HORSE RACING

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Plenty willing to challenge California Flag

Plenty willing to challenge California Flag

Plenty willing to challenge California Flag

ARCADIA, Calif. - California Flag is as fast as they come, but he was pretty slow to scare anyone out of the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.

"If California Flag is the favorite," said John Sadler, who will send out two starters Saturday in the $1 million BC Turf Sprint at Santa Anita, "then I know I fit."

This certainly is not meant as a dig at California Flag, who is listed as the 7-2 favorite for the Turf Sprint off a sharp victory in a local prep, the Morvich Handicap. But last year California Flag entered the inaugural Turf Sprint off a win in the Morvich, and a 36-1 shot named Desert Code upset the race after a wicked early pace melted California Flag.

Rival horsemen such as Sadler are looking for a similarly chaotic scenario to throw things wide open Saturday in the Turf Sprint, a 6 1/2-furlong race down the hill. Familiarity hasn't necessarily bred contempt for a lukewarm favorite, but the large field speaks for itself. In all, 16 horses are on the program, although only as many as 14 can start. Eleven of the 16 can be fairly considered Southern California-based horses.

"You really want a horse that runs seven-eighths of a mile," said Sadler, who will saddle Noble Court and Get Funky. "My rule of thumb for down the hill is if they've run well over it before, form usually holds up. And both of my horses have run well over it."

Desert Code, trained by David Hofmans and to be ridden again by Richard Migliore, is part of the sizable local contingent. "I was able to train my horse more this summer than I did last year, so in that respect we're ahead of the game," said Hofmans.

Other locally based starters with solid credentials include Lord Shanakill, Square Eddie, and Delta Storm.

Lord Shanakill, a Kentucky-bred 3-year-old, has raced exclusively overseas but has been in training here with Richard Mandella since early September.

The out-of-towners are led by Diamondrella, a 5-year-old mare entered off a victory in the Grade 1 First Lady, a one-mile race four weeks ago on the Keeneland turf. Based in New York with trainer Angel Penna Jr., Diamondrella has won 7 of her last 8 starts and is listed as a close second choice on the morning line at 4-1.

Diamondrella is one of three female runners in the lineup, along with Canadian Ballet, a turf-sprint specialist who figures to challenge California Flag for the early lead, and Gotta Have Her, a late-running local.

A pair of tractable New York-bred invaders also figure into the mix. Cannonball, a well-traveled gelding trained by Wesley Ward, narrowly defeated Silver Timber, the eventual winner of the Woodford at Keeneland, on the final weekend of the Saratoga meet. Both could be in a prime stalking position once the Turf Sprint field crosses the main track and squares up for home.

"I'm going to win it," said Ward. "This horse is sitting on the race of his life."

Meanwhile, trainer Brian Koriner got a scare during Wednesday morning training hours when California Flag dumped exercise rider Colleen Hartford near the wire and sped down the homestretch the wrong way. Neither horse nor rider was injured.

"He's over here kicking things down at the barn, acting like an idiot," Koriner said minutes afterward. "I've been taking it so easy with him, breezing him so slow, I guess he couldn't help himself. He kind of teased himself, blowing out like he did."

In other late developments, Strike the Deal, the lone European entrant in the race, was withheld from training Wednesday. "He's had a slight hiccup," said trainer Jeremy Noseda, declining to further elaborate. "We'll know something more within 24 hours."

The first also-eligible, Tenga Cat, was entered Thursday in a Santa Anita turf allowance, but trainer Ron Ellis said he would scratch to run instead in the Turf Sprint if given ample notice. Scratch time for the Saturday card was set for 7 a..m. Pacific on Friday.

 

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Post Experts Pick the Winners

Post Experts Pick the Winners

Post Experts Pick the Winners

 

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Aqueduct Analysis

Aqueduct Analysis

Aqueduct Analysis

Post Time: 12:30 p.m. All horses appear in post position order


Today's analysis.

