Breeders' Cup Workout Report -- October 30th/31st, 2012

At Betfair Hollywood Park . . .

As is to be expected, the activity during morning hours at Hollywood Park has calmed down a bit, with the Breeders' Cup just a couple of days away and the majority of the horses having already arrived at Santa Anita. But there were a pair of workers during this two day period, the most impressive being Trailblazer. The Japanese-bred Breeders' Cup Turf candidate flew through five furlongs in a bullet 1:00.40 on October 30th, signaling his readiness to take on Point of Entry, St Nicholas Abbey, and Shareta in one of the deepest races on the card.

The other morning worker was Rail Trip, pointing toward a start in the Dirt Mile. The Ron Ellis-trainee went an easy half-mile in :48.40 on October 31st, a simple maintenance work that should set him up well for his impending battle with Emcee, Shackleford, and Jersey Town.

At Santa Anita Park . . .

Over the last couple of days, a quartet of Breeders' Cup contenders wrapped up their final serious training, by far the most impressive being Classic candidate Nonios. The twice grade I-placed three-year-old colt traversed a half-mile in a bullet :46.40 on October 30th, the bullet of the morning by three-fifths of a second. Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, the powerful son of 2003 Classic winner Pleasantly Perfect looms as an intriguing longshot on Saturday, where he will likely be more than 20-1 against a very strong field.

Blowing out three-eighths of a mile on October 30th were the two-year-old fillies Beholder and Moulin de Mougin. The first-mentioned filly, who drew the rail in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, got the distance in :39.60, while the latter -- an also-eligible in the Juvenile Fillies Turf Sprint -- stopped the timer in :39.20. Both are trained by Richard Mandella.

The last worker of note was Sprint contender Jimmy Creed, most recently third in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship Stakes (gr. I). Another Mandella-trainee, the son of Distorted Humor clocked three-eighths in a brilliant :35 flat on October 31st, stamping himself as a very serious win contender in the Sprint.

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Workout Report -- October 29th, 2012

At Betfair Hollywood Park . . .

Only two contenders were out for morning training, both from the barn of Ron Ellis. The quickest was Teddy's Promise, winner of the La Brea Stakes (gr. I) last December. Entered in the Filly and Mare Sprint, the four-year-old daughter of Salt Lake went a half-mile in :48.80 in preparation for a start in the Filly and Mare Sprint.

The other morning worker was Include Me Out, winner of four graded stakes events this year, including two grade Is. Pointing toward a start in the Ladies' Classic, the daughter of Include clocked a half-mile in :49.40.

At Santa Anita Park . . .

Calidoscopio - Marathon contender went five-eighths in a moderate 1:01 flat, which was interesting because he blew out three-eighths of a mile yesterday morning. It seemed to be nothing more than an average maintenance work.

Dust and Diamonds - Gallant Blom Handicap (gr. II) winner was one of five Steve Asmussen-trained Breeders' Cup contenders to work a half-mile this morning. Her time was a moderate :49.40, which was pretty much exactly what the rest of the Asmussen-trainees were asked to do.

Great Mills - Coming off of a runner-up effort in the Woodford Stakes (gr. II) at Keeneland, this Turf Sprint contender went a half-mile in :48.40 for Asmussen.

Groupie Doll - Two-time grade I winner and Filly and Mare Sprint favorite looked simply spectacular while blowing out three furlongs in a bullet :34.40. Clearly, the William Bradley-trainee is coming into the Breeders' Cup as good or better as she's ever been, and beating her may be next to impossible.

Handsome Mike - Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) winner breezed three-eighths of a mile, but determining how quick he went is difficult. According to Equibase, he stopped the clock in :34.40, the same brilliant time as Groupie Doll. But according, to DRF.com, his time was a much slower :37-and-change. Hard to say what to make of this conflicting information.

Jaycito - Marathon contender actually ran in a race on October 21st, so it's not surprising that his final pre-Breeders' Cup work would be a moderate five furlongs in 1:02.40. Can't knock his pedigree, for it certainly appears strong enough to carry him fourteen furlongs, but he is a bit inconsistent and has never won on dirt.

Justin Phillip - Grade I-placed sprinter breezed a half-mile in :48.40 for Asmussen.

Nancy O - Natalma Stakes (gr. II) third-place finisher traversed a half-mile on the dirt training track in a slow :52.40; however, a time like that is normal for her.

Tapizar - Three-time stakes winner, coming off of a sub-par effort in the Kelso Handicap (gr. II), worked a half-mile in :48.80 for Asmussen. Fifth in last year's Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, he will look to improve upon that performance on Saturday.

Unbridled's Note - Asmussen-trained Eddie D Stakes (gr. III) winner, pointing toward a start in the Turf Sprint, breezed four furlongs in :48.80.

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic Post Positions

1 Grace Hall/Javier Castellano
2 My Miss Aurelia/Corey Nakatani
3 Class Included/Russell Baze
4 Questing/Irad Ortiz, Jr.
5 Awesome Feather/Jeffrey Sanchez
6 Royal Delta/Mike Smith
7 Include Me Out/Joe Talamo
8 Love and Pride/John Velazquez

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Classic Post Positions

Date: November 3rd, 2012
Track: Santa Anita Park
Distance: 1 1/4 miles
Purse: $5,000,000
For three-year-olds and upward

Post	Horse	Owner	Trainer	Odds
1	Pool Play	William S. Farish Jr.	Mark Casse	30-1
2	Flat Out	Preston Stable	Bill Mott	5-1
3	Alpha	Godolphin Racing, LLC	Kiaran McLaughlin	20-1
4	Fort Larned	Janis Whitham	Ian Wilkes	5-1
5	Game On Dude	Diamond Pride LLC, Lanni Family Trust, Mercedes Stables LLC, Bernard Schiappa	Bob Baffert	9-5
6	Brilliant Speed	Live Oak Plantation	Thomas Albertrani	20-1
7	Handsome Mike	Reddam Racing, LLC	Doug O'Neill	30-1
8	Nonios	Green B. Smith Jr.	Jerry Hollendorfer	20-1
9	Richard's Kid	Triple B Farms, Westside Rentalscom, Dave Kenny, Steve Keh, and Danny Kramer	Doug O'Neill	12-1
10	Ron the Greek	Brous Stabe, Wachtel Stable, and Jack Hammer	Bill Mott	6-1
11	Mucho Macho Man	Reeves Thoroughbred Racing	Kathy Ritvo	8-1
12	To Honor and Serve	Live Oak Plantation	Bill Mott	8-1

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Marathon Post Positions

1 Atigun/Mike Smith
2 Fame and Glory/Jamie Spencer
3 Balladry/James Graham
4 Grassy/Garrett Gomez
5 Jaycito/Joe Talamo
6 Calidoscopio/Aaron Gryder
7 Not Abroad/Nick Petro
8 Romp/Joel Rosario
9 Almudena/Jose Valdivia, Jr.
10 Eldaafer/Carlos Santana, Jr.
11 Commander/Mario Gutierrez
12 Worth Repeating/Martin Pedroza
13 Sense of Purpose/Pat Smullen
14 Juniper Pass/Frankie Dettori

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Post Positions

Horse/Jockey
1 Beholder/Garrett Gomez
2 Executiveprivilege/Rafael Bejarano
3 Spring in the Air/Patrick Husbands
4 Renee's Queen/Corey Nakatani
5 Dreaming of Julia/John Velazquez
6 Almost an Angel/Joel Rosario
7 Broken SpellRajiv Maragh
8 Kauai Katie/Rosie Napravnik

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Mile Post Positions

Horse/Jockey
1 Mr. Commons/Brice Blanc
2 Wise Dan/John Velazquez
3 Obviously/Joe Talamo
4 Jeranimo/Garrett Gomez
5 Animal Kingdom/Rafael Bejarano
6 Excelebration/Joseph O'Brien
7 Willcox Inn/James Graham
8 Suggestive Boy/Mike Smith
9 Moonlight Cloud/Thierry Jarnet

