good winning the Adirondack going 6 1/2 furlongs and then the wheels came off last out in the Matron (G2) where she tracked the early pace and faded badly. She has come back with decent looking works and she had enough pedigree to handle the extra ground. Her last was just too bad to believe, and we have a solid two-year-old barn in Violette in our corner. She figures to bounce back with a much better effort here.



Live Longshots:

These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.



Aqueduct

R1: #3 Taum Sauk 8/1

R1: #8 Mr. Universe 8/1

R3: #1 White Holiday 12/1

R4: #6 Enigmatic 15/1

R5: #3 Hooligan?s Delight 10/1

R5: #9 Helvi 8/1

R7: #7 Tizahit 8/1



Oak Tree at Santa Anita (Breeders? Cup)

R2: #7 Bridgetown 8/1

R3: #4 Lord Shanakill 8/1

R3: #7 Gotta Have Her 15/1

R3: #12 Strike the Deal 15/1

R4: #4 Crown of Thorns 12/1

R5: #11 Radiohead 15/1

R5: #8 Eskendereya 10/1

R5: #4 Noble?s Promise 8/1

R6: #8 Zacinto 8/1

R6: #10 Justenuffhumor 10/1

R7: #8 Mr. Sidney 12/1

R7: #9 Chocolate Candy 15/1

R9: #7 Gio Ponti 12/1

R9: #8 Einstein 12/1

R9: #9 Girolamo 20/1

R10: #4 No Inflation 8/1



Good luck today!

 

[Lumi]

Jeff Siegel's Oak Tree Analysis for Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009

Jeff Siegel's Oak Tree Analysis for Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009

Jeff Siegel's Oak Tree Analysis for Saturday, Nov. 7, 2009
Breeders? Cup Saturday begins with the Damascus Stakes at seven furlongs and should showcase the short-priced favorite #3 M One Rifle. The Headley-trained gelding was nosed out as an odds-on favorite on Cal Cup day but still earned a career top speed figure in the process and a similar effort today should return him to winning form. If you?re looking for an exacta partner, you might want to consider #7 Viscount, a sharp and improving colt who figures to be running on strongly late as a route-to-sprint play.

The Juvenile Turf ushers in today?s Breeders? Cup sequence and we?ll use #2 Viscount Nelson, #4 Pounced, and #11 Interactif in all of our rolling exotics. Viscount Nelson was rapidly improving at the end of his English two-year-old campaign according to Racing Post speed figures and with another forward move from a good inside post the Aidan O?Brien trained colt could be very dangerous. Another Euro shipper, Pounced, is a son of Rahy with plenty of speed and should be prominent throughout. Like Viscount Nelson, Pounced was starting to get very, very good at the tail end of the year and arrives fit and ready for Gosden. Interactif is the best of the American contingent, is unbeaten in two starts on turf, and should be rolling in the final furlong.

#6 Cannonball has been pointing for the BC Turf Sprint for some time and should be ready to explode for Ward in today's third race. He was impressive at Royal Ascot and even more so at Saratoga upon his return, and with a series of sharp local works under his belt, the speedy gelding looks like the one to beat at 8-1 on the morning line. Cannonball has the tactical speed to always be within range, so we'll use him as our rolling exotic single and pray for good racing luck.

The BC Sprint will have Zensational as the likely favorite in the fourth race but from the rail with the two speed types draw next to him, the Baffert-trained colt would be advised to leave with his field. He?s been working a hole in the wind and may never look back if can gain control early. However, #5 Gayego, unbeaten in four career starts at six furlongs, and #9 Fleeting Spirit, among the very best sprinters in Europe and leaving from a comfortable outside post, should be very dangerous and all three should be used in your rolling exotics.

The BC Juvenile goes as the fifth race and #13 Lookin At Lucky should be hard to beat, even with the disadvantage of the extreme outside post. He?s a perfect four-for-four and appears to be the type that only does what?s necessary. His recent workouts have been nothing short of sensational. If the outside post winds up compromising his chances, he could be in for a tussle with #3 Beethoven and #5 D? Funnybone, and all three should be used in your rolling exotics. Beethoven added blinkers and ran like an entirely different colt when winning Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket and if can project that turf form around two turns over the Pro Ride surface he might be able to make a run for it. #5 D?Funnybone cleaned up in New York after being taken over by Rick Dutrow and he?s a solid fit on numbers with this group, assuming the two-turns and the switch to the Pro Ride won?t impede his progress.

The BC Mile marks the return of #11 Goldikova. She seems much best on paper but was victimized when assigned the extreme outside post. If she can tuck early and get covered up, she?ll likely perform similarly to last year, when she was a breathtaking winner of this same event. Also worth using in your rolling exotics are #8 Zacinto, a high class and lightly raced colt who was second to Rip Van Winkle at Ascot in his last start, and #9 Gladiatorus, back in winning form for Godolphin and likely the best of the pace-forcers.

#1 Mastercraftsman should be a short price to win the seventh race, the BC Dirt Mile. He?s won on synthetics overseas and arrives fresh from an easy victory in the Diamond Stakes over an all weather surface at Dundalk in Ireland, beating, among others, yesterday?s Marathon winner Man of Iron. If he leaves cleanly from the rail and secures favorable early position, the O?Brien-trained colt should out class this field. Also worth considering in your rolling exotics are #5 Neko Bay and #7 Pyro. Neko Bay was very impressive beating softer foes here earlier this meeting and with a forward move could be a serious threat at 20-1 on the morning line. Pyro, winner of the Forego Stakes at Saratoga, seems much better than his two previous all-weather attempts and figures to be doing his best running in the final furlong.

