A small but wide-open field, led by defending champion Conduit, who enjoyed a solid season in Europe, and his classy stablemate Spanish Moon. The filly Dar Re Mi, a two-time Group I winner is also getting some backing. Red Rocks, winner of the 2006 Turf, also returns.
Conduit and Dar Re Mi were fourth and fifth, respectively, in Europe's top race, the Arc de Tri¬omphe, but the efforts were better than they seem on paper; both were beaten less than four lengths by Sea The Stars, who many have touted as an all-time great.
The American contingent is led by the flashy Presious Passion, who will almost certainly lead by a large margin early, and Sword Dancer winner Telling.
November 8, 2009
2009 Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic Results and Replay
Life is Sweet and jockey Garrett Gomez win the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic on Friday, November 6 at Santa Anita.
Ridden by Garrett Gomez, Life Is Sweet ran 1 1-8 miles in 1:48.58 and paid $18.20, $8 and $5 at 8-1 odds. She was the fourth longshot to win Friday at Santa Anita.
Mushka returned $12.80 and $6.40, while Music Note was another length back in third and paid $3.20 to show. Careless Jewel, the 9-5 wagering favorite, romped to the early lead before fading to last in the field of eight.
Ridden by Garrett Gomez, Life Is Sweet ran 1 1-8 miles in 1:48.58 and paid $18.20, $8 and $5 at 8-1 odds. She was the fourth longshot to win Friday at Santa Anita.
Mushka returned $12.80 and $6.40, while Music Note was another length back in third and paid $3.20 to show. Careless Jewel, the 9-5 wagering favorite, romped to the early lead before fading to last in the field of eight.
November 7, 2009
Zenyatta Wins Breeders' Cup Classic 2009
In the grand finale of the afternoon, the 5-year-old mare, Zenyatta, made history by winning the $5-million Breeders' Cup Classic, running for the first time against males, and winning her 14th consecutive race. She's undefeated.
Coming from last place around the final turn, Zenyatta slipped up on the inside, then fanned six horses wide to make her patented stretch run. She exploded past top older male, Gio Ponti to win the 1 ¼ mile race with apparent ease.
It was a popular win. The crowd of 58,845 cheered here wildly when she returned to the winner's circle. Jockey Mike Smith showered the track with the yellow flowers from her winning garland.
Watch the 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic replay
Finish Time: 2:00.62
Also ran: 3 - Summer Bird , 2 - Colonel John , 6 - Richard's Kid , 13 - Awesome Gem , 11 - Regal Ransom , 1 - Mine That Bird , 10 - Rip Van Winkle (IRE) , 8 - Einstein (BRZ) , 9 - Girolamo
$1 Exacta (4-7) Paid $43.70
$1 Trifecta (4-7-5) Paid $596.20
$1 Superfecta (4-7-5-3) Paid $3,417.00
Coming from last place around the final turn, Zenyatta slipped up on the inside, then fanned six horses wide to make her patented stretch run. She exploded past top older male, Gio Ponti to win the 1 ¼ mile race with apparent ease.
It was a popular win. The crowd of 58,845 cheered here wildly when she returned to the winner's circle. Jockey Mike Smith showered the track with the yellow flowers from her winning garland.
Watch the 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic replay
Santa Anita Park, Saturday, November 7
# Horse Jockey Win Place Show
4 Zenyatta M. Smith 7.60 5.60 3.80
7 Gio Ponti R. Dominguez 9.20 6.60
5 Twice Over T. Queally 7.00
Finish Time: 2:00.62
Also ran: 3 - Summer Bird , 2 - Colonel John , 6 - Richard's Kid , 13 - Awesome Gem , 11 - Regal Ransom , 1 - Mine That Bird , 10 - Rip Van Winkle (IRE) , 8 - Einstein (BRZ) , 9 - Girolamo
$1 Exacta (4-7) Paid $43.70
$1 Trifecta (4-7-5) Paid $596.20
$1 Superfecta (4-7-5-3) Paid $3,417.00
November 3, 2009
2009 Breeders' Cup Post Positions and Winning Odds
Breeders' Cup Marathon $500,000 3 yr +
1 3/4 Miles
Friday, November 6, 2009 (ESPN2, 3:35 p.m. ET)
Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf $1,000,000 2 yr Fillies
1 Mile (Turf)
Friday, November 6, 2009 (ESPN2, 4:08 p.m. ET)
Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, $2,000,000, 2 yr Fillies
1 1/16 Miles
Friday, November 6, 2009 (ESPN2, 4:45 p.m. ET)
Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf (Grade I)
$2,000,000
Fillies and Mares, Three-Year-Olds and Up
1 1/4 Miles (Turf)
Friday, November 6, 2009 (ESPN2 5:23 p.m. ET)
Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (Grade I)
$1,000,000
Fillies and Mares, Three-Year-Olds and Up
7 Furlongs
Friday, November 6, 2009 (ESPN2 6:02 p.m. ET)
Breeders' Cup Ladies’ Classic (Grade I)
$2,000,000
Fillies and Mares, Three-Year-Olds and Up
1 1/8 Miles
Friday, November 6, 2009 (ESPN2, 6:45 p.m. ET)
Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, $1,000,000, 3 yr+
About 6 1/2 Furlongs (Turf)
Saturday, November 7, 2009 (ABC, 2:23 p.m. ET)
Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Sprint (Grade I), $2,000,000
Three-Year-Olds and Up
6 Furlongs
Saturday, November 7, 2009 (ABC, 3:10 p.m. ET)
Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile (Grade I)
$2,000,000
Two-Year-Old Colts and Geldings
1 1/16 Miles
Saturday, November 7, 2009 (ESPN 3:49 p.m. ET)
TVG Breeders' Cup Mile (Grade I)
$2,000,000
Three-Year-Olds and Up
1 Mile (Turf)
Saturday, November 7, 2009 (ESPN, 4:28 p.m. ET)
Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (Grade I)
$1,000,000
Three-Year-Olds and Up
1 Mile
Saturday, November 7, 2009 (ESPN 5:12 p.m. ET)
Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Turf (Grade I)
$3,000,000
Three-Year-Olds and Up
1 1/2 Miles (Turf)
Saturday, November 7, 2009 (ESPN, 5:57 p.m. ET)
1 3/4 Miles
Friday, November 6, 2009 (ESPN2, 3:35 p.m. ET)
PP Horse Jockey Odds
1 Black Astor Alex Solis 12-1
2 Muhannak (IRE) Ryan Moore 12-2
3 Nite Light John Velazquez 4-1
4 Cloudy's Knight Rosemary Homeister 8-1
5 Father Time (GB) Eddie Ahern 3-1
6 Mastery (GB) Lanfranco Dettori 9-5
7 Sir Dave Joel Rosario 20-1
8 Eldaafer Rafael Bejarano 30-1
9 Man of Iron John Murtagh 8-1
10 Gangbuster Kent Desormeaux 30-1
Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf $1,000,000 2 yr Fillies
1 Mile (Turf)
Friday, November 6, 2009 (ESPN2, 4:08 p.m. ET)
PP Horse Jockey Odds
1 Potosina John Velazquez 20-1
2 Elusive Galaxy (IRE) Rafael Bejarano 12-1
3 Smart Seattle Jeremy Rose 8-1
4 Rose Catherine Javier Castellano 8-1
5 La Nez Mike Smith 20-1
6 Jungle Tale Shaun Bridgmohan 15-1
7 House of Grace Michael Luzzi 4-1
8 Lillie Langtry John Murtagh 3-1
9 Hatheer Alan Garcia 10-1
10 Tapitsfly Robby Albarado 8-1
11 Junia Tepzia (IRE) Kieren Fallon 8-1
12 Lisa's Kitten Julien Leparoux 12-1
13ae Dad's Crazy Ramon Dominguez 15-1
14ae In the Slips Garrett Gomez 12-1
Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, $2,000,000, 2 yr Fillies
1 1/16 Miles
Friday, November 6, 2009 (ESPN2, 4:45 p.m. ET)
PP Horse Jockey Odds
1 Zilva Jeremy Rose 30-1
2 Ms Vanenzza Joseph Rocco, Jr. 30-1
3 Blind Luck Tyler Baze 3-1
4 Beautician Robby Albarado 6-1
5 Bickersons Joel Rosario 20-1
6 Connie and Michael Kent Desormeaux 4-1
7 Devil May Care John Velazquez 8-1
8 She Be Wild Julien Leparoux 8-1
9 Champagne d'Oro Martin Garcia 50-1
10 Negligee Rajiv Maragh 6-1
11 Always a Princess Garrett Gomez 6-1
12 Biofuel Eurico Da Silva 15-1
Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf (Grade I)
$2,000,000
Fillies and Mares, Three-Year-Olds and Up
1 1/4 Miles (Turf)
Friday, November 6, 2009 (ESPN2 5:23 p.m. ET)
PP Horse Jockey Odds
1 Visit (GB) John Velazquez 10-1
2 Forever Together Julien Leparoux 5-2
3 Rutherienne Alan Garcia 8-1
4 Magical Fantasy Alex Solis 3-1
