Game On Dude brought his record at Santa Anita to a perfect 5-for-5 on Saturday afternoon when he romped to an easy victory in the $250,000 Awesome Again Stakes (gr. I).
Ridden to victory by Rafael Bejarano, Game On Dude got off to a good start from post position one and was able to work his way to the outside as Winning Machine sprinted to the early lead. Game On Dude then settled into a tracking position in second on the outside, with Rail Trip and Nonios also fairly close to the pace. Suggestive Boy and Groovin' Solo were next in line, followed then by Empire Way, Balladry, and Richard's Kid.
The positions remained virtually unchanged through fractions of :23.23, :48.02, and 1:11.94 seconds, but rounding the final turn, Game On Dude made a bold run to take command of the lead and entered the homestretch comfortably in front. Nonios made a decent run to finish second, much the best of the rest, but Game On Dude was the easy winner, coasting home to win by 3 1/4 lengths while stopping the clock for nine furlongs in 1:48.98.
Richard's Kid rallied mildly to secure third place, 4 1/2 lengths behind Nonios, while Rail Trip, Suggestive Boy, Winning Machine, Empire Way, Groovin' Solo, and Balladry completed the order of finish.
Trained by Bob Baffert, Game On Dude is a gelded son of Awesome Again out of the Devil His Due mare Worldly Pleasure. He is owned by Diamond Pride LLC, Lanni Family Trust, Mercedes Stable LLC, and B. Schiappa.
-Keelerman
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Marketing Mix much the best in Rodeo Drive Stakes
Marketing Mix, sent off at even-money odds, lived up to expectations in the $250,000 Rodeo Drive Stakes (gr. I) on Saturday at Santa Anita Park, drawing off at the top of the stretch to win the ten-furlong turf race by an easy 2 1/4 lengths.
With jockey Garrett Gomez aboard, Marketing Mix was content to settle into the fifth position early on as Vivo Per Lei and Let's Go Cheyenne dueled through blazing fractions of :23.69. :45.78, and 1:09.62 seconds while leading the remainder of the field by as many as ten lengths. Camelia Rose and Thisismystage were the leaders of the second-tier group, followed by Marketing Mix, Left a Message, City to City, Stormy Lucy, Nereid, Go Forth North, I Dazzle, My Gi Gi, and Cambina.
Rounding the final turn, Vivo Per Lei and Let's Go Cheyenne began to tire, and Marketing Mix was the first to take advantage. With a bold three-wide run, she seized command of the lead and quickly opened up a 2 1/2 length lead. Nereid put in a decent run to mildly challenge, but Marketing Mix had plenty left in the tank to hold on for a convincing victory in the sharp time of 1:59.20 seconds.
Stormy Lucy rallied to catch Camelia Rose for the third spot, while My Gi Gi, I Dazzle, Go Forth North, Let's Go Cheyenne, Left a Message, City to City, Thisimystage, Vivo Per Lei, and Cambina completed the order of finish.
The winner is a daughter of Medaglia d'Oro out of Instant Thought, by Kris S.. She is owned by Glen Hill Farm and trained by Thomas Proctor.
-Keelerman
With jockey Garrett Gomez aboard, Marketing Mix was content to settle into the fifth position early on as Vivo Per Lei and Let's Go Cheyenne dueled through blazing fractions of :23.69. :45.78, and 1:09.62 seconds while leading the remainder of the field by as many as ten lengths. Camelia Rose and Thisismystage were the leaders of the second-tier group, followed by Marketing Mix, Left a Message, City to City, Stormy Lucy, Nereid, Go Forth North, I Dazzle, My Gi Gi, and Cambina.
Rounding the final turn, Vivo Per Lei and Let's Go Cheyenne began to tire, and Marketing Mix was the first to take advantage. With a bold three-wide run, she seized command of the lead and quickly opened up a 2 1/2 length lead. Nereid put in a decent run to mildly challenge, but Marketing Mix had plenty left in the tank to hold on for a convincing victory in the sharp time of 1:59.20 seconds.
Stormy Lucy rallied to catch Camelia Rose for the third spot, while My Gi Gi, I Dazzle, Go Forth North, Let's Go Cheyenne, Left a Message, City to City, Thisimystage, Vivo Per Lei, and Cambina completed the order of finish.
The winner is a daughter of Medaglia d'Oro out of Instant Thought, by Kris S.. She is owned by Glen Hill Farm and trained by Thomas Proctor.
-Keelerman
Love and Pride powers to impressive Zenyatta Stakes victory
Love and Pride, who shipped from the east coast to contest the $250,000 Zenyatta Stakes (gr. I) on Saturday at Santa Anita, made the trip worthwhile by coasting to an easy 3 1/4-length victory.
With Martin Garcia aboard, the Todd Pletcher-trained filly got off to an excellent start and soon took command of the early lead while setting moderate fractions of :23.98 and :48.47 seconds. Via Villaggio, Joyful Victory, and Star Billing were closest to the pace, followed by Switch, Miss Mittagong, Include Me Out, Amani, and Love Theway Youare.
Rounding the final turn, Joyful Victory shifted to the outside and made a run at Love and Pride, but the latter filly responded by finding another gear and extending her lead. From there, the results were never in doubt, as Love and Pride coasted to an easy victory in the very sharp time of 1:43.09 seconds for 1 1/16th miles.
Joyful Victory outfinished Include Me Out by a half-length for second, while the latter filly edged out Via Villaggio by a nose for the show. Amani, Star Billing, Switch, Love Theway Youare, and Miss Mittagong completed the order of finish.
The winner, a daughter of A.P. Indy out of the Storm Cat mare Ile de France, is owned by Green Hills Farm Inc. She has now won two consecutive grade I races, having taken the Personal Ensign Handicap (gr. I) at Saratoga in her previous start.
-Keelerman
With Martin Garcia aboard, the Todd Pletcher-trained filly got off to an excellent start and soon took command of the early lead while setting moderate fractions of :23.98 and :48.47 seconds. Via Villaggio, Joyful Victory, and Star Billing were closest to the pace, followed by Switch, Miss Mittagong, Include Me Out, Amani, and Love Theway Youare.
Rounding the final turn, Joyful Victory shifted to the outside and made a run at Love and Pride, but the latter filly responded by finding another gear and extending her lead. From there, the results were never in doubt, as Love and Pride coasted to an easy victory in the very sharp time of 1:43.09 seconds for 1 1/16th miles.
Joyful Victory outfinished Include Me Out by a half-length for second, while the latter filly edged out Via Villaggio by a nose for the show. Amani, Star Billing, Switch, Love Theway Youare, and Miss Mittagong completed the order of finish.
The winner, a daughter of A.P. Indy out of the Storm Cat mare Ile de France, is owned by Green Hills Farm Inc. She has now won two consecutive grade I races, having taken the Personal Ensign Handicap (gr. I) at Saratoga in her previous start.
-Keelerman
Power Broker breaks maiden in FrontRunner Stakes
Coming into the $250,000 FrontRunner Stakes (gr. I), Power Broker had not won a race from three starts. Yet in the end he proved much the best against ten other juveniles, bursting clear at the top of the stretch and drawing away to win by 6 1/2 lengths.
Ridden to victory by Rafael Bejarano, Power Broker showed speed from the start and soon settled into the third position as Carving and Know More led the way through fractions of :23.19 and :47.53 seconds. The Whole Deal, Den's Legacy, and Dirty Swagg comprised the mid-pack runners, while Dry Summer, Imperative, Gabriel Charles, Wild Student, and Capo Bastone were the early trailers.
Following three-quarters of a mile in 1:12.45, Carving and Know More maintained their advantage, but Power Broker was gearing up with a strong run on the outside that soon put him in front. Under strong urging from Bejarano, the colt extended his lead with powerful strides, opening up a two-length lead past the eighth pole. He continued to extend his advantage throughout the final furlong, eventually hitting the wire in front by 6 1/2 lengths while stopping the clock for 1 1/16th miles in 1:44.44 seconds.
Know More held second by a half-length over Capo Bastone, who closed strongly from last to secure the show. Carving, Den's Legacy, The Whole Deal, Gabriel Charles, Dry Summer, Dirty Swagg, Imperative, and Wild Student completed the order of finish.
A son of Pulpit out of the Wild Again mare Shop Again, Power Broker is trained by Bob Baffert and owned by Gary and Mary West.
-Keelerman
Ridden to victory by Rafael Bejarano, Power Broker showed speed from the start and soon settled into the third position as Carving and Know More led the way through fractions of :23.19 and :47.53 seconds. The Whole Deal, Den's Legacy, and Dirty Swagg comprised the mid-pack runners, while Dry Summer, Imperative, Gabriel Charles, Wild Student, and Capo Bastone were the early trailers.
Following three-quarters of a mile in 1:12.45, Carving and Know More maintained their advantage, but Power Broker was gearing up with a strong run on the outside that soon put him in front. Under strong urging from Bejarano, the colt extended his lead with powerful strides, opening up a two-length lead past the eighth pole. He continued to extend his advantage throughout the final furlong, eventually hitting the wire in front by 6 1/2 lengths while stopping the clock for 1 1/16th miles in 1:44.44 seconds.
Know More held second by a half-length over Capo Bastone, who closed strongly from last to secure the show. Carving, Den's Legacy, The Whole Deal, Gabriel Charles, Dry Summer, Dirty Swagg, Imperative, and Wild Student completed the order of finish.
A son of Pulpit out of the Wild Again mare Shop Again, Power Broker is trained by Bob Baffert and owned by Gary and Mary West.
-Keelerman
Executiveprivilege remains undefeated in Chandelier Stakes
Executiveprivilege stamped herself as a heavy favorite for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) five weeks from now when she flew to a dominating victory in the $250,000 Chandelier Stakes (gr. I) Saturday afternoon at Santa Anita Park, winning by 6 1/4 lengths in a highly impressive performance.
Ridden to victory by Rafael Bejarano, Executiveprivilege bobbled slightly at the start, but quickly recovered to take command of the lead through an opening quarter mile in :23.91 seconds. Miss Empire, Majestic Minister, and Salamera were her closest pursuers, while Switch to the Lead, Wittgenstein, Scarlet Strike, and Butterfly Soul trailed the field.
Executiveprivilege continued to show the way through fractions of :48.41 and 1:13.45, and entering the homestretch she accelerated away from her rivals to open up a decisive advantage. Scarlet Strike attempted to rally into contention on the far outside, but Executiveprivilege was already long gone, crossing the finish line under no urging to stop the clock in 1:44.95 seconds.
Scarlet Strike outfinished Miss Empire for second, while the latter filly finished 6 1/4 lengths clear of Majetsic Minister, who rounded out the superfecta. Salamera, Switch to the Lead, Wittgenstein, and Butterfly Soul completed the order of finish.
The winner, a daughter of First Samurai out of the Unaccounted For mare Refugee, is trained by Bob Baffert and owned by Karl Watson, Mike Pegram, and Paul Weitman. She is now undefeated in five starts, which includes four stakes victories.
-Keelerman
Ridden to victory by Rafael Bejarano, Executiveprivilege bobbled slightly at the start, but quickly recovered to take command of the lead through an opening quarter mile in :23.91 seconds. Miss Empire, Majestic Minister, and Salamera were her closest pursuers, while Switch to the Lead, Wittgenstein, Scarlet Strike, and Butterfly Soul trailed the field.
Executiveprivilege continued to show the way through fractions of :48.41 and 1:13.45, and entering the homestretch she accelerated away from her rivals to open up a decisive advantage. Scarlet Strike attempted to rally into contention on the far outside, but Executiveprivilege was already long gone, crossing the finish line under no urging to stop the clock in 1:44.95 seconds.
Scarlet Strike outfinished Miss Empire for second, while the latter filly finished 6 1/4 lengths clear of Majetsic Minister, who rounded out the superfecta. Salamera, Switch to the Lead, Wittgenstein, and Butterfly Soul completed the order of finish.
The winner, a daughter of First Samurai out of the Unaccounted For mare Refugee, is trained by Bob Baffert and owned by Karl Watson, Mike Pegram, and Paul Weitman. She is now undefeated in five starts, which includes four stakes victories.
-Keelerman
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Flat Out repeats in thrilling Jockey Club Gold Cup
Flat Out, who had not won a race since the 2011 Jockey Club Gold Cup, returned to his old form just in time to win the 2012 edition of that prestigious ten-furlong race in terrific fashion.
Ridden to victory by Joel Rosario, Flat Out was content to race back in the sixth position early on as Stay Thirsty led the way through moderate fractions of :23.49 and :47.21 seconds. Ruler On Ice and San Pablo were his closest pursuers, followed in fourth by Fort Larned. There was a gap of several lengths back to Hymn Book in the fifth position, followed closely by the eventual winner. Atigun, Ron the Greek, Fast Falcon, and Game Ball were the early trailers.