#2 Conduit tries for a repeat score in the BC Turf and the two horses he?ll have to be most concerned with are #6 Dar Re Mi, and #7 Spanish Moon. Dar Re Mi is a high class, long distance turf filly from the Gosden barn who tackled the boys in the Prix de l?Arc de Triomphe and didn?t do badly at all, finishing a close up fifth. Spanish Moon was banned for six months by English stewards after acting up repeatedly at the gate during the loading process. He seems to be on his best behavior now and a duplication of his Dubai spring form makes him a solid threat. As for Conduit, he arrived in peak form for Sir Michael Stoute and anything close to his best effort puts him in the picture.

#4 Zenyatta seeks racing immortality as she tries to become the first filly or mare to win the BC Classic. On numbers she might not be up to it, and there?s no doubt that the competition will be exceedingly tougher and deeper that she's been used to seeing. But we have so much respect for her, we?ll use the unbeaten mare along with the very well-meant long shot #6 Richard?s Kid (12-1 on the morning line) and the razor sharp Euro-invader, #5 Twice Over. Richard?s Kid closed resolutely to be third in the Goodwood over this track last month, an effort that validated his sparkling Pacific Classic victory. No BC runner has trained any better than he has in the past few weeks. Twice Over is fresh from a scintillating win in the Group-1 Champion Stakes at Newmarket last month just three weeks ago. It was a grueling, taxing effort, but if he can run back to it under these conditions, the Cecil-trained colt would be a factor at 20-1 on the morning line.

The tenth race is the Oak Tree Derby, a highly competitive nine furlong turf event that could be won by any number of the entrants. It?s too tough to call, so we?ll sit it out.

 

[Lumi]

Bruno De Julio

Bruno De Julio

Bruno De Julio

 

[Lumi]

Larry Zap

Larry Zap

Handicapping Picks for 11/07/2009
Race 3 - BC turf sprint - #6 Cannonball 8-1

this guy should absolutely love the downhill turf course...expecting a huge performance

 

[Lumi]

Bob Ike's Free Pick of the Day for Saturday, Nov. 7

Bob Ike's Free Pick of the Day for Saturday, Nov. 7

Bob Ike's Free Pick of the Day for Saturday, Nov. 7
4th race (Sprint)--
#5 GAYEGO (5-2) Although the Godolphin horses were non-competitive
yesterday, this one should fire a huge shot in the Sprint. With an anticipated
hot pace in front of him, look for Gomez to time Gayego's late run perfectly
in order to run down the leaders.
Yesterday's Result: MIDDAY ($6.60) won the 6th race.
SHOWVIVOR: M ONE RIFLE (1st race)
Days Survived: 1

 

[Lumi]

CAL HORSE

CAL HORSE

Handicapping Picks for 11/07/2009
RACE 1 - PICK THREE
M ONE RIFLE
with
POUNCED - VISCOUNT NELSON - BUZZWORD
with
LORD SHANAKILL - CANNONBALL - CALIFORNIA FLAG - DESERT CODE

3 / 4-2-12 / 4-6-3-13

 

[Lumi]

ELLIS STARR

ELLIS STARR

Handicapping Picks for 11/07/2009

Race #1 - Rating = 3
Damascus Stakes
#1 Coronet of a Baron - Fair odds 2/1
#7 Viscount - Fair odds 2/1
#3 M One Rifle - Fair odds 2/1
My full card selections for Breeders' Cup Day are available at www.equibase.com and www.trackmaster.com
Potential exacta wagers: Box 1,3,7
The cost of the wager at the $1 minimum is $6 and we win if any 2 of the 3 horses listed finish first and second in any order.
This race warrants a ?3? (Best Betting Race) rating not by virtue of a potentially live longshot or by virtue of a vulnerable favorite, it warrants the rating as the three horses listed above stand out versus the other five and because two of the three have starting odds (6 to 1 and 8 to 1) well in excess of the ?fair odds? threshold set above, so if we?re right we can start the day with a nice profit.
Coronet of a Baron finished third after leading in the stretch last year on Breeders? Cup Saturday in the Juvenile Turf, then took 10 months off and took three races to get back into top form, winning by a neck on 10/14 here at Santa Anita, the result of taking blinkers off after a two race failed experiment in them. With improving to do and with his last win coming at 6 ? furlong as well as having lost by a nose in the 2008 Del Mar Futurity, at this distance, to subsequent Breeders? Cup Juvenile winner Midshipman, Coronet of Baron could actually make short work of this field if just one horse softens up likely pacesetter M One Rifle in the first quarter mile. With a career best 110 Equibase Speed Figure to improve upon, Coronet Baron gets preference of three win contenders to get the job done in the opener.
Viscount just won over the track as well, on 10/11, at a mile and one-sixteenth, so could benefit nicely from the cut back in distance by having some extra stamina and wind in the last 1/8 of a mile. He also earned a career best figure, 109, in his recent victory, his 2nd start since adding blinkers and third with Gomez in the saddle, who rides again today. With more improving to do and with a sharp 1:12 six furlong workout coming into the race for the always tough Baffert barn, Viscount can not be ignored for an instant when considering our wagers in the opener as he starts at 8 to 1 odds.

<!-- copy -->
<!-- content -->

 

[Lumi]

TODAY'S RACING DIGEST

TODAY'S RACING DIGEST

TODAY'S RACING DIGEST



SUNDAY'S RACING DIGEST

 

[Lumi]

Joe Takach

Joe Takach

Joe Takach

RACE 3----CALIFORNIA FLAG (best bet)
Koriner 5 yo gelding should control this race gate to wire. Talamo remounts.


Joe Takach-SUNDAY

RACE 7---MEGILLAH (best bet)
Eric Kruljac 3 yo gelding ran out of ground when a fast closing 3rd beaten only ? length down the hillside course 17 days ago. A stretchout with Valdivia remounting looks like the answer.