5 Pure Clan Garrett Gomez 5-1
6 Midday (GB) Thomas Queally 4-1
7 Dynaforce Kent Desormeaux 8-1
8 Maram Jose Lezcano 15-1
Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (Grade I)
$1,000,000
Fillies and Mares, Three-Year-Olds and Up
7 Furlongs
Friday, November 6, 2009 (ESPN2 6:02 p.m. ET)
PP Horse Jockey Odds
1 Free Flying Soul Mike Smith 50-1
2 Sara Louise Lanfranco Dettori 9-2
3 Game Face Edgar Prado 10-1
4 Only Green (IRE) Olivier Peslier 20-1
5 Silver Swallow Alex Solis 30-1
6 Evita Argentina Joel Rosario 20-1
7 Informed Decision Julien Leparoux 5-2
8 Seventh Street Rajiv Maragh 4-1
9 Ventura Garrett Gomez 8-5
Breeders' Cup Ladies’ Classic (Grade I)
$2,000,000
Fillies and Mares, Three-Year-Olds and Up
1 1/8 Miles
Friday, November 6, 2009 (ESPN2, 6:45 p.m. ET)
PP Horse Jockey Odds
1 Careless Jewel Robert Landry 2-1
2 Life Is Sweet Garrett Gomez 8-1
3 Mushka Kent Desormeaux 12-1
4 Lethal Heat Alex Solis 20-1
5 Proviso (GB) John Velazquez 8-1
6 Cocoa Beach (CHI) Richard Migliore 8-1
7 Music Note Rajiv Maragh 9-5
8 Rainbow View Julien Leparoux 6-1
Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, $1,000,000, 3 yr+
About 6 1/2 Furlongs (Turf)
Saturday, November 7, 2009 (ABC, 2:23 p.m. ET)
PP Horse Jockey Odds
1 Noble Court Joel Rosario 8-1
2 Silver Timber Julien Leparoux 8-1
3 California Flag Joseph Talamo 7-2
4 Lord Shanakill Jim Crowley 8-1
5 Get Funky Rafael Bejarano 20-1
6 Cannonball Ramon Dominguez 8-1
7 Gotta Have Her Tyler Baze 15-1
8 Square Eddie Lanfranco Dettori 20-1
9 Diamondrella (GB) Rajiv Maragh 4-1
10 Canadian Ballet Alan Garcia 20-1
11 El Gato Malo David Flores 30-1
12 Strike the Deal Kieren Fallon 15-1
13 Desert Code Richard Migliore 20-1
14 Delta Storm Garrett Gomez 10-1
15ae Tenga Cat Mike Smith 30-1
16ae Cherokee Heaven Brice Blanc 30-1
Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Sprint (Grade I), $2,000,000
Three-Year-Olds and Up
6 Furlongs
Saturday, November 7, 2009 (ABC, 3:10 p.m. ET)
PP Horse Jockey Odds
1 Zensational Victor Espinoza 7-5
2 Cost of Freedom Tyler Baze 20-1
3 Fatal Bullet Eurico Da Silva 9-2
4 Crown of Thorns Rafael Bejarano 12-1
5 Gayego Garrett Gomez 5-2
6 Dancing in Silks Joel Rosario 12-1
7 Join in the Dance John Velazquez 30-1
8 Capt. Candyman Can Javier Castellano 15-1
9 Fleeting Spirit (IRE) Lanfranco Dettori 8-1
Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile (Grade I)
$2,000,000
Two-Year-Old Colts and Geldings
1 1/16 Miles
Saturday, November 7, 2009 (ESPN 3:49 p.m. ET)
PP Horse Jockey Odds
1 Alfred Nobel (IRE) John Murtagh 20-1
2 Piscitelli Kent Desormeaux 50-1
3 Beethoven (IRE) Ryan Moore 20-1
4 Noble's Promise Willie Martinez 8-1
5 D' Funnybone Edgar Prado 5-2
6 Pulsion Mike Smith 20-1
7 Vale of York (IRE) Ahmed Ajtebi 20-1
8 Eskendereya Javier Castellano 10-1
9 Aikenite Alan Garcia 8-1
10 Aspire Julien Leparoux 30-1
11 Radiohead (GB) Martin Dwyer 15-1
12 William's Kitten Ramon Dominguez 30-1
13 Lookin At Lucky Garrett Gomez 8-5
TVG Breeders' Cup Mile (Grade I)
$2,000,000
Three-Year-Olds and Up
1 Mile (Turf)
Saturday, November 7, 2009 (ESPN, 4:28 p.m. ET)
PP Horse Jockey Odds
1 Court Vision Robby Albarado 12-1
2 Whatsthescript (IRE)Kent Desormeaux 15-1
3 Cowboy Cal John Velazquez 6-1
4 Delegator (GB) Lanfranco Dettori 3-1
5 Karelian Rajiv Maragh 20-1
6 Courageous Cat Garrett Gomez 20-1
7 Ferneley (IRE) Rafael Bejarano 20-1
8 Zacinto (GB) Ryan Moore 8-1
9 Gladiatorus Ahmed Ajtebi 20-1
10 Justenuffhumor Alan Garcia 10-1
11 Goldikova (IRE) Olivier Peslier 8-5
Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (Grade I)
$1,000,000
Three-Year-Olds and Up
1 Mile
Saturday, November 7, 2009 (ESPN 5:12 p.m. ET)
PP Horse Jockey Odds
1 Mastercraftsman (IRE) John Murtagh 6-5
2 Furthest Land Julien Leparoux 20-1
3 Midshipman Garrett Gomez 6-1
4 Bullsbay Jeremy Rose 3-1
5 Neko Bay Mike Smith 20-1
6 Mambo Meister Manoel Cruz 30-1
7 Pyro John Velazquez 10-1
8 Mr. Sidney Kent Desormeaux 12-1
9 Chocolate Candy Joel Rosario 15-1
10 Ready's Echo Calvin Borel 20-1
Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Turf (Grade I)
$3,000,000
Three-Year-Olds and Up
1 1/2 Miles (Turf)
Saturday, November 7, 2009 (ESPN, 5:57 p.m. ET)
PP Horse Jockey Odds
1 Telling Javier Castellano 20-1
2 Conduit (IRE) Ryan Moore 7-5
3 Red Rocks (IRE) Julien Leparoux 20-1
4 Allegre John Velazquez 50-1
5 Dar Re Mi (GB) Lanfranco Dettori 3-1
6 Presious Passion Elvis Trujillo 4-1
7 Spanish Moon Kieren Fallon 5-2
8 Monzante Rafael Bejarano 30-1
Breeders' Cup Classic Post Positions and Odds
2009 Breeders' Cup post positions have been drawn today. Here is the list of Classic contenders and their betting odds.
PP Horse Jockey Odds
1 Mine That Bird Calvin Borel 12-1
2 Colonel John Garrett Gomez 12-1
3 Summer Bird Kent Desormeaux 9-2
4 Zenyatta Mike Smith 5-2
5 Twice Over (GB) Thomas Queally 20-1
6 Richard's Kid Alex Solis 12-1
7 Gio Ponti Ramon Dominguez 12-1
8 Einstein (BRZ) Julien Leparoux 12-1
9 Girolamo Alan Garcia 20-1
10 Rip Van Winkle(IRE) John Murtagh 7-2
11 Regal Ransom Richard Migliore 20-1
12 Quality Road John Velazquez 12-1
13 Awesome Gem David Flores 30-1
November 2, 2009
Zenyatta on Synthetic Surface of Santa Anita
The Breeders' Cup will once again be run on the synthetic Pro-Ride surface of Santa Anita, the same surface that arguably caused the defeat of Horse of the Year Curlin last year.
"Artificial surfaces are just too unpredictable," said Hall of Fame trainer Wayne Lukas, who will pass on the event for only the second time in its history. "You'll see some real reversals of form.
"It's not a good race track," said Lukas, who tops the Breeders' Cup in winners and purses won. "It makes good horses average and average horses good."
Lukas isn't the only trainer or jockey who has publicly come out against synthetics; even John Shirreffs, who trains Zenyatta, doesn't like it. Zenyatta has won all 13 of her career starts, with 12 coming over synthetics.
Zenyatta breezed six furlongs in 1:12.40 yesterday at Hollywood Park, her final work before the Cup.
"She's a nice mare and they want to show her credentials," said Tim Ice, trainer of Belmont and Travers winner Summer Bird. "This is the race she can do it in. Whether she is good enough remains to be seen. When you're talking $5 million and you're good enough to compete that's what you do. You want to try and win the money."
"Artificial surfaces are just too unpredictable," said Hall of Fame trainer Wayne Lukas, who will pass on the event for only the second time in its history. "You'll see some real reversals of form.
"It's not a good race track," said Lukas, who tops the Breeders' Cup in winners and purses won. "It makes good horses average and average horses good."
Lukas isn't the only trainer or jockey who has publicly come out against synthetics; even John Shirreffs, who trains Zenyatta, doesn't like it. Zenyatta has won all 13 of her career starts, with 12 coming over synthetics.
Zenyatta breezed six furlongs in 1:12.40 yesterday at Hollywood Park, her final work before the Cup.
"She's a nice mare and they want to show her credentials," said Tim Ice, trainer of Belmont and Travers winner Summer Bird. "This is the race she can do it in. Whether she is good enough remains to be seen. When you're talking $5 million and you're good enough to compete that's what you do. You want to try and win the money."
October 30, 2009
2009 Breeders' Cup Pre-Entries Saturday
166 horses have been pre-entered for next week's 26th annual Breeders' Cup World Championships at Santa Anita Park. Final entries for the 14 races will be drawn on Tuesday, November 3.