1. 6 fur; $19,000; clm($12,500); 3up

RUFF AND READY switched to the dirt while dropping to this level and finished third last out. He scratched from grass race yesterday for this spot. HEY NOW makes first start since tiring at Gulfstream in March and being claimed. THE VIN MAN drops in class after tiring while going longer.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Hedge Fund(L),123 C Hill 4-2-4 Persaud 6-1
2 Ruff and Ready(L),123 D Cohen 3-7-2 Jacobson 5-2
3 The Vin Man(L),123 C Velasquez 6-8-3 Schosberg 2-1
4 Zip to the City(L),123 J Bermudez 5-12-8 Arroyo 15-1
5 Gimmee Getme(L),123 R Fuentes 6-7-6 FMartin 30-1
6 Hey Now(L),123 J Chavez 5-3-1 Ritvo 3-1
7 Wollaston Bay(L),116 J Garcia 6-6-6 Sciacca 6-1

2. 6 fur; $43,000; mdn; 2YO

MUHAASEB shows steady works after finishing second while going shorter when making career debut in September. FIVE ACES from barn that has done well with firsters in the past and races with Lasix for career debut. WILDCAT GLORY races with Lasix and shows good works for career debut.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Morning Line,119 E Castro x-x-x Zito 3-1
2 Wildcat Glory,119 G Saez x-x-x Parisella 6-1
3 Muhaaseb(L),119 C Velasquez 2-x-x Mclaughlin 1-1
4 Magnification(L),119 A Bisono 7-x-x Duggan 10-1
5 Five Aces,119 D Cohen x-x-x Contessa 10-1
6 Six Clicks,119 C Hill x-x-x Albertrani 6-1

3. 1 1/16m(T); $44,000; mdn; 2YO

TRIPPO has been working steadily for first start since September. He had a troubled trip in all of his career starts. HUDSON LANDING had the lead and tired to second this distance when making turf debut. GOLD MEDALLION finished second when adding blinkers for turf debut at The Meadowlands.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
3 Highveldt Storm(L),120 J Espinoza 3-6-x JJerkens 12-1
4 Gold Medallion(L),120 D Cohen 2-3-4 SKlesaris 5-1
5 Worried Man(L),120 A Napravnik 7-x-x Hennig 12-1
6 Festivo,120 J Samyn x-x-x Reynolds 30-1
7 Hudson Landing(L),120 J Chavez 2-3-9 Hough 9-2
8 Don Balcazio,120 C Hill 5-x-x Clement 12-1
1 a-Storm Chart,120 R Fuentes x-x-x Albertrani 15-1
9 Trippo(L),120 C Velasquez 7-5-6 Alexander 7-2
2 b-Medaglia Strikes(L),120 E Castro 7-x-x Mott 8-1
10 Beau Choix,120 P Lopez x-x-x Tagg 6-1
11 My Tapit(L),120 M Studart 6-x-x Ubillo 20-1
12 Quechee,120 G Saez x-x-x Motion 15-1
13 Dixie Summer's,113 J Davis 10-8-x Bizelia 50-1
1A a-Volition,120 E Castro 3-10-x Albertrani 15-1
2B b-On Vacation(L),120 No Rider 2-3-6 Mott 8-1

4. 6 fur; $38,000; clm($35,000); 3YO

CREDIT LIMIT cuts back in distance and drops in class for first start since finishing fourth in starter allowance in September. SEE THE FOREST drops in class after finishing fourth in the mud this distance. AUNT MABEL drops in class after tiring in recent starts.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Ravenous(L),118 A Napravnik 7-7-3 Small 8-1
2 Imandra(L),120 D Cohen 1-9-1 Badgett 5-2
3 Credit Limit(L),118 C Velasquez 4-4-2 Violette 2-1
4 River Fancy(L),118 E Castro 7-4-2 Trombetta 3-1
5 See the Forest(L),118 C Hill 4-6-7 Schwartz 15-1
6 Aunt Mabel(L),118 J Espinoza 5-7-3 Contessa 6-1