Rounding the final turn, Fort Larned made a run on the outside to challenge Stay Thirsty for the lead, but the latter colt turned him back at the top of the stretch and drew off to open up a clear advantage. However, Flat Out was surging hard on the far outside, gradually wearing down Stay Thirsty inside the final furlong to thrust his head in front right at the finish and win by a head in 2:01.44 seconds.
Fort Larned finished 5 1/2 lengths further back in third, while Atigun edged out Fast Falcon to complete the superfecta. Ron the Greek, Game Ball, Hymn Book, San Pablo, and Ruler On Ice completed the order of finish.
The winner is owned by Preston Stable and trained by Bill Mott.
-Keelerman
Ridden to victory by Joel Rosario, Flat Out was content to race back in the sixth position early on as Stay Thirsty led the way through moderate fractions of :23.49 and :47.21 seconds. Ruler On Ice and San Pablo were his closest pursuers, followed in fourth by Fort Larned. There was a gap of several lengths back to Hymn Book in the fifth position, followed closely by the eventual winner. Atigun, Ron the Greek, Fast Falcon, and Game Ball were the early trailers.
Rounding the final turn, Fort Larned made a run on the outside to challenge Stay Thirsty for the lead, but the latter colt turned him back at the top of the stretch and drew off to open up a clear advantage. However, Flat Out was surging hard on the far outside, gradually wearing down Stay Thirsty inside the final furlong to thrust his head in front right at the finish and win by a head in 2:01.44 seconds.
Fort Larned finished 5 1/2 lengths further back in third, while Atigun edged out Fast Falcon to complete the superfecta. Ron the Greek, Game Ball, Hymn Book, San Pablo, and Ruler On Ice completed the order of finish.
The winner is owned by Preston Stable and trained by Bill Mott.
-Keelerman
Nahrain wins photo finish in Flower Bowl
European shipper Nahrain out-finished a trio of fillies in the $600,000 Flower Bowl Invitational Stakes (gr. I) this afternoon at Belmont Park, kicking clear late under John Velazquez to win by a half-length.
Sent off at odds of 5-1, the daughter of Selkirk was content to race toward the rear of the field as Hit It Rich rattled off slow fractions of :25.33 and :51.73 while being tracked by Halo Dolly. Bizzy Caroline, Hessonite, and Zagora were also racing fairly close to the lead, while Nahrain, Dream Peace, and I'm A Dreamer comprised the trailing group.
Hit It Rich and Halo Dolly continued to show the way until they quarter pole, where they were quickly surrounded and surpassed by numerous rallying rivals. Zagora was the first to take command, drawing clear to lead by 1 1/2 lengths passing the eighth pole, but Nahrain was charging hard on the outside and got up in the final fifty yards or so to win the race in 2:05.56 seconds.
Zagora held off Dream Peace by a nose to finish second, while I'm A Dreamer rallied up the fence to secure the final spot in the superfecta. Hessonite, Bizzy Caroline, Hit It Rich, and Halo Dolly completed the order of finish.
The winner is owned by Darley Stable and trained by Roger Varian.
-Keelerman
Sent off at odds of 5-1, the daughter of Selkirk was content to race toward the rear of the field as Hit It Rich rattled off slow fractions of :25.33 and :51.73 while being tracked by Halo Dolly. Bizzy Caroline, Hessonite, and Zagora were also racing fairly close to the lead, while Nahrain, Dream Peace, and I'm A Dreamer comprised the trailing group.
Hit It Rich and Halo Dolly continued to show the way until they quarter pole, where they were quickly surrounded and surpassed by numerous rallying rivals. Zagora was the first to take command, drawing clear to lead by 1 1/2 lengths passing the eighth pole, but Nahrain was charging hard on the outside and got up in the final fifty yards or so to win the race in 2:05.56 seconds.
Zagora held off Dream Peace by a nose to finish second, while I'm A Dreamer rallied up the fence to secure the final spot in the superfecta. Hessonite, Bizzy Caroline, Hit It Rich, and Halo Dolly completed the order of finish.
The winner is owned by Darley Stable and trained by Roger Varian.
-Keelerman
Point of Entry wins 5th straight in Joe Hirsch Turf Classic
It may not have been quite as easy as some were expecting, but Point of Entry got the job done in the $600,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes (gr. I) this afternoon at Belmont Park,
Ridden to victory by John Velazquez, who was winning his third consecutive grade I race of the day, Point of Entry got away to a clean start and soon settled into the third position, tucked in along the rail as Little Mike and Treasure Beach led the way through slow fractions of :25.70, :51.99, and 1:18.16 seconds. Kindergarden Kid, Hailstone, and Finnegans Wake were the early trailers.
Just past the halfway point of the race, Treasure Beach and Point of Entry made bold runs to move ahead of Little Mike, who was gradually dropping out of contention.
Moving round the final turn, Point of Entry moved up to challenge Treasure Beach for the lead, while Kindergarden Kid loomed a contender along the inside. Turning for home, Treasure Beach drifted outward several paths, taking Point of Entry with him and allowing Kindergarden Kid to make a bold run along the rail. However, Treasure Beach soon straightened out, and Point of Entry put him away and drew off to win by 1 3/4 lengths in 2:33.73 seconds.
Kindergarden Kid 2 1/2 lengths further back in third, followed by Finnegans Wake, Little Mike, and Hailstone. The winner, a son of Dynaformer, is owned by Phipps Stable and trained by Shug McGaughey. He has now won five consecutive races, including three straight grade Is.
-Keelerman
Ridden to victory by John Velazquez, who was winning his third consecutive grade I race of the day, Point of Entry got away to a clean start and soon settled into the third position, tucked in along the rail as Little Mike and Treasure Beach led the way through slow fractions of :25.70, :51.99, and 1:18.16 seconds. Kindergarden Kid, Hailstone, and Finnegans Wake were the early trailers.
Just past the halfway point of the race, Treasure Beach and Point of Entry made bold runs to move ahead of Little Mike, who was gradually dropping out of contention.
Moving round the final turn, Point of Entry moved up to challenge Treasure Beach for the lead, while Kindergarden Kid loomed a contender along the inside. Turning for home, Treasure Beach drifted outward several paths, taking Point of Entry with him and allowing Kindergarden Kid to make a bold run along the rail. However, Treasure Beach soon straightened out, and Point of Entry put him away and drew off to win by 1 3/4 lengths in 2:33.73 seconds.
Kindergarden Kid 2 1/2 lengths further back in third, followed by Finnegans Wake, Little Mike, and Hailstone. The winner, a son of Dynaformer, is owned by Phipps Stable and trained by Shug McGaughey. He has now won five consecutive races, including three straight grade Is.
-Keelerman
The Lumber Guy cuts down rivals in Vosburgh Stakes
The Lumber Guy, part of an entry that included the highly-regarded Sean Avery, left his entry mate behind in the Belmont homestretch to win the $400,000 Vosburgh Invitational Stakes (gr. I) by 1 1/4 lengths.
Ridden to victory by John Velazquez, The Lumber Guy got away to decent start at the beginning of the six-furlong sprint and soon settled into third position, tracking a moderate pace of :22.57 and :45.06 seconds set by Poseidon's Warrior and Little Drama. Sean Avery was tucked along the rail in the fourth position, followed then by Zero Rate Policy, Justin Phillip, Rothko, Fort Loudon, and Caixa Eletronica.
Poseidon's Warrior continued to lead into the homestretch and to the eighth pole, but The Lumber Guy was making a strong challenge on the outside and soon took over the advantage. Sean Avery briefly loomed a threat along the rail, but flattened out. The only serious challenge came from Caixa Eletronica, who rallied quickly in the homestretch to get up for second, but The Lumber Guy easily held him off to win decisively in 1:09.22 seconds.
Poseidon's Warrior outfinished Little Drama for third, while Sean Avery, Justin Phillip, Fort Loudon, Zero Rate Policy, and Rothko completed the order of finish.
The winner is trained by Mike Hushion and owned by Barry Schwartz.
-Keelerman
Ridden to victory by John Velazquez, The Lumber Guy got away to decent start at the beginning of the six-furlong sprint and soon settled into third position, tracking a moderate pace of :22.57 and :45.06 seconds set by Poseidon's Warrior and Little Drama. Sean Avery was tucked along the rail in the fourth position, followed then by Zero Rate Policy, Justin Phillip, Rothko, Fort Loudon, and Caixa Eletronica.
Poseidon's Warrior continued to lead into the homestretch and to the eighth pole, but The Lumber Guy was making a strong challenge on the outside and soon took over the advantage. Sean Avery briefly loomed a threat along the rail, but flattened out. The only serious challenge came from Caixa Eletronica, who rallied quickly in the homestretch to get up for second, but The Lumber Guy easily held him off to win decisively in 1:09.22 seconds.
Poseidon's Warrior outfinished Little Drama for third, while Sean Avery, Justin Phillip, Fort Loudon, Zero Rate Policy, and Rothko completed the order of finish.
The winner is trained by Mike Hushion and owned by Barry Schwartz.
-Keelerman
Jersey Town upsets Kelso Handicap
Lightly regarded Jersey Town, sent off at 8-1, took the lead from Shackleford entering the homestretch and drew off strongly to win the $400,000 Kelso Handicap (gr. II) this afternoon at Belmont Park by about five lengths.
Ridden to victory by Javier Castellano, Jersey Town received a perfect trip in the Kelso, sitting a couple of lengths behind Shackleford as that colt set quick fractions of :22.54 and :45.02 seconds over a track labeled "good." Trickmeister was on the outside racing in second, followed by Tapizar and Jersey Town. Golddigger's Boy and To Honor and Serve were the early trailers.
Rounding the turn, Shackleford continued to lead the way, but Jersey Town was moving strongly and split horses turning for home to seize command of the lead. Shackleford gamely tried to stay with him for about a sixteenth of a mile, but Jersey Town simply had more left in the tank, gradually drawing away throughout the homestretch to win convincingly in the good time of 1:35.24 seconds.
Shackleford held on to finish second over Trickmeister, while To Honor and Serve never fired and finished fourth.
The winner, a six-year-old son of Speightstown, is trained by Barclay Tagg and owned by Charles Fipke.
-Keelerman
Ridden to victory by Javier Castellano, Jersey Town received a perfect trip in the Kelso, sitting a couple of lengths behind Shackleford as that colt set quick fractions of :22.54 and :45.02 seconds over a track labeled "good." Trickmeister was on the outside racing in second, followed by Tapizar and Jersey Town. Golddigger's Boy and To Honor and Serve were the early trailers.
Rounding the turn, Shackleford continued to lead the way, but Jersey Town was moving strongly and split horses turning for home to seize command of the lead. Shackleford gamely tried to stay with him for about a sixteenth of a mile, but Jersey Town simply had more left in the tank, gradually drawing away throughout the homestretch to win convincingly in the good time of 1:35.24 seconds.
Shackleford held on to finish second over Trickmeister, while To Honor and Serve never fired and finished fourth.
The winner, a six-year-old son of Speightstown, is trained by Barclay Tagg and owned by Charles Fipke.
-Keelerman
SUPER STATURDAY STAKES ANALYSIS
With just five weeks remaining until the 29th running of the Breeders' Cup, the racing action is really starting to get exciting. On Saturday, a massive ten grade I races are scheduled to be run at Belmont Park and Santa Anita, with dozens upon dozens of potential Breeders' Cup contenders getting in their final prep races. Let's start handicapping!
Beldame Invitational Stakes (gr. I)
(Click here for entries and post positions)
This appears to be pretty much a match race between Royal Delta and It's Tricky, with the other five entrants vying for the minor awards. Royal Delta has flashier credentials, having won last year's Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic (gr. I) and Alabama Stakes (gr. I) -- defeating It's Tricky on both occasions -- but the latter filly may be able to turn the tables today.
I have three reasons for thinking It's Tricky shall win: A -- She is undefeated in one-turn races like the Beldame. B -- She has proven herself over sloppy tracks, like the one expected tomorrow, and C -- She ran incredibly well in defeat last time out, overcoming a horrific stumble at the start of the Personal Ensign Handicap (gr. I) at Saratoga to finish third, just a neck behind runner-up Royal Delta.
Now, don't get me wrong, Royal Delta deserves plenty of respect, and can most certainly win this race. In fact, I expect her to rebound from her so-so Personal Ensign form. However, the fact that this race is only one turn does concern me, and she was soundly beaten in this race last year over a sloppy track. She may be a better bet five weeks from now in the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic, where the combination of the expected faster track and return to two-turns should help her chances immensely.
Kelso Handicap (gr. II)
(Click here for entries and post positions)
To Honor and Serve is the logical favorite, as he is coming off of a gritty victory in the Woodward Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga and should handle the one-mile distance of this race just fine. But he's got some strong competition up against him, including Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I) winner Shackleford. Now, Shackleford's summer campaign did not go very well. He performed dismally over a wet track in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (gr. I) and missed an expected start in the Forego Stakes (gr. I) after coming down with a cough. He's over his issues now, and returns to the site of his Met Mile triumph, but is he sharp enough to defeat To Honor and Serve over a track condition that he really doesn't care for?