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Sprint Post Positions

Horse/Jockey
1 Sum of the Parts/Julien Leparoux
2 Jimmy Creed/Garrett Gomez
3 Gantry/Javier Castellano
4 Coil/Martin Garcia
5 Justin Phillip/Rafael Bejarano
6 Fast Bullet/Joe Talamo
7 The Lumber Guy/John Velazquez
8 Capital Account/David Flores
9 Trinniberg/Willie Martinez
10 Smiling Tiger/Ramon Dominguez
11 Amazombie/Mike Smith
12 Hamazing Destiny/Joel Rosario
13 Poseidon's Warrior/Irad Ortiz, Jr.
14 Boxeur des Rues/Mario Gutierrez

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Turf Post Positions

1 Point of Entry/John Velazquez
2 Turbo Compressor/Joe Bravo
3 St Nicholas Abbey/Joseph O'Brien
4 Treasure Beach/Jamie Spencer
5 Shareta/Christophe Lemaire
6 Cogito/Frankie Dettori
7 Little Mike/Ramon Dominguez
8 Kindergarden Kid/Julien Leparoux
9 Dullahan/Joel Rosario
10 Optimizer/Jon Court
11 Slim Shadey/Garrett Gomez
12 Trailblazer/Yutaka Take

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Post Positions

1 Title Contender
2 Speak Logistics
3 He's Had Enough
4 Shanghai Bobby
5 Monument
6 Dynamic Sky
7 Capo Bastone
8 Fortify
9 Power Broker

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint Post Positions

1 California Flag
2 Camp Victory
3 Great Mills
4 Tale of a Champion
5 Next Question
6 Upgrade
7 Reneesgotzip
8 Great Attack
9 Bridgetown
10 Corporate Jungle
11 Mizdirection
12 Chosen Miracle
13 Unbridled's Note
14 Starspangledbanner
Also Eligibles:
15 Global Power
16 Starspangled Heat

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile Post Positions

1 Rail Trip
2 Delegation
3 Jersey Town
4 John Scott
5 Fed Biz
6 Shackleford
7 Emcee
8 Tapizar
9 Second City

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint Post Positions

1 Teddy's Promise
2 Belle of the Hall
3 Dust and Diamonds
4 Strike the Moon
5 Rumor
6 Turbulent Descent
7 Great Hot
8 Musical Romance
9 Groupie Doll
10 Switch

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Post Positions

1 Summit County
2 Artigiano
3 George Vancouver
4 Gervinho
5 Fantastic Moon
6 Dundonnell
7 Brown Almighty
8 Balance the Books

9 Noble tune
10 Joha

11 Dry Summer
12 I'm Boundtoscore
13 Know More
14 Lines of Battle
Also Eligible
15 Rising Legend

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint Post Positions

1 Hightail
2 Ceiling Kitty
3 Merit Man
4 South Floyd
5 Super Ninety Nine
6 Hazardous
7 Sweet Shirley Mae

Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf Post Positions

1 Star Billing

2 Zagora

3 Stormy Lucy

4 The Fugue

5 Nereid

6 Lady of Shamrock

7 Up

8 Nahrain

9 Marketing Mix

10 Ridasiyna

11 I'm A Dreamer

12 In Lingerie

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf Post Positions

1 Kitten's Point/Rafael Bejarano

2 Summer of Fun/Ramon Dominguez

3 Sky Lantern/Richard Hughes

4 Flotilla/Christophe Lemaire

5 Spring Venture/Patrick Husbands

6 Watsdachances/Javier Castellano

7 Oscar Party/Kent Desormeaux

8 Tara From the Cape/John Velazquez

9 Nancy O/David Moran

10 Waterway Run/Frankie Dettori

11 Moonwalk/Corey Lanarie

12 The Gold Cheongsam/William Buick

13 Flashy Ways/Joe Talamo

14 Sustained/Joel Rosario

Also Eligibles

15 Infanta Branca/Ryan Moore

16 Moulin de Mougin/Corey Nakatani

-Keelerman

Beholder will run in Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, not Juvenile Sprint

The decision was made on Monday morning that promising allowance winner Beholder, a two-year-old filly trained by Gary Mandella, will run in the $2,000,000 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (gr. I) rather than the $500,000 Juvenile Sprint.

Owned by Spendthrift Farm, the daughter of Henny Hughes had placed second in the Del Mar Debutante (gr. I) behind expected Juvenile Fillies favorite Executiveprivilege before scoring an eleven-length victory in a six-furlong allowance race at Santa Anita Park, earning a massive Beyer speed figure of 108 in the process. Pre-entered in both the Juvenile Sprint and the Juvenile Fillies, she was expected to contest the Juvenile Sprint due to her lack of experience at the 1 1/16th miles distance of the Juvenile Fillies. However, a last-minute change of plans will instead see her square off against Executiveprivilege once again.

The Juveniles Fillies is expected to draw a field of eight, namely, Almost an Angel, Beholder, Broken Spell, Dreaming of Julia, Executiveprivilege, Kauai Katie, Renee's Queen, and Spring in the Air.

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Workout Report -- October 28th, 2012

With just four days remaining until the Breeders' Cup begins, final workouts were being turned in left and right across the country, with the majority coming at Santa Anita and Belmont Park. But it's possible that no horse was more impressive than Breeders' Cup Classic favorite Game On Dude, who looked spectacular breezing seven furlongs in 1:25 flat.

At Belmont Park . . .

With Hurricane Sandy approaching, the morning's Breeders' Cup candidates were out early in the morning to try and wrap up their training the impending rain struck. The busy morning included . . .

Awesome Feather - The unbeaten Ladies' Classic contender worked a moderate half-mile in :48.50, which was really nothing more than a maintenance breeze following her sharp six-furlong work one week ago.
Balance the Books - Chad Brown-trainee breezed in company with stablemate and fellow Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf contender Noble Tune, with both colts stopping the timer in 1:13.99 for six furlongs on turf. Both seem to be training well, so determining which one will beat the other in the Breeders' Cup looms as a nearly impossible task.
Corporate Jungle - Breezing in company with Hyper, this Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint contender went five-eighths in 1:01.20 over the turf course, which was actually the fastest such breeze of the morning by close to four-fifths of a second.
Flat Out - Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I) winner kept all of his shoes on today -- he lost one during last week's breeze -- and clocked a half-mile in :48.01 seconds.
Jersey Town - Coming off of a spectacular :58.62 breeze on October 23rd, it came as no surprise that Jersey Town's final piece of pre-Breeders' Cup work was a much more moderate five furlongs in 1:04.08.
Point of Entry - Likely Breeders' Cup Turf favorite breezed in company with grade II stakes winner Boisterous and could not have been more impressive, going a half-mile in a bullet :47.64.
Ron the Greek - Two-time grade I winner blazed a half-mile over the training track in :47.83 seconds, the fastest of eighty-eight such morning works. It was a beautiful way to conclude his pre-Breeders' Cup training, and the five-year-old colt looms as one of the horses to beat in the Classic.
Royal Delta - Last year's Eclipse champion three-year-old filly went a half-mile in :48.96, which was all she really needed to do following her bullet five-eighths work last week. Pre-entered in both the Classic and the Ladies' Classic, no decision has been made yet regarding which race she will run in.
To Honor and Serve - Could not have gone much better, as his time of :47.72 for a half-mile was the second-fastest of fifty-two such morning works. Coming off of a dismal performance in the Kelso Handicap (gr. II), it's nice to see that he's training so well.
Watsdachances - Miss Grillo Stakes (gr. III) winner went a half-mile in company with grade I winner and fellow Breeders' Cup contender Zagora, getting the better of her older rival by a narrow margin at the finish -- her time of :49.76 seconds was one-hundredth of a second faster than Zagora's :49.77. Trained by Chad Brown, she is clearly coming up to the race in good form and looms as one of the fillies to beat.
Zagora - As outlined above, she went a half-mile in company with Watsdachances and was outworked by a narrow margin. Nevertheless, she seems to have maintained her form well since finishing second in the Flower Bowl Stakes (gr. I) and appears to be sitting on another good effort.

At Betfair Hollywood Park . . .

A trio of Breeders' Cup contenders were out for morning training, the most impressive being Breeders' Cup Mile contender Mr. Commons. Trained by John Shirreffs, the two-time grade II winner traversed six furlongs in a quick 1:12.60, his third consecutive bullet work since finishing third in the Arroyo Seco Mile Stakes (gr. II). Fifth in last year's Breeders Cup Mile, he appears ready to improve on that performance this time around.