 

[Lumi]

By Dave Litfin -AQUEDUCT

By Dave Litfin -AQUEDUCT

By Dave Litfin

BEST BET: Bank the Eight (2nd race)


First Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Almighty Silver 2. Banking Holiday 3. Seniors Pride

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ALMIGHTY SILVER has been blanked from 10 starts this year, but appears on the upswing after being claimed and equipped with blinkers for his last three starts; can benefit if a duel develops between TAUM SAUK and HAVE YOU EVER. A hot pace could also aid BANKING HOLIDAY, a big threat if able to summon up a Beyer in the 88-range for a third time since claimed in June. SENIORS PRIDE comes off three consecutive Beyer tops at 23-1, 31-1 and 42-1; may be this good now.

Second Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Bank the Eight 2. El Primero 3. Volition

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BANK THE EIGHT broke from the rail, split horses and rallied for second in a promising debut vs. a Todd Pletcher-trained winner; moves to the outside. EL PRIMERO stretches out to a mile following an improved effort second time out. VOLITION was nosed for the runner-up spot by ON VACATION second out; could easily reverse the decision with first-time Lasix.

Third Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Burnished Copper 2. Sao Sebah 3. Globemaster

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BURNISHED COPPER is tough to trust at 1-5-5 from 18 starts, but is rounding to form after a better try second time back from a freshening and has run well on this course; likes some cut in the ground. SAO SEBAH finished strongly to go from seventh to first in the final furlong of maiden win; realistic spot. GLOBEMASTER drops into a claimer for the first time, after flashing some early speed vs. repeater Livin Large; trainer has won with three of last five when taking the blinkers off.

Fourth Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Thank U Philippe 2. Toboggan Slide 3. Quick Ride

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THANK U PHILIPPE disappointed in first route attempt, then improved significantly to finish second to the highly regarded Jackson Bend in $400k Fla. Stallion; dangerous ship-in trainer. TOBOGGAN SLIDE has changed hands after winning Maryland Million Nursery; handles pace pressure, one to catch stretching out. QUICK RIDE has turned in a pair of bullet workouts since wide rally in the Dover Stakes first time going long; primed for a forward move.

Fifth Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Flying Valentine 2. Helvi 3. Digital Joe

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FLYING VALENTINE set or forced the pace in both placings at Belmont on turf and over a sealed "good" main track; beaten 1-2 choice must turn back pressure from CATHY'S RASCAL. HELVI finished well to miss by a neck in his first attempt vs. New York-breds; logical threat in the lane. DIGITAL JOE was off slow and rallied mildly vs. the top pick in bow; candidate to improve quickly.

Sixth Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Grand Couturier 2. Operation Red Dawn 3. Jambalaya

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

After running into traffic in search of third Sword Dancer win, GRAND COUTURIER flashed some of his old form winning the Bowling Green, and then went evenly under difficult conditions in Joe Hirsch Turf Classic over a waterlogged course; well suited to three-turn tests of stamina. OPERATION RED DAWN finally notched a graded stakes win in the Knickerbocker last out; main question is whether he can get the 1 3/8 miles. JAMBALAYA returned from more than two years on the sidelines to win allowance comfortably at Woodbine; multiple Grade 1 winner was probably just getting warmed up at 1 1/16 miles, has trained well since then.

Seventh Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Ailalea 2. Cuff Me 3. Worstcasescenario

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AILALEA took a major step forward when stretched out to the Tempted's one-mile distance for convincing maiden triumph; should get ample pace to come after due to presence of NONNA MIA and CUFF ME. No telling how good the latter is, after two blowout sprint wins in the slop vs. New York-bred company; under the gun from rail. WORSTCASESCENARIO came out of Matron debacle at odds-on with foot issues that have since been addressed by glue-on shoes; anything close to Adirondack win makes her a strong threat.

Eighth Race


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. The Cuff Shooter 2. Pernice 3. Johannesbull

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE CUFF SHOOTER has been improving lately in open $25k maiden claimers, and appears to be in much better form than he was for initial round of starts at this level last year; call in wide-open finale. PERNICE rallied wide to overtake 16-1 pace-presser IL SENATORE for second going 1 1/4 miles; makes third start of form cycle. JOHANNESBULL stretches out, after putting in middle moves and weakening as favorite in turf sprints at Saratoga and Belmont.

 

[Lumi]

It's all about Zenyatta at Breeders' Cup

It's all about Zenyatta at Breeders' Cup

It's all about Zenyatta at Breeders' Cup

She'll try to extend her record to 14-0 in the Breeders' Cup Classic on Saturday.
Bill Dwyre

November 7, 2009

Friday's first day of Breeders' Cup horse racing at Santa Anita was a Ladies Day delight. Saturday's second day is expected to be, well, the same thing.

Today is Zenyatta's day.

No filly or mare has ever won the Breeders' Cup Classic, and they've run this race since 1984. One filly, Jolypha in 1992 at Gulfstream, finished in the money, a third to A.P. Indy. That's it for females in this testosterone dash. So far.

The $5-million Classic has been the domain of the big boys, the rough and ready, who can power over whatever turf is presented and through whatever tight hole is presented.

This one is not for the faint of heart. As Zenyatta's trainer, John Shirreffs, notes, "When one of the boys bumps, another boy bumps back. When the girls get bumped, they just move away."

That being said, Shirreffs has not only entered the unbeaten, 1,250-pound Zenyatta for today's Classic but was not the least bit surprised when she was made the 5-2 morning-line favorite.

"She's a once-in-a-lifetime," Shirreffs said.

If you believe in omens, Shirreffs got one in the final Breeders' Cup race Friday, the $2-million Ladies Classic won last year by, of course, Zenyatta. The winner was Life Is Sweet, also trained by Shirreffs and defeated easily in the three races against Zenyatta they have both entered since May.

Life Is Sweet resides in a stall at Hollywood Park right across from Zenyatta. Life Is Sweet has a personality somewhat counter to the last word in her name, a name that would have been a better fit for Zenyatta. Shirreffs likes to show visitors a picture on his laptop of groom Mario Espinoza, lying down in Zenyatta's stall next to Zenyatta and applying ointment to her ankles as she rests on her side.