I think that Jersey Town is an intriguing contender. Soundness issues have plagued throughout his career, but when he is right, he can run with the best. And I think that his strong effort in the Forego Stakes (gr. I) earlier this month signals he is ready for a big performance tomorrow. In the Forego, he made a premature run along the rail to grab the lead before understandably tiring in the final furlong. With that race under his belt, he should be much sharper, and while he may not be up to handling To Honor and Serve, don't be surprised if he outruns his 12-1 morning line odds.
Vosburgh Invitational Stakes (gr. I)
(Click here for entries and post positions)
This is undoubtedly one of the most wide-open races on the card, with every one of the ten entrants having a decent shot at cracking the trifecta. Justin Phillip is the favorite off of a runner-up effort in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (gr. I), in which he was just edged out by fellow Vosburgh starter Poseidon's Warrior.
Sean Avery is intriguing off of a victory in an overnight stakes earlier this month, in which he defeated Zero Rate Policy and Royal Currier. He has drawn a good post position for his running style, and I envision him biding his time just off the pace before rallying into the lead at the three-sixteenths pole and holding off the closers for a convincing victory.
Caixa Eletronica can turn in a powerful rally if the early pace is sufficient enough, and it wouldn't be
Flower Bowl Invitational Stakes (gr. I)
(Click here for entries and post positions)
This is another race with top-to-bottom talent in which every contender deserves at least a look. Dream Peace is the favorite off of a runner-up finish to Winter Memories in the nine-furlong Diana Stakes (gr. I), and the Irish-bred filly looks to improve on that performance tomorrow while making her first start for trainer Chad Brown. And given her record at ten furlongs, there is no doubt that she can handle the added distance of today's event.
Chad Brown's other entrant, Zagora, also looks like a solid contender. True, she was third behind Dream Peace in the Diana, but she subsequently rebounded to break the Saratoga track record in the Ballston Spa Handicap (gr. II) last month, and is clearly coming into this race in good form. However, she does seem to prefer firm turf, and she may find the ground tomorrow a bit soft for her taste. And ten furlongs might be a bit beyond her best distance as well.
One mare that should like the soft turf is I'm A Dreamer, who on the Beverly D. Stakes (gr. I) last time out over yielding turf. She should also enjoy the distance, making her a legitimate contender in this spot.
Nahrain, runner-up in last year's Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf (gr. I), would be a major contender if in peak form, but she has not finished better than third in three starts this year and appears to be off-form.
There are plenty of other contenders as well, but I think Dream Peace looks like a solid favorite.
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes (gr. I)
(Click here for entries and post positions)
Point of Entry is 4-5 on the morning line for a reason -- he is riding a four-raced winning streak that includes two straight grade I wins. He has terrific stamina and tremendous turn-of-foot. He has enough tactical speed to be involved early if the pace is slow. In my opinion, he is the most likely winner on the card.
Little Mike is an admirable colt with exceptional credentials, and he deserves respect based off of his front-running victory in the Arlington Million (gr. I) last month over a yielding turf course. He has enough speed to take this field a long way on the front end, but he'll be running two furlongs farther than he ever has before, and over that route of ground, I have to side with Point of Entry for the win.
Also intriguing is Finnegans Wake, a three-year-old colt from the barn of Dale Romans. Coming off of a runner-up effort in the Secretariat Stakes (gr. I) over a yielding turf course, he has the pedigree to be in the mix and should be coming fast late.
Jockey Club Gold Cup Invitational Stakes (gr. I)
(Click here for entries and post positions)
The 94th running of this prestigious race has drawn a very deep field of ten, with Ron the Greek the mild favorite on the morning line at 5-2. Winner of the Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) and Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I) this season, he enters to Gold Cup off of a sharp runner-up effort to Fort Larned in the Whitney Handicap (gr. I), a race in which the Bill Mott-trainee was forced to circle the field on the far outside before falling just 1 1/4 lengths short. Running a furlong farther today, all reasoning says that Ron the Greek should easily catch his Whitney conqueror today.
However, Fort Larned has credentials of his own, and catching him over this ten-furlong distance may not be as easy as it seems. Take another look at his Whitney victory -- he was three-wide around both turns while chasing a fast pace, yet drew off to a powerful victory nonetheless. And remember, he was only be hand-urged in the stretch.
In addition, let us recall that Belmont Park is a rather speed-favoring track, and that its speed-favoring nature becomes only more pronounced over wet tracks. If the track comes up sloppy tomorrow, it is very possible that Fort Larned could go straight to the lead, set a moderate pace, and accelerate away in the homestretch to win the race in easy fashion -- much like Haynesfield did two years ago.
So having made my case for Fort Larned, I might as well pick him to win. Of course, if I don't detect a strong speed bias during the early races on the Belmont card, I may switch to the Ron the Greek camp.
Other contenders worth mentioning include Flat Out and Hymn Book. The first-mentioned colt has not won a race since taking the 2011 Jockey Club Gold Cup in the slop. But there are plenty of reasons to like him this year too -- not only has he proven himself thoroughly over the Belmont main track, and in the slop as well, he enters off of a strong third-place effort in the Whitney, in which he was beaten just a head by Ron the Greek.
As for Hymn Book, he is 4-for-5 on wet tracks and 0-for-6 on fast tracks, making it clear that he would relish a sloppy track tomorrow. In addition, he has never finished worse than second in four starts here at Belmont,
There are only two concerns -- one, the pace may be a bit slow for his late run, and two, he may be just a half-notch below the top contenders in this race. But there's no denying that he can be a top-class horse on his best day, and his bullet half-mile breeze on September 23rd signals that he is ready for a big effort.
Atigun and Fast Falcon are a pair of three-year-olds that ran well in the Travers Stakes (gr. I) despite encountering traffic issues. Both seem suited to the ten-furlong distance of this race, but are unproven against older horses. On the other hand, they have run speed figures that would make them at least mildly competitive in this spot, and should either of them improve just a bit, they could surprise everyone by cracking the trifecta.
Chandelier Stakes (gr. I)
(Click here for entries and post positions)
Executiveprivilege is the heavy favorite here for a reason. Trained by Bob Baffert, she is undefeated in four starts, and that includes a trio of stakes victories. Most recently, she won the prestigious Del Mar Debutante (gr. I) in late-running fashion, and she appears to be the kind of filly that will relish two-turns and dirt -- which are the conditions she will find today.
Perhaps the filly most likely to pull off an upset is Beholder, who broke her maiden impressively second time out for trainer Richard Mandella before finishing just a nose behind Executiveprivilege in the Del Mar Debutante. She possesses a great deal of tactical speed, and could potentially steal the race on the front end if the Santa Anita main track is it's usual speed-favoring self.
Salamera is also intriguing off of her runner-up effort in Saratoga's Adirondack Stakes (gr. II), but is now shipping across the country and stretching out two furlongs in distance.
For the record, I'll side with Executiveprivilege, assuming that the track is playing more-or-less fair on Saturday. But if I feel there is a strong enough speed bias, I may switch to Beholder.
FrontRunner Stakes (gr. I)
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With Del Mar Futurity (gr. I) winner Rolling Fog out with a minor injury, it appears as though Futurity runner-up Know More is the horse to beat. The son of Lion Heart was able to accomplish in his first start what few horses ever do -- that is, win a graded stakes race without any previous racing experience. His subsequent runner-up effort in the Futurity was by no means a disappointment, as he overcame a great deal of traffic to lose by just 1 1/4 lengths.
Trainer Bob Baffert has entered a trio of colts in Carving, Den's Legacy, and Power Broker. The first-mentioned colt has the best credentials, as he is undefeated in two starts, including a victory in the C.B. Afflerbaugh Stakes on the dirt at Fairplex. But Den's Legacy warrants respect off of a sharp victory in a six-furlong maiden special weight at Del Mar, and being a son of Medaglia d'Oro, one has to think he could stretch out around two turns. And while Power Broker is still a maiden after three starts, he was beaten just a neck in the Oak Tree Juvenile Turf Stakes last time out going a mile at Del Mar, despite setting a very quick pace. All three warrant consideration, but it's difficult to say for certain which one is best.
Dry Summer, winner of the Oak Tree Juvenile Stakes, switches from the grass to the dirt for this race, and judging by his pedigree, he should love the change.
Capo Bastone and Gabriel Charles, who finished fourth and sixth in the Del Mar Futurity despite tough trips, are both eligible to improve with cleaner trips, but two turns and dirt are unknowns for them.
It's a tough race to handicap, unlike last year, when Creative Cause and Drill were the clear-cit favorites. I almost convinced myself to go with Gabriel Charles for the win, but Know More has struck me as a horse of very high quality, and I feel good about his chances of success.
Zenyatta Stakes (gr. I)
(Click here for entries and post positions)
This deep field includes six grade I winners, and determining who will emerge victorious will not be an easy task. However, in the end, I think that it will come down to Include Me Out and Amani.
Include Me Out has compiled a stellar record this year, including victories in the Santa Margarita Stakes (gr. I) and Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (gr. I), in addition to placing second in the Vanity Handicap (gr. I). Plus, her favorite track seems to be Santa Anita, and she's very good at this 1 1/16th miles distance.
However, it's possible that Amani is capable of taking her down. A nearly undefeated champion in her native Chile, Amani has recorded a pair of starts here in the United States, finishing a close third to Include Me Out in the Clement L. Hirsch before coming home sixth in the Pacific Classic (gr. I) against males. Returning to dirt, upon which all of her success came in Chile, the possibility exists that Amani could rally from off-the-pace to catch Include Me Out in the final sixteenth of a mile.
But as I have discussed above, how the track is playing could greatly affect the results of the races, and if the track is speed-favoring, I probably wouldn't go with Amani. But as long as the track is more-or-less fair, I'll likely select the Chilean champion.
Other contenders include Love and Pride, winner of the Personal Ensign Handicap (gr. I) at Saratoga last time out; Switch, a multiple grade I winner trying to regain past form; Star Billing, close runner-up in the Clement L. Hirsch; and Love Theway Youare, upset winner of the Vanity Handicap two starts back.
Rodeo Drive Stakes (gr. I)
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Thirteen fillies and mares are entered in this wide-open ten-furlong turf race, and you can make a case for just about all of them.
The favorite will probably be Marketing Mix, who was beaten a nose by I'm A Dreamer in last month's Beverly D Stakes (gr. I) over a yielding turf course. Returning to firm turf, which she may slightly prefer, one has to think that she'll be tough to beat.
However, there are many other strong contenders in the race, and I like City to City. She has been finishing strongly at distances much shorter than ten furlongs, and I feel that will finish off her late run in powerful fashion this afternoon.
Let's Go Cheyenne is also interesting off of a front-running score in the CTT and Thoroughbred Owners of California Handicap, but she's facing much tougher today and may not get such an easy lead this time around.
Awesome Again Stakes (gr. I)
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The main question here is what kind of trip Game On Dude will receive. He's almost undoubtedly the fastest horse in the race, and possibly the country, and this is his favorite racetrack. But the front-running colt has been known to break slowly in the past, and has drawn the rail today. Suppose he breaks slowly and gets trapped off of the pace?
Well, perhaps that will happen, but even if he does, I think he's good enough to overcome it. And perhaps he'll break perfectly!
Nonios, runner up in the Haskell Invitational (gr. I) two starts back, is an intriguing contender at a price. Richard's Kid deserves respect as well, but he hasn't run on dirt in several years and may be better on synthetics. Rail Trip is in a similar boat -- he has the talent, but is probably best over Hollywood Park's Cushion Track.
-Keelerman
Royal Delta all alone in Beldame Stakes
After Royal Delta finished a somewhat dull second in the Personal Ensign Handicap (gr. I) at Saratoga, questions were raised about her fitness heading into the Breeders' Cup season. But the four-year-old filly rebounded sharply this afternoon in the $400,000 Beldame Invitational Stakes (gr. I) at Belmont Park, drawing off powerfully in the homestretch to win by at least ten lengths.
Ridden to victory by Mike Smith, Royal Delta got off to an excellent start at the beginning of the nine-furlong race and quickly took up a tracking position on the outside of It's Tricky. Cash for Clunkers was rating a couple of lengths behind them, while Maristar and Go Unbridled were the early trailers.
Through fractions of :24.09, :46.70, and 1:10.19, It's Tricky continued to lead the way, but Royal Delta began to increase the pressure rounding the turn, and at the five-sixteenths pole she took command of the advantage and left It's Tricky far behind. With Smith just hand-urging her to the finish, Royal Delta extended her lead with every stride, eventually hitting the wire in the good time of 1:48.80 over a track labeled "good."
It's Tricky held second over Go Unbridled, while Maristar and Cash for Clunkers completed the order of finish.
The winner is trained by Bill Mott and owned by Besilu Stables.