Another Mile contender wrapping up his serious training was Jeranimo, winner of the Shoemaker Mile Stakes (gr. I) two starts back. Unraced since a third-place finish in the Del Mar Mile Handicap (gr. III) in late August, the Michael Pender-trainee breezed a half-mile in the sharp time of :47.20, the second-fastest of sixty-three such morning works.

Rounding out the trio was Marathon contender Balladry, most recently ninth and last in the Awesome Again Stakes (gr. I). His time of 1:03 flat for five furlongs was nothing more than a maintenance breeze following his strong one-mile work last week.

At Churchill Downs . . .

The only Breeders' Cup candidate on the work tab was Fort Larned, winner of the Whitney Handicap (gr. I) and a contender for the Breeders' Cup Classic. The Ian Wilkes-trainee breezed five furlongs in company with Indiana Derby (gr. II) winner Neck 'n Neck, getting the distance in a bullet 1:00.40. Overall, I would say that he is training better now than he was prior to his third-place finish in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I), meaning that he could be ready for a rebound in the Classic.

At Santa Anita Park . . .

It was another super-busy morning, with another nineteen contenders wrapping up their serious training. They were, in alphabetical order . . .

Almudena - Had the shortest work of the morning, blowing out three-eighths of a mile in a good :35.20 seconds. The South American-based mare is one of the more intriguing contenders in the Breeders' Cup Marathon, although it's quite difficult to say how she'll fare against the tough competition.
Bridgetown - Went a half-mile on the turf in company with stablemate Doubles Partner; both horses recording identical times of :46.80. For Bridgetown, it was a nice final prep for the Turf Sprint, where he will have to try and stretch his speed over 6-1/2 blazing furlongs.
California Flag - 2009 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint winner is now eight years old, but you wouldn't know it based on his recent training. The Brian Koriner-trained gelding breezed a half-mile on the turf course in a spectacular :46.20, this following five furlongs in :59.60 last week. He's facing a tough task, trying to win the Turf Sprint off of no starts since April, but he has run well off layoffs in the past, and he truly relishes the downhill turf course over which the Turf Sprint will be run.
Capital Account - The first of Bob Baffert's three Sprint contenders worked a half-mile in company with stablemate and fellow Sprint contender Coil, getting the distance in an easy :48.60. Coming off of a :46.80 work one week ago, today's breezed was nothing more than a maintenance work for the Pat O'Brien Stakes (gr. II) winner.
Class Included - Went a half-mile in :47 seconds flat and really couldn't have gone any better. The eight-time stakes-winning filly had been pre-entered in both the Ladies' Classic and the Filly and Mare Sprint, but following this impressive work, her connections announced that the Ladies' Classic would be her goal.
Coil - As describe above, he worked in company with Capital Account, recording the slightly faster time of 48.20 seconds. Coming off of an upset victory in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship Stakes (gr. I), he stands to earn himself an Eclipse award as the nation's finest male sprinter if he can add the Breeders' Cup Sprint to his record.
Contested - Baffert's two-time grade I winning filly traversed six furlongs in an exceptional 1:11.40, the fastest work of the morning at that distance by three-fifths of a second. Being unraced since late August, it's nice to see how sharply she is training, as she will need to be 100% in order to defeat the spectacular Groupie Doll in the Filly and Mare Sprint.
Doubles Partner - As outlined above, he breezed in company with stablemate Bridgetown and clocked a half-mile on turf in :46.80. He is facing the unenviable task of trying to beat Wise Dan, Excelebration, and Obviously in the Breeders' Cup Mile, but has shown enough talent in the past to suggest that he can be in the mix with the right kind of trip.
Fast Bullet - Baffert's third and final Breeders' Cup Sprint candidate clocked a half-mile in :48.20, but according to DRF.com, was very impressive doing it. The four-year-old colt has only raced twice, and has not run since last November, but the way he has trained over the last couple of weeks suggest that he could be a serious sleeper in the Sprint.
Fed Biz - Dirt Mile candidate went a half-mile in an easy :48 flat, but the clockers described the work as "breezing" -- which, in California, means that he was under practically no urging at all.
Game On Dude - Breeders' Cup Classic favorite could not have turned in a better work. Breezing in company with grade II stakes winner Blueskiesnrainbows, Game On Dude easily got the better of his workmate, clocking seven-eighths in a spectacular 1:25 while going quite easily. And, according to DRF.com, he galloped out a mile in 1:39-and-change.
Gantry - Smile Sprint Handicap (gr. II) winner breezed a very easy half-mile in :51.40. His training pattern has been a bit unusual -- this was only his third breeze since finishing second in the Temperence Hill Stakes on September 8th -- but perhaps this unorthodox approach is simply Gantry's style.
Juniper Pass - Marathon contender worked five-eighths in the good time of 1:00.60, a rather strong final breeze indeed. Seeing that he is proven at the fourteen-furlong distance of the Marathon, I find him a very intriguing contender in a wide-open race.
Monument - California Cup Juvenile Stakes winner went six furlongs in the good time of 1:13.20, one of the faster works of the morning. John Sadler-trainee is pointing toward a start in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, where his experience over the track may give him a bit of an edge over East coast-based contenders like Shanghai Bobby and Fortify.
My Miss Aurelia - Rolled through an easy half-mile in :48 flat, which was nothing more than a maintenance work following her impressive six-furlong breeze last week. Cotillion Stakes (gr. I) winner is facing a tough task in the Ladies' Classic, having to try and defeat the likes of Royal Delta, Awesome Feather, and Questing, but she seems to have taken her training to a whole new level during the last couple of weeks, and I think she's ready to turn in a really big performance.
Power Broker - Baffert's main contender for the Juvenile breezed in company with stablemate and fellow Juvenile entrant Title Contender, with both colts stopping the clock for five furlongs in the bullet time of :59 flat. This was a truly exceptional breeze, and seeing that it was his third straight spectacular work since winning the FrontRunner Stakes (gr. I), one has to think that this colt is sitting on another huge performance in the Breeders' Cup.
Slim Shadey - Breeders' Cup Turf contender breezed on the dirt, going five-eighths in 1:01.20. His connections have stated that they would like to send him to the lead in the Turf, but the presence of speedy front-runner Little Mike could make that more difficult.
Tale of a Champion - Kristin Mulhall-trainee galloped through a half-mile in :47 flat, and fine piece of work that should set him up well for the Turf Sprint.
Title Contender - As described above, he went in company with Power Broker and could not have been more impressive while clocking five-eighths in :59 flat. He's only got two starts under his belt, and he's never faced winners before, but he looms an intriguing contender in the Juvenile based off of his recent training.

-Keelerman

Dullahan, Little Mike will run in Breeders' Cup Turf

It was confirmed on Monday morning that Dullahan and Little Mike, a pair of grade I winners trained by Dale Romans, will run in the Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. I).

Both horses had been pre-entered in more than one Breeders' Cup race, with Dullahan in the Classic and Little Mike in the Mile, but after watching the duo train over the Santa Anita turf course, the decisions were made by the connections of both horses that running in the Turf made the most sense.

However, the decisions were surely not easy to make. Dullahan is a three-time grade I winner on Polytrack, but is 0-for-4 on turf and 0-for-6 on dirt -- meaning that neither the Classic nor the Turf were completely ideal. Little Mike is a two-time grade I winner on turf, but finished a poor fifth in his lone start at twelve furlongs, the distance of the Breeders' Cup Turf. However, shortening up to eight furlongs for the Mile doesn't really suit him either -- he does his best running when allowed to set a moderate pace, whereas the pace in the Mile is usually very quick.

The addition of Dullahan and Little Mike to the Breeders' Cup Turf adds additional depth to an already spectacular field, which also features last year's winner St Nicholas Abbey, three-time grade I winner Point of Entry, United Nations Stakes (gr. I) winner Turbo Compressor, and 2011 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (Fr-I) runner-up Shareta.

-Keelerman

Royal Delta will contest Ladies' Classic

Last year's Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic (gr. I) winner Royal Delta will aim for a repeat victory in that race on November 2nd at Santa Anita Park.

Coming off of a spectacular victory in the Beldame Invitational Stakes (gr. I), the four-year-old daughter of Empire Maker had been pre-entered in both the Ladies' Classic and the $5,000,000 Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I), the latter race being against males. However, after mulling over the decision for several days, the connections of Royal Delta announced that the Ladies' Classic would be her goal.