5. 1 mile(T); $46,000; alw; 3up

EXTRA ZIP cuts back in distance after finishing third in open company allowance last out. MINNIE PUNT had the lead and finished second by nose while going longer. GOLD VENDETTA came off the pace to defeat state-breds by a nose two back.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
3 Beneath the Crown(L),120 P Lopez 5-9-1 Hills 20-1
4 Strong Impact(L),118 J Espinoza 5-1-9 Schosberg 12-1
1 a-Karakorum Legend(L),118 C Velasquez 3-3-1 Rice 5-1
2 b-Extra Zip(L),120 J Chavez 3-4-3 Toscano 5-2
5 Typhoon Tycoon(L),120 O Bocachica 9-7-6 Fisher 30-1
6 System Restore(L),120 G Saez 1-2-2 Balsamo 30-1
7 Gold Vendetta(L),120 C Hill 8-1-1 Goldberg 4-1
8 Minnie Punt(L),118 E Castro 2-6-3 Miceli 7-2
9 Pretty Boy Freud(L),118 D Cohen 3-3-5 LO'Brien 6-1
10 Tobruk(L),120 A Napravnik 10-4-6 Sciacca 15-1
11 Compliance Officer(L),120 P Lopez 1-4-1 Pompay 6-1
12 Inside Info(L),113 J Garcia 3-6-6 Aquilino 30-1
2B b-Stormy Success(L),120 M Studart 6-7-8 Toscano 5-2
13 Stopbluffing(L),120 No Rider 2-3-7 Carroll 4-1
14 Rodeo Hand(L),120 No Rider 8-8-9 Dunham 15-1
1A a-Ziptronic(L),118 C Velasquez 5-3-3 Rice 5-1

6. 6 fur; $15,000; clm($10,000); 3up(f)

GOLDEN ARTEMIS drops in class after setting the pace and tiring to second in an off the turf race. BADGETTE was hard used early and broke maiden when returning to face the girls. WHY BECAUSE closed to finish fourth in the mud at this level.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Blah Blah Blah(L),118 C Hill 1-x-x Galluscio 5-2
2 Sounds Tacky(L),121 J Bermudez 7-8-7 Mena 50-1
3 Why Because(L),120 D Cohen 4-1-5 Dalessandro 5-1
4 Kanwicat(L),114 J Davis 6-5-3 Gyarmati 15-1
5 Badgette(L),123 R Fuentes 1-2-4 Toscano 9-2
6 Green Harbor(L),111 A Peralta 7-2-3 Ronen 12-1
7 Donna's Sandee(L),121 J Chavez 8-4-4 DeMola 8-1
8 Golden Artemis(L),118 J Espinoza 2-7-7 Contessa 9-5

7. 6 fur; $14,000; mdn clm($12,500); 3up

SAPPHIRE EYES finished well in the stretch to be third in the slop this distance and level in first start since December. THE MAYOR chased the pace and finished third in the slop this distance and level on opening day at Aqueduct. MACHO MAMBO drew the rail after tiring in recent starts.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 Macho Mambo(L),120 P Lopez 5-4-4 Tesher 12-1
2 Numerous One(L),120 R Rodriguez 8-6-11 Quiles 30-1
3 Sapphire Eyes(L),122 M Studart 3-3-4 Stoklosa 6-1
4 Prospects Double,120 G Saez 5-x-x Reynolds 15-1
5 Gimme My Dough(L),115 K Fox 8-12-7 Creary 50-1
6 Raging Meese(L),113 J Garcia 7-10-9 Barker 20-1
7 Orthodontist(L),120 C Hill 6-x-x Everett 5-1
8 The Mayor(L),120 D Cohen 3-8-2 Jacobson 1-1
9 You Bet I'm Ready(L),113 J Davis 6-10-7 Violette 4-1

8. 1m(T); $44,000; alw; 3up(f)

BOXITUP cuts back in distance after stalking the pace and winning when returning to route. FIONA FREUD stretches out after coming off the pace to win by a neck last out. GOLDIE LANE won starter allowance this distance when returning to turf.