When visitors ask Shirreffs which stall belongs to Zenyatta, he is likely to tell them to go find the one where the mare is licking her groom.

Garrett Gomez, who had tried just about everything in his previous rides aboard Life Is Sweet and against Zenyatta, including trying to block her on the backstretch at Hollywood Park, laughed afterward when asked if the absence of Zenyatta this time changed the equation of the race.

"Well, yeah," he said, "because I knew she probably would have ended up second."

Zenyatta's attempt to win her 14th race has caused the kind of stir that this event's officials have coveted. Although she didn't even race, on a day in which five of the six races were for female horses and $8.5 million of the $25.5 million in purses was at stake, attendance went up about 20% to 37,651, from last year's 31,257. And the on-track betting handle increased 4% to $7,097,789.

"The minute it became official that Zenyatta would run in the Classic, there was an enormous spike in ticket sales," said Allen Gutterman, vice president for marketing at Santa Anita. "You put a female against the boys and something happens in the public. It becomes electric.

"People are walking around here today, the day before she runs, trying to find seats. I attribute that to the buzz over Zenyatta. It's nice to have a racing star."

There will be several attempts, of course, to try to spoil this fairy tale.

Irish horse Rip Van Winkle has been installed as the second favorite on the morning line at 7-2. He is a 3-year-old with eight starts, four wins and $915,117 in winnings. He has also been hampered by bad feet, and every time one of the European trainers was asked about him this week, they began their answer with the phrase, "Well, if he is sound . . ."

Einstein is a Brazilian horse who has done all his racing in the U.S. He is a 7-year-old with $2,903,324 in purses, a nice piece of that from this year's Santa Anita Handicap. He is trained by Helen Pitts-Blasi, who was the first female trainer to win the Big Cap and would be the first female trainer to win the Classic.

Mine That Bird is memorable for his who-is-that-and-where-did-he-come-from finish to win this year's Kentucky Derby. He did so under the incredible weaving, rail-hugging dash of Calvin Borel, who has made such rides into an art form. Borel will be aboard again and trainer Chip Woolley said, "I'm going to tell Calvin to ride him like he did in the Derby."

Both Einstein and Mine That Bird start the day with little respect at 12-1.

Another entry aptly named for speed of wing, Summer Bird, will try to add his victories in the Belmont, Travers and Jockey Club Gold Cup in only his ninth race. Since the Kentucky Derby, Summer Bird, 9-2 for this race, has lost only twice -- to Mine That Bird in the Derby and a nice little filly named Rachel Alexandra in the Preakness.

Colonel John, always competitive, will attempt to improve on his sixth-place finish last year. Richard's Kid, with veteran Alex Solis in the saddle, will look for a repeat of his Pacific Classic win. Both have been pegged at 12-1.

Quality Road and Gio Ponti will carry morning-line odds of 12-1 into the day, with Twice Over, Girolamo and Regal Ransom getting 20-1 and Awesome Gem 30-1.

Very possibly, they all will be window dressing for horse racing's Big Z, who will do her little dance in the paddock, perk her ears up when she comes on track, adhere to jockey Mike Smith's tight hold on her through most of the race, and then take off like a rocket down the stretch.

That's her style. That's her swagger. And girls will be girls.

 

[Lumi]

Praise pours like sugar for Life Is Sweet

Praise pours like sugar for Life Is Sweet

Praise pours like sugar for Life Is Sweet

By Hank Wesch
Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 3:26 a.m.
THAT FANTASY THING BREEDERS' CUP EDITION