Trained by Bill Mott, Royal Delta will likely be favored in the Ladies' Classic, where she will face a pair of unbeaten Eclipse awards winners -- My Miss Aurelia and Awesome Feather -- in addition to grade I winners Questing, Include Me Out, My Miss Aurelia, and Grace Hall. Eight-time stakes winner Class Included completes the field.

-Keelerman

Nonios will run in Breeders' Cup Classic

It was confirmed this morning that the talented three-year-old colt Nonios will pass on a start in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (gr. I) at Santa Anita Park on November 3rd in favor of running in the more prestigious Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) later that day.

Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer and owned by Green B. Smith Jr., the son of Awesome Again has finished first or second in six of his eight starts, including a victory in the Affirmed Handicap (gr. III) and runner-up efforts in the Haskell Invitational (gr. I) and Awesome Again Stakes (gr. I).

On October 24th, he signaled his readiness for the Breeders' Cup by breezing five furlongs in a bullet :59.80. His defection from the Dirt Mile leaves a field of eight or nine likely for the race, led by grade I winners Emcee, Shackleford, Jersey Town, and Rail Trip.

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Workout Report -- October 28th, 2012

It was another super-busy morning across the country, with some fifty candidates turning in workouts across the country. So without further ado, let's take a look at what happened!

At Belmont Park . . .

Todd Pletcher had a very busy morning, sending out four contenders to complete their major training. That quartet was headlined by Shanghai Bobby and Dreaming of Julia, who breezed a half-mile in company with each other. Dreaming of Julia recorded the slightly faster time, stopping the timer in :49.10 versus Shanghai Bobby's :49.12. They are expected to vie for favoritism in their respective Breeders' Cup races.

Pletcher also sent out Filly and Mare Sprint contender Turbulent Descent to work a half in an easy :48.97 seconds. The four-time grade I winner is coming off of a sub-par finish in the Gallant Bloom Handicap (gr. II) at Belmont Park, but her subsequent training signals that she is ready to roll.

The undefeated Kauai Katie, who is pre-entered in both the Juvenile Sprint and the Juvenile Fillies, breezed five furlongs in 1:01.41 for Pletcher. As decision has still not been made regarding which race she will enter.

Other Breeders' Cup contenders on the Belmont work tab included Belle of the Hall (Filly and Mare Sprint, 4f in :49.08), Brilliant Speed (Classic, 4f in :49.01), Manuka Honey (Juvenile Fillies Turf, 4f in :49.12), Mucho Macho Man (Classic, 4f in :48.38), and The Lumber Guy (Sprint, 4f in :48.27).

At Betfair Hollywood Park . . .

A total of six Breeders' Cup contenders finished up their serious training at Hollywood Park this morning, led by two-time grade II winner and Breeders' Cup Mile candidate Obviously. The Mike Mitchell-trainee seemed quite sharp going six furlongs in 1:12.60, which was just a fifth of a second slower than the fastest of the morning. I have felt for a while that this colt is up to the challenge of beating Wise Dan and Excelebration, and I do believe this workout confirms that he is ready.

Also breezing six furlongs were the John Shirreffs-trained pair Nereid and Star Billing, both preparing for the Filly and Mare Turf. The quicker of fillies was Nereid, runner-up in the Rodeo Drive Stakes (gr. I). Her time of 1:13.00 was the third-fastest of the morning. Star Billing, runner-up in the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (gr. I) two starts back, got the distance in 1:13.40.

Other morning workers were Camp Victory (Turf Sprint, 5f in 1:00.20), Chosen Miracle (Turf Sprint, 5f in 1:02.60), and Worth Repeating (Marathon, 5f in 1:02.40.)

At Churchill Downs . . .

The only Breeders' Cup contender out for morning training was the two-year-old filly Broken Spell, most recently second in the Darley Alcibiades Stakes (gr. I). The D. Wayne Lukas-trainee breezed a half-mile in :50.40 over a muddy track, the third time that she has gone that distance during the last two weeks. Time will tell if she's up to the task of defeating Executiveprivilege and Dreaming of Julia, but she does appear to have maintained her form well and should be sitting on another good run.

A few miles away, at the Churchill training track, Breeders' Futurity (gr. I) winner Joha went five-eighths in an easy 1:02.40 over a muddy track.

At Delaware Park . . .

With Grace Hall preparing to face the likes of Awesome Feather and Royal Delta in the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (gr. I), one would hope that she is training as well as possible. She confirmed that she is in good form this morning when she clocked a half-mile in :47.80, the fastest of twenty-seven such works at Delaware Park this morning. Trained by Anthony Dutrow, the daughter of Empire Maker is coming off of an impressive victory in the Indiana Oaks (gr. III)

At Fair Hill . . .

Nearctic Stakes (gr. I) winner Next Question, pointing for a start in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, was the star of the morning. The Michael Trombetta-trainee could not have gone better in his final pre-Breeders' Cup breeze, as his half-mile time of :48 flat was the fastest of the morning over the all-weather training track. The fact that he has experience over six furlongs should help his chances in the 6-1/2 furlong Turf Sprint, where many of his rivals are coming off of much shorter races.

At Keeneland . . .

An intriguing quintet of Breeders' Cup contenders were out and about at Keeneland this morning, all of them breezing of the Polytrack. First and foremost -- at least in terms of time -- was the two-year-old filly Oscar Party, pointing toward a start in the Juvenile Fillies Sprint (gr. I). The Wayne Catalano-trainee went exceptionally well, breezing five-eighths in 1:00.60, the third-fastest work of the morning. Most recently fourth in the JPMorgan Chase Jessamine Stakes (gr. III) at Keeneland, the daughter of Dixie Union does seem to be improving as she prepares for the toughest race of her young career.

Also going five furlongs was Willcox Inn, coming off of a strong runner-up effort to Wise Dan in the Shadwell Turf Mile (gr. I). Preparing for a rematch with his Shadwell conqueror in the Breeders' Cup Mile, Willcox Inn breezed a sharp five-eighths in company with the two-year-old filly Every Way, stopping the timer in 1:00.80.

Trainer Tom Amoss sent out a pair of contenders, including Phoenix Stakes (gr. III) winner Sum of the Parts. Pointing toward a start in the Sprint, the three-year-old son of Speightstown breezed a half-mile in :47.60, the fifth fastest of forty-five works at the distance. The other Amoss-trainee, Turf Sprint candidate Global Power, went the distance in :50 flat.

Also on the work tab was Wesley Ward's grade I-placed filly Sweet Shirley Mae, who went a half-mile in :49.80. She is pre-entered in both the Juvenile Fillies and the Juvenile Sprint.

At Santa Anita Park . . .

Over two dozen Breeders' Cup candidates were out for training this morning, easily the busiest pre-Breeders' Cup morning thus far at Santa Anita. In alphabetical order, the horses were:

Bourbon Bay - Breeders' Cup Turf candidate breezed six furlongs in 1:13.40 over the turf course and will clearly be much sharper on Saturday, while making his second start off a layoff, than he was when finishing eighth in the John Henry Turf Championship Stakes (gr. II) last month.
Capo Bastone - The third-place finish in the FrontRunner Stakes (gr. I) went an excellent six furlongs in company with Key Reversal, his time of 1:11.60 being the second-fastest of the morning. Overall, his workouts since the FrontRunner have been terrific, and assuming that the track is less speed-favoring than it was on the day of the FrontRunner, I think that Capo Bastone has the ability to finish off his late run on Saturday to win the Juvenile in a mild upset.
Commander - Breeders' Cup Marathon contender breezed a solid five-eighths in 1:00.40 and seems to be maintaining his form well.
Dry Summer - Looked sharp breezing three-quarters of a mile with stablemate Gabriel Charles, but recorded the much slower time -- 1:13.80 seconds versus 1:12.60 for Gabriel Charles. However, Gabriel Charles was asked to make up several lengths during the workout, so his time was obviously going to be quicker. I thought both went quite well and look ready to roll.
Executiveprivilege - The undefeated favorite for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies breezed six furlongs in company with Sir Allison, but her time of 1:14.20 wasn't nearly as quick as her 1:12 flat work on October 21st. Now, the slowness of the breeze is probably nothing to be concerned about, but it would have been nice to have seen something just a little bit sharper in her final piece of serious training.
Gabriel Charles - As describe above, he worked in comapny with Dry Summer and recorded the faster time.
Gervinho - Zuma Beach Stakes winner went a half-mile in :48.80 on the turf; an average breeze, true, but he has never been particularly impressive in the morning.
In Lingerie - Spinster (gr. I) winner breezed a half-mile in company with the talented Turbo Compressor and was much the best, getting the distance in :46.60 versus the colt's :47.40. She is pre-entered in both the Ladies' Classic and the Filly and Mare Turf, but given how well she has been training on turf, I would have to think that the Filly and Mare Turf is the direction they're leaning.
John Scott - Coming off of a disappointing third-place in the California Cup Classic, this Dirt Mile candidate could not have gone much better, as his time of 1:00.40 was one of the faster five-furlong works of the morning. With questions still lingering in regards to his affinity for the track, this workout will go a long way toward dispelling the beliefs that he may be better on synthetic surfaces.
Lady of Shamrock - This two-time grade I winner faces the difficult task of winning the Filly and Mare Turf off of no races since August, but she has turned in several lengthy workouts during the past couple of weeks, including seven furlongs in 1:28.20 this morning. Of some concern is the fact that she was much, much sharper one week ago when traversing that same distance in 1:26.20, but I'm going to assume that her work today was simply a maintenance move.
Little Mike - His time of 1:01.80 was the slowest five-eighths of the morning over the turf course, but that is normal for him. It should set him up well for the Breeders' Cup Mile or Turf, whichever race his connections choose to run him in.
Love and Pride - Worked a half-mile in company with the two-year-old filly Tara From the Cape, and both  stopped the timer in :48 flat. It was an excellent breeze for both of them, and they look fit and ready heading into their respective Breeders' Cup races.
Mizdirection - Winning the Turf Sprint off of no starts since May will not be an easy task, but Mizdirection showed that fitness will not be an issue when she breezed five furlongs in a bullet :59.20 over the turf course. I don't think she could be doing any better.
Moonwalk - Dale Romans-trainee went five-eighths on turf in 1:01.60, slightly faster than stablemate Little Mike, but not a particularly impressive work overall. However, it is worth noting that she worked five furlongs in 1:04.20 prior to her victory in the Jessamine Stakes (gr. III) last time out.
Reneesgotzip - Breezed five furlongs in a super-sharp :59.40 over the turf course, and it seems that she will have no difficulty handling the surface in the Turf Sprint, should her connections choose to run her there rather than in the Filly and Mare Sprint.
Renee's Queen - Went six furlongs in 1:14 flat in company with Out for Revenge, a breeze that was actually the sixth-quickest of the morning. Howver, according to DRF.com, she was tiring badly at the finish.
Second City - Pointing toward a start in the Dirt Mile or Sprint, this promising colt went six furlongs in the same time as Renee's Queen, but DRF.com notes that Second City was much more impressive. His workmate was the grade I-placed six-year-old Hyades.
Shackleford - Two-time grade I winner went five-eighths in 1:00 flat, a very impressive breeze indeed and one that should set him up quite well for the Dirt Mile. He is clearly rounding back into form following a disappointing summer campaign and looks ready to improve upon his runner-up finish in the Dirt Mile one year ago.
Smiling Tiger - Recorded the fastest half-mile work of the morning by three-fifths of a second, getting the distance in :46.80 from the gate. He has been rather disappointing in all three of his starts this year, but this speed-sharpening work should help him be more involved early on than he has been all year.
Stormy Lucy - Breezed six furlongs over the turf in 1:14.60 in preparation for the Filly and Mare Turf, an average maintenance work that should set her up well for Friday's race.
Super Ninety Nine - Working in company with the grade I-place filly Candrea, this Bob Baffert-trainee went five furlongs in :59.40 and really could not have gone any better. Taking on the likes of Beholder and Merit Man in the Juvenile Sprint will not be an easy task, but this son of Pulpit clearly possesses a great deal of natural talent and looks ready to give Baffert a second straight win in the Juvenile Sprint.
Switch - Twice runner-up in the Filly and Mare Sprint, Switch has not had a particularly good season this year and may be nearing the end of her career, but after she breezed six furlongs in a bullet 1:11.20, it's clear that she may have another good run left in her. Competing over her home track, where she has won a pair of grade I sprints, she might even be up to defeating Groupie Doll and finally experiencing Breeders' Cup glory.
Tara From the Cape - As mentioned above, she went a half-mile in company with Love and Pride and stopped the time in a good :48 flat. She is pointing toward a start in the Juvenile Fillies Turf.
Trinniberg - Three-time graded stakes winner was quite sharp going a half-mile in :47.40, the second fastest of the morning at that distance. Coming off of a very strong effort runner-up effort in the Gallant Bob Stakes at Parx Racing, he does seem ready to turn in another good run, but will be facing older horses for the first time and will undoubtedly find the task a bit more difficult.
Turbo Compressor - As outlined above, this grade I winner worked in company with the three-year-old filly In Lingerie and simply wasn't quite as good as she, getting the distance in :47.40. Pre-entered in both the Mile and the Turf, he'll be facing a very tough task in either spot.
Under Review - Pointing toward a start in the Juvenile Turf, this Wayne Catalano-trainee traversed six furlongs over the turf course in an average 1:14.60.

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Contender Profile: RENEE'S QUEEN

Owner: GEM Racing Stable

Trainer: Eric Guillot

Breeder: John Liviakis

Most Recent Jockey: Agapito Delgadillo

RACE RECORD

Age 2

1st Oak Tree Juvenile Fillies Turf Stakes

6th Maiden Special Weight

4th Landaluce Stakes

2nd Maiden Special Weight

PEDIGREE

		Storm Cat
	After Market
		Tranquility Lake
Renee's Queen
		Maria's Mon
	Mighty Renee
		Margy

To read what I have written about Renee's Queen in the past, click here.

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Contender Profile: ALMOST AN ANGEL

Owner: Ice Wine Stable

Trainer: Wesley Ward

Breeder: B. P. Wadlen Jr. and P. W. Madden

Most Recent Jockey: Elvis Trujillo

RACE RECORD

Age 2

6th Darley Alcibiades Stakes (gr. I)

7th With Anticipation Stakes (gr. II)

1st Maiden Special Weight

2nd Maiden Special Weight

5th Maiden Special Weight

PEDIGREE

		El Prado
	Artie Schiller
		Hidden Light
Almost an Angel
		Crafty Prospector
	Earthly Angel
		Glorious Calling

To read what I have written about Almost an Angel in the past, click here.

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Contender Profile: DREAMING OF JULIA

Owner: Stonestreet Stables LLC

Trainer: Todd Pletcher

Breeder: Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC

Most Recent Jockey: John Velazquez

RACE RECORD

Age 2

1st Frizette Stakes (gr. I)

1st Meadow Star Stakes

1st Maiden Special Weight

PEDIGREE

		Seattle Slew
	A.P. Indy
		Weekend Surprise
Dreaming of Julia
		Wild Rush
	Dream Rush
		Turbo Dream

To read what I have written about Dreaming of Julia in the past, click here.

Five Breeders' Cup Saturday Longshots to Consider

Following up on my earlier post, here are five longshots to consider in Saturday's Breeders' Cup races:

Fast Bullet (Sprint)

Most of the attention in this race is going to be focused on defending winner Amazombie, Vosburgh winner The Lumber Guy, and Bob Baffert's talented graded stakes winners Coil and Capital Account. But Baffert has a third horse in this race that merits attention too, that being Fast Bullet. True, the son of Speightstown has not raced since last November, and has only run in two races, but those two victories were truly exceptional. In his debut, he posted a Beyer of 92 while winning a six-furlong maiden special weight by 6 1/4 lengths in 1:08.59, this after running the opening quarter in :21.84. He then backed up that effort with a 3 3/4-length victory in a six-furlong allowance race, stopping the clock in 1:09.23 to earn a Beyer of 102. More importantly, he showed the ability to rate that day, making him a very versatile and intriguing contender in this spot.