CLASSIC
HORSE TRAINER
AWESOME GEM Craig Dollase
BULLSBAY H. Graham Motion
CHOCOLATE CANDY Jerry Hollendorfer
COLONEL JOHN Eoin G. Harty
EINSTEIN (Brz) Helen Pitts-Blasi
GIO PONTI Christophe Clement
GIROLAMO Saeed bin Suroor
MASTERCRAFTSMAN Aidan P. O'Brien
MINE THAT BIRD Bennie L.Woolley Jr.
QUALITY ROAD Todd A. Pletcher
REGAL RANSOM Saeed bin Suroor
RICHARD'S KID Bob Baffert
RIP VAN WINKLE Aidan P. O'Brien
SUMMER BIRD Tim A. Ice
TWICE OVER Henry Cecil
ZENYATTA John A. Shirreffs
TURF
HORSE TRAINER
ALLEGRE Brian J. Koriner
CONDUIT (Ire) Sir Michael R. Stoute
DAR RE MI (GB) John H.M. Gosden
MONZANTE Mike R. Mitchell
PRESIOUS PASSION Mary E. Hartmann
RED ROCKS (Ire) Brian Meehan
SPANISH MOON Sir Michael R. Stoute
SUMMER BIRD Tim A. Ice
TELLING Steve Hobby
MILE
HORSE TRAINER
AWESOME GEM Craig Dollase
COLONEL JOHN Eoin G. Harty
COURAGEOUS CAT Bill Mott
COURT VISION Richard E. Dutrow Jr.
COWBOY CAL Todd A. Pletcher
DELEGATOR (GB) Saeed bin Suroor
FERNELEY (Ire) Ben D.A. Cecil
GLADIATORUS Saeed bin Suroor
GOLDIKOVA (Ire) Freddy Head
JUSTENUFFHUMOR Kiaran P. McLaughlin
KARELIAN George R. Arnold II
MR. SIDNEY Bill Mott
WHATSTHESCRIPT John W. Sadler
ZACINTO Sir Michael R. Stoute
SPRINT
HORSE TRAINER
CAPT. CANDYMAN CAN Ian R. Wilkes
COST OF FREEDOM John W. Sadler
CROWN OF THORNS Richard E. Mandella
DANCING IN SILKS Carla Gaines
FATAL BULLET Reade Baker
FLEETING SPIRIT Jeremy Noseda
GAYEGO Saeed bin Suroor
JOIN IN THE DANCE Todd A. Pletcher
KODIAK KOWBOY Steven M. Asmussen
SQUARE EDDIE Doug F. O'Neill
ZENSATIONAL Bob Baffert
JUVENILE
HORSE TRAINER
AIKENITE Todd A. Pletcher
ALFRED NOBEL Aidan P. O'Brien
ASPIRE Eddie Kenneally
AWESOME ACT Jeremy Noseda
BEETHOVEN (Ire) Aidan P. O'Brien
BUZZWORD (GB) Saeed bin Suroor
D'FUNNYBONE Richard E. Dutrow Jr.
DAVE IN DIXIE John W. Sadler
ESKENDEREYA Todd A. Pletcher
FIST OF RAGE Kenneth G. McPeek
GALLANT GENT Craig A. Lewis
LOOKIN AT LUCKY Bob Baffert
MINT CHIP George R. Arnold II
NOBLE'S PROMISE Kenneth G. McPeek
PISCITELLI Gregory D. Sacco
POUNCED John H.M. Gosden
PULSION Patrick L. Biancone
RADIOHEAD Brian Meehan
VALE OF YORK Saeed bin Suroor
WILLIAM'S KITTEL Michael J. Maker
DIRT MILE
HORSE TRAINER
BULLSBAY H. Graham Motion
CHEROKEE ARTIST H. Graham Motion
CHOCOLATE CANDY Jerry Hollendorfer
COWBOY CAL Todd A. Pletcher
CROWN OF THORNS Richard E. Mandella
EL GATO MALO Craig Dollase
FURTHEST LAND Michael J. Maker
GIROLAMO Saeed bin Suroor
JOIN IN THE DANCE Todd A. Pletcher
KARELIAN George R. Arnold II
MASTERCRAFTSMAN Aidan P. O'Brien
MAMBO MEISTER Philip A. Gleaves
MIDSHIPMAN Saeed bin Suroor
MONZANTE Mike R. Mitchell
MR. SIDNEY Bill Mott
NEKO BAY John A. Shirreffs
PYRO Saeed bin Suroor
QUALITY ROAD Todd A. Pletcher
READY'S ECHO Todd A. Pletcher
REGAL RANSOM Saeed bin Suroor
SWEET HEARTH Alain de Royer-Dupre
TURF SPRINT
HORSE TRAINER
CALIFORNIA FLAG Brian J. Koriner
CANADIAN BALLET Linda Rice
CANNONBALL Wesley A. Ward
CHEROKEE HEAVEN Martin F. Jones
DANCING IN SILKS Carla Gaines
DELTA STORM Mike R. Mitchell
DESERT CODE David E. Hofmans
DIAMONDRELLA Angel Penna Jr.
EL GATO MALO Craig Dollase
FLEETING SPIRIT Jeremy Noseda
GAME FACE Todd A. Pletcher
GET FUNKY John W. Sadler
GOTTA HAVE HER Jenine Sahadi
LETHAL HEAT Barry Abrams
LORD SHANAKILL Richard E. Mandella
NOBLE COURT John W. Sadler
ONLY GREEN Freddy Head
SILVER TIMBER Chad C. Brown
SQUARE EDDIE Doug F. O'Neill
STRIKE THE DEAL Jeremy Noseda
TENGA CAT Ronald W. Ellis
YANKEE INJUNUITY James R. McMullen
JUVENILE TURF
HORSE TRAINER
AWESOME ACT Jeremy Noseda
BECKY'S KITTEN Wesley A. Ward
BRIDGETOWN Kenneth G. McPeek
BUZZWORD Saeed bin Suroor
CODOY Mark Hubley
DEAN'S KITTEN Michael J. Maker
ESKENDEREYA Todd A. Pletcher
FIST OF RAGE Kenneth G. McPeek
GALLANT GENT Craig A. Lewis
INTERACTIF Todd A. Pletcher
KERA'S KITTEN Michael J. Maker
KING LEDLEY Darrin Miller
MINT CHIP George R. Arnold II
OASIS DANCER Ralph M Beckett
POUNCED John H.M. Gosden
RAGING WIT Bill Mott
SUMMER MOVIE Art Sherman
VALE OF YORK Saeed bin Suroor
VISCOUNT NELSON Aidan P. O'Brien
ZIP QUIK Patrick L. Biancone
2009 Breeders' Cup Pre-Entries Friday
LADIES' CLASSIC
HORSE TRAINER
CARELESS JEWEL Josie Carroll
COCOA BEACH Saeed bin Suroor
LETHAL HEAT Barry Abrams
LIFE IS SWEET John A. Shirreffs
MUSIC NOTE Saeed bin Suroor
PROVISO (GB) Bobby Frankel
RAINBOW VIEW John Gosden
MUSHKA Bill Mott
ZENYATTA John A. Shirreffs
FILLY & MARE TURF
HORSE TRAINER
DAR RE MI (GB) John H.M. Gosden
DYNAFORCE Bill Mott
FOREVER TOGETHER Jonathan E. Sheppard
MAGICAL FANTASY Patrick Gallagher
MARAM Chad C. Brown
MIDDAY (GB) Henry Cecil
PURE CLAN Robert E. Holthus
RAINBOW VIEW John H.M. Gosden
RUTHERIENNE Christophe Clement
VISIT (GB) Bobby Frankel
JUVENILE FILLIES
HORSE TRAINER
ALWAYS A PRINCESS Bob Baffert
BEAUTICIAN Kenneth G. McPeek
BICKERSONS Kelly J. Breen
BIOFUEL Reade Baker
BLIND LUCK Jerry Hollendorfer
CHAMPAGNE D'ORO John Daley
CONNIE AND MICHAEL Kenneth G. McPeek
DEVIL MAY CARE Todd A. Pletcher
MS VANENZZA Juan Vasquez
NEGLIGEE John P. Terranova II
SHE BE WILD Wayne M. Catalano
ZILVA H. Graham Motion
FILLY & MARE SPRINT
HORSE TRAINER
ALLICANSAYIS WOW Patrick L. Biancone
EVITA ARGENTINA John W. Sadler
FREE FLYING SOUL Bruce Headley
GAME FACE Todd A. Pletcher
INFORMED DECISION Jonathan E. Sheppard
ONLY GREEN (Ire) Freddy Head
SARA LOUISE Saeed bin Suroor
SEVENTH STREET Saeed bin Suroor
SILVER SWALLOW Bruce Headley
SWEET HEARTH Alain de Royer-Dupre
VENTURA Bobby Frankel
JUVENILE FILLIES TURF
HORSE TRAINER
CHAMPAGNE D'ORO John Daley
CONNIE AND MICHAEL Kenneth G. McPeek
DAD'S CRAZY Todd A. Pletcher
ELUSIVE GALAXY (Ire) Ben D.A. Cecil
HATHEER Kiaran P. McLaughlin
HOUSE OF GRACE Kenneth G. McPeek
IN THE SLIPS Jeff Mullins
JUNGLE TALE Steven M. Asmussen
JUNIA TEPZIA (Ire) Peter Schiergen
LA NEZ Eric Kruljac
LILLIE LANGTRY (Ire) Aidan P. O'Brien
LISA'S KITTEN Michael J. Maker
POTOSINA Mark Shuman
ROSE CATHERINE Todd A. Pletcher
SMART SEATTLE H. Graham Motion
TAPITSFLY Dale L. Romans
ZILVA H. Graham Motion
MARATHON
HORSE TRAINER
BLACK ASTOR Lisa Lewis
CLOUDY'S KNIGHT Jonathan E. Sheppard
ELDAAFER Diane Alvarado
FATHER TIME (GB) Henry Cecil
GANGBUSTER Keith Desormeaux
MAN OF IRON Aidan P. O'Brien
MASTERY (GB) Saeed bin Suroor
MUHANNAK (Ire) Ralph M. Beckett
NITE LIGHT Todd A. Pletcher
ON FIRE Barry Abrams
SIR DAVE Jack Carava
October 21, 2009
Purses at the Oak Tree Cut by 10%
Purses at the Oak Tree at Santa Anita meeting have been cut by approximately 10 percent for the remainder of the meeting, which runs through November 8, the track announced on Wednesday.