In keeping with a long-standing tradition started last year, Hank Wesch's supervisors have requested a Breeders' Cup version of the fantasy betting feature previously limited to the Del Mar racing season. Their thought is that every opportunity to expose the turf writer to public ridicule should not be missed. The imaginary stake is $500. The format is one straight win bet and one exotic bet per race, and one wild hunch for the day.
$1 MILLION JUVENILE TURF
Scenario seen: Pounced does what his name implies, tracking the pace like Euros are trained to do to get the crew from the Continent off to a good, not-unexpected start.
Fly in the ointment: Interactif put on a late burst to win the Bourbon Stakes on Oct. 11 at Keeneland and is a threat to beat the Europeans at their own game.
The winner is: Pounced.
The fantasy bet is: $20 to win on Pounced and a $1 trifecta with Pounced to win over Becky's Kitten, Interactif and Buzzword.
$1 MILLION TURF SPRINT
Scenario seen: Defending champion Desert Code pulling off a similar closing move from far back on the tricky downhill course. He shouldn't be 36-1 like last year but even half that would be a bargain.
Fly in the ointment: California Flag won the Morvich prep for a second straight year and will be looking to make amends for last year's (10th) disappointment.
The winner is: Desert Code.
The fantasy bet is: $20 to win on Desert Code and a $2 exacta box (EBX) combining California Flag, Diamondrella and Desert Code.
$2 MILLION SPRINT
Scenario seen: Zensational overcomes the dreaded No. 1 post and proves a world beater because he's simply fastest, notching a fifth straight victory.
Fly in the ointment: There's that No. 1 post and fast opponents like Fatal Bullet and Gayego.
The winner is: Zensational.
The fantasy bet is: $50 to win on Zensational and a $2 tri key with Zensational to win over Fatal Bullet, Crown of Thorns and Gayego.
$2 MILLION JUVENILE
Scenario seen: Lookin At Lucky continues to justify the enthusiasm trainer Bob Baffert has shown for him throughout a 4-for-4 career, including the Best Pal and Del Mar Futurity last summer.
Fly in the ointment: There's the unfavorable, far outside No. 13 post for 'Lucky and better-drawn D'Funnybone in from New York and Radiohead from England.
The winner is: Lookin At Lucky.
The fantasy bet is: $20 to win on Lookin At Lucky and a $5 EBX combining D'Funnybone, Radiohead and Lookin At Lucky.
$2 MILLION MILE
Scenario seen: Goldikova puts on a show similar to the one in this race last year and wins almost as impressively with an eye-popping late charge.
Fly in the ointment: Cowboy Cal and Karelian, the likely pace-setters, might not cooperate and go fast enough early to be Euro-charge enablers, enhancing their own chances in the process.
The winner is: Goldikova.
The fantasy bet is: $20 to win on Goldikova and a $2 exacta box combining Goldikova, Delegator and Gladiatorus.
$1 MILLION DIRT MILE (ACTUALLY SYNTHETIC)
Scenario seen: Pyro, coming off a two-month layoff after a victory in the Forego Handicap, showcases the horsemanship and organization of Godolphin Racing Inc. and trainer Saeed bin Suroor.
Fly in the ointment: Midshipman, last year's Juvenile winner when trained by Baffert, is also fresh, sharp and a member of the Godolphin/Suroor equine academy.
The winner is: Pyro.
The fantasy bet is: $20 to win on Pyro and a $2 EBX combining Pyro, Midshipman and Mr. Sidney.
$2 MILLION TURF
Scenario seen: The European contingent, four out of the seven entered, proves superior as expected.
Fly in the ointment: Presious Passion won the Santa Anita prep for this race, the C.L. Hirsch, wire-to-wire and figures to try to repeat the feat.
The winner is: The filly Dar Re Mi, narrowly over defending race champ Conduit and Spanish Moon.
The fantasy bet is: $20 to win on Dar Re Mi and a $5 EBX combining Dar Re Mi, Conduit and Spanish Moon.
$5 MILLION CLASSIC
Scenario seen: Einstein fires like he did winning the Santa Anita Handicap to edge a classy field, smudge super mare Zenyatta's perfect record and restore some of the shaken pride of males of all species.
Fly in the ointment: Zenyatta. One fabulous athlete.
The winner is: Einstein.
The fantasy bet is: $50 to win on Einstein and a $5 EBX combining Zenyatta, Einstein and Rip Van Winkle.
Wild Hunch: President Barack Obama gets the Peace Prize and here's a horse named Alfred Nobel (Juvenile, $10 WPS). Omen, omen, omen.
Yesterday's Results: A $5 EBX in the Filly & Mare Turf combining Midday and Pure Clan clicked for a gross return of $134, and a $20 win bet on Life Is Sweet cashed for a gross of $182. Total bets for the card were $220.
Bottom line: a $96 profit for Day I.
Today's bankroll: $596
Today's investment: $394

ARCADIA ? OK, so Life Is Sweet is not Zenyatta.
But the 4-year-old Storm Cat filly was a mighty reasonable facsimile yesterday, winning the $2 million Ladies' Classic in stirring Zenyatta-like, come-from-behind fashion to climax the first day of the $25.5 million Breeders' Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park.
Zenyatta, the mighty 5-year-old mare trained, like Life Is Sweet, by John Shirreffs, will face males in the $5 million Classic to highlight Day II of the Cup today. Last year, Zenyatta fired up the Friday crowd, winning the Ladies' Classic.
In Zenyatta's absence yesterday, Life Is Sweet rallied from more than 17 lengths behind at one point to win going away by 2? lengths under jockey Garrett Gomez before an on-track crowd of 37,651.
Owned by Marty and Pam Wygod of Rancho Santa Fe, Life Is Sweet has spent the past six months very much in the shadow of her 13-0 stablemate. Which created not so much frustration as adoration, Marty Wygod said.
?Zenyatta is an unbelievable mare,? he said. ?So if you have to be overshadowed by something, that is the right mare to be overshadowed by. She's a great, great mare.
?The thing that was frustrating us was that after (Life Is Sweet's) three races at Santa Anita, where she was showing she had the makings of possibly being a champion, she just wasn't right after that.?
The Ladies' Classic victory was the fourth in eight 2009 starts for Life Is Sweet and ended a four-race losing streak.
The full sister to 2004 Juvenile Fillies winner Sweet Catomine, the Wygods' other Breeders' Cup champion, started the year with victories in the El Encino, La Canada and Santa Margarita Stakes at Santa Anita from January through March. Three of the subsequent losses were to Zenyatta and the fourth was against males in the Hollywood Gold Cup.
The competition could hardly have been tougher, and Life Is Sweet's physical condition continued to be less than tip-top.
?She would continually tie up and give John a lot of different problems,? Wygod said.
?In the whole month of July and August she had one work. You know, it just was very, very challenging, but John did a great job, and he got her back for the day that counts.?
Sent out as the 8-1 fifth choice in the betting, Life Is Sweet proved to be the ultimate benefactor when front running 19-10 favorite Careless Jewel, a 3-year-old filly facing older mares for the first time, set off down the backstretch at a kamikaze pace.
Careless Jewel, ridden by inexperienced BC rider Robert Landry, tacked a :22.28 second quarter-mile behind a :23.50 first one, went past the three-quarters mark in 1:09.74 with a seven-length lead, and was done. The other seven in the field, with Life Is Sweet last of the bunch, went past as Careless Jewel faded to last.
?I was expecting them to start backing up at the quarter pole, and when they didn't, I thought maybe my clock was off,? said Gomez, aboard for Life Is Sweet's past eight starts. ?Just as we turned for home and we made our move, they were backing up and she was hitting her best stride.
?We reached the front quick, and when we went by the last one she just stayed really solid. I'm glad she picked today to show up.?
Life Is Sweet covered the 1⅛ miles in 1:48.58, nearly two seconds slower than Zenyatta's winning time a year earlier. Mushka was second and Music Note third.
The victory was worth $1.08 million, which raised Life Is Sweet's career earnings to $1,770,810.
Seeing Life Is Sweet make the winning move was, literally, breathtaking for Marty Wygod.
?I was trying to scream, but I wasn't breathing,? he said. ?I was really trying to get (the scream) out, but I couldn't.
?It's exciting, especially when you knew she had got the job done and there was still close to an eighth of a mile left to run.
?It was exhilarating.?
Cup notes
?The score after the first day was USA 4, Europe 2, with the continental scores coming from Man of Iron in the Marathon and Midday in the Filly & Mare Turf.
?Trainer Jonathan Sheppard, 64, born in Ashwell, England, but now U.S.-based, had a win (Informed Decision, F&M Sprint), a second (Cloudy's Knight, Marathon) and a third (Forever Together, F&M Turf). Julien Leparoux was the only jockey to have as many as two wins.
?The final race of the day, the $200,000 Las Palmas Handicap, was won by Tuscan Evening, ridden by Rafael Bejarano for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. Tuscan Evening is owned by William de Burgh of Rancho Santa Fe.
?The on-track attendance figure was up 20.5 percent from a year ago, when the first Cup day attracted a crowd of 31,257. Breeders' Cup officials cut ticket prices this year and did not require most seats to be bought in two-day packages.