-Keelerman
Ridden to victory by Mike Smith, Royal Delta got off to an excellent start at the beginning of the nine-furlong race and quickly took up a tracking position on the outside of It's Tricky. Cash for Clunkers was rating a couple of lengths behind them, while Maristar and Go Unbridled were the early trailers.
Through fractions of :24.09, :46.70, and 1:10.19, It's Tricky continued to lead the way, but Royal Delta began to increase the pressure rounding the turn, and at the five-sixteenths pole she took command of the advantage and left It's Tricky far behind. With Smith just hand-urging her to the finish, Royal Delta extended her lead with every stride, eventually hitting the wire in the good time of 1:48.80 over a track labeled "good."
It's Tricky held second over Go Unbridled, while Maristar and Cash for Clunkers completed the order of finish.
The winner is trained by Bill Mott and owned by Besilu Stables.
-Keelerman
Friday, September 28, 2012
Matron Stakes Entries: Kauai Katie goes for 3rd straight win
Adirondack Stakes (gr. II) winner Kauai Katie, undefeated in two starts, is expected to be sent off as a heavy favorite in the $200,000 Matron Stakes (gr. II), to be run on Sunday at Belmont Park.
Trained by Todd Pletcher, the daughter of Malibu Moon broke her maiden by twelve lengths at Saratoga and backed that up with a solid victory in the Adirondack, in which she set a blazing pace before staying on strongly in the final furlong to win convincingly. She shouldn't have any issues with the seven-furlong distance of today's race.
Other prominent contenders include the debut winner Unabashed, Sorority Stakes winner Doubled, and Spinaway Stakes (gr. I) runner-up Sweet Shirley Mae.
-Keelerman
Trained by Todd Pletcher, the daughter of Malibu Moon broke her maiden by twelve lengths at Saratoga and backed that up with a solid victory in the Adirondack, in which she set a blazing pace before staying on strongly in the final furlong to win convincingly. She shouldn't have any issues with the seven-furlong distance of today's race.
Other prominent contenders include the debut winner Unabashed, Sorority Stakes winner Doubled, and Spinaway Stakes (gr. I) runner-up Sweet Shirley Mae.
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Unabashed | 118 | John Velazquez | Todd Pletcher |
| 2 | Doubled | 118 | Angel S. Arroyo | Cathal Lynch |
| 3 | Baby J | 116 | Ramon Dominguez | Richard E. Dutrow, Jr. |
| 4 | Sweet Shirley Mae | 118 | Kent Desormeaux | Wesley Ward |
| 5 | Seasoned Warrior | 118 | Joel Rosario | Bill Mott |
| 6 | Kauai Katie | 118 | Rosie Napravnik | Todd Pletcher |
-Keelerman
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Futurity Stakes Entries: Carried Interest makes stakes debut
The promising Carried Interest, unraced since breaking his maiden first time out at Belmont Park in July, is scheduled to make his stakes debut on Sunday in the $200,000 Futurity Stakes (gr. II).
Trained by Richard Violette Jr., the son of Henny Hughes showed a great deal of speed in his debut, running the first half-mile of a five-furlong maiden special weight in :44.79 seconds before holding off a late charge from subsequent winner Palace Malice to win by a half-length.
His primary opposition may come from Handsome Jack, who has finished second in both the Sanford Stakes (gr. II) and Track Barron Stakes. Trained by Wesley Ward, he also possesses a great deal of natural speed and could challenge Carried Interest for the early lead.
Trainer Todd Pletcher has entered a pair of promising colts. Overanalyze will likely go off at a lower price, thanks to his decent fourth-place effort earlier this month in the Hopeful Stakes (gr. II), but Drum Roll has run fairly well in a pair of graded stakes events and could also contend.
Special Jo, runner-up in the Sapling Stakes (gr. III); Weekend Hideaway, winner of the David Stakes at Saratoga; and Gulfport, a maiden from the barn of Dale Romans, round out the field.
Post Positions
-Keelerman
Trained by Richard Violette Jr., the son of Henny Hughes showed a great deal of speed in his debut, running the first half-mile of a five-furlong maiden special weight in :44.79 seconds before holding off a late charge from subsequent winner Palace Malice to win by a half-length.
His primary opposition may come from Handsome Jack, who has finished second in both the Sanford Stakes (gr. II) and Track Barron Stakes. Trained by Wesley Ward, he also possesses a great deal of natural speed and could challenge Carried Interest for the early lead.
Trainer Todd Pletcher has entered a pair of promising colts. Overanalyze will likely go off at a lower price, thanks to his decent fourth-place effort earlier this month in the Hopeful Stakes (gr. II), but Drum Roll has run fairly well in a pair of graded stakes events and could also contend.
Special Jo, runner-up in the Sapling Stakes (gr. III); Weekend Hideaway, winner of the David Stakes at Saratoga; and Gulfport, a maiden from the barn of Dale Romans, round out the field.
Post Positions
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Carried Interest | 118 | Alan Garcia | Richard Violette, Jr. |
| 2 | Special Jo | 118 | Julien Leparoux | Steve Asmussen |
| 3 | Gulfport | 116 | Javier Castellano | Dale Romans |
| 4 | Overanalyze | 118 | John Velazquez | Todd Pletcher |
| 5 | Handsome Jack | 118 | Joel Rosario | Wesley Ward |
| 6 | Drum Roll | 118 | Ramon Dominguez | Todd Pletcher |
| 7 | Weekend Hideaway | 122 | Jose Lezcano | Philip Serpe |
-Keelerman
John Henry Turf Championship Entries: Turbo Compressor looks to rebound
United Nations Stakes (gr. I) winner Turbo Compressor will look to rebound from a dismal performance in last month's Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes when he heads to post against nine rivals in the $150,000 John Henry Turf Championship Stakes (gr. II) at Santa Anita Park on Sunday.
Trained by Todd Pletcher, Turbo Compressor has had a banner season overall, winning the $500,000 Colonial Turf Cup Stakes and placing in the Florida Sunshine Millions Classic Stakes in addition to his United Nations victory. He will be shortening up to ten furlongs in distance for Sunday's race, which should suit him better than the twelve-furlongs he was asked to traverse in the Sword Dancer.
Other logical contenders in the John Henry include Bourbon Bay, winner of seven graded stakes races on the southern California circuit; Casino Host, winner of the Del Mar Handicap (gr. II); and Slim Shadey, who placed in a pair of grade I turf races earlier this year.
Post Positions:
-Keelerman
Trained by Todd Pletcher, Turbo Compressor has had a banner season overall, winning the $500,000 Colonial Turf Cup Stakes and placing in the Florida Sunshine Millions Classic Stakes in addition to his United Nations victory. He will be shortening up to ten furlongs in distance for Sunday's race, which should suit him better than the twelve-furlongs he was asked to traverse in the Sword Dancer.
Other logical contenders in the John Henry include Bourbon Bay, winner of seven graded stakes races on the southern California circuit; Casino Host, winner of the Del Mar Handicap (gr. II); and Slim Shadey, who placed in a pair of grade I turf races earlier this year.
Post Positions:
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Grassy | 119 | Alonso Quinonez | Martin Jones |
| 2 | Balladry | 119 | Patrick Valenzuela | Eoin Harty |
| 3 | Casino Host | 124 | Joe Talamo | Ron Ellis |
| 4 | Temple's Door | 119 | Mike Smith | Jeff Mullins |
| 5 | Interaction | 119 | Victor Espinoza | Ron McAnally |
| 6 | Turbo Compressor | 124 | Joe Bravo | Todd Pletcher |
| 7 | Fire With Fire | 119 | Martin Garcia | Neil Drysdale |
| 8 | Slim Shadey | 121 | Garrett Gomez | Steve Callaghan |
| 9 | Bourbon Bay | 124 | Rafael Bejarano | Neil Drysdale |
| 10 | Brushburn | 119 | Brice Blanc | Steve Knapp |
-Keelerman
BREEDERS' CUP RANKINGS -- September 27th, 2012
(Horses may appear on more than one list.)
CLASSIC
1 Ron the Greek
2 Game On Dude
3 Fort Larned
4 To Honor and Serve
5 Mucho Macho Man
TURF
1 Snow Fairy
2 St. Nicholas Abbey
3 Acclamation
4 Point of Entry
5 Trailblazer
MILE
1 Wise Dan
2 Moonlight Cloud
3 Excelebration
4 Obviously
5 Mr. Commons
SPRINT
1 Amazombie
2 Capital Account
3 Emcee
4 Camp Victory
5 Trinniberg
LADIES' CLASSIC
1 Royal Delta
2 Questing
3 My Miss Aurelia
4 Include Me Out
5 It's Tricky
FILLY AND MARE TURF
1 Snow Fairy
2 Nahrain
3 The Fugue
4 Zagora
5 Stephanie's Kitten
DIRT MILE
1 Coil
2 Shackleford
3 Tapizar
4 Rail Trip
5 John Scott
FILLY AND MARE SPRINT
1 Groupie Doll
2 Winding Way
3 Reneesgotzip
4 Dust and Diamonds
5 Turbulent Descent
TURF SPRINT
1 Shrug
2 California Flag
3 Bated Breath
4 Starspangledbanner
5 Comma to the Top
MARATHON
1 Worth Repeating
2 Not Abroad
3 Dynamic Host
3 Eldaafer
4 Calidoscopio
JUVENILE
1 Know More
2 Shanghai Bobby
3 Fortify
4 Archwarrior
5 Den's Legacy
JUVENILE TURF
1 First Cornerstone
2 Dry Summer
3 Balance the Books
4 I'm Boundtoscore
5 Java's War
JUVENILE FILLIES
1 Executiveprivilege
2 Dreaming of Julia
3 Kauia Katie
4 Beholder
5 Mechaya
JUVENILE FILLIES TURF
1 Spring Venture
2 Sky Lantern
3 Watsdachances
4 Spring in the Air
5 Kitten's Dumplings
JUVENILE SPRINT
1 Goldencents
2 Carried Interest
3 Handsome Jack
4 Bern Identity
5 Brave Dave
-Keelerman
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Chandelier Stakes Entries: Executiveprivilege goes for 5th straight win
Undefeated three-time stakes winner Executiveprivilege, who won the Del Mar Debutante (gr. I) earlier this month, is expected to be a heavy favorite in the $250,000 Chandelier Stakes (gr. I), which will be run on Saturday at Santa Anita Park.
Her main opposition may come from Beholder, who was beaten just a nose in the Del Mar Debutante after leading into the homestretch. Salamera and Miss Empire also have strong credentials.
Post Positions
-Keelerman
Her main opposition may come from Beholder, who was beaten just a nose in the Del Mar Debutante after leading into the homestretch. Salamera and Miss Empire also have strong credentials.
Post Positions
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Majestic Minister | 122 | Aaron Gryder | Mike Puype |
| 2 | Renee's Queen | 122 | Martin Garcie | Eric Guillot |
| 3 | Switch to the Lead | 122 | Victor Espinoza | Patrick Biancone |
| 4 | Wittgenstein | 122 | Mario Gutierrez | Doug O'Neill |
| 5 | Beholder | 122 | Garrett Gomez | Richard Mandella |
| 6 | Butterfly Soul | 122 | Jorge Carreno | Genaro Vallejo |
| 7 | Executiveprivilege | 122 | Rafael Bejarano | Bob Baffert |
| 8 | Scarlet Strike | 122 | Joe Talamo | Jerry Hollendorfer |
| 9 | Salamera | 122 | Angel Castillo | Rodolfo Garcia |
| 10 | Contessa's Moment | 122 | Ignacio Puglisi | Paul Aguirre |
| 11 | Miss Empire | 122 | Martin Pedroza | Peter Mille |
-Keelerman
FrontRunner Stakes Entries: 11 juveniles battle for berth in BC Juvenile
A field strong and talented field of eleven two-year-old colts has been entered in the $250,000 FrontRunner Stakes (gr. I), to be held on Saturday at Santa Anita Park. The 1 1/16th miles race -- which is a "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile -- was known in previous years as the Norfolk Stakes (gr. I).
Among the major contenders expected to vie for favoritism are Know More, winner of the Best Pal Stakes (gr. II), and Den's Legacy, a promising maiden winner from the barn of Bob Baffert.
-Keelerman
Among the major contenders expected to vie for favoritism are Know More, winner of the Best Pal Stakes (gr. II), and Den's Legacy, a promising maiden winner from the barn of Bob Baffert.