Nonios (Dirt Mile)

With Shackleford, Emcee, and Jersey Town drawing all the headlines, it can be easy to forget about a colt like Nonios -- but that, I feel, is a mistake. Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, this colt has run huge in pair of grade I races this year, chasing home Paynter in the Haskell Invitational and Game On Dude in the Awesome Again Stakes here at Santa Anita. Throw out his unusual poor showing in the Travers, and you have yourself a colt that has very quietly compiled an impressive record this year.

But his talent aside, the main reason I like him here is because the race is two-turns. Take a look at the favorites -- Emcee is unproven around two turns, Jersey Town's biggest success has come at one turn, and Shackleford has not run well around two turns since the 2011 Haskell. Thus, it seems that all three of the favorites could find the two turns of the Dirt Mile to be one turn too many -- whereas Nonios should relish the conditions.

Trailblazer and Slim Shadey (Turf)

As usual, the Breeders' Cup Turf has drawn a number of talented European shippers, and given that they have won the last four runnings of this race -- and six of the last seven -- you have to respect their chances for another victory.

But in this instance, it could be a colt from the Far East that pulls off a mild upset. Trailblazer is a Japanese-bred colt that has raced almost exclusively in his home country, where he was good enough to finish fourth in last year's Japan Cup. His lone start outside of Japan came in his most recent race, when he tried out the Santa Anita turf course in the Arroyo Seco Mile Stakes (gr. II). Racing at a distance much too short for him, he had the misfortune to encounter a freak horse named Obviously, who recorded a 1:31.95 clocking to win the race in gate-to-wire fashion. But despite those obstacles, Trailblazer was closing fast at the finish, and ended up losing by just a half-length. Stretching back out in distance, and having proven himself over the course, you might want to consider Trailblazer as an upset possibility.

Another colt to think about is Slim Shadey, a speedy four-year-old from the barn of Simon Callaghan. Last time out, Slim Shadey showed tremendous speed while opening up an eight-length advantage in the John Henry Turf Championship Stakes (gr. II) and stayed on strongly to the finish to win by 2 1/4 lengths. True, that race was only ten furlongs, and this one is twelve. But I can't help but think back to how Presious Passion employed similar tactics in the 2009 Breeders' Cup Turf and wound up finishing second, ahead of everyone save the exceptional stayer Conduit. With the unique downhill turf course working to Slim Shadey's advantage, the gelded son of Val Royal should be able to open up a commanding lead early on -- and from there, they'll have to catch him to beat him.

Brilliant Speed (Classic)

Ever since the announcement was made that Brilliant Speed would conclude his career in the Breeders' Cup Classic, I have slowly but surely been able to talk myself into thinking that this colt has a real and strong chance at winning the race.

Granted, he has not run particularly well this year, with his best effort being a third-place finish in the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Stakes (gr. I) back in May. And granted, his last effort was not very impressive at all.

However, let's look at some of the positives. He does have some back-class on dirt, having finished third in the 2011 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) and a close seventh in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I). Furthermore, ten furlongs does seem to be his optimum distance. The pace scenario should also suit him -- with Game On Dude, Fort Larned, Mucho Macho Man, To Honor and Serve, and Handsome Mike all having a great deal of tactical speed, the pace should be quick enough to set up his late run. He will also be adding blinkers, which should sharpen him up and help get him more involved in the early stages of the race. And, according to DRF.com, he has been training exceptionally well.

Now, I'm not saying that Brilliant Speed is going to win -- defeating Game On Dude at his home track will not be an easy task for anyone. But I certainly won't be tossing him from consideration, as I do believe that he will be coming on strongly at the finish.

-Keelerman

Five Breeders' Cup Friday Longshots to Consider

It never fails. When you run fifteen top-class championship races over the course of two days, many with a dozen or more horses, you are bound to see some monumental upsets. Detecting which longshots are likely to win before they blow your trifectas to smithereens is not an easy task, but I have compiled a list of five longshots that I feel could make an impact on Breeders' Cup Friday. They are:

Commander and Juniper Pass (Marathon)

It's hard to believe that a colt riding a six-race winning streak could be a longshot in the Marathon, but thanks to the presence of Fame and Glory, Eldaafer, and Worth Repeating, that might just be the case. The speedy front-runner has never run anywhere near fourteen furlongs before, but in his last race, he showed true grit to hang on for the victory. Traversing eleven furlongs in the BC Premier's Handicap (gr. III), he was beaten to the lead by Northern Causeway and forced to chase after him through breathtaking fractions of :23.84 and :46.50 -- and after analyzing the chart of the race, one discovers that Commander ran his second quarter in a spectacular :22.46. He continued to duel through three-quarters of a mile in 1:11.53, after which he was confronted by the talented Jebrica, who had been sitting well off of the speed duel in third. Jebrica seemd to have the necessary momentum to blow past Commander and win the race, but the latter horse proved exceptionally game, and held on to win by a head.

Can he stretch out another three furlongs on Friday? Well, that's hard to say. But I do believe he holds a substantial edge over his rivals in terms of early speed, and if the track is favoring front-runners, then there may be no one capable of catching him.

Another horse to consider is Juniper Pass, who has a ton of back class. Although the majority of his success has come on turf, he has run well on dirt in his last two starts, and he did win the San Juan Capistrano Invitational Handicap (gr. II) back in 2011 at the same fourteen furlong distance of the Marathon. So at least we know he can handle the extreme distance.

Super Ninety Nine (Juvenile Sprint)

This Bob Baffert-trainee has only run once, breaking his maiden by 1 1/4 lengths going seven furlongs at Santa Anita. He certainly doesn't have the flashy credentials of race favorites Beholder, Kauai Katie, and Merit Man, but he is certainly eligible to improve in his second start, and he might enjoy the cut back to six furlongs. In addition, he has been training well -- earlier this morning, he went five furlongs in a sharp :59.40. He could be especially dangerous if Beholder and/or Kauai Katie scratch in favor of the Juvenile Fillies.

Lady of Shamrock (Filly and Mare Turf)

This two-time grade I winning three-year-old filly has not run since winning the Del Mar Oaks (gr. I) in mid-August -- she missed the Rodeo Drive Stakes (gr. I) with a minor setback -- but the daughter of Scat Daddy should not be counted out of consideration. After all, she is proven at this ten-furlong distance, and she possesses a truly stunning turn-of-foot. In the American Oaks (gr. I), she ran her final quarter mile in around :23 seconds flat to win by 1 1/4 lengths, and she was even quicker in the Del Mar Oaks (gr. I). Obviously, she's got her work cut out for her taking on the likes of The Fugue, Ridasiyna, Marketing Mix, and Nahrain, but I think she'll be up to the challenge.

Include Me Out (Ladies' Classic)

It's hard to believe that a two-time grade I winner is going to be a longshot in a Breeders' Cup race, but that marks the depth of this year's Ladies' Classic. While it's certainly true that Include Me Out did not perform to expectations in the Zenyatta Stakes (gr. I), where she finished third behind fellow Ladies' Classic contender Love and Pride, it is also true that she had an excuse that day. The Santa Anita maintrack had been very speed-favoring, and when Love and Pride bounded out of the starting gate and took command of the lead, the race was over right there. I thought that Include Me Out actually ran pretty well to finish third.

Of course, the possibility exists that a speed bias could emerge again, and if that is the case, than Include Me Out's chances will all but evaporate. But if the track is fair, then Include Me Out should be putting in a good run at the finish.

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup will clarify Horse of the Year

As has become the norm in recent years, Horse of the Year is still thoroughly unsettled heading into the Breeders' Cup. Thus, the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I) will once again be taking on a level of importance beyond the obvious prestige of winning North America's richest horse race, for it will likely prove key in determining the 2012 Horse of the Year. It's fairly simple -- if you had a good enough season prior to winning the Classic, like Curlin did in 2007, you'll probably get the award. But if the rest of your season was only so-so, like Drosselmeyer last year, you will probably get shut out in favor of a Classic also-ran with better overall credentials, such as Havre de Grace.

I feel that a number of horses could sew up Horse of the Year with a victory in the Classic, the most obvious being Game On Dude. Winner of the Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I), Awesome Again Stakes (gr. II), and a pair of grade IIs this year, the five-year-old gelding would be a practically unanimous choice as champion of the year if he can add the Classic to his stellar record.

Ron the Greek is in the same boat. Having won the Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I) and Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I) this season, a victory in the Classic would almost undoubtedly earn him the year-end honor.