 

[Lumi]

http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/sports/horseracing/

 

[Lumi]

Post Experts Pick the Winners

Post Experts Pick the Winners

Post Experts Pick the Winners

Today's selections from Aqueduct.

 

[Lumi]

Breeders Analysis

Breeders Analysis

Breeders Analysis
Post time: 10:00 a.m.


1. 7 fur; $100,000; 3YO DAMASCUS STAKES

M ONE RIFLE comes in with a bullet work after setting the pace and finishing second by nose in Cal Cup Sprint. SU PREME SUMMIT stretches out after running evenly Grade 1 Ancient Title. CORONET OF A BARON won allowance in return to dirt.

PN Horse,Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Coronet of a Baron(L),118 J Leparoux 1-5-5 Harty 6-1
2 Smart Bid(L),118 J Rose 2-6-1 Motion 9-2
3 M One Rifle(L),123 M Smith 2-1-1 Headley 8-5
4 All Saint(L),123 F Valdez 8-2-1 Dahl 20-1
5 Supreme Summit(L),118 R Bejarano 9-2-5 O'Neill 4-1
6 Major Rock Star(L),116 T Baze 1-1-2 Mitchell 6-1
7 Viscount(L),118 G Gomez 1-2-6 Baffert 8-1
8 Dave's Pacemaker(L),116 O Berrio 1-4-2 Avila 15-1


2. 1 mile(T); $1,000,000; 2YO BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE TURF

BRIDGETOWN seeks his third consecutive victory and should be on or close to pace. INTERACTIF has been impressive winning both career starts on turf. POUNCED races with Lasix for US debut after second in Group 1 in France.

PN Horse,Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Zip Quik(L),122 M Smith 6-2-2 Biancone 50-1
2 Viscount Nelson,122 J Murtagh 2-1-1 O'Brien 6-1
3 Codoy(L),122 G Gomez 2-1-2 Hubley 15-1
4 Pounced,122 L Dettori 2-1-2 Gosden 9-2
5 Gallant Gent(L),122 J Rosario 3-1-2 Lewis 30-1
6 Awesome Act,122 R Moore 9-1-3 Noseda 20-1
7 Bridgetown(L),122 R Landry 1-1-2 McPeek 8-1
8 King Ledley(L),122 R Bejarano 3-3-6 Miller 20-1
9 Kera's Kitten(L),122 R Maragh 1-1-x Maker 12-1
10 Becky's Kitten(L),122 J Leparoux 2-1-5 Ward 12-1
11 Interactif(L),122 K Desormeaux 1-1-8 Pletcher 4-1
12 Buzzword,122 A Ajtebi 5-3-1 Suroor 6-1
13 Dean's Kitten(L),122 R Dominguez 1-5-4 Maker 12-1
14 Summer Movie(L),122 M Baze 1-7-x Sherman 50-1

3. 6 1/2 fur(T); $1,000,000; 3up BREEDERS' CUP TURF SPRINT

CALIFORNIA FLAG speedster comes in with a bullet work seeking fourth consecutive victory. DIAMONDRELLA came off pace to win Grade 1 First Lady on soft turf at Keeneland. CANNONBALL won going shorter in return to US.

PN Horse,Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Noble Court(L),126 J Rosario 2-3-1 Sadler 8-1
2 Silver Timber(L),126 J Leparoux 1-2-1 Brown 8-1
3 California Flag(L),126 J Talamo 1-1-1 Koriner 7-2
4 Lord Shanakill(L),124 J Crowley 5-1-3 Mandella 8-1
5 Get Funky(L),126 R Bejarano 2-4-5 Sadler 20-1
6 Cannonball(L),126 R Dominguez 1-2-6 Ward 8-1
7 Gotta Have Her(L),123 T Baze 1-1-2 Sahadi 15-1
8 Square Eddie(L),124 L Dettori 6-3-2 O'Neill 20-1
9 Diamondrella(L),123 R Maragh 1-6-1 Penna 4-1
10 Canadian Ballet(L),123 A Garcia 1-1-2 Rice 20-1
11 El Gato Malo(L),126 D Flores 4-1-4 Dollase 30-1
12 Strike the Deal(L),126 K Fallon 1-1-6 Noseda 15-1
13 Desert Code(L),126 R Migliore 7-8-8 Hofmans 20-1
14 Delta Storm(L),126 G Gomez 3-2-4 Mitchell 10-1
15 Tenga Cat(L),126 M Smith 5-3-1 Ellis 30-1
16 Cherokee Heaven(L),126 B Blanc 8-1-4 Jones 30-1


4. 6 fur; $2,000,000; 3up BREEDERS' CUP SPRINT

CAPT. CANDYMAN CAN working bullets for this spot and should get a good pace to close into versus these. GAYEGO was an impressive winner of Grade 1 Ancient Title. FATAL BUL LET will be battling for early lead.