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Carving | 122 | Martin Garcia | Bob Baffert |
| 2 | Gabriel Charles | 122 | Joe Talamo | Jeff Mullins |
| 3 | Dirty Swagg | 122 | David Flores | Myung Kwon Cho |
| 4 | The Whole Deal | 122 | Edwin Maldonado | Steve Knapp |
| 5 | Dry Summer | 122 | Rosie Napravnik | Jeff Mullins |
| 6 | Imperative | 122 | Aaron Gryder | Eoin Harty |
| 7 | Know More | 122 | Garrett Gomez | Doug O'Neill |
| 8 | Capo Bastone | 122 | Victor Espinoza | John Sadler |
| 9 | Den's Legacy | 122 | Alonso Quinonez | Bob Baffert |
| 10 | Power Broker | 122 | Rafael Bejarano | Bob Baffert |
| 11 | Wild Student | 122 | Ignacio Puglisi | Paul Aguirre |
-Keelerman
Zenyatta Stakes Entries: Six grade I winners to face off
Grade I winners Amani, Love Theway Youare, Switch, Star Billing, Include Me Out, and Love and Pride are among the nine fillies and mares entered in the $250,000 Zenyatta Stakes (gr. I), to be run on Saturday at Santa Anita Park.
The 1 1/16th miles race -- which is a "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic (gr. I) -- is named for the magnificent champion Zenyatta, who won the race on three straight occasions back when it was known as the Lady's Secret Stakes. Coincidentally, the runner-up to Zenyatta in 2010 -- Switch -- is back again for the 2012 running.
Post Positions
-Keelerman
The 1 1/16th miles race -- which is a "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic (gr. I) -- is named for the magnificent champion Zenyatta, who won the race on three straight occasions back when it was known as the Lady's Secret Stakes. Coincidentally, the runner-up to Zenyatta in 2010 -- Switch -- is back again for the 2012 running.
Post Positions
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Amani | 121 | Rafael Bejarano | Neil Drysdale |
| 2 | Love Theway Youare | 124 | David Flores | Myung Kwon Cho |
| 3 | Switch | 119 | Garrett Gomez | John Sadler |
| 4 | Joyful Victory | 119 | Rosie Napravnik | Larry Jones |
| 5 | Star Billing | 121 | Victor Espinoza | John Shirreffs |
| 6 | Include Me Out | 124 | Joe Talamo | Ron Ellis |
| 7 | Love and Pride | 124 | Martin Garcia | Todd Pletcher |
| 8 | Via Villaggio | 116 | Martin Pedroza | Jerry Hollendorfer |
| 9 | Miss Mittagong | 119 | Mario Gutierrez | Ben Cecil |
-Keelerman
Rodeo Drive Stakes Entries: 13 looking for Breeders' Cup berth
A huge total of thirteen fillies and mares have been entered in the $250,000 Rodeo Drive Stakes (gr. I), which will be held on Saturday at Santa Anita Park.
The ten-furlong turf race, which is a "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf (gr. I), appears to be a wide-open race without any clear-cut favorite. Marketing Mix, beaten a head in the Beverly D. Stakes (gr. I) last time out, may go off as the favorite. Other logical contenders include John C. Mabee Stakes (gr. II) winner City to City and Del Mar Oaks (gr. I) runner-up Stormy Lucy.
Post Positions
-Keelerman
The ten-furlong turf race, which is a "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf (gr. I), appears to be a wide-open race without any clear-cut favorite. Marketing Mix, beaten a head in the Beverly D. Stakes (gr. I) last time out, may go off as the favorite. Other logical contenders include John C. Mabee Stakes (gr. II) winner City to City and Del Mar Oaks (gr. I) runner-up Stormy Lucy.
Post Positions
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Go Forth North | 119 | David Flores | A. C. Avila |
| 2 | Let's Go Cheyenne | 119 | Rafael Bejarano | Vladimir Cerin |
| 3 | Stormy Lucy | 116 | Martin Pedroza | Frank Lucarelli |
| 4 | Left a Message | 116 | Brice Blanc | Thomas Proctor |
| 5 | My Gi Gi | 116 | Victor Espinoza | Peter Eurton |
| 6 | Cambina | 119 | Martin Garcia | Jeff Bonde |
| 7 | Camelia Rose | 119 | Mario Gutierrez | Steve Callaghan |
| 8 | Thisismystage | 119 | Edwin Maldonado | Craig Dollase |
| 9 | Vivo Per Lei | 119 | Alonso Quinonez | Thomas Proctor |
| 10 | I Dazzle | 119 | Patrick Valenzuela | Jack Van Berg |
| 11 | Marketing Mix | 121 | Garrett Gomez | Thomas Proctor |
| 12 | City to City | 121 | Joe Talamo | Jerry Hollendorfer |
| 13 | Nereid | 119 | Rosie Napravnik | John Shirreffs |
-Keelerman
Awesome Again Stakes Entries: Game On Dude and Richard's Kid meet again
Game On Dude and Richard's Kid, arguably the top two older males in southern California, are set to face off for the third time this year in the $250,000 Awesome Again Stakes (gr. I), which will be run on Saturday at Santa Anita Park.
Game On Dude won this nine-furlong race last year, back when it was known as the Goodwood Stakes. A "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), a second consecutive victory would give Game On Dude an imposing record heading into the Classic, where he would have the opportunity to sew up Horse of the Year honors.
Richard's Kid, who is also pointing toward the Classic, will be making his first start over a traditional dirt track since mid-2009. A seven-year-old son of Lemon Drop Kid, Richard's Kid finished second to Game On Dude in the Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I) and third to that rival in the Pacific Classic (gr. I), a race in which Game On Dude finished second. Thus, while it is clear that Richard's Kid is not far behind his opponent in terms of talent, Game On Dude does appear to have a slight edge -- especially here at Santa Anita, where he is a perfect 4-for-4.
Rail Trip, winner of the San Diego Handicap (gr. III) and fourth in the Pacific Classic, could also be in contention for a substantial share of the purse. The seven-year-old gelding won the 2009 Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I), but went off-form during the 2011 and is only now returning to his peak.
Nonios, a three-year-old colt that finished second in the Haskell Invitational (gr. I), will be making his debut against older horses, as will fellow sophomores Empire Way and Groovin' Solo. Rounding out the field are Suggestive Boy, a four-time group I winner in South American; Winning Machine, most recently second in the Longacres Mile Handicap (gr. III); and Balladry, who finished third behind Richard's Kid in both the Cougar II Handicap (gr. III) and the Prove It Stakes earlier this year.
Post Positions:
-Keelerman
Game On Dude won this nine-furlong race last year, back when it was known as the Goodwood Stakes. A "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), a second consecutive victory would give Game On Dude an imposing record heading into the Classic, where he would have the opportunity to sew up Horse of the Year honors.
Richard's Kid, who is also pointing toward the Classic, will be making his first start over a traditional dirt track since mid-2009. A seven-year-old son of Lemon Drop Kid, Richard's Kid finished second to Game On Dude in the Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I) and third to that rival in the Pacific Classic (gr. I), a race in which Game On Dude finished second. Thus, while it is clear that Richard's Kid is not far behind his opponent in terms of talent, Game On Dude does appear to have a slight edge -- especially here at Santa Anita, where he is a perfect 4-for-4.
Rail Trip, winner of the San Diego Handicap (gr. III) and fourth in the Pacific Classic, could also be in contention for a substantial share of the purse. The seven-year-old gelding won the 2009 Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I), but went off-form during the 2011 and is only now returning to his peak.
Nonios, a three-year-old colt that finished second in the Haskell Invitational (gr. I), will be making his debut against older horses, as will fellow sophomores Empire Way and Groovin' Solo. Rounding out the field are Suggestive Boy, a four-time group I winner in South American; Winning Machine, most recently second in the Longacres Mile Handicap (gr. III); and Balladry, who finished third behind Richard's Kid in both the Cougar II Handicap (gr. III) and the Prove It Stakes earlier this year.
Post Positions:
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Game On Dude | 124 | Rafael Bejarano | Bob Baffert |
| 2 | Winning Machine | 119 | Javier Matias | Frank Lucarelli |
| 3 | Nonios | 116 | Martin Pedroza | Jerry Hollendorfer |
| 4 | Groovin' Solo | 116 | David Flores | Myung Kwon Cho |
| 5 | Suggestive Boy | 121 | Joe Talamo | Ron McAnally |
| 6 | Empire Way | 116 | Brice Blanc | Mike Harrington |
| 7 | Richard's Kid | 119 | Garrett Gomez | Doug O'Neill |
| 8 | Balladry | 119 | Victor Espinoza | Eoin Harty |
| 9 | Rail Trip | 119 | Jose Valdivia, Jr. | Ron Ellis |
-Keelerman
Kelso Handicap Entries: To Honor and Serve preps for BC
Whitney Invitational Stakes (gr. I) winner To Honor and Serve will prep for a start in the Breeders' Cup on Saturday when he heads to post as the likely favorite for the $400,000 Kelso Handicap (gr. II) at Belmont Park.
But while To Honor and Serve may have the classiest credentials in the nine-horse field, there are a number of other legitimate contenders that could possibly upset the one-mile race. The most obvious is Shackleford, winner of the 2011 Preakness Stakes (gr. I) and 2012 Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I). He is coming of of a dull effort in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (gr. I) at Saratoga last month, but the Dale Romans-trainee has been training well and should run a much better race while returning to the sight of his Met Mile triumph.
Two-time graded stakes winner Tapizar and 2010 Cigar Mile Handicap (gr. I) winner Jersey Town are other major contenders.
Post Positions:
-Keelerman
But while To Honor and Serve may have the classiest credentials in the nine-horse field, there are a number of other legitimate contenders that could possibly upset the one-mile race. The most obvious is Shackleford, winner of the 2011 Preakness Stakes (gr. I) and 2012 Metropolitan Handicap (gr. I). He is coming of of a dull effort in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (gr. I) at Saratoga last month, but the Dale Romans-trainee has been training well and should run a much better race while returning to the sight of his Met Mile triumph.
Two-time graded stakes winner Tapizar and 2010 Cigar Mile Handicap (gr. I) winner Jersey Town are other major contenders.
Post Positions:
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Isn't He Perfect | 114 | Michael J. Luzzi | Richard E. Dutrow, Jr. |
| 2 | Golddigger's Boy | 115 | Jose Lezcano | Ramon Preciado |
| 3 | Jersey Town | 116 | Javier Castellano | Barclay Tagg |
| 4 | Tapizar | 117 | Corey Nakatani | Steve Asmussen |
| 5 | To Honor and Serve | 121 | John Velazquez | Bill Mott |
| 6 | Shackleford | 121 | Ramon Dominguez | Dale Romans |
| 7 | Gallant Fields | 114 | Joel Rosario | Richard E. Dutrow, Jr. |
| 8 | Pacific Ocean | 116 | Wilmer Garcia | Richard E. Dutrow, Jr. |
| 9 | Trickmeister | 116 | Cornelio Velasquez | Richard E. Dutrow, Jr. |
-Keelerman
Vosburgh Stakes Entries: Wide-open sprint draws field of 10
2012 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (gr. I) winner Poseidon's Warrior, 2011 Alfred G. Vanderbilt winner Sean Avery, and eight-time stakes winner Royal Currier are among a wide-open field of field of ten sprinters that have been entered in the $400,000 Vosburgh Invitational Stakes (gr. I), to be run on Saturday at Belmont Park.
The six-furlong race, which is a "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I), lacks any clear-cut favorite, and all ten of the entrants have won stakes races. It figures to be among the closest and most exciting races of the "Super Saturday" card at Belmont Park.
Post Positions
-Keelerman
The six-furlong race, which is a "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I), lacks any clear-cut favorite, and all ten of the entrants have won stakes races. It figures to be among the closest and most exciting races of the "Super Saturday" card at Belmont Park.
Post Positions
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Poseidon's Warrior | 114 | Irad Ortiz, Jr. | Robert E. Reid, Jr. |
| 2 | Little Drama | 114 | Rajiv Maragh | Michael Mareina |
| 3 | Zero Rate Policy | 114 | Jose Lezcano | Teresa M. Pompay |
| 4 | Sean Avery | 124 | Joe Bravo | Allen Iwinski |
| 5 | The Lumber Guy | 119 | John Velazquez | Mike Hushion |
| 6 | Fort Loudon | 124 | Corey Nakatani | Nick Zito |
| 7 | Rothko | 114 | Julien Leparoux | Steve Asmussen |
| 8 | Royal Currier | 122 | Stewart Elliott | Patricia Farro |
| 9 | Caixa Eletronica | 114 | Javier Castellano | Todd Pletcher |
| 10 | Justin Phillip | 122 | Ramon Dominguez | Steve Asmussen |
-Keelerman
Flower Bowl Stakes Entries: Nahrain and Zagora headline international field
Nahrain, runner-up in the 2011 Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf (gr. I), and Zagora, a seven-time graded stakes winner, are the stars of an exceptional field of fillies and mares entered in the $600,000 Flower Bowl Invitational (gr. I).
The ten-furlong turf race, which will be run at Belmont Park on Saturday, has drawn a field of ten. Other prominent entrants in this deep field include Beverly D. Stakes (gr. I) winner I'm a Dreamer, Glens Falls Stakes (gr. III) winner Hit it Rich, Diana Stakes (gr. I) runner-up Dream Peace, and Yellow Ribbon Handicap (gr. II) winner Halo Dolly.