Track management cited declining handle as the reason for the cuts. In a statement, Santa Anita officials said all-sources handle was down 12 percent compared with the 2008 Oak Tree meeting.
The reductions take effect with Saturday's races, and do not affect purses for the Breeders' Cup races on November 6-7th.
Track management cited declining handle as the reason for the cuts. In a statement, Santa Anita officials said all-sources handle was down 12 percent compared with the 2008 Oak Tree meeting.
The reductions take effect with Saturday's races, and do not affect purses for the Breeders' Cup races on November 6-7th.
October 16, 2009
Zenyatta won Lady's Secret Stake
Zenyatta has done it again, running her record to 13-0 with a victory in the $300,000 Lady’s Secret Stakes at Santa Anita's Oak Tree meeting.
Watch Lady’s Secret Stakes race replay!
The stellar mare tied Personal Ensign’s streak of 13 consecutive wins set 20 years ago.
Ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, Zenyatta covered 1 1/16 miles on the synthetic Pro-Ride surface in 1 minute 42.89 seconds. Sent off as the 2-5 favorite, she paid $2.80, $2.40, and $2.10.
Zenyatta won the Lady’s Secret a year ago before going on to win the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic. The connections of the unbeaten Zenyatta said they would wait as long as possible before determining which Breeders' Cup race she will run in.
Watch Lady’s Secret Stakes race replay!
The stellar mare tied Personal Ensign’s streak of 13 consecutive wins set 20 years ago.
Ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, Zenyatta covered 1 1/16 miles on the synthetic Pro-Ride surface in 1 minute 42.89 seconds. Sent off as the 2-5 favorite, she paid $2.80, $2.40, and $2.10.
Zenyatta won the Lady’s Secret a year ago before going on to win the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic. The connections of the unbeaten Zenyatta said they would wait as long as possible before determining which Breeders' Cup race she will run in.
October 15, 2009
Sea The Stars Retired
Connections of Sea The Stars have confirmed that the recent Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner is being retired, leaving Rip Van Winkle as the new favourite for next month's Breeders' Cup Classic.
While trainer John Oxx failed to commit to whether the 2,000 Guineas champion will become a stud horse, he did confirm that the horse will run no further races.
The decision was made after talks with Sea The Stars' owner Christopher Tsui, he added.
Sea The Stars was born with many advantages, as a son of another Arc winner in Urban Sea, who had already produced a brilliant Derby winner in Galileo. But he certainly owed the fulfilment of his potential to the forbearance of his trainer, who resisted any temptation to push too many buttons during his juvenile season. In turn, Oxx felt that Sea The Stars had an uncommon sense of his own destiny. On the eve of the Arc, Oxx gave this newspaper a fascinating insight into the colt's instincts, appetite and outlook as a natural "pack leader".
October 9, 2009
Jockey Rankings by Earnings and Wins
Here are the top 10 jockeys by earnings and wins.
Jockeys' Rankings Earnings (As of 10/05/09)
1. R. A. Dominguez $14,123,426
2. Julien Leparoux $13,252,306
3. Garrett Gomez $12,008,158
4. Kent Desormeaux $10,638,356
5. Alan Garcia $10,518,267
6. John Velazquez $10,289,684
7. Joel Rosario $9,744,064
8. Rajiv Maragh $9,246,090
9. Rafael Bejarano $9,214,325
10. Robby Albarado $7,993,247
Jockeys' Leaderboard Wins
1. Russell Baze 328
2. Ramon Dominguez 314
3. DeShawn Parker 241
4. David Cohen 232
5. J.D. Acosta 229
6. Orlando Mojica 228
7. Joel Rosario 218
8. Leandro Goncalves 217
9. Elvis Trujillo 203
10. Rajiv Maragh 200
October 8, 2009
Pick Six Betting in Horse Racing
A near impossible wager to win, especially for the novice, and it demands a very large investment of capital. If you’re right, the winnings could change your life.
A pick 6 is a type of wager offered by horse racing tracks. It requires bettors to select the winners of six consecutive races. Because of the great difficulty in picking six straight winners, plus the number of betting interests involved, payoffs for successful wagers are quite high, sometimes in the millions of dollars.
The Breeders' Cup announced that an all Breeders' Cup Pick 6 wager will be offered on both days of this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships, Nov. 6-7 at Santa Anita Park.
A pick 6 is a type of wager offered by horse racing tracks. It requires bettors to select the winners of six consecutive races. Because of the great difficulty in picking six straight winners, plus the number of betting interests involved, payoffs for successful wagers are quite high, sometimes in the millions of dollars.
The Breeders' Cup announced that an all Breeders' Cup Pick 6 wager will be offered on both days of this year's Breeders' Cup World Championships, Nov. 6-7 at Santa Anita Park.
October 7, 2009
Summer Bird won Jockey Club Gold Cup
Summer Bird added the Jockey Club Gold Cup to victories earlier in the year in the Belmont Stakes and Travers Stakes, becoming just the 10th 3-year-old to capture all three races in the same year. He's the first to do it since Easy Goer in 1989. Others to do it include Temperence Hill, Arts and Letters, Damascus, One Count, Twenty Grand, Man o' War, Sword Dancer and Gallant Man.
Summer Bird's fourth victory in eight starts this year earned $450,000 for owners Kalarikkal and Vilasini Yayerman. Summer Bird will be posted to the November 7 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita.
Summer Bird paid $4.50, $2.80 and $2.10. Quality Road paid $3.80 and $3.80. Tizway, third of seven after setting the pace for most of the first mile, paid $6.30 to show.
Watch the race replay!
Summer Bird's fourth victory in eight starts this year earned $450,000 for owners Kalarikkal and Vilasini Yayerman. Summer Bird will be posted to the November 7 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita.
Summer Bird paid $4.50, $2.80 and $2.10. Quality Road paid $3.80 and $3.80. Tizway, third of seven after setting the pace for most of the first mile, paid $6.30 to show.
Watch the race replay!
2009 Breeders' Cup TV Coverage
2009 Breeders' Cup Championship is only 3 weeks away. Here is the TV schedule. If you can go down to Santa Anita racetrack, you can still watch the races.
# November 6
* Breeders' Cup Friday, 3:00-7:00pm, ESPN2
# November 7
* Breeders' Cup Saturday, 1:00-3:30pm, ABC
* Breeders' Cup Saturday Part 2, 3:30-7:00pm, ESPN
# November 6
* Breeders' Cup Friday, 3:00-7:00pm, ESPN2
# November 7
* Breeders' Cup Saturday, 1:00-3:30pm, ABC
* Breeders' Cup Saturday Part 2, 3:30-7:00pm, ESPN
October 3, 2009
2009 Breeders Cup Post Times
Check out 2009 Breeders' Cup Post times and race order.
Friday, November 6
Saturday, November 4, 2006
The race order is tentative. The official race order will be released on Wednesday, October 25. Post Times will remain the same.
Friday, November 6
. Race Distance Purse Post Time
3 Breeders' Cup Marathon 1 3/4 miles $500K 12:35pm
4 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf 1 mile $1M 1:08 pm
5 Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint 7 furlongs $1M 1:45 pm
6 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies 1 1/16 miles $2M 2:23 pm
7 Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf 1 ¼ miles $2M 3:02 pm
8 Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic 1 1/8 miles $2M 3:45 pm
Saturday, November 4, 2006
. Race Distance Purse Post Time
1. Ack Ack Mile H. 1 Mile $200K 11:15 am
2. Very Subtle H. 6 Furlongs $200K 11:45 am
3. Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies 1 1/16 Miles $2M 12:30 pm
4. Breeders' Cup Juvenile 1 1/16 Miles $2M 1:10 pm
5. Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf 1 3/8 Miles $2M 1:55 pm
6. Breeders' Cup Sprint 6 Furlongs $2M 2:35 pm
7. Breeders' Cup Mile 1 Mile $2M 3:15 pm
8. Breeders' Cup Distaff 1 1/8 Miles $2M 3:55 pm
9. Breeders' Cup Turf 1 1/2 Miles $3M 4:35 pm
10. Breeders' Cup Classic 1 1/4 Miles $5M 5:20 pm
The race order is tentative. The official race order will be released on Wednesday, October 25. Post Times will remain the same.