Even Dullahan would have a shot if makes his way to the winner's circle on Breeders' Cup day. Having previously won the Pacific Classic (gr. I) and Blue Grass Stakes (gr. I), the Classic would give him an eye-catching record that is not to be overlooked. However, his losses in the Kentucky Derby (gr. I), Belmont Stakes (gr. I), Haskell Invitational (gr. I), and Jamaica Handicap (gr. I) -- the latter three being bad defeats -- could make things interesting, especially with fellow sophomore I'll Have Another having won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes (gr. I), Santa Anita Derby (gr. I), and Robert B. Lewis Stakes (gr. II) before heading to the sidelines with an injury.

To Honor and Serve, Flat Out, Fort Larned, and Mucho Macho Man could all secure the Eclipse award as champion older male with a victory in the Classic, but I'll Have Another's credentials do seem a bit flashier, and in the end, I feel the golden Eclipse award would end up being given to the sophomore.

Now suppose something really odd happens in the Classic -- suppose a huge longshot like Brilliant Speed takes home the glory, with Game On Dude and Ron the Greek finishing off-the-board. In this instance, the results of the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (gr. I), Turf (gr. I), or Mile (gr. I) could make things very interesting.

Let's look first at the Ladies' Classic. Of the seven fillies and mares expected to contest the race, any one of them could earn the Eclipse award as champion older mare or three-year-old filly, depending upon the victor's age. But could any of them pick up Horse of the Year? Well, the 2012 records of Awesome Feather, Grace Hall, Include Me Out, Love and Pride, and My Miss Aurelia aren't really sufficient to claim racing's biggest award. But Questing and Royal Delta are possibilities. The first-mentioned filly won both the Coaching Club American Oaks (gr. I) and Alabama Stakes (gr. I) at Saratoga before losing the Cotillion Stakes (gr. I) by a nose. A dominating victory in the Ladies' Classic might be enough to secure Horse of the Year.

Royal Delta has only won one grade I race this year, that being the Beldame Invitational (gr. I) at Belmont Park, but she also won the Delaware Handicap (gr. II) and Fleur de Lis Stakes (gr. II). A victory in the Ladies' Classic could put her in the conversation for Horse of the Year, but even if she did garner more votes than Game On Dude and Ron the Greek, topping I'll Have Another would be a bit of a challenge.

Of course, should the connections of Royal Delta have a change of heart and run her in the Classic, than she would be in charge of her own fate. Victory in that race would almost certainly secure Horse of the Year, and make her the fourth straight filly or mare to earn the award.

In the Breeders' Cup Mile, Wise Dan could stamp his credentials for Horse of the Year if he dominates again. Having already won the Woodbine Mile (gr. I), Shadwell Turf Mile (gr. I), Fourstardave Handicap (gr. II), and Ben Ali Stakes (gr. II) -- in addition to being beaten a head in the Stephen Foster Handicap (gr. I) -- a Breeders' Cup Mile would give him a very, very strong record indeed.

Also in the mix for year-end honors is Point of Entry, winner of the Man o' War Stakes (gr. I), Sword Dancer Invitational Stakes (gr. I), Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational Stakes (gr. I), and Elkhorn Stakes (gr. II). Should he emerge victorious from the Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. I), his record would include four grade I wins for the year, more than any other horse.

Now, having gone to all the trouble to outline all these possibly scenarios, you just watch -- Brilliant Speed will romp in the Classic while Richard's Kid and Pool Play round out the trifecta. Then, Class Included will win the Ladies' Classic in gate-to-wire fashion, and Wise Dan and Point of Entry will both run last in their respective races. Then Horse of the Year will be a great big mess once again!

If this unlikely scenario comes to fruition, we might as well give the award to Frankel. :)

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Workout Report -- October 26th, 2012

With only a week remaining now before the Breeders' Cup, the workout action is beginning to really heat up. The morning training hours at Keeneland and Churchill Downs were particularly busy, with such prominent names as Animal Kingdom, Spring Venture, and Spring in the Air completing their final training.

At Betfair Hollywood Park . . .

The morning was light in terms of Breeders' Cup contenders, with only three turning in workouts. The biggest name was Marketing Mix, winner of the Rodeo Drive Stakes (gr. I) and one of the favorites in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf. Her time of 1:00.40 for five furlongs was the fastest of the morning, giving her a pair of bullet works heading into the Breeders' Cup.

Also breezing five furlongs was Flashy Ways, winner of the Surfer Girl Stakes and a candidate for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. Her time of 1:00.80 was the third-fastest of the morning.

Marathon candidate Grassy, a six-year-old son of El Prado, went six furlongs in 1:14.60 and does appear to be rounding back into form -- the Marathon will be only his third start since November 2011. Hard to say if he's up to the task of defeating Fame and Glory and Eldaafer, but I think he's as ready as he'll ever be.

At Churchill Downs . . .

Trainer Mark Casse had a very busy morning, sending out a total of five Breeders' Cup contenders to complete their final major training. All breezed five furlongs, and by far the most impressive was Natalma Stakes (gr. II) winner Spring Venture, her 1:01.20 clocking being the fourth-fastest out of sixty-one such morning works. Pointing toward a start in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, where she may end up as the favorite, Spring Venture seems to be coming into the race exceptionally well and looks very tough to beat.

The other Casse-trainees were Breeders' Futurity (gr. I) runner-up Dynamic Sky (1:01.20), Durham Cup Stakes (Can-III) winner Delegation (1:02.60), Hawthorne Gold Cup (gr. II) winner Pool Play (1:02.80), and Darley Alcibiades Stakes (gr. I) winner Spring in the Air (1:03.00.)

Also on the Churchill work tab was the Dale Romans-trained two-year-old Summit County, most recently fourth in the Bourbon Stakes (gr. III) at Keeneland. Pointing toward a start in the Juvenile Turf, the son of Any Given Saturday went five-eighths in the good time of 1:01.40.

At Greentree Training Center . . .

Although only five horses breezed at Greentree this morning, that total included a quartet of Breeders' Cup contenders, all trained by Kiaran McLaughlin and all owned by Godolphin Racing. The quickest was Forego Stakes (gr. I) winner Emcee, who went a half-mile in :47.40 in preparation for a start in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. Fortify, who placed behind Shanghai Bobby in both the Champagne Stakes (gr. I) and Hopeful Stakes (gr. II), went the distance in :48.60. Travers Stakes (gr. I) winner Alpha was timed in :49 flat, while two-time grade I winner Questing stopped the clock in :49.80. They are scheduled to leave for Santa Anita tomorrow.

At Keeneland . . .

The majority of the morning's prominent works were conducted over the turf course, and at a distance of five furlongs. The quickest under those conditions was Summer of Fun, a two-year-old filly that most recently finished third in the JPMorgan Chase Jessamine Stakes (gr. III). An intriguing contender for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, her clocking of 1:02.20 was the fastest of the morning.

2011 Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom, aiming for the Mile, also turned in a sharp time. Breezing in company with Badleroibrown, the Graham Motion-trainee went five furlongs in 1:02.60 and really couldn't be training any better.

Brown Almighty, runner-up in the Bourbon Stakes (gr. II) at Keeneland and candidate for the Juvenile Turf, also clocked five-eighths in 1:02.60. Great Attack, unraced since winning the Twin Spires Turf Sprint Stakes (gr. III)in May, went the distance in 1:02.40 in preparation for a start in the Turf Sprint. Almost an Angel, sixth in the Darley Alcibiades Stakes (gr. I) and a pre-entrant in both the Juvenile Sprint and the Juvenile Fillies, recorded the slowest work of the morning while going five furlongs in 1:04.40.

Breezing five-eighths on the main track was Marathon contender Atigun, whose excellent time of :59.40 was the fastest of the morning by a full second. The Kenny McPeek-trainee could not be coming into the Breeders' Cup any better and should relish the extended distance of the Marathon. Count him out of contention at your own risk!

At Monmouth Park . . .

The only Breeders' Cup candidate on the work tab was Eldaafer, winner of the 2010 Marathon and a contender in this year's edition of the fourteen-furlong race. The seven-year-old gelding really could not have gone much better this morning, has his 1:00 flat clocking for five furlongs was the fastest of the morning by 1 2/5 seconds. Trained by Diane Alvarado, Eldaafer is coming off of a terrific third-place finish in the Hawthorne Gold Cup (gr. II) and would appear to have an excellent chance at claiming Breeders' Cup glory once again.