PN Horse,Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Zensational(L),124 V Espinoza 1-1-1 Baffert 7-5
2 Cost of Freedom(L),126 T Baze 4-4-1 Sadler 20-1
3 Fatal Bullet(L),126 E Da Silva 1-6-1 Baker 9-2
4 Crown of Thorns(L),126 R Bejarano 2-3-1 Mandella 12-1
5 Gayego(L),126 G Gomez 1-1-2 Suroor 5-2
6 Dancing in Silks(L),126 J Rosario 1-1-1 Gaines 12-1
7 Join in the Dance(L),124 J Velazquez 4-2-2 Pletcher 30-1
8 Capt.Candyman Can(L),124 J Castellano 2-1-2 Wilkes 15-1
9 Fleeting Spirit,123 L Dettori 2-2-1 Noseda 8-1

5. 1 1/16 miles; $2,000,000; 2YO GREY GOOSE BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE

NOBLES PROMISE makes local debut seeking fourth consecutive victory. LOOKIN AT LUCKY undefeated Baffert trainee compromised by outside post position. AIKENITE bullet work after second in Grade 1 Breeders Futurity.

PN Horse,Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Alfred Nobel,122 J Murtagh 5-6-1 O'Brien 20-1
2 Piscitelli(L),122 K Desormeaux 5-3-1 Sacco 50-1
3 Beethoven,122 R Moore 1-6-4 O'Brien 20-1
4 Noble's Promise(L),122 W Martinez 1-1-1 McPeek 8-1
5 D'Funnybone(L),122 E Prado 1-1-2 Dutrow 5-2
6 Pulsion(L),122 M Smith 2-1-2 Biancone 20-1
7 Vale of York,122 A Ajtebi 2-3-1 Suroor 20-1
8 Eskendereya(L),122 J Castellano 1-2-x Pletcher 10-1
9 Aikenite(L),122 A Garcia 2-3-1 Pletcher 8-1
10 Aspire(L),122 J Leparoux 3-2-1 Kenneally 20-1
11 Radiohead,122 M Dwyer 2-4-3 Meehan 15-1
12 William's Kitten(L),122 R Dominguez 5-1-3 Maker 30-1
13 Lookin At Lucky(L),122 G Gomez 1-1-1 Baffert 8-5


6. 1 mile(T); $2,000,000; 3up BREEDERS' CUP MILE

COWBOY CAL gate to wire winner of Grade 2 Oak Tree Mile over this course. GOLDIKOVA defending champion adds Lasix for US return. FERNELEY closed to finish second in Grade 1 Woodbine Mile.

PN Horse,Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Court Vision(L),126 R Albarado 1-6-4 Dutrow 12-1
2 Whatsthescript(L),126 K Desormeaux 3-3-3 Sadler 15-1
3 Cowboy Cal(L),126 J Velazquez 1-2-3 Pletcher 6-1
4 Delegator,123 L Dettori 3-1-2 Suroor 3-1
5 Karelian(L),126 R Maragh 2-1-5 Arnold 20-1
6 Courageous Cat(L),123 G Gomez 3-1-1 Mott 20-1
7 Ferneley(L),126 R Bejarano 2-1-3 Cecil 20-1
8 Zacinto,123 R Moore 2-2-1 Stoute 8-1
9 Gladiatorus,126 A Ajtebi 1-5-8 Suroor 20-1
10 Justenuffhumor(L),126 A Garcia 6-1-1 Mclaughlin 10-1
11 Goldikova,123 O Peslier 3-1-1 Head 8-5

7. 1 mile; $1,000,000; 3up BREEDERS' CUP DIRT MILE

MASTERCRAFTSMAN drew rail for US debut and after winning on Polytrack in Ireland. BULLSBAY cuts back in distance after third in Grade 1 Woodward. NEKO BAY can win this with a perfect untroubled trip.

PN Horse,Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Mastercraftsman,123 J Murtagh 1-3-2 O'Brien 6-5
2 Furthest Land(L),126 J Leparoux 1-4-1 Maker 20-1
3 Midshipman(L),123 G Gomez 1-1-2 Suroor 6-1
4 Bullsbay(L),126 J Rose 3-1-10 Motion 3-1
5 Neko Bay(L),126 M Smith 1-2-4 Shirreffs 20-1
6 Mambo Meister(L),126 M Cruz 1-4-5 Gleaves 30-1
7 Pyro(L),126 J Velazquez 1-2-6 Suroor 10-1
8 Mr. Sidney(L),126 K Desormeaux 3-6-1 Mott 12-1
9 Chocolate Candy(L),123 J Rosario 5-2-9 Hollendorfer 15-1
10 Ready's Echo(L),126 C Borel 2-3-2 Pletcher 20-1

8. 1 ? miles(T); $3,000,000; 3up BREEDERS' CUP TURF

CONDUIT defending champion adds Lasix for return to US. DAR RE MI adds Lasix for US debut after fifth in Grade 1 Are de Triomphe. RED ROCKS returns to US after fourth while going longer.

PN Horse,Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Telling(L),126 J Castellano 4-1-5 Hobby 20-1
2 Conduit,126 R Moore 4-1-3 Stoute 7-5
3 Red Rocks(L),126 J Leparoux 4-12-8 Meehan 20-1
4 Allegre(L),126 J Velazquez 3-1-1 Koriner 50-1
5 Dar Re Mi,123 L Dettori 5-5-1 Gosden 3-1
6 Presious Passion(L),126 E Trujillo 1-8-1 Hartmann 4-1
7 Spanish Moon,126 K Fallon 1-1-2 Stoute 5-2
8 Monzante(L),126 R Bejarano 7-2-5 Mitchell 30-1


9. 1 ? miles(T); $5,000,000; 3up BREEDERS' CUP CLASSIC

SUMMER BIRD improving with each start this year and working well for this spot. RICHARDS KID closed to finish third by length in Grade 1 Goodwood. AWESOME GEM came off pace to win the Grade 2 Hawthorne Gold Cup.