PN Horse Wt. Jockey Last 3 Trainer Odds
1 No Rhyme Or Reason(L),118 C Lopez 2-3-4 Domino 12-1
2 Fiona Freud(L),120 A Napravnik 1-6-4 Ritvo 8-1
3 Boxitup(L),119 C Velasquez 1-7-7 Bush 3-1
4 Loxy Lady(L),119 E Castro 1-2-7 Hennig 10-1
5 Winning Punch(L),120 G Saez 4-1-2 Violette 15-1
6 Goldie Lane(L),120 D Cohen 1-3-1 Pecoraro 7-2
7 Blue Hill Bay(L),112 J Davis 6-1-2 Everett 8-1
8 My Luckey Penney(L),119 J Espinoza 5-8-7 POrtiz 30-1
9 Elegant Bess(L),118 C Hill 7-1-1 Serpe 6-1
10 Sentimental Union(L),119 P Lopez 1-3-2 Albertrani 6-1
11 Speak Easy Gal(L),118 J Espinoza 1-4-1 Contessa 8-1
12 Princess Maura(L),118 E Castro 2-7-7 Schosberg 6-1
13 Miss M V P(L),119 V Molina 5-1-2 Woolley 15-1
14 French Song(L),119 A Napravnik 2-8-8 Sedlacek 8-1
15 Crema d'Oro(L),118 No Rider 2-4-8 DiPrima 8-1

 

[Lumi]

Through the binocs

Through the binocs

Through the binocs

FIRST RACE: Aqueduct is known as a haven for apprentice jockeys and there seems to be a new addition to the local bug ranks every other day. Coming into the day, the only apprentice that had won at the meet was Amanda Casey, who is now out for an indefinite period with a bruised liver. But apprentice Angel Serpa is starting to make his presence felt. The highly regarded bug in Jersey won his first race of the meet with a patient ride aboard Decorated Court. He saved ground and was able to get the Randi Persaud trainee outside and edged away to win at 9-1. The favored Flying Zee Stable owned entry of Navedano and Royal Vessel ended up second and third, respectively.



THIRD RACE: Serpa won his second race of the afternoon with the longest shot of the race, 13-1 King Bo Bo. Serpa got King Bo Bo to save ground and then under left-handed whipping in midstretch, got the horse to go outside to find a clear running lane, but he bumped favored Cires while doing so. Then King Bo Bo determinedly came on in the stretch to gain the lead and go on for the victory. Surprisingly there was no claim of foul or stewards' inquiry into the bumping incident in the stretch drive.

FOURTH RACE: Backers of Eddie's Point had to be disappointed with everything that happened to the horse during and after the running of the race. Eddie's Point, with apprentice Jackie Davis aboard, stalked the pace and started to move toward the lead as the field was turning for home. But the Ed Lotruglio trainee was trying to lug in badly and Davis was doing everything she could to straighten out the horse and keep him from crashing into Mind Boggling. While Davis was concentrating on straightening out the horse instead of getting into a drive, Ask Ommadon was able to take advantage and went by the two horses for the victory. Nearing the wire, Eddie's Point went by Mind Boggling and lugged into the rail. Raymundo Fuentes aboard Mind Boggling steadied and then claimed foul on Eddie's Point. While it looked as if that the order of finish would not have been changed if Eddie's Point didn't lug in, the horse was still disqualified from second and placed third behind Mind Boggling. One would hope Davis would not get days for this incident.

FIFTH RACE: Barbie Girl, coming in from New Jersey with a two-race winning streak for owner John Conte, 2009 DRF/NTRA Handicapping Champion, reserved off the pace and looked to be further back in the field than most would have expected. On the backstretch, she had a chance to angle outside to avoid getting boxed in, but Jose Lezcano elected to wait while drafting behind horses. In the stretch, Lezcano had to find a clear lane for Barbie Girl to run through and once she got outside, she finished well but ran out of turf and was the ultimate loser of a three-horse place photo, ending up fourth.

PICK SIX

Winning numbers: 2-6-4-4-8-11

No winners

24 cons. (5 of 6) paid $244.50

Carryover: $17,632.60

 

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Zenyatta is the talk of the Breeders' Cup

Zenyatta is the talk of the Breeders' Cup

Zenyatta is the talk of the Breeders' Cup

Ladies' champion will be fourth female horse to take on the boys in $5 million Classic

ARCADIA ? Friday of the 2008 Breeders' Cup World Championships at Santa Anita was coronation day for Zenyatta.

The then 4-year-old filly won the marquee event of five ?females only? BC races that day, the $2 million Ladies' Classic, extending her career record to 9-0 and clinching an Eclipse Award in the Older Filly and Mare division.

The rundown is same place, one more race and no Zenyatta as the Cup begins its two-day stand here today. But if Zenyatta isn't on the card, she's very much in the mind of anyone with even the slightest interest in thoroughbred racing.