September 28, 2009
Hibaayeb won Fillies Mile 2009
Hibaayeb shed her maiden tag with victory in the Meon Valley Stud Fillies' Mile at Ascot. This was Brittain, a trainer of Hibaayeb's third Fillies' Mile success in the last 20 years thanks to Ivanka in 1992 and Teggiano 10 years ago. Hibaayeb had to survive a lengthy stewards' inquiry, but the stewards allowed the result to stand. William Hill was quick to offer 25-1 odds about the 8-1 winner for the Investec Oaks.
Hibaayeb is now guaranteed a place in the Juvenile Fillies' Turf at the Breeders' Cup in California in November.
Watch Fillies' Mile race replay!
Hibaayeb is now guaranteed a place in the Juvenile Fillies' Turf at the Breeders' Cup in California in November.
Watch Fillies' Mile race replay!
September 27, 2009
Breeders' Cup Classic Contenders 2009
A maximum of 14 starters are allowed in Breeders' Cup Classic. Here are the most updated Classic contenders ranking. Bullsbay, Gran Estreno and Richard's Kid are Challenge winners.
Point Horse Trainer
Bullsbay H. Graham Motion
Gran Estreno Michael Stidham
Richard's Kid Baffert Racing Stables
62 Rachel Alexandra Steven M. Asmussen
30 Life Is Sweet John A. Shirreffs
28 Macho Again Dallas Stewart
28 Summer Bird Tim A. Ice
26 Quality Road Todd A. Pletcher
24 Einstein Helen Pitts-Blasi
22 Mine That Bird Bennie L. Woolley Jr.
22 Rail Trip Ronald W. Ellis
19 Musket Man Derek S. Ryan
18 Hold Me Back William I. Mott
16 Jonesboro Randy L. Morse
16 Kensei Steven M. Asmussen
14 Papa Clem Gary Stute
12 Cowboy Cal Todd A. Pletcher
12 Dunkirk Todd A. Pletcher
Pick Six Wager Offered for All Breeders Cup Races
An all Breeders’ Cup pick six wager will be offered on both days of this year’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships on November 6-7 at Santa Anita Park.
The Championship Friday program will consist of six Breeders’ Cup races, beginning with the $500,000 Breeders’ Cup Marathon, and will be followed by five consecutive Breeders’ Cup races for females, culminating with the $2-million Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic.
If nobody hits the pick six, the pool will be carried over into the Breeders’ Cup Ultra pick six pool on Saturday.
Championship Saturday will feature eight Breeders’ Cup races, culminating with the $5-million Breeders’ Cup Classic.
The Championship Friday program will consist of six Breeders’ Cup races, beginning with the $500,000 Breeders’ Cup Marathon, and will be followed by five consecutive Breeders’ Cup races for females, culminating with the $2-million Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic.
If nobody hits the pick six, the pool will be carried over into the Breeders’ Cup Ultra pick six pool on Saturday.
Championship Saturday will feature eight Breeders’ Cup races, culminating with the $5-million Breeders’ Cup Classic.
September 23, 2009
Swift Temper won the Ruffian Handicap 2009
Swift Temper upset 1-5 favorite Seventh Street by 1 3/4 lengths to win the $300,000 Ruffian Handicap for fillies and mares at Belmont Park on Saturday.
Swift Temper, a 5-year-old trained by Dale Romans, earned $180,000 for Mark Stanley. The win was the third in eight starts this year, improving her career mark to 6 for 29.
The Ruffian was a "Win and You're In" challenge stakes, insuring Swift Temper a spot in the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic on Nov. 6 at Santa Anita.
Watch the replay of Ruffian Handicap 2009
Swift Temper, a 5-year-old trained by Dale Romans, earned $180,000 for Mark Stanley. The win was the third in eight starts this year, improving her career mark to 6 for 29.
The Ruffian was a "Win and You're In" challenge stakes, insuring Swift Temper a spot in the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic on Nov. 6 at Santa Anita.
Watch the replay of Ruffian Handicap 2009
Winners and Payouts
Horse Win Place Show
Swift Temper $11.40 $3.00 $2.30
Seventh Street $2.10 $2.10
Luna Vega $2.50
September 20, 2009
Filly Ventura won the Woodbine Mile
Ventura has won the Woodbine Mile to become the first female to win the $1 million race at Woodbine Racetrack. The win in the 13th running of the Woodbine Mile gave Ventura an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup Mile on Nov. 7 at Santa Anita. Ferneley was second and Sterwins finished third.
Ventura, a daughter of Chester House, earned $600,000 for Juddmonte Farm, boosting her bankroll to more than $2.2 million.
Watch the replay of Woodbine Mile 2009.
Winners and Payouts
Ventura, a daughter of Chester House, earned $600,000 for Juddmonte Farm, boosting her bankroll to more than $2.2 million.
Watch the replay of Woodbine Mile 2009.
Winners and Payouts
Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show
9 Ventura Garrett K. Gomez 6.20 3.30 3.20
3 Ferneley Rafael Bejarano 5.80 4.30
2 Sterwins Patrick Husbands 4.20
September 17, 2009
Richard's Kid won the Pacific Classic
Richard's Kid broke through for the biggest win of his career of Sunday, shocking a star-studded field in the Grade 1, $1 million Pacific Classic at Del Mar.
With the victory in the Pacific Classic, Richard's Kid earned a berth in the Breeders' Cup Classic Nov. 7 at Santa Anita's Oak Tree meeting through the Win and You're In program. Richard's Kid's winning time is 2:02.39.
Watch the race replay.
Pacific Classic Stakes winners and payouts
With the victory in the Pacific Classic, Richard's Kid earned a berth in the Breeders' Cup Classic Nov. 7 at Santa Anita's Oak Tree meeting through the Win and You're In program. Richard's Kid's winning time is 2:02.39.
Watch the race replay.
Pacific Classic Stakes winners and payouts
Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show
4 Richard's Kid Mike E. Smith 50.80 22.20 12.40
10 Einstein Julien R. Leparoux 6.40 4.80
3 Rail Trip Jose Valdivia, Jr. 3.80
September 13, 2009
Rachel Alexandra won't run in Breeders' Cup
The filly Rachel Alexandra will not run in the Breeders’ Cup, despite an announcement Friday that the winner’s share of the Classic would be increased by $1 million if she and the undefeated mare Zenyatta were to take on the best older horses in the world November 7 at Santa Anita Park. Adding the $1 million would have raised the base winner’s share of the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic to $3.7 million, the richest of any race in the world this year.
Jess Jackson said late Friday he was humbled by the interest Rachel Alexandra has generated, but "Rachel already has completed a brilliant long campaign."
Earlier, in an effort to lure Rachel Alexandra to the Breeders' Cup to run against undefeated Zenyatta, the Breeders' Cup said it would add $1 million to the winner's share of the Classic if both horses ran. Jackson put an end to that possibility, reiterating his dislike of Santa Anita's synthetic surface.
September 7, 2009
Sea The Stars won the Irish Champion Stakes 2009
Sea The Stars won the Irish Champion Stakes by more than a length Saturday for a fifth straight Group 1 victory. The 4-6 favorite pulled away from Fame And Glory in the 1 1/4-mile race. Fame And Glory was second and Mastercraftsman third in the field of nine.
British bookmaker William Hill now lists Sea The Stars as a 7-4 favorite to win next month's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
"I was amazed that he's actually won by more than a length," trainer John Oxx said. "He doesn't usually do that."
Watch the race replay.
British bookmaker William Hill now lists Sea The Stars as a 7-4 favorite to win next month's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
"I was amazed that he's actually won by more than a length," trainer John Oxx said. "He doesn't usually do that."
Watch the race replay.
Carlsbad won the Rancho Bernardo Handicap
Carlsbad captures the Grade 3 Rancho Bernardo Handicap, a Breeders' Cup Challenge race at Del Mar on Sept. 4, 2009. Carlsbad, sent off favored, paid $4.80 to win. Owned by Dennis Weir and trained by Jeff Mullins, Carlsbad, 3, has won 7 of 9 starts and $387,126. Earlier this summer, she won the Grade 2 Hollywood Oaks over 1 1/16 miles.
Overall, Carlsbad has won seven of nine starts and has earned $387,126. She is one of four winners from as many starters out of the stakes-winning Pine Bluff mare Kits Peak, dam of multiple stakes winner Staten Island, by In Excess (Ire).
Winners and Payout
Overall, Carlsbad has won seven of nine starts and has earned $387,126. She is one of four winners from as many starters out of the stakes-winning Pine Bluff mare Kits Peak, dam of multiple stakes winner Staten Island, by In Excess (Ire).
Winners and Payout
Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show
8 Carlsbad Tyler Baze 4.80 3.40 2.60
4 Lady Lumberjack Michael C. Baze 4.80 3.80
1 Golden Doc A Alonso Quinonez 10.40
August 30, 2009
Termagant won Moyglare Stakes
Termagant, the Kevin Prendergast-trained filly, won Moyglare Stakes. The winner, ridden by Declan McDonogh, was taking a massive step up in class after winning a maiden in June, but she proved equal to the task.