PN Horse,Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Mine That Bird(L),122 C Borel 6-3-3 Woolley 12-1
2 Colonel John(L),126 G Gomez 2-5-1 Harty 12-1
3 Summer Bird(L),122 K Desormeaux 1-1-2 Ice 9-2
4 Zenyatta(L),123 M Smith 1-1-1 Shirreffs 5-2
5 Twice Over,126 T Queally 1-1-1 Cecil 20-1
6 Richard's Kid(L),126 A Solis 3-1-2 Baffert 12-1
7 Gio Ponti(L),126 R Dominguez 2-1-1 Clement 12-1
8 Einstein(L),126 J Leparoux 2-5-3 Pitts 12-1
9 Girolamo(L),122 A Garcia 1-1-1 Suroor 20-1
10 Rip Van Winkle,122 J Murtagh 1-1-2 O'Brien 7-2
11 Regal Ransom(L),122 R Migliore 1-8-1 Suroor 20-1
12 Quality Road(L),122 J Velazquez 2-3-1 Pletcher 12-1
13 Awesome Gem(L),126 D Flores 1-7-2 Dollase 30-1

10. 1 1/8 miles(T); $150,000; 3YO OAK TREE DERBY

BATTLE OF HASTINGS fourth on soft turf in Grade 1 Shadwell Turf Mile. ACCLAMATION tired to third in last start on grass. MASSONE won this distance in last start on turf.

PN Horse,Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Acclamation(L),118 J Talamo 2-3-5 Warren 15-1
2 Augustusthestrong,118 J Velazquez 4-3-2 O'Brien 9-2
3 Meteore(L),122 R Bejarano 4-1-5 Mandella 8-1
4 No Inflation(L),123 J Leparoux 9-1-4 Proctor 8-1
5 Oil Man(L),123 R Maragh 5-4-5 Sadler 15-1
6 Massone(L),118 L Dettori 2-3-1 McAnally 4-1
7 Rendezvous(L),122 J Rosario 5-1-2 Hollendorfer 6-1
8 The Usual Q.T.(L),120 V Espinoza 1-1-1 Cassidy 20-1
9 Battle of Hastings(L),122 T Baze 4-2-1 Mullins 3-1
10 Quindici Man(L),118 E Prado 1-6-5 Lewis 30-1
11 Gretsky(L),118 K Fallon 6-3-1 Drysdale 15-1
12 Tamborim(L),118 R Migliore 7-3-3 Hofmans 30-1

 

[Lumi]

Through the binocs

Through the binocs

Through the binocs

Elliott Mavorah's Interpatation, a 43-1 winner of the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational at Belmont Park last month, leaves next Saturday for his engagement in the $4 million Japan Cup Invitational on Nov. 29. He will be accompanied by two stable hands on the 14-hour direct flight to Tokyo, said trainer Bobby Barbara.
"I'm leaving on the 24th, which means I'll be having sushi for Thanksgiving," Barbara said. "The owners are going, but the only thing we don't have is a jockey. We'll wait until after the Breeders' Cup is over and make a decision by Wednesday."



Interpatation, worked a half-mile in 49.42 seconds on Monday and will breeze again this Monday, said Barbara. "We are all excited ? this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," said Barbara, whose furthest travels with the gelding have been to Florida. "He's doing great, and I can't wait to go."
FIRST RACE: The veteran Ruff and Ready, who scratched from a turf race on Thursday for this spot, saved ground under the patient handling from jockey David Cohen and drew off to win the opener for trainer David Jacobson. Hedge Fund, a perennial bridesmaid at Aqueduct, finished second for the sixth time in eleven career starts on the Aqueduct main track. The Vin Man was sent off the favorite and closed to finish third. He was claimed out of this race by trainer Rodrigo Ubillo.
SECOND RACE: The well-bred Muhaaseb broke well but on the far turn, was under urging from Cornelio Velasquez and the horse was not responding, threatening to finish off the board. But once the horse got outside, his class or breeding kicked in and ran down Six Clicks in the stretch for the victory.
THIRD RACE: Cornelio made it two in a row on the day with a ground-saving ride aboard Trippo. Cornelio waited patiently as Trippo was ready to explode once he found room and when Cornelio angled Trippo outside, she kicked it into gear and went by favored Gold Medallion for the victory.
FOURTH RACE: As the field was ready to load into the gate, 3-1 second choice Imandra scratched, bringing the field down to five. Favored Credit Limit looked on paper she should handle these with ease. In the stretch, Credit Limit had the lead but Ravenous was trying to get through on the rail. When the hole disappeared, Ravenous checked but Rosie Napravnik didn't panic, angling Ravenous outside and catching Credit Limit before the wire for the victory.
SIXTH RACE: With the influx of apprentice jockeys, there are some that look good but others that leave us scratching our head. Apprentice Abel Peralta is starting to make us wonder if he should be here in New York. Soon after breaking from the gate, Peralta lost his irons aboard Green Harbor and the horse ran uncontrollably to the front. Entering the far turn, Peralta tried to get his feet back into the stirrups without success. When horses started to pass Green Harbor, Peralta started pumping on the horse, trying to ride him without stirrups and no regard for his safety. Once it was obvious he was beaten, Peralta stopped riding, but it seemed like he took unnecessary chances out there.
SEVENTH RACE: Rudy Rodriguez took over the mount for Paco Lopez aboard Macho Mambo, and he made all the difference in the race. He broke on top but then allowed apprentice Jackie Davis aboard You Bet I'm Ready to set the pace. Favored The Mayor then ranged up on the outside and looked like he could get by You Bet I'm Ready at anytime, but Rudy sent Macho Mambo back through on the rail to regain the lead in the stretch drive and go on for the victory.
PICK SIX
Winning numbers (9-1-2-1-1-4)
No winners
1 consolation (5 of 6) each receives $13,072.00
Carryover $56,851.54 ?