Instead of going for a Ladies' Classic repeat, owners Jerry and Ann Moss and trainer John Shirreffs opted to enter Zenyatta, a year older and now 13-0 lifetime, against males in tomorrow's $5 million Classic. And in so doing assured that Zenyatta would be the talk of the Cup.

Today, tomorrow and ? especially if she wins ? for a long time to come.

?The Mosses and John Shirreffs deserve a lot of credit for deciding to run her in the Classic,? said trainer Bob Baffert, Hall of Fame Class of 2009. ?I hate to run against her; I didn't want to see her in there. But I won't mind getting beat by Zenyatta; she's a champion.?

Baffert, who has seven BC wins from 50 starters and ranks third in money earnings from the event with more than $9.9 million, will saddle Pacific Classic winner Richard's Kid in the Classic.

Zenyatta is the fourth female to challenge males in the Classic. Setting precedent were Triptych (sixth in 1986), Jolypha (third in '92) and Azeri (fifth in '04).

Triptych was never closer than sixth and was beaten 7? lengths. Jolypha closed from seventh to finish third, beaten 2? lengths. Azeri was third early but was out of contention after six furlongs and lost by 9? lengths.

Zenyatta's victories have all come from well off the pace via a devastating closing kick. In her narrow victory in the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes on Aug. 9 at Del Mar, jockey Mike Smith said the feeling was G-force strong when the mare accelerated, and statistics showed she hit her highest speed crossing under the wire.

Zenyatta backers contend that her late-running style will enable her to avoid being pressured and bumped in the early going and her amazonian size ? she'll tower over Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird ? will also serve her well.

?The saying is to keep yourself in the best of company and your horse in the worst of company you can, so I'm not happy that she's in the Classic,? said Chip Woolley, trainer of Mine That Bird. ?She's definitely a factor and she's got the same (come-from-behind) style as my horse.

?And she's big enough to knock him aside if they're going for the same spot.?

For Southern California horseplayers, Zenyatta in the Classic poses a dilemma. Bet with your heart on a mare that has been perfect against her own gender but is facing males for the first time. Or bet with your head based on statistics that show a .091 win percentage for females vs. males in the Breeders' Cup.

Trainer Dave Hofmans, who won the 1996 Classic with Alphabet Soup, upsetting Cigar, said Zenyatta shouldn't be discounted.

?She's a pure racehorse, and I think she's got a big shot in there,? Hofmans said. ?Hopefully, with a big field it doesn't cause trouble for her when the time comes to make her run.

?The only question I have is if she can get the mile and a quarter. We know she can go a mile and an eighth, we don't know about that last quarter-mile.?

Today's byword, at least for the connections of Ladies' Classic entrants, is TGIFWZ ? Thank God It's Friday Without Zenyatta.

A field of eight has been entered, half of them with at least one loss to Zenyatta on their record. Music Note, third to Zenyatta in last year's Ladies' Classic, is the 9-5 morning-line favorite and Cocoa Beach, last year's runner-up, is 8-1.

 

[Lumi]

Trainer Gosden gives Europeans, Pro-Ride praise

Trainer Gosden gives Europeans, Pro-Ride praise

Trainer Gosden gives Europeans, Pro-Ride praise
By Hank Wesch

Friday, November 6, 2009 at 2:55 a.m.

ARCADIA ? Trainer John Gosden made a triumphant return to Southern California last year, saddling Raven's Pass to an upset victory in the Classic.

Gosden, who worked the regional circuit before returning to his native England in the late 1980s, met the media yesterday to discuss a variety of subjects, including the European group in the Classic, where he does not have a representative.

?Rip Van Winkle, if on his best form, will take some beating,? he said. ?But I know there have been some issues with his feet and you don't know what that will mean on race day.

?I very much like Henry Cecil's horse, Twice Over, who ran very well winning the Champion Stakes (Oct. 17 at Newmarket). At 20-1 on the opening line he's a fantastic value from the betting standpoint.?

Gosden expressed approval with the Pro-Ride synthetic surface, over which Raven's Pass won, and thought it would provide a fair test again whether those running over it were U.S. or foreign based.