As a win-and-you're-in race, victory secured Termagant a place in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, but Prendergast made no mention of that 1-mile contest in his post-race comments. In fact, the veteran Irish conditioner suggested that Termagant may not run again this year, stating that her major goal is now the Irish 1000 Guineas back at the Curragh next May.
As a win-and-you're-in race, victory secured Termagant a place in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, but Prendergast made no mention of that 1-mile contest in his post-race comments. In fact, the veteran Irish conditioner suggested that Termagant may not run again this year, stating that her major goal is now the Irish 1000 Guineas back at the Curragh next May.
Spring House won Del Mar Handicap
Spring House ridden by Alex Solis won by a nose over Sir Dave with Joel Rosario riding in the 70th running of the $250,000 Del Mar Handicap on Sunday. With the victory, Spring House earned an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup Turf
Spring House went off at 5-2 and paid $7.60 with his 10th career win, which put him over the $1 million mark in career earnings for owner R.D. Hubbard. His time of 2:12.61 was off his record-breaking effort of 2:11.14 set in last year's Del Mar Handicap.
Winners and Payout
Spring House went off at 5-2 and paid $7.60 with his 10th career win, which put him over the $1 million mark in career earnings for owner R.D. Hubbard. His time of 2:12.61 was off his record-breaking effort of 2:11.14 set in last year's Del Mar Handicap.
Winners and Payout
Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show
8 Spring House Alex O. Solis 7.60 4.60 3.80
3 Sir Dave Joel Rosario 10.00 5.80
2 Temple City Michael C. Baze 5.40
August 28, 2009
Assessment won the 2009 Longacres Mile
Assessment grabbed a come-from-behind victory in Sunday's $300,000 Grade III Longacres Mile at Emerald Downs beating 2-1 wagering favorite Awesome Gem by three-quarters of a length. Assessment made $165,000 with his Mile victory. He won the Mount Rainier Handicap on July 26 and the Budweiser Emerald Handicap on June 21 and has career earnings of $355,980. As part of the Breeders' Cup Win and You're In program, Assessment earned an automatic berth into the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile on Nov. 7 at Santa Anita.
Assessment, a 5-year-old gelding at 7-1, paid $16.60, $7.20 and $5.20. Awesome Gem, with Russell Baze aboard, paid $3.80 and $2.80. Teide, a Canadian shipper with Chad Hoverson aboard was third and paid $5.60.
Assessment, a 5-year-old gelding at 7-1, paid $16.60, $7.20 and $5.20. Awesome Gem, with Russell Baze aboard, paid $3.80 and $2.80. Teide, a Canadian shipper with Chad Hoverson aboard was third and paid $5.60.
Magical Fantasy won the John Mabee Stakes
Magical Fantasy won her third straight graded stakes score this past weekend after coming off the pace to win the $350K John Mabee Stakes at Del Mar. The four-year-old daughter of Diesis also won a birth in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf in November via the “win and you’re in” rule for the race.
Owned by a partnership of David Bienstock, Paul Mandabach, and Chuck Winner, Magical Fantasy has won five of her 16 starts, four of 10 on the turf.
John Mabee Stakes Winners and Payouts
Owned by a partnership of David Bienstock, Paul Mandabach, and Chuck Winner, Magical Fantasy has won five of her 16 starts, four of 10 on the turf.
John Mabee Stakes Winners and Payouts
Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show
3 Magical Fantasy Alex O. Solis 6.40 4.20 2.80
7 Gotta Have Her Tyler Baze 7.20 4.60
6 Patricia's Gem Victor Espinoza 3.80
August 22, 2009
Breeders' Cup Classic Ranking (Points)
A maximum of 14 starters are allowed in each of the 14 Breeders' Cup Championships races with the exception of the Dirt Mile, Juvenile Fillies Turf and Juvenile Turf which will each be limited to 12 starters. This is the list of Classic contenders with high points. Bullsbay is the Breeders' Cup Challenge winner.
Points Horse Trainer
Bullsbay H. Graham Motion
52 Rachel Alexandra Steven M. Asmussen
30 Life Is Sweet John A. Shirreffs
22 Macho Again Dallas Stewart
22 Mine That Bird Bennie L. Woolley Jr.
19 Musket Man (layoff) Derek S. Ryan
18 Einstein (BRZ) (S15%) Helen Pitts-Blasi
18 Rail Trip Ronald W. Ellis
18 Summer Bird Tim A. Ice
16 I Want Revenge (OUT) Jeff Mullins
16 Jonesboro Randy L. Morse
16 Kensei Steven M. Asmussen
16 Munnings Todd A. Pletcher
14 General Quarters (OUT)Thomas R. McCarthy
14 Papa Clem Gary Stute
12 Cowboy Cal Todd A. Pletcher
12 Dunkirk Todd A. Pletcher
12 Hold Me Back William I. Mott
10 Albertus Maximus Kiaran P. McLaughlin
Breeders' Cup Expands Drug Policy
On Monday, August 10, the Breeders' Cup announced an expansion to its steroid ban policy to include all Class 1 and Class 2 drugs, as established by The Association of Racing Commissioners International (RCI) Uniform Classification Guidelines for Foreign Substances, for this year's Breeders' Cup world championships.
Trainers of horses that test positive for these drugs at this year's event will face a one-year suspension from the 2010 event, and trainers who violate the policy three times will face a lifetime ban from participating in the Breeders' Cup.
"The establishment of these new regulations strengthens our number one priority of preserving the integrity of our competition and protecting the welfare of our athletes at the world championships," Breeders' Cup president and CEO Greg Avioli said Monday.
Drugs are broken down into five classes, with rankings based on their pharmacology, ability to influence the outcome of a race, whether or not they have legitimate therapeutic uses in the horse or other evidence that they may be used improperly.
Class 1 drugs banned from the Breeders' Cup include opiates, opium derivatives, synthetic opioids, psychoactive drugs, amphetamines and amphetamine-like drugs. There are at least 51 drugs in this class of stimulants and depressant drugs.
Class 2 drugs banned include lidocaine, epogen, caffeine and snake venoms. There are nearly 350 drugs in this class.
Last year, anabolic steroid testing was conducted for the first time at the Breeders' Cup. Besides testing for steroids and Class 1 and Class 2 drugs, there will be out of competition testing for EPO 10 days before the event and TCO2 before all 14 Breeders' Cup races.
A failed EPO test would make a horse ineligible for competition and the trainer subject to suspension. Failed tests for TCO2 or milk shaking would result in purse redistributions and suspensions.
Trainers of horses that test positive for these drugs at this year's event will face a one-year suspension from the 2010 event, and trainers who violate the policy three times will face a lifetime ban from participating in the Breeders' Cup.
"The establishment of these new regulations strengthens our number one priority of preserving the integrity of our competition and protecting the welfare of our athletes at the world championships," Breeders' Cup president and CEO Greg Avioli said Monday.
Drugs are broken down into five classes, with rankings based on their pharmacology, ability to influence the outcome of a race, whether or not they have legitimate therapeutic uses in the horse or other evidence that they may be used improperly.
Class 1 drugs banned from the Breeders' Cup include opiates, opium derivatives, synthetic opioids, psychoactive drugs, amphetamines and amphetamine-like drugs. There are at least 51 drugs in this class of stimulants and depressant drugs.
Class 2 drugs banned include lidocaine, epogen, caffeine and snake venoms. There are nearly 350 drugs in this class.
Last year, anabolic steroid testing was conducted for the first time at the Breeders' Cup. Besides testing for steroids and Class 1 and Class 2 drugs, there will be out of competition testing for EPO 10 days before the event and TCO2 before all 14 Breeders' Cup races.
A failed EPO test would make a horse ineligible for competition and the trainer subject to suspension. Failed tests for TCO2 or milk shaking would result in purse redistributions and suspensions.
August 2, 2009
Informed won San Diego Handicap
Informed caught pacesetter Mast Track late down the stretch to win Sunday's running of the $250,000 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar. The victory means automatic entry into this year's Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile at Santa Anita Park.
nformed, claimed by O'Neill for just $25,000 at Hollywood Park a year ago, paid $15, $6.60 and $6. Mast Track paid $9.20 and $6.80. Song of Navarone returned $8.20 to show.
Informed earned 150,000 for the win, his sixth in 22 lifetime starts, for a career total of $506,339. The San Diego Handicap is the traditional local prep for the $1 million Pacific Classic.
Watch the race reply!
nformed, claimed by O'Neill for just $25,000 at Hollywood Park a year ago, paid $15, $6.60 and $6. Mast Track paid $9.20 and $6.80. Song of Navarone returned $8.20 to show.
Informed earned 150,000 for the win, his sixth in 22 lifetime starts, for a career total of $506,339. The San Diego Handicap is the traditional local prep for the $1 million Pacific Classic.
Watch the race reply!
July 26, 2009
Yankee Injunuity won the Arlington Sprint Handicap
Yankee Injunuity won the $200,000 Arlington Sprint Handicap at Arlington Park on July 11, 2009. The five-year-old Yankee Victor horse, trained by James McMullen and ridden by jockey E. T. Baird, Yankee Injunuity paid $19 to win, and was given a time of 1:02.50 for 5 1/2 furlongs on a firm turf course.