Post Positions
-Keelerman
The ten-furlong turf race, which will be run at Belmont Park on Saturday, has drawn a field of ten. Other prominent entrants in this deep field include Beverly D. Stakes (gr. I) winner I'm a Dreamer, Glens Falls Stakes (gr. III) winner Hit it Rich, Diana Stakes (gr. I) runner-up Dream Peace, and Yellow Ribbon Handicap (gr. II) winner Halo Dolly.
Post Positions
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Dream Peace | 119 | Julien Leparoux | Chad Brown |
| 2 | Hessonite | 119 | Jose Lezcano | David G. Donk |
| 3 | Hit It Rich | 119 | Javier Castellano | Claude McGaughey III |
| 4 | I'm A Dreamer | 123 | Hayley Turner | David Simcock |
| 5 | Starformer | 119 | Mike Smith | Bill Mott |
| 6 | Bizzy Caroline | 119 | David Cohen | Kenneth McPeek |
| 7 | Zagora | 121 | Ramon Dominguez | Chad Brown |
| 8 | Nahrain | 121 | John Velazquez | Roger Varian |
| 9 | Halo Dolly | 121 | Joel Rosario | Jerry Hollendorfer |
-Keelerman
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Entries: Point of Entry goes for 5th straight victory
Two-time grade I winner Point of Entry will attempt to bring his winning streak to five when he heads to post for the $600,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes (gr. I) at Belmont Park.
The son of Dynaformer will face only five rivals in the twelve-furlong turf race, which is a "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. I). His primary opposition is expected to come from Little Mike, winner of the Arlington Million (gr. I) and Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Stakes (gr. I) this year. Finnegans Wake, a three-year-old colt that most recently finished second in the Secretariat Stakes (gr. I), could also contend in his first start at twelve furlongs.
European shipper Treasure Beach, from the barn of Aidan O'Brien, won a number of prestigious races in 2011, but has not found the winner's circle in five starts this year, which includes a pair of disappointing losses behind both Point of Entry and Little Mike.
Post Positions:
-Keelerman
The son of Dynaformer will face only five rivals in the twelve-furlong turf race, which is a "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. I). His primary opposition is expected to come from Little Mike, winner of the Arlington Million (gr. I) and Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Stakes (gr. I) this year. Finnegans Wake, a three-year-old colt that most recently finished second in the Secretariat Stakes (gr. I), could also contend in his first start at twelve furlongs.
European shipper Treasure Beach, from the barn of Aidan O'Brien, won a number of prestigious races in 2011, but has not found the winner's circle in five starts this year, which includes a pair of disappointing losses behind both Point of Entry and Little Mike.
Post Positions:
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Hailstone | 126 | Julien Leparoux | Robert Ribaudo |
| 2 | Point of Entry | 126 | John Velazquez | Claude McGaughey III |
| 3 | Treasure Beach | 126 | Jamie Spencer | Aidan O'Brien |
| 4 | Little Mike | 126 | Ramon Dominguez | Dale Romans |
| 5 | Kindergarden Kid | 126 | Javier Castellano | Mike Maker |
| 6 | Finnegans Wake | 121 | Joel Rosario | Dale Romans |
-Keelerman
Beldame Stakes Entries: Royal Delta, It's Tricky set for rematch
Royal Delta and It's Tricky, who finished second and third in last month's Personal Ensign Handicap (gr. I) at Saratoga, are set for a rematch in the $600,000 Beldame Invitational Stakes (gr. I) on Saturday at Belmont Park.
The two fillies have met on four occasions in the past, with Royal Delta holding a 3-1 edge over her rival, which includes a victory in the 2011 Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (gr. I). But over the Beldame's distance of nine furlongs, and traversing only a single turn, it is very possible that It's Tricky could turn the tables on her rival come Saturday.
Disposablepleasure, a three-year-old filly making her debut against older mares, looms a strong contender for trainer Todd Pletcher. Earlier this year, the filly was beaten just three-quarters of a length in the Mother Goose Stakes (gr. I) here at Belmont Park, demonstrating her both her talent and her affinity for the Belmont main track.
Cash for Clunkers, narrowly beaten by It's Tricky in the Ogden Phipps Handicap (gr. I) back in May, should also be in contention for a top-three finish.
Post Positions
-Keelerman
The two fillies have met on four occasions in the past, with Royal Delta holding a 3-1 edge over her rival, which includes a victory in the 2011 Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (gr. I). But over the Beldame's distance of nine furlongs, and traversing only a single turn, it is very possible that It's Tricky could turn the tables on her rival come Saturday.
Disposablepleasure, a three-year-old filly making her debut against older mares, looms a strong contender for trainer Todd Pletcher. Earlier this year, the filly was beaten just three-quarters of a length in the Mother Goose Stakes (gr. I) here at Belmont Park, demonstrating her both her talent and her affinity for the Belmont main track.
Cash for Clunkers, narrowly beaten by It's Tricky in the Ogden Phipps Handicap (gr. I) back in May, should also be in contention for a top-three finish.
Post Positions
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Go Unbridled | 123 | Joel Rosario | Allen Jerkens |
| 2 | Maristar | 123 | John Velazquez | Todd Pletcher |
| 3 | Royal Delta | 123 | Mike Smith | Bill Mott |
| 4 | Cash for Clunkers | 123 | Alan Garcia | Richard Violette, Jr. |
| 5 | Disposablepleasure | 120 | Ramon Dominguez | Todd Pletcher |
| 6 | It's Tricky | 123 | Eddie Castro | Kiaran McLaughlin |
| 7 | Acting Happy | 123 | Javier Castellano | Richard Dutrow, Jr. |
-Keelerman
Jockey Club Gold Cup Entries: Ron the Greek draws post 1
Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) winner Ron the Greek and Whitney Invitational (gr. I) winner Fort Larned are among the major names entered in the 94th running of the $1,000,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I), to be run on Saturday at Belmont Park.
A "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), the Jockey Club Gold Cup has been won in recent years by Eclipse champions Bernardini (2006), Curlin (2007, 2008), and Summer Bird (2009). In addition, 2010 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Blame placed second in the 2010 Jockey Club Gold Cup. Thus, the Jockey Club Gold Cup has earned its status as on of the country's premiere races.
A field of ten has been entered for the ten-furlong race, with Ron the Greek expected to be sent off as the favorite. The five-year-old son of Full Mandate has been having a spectacular season, with victories in the Santa Anita Handicap and Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I) stamping him as one of the leading older males of the year. A victory in this race could make him the favorite for the Breeders' Cup Classic, and bolster his chances of being named Horse of the Year.
His stiffest challenge is expected to come from Fort Larned, who defeated Ron the Greek in the Whitney Invitational (gr. I) a little less than two months ago. Trained by Ian Wilkes, the son of E Dubai possesses a great deal of tactical speed, which could prove to be quite an asset over the often speed-favoring Belmont Park main track.
Flat Out, winner of the 2011 Jockey Club Gold Cup and a stablemate to Ron the Greek, finished third in the Whitney and seems to be rounding back into form following a lengthy layoff. Likewise, 2011 Travers Stakes (gr. I) winner Stay Thirsty will be trying to find the winner's circle for the first time since last year's "Midsummer Derby", but needs to step up his game in order to do so, as his recent efforts have been somewhat disappointing.
Another colt looking to rebound is Ruler On Ice, who posted a shocking upset in the 2011 Belmont Stakes (gr. I). He has not won a race since then, but did rally to finish second in that year's Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) and third in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) and Haskell Invitational (gr. I). He enters the Gold Cup off of a runner-up effort in an allowance optional claiming race at Delaware Park.
Hymn Book is an intriguing contender, for he seems to be very fond of the Belmont Park main track and is a grade I winner, having won the Donn Handicap (gr. I) back in February. However, he hasn't won a race since, and most recently finished fourth in the Whitney.
Fast Falcon and Atigun finished third and fourth, respectively, in the Travers Stakes (gr. I) one month ago, and both should appreciate the distance of the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
Rounding out the field are San Pablo won the Philip H. Iselin Stakes (gr. III) last time out, and Game Ball, a former claimer that most recently finished eighth in the Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes (gr. I) on the turf at Saratoga.
Post Positions:
-Keelerman
A "Win and You're In" for the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), the Jockey Club Gold Cup has been won in recent years by Eclipse champions Bernardini (2006), Curlin (2007, 2008), and Summer Bird (2009). In addition, 2010 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Blame placed second in the 2010 Jockey Club Gold Cup. Thus, the Jockey Club Gold Cup has earned its status as on of the country's premiere races.
A field of ten has been entered for the ten-furlong race, with Ron the Greek expected to be sent off as the favorite. The five-year-old son of Full Mandate has been having a spectacular season, with victories in the Santa Anita Handicap and Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I) stamping him as one of the leading older males of the year. A victory in this race could make him the favorite for the Breeders' Cup Classic, and bolster his chances of being named Horse of the Year.
His stiffest challenge is expected to come from Fort Larned, who defeated Ron the Greek in the Whitney Invitational (gr. I) a little less than two months ago. Trained by Ian Wilkes, the son of E Dubai possesses a great deal of tactical speed, which could prove to be quite an asset over the often speed-favoring Belmont Park main track.
Flat Out, winner of the 2011 Jockey Club Gold Cup and a stablemate to Ron the Greek, finished third in the Whitney and seems to be rounding back into form following a lengthy layoff. Likewise, 2011 Travers Stakes (gr. I) winner Stay Thirsty will be trying to find the winner's circle for the first time since last year's "Midsummer Derby", but needs to step up his game in order to do so, as his recent efforts have been somewhat disappointing.
Another colt looking to rebound is Ruler On Ice, who posted a shocking upset in the 2011 Belmont Stakes (gr. I). He has not won a race since then, but did rally to finish second in that year's Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) and third in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) and Haskell Invitational (gr. I). He enters the Gold Cup off of a runner-up effort in an allowance optional claiming race at Delaware Park.
Hymn Book is an intriguing contender, for he seems to be very fond of the Belmont Park main track and is a grade I winner, having won the Donn Handicap (gr. I) back in February. However, he hasn't won a race since, and most recently finished fourth in the Whitney.
Fast Falcon and Atigun finished third and fourth, respectively, in the Travers Stakes (gr. I) one month ago, and both should appreciate the distance of the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
Rounding out the field are San Pablo won the Philip H. Iselin Stakes (gr. III) last time out, and Game Ball, a former claimer that most recently finished eighth in the Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes (gr. I) on the turf at Saratoga.
Post Positions:
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Ron the Greek | 126 | Jose Lezcano | Bill Mott |
| 2 | Stay Thirsty | 126 | Ramon Dominguez | Todd Pletcher |
| 3 | Ruler On Ice | 126 | Alan Garcia | Kelly Breen |
| 4 | Hymn Book | 126 | John Velazquez | Claude McGaughey III |
| 5 | Fort Larned | 126 | Brian Hernandez, Jr. | Ian Wilkes |
| 6 | Atigun | 122 | Mike Smith | Kenneth McPeek |
| 7 | Fast Falcon | 122 | Corey Nakatani | Nick Zito |
| 8 | San Pablo | 126 | Javier Castellano | Todd Pletcher |
| 9 | Flat Out | 126 | Joel Rosario | Bill Mott |
| 10 | Game Ball | 126 | Jose Espinoza | Naipaul Chatterpaul |
-Keelerman
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Eddie D Stakes Entries: Shrug, Comma to the Top headline field
The much-anticipated 2012 Santa Anita fall meet, which will host the 29th running of the Breeders' Cup later this year, begins on Friday with a nine-race card that includes the $100,000 Eddie D Stakes (gr. III). Named for the Hall of Fame jockey Eddie Delahoussaye, the "about" 6-1/2 furlong turf sprint was previously called the Morvich Stakes, but was renamed earlier this year.
A field of thirteen has been entered, led by Pirate's Bounty Stakes winner Comma to the Top. The speedy Peter Miller-trainee won the CashCall Futurity (gr. I) in 2010 and finished second in the following year's Santa Anita Derby (gr. I), but has since found a home as a sprinter, and a very good one at that. He figures to be among the favorites in this race, and a victory could put him on track for a start in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (gr. III) in November. Mensa Heat and Boxeur des Rues, who finished third and fourth, respectively, in the Pirate's Bounty, are back again for the Eddie D.
Shrug should also be a major contender if he runs as well as he did last month in the Green Flash Handicap at Del Mar, where he rallied gamely to win the five-furlong turf sprint by a nose in :56 flat.
Unbridled's Note, a three-year-old that finished third in the King's Bishop Stakes (gr. I) last time out, will be making his turf debut for trainer Steve Asmussen.