Family ties
Venerable English trainer Henry Cecil's contingent includes Midday in the Filly & Mare Turf today and Twice Over in tomorrow's Classic. And with a horse in the Classic, naturally he didn't escape a request for an opinion on Zenyatta.

?I haven't actually seen her run,? Cecil said. ?But she's obviously a tremendous mare, and her record speaks for itself.?

Sharing the news conference with Cecil was his Southern California-based nephew Ben, who will send out Ferneley in the $2 million Mile tomorrow.

Ben Cecil scoffed at the suggestion of running in the Breeders' Cup after a victory in the Del Mar Mile on Aug. 29 ? a Win and You're In BC qualifying event ? because of the supplemental fee above the basic entry costs.

?We decided to take him to Canada and if he ran well there and earned enough to pay for the supplemental, we'd enter in the Breeders' Cup,? Cecil said.

Ferneley finished second to Ventura in the Woodbine Mile, beaten by one length. Ventura is the 8-5 favorite in today's 7-furlong Filly & Mare Sprint. Ferneley is 20-1 against defending Mile champion Goldikova, a 4-year-old filly listed as the 8-5 favorite.

 

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$5M Classic hears from a true lady

$5M Classic hears from a true lady

$5M Classic hears from a true lady

5-year old champion filly Zenyatta to give it her best shot at Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita

ARCADIA ? Friday of the 2008 Breeders' Cup World Championships at Santa Anita was coronation day for Zenyatta.

The then 4-year-old filly won the marquee event of five ?females only? BC races that day, the $2 million Ladies' Classic, extending her career record to 9-0 and clinching an Eclipse Award in the Older Filly and Mare division.

The rundown is same place, one more race and no Zenyatta as the Cup begins its two-day stand here Friday. But if Zenyatta isn't on the card, she's very much in the mind of anyone with even the slightest interest in thoroughbred racing.

Instead of going for a Ladies' Classic repeat, owners Jerry and Ann Moss and trainer John Shirreffs opted to enter Zenyatta, a year older and now 13-0 lifetime, against males in tomorrow's $5 million Classic. And in so doing assured that Zenyatta would be the talk of the Cup.

Friday, Saturday and ? especially if she wins ? for a long time to come.

?The Mosses and John Shirreffs deserve a lot of credit for deciding to run her in the Classic,? said trainer Bob Baffert, Hall of Fame Class of 2009. ?I hate to run against her; I didn't want to see her in there. But I won't mind getting beat by Zenyatta; she's a champion.?

Baffert, who has seven BC wins from 50 starters and ranks third in money earnings from the event with over $9.9 million, will saddle Pacific Classic winner Richard's Kid in the Classic.

Zenyatta is the fourth female to challenge males in the Classic. Setting precedent were Triptych (sixth in 1986), Jolypha (third in '92) and Azeri (fifth in '04).

Triptych was never closer than sixth and was beaten 7? lengths. Jolypha closed from seventh to finish third, beaten 2? lengths. Azeri was third early but was out of contention after six furlongs and lost by 9? lengths.

Zenyatta's victories have all come from well off the pace via a devastating closing kick. In her narrow victory in the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes on Aug. 9 at Del Mar, jockey Mike Smith said the feeling was G-force strong when the mare accelerated and statistics showed she hit her highest speed crossing under the wire.

Zenyatta backers contend that her late-running style will enable her to avoid being pressured and bumped in the early going and her amazon size ? she'll tower over Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird ? will also serve her well.

?The saying is to keep yourself in the best of company and your horse in the worst of company you can, so I'm not happy that she's in the Classic,? said Chip Woolley, trainer of Mine That Bird. ?She's definitely a factor and she's got the same (come-from-behind) style as my horse.

?And she's big enough to knock him aside if they're going for the same spot.?

For Southern California horseplayers, Zenyatta in the Classic poses a dilemma. Bet with your heart on a mare that has been perfect against her own gender but is facing males for the first time. Or bet with your head based on statistics that show a 9.1 win percentage for females vs. males in the Breeders' Cup.

Trainer Dave Hofmans, who won the 1996 Classic with Alphabet Soup, upsetting Cigar, said Zenyatta shouldn't be discounted.

?She's a pure racehorse and I think she's got a big shot in there,? Hofmans said. ?Hopefully, with a big field it doesn't cause trouble for her when the time comes to make her run.