The win automatically qualifies Yankee Injunuity for a starting spot in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint to be run on November 7 at the Oak Tree at Santa Anita meeting.
The win automatically qualifies Yankee Injunuity for a starting spot in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint to be run on November 7 at the Oak Tree at Santa Anita meeting.
Swift Temper won 2009 Delaware Handicap
Swift Temper ($17) captures the Grade 2, $1 million Delaware Handicap at Delaware Park on July 19, 2009. The win earned Swift Temper a berth in the 2009 Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic.
Under deft handling by jockey Alan Garcia, Swift Temper was allowed to cut out slow early fractions of :49.83 for the half mile and 1:14.79 for six furlongs in the mile and a quarter race.
Swift Temper covered the 12 furlongs in 2:03.41 and the Dale Romans trainee ran her career earnings to $1,033,346 while winning her fifth race from 27 starts. She returned $17.00, $6.00, $3.80.
Icon Project paid $4.20, $3.40, and Unbridled Belle paid $2.20. Trained by Nick Zito, Our Edged covered the mile and a sixteenth in 1:43.70 and returned $8.80, $4.40, $3.60.
Under deft handling by jockey Alan Garcia, Swift Temper was allowed to cut out slow early fractions of :49.83 for the half mile and 1:14.79 for six furlongs in the mile and a quarter race.
Swift Temper covered the 12 furlongs in 2:03.41 and the Dale Romans trainee ran her career earnings to $1,033,346 while winning her fifth race from 27 starts. She returned $17.00, $6.00, $3.80.
Icon Project paid $4.20, $3.40, and Unbridled Belle paid $2.20. Trained by Nick Zito, Our Edged covered the mile and a sixteenth in 1:43.70 and returned $8.80, $4.40, $3.60.
July 15, 2009
Breeders’ Cup Handicapping Event
Breeders’ Cup Ltd. and the Oak Tree Racing Association announced yesterday that they will sponsor a handicapping tournament with a $10,000 buy-in and $150,000 first-place prize in conjunction with the Breeders' Cup year-end event on Nov. 6-7 at Santa Anita,
Second place in the Breeders' Cup tournament will receive $50,000; third, $25,000; fourth, $15,000; fifth, $10,000; and sixth through 10th, $5,000.
The contest will be limited to the first 100 players who enter, the organization said.
The Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge also will offer the top six players the opportunity to qualify for the 2010 DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship, to be held at the Red Rock Casino, Resort, and Spa in Las Vegas in January. Each NHC qualifier also will earn $1,000 towards his or her travel expenses for Las Vegas.
Second place in the Breeders' Cup tournament will receive $50,000; third, $25,000; fourth, $15,000; fifth, $10,000; and sixth through 10th, $5,000.
The contest will be limited to the first 100 players who enter, the organization said.
The Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge also will offer the top six players the opportunity to qualify for the 2010 DRF/NTRA National Handicapping Championship, to be held at the Red Rock Casino, Resort, and Spa in Las Vegas in January. Each NHC qualifier also will earn $1,000 towards his or her travel expenses for Las Vegas.
July 12, 2009
Eaton's Gift won Smile Sprint Handicap
Eaton's Gift defeated defending Eclipse Award sprint champion Benny the Bull in the $350,000, Grade II Smile Sprint Handicap on Calder's Summit of Speed card.
The Smile Sprint Handicap, is part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In" program, so Eaton's Gift gets a spot in the November 7 Breeders' Cup Sprint at Santa Anita, California.
The Smile Sprint Handicap, is part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge "Win and You're In" program, so Eaton's Gift gets a spot in the November 7 Breeders' Cup Sprint at Santa Anita, California.
Horse Jockey Win Place Show
5 Eaton's Gift Jose Lezcano 31.20 6.00 4.40
4 Benny the Bull Edgar S. Prado 2.10 2.10
3 Processor's Turf Eduardo O. Nunez 6.00
Game Face won Princess Rooney Handicap
Game Face outclassed her rivals in Saturday's $350,000 Princess Rooney Handicap at Calder race course, pulling off for the 6 3/4-length victory under an Edgar Prado hand ride. By winning the six-furlong Princess Rooney, Game Face earned a spot in the Breeders' Cup Fillies and Mares Sprint at Santa Anita in Arcadia, California, on November 6.
Bred in Kentucky by Marilyn F. Seltzer, Game Face is the first registered foal out of the unraced Galleon of Gold (Gone West), who has since produced an unnamed yearling colt by Indian Charlie. Galleon of Gold is herself a daughter of multiple Grade 1-placed stakes winner Harbour Club (Danzig), making her a half-sister to the stakes-winning sire Holzmeister (Woodman).
Watch the race replay
Winners and Payouts
Bred in Kentucky by Marilyn F. Seltzer, Game Face is the first registered foal out of the unraced Galleon of Gold (Gone West), who has since produced an unnamed yearling colt by Indian Charlie. Galleon of Gold is herself a daughter of multiple Grade 1-placed stakes winner Harbour Club (Danzig), making her a half-sister to the stakes-winning sire Holzmeister (Woodman).
Watch the race replay
Winners and Payouts
Horse Jockey Win Place Show
6 Game Face Edgar S. Prado 5.60 3.60 2.80
7 Keep the Peace Manoel R. Cruz 5.80 4.00
2 Orinoquia Eduardo O. Nunez 8.40
July 4, 2009
Breeders' Cup Challenge Schedule 2009
The Breeders' Cup Challenge series is highlighted by its 'Win and You're In' provision, with the winner of each of the Challenge races automatically qualifying for the corresponding divisional race in the two-day, fourteen-race, $25.5 million Breeders' Cup World Championships, to be held November 6 and 7 at Oak Tree at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California.
| Date | Race | Division | Track | Time (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 26 | Champions Mile | Mile | Sha Tin | 03:55 |
| June 27 | Audi Pretty Polly S. | Filly & Mare Turf | Curragh | 08:00 |
| July 4 | Salvator Mile S. | Dirt Mile | Monmouth Park | 04:50 |
| July 4 | United Nations S. | Turf | Monmouth Park | 05:20 |
| July 11 | Princess Rooney H. | Filly & Mare Sprint | Calder Race Course | 04:00 |
| July 11 | Smile Sprint H. | Sprint | Calder Race Course | 04:00 |
| July 11 | Arlington Sprint H. | Turf Sprint | Arlington Park | 05:00 |
| July 18 | Greenwood Cup H. | Marathon | Philadelphia Park | 04:00 |
| July 19 | Delaware H. | Ladies' Classic | Delaware Park | 04:00 |
| August 2 | San Diego H. | Dirt Mile | Del Mar | 07:00 |
| August 5 | Cougar II H. | Marathon | Del Mar | 07:00 |
| August 8 | Arlington Million | Turf | Arlington Park | 04:30 |
| August 8 | Beverly D. | Filly & Mare Turf | Arlington Park | 05:00 |
| August 9 | Prix Maurice de Gheest | Turf Sprint | Deauville-La Touques | 08:00 |
| August 16 | John C. Mabee S. | Filly & Mare Turf | Del Mar | 07:00 |
| August 16 | Longacres Mile H. | Dirt Mile | Emerald Downs | 07:00 |
| August 29 | Del Mar Mile H. | Mile | Del Mar | 07:00 |
| August 30 | Moyglare Stud S. | Juvenile Fillies Turf | Curragh | 08:00 |
| August 30 | Del Mar H. | Turf | Del Mar | 07:00 |
| September 4 | Rancho Bernardo H. | Filly & Mare Sprint | Del Mar | 07:00 |
| September 5 | Tattersalls Million Irish Champion S. | Turf | Leopardstown | 08:00 |
| September 5 | Washington Park H. | Classic | Arlington Park | 05:00 |
| September 6 | Pat O'Brien S. | Sprint | Del Mar | 06:30 |
| September 6 | Pacific Classic | Classic | Del Mar | 07:00 |
| September 12 | Ruffian H. | Ladies' Classic | Belmont Park | 04:00 |
| September 12 | Turfway Park Fall Championship | Marathon | Turfway Park | 05:00 |
| September 19 | Summer S. | Juvenile Turf | Woodbine | 04:00 |
| September 19 | Natalma S. | Juvenile Fillies Turf | Woodbine | 04:00 |
| September 20 | Woodbine Mile | Mile | Woodbine | 04:00 |
| September 25 | Cleanevent Manikato S. | Turf Sprint | Moonee Valley | 08:00 |
| September 26 | Juddmonte Royal Lodge S. | Juvenile Turf | Ascot | 08:00 |
| September 26 | Meon Valley Stud Fillies' Mile | Juvenile Fillies Turf | Ascot | 08:00 |
| September 26 | Queen Elizabeth II S. | Mile | Ascot | 08:00 |
| September 26 | Gallant Bloom H. | Filly & Mare Sprint | Belmont Park | 04:00 |
| September 30 | Morvich H. | Turf Sprint | Oak Tree | 07:00 |
| October 2 | Diamond S. | Marathon | Dundalk | 08:00 |
| October 4 | Qatar Prix de L'Abbaye | Turf Sprint | Longchamp | 08:00 |
| October 4 | Miss Grillo S. | Juvenile Fillies Turf | Belmont Park | 04:00 |
| October 4 | Pilgrim S. | Juvenile Turf | Belmont Park | 04:00 |
| October 4 | Norfolk S. | Juvenile | Oak Tree | 07:00 |
| October 4 | Oak Leaf S. | Juvenile Fillies | Oak Tree | 07:00 |
| October 9 | Darley Alcibiades S. | Juvenile Fillies | Keeneland | 05:00 |
| October 9 | Phoenix S. | Sprint | Keeneland | 05:00 |
| October 10 | Champagne S. | Juvenile | Belmont Park | 04:00 |
| October 10 | Frizette S. | Juvenile Fillies | Belmont Park | 04:00 |
| October 10 | Thoroughbred Club of America S. | Filly & Mare Sprint | Keeneland | 04:00 |
| October 10 | Shadwell Turf Mile S. | Mile | Keeneland | 05:00 |
| October 10 | Breeders' Futurity | Juvenile | Keeneland | 05:00 |
| October 10 | First Lady S. | Filly & Mare Turf | Keeneland | 05:00 |
| October 10 | Yellow Ribbon S. | Filly & Mare Turf | Oak Tree | 06:00 |
| October 10 | Goodwood S. | Classic | Oak Tree | 07:00 |
| October 10 | Lady's Secret S. | Ladies' Classic | Oak Tree | 07:00 |
| October 10 | Oak Tree Mile S. | Mile | Oak Tree | 07:00 |
| October 11 | Bourbon S. | Juvenile Turf | Keeneland | 05:00 |
| October 11 | Juddmonte Spinster S. | Ladies' Classic | Keeneland | 05:00 |
| October 11 | Ancient Title S. | Sprint | Oak Tree | 07:00 |
| October 15 | J.P. Morgan Chase Jessamine S. | Juvenile Fillies Turf | Keeneland | 05:00 |
| October 17 | Emirates Airline Champion S. | Turf | Newmarket | 08:00 |
| October 17 | Nearctic S. | Turf Sprint | Woodbine | 03:30 |
| October 17 | Spend a Buck H. | Dirt Mile | Calder Race Course | 04:00 |
| October 17 | E.P. Taylor S. | Filly & Mare Turf | Woodbine | 04:00 |
| October 17 | Pattison Canadian International | Turf | Woodbine | 04:30 |
June 14, 2009
Breeders' Cup Challenge 2009
The "Breeders' Cup Challenge" -- now entering its third year in 2009 -- will be highlighted again by its "Win and You're In" provision, with the winner of each of the Challenge races automatically qualifying for the corresponding divisional race in the 14-race, $25.5 million Breeders' Cup World Championships. The 2009 Breeders' Cup will be held November 6th and 7th at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., and will be televised live on ESPN and ABC.