Entries:
-Keelerman
A field of thirteen has been entered, led by Pirate's Bounty Stakes winner Comma to the Top. The speedy Peter Miller-trainee won the CashCall Futurity (gr. I) in 2010 and finished second in the following year's Santa Anita Derby (gr. I), but has since found a home as a sprinter, and a very good one at that. He figures to be among the favorites in this race, and a victory could put him on track for a start in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (gr. III) in November. Mensa Heat and Boxeur des Rues, who finished third and fourth, respectively, in the Pirate's Bounty, are back again for the Eddie D.
Shrug should also be a major contender if he runs as well as he did last month in the Green Flash Handicap at Del Mar, where he rallied gamely to win the five-furlong turf sprint by a nose in :56 flat.
Unbridled's Note, a three-year-old that finished third in the King's Bishop Stakes (gr. I) last time out, will be making his turf debut for trainer Steve Asmussen.
Entries:
| PP | Horse | Weight | Jockey | Trainer |
| 1 | Crimson Giant | 115 | Modesto Linares | Charles Stutts |
| 2 | Chosen Miracle | 118 | Alonso Quinonez | Jerry Hollendorfer |
| 3 | Calimonco | 118 | Martin Garcia | John Sadler |
| 4 | Koast | 118 | Rafael Bejarano | John Sadler |
| 5 | Shrug | 118 | Victor Espinoza | Carla Gaines |
| 6 | Comma to the Top | 118 | Martin Pedroza | Peter Miller |
| 7 | Boxeur des Rues | 118 | Mario Gutierrez | Doug O'Neill |
| 8 | Octane | 118 | David Flores | Bruce Headley |
| 9 | Red Sun | 118 | Joe Talamo | Carla Gaines |
| 10 | Tale of a Champion | 118 | Garrett Gomez | Kristin Mulhall |
| 11 | Mensa Heat | 118 | Juan Hernandez | Doug O'Neill |
| 12 | Canuletmedowneasy | 115 | Edwin Maldonado | Mark Glatt |
| 13 | Unbridled's Note | 115 | Corey Nakatani | Steve Asmussen |
-Keelerman
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Contender Profile: TREASURE BEACH
Owner: Mrs. Fitriani Hay, Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier, and Michael B. Tabor
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
Breeder: James S. Karp
Jockey: Jamie Spencer
RACE RECORD
Age 4
6th Arlington Million Stakes (gr. I)
4th Ballyroan Stakes (Ire-III)
5th Man o' War Stakes (gr. I)
9th Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup (HK-I)
4th Dubai Sheema Classic Presented by Longines (UAE-I)
Age 3
3rd Pattison Canadian International (Can-I)
14th Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I)
1st Secretariat Stakes (gr. I)
4th Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris (Fr-I)
1st Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (Ire-I)
2nd Investec Derby (Eng-I)
1st Weight for Age Stakes
Age 2
3rd Weight for Age Stakes
2nd Handicap
1st Handicap
1st Maiden Weight for Age
2nd Maiden Weight for Age
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Treasure Beach in the past, click here.
Trainer: Aidan O'Brien
Breeder: James S. Karp
Jockey: Jamie Spencer
RACE RECORD
Age 4
6th Arlington Million Stakes (gr. I)
4th Ballyroan Stakes (Ire-III)
5th Man o' War Stakes (gr. I)
9th Audemars Piguet Queen Elizabeth II Cup (HK-I)
4th Dubai Sheema Classic Presented by Longines (UAE-I)
Age 3
3rd Pattison Canadian International (Can-I)
14th Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I)
1st Secretariat Stakes (gr. I)
4th Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris (Fr-I)
1st Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (Ire-I)
2nd Investec Derby (Eng-I)
1st Weight for Age Stakes
Age 2
3rd Weight for Age Stakes
2nd Handicap
1st Handicap
1st Maiden Weight for Age
2nd Maiden Weight for Age
PEDIGREE
| Sadler's Wells | ||
| Galileo | ||
| Urban Sea | ||
| Treasure Beach | ||
| Mark of Esteem | ||
| Honorine | ||
| Blue Water |
To read what I have written about Treasure Beach in the past, click here.
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Contender Profile: PRINCE WILL I AM
Owner: Casa Farms I, LLC
Trainer: Michelle Nihei
Breeder: Roxanne Martin Stable Inc. and Anzac LLC
Expected Jockey: Unknown
RACE RECORD
Age 5
6th Bernard Baruch Handicap (gr. II)
Age 4
9th Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap (gr. I)
3rd Pan American Stakes (gr. III)
1st Mac Diarmida Stakes (gr. II)
Age 3
1st William L. McKnight Handicap (gr. II)
2nd Breeders' Cup Marathon (gr. III) (disqualified and placed 10th)
1st Jamaica Handicap (gr. I)
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
3rd Allowance
5th Northern Dancer Stakes (gr. III)
2nd Allowance
5th Coolmore Lexington Stakes (gr. II)
8th Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II)
2nd Allowance
9th Allowance
Age 2
1st Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Prince Will I Am in the past, click here.
Trainer: Michelle Nihei
Breeder: Roxanne Martin Stable Inc. and Anzac LLC
Expected Jockey: Unknown
RACE RECORD
Age 5
6th Bernard Baruch Handicap (gr. II)
Age 4
9th Woodford Reserve Manhattan Handicap (gr. I)
3rd Pan American Stakes (gr. III)
1st Mac Diarmida Stakes (gr. II)
Age 3
1st William L. McKnight Handicap (gr. II)
2nd Breeders' Cup Marathon (gr. III) (disqualified and placed 10th)
1st Jamaica Handicap (gr. I)
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
3rd Allowance
5th Northern Dancer Stakes (gr. III)
2nd Allowance
5th Coolmore Lexington Stakes (gr. II)
8th Fasig-Tipton Fountain of Youth Stakes (gr. II)
2nd Allowance
9th Allowance
Age 2
1st Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
| Crytopclearance | ||
| Victory Gallop | ||
| Victorious Lil | ||
| Prince Will I Am | ||
| Dynaformer | ||
| Dyna's Dynamo | ||
| Dynawite |
To read what I have written about Prince Will I Am in the past, click here.
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Contender Profile: POINT OF ENTRY
Owner: Phipps Stable
Trainer: Claude R. McGaughey III
Breeder: Phipps Stable
Expected Jockey: John Velazquez
RACE RECORD
Age 4
1st Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes (gr. I)
1st Man o' War Stakes (gr. I)
1st Elkhorn Stakes (gr. II)
1st Allowance
4th Allowance Optional Claiming
Age 3
1st Allowance
3rd Allowance Optional Claiming
4th Curlin Stakes
2nd Allowance Optional Claiming
1st Maiden Special Weight
4th Maiden Special Weight
2nd Maiden Special Weight
4th Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
Unraced
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Point of Entry in the past, click here.
Trainer: Claude R. McGaughey III
Breeder: Phipps Stable
Expected Jockey: John Velazquez
RACE RECORD
Age 4
1st Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes (gr. I)
1st Man o' War Stakes (gr. I)
1st Elkhorn Stakes (gr. II)
1st Allowance
4th Allowance Optional Claiming
Age 3
1st Allowance
3rd Allowance Optional Claiming
4th Curlin Stakes
2nd Allowance Optional Claiming
1st Maiden Special Weight
4th Maiden Special Weight
2nd Maiden Special Weight
4th Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
Unraced
PEDIGREE
| Roberto | ||
| Dynaformer | ||
| Andover Way | ||
| Point of Entry | ||
| Seeking the Gold | ||
| Matlacha Pass | ||
| Our Country Place |
To read what I have written about Point of Entry in the past, click here.
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational: LITTLE MIKE
Owner: Priscilla Vaccarezza
Trainer: Dale Romans
Breeder: Carlo E. Vaccarezza
Expected Jockey: Ramon Dominguez
RACE RECORD
Age 5
1st Arlington Million Stakes (gr. I)
3rd Shoemaker Mile Stakes (gr. I)
1st Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Stakes (gr. I)
4th Canadian Turf Stakes (gr. III)
1st Florida Sunshine Millions Classic Stakes
Age 4
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
1st Emirates Airlines Appleton Stakes (gr. III)
1st Canadian Turf Stakes (gr. III)
6th Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap (gr. I)
1st Ft. Lauderdale Stakes (gr. III)
Age 3
1st Allowance
2nd Monarch's Maze Stakes
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
1st Allowance
1st Maiden Special Weight
4th Maiden Special Weight
8th Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
8th Florida Stallion Dr. Fager Stakes
2nd Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Little Mike in the past, click here.
Trainer: Dale Romans
Breeder: Carlo E. Vaccarezza
Expected Jockey: Ramon Dominguez
RACE RECORD
Age 5
1st Arlington Million Stakes (gr. I)
3rd Shoemaker Mile Stakes (gr. I)
1st Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Stakes (gr. I)
4th Canadian Turf Stakes (gr. III)
1st Florida Sunshine Millions Classic Stakes
Age 4
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
1st Emirates Airlines Appleton Stakes (gr. III)
1st Canadian Turf Stakes (gr. III)
6th Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap (gr. I)
1st Ft. Lauderdale Stakes (gr. III)
Age 3
1st Allowance
2nd Monarch's Maze Stakes
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
1st Allowance
1st Maiden Special Weight
4th Maiden Special Weight
8th Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
8th Florida Stallion Dr. Fager Stakes
2nd Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
| Unbridled | ||
| Spanish Steps | ||
| Trolley Song | ||
| Little Mike | ||
| Wavering Monarch | ||
| Hay Jude | ||
| Double Norm |
To read what I have written about Little Mike in the past, click here.
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Contender Profile: FINNEGANS WAKE
Owner: Donegal Racing
Trainer: Dale Romans
Breeder: Jerry Crawford
Expected Jockey: Unknown
RACE RECORD
Age 3
2nd Secretariat Stakes (gr. I)
3rd Virginia Derby (gr. II)
1st Allowance
4th American Turf Stakes (gr. II)
10th Louisiana Derby (gr. II)
3rd Gotham Stakes (gr. III)
4th Allowance Optional Claiming
1st Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
8th Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Finnegans Wake in the past, click here.
Trainer: Dale Romans
Breeder: Jerry Crawford
Expected Jockey: Unknown
RACE RECORD
Age 3
2nd Secretariat Stakes (gr. I)
3rd Virginia Derby (gr. II)
1st Allowance
4th American Turf Stakes (gr. II)
10th Louisiana Derby (gr. II)
3rd Gotham Stakes (gr. III)
4th Allowance Optional Claiming
1st Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
8th Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
| Sadler's Wells | ||
| Powerscourt | ||
| Rainbow Lake | ||
| Finnegans Wake | ||
| Silver Ghost | ||
| Boat's Ghost | ||
| Rocktheboat |
To read what I have written about Finnegans Wake in the past, click here.
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Contender Profile: CENTER DIVIDER
Owner: Amerman Racing LLC.
Trainer: Chad Brown
Breeder: Jon Kelly and Sarah Kelly
Expected Jockey: Unknown
RACE RECORD
Age 5
7th Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes (gr. I)
2nd Man o' War Stakes (gr. I)
8th Elkhorn Stakes (gr. II)
3rd Allowance
4th Mac Diarmida Stakes (gr. II)
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
Age 4
4th W. L. McKnight Handicap (gr. II)
3rd Sycamore Stakes (gr. III)
2nd Bowling Green Handicap (gr. II)
2nd John's Call Stakes
4th Dominion Day Stakes (gr. III)
1st Allowance
2nd Allowance Optional Claiming
Age 3
3rd Allowance Optional Claiming
4th Jamaica Handicap (gr. I)
1st Allowance
7th Palm Beach Stakes (gr. III)
1st Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
2nd Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Center Divider in the past, click here.
Trainer: Chad Brown
Breeder: Jon Kelly and Sarah Kelly
Expected Jockey: Unknown
RACE RECORD
Age 5
7th Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes (gr. I)
2nd Man o' War Stakes (gr. I)
8th Elkhorn Stakes (gr. II)
3rd Allowance
4th Mac Diarmida Stakes (gr. II)
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
Age 4
4th W. L. McKnight Handicap (gr. II)
3rd Sycamore Stakes (gr. III)
2nd Bowling Green Handicap (gr. II)
2nd John's Call Stakes
4th Dominion Day Stakes (gr. III)
1st Allowance
2nd Allowance Optional Claiming
Age 3
3rd Allowance Optional Claiming
4th Jamaica Handicap (gr. I)
1st Allowance
7th Palm Beach Stakes (gr. III)
1st Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
2nd Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
| Storm Cat | ||
| Giant's Causeway | ||
| Mariah's Storm | ||
| Center Divider | ||
| Lomitas | ||
| Meridiana | ||
| Monbijou |
To read what I have written about Center Divider in the past, click here.