At Santa Anita Park . . .

Compared to recent mornings at Santa Anita, Friday morning was a bit light in terms of Breeders' Cup-related workouts, with only two entrants out for serious work.

However, one of those two was 2011 Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I) winner Amazombie, who looked quite good breezing five-eighths in 1:00.60. The work was quite similar to the 1:00.40 clocking he turned in just prior to last year's Breeders' Cup, signaling that the six-year-old gelding is ready to rebound from his poor showing in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship Stakes (gr. I) last time out.

Tim Conway Stakes winner Merit Man also turned in his final breeze, going five furlongs in company with the two-year-old maiden Diamond Flush. His time of 1:04.20 was rather slow, but then again, slow works are normal for this colt.

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Workout Report -- October 25th, 2012

As is to be expected with little more than a week left until the Breeders' Cup, the majority of the day's workouts were at Santa Anita Park, although there was a sprinkling of action at various other tracks across the country.

At Betfair Hollywood Park . . .

Hazardous, a two-year-old gelding pointing toward the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint, seemed sharp enough going a half-mile in :49.20. Trained by Carl O'Callaghan, the son of Candy Ride is coming off of a 13 1/4 length victory in a claiming race at Santa Anita, signaling him as a colt of pretty good quality -- although he'll be taking a pretty big step up in class and will be one of the longer shots in the Juvenile Sprint field.

At Calder Race Course . . .

Last year's Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (gr. I) winner Musical Romance, gearing up for a defense of her title, breezed five furlongs in a bullet :59.80 over a sloppy track. Trained by William Kaplan, the five-year-old mare has had an excellent season this year, with victories in the Princess Rooney Handicap (gr. I) and Inside Information Stakes (gr. II) among her victories. I would expect that today's workout will be her final prior to the Breeders's Cup, where she is expected to be among the favorites.

At Churchill Downs . . .

Breeders' Cup Turf entrant Optimizer was the lone Breeders' Cup contender on the work tab. The D. Wayne Lukas-trained three-year-old could not have found a tougher spot to make his debut against older horses, but after breezing five furlongs in 1:00.80, it is apparent that he is as ready as he can be.

At Delaware Park . . .

Marathon entrant Not Abroad, coming off of a strong victory in the Maryland Million Classic Stakes, was sharp breezing a half-mile in :48.40. Fourteen furlongs may be stretching Michael Petro-trainee's limits, but he did finish second in the twelve-furlong Greenwood Cup (gr. II) earlier this year, giving support to the belief that he might be up to handling the extended distance of the Marathon.

At Parx Racing . . .

The star of the morning was Poseidon's Warrior, winner of the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (gr. I) two starts back and most recently third in the Vosburgh Invitational Stakes (gr. I). Trained by Robert E. Reid Jr., the four-year-old colt breezed a half-mile in :49.88 seconds, one of the slower works of the morning.

At Santa Anita Park . . .

A total of eleven Breeders' Cup pre-entrants were out for serious training this morning, including eight from the barn of Doug O'Neill. Those eight were, in alphabetical order . . .

Boxuer des Rues - Pre-entered in both the Sprint and the Turf Sprint, this four-year-old son of Smart Strike breezed in company with Cogito and proved much the best while clocking six furlongs in 1:13.80.
Cogito - His six-furlong time was an unimpressive 1:14.60, but given that all of his racing experience has come on turf, it's probably wisest to forgive this poor main-track breeze and assume he'll perform better when returned to his favorite surface.
Handsome Mike - Winner of the Pennsylvania Derby (gr. II) breezed in company with the two-year-old Know More and while his time of 1:15.20 was slightly better than the juvenile's clocking, Know More did appear capable of leaving Handsome Mike behind at any time if asked.
He's Had Enough - Working alongside the talented group I winner Private Zone, this Breeders' Cup Juvenile candidate breezed six furlongs from the gate in 1:12.40, the fastest time of the morning. And according to DRF.com, he missed the start of the work by a couple of lengths, which makes the clocking even more impressive.
Know More - As mentioned above, he worked in company with Handsome Mike and seemed to be the stronger of the pair, even though his final time of 1:15.40 was slightly slower than his stablemate's. He has been pre-entered in both the Juvenile and the Juvenile Turf, with the latter race being the more likely goal.
Quail Hill - Breeders' Cup Marathon entrant is coming off of a runner-up effort in the Ralph M. Hinds Handicap at Fairplex Park, in which he set the pace before ending up second, five lengths behind Worth Repeating. His 1:14.80 clocking for six furlongs wasn't particularly quick, but then again, you don't want to be sharpening your speed when preparing to traverse fourteen furlongs!
Richard's Kid - Three-time grade I winner is pointing toward a start in the Classic, where the ten-furlong distance and projected quick pace should help set up his late run. Working in company with the two-year-old maiden Cinco de Mario, Richard's Kid's final time for six furlongs was only 1:15.40, but he wasn't really asked for much in his final serious Breeders' Cup prep.
South Floyd - Runner-up in the Tim Conway Stakes, this son of Any Given Saturday went six furlongs in 1:15.40 in preparation for a start in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint.

Also on the Santa Anita work tab were Suggestive Boy (Mile, 6f in 1:13.60), Beholder (Juvenile Fillies or Juvenile Sprint, 5f in 1:01.60), and Moulin de Mougin (Juvenile Fillies Turf, 5f in 1:02.20.)

-Keelerman

Breeders' Cup Turf Contender Profile: OPTIMIZER

Owner: Bluegrass Hall

Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas

Breeder: Bluegrass Hall

Most Recent Jockey: Jon Court

RACE RECORD

Age 3

1st Kent Stakes (gr. III)

1st Allowance

5th National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes (gr. II)

4th Virginia Derby (gr. II)

10th Belmont Stakes (gr. I)

6th Preakness Stakes (gr. I)

11th Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I)

9th Arkansas Derby (gr. I)

2nd Rebel Stakes (gr. II)

9th Risen Star Stakes (gr. II)

6th Smarty Jones Stakes

Age 2

4th Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (gr. II)

8th Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I)

3rd Dixiana Breeders' Futurity (gr. I)

2nd With Anticipation Stakes (gr. II)

1st Maiden Special Weight

PEDIGREE

		Smart Strike
	English Channel
		Belva
Optimizer
		A.P. Indy
	Indy Pick
		Fantastic Find

To read what I have written about Optimizer in the past, click here.

Breeders' Cup Workout Report -- October 24th, 2012

It was a very light morning for workouts -- even lighter than yesterday -- with only four Breeders' Cup entrants breezing across the country.

At Betfair Hollywood Park . . .

Three-year-old Nonios, runner-up in the Awesome Again Stakes (gr. I) and Haskell Invitational (gr. I) this year, turned in a second consecutive bullet work when he breezed five-eighths in :59.80. Trained by Jerry Hollendorfer, the son of Pleasantly Perfect has been pre-entered in both the Breeders' Cup Classic and the Dirt Mile, and would be a contender in either.

The other Breeders' Cup contender to breeze this morning was Romp, who has been pre-entered in the Marathon. The Kristin Mulhall-trainee went a mile in 1:42.20, and although he will be a longshot in the Marathon -- he hasn't won a race since October 2010 -- he has been training rather well and looms as an intriguing contender.

At Santa Anita Park . . .

The lightly-raced sophomore Jimmy Creed, coming off of a strong third-place effort in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship (gr. I), looked good breezing five furlongs in :59.80, the fastest work of the morning. Pre-entered in both the Breeders' Cup Sprint and the Dirt Mile, with the Sprint as first preference, the Richard Mandella-trainee has been improving rapidly and could very well become the first three-year-old to win the Sprint since Silver Train in 2005.

Also on the work tab was Great Hot, runner-up in the L.A. Woman Stakes last time out and a candidate for the Filly and Mare Sprint. Trained by A. C. Avila, the four-year-old filly has been training spectacularly well, going five-furlongs in :45.60 on October 17th and going three-eighths in a brilliant :34 flat earlier this morning. Although she hasn't won a race since October 2011, her workouts stamp her as a legitimate contender in the Breeders' Cup, and there does seem to be enough speed in that race to set up her late run.

-Keelerman