June 6, 2009
Bemont Results and Payouts
Summer Bird won 2009 Belmont Stakes and Calvin Borel missed his last win in Triple Crown. Calvin Borel was going for the jockey Triple Crown, after dropping his 2009 Derby winner Mine That Bird in order to ride his 2009 Kentucky Oaks winner Rachel Alexandra in the 2009 Preakness. It was a smart call, since the filly went on to win the race. Borel returned to Mine That Bird after the owners of Rachel Alexandra decided not to race her in the 2009 Belmont Stakes. The 2009 Belmont was Calvin Borel’s only mount of the day which turned out to be a bad decision just like jockey Kent Desormeaux said it would be before the Belmont Stakes, how ironic that this was pointed out by the eventual Belmont Stakes winner. Borel has never won the Belmont.
The win by legendry jockey Kent Desormeaux was his first in the Belmont Stakes. Kent Desormeaux was hot today winning three consecutive races on the under-card.
2009 Belmont Winners and Payouts
The win by legendry jockey Kent Desormeaux was his first in the Belmont Stakes. Kent Desormeaux was hot today winning three consecutive races on the under-card.
2009 Belmont Winners and Payouts
| Post | Horse | Win | Place | Show |
| 4 | Summer Bird | $25.80 | $9.30 | $4.70 |
| 2 | Dunkirk | $5.40 | $3.60 | |
| 7 | Mine That Bird |
Belmont Stakes Post Positions and Morning Lines
The Belmont will be race 11 on a 13-race card that begins at 11:35 a.m. The Belmont is the last leg of a pick four and pick six, both with guaranteed pools of $1 million.
Here are the post positions and morning lines odds.
Here are the post positions and morning lines odds.
1. Chocolate Candy Garrett Gomez 10/1
2. Dunkirk John Velazquez 4/1
3. Mr. Hot Stuff Edgar Prado 15/1
4. Summer Bird Kent Desormeaux 12/1
5. Luv Gov Miguel Mena 20/1
6. Charitable Man Alan Garcia 3/1
7. Mine That Bird Calvin Borel 2/1
8. Flying Private Julien Leparoux 12/1
9. Miner’s Escape Jose Lezcano 15/1
10. Brave Victory Rajiv Maragh 15/1
June 5, 2009
Belmont Stakes Post Time
This 2009 Belmont Stakes is the longest leg of the Triple Crown at 12 furlongs (roughly 1.5 miles) and the odds are favoring Kentucky Derby winner, Mine That Bird. Mine That Bird arrived at Belmont Park on Wednesday afternoon following a flight from Louisville. Mine That Bird had previously been driven to the first two legs of the Triple Crown when trainer Chip Woolley drove him via horse van from New Mexico to Churchill Downs and to Baltimore for the Preakness Stakes.
Mine That Bird, who runs from post position 7, had a successful work Thursday morning, galloping freely over the sloppy track.
Mine That Bird's biggest contenders are Flying Private, who runs from post position 8, (4th in the Preakness) and Dunkirk, from post position 2. They are the only two horses in the race with the speed comparable.
Be sure to catch all the action, which goes down Saturday, June 6th at 6:30 p.m. ET with a post time of 6:27 p.m. ET.
Mine That Bird, who runs from post position 7, had a successful work Thursday morning, galloping freely over the sloppy track.
Mine That Bird's biggest contenders are Flying Private, who runs from post position 8, (4th in the Preakness) and Dunkirk, from post position 2. They are the only two horses in the race with the speed comparable.
Be sure to catch all the action, which goes down Saturday, June 6th at 6:30 p.m. ET with a post time of 6:27 p.m. ET.
May 17, 2009
Breeders Cup Ticket Prices Reduced
Breeders’ Cup and Oak Tree Racing Association announced sweeping changes to their ticket sales program, reducing prices across the board and offering single and two-day ticket options when the championship races return to Santa Anita Park November 6-7, the organizations announced in a release.
Fans will now be able to get a seat on Championship Friday for as little as $40 compared to $200 in 2008. Seats on Championship Saturday will cost as little as $55 compared to $200 in 2008. Single Day prices for premium seating are reduced by 30 percent.
The top price for reserved grandstand seating will be $235 a seat on Friday and $335 on Saturday.
Tickets will go on sale to Breeders’ Cup nominators on May 15 and to the general public beginning June 5. General Admission pricing and other ticket-based initiatives will be announced in early June.
Fans will now be able to get a seat on Championship Friday for as little as $40 compared to $200 in 2008. Seats on Championship Saturday will cost as little as $55 compared to $200 in 2008. Single Day prices for premium seating are reduced by 30 percent.
The top price for reserved grandstand seating will be $235 a seat on Friday and $335 on Saturday.
Tickets will go on sale to Breeders’ Cup nominators on May 15 and to the general public beginning June 5. General Admission pricing and other ticket-based initiatives will be announced in early June.
March 2, 2009
Kentucky Derby Trail
The road to the 135th Kentucky Derby veered into several lanes over the weekend, an autobahn for stakes winners Quality Road and The Pamplemousse, potholes for Capt. Candyman Can and This Ones For Phil, and a stop sign for Midshipman and Notonthesamepage.
Here at Santa Anita, The Pamplemousse turned in the best race of his career, romping to a six-length victory in the Grade 3, $200,000 Sham Stakes, in which he earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 103. His trainer, Julio Canani, arrived at the winner's circle fighting back tears, which he did successfully, but it was a window into how much this Derby chase means to him.
"Everybody wants to knock him," Canani said, referring to The Pamplemousse, when asked why he was so emotional.
"It's fun, but more pressure," Canani said a few minutes later. "I don't know how to take pressure."
The Pamplemousse, the odds-on favorite at 1-2, was flawless Saturday, leading from start to finish in the 1 1/8-mile race. It was his third straight win, all since he was stretched out around two turns. But as easily as The Pamplemousse won the race, he was noticeably winded in the winner's circle afterward, unlike the effortless appearance he gave in his brilliant, recent works.
Here at Santa Anita, The Pamplemousse turned in the best race of his career, romping to a six-length victory in the Grade 3, $200,000 Sham Stakes, in which he earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 103. His trainer, Julio Canani, arrived at the winner's circle fighting back tears, which he did successfully, but it was a window into how much this Derby chase means to him.
"Everybody wants to knock him," Canani said, referring to The Pamplemousse, when asked why he was so emotional.
"It's fun, but more pressure," Canani said a few minutes later. "I don't know how to take pressure."
The Pamplemousse, the odds-on favorite at 1-2, was flawless Saturday, leading from start to finish in the 1 1/8-mile race. It was his third straight win, all since he was stretched out around two turns. But as easily as The Pamplemousse won the race, he was noticeably winded in the winner's circle afterward, unlike the effortless appearance he gave in his brilliant, recent works.
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