Jockey Club Gold Cup Contender Profile: SAN PABLO
Owner: Burning Sands Stable LLC
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Breeder: Dan Bearden
Expected Jockey: Javier Castellano
RACE RECORD
Age 4
1st Philip H. Iselin Stakes (gr. III)
1st Birdstone Stakes
4th Monmouth Cup Stakes (gr. II)
2nd Excelsior Stakes (gr. III)
2nd As Indicated Stakes
1st Shots Are Ringing Stakes
Age 3
1st Flying Chevron Stakes
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
3rd Chief Tamanaco Stakes
1st Allowance
1st Maiden Special Weight
2nd Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
Unraced
PEDIGREE
| A.P. Indy | ||
| Jump Start | ||
| Steady Cat | ||
| San Pablo | ||
| Silver Ghost | ||
| Hunt's Corner | ||
| Treacherous Twist |
To read what I have written about San Pablo in the past, click here.
Jockey Club Gold Cup Contender Profile: RULER ON ICE
Owner: George and Lori Hall
Trainer: Kelly J. Breen
Breeder: Liberation Farm and Brandywine Farm
Expected Jockey: Alan Garcia
RACE RECORD
Age 4
2nd Allowance Optional Claiming
7th Allowance Optional Claiming
8th Donn Handicap (gr. I)
Age 3
5th Clark Handicap (gr. I)
3rd Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I)
2nd Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II)
4th Travers Stakes (gr. I)
3rd Haskell Invitational Stakes (gr. I)
1st Belmont Stakes (gr. I)
2nd Federico Tesio Stakes
3rd Sunland Derby (gr. III)
1st Allowance
2nd Allowance Optional Claiming
Age 2
1st Maiden Special Weight
5th Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
| Fusaichi Pegasus | ||
| Roman Ruler | ||
| Silvery Swan | ||
| Ruler On Ice | ||
| Saratoga Six | ||
| Champagne Glow | ||
| Champagne Ginny |
To read what I have written about Ruler On Ice in the past, click here.
Jockey Club Gold Cup Contender Profile: RON THE GREEK
Owner: Brous Stable, Wachtel Stable, and Jack T. Hammer
Trainer: Bill Mott
Breeder: Jack T. Hammer
Expected Jockey: Jose Lezcano
RACE RECORD
Age 5
2nd Whitney Invitational Handicap (gr. I)
1st Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I)
2nd Oaklawn Handicap (gr. II)
1st Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I)
2nd Florida Sunshine Millions Classic Stakes
Age 4
1st Queens County Stakes
1st Sunny and Mild Stakes
2nd Allowance Optional Claiming
4th Allowance Optional Claiming
3rd Three Coins Up Stakes
4th Allowance Optional Claiming
4th Skip Away Stakes
6th Donn Handicap (gr. I)
2nd Allowance Optional Claiming
Age 3
6th Louisiana Derby (gr. II)
6th Risen Star Stakes (gr. II)
1st LeComte Stakes (gr. III)
Age 2
4th Springboard Mile Stakes
1st Allowance
1st Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Ron the Greek in the past, click here.
Trainer: Bill Mott
Breeder: Jack T. Hammer
Expected Jockey: Jose Lezcano
RACE RECORD
Age 5
2nd Whitney Invitational Handicap (gr. I)
1st Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I)
2nd Oaklawn Handicap (gr. II)
1st Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I)
2nd Florida Sunshine Millions Classic Stakes
Age 4
1st Queens County Stakes
1st Sunny and Mild Stakes
2nd Allowance Optional Claiming
4th Allowance Optional Claiming
3rd Three Coins Up Stakes
4th Allowance Optional Claiming
4th Skip Away Stakes
6th Donn Handicap (gr. I)
2nd Allowance Optional Claiming
Age 3
6th Louisiana Derby (gr. II)
6th Risen Star Stakes (gr. II)
1st LeComte Stakes (gr. III)
Age 2
4th Springboard Mile Stakes
1st Allowance
1st Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
| A.P. Indy | ||
| Full Mandate | ||
| Clear Mandate | ||
| Ron the Greek | ||
| Fortunate Prospect | ||
| Flambe' | ||
| Flambeau |
To read what I have written about Ron the Greek in the past, click here.
Jockey Club Gold Cup Contender Profile: HYMN BOOK
Owner: Stuart S. Janney III
Trainer: Claude R. McGaughey III
Breeder: Stuart S. Janney III
Jockey: John Velazquez
RACE RECORD
Age 6
4th Whitney Invitational Handicap (gr. I)
2nd Suburban Handicap (gr. II)
5th Pimlico Special Stakes (gr. III)
4th Oaklawn Handicap (gr. II)
1st Donn Handicap (gr. I)
Age 5
2nd Cigar Mile Handicap (gr. I)
1st Firethorn Stakes
6th Bernard Baruch Handicap (gr. II)
2nd Suburban Handicap (gr. II)
1st Three Coins Up Stakes
2nd Allowance
Age 4
3rd Allowance Optional Claiming
2nd Allowance
1st Allowance
Age 3
1st Allowance
1st Starter Allowance
1st Maiden Claiming
6th Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
Unraced
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Hymn Book in the past, click here.
Trainer: Claude R. McGaughey III
Breeder: Stuart S. Janney III
Jockey: John Velazquez
RACE RECORD
Age 6
4th Whitney Invitational Handicap (gr. I)
2nd Suburban Handicap (gr. II)
5th Pimlico Special Stakes (gr. III)
4th Oaklawn Handicap (gr. II)
1st Donn Handicap (gr. I)
Age 5
2nd Cigar Mile Handicap (gr. I)
1st Firethorn Stakes
6th Bernard Baruch Handicap (gr. II)
2nd Suburban Handicap (gr. II)
1st Three Coins Up Stakes
2nd Allowance
Age 4
3rd Allowance Optional Claiming
2nd Allowance
1st Allowance
Age 3
1st Allowance
1st Starter Allowance
1st Maiden Claiming
6th Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
Unraced
PEDIGREE
| Kris S | ||
| Arch | ||
| Aurora | ||
| Hymn Book | ||
| Known Fact | ||
| Vespers | ||
| Sunset Service |
To read what I have written about Hymn Book in the past, click here.
Jockey Club Gold Cup Contender Profile: FLAT OUT
Owner: Preston Stables LLC
Trainer: Bill Mott
Breeder: Nikolaus Bock
Expected Jockey: Unknown
RACE RECORD
Age 6
3rd Whitney Invitational Handicap (gr. I)
2nd Monmouth Cup Stakes (gr. II)
5th Donn Handicap (gr. I)
12th Ft. Lauderdale Stakes (gr. III)
Age 5
3rd Clark Handicap (gr. I)
5th Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I)
1st Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I)
2nd Woodward Stakes (gr. I)
2nd Whitney Invitational Stakes (gr. I)
1st Suburban Handicap (gr. II)
6th Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I)
2nd Lone Star Handicap (gr. III)
Age 4
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
Age 3
6th Arkansas Derby (gr. II)
4th Southwest Stakes (gr. III)
1st Smarty Jones Stakes
Age 2
1st Maiden Special Weight
6th Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
| A.P. Indy | ||
| Flatter | ||
| Praise | ||
| Flat Out | ||
| Cresta Rider | ||
| Cresta Lil | ||
| Rugosa |
To read what I have written about Flat Out in the past, click here.
Jockey Club Gold Cup Contender Profile: FORT LARNED
Owner: Janis R. Whitham
Trainer: Ian Wilkes
Breeder: Janis R. Whitham
Expected Jockey: Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
RACE RECORD
Age 4
1st Whitney Invitational Handicap (gr. I)
1st Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap (gr. III)
8th Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I)
2nd Alysheba Stakes (gr. III)
1st Skip Away Stakes (gr. III)
1st Challenger Stakes
4th Handicap
Age 3
1st Allowance
10th Allowance
9th Allowance
1st Allowance
8th Arlington Classic Stakes
7th Allowance
2nd Allowance Optional Claiming
5th Allowance
1st Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
4th Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Fort Larned in the past, click here.
Trainer: Ian Wilkes
Breeder: Janis R. Whitham
Expected Jockey: Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
RACE RECORD
Age 4
1st Whitney Invitational Handicap (gr. I)
1st Prairie Meadows Cornhusker Handicap (gr. III)
8th Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I)
2nd Alysheba Stakes (gr. III)
1st Skip Away Stakes (gr. III)
1st Challenger Stakes
4th Handicap
Age 3
1st Allowance
10th Allowance
9th Allowance
1st Allowance
8th Arlington Classic Stakes
7th Allowance
2nd Allowance Optional Claiming
5th Allowance
1st Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
4th Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
| Mr. Prospector | ||
| E Dubai | ||
| Words of War | ||
| Fort Larned | ||
| Broad Brush | ||
| Arlucea | ||
| Bayakoa |
To read what I have written about Fort Larned in the past, click here.
Jockey Club Gold Cup Contender Profile: FAST FALCON
Owner: Richard C. Pell
Trainer: Nick Zito
Breeder: B. P. Walden Jr. and H. G. King III
Expected Jockey: Corey Nakatani
RACE RECORD
Age 3
3rd Travers Stakes (gr. I)
7th Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II)
2nd Dwyer Stakes (gr. II)
2nd Easy Goer Stakes
1st Maiden Special Weight
6th Maiden Special Weight
7th Maiden Special Weight
Age 2
Unraced
PEDIGREE
| Deputy Minister | ||
| Awesome Again | ||
| Primal Force | ||
| Fast Falcon | ||
| Pleasant Tap | ||
| My Chickadee | ||
| Slew City Slicker |
To read what I have written about Fast Falcon in the past, click here.
Jockey Club Gold Cup Contender Profile: ATIGUN
Owner: Shortleaf Stable, Inc.
Trainer: Kenneth McPeek
Breeder: Brereton C. Jones
Expected Jockey: Mike Smith
RACE RECORD
Age 3
4th Travers Stakes (gr. I)
6th Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II)
3rd Belmont Stakes (gr. I)
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
5th Arkansas Derby (gr. I)
11th Rebel Stakes (gr. II)
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
Age 2
5th Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (gr. II)
1st Maiden Special Weight
2nd Maiden Special Weight
4th Maiden Special Weight
9th Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
To read what I have written about Atigun in the past, click here.
Trainer: Kenneth McPeek
Breeder: Brereton C. Jones
Expected Jockey: Mike Smith
RACE RECORD
Age 3
4th Travers Stakes (gr. I)
6th Jim Dandy Stakes (gr. II)
3rd Belmont Stakes (gr. I)
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
5th Arkansas Derby (gr. I)
11th Rebel Stakes (gr. II)
1st Allowance Optional Claiming
Age 2
5th Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (gr. II)
1st Maiden Special Weight
2nd Maiden Special Weight
4th Maiden Special Weight
9th Maiden Special Weight
PEDIGREE
| Gone West | ||
| Istan | ||
| Ronda | ||
| Alpha | ||
| Dynaformer | ||
| Rimini Road | ||
| Evangelical |
To read what I have written about Atigun in the past, click here.
Monday, September 24, 2012
BREEDERS' CUP RANKINGS -- September 24th, 2012
(Horses may appear on more than one list.)
CLASSIC
1 Ron the Greek
2 Game On Dude
3 To Honor and Serve
4 Fort Larned
5 Mucho Macho Man
TURF
1 Snow Fairy
2 Acclamation
3 St. Nicholas Abbey
4 Point of Entry
5 Dullahan
MILE
1 Wise Dan
2 Moonlight Cloud
3 Obviously
4 Mr. Commons
5 Suggestive Boy
SPRINT
1 Amazombie
2 Capital Account
3 Emcee
4 Camp Victory
5 Trinniberg
LADIES' CLASSIC
1 Royal Delta
2 Questing
3 My Miss Aurelia
4 Include Me Out
5 It's Tricky
FILLY AND MARE TURF
1 Snow Fairy
2 Nahrain
3 Zagora
4 Stephanie's Kitten
5 Lady of Shamrock
DIRT MILE
1 Coil
2 Shackleford
3 John Scott
4 Tapizar
5 Jersey Town
FILLY AND MARE SPRINT
1 Groupie Doll
2 Winding Way
3 Reneesgotzip
4 Dust and Diamonds
5 Turbulent Descent
TURF SPRINT
1 Shrug
2 California Flag
3 Ben's Cat
4 Chamberlain Bridge
5 Bridgetown
MARATHON
1 Jakkalberry
2 Birdrun
3 Not Abroad
4 Dynamic Host
5 Ruler On Ice
JUVENILE
1 Know More
2 Shanghai Bobby
3 Fortify
4 Archwarrior
5 Goldencents
JUVENILE TURF
1 First Cornerstone
2 Dry Summer
3 Balance the Books
4 Sonofasamurai
5 I'm Boundtoscore
JUVENILE FILLIES
1 Executiveprivilege
2 Dreaming of Julia
3 Kauia Katie
4 So Many Ways
5 Beholder
JUVENILE FILLIES TURF
1 Spring Venture
2 Watsdachances
3 Spring in the Air
4 Broken Spell
5 Always Kitten
JUVENILE SPRINT
1 Goldencents
2 Shanghai Bobby
3 Bern Identity
4 Carried Interest
5 Jocosity
-Keelerman
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