?The only question I have is if she can get the mile and a quarter. We know she can go a mile and an eighth, we don't know about that last quarter-mile.?

Friday's byword, at least for the connections of Ladies' Classic entrants, is TGIFWZ ? Thank God It's Friday Without Zenyatta.

A field of eight has been entered, half of them with at least one loss to Zenyatta on their record. Music Note, third to Zenyatta in last year's Ladies' Classic, is the 9-5 morning-line favorite and Cocoa Beach, last year's runner-up, is 8-1.

 

[Lumi]

That Fantasy Thing -- Breeders' Cup Edition

That Fantasy Thing -- Breeders' Cup Edition

That Fantasy Thing -- Breeders' Cup Edition
By Hank Wesch

Thursday, November 5, 2009 at 5:31 p.m.

In keeping with a longstanding 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 opportunities to expose the turf writer for 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 per card Friday and Saturday.

$500,000 MARATHON

Scenario seen: Black Astor, true to form, assumes the pace-setting role from the inside post, establishes a clear lead and the question becomes, can he stay in front for the full 1? miles?

Fly in the ointment: Mastery, Father Time, Man of Iron and Muhannak will be on the move late, intent on putting the race in the European win column like Muhannak did here last year.

The winner is: Black Astor.

The fantasy bet is: $20 to win on Black Astor and a $2 exacta box combining Black Astor, Mastery and Father Time.

$1 MILLION JUVENILE FILLIES TURF

Scenario seen: Lillie Langtry's advantage in turf experience in Ireland and England pays off with a come-from-behind victory that justifies opening-line favoritism.

Fly in the ointment: Lillie's experience in Europe likely hasn't been on a turf courses as firm as this and she's seemed a bit fractious here, dumping exercise riders twice.

The winner is: Lillie Langtry.

The fantasy bet is: $20 to win on Lillie Langtry and a $2 tri with Lillie in the win spot over La Nez, House of Grace and Hatheer.

$2 MILLION JUVENILE FILLIES

Scenario seen: Blind Luck parlaying the good fortune of a better post position than Always a Princess and a resultant better trip into a second straight Grade I stakes victory.

Fly in the ointment: Negligee is 2-for-3 on synthetics and coming off an Alcibiades victory, and unbeaten Devil May Care is a big threat in her first non-dirt assignment.

The winner is: Blind Luck.

The fantasy bet is: $20 to win on Blind Luck and a $2 exacta box combining Blind Luck, Negligee and Always a Princess.

$2 MILLION FILLY & MARE TURF

Scenario seen: Pure Clan keeping her good form, and maybe reaping some fitness benefits from a soft turf victory in the Oct. 3 Flower Bowl, in a race surprisingly short on European-based entrants.

The winner is: European import Midday had a six-week layoff, then a prep in the Prix de l'Opera at Longchamp with a third-place result that has set her right for the race.

The fantasy bet is: $20 win on Pure Clan and a $5 EBX of Pure Clan and Midday.

$1 MILLION FILLY & MARE SPRINT

Scenario seen: Ventura charging home in the stretch in a successful defense of the race championship.

Fly in the ointment: Seventh Street, the early speed type that isn't a long shot, might refuse to be caught.

The winner is: Ventura.

The fantasy bet is: $20 to win on Ventura and a $2 trifecta with Ventura to win over Free Flying Soul, Evita Argentina and Seventh Street.

$2 MILLION LADIES' CLASSIC

Scenario seen: Life Is Sweet looks over the competition in the post parade, doesn't see Zenyatta, whinnies ?alleluia? and runs back to her previous Santa Anita form.

Fly in the ointment: Life Is Sweet's form has been on the decline since July and didn't improve greatly at SA in the Lady's Secret on Oct. 10.

The winner is: Life Is Sweet.

The fantasy bet is: $20 to win on Life Is Sweet and a $2 EBX combining Life Is Sweet, Cocoa Beach and Music Note.

Wild Hunch: With big games coming up Saturday and Sunday, it's time for the Aztecs and Chargers to collectively put on their Game Face (F&M Sprint $10 across the board) and show their supporters something this weekend.

Today's investment: $220

Last year's two-day profit: $488.20

 

[Lumi]

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