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BREEDERS CUP 2018, DAY-2
By Anil Mukhi | 01 Nov 2018 |
Anil Mukhi
One needs the stamina of Brown Jack – six consecutive times a winner of the Queen Alexandra Stakes at Royal Ascot over 2-3/4 miles – to be able to navigate Saturday’s twelve race programme at Churchill Downs! The action tees off at 10:45 in the morning and carries on to 6:22 p.m., and it’s like two racedays for the price of one.
Nine of the twelve are Breeders Cup events, commencing with the third race.
Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint. 7 fur., 3YO+F&M, Dirt Prize $1,000,000. 12:00 noon |
No. |
Name |
Jockey |
Wgt |
Age/ |
Trainer |
Expected |
1 |
Selcourt |
Tyler Baze |
124 |
4 F |
John W. Sadler |
4/1 |
2 |
Miss Sunset |
Kent J. Desormeaux |
124 |
4 F |
Jeff Bonde |
15/1 |
3 |
Happy Like A Fool |
Luis Saez |
122 |
3 F |
Wesley A. Ward |
20/1 |
4 |
Kirby's Penny |
John R. Velazquez |
124 |
5 M |
Wesley A. Ward |
30/1 |
5 |
Golden Mischief |
Florent Geroux |
124 |
4 F |
Brad H. Cox |
10/1 |
6 |
Chalon |
Javier Castellano |
124 |
4 F |
Arnaud Delacour |
15/1 |
7 |
Skye Diamonds |
Tiago Josue Pereira |
124 |
5 M |
William Spawr |
10/1 |
8 |
Mia Mischief |
Ricardo Santana, Jr. |
122 |
3 F |
Steven M. Asmussen |
15/1 |
9 |
Stormy Embrace |
Tyler Gaffalione |
124 |
4 F |
Kathleen O'Connell |
20/1 |
10 |
Highway Star |
Jose L. Ortiz |
124 |
5 M |
Rodrigo A. Ubillo |
20/1 |
11 |
Finley'sluckycharm |
Brian J. Hernandez |
124 |
5 M |
W. Bret Calhoun |
10/1 |
12 |
Anonymity |
Flavien Prat |
124 |
4 F |
Richard E. Mandella |
15/1 |
13 |
Marley's Freedom |
Mike E. Smith |
124 |
4 F |
Bob Baffert |
8/5 |
14 |
Shamrock Rose |
Irad Ortiz, Jr. |
122 |
3 F |
Mark E. Casse |
20/1 |
R15 |
Dream Pauline |
Joel Rosario |
122 |
3 F |
Kiaran P. McLaughlin |
30/1 |
Added to the Breeders Cup programme in 2007, this race is usually run at a very fast pace and with the big field of 14 (with one reserve) there is the possibility that some runners may not find a clear passage. The Baffert-trained favourite Marley’s Freedom (by Blame) deserves her ranking at the head of the wagering – she has won the last four of her six starts this year – but is at too short a price. However, if the track favours speed, it’s possible that Finley'sluckycharm (by Twirling Candy) will make the running and hang on. Selcourt (by Tiz Wonderful) has the wonderfully consistent career record of 6-4-1-1 but hasn’t raced since March, nor outside Santa Anita, so there are question marks about her.
Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint. 5-1/2 fur., 3YO+, Turf. Prize $1,000,000. 12:38 p.m. |
No. |
Name |
Jockey |
Wgt |
Age/ |
Trainer |
Expected |
1 |
Ruby Notion |
Florent Geroux |
123 |
5 M |
Darrin Miller |
20/1 |
2 |
Bucchero |
Fernando De La Cruz |
126 |
6 H |
Tim Glyshaw |
10/1 |
3 |
Hembree |
Tyler Gaffalione |
126 |
4 C |
Michael J. Maker |
20/1 |
4 |
Vision Perfect |
Javier Castellano |
126 |
6 H |
Jason Servis |
15/1 |
5 |
Disco Partner |
Joel Rosario |
126 |
6 H |
Christophe Clement |
7/2 |
6 |
Rainbow Heir |
Jose L. Ortiz |
126 |
8 H |
Jason Servis |
12/1 |
7 |
Lost Treasure |
Ryan L. Moore |
124 |
3 C |
Aidan P. O'Brien |
20/1 |
8 |
Chanteline |
Ricardo Santana, Jr. |
123 |
6 M |
Steven M. Asmussen |
15/1 |
9 |
Stormy Liberal |
Drayden Van Dyke |
126 |
6 G |
Peter Miller |
4/1 |
10 |
Havana Grey |
P.J. McDonald |
124 |
3 C |
Karl Burke |
20/1 |
11 |
World of Trouble |
Irad Ortiz, Jr. |
124 |
3 C |
Jason Servis |
6/1 |
12 |
Richard's Boy |
Paco Lopez |
126 |
6 G |
Peter Miller |
12/1 |
13 |
Will Call |
Shaun Bridgmohan |
126 |
4 C |
Brad H. Cox |
20/1 |
14 |
Conquest Tsunami |
Flavien Prat |
126 |
6 G |
Peter Miller |
6/1 |
15 |
Insta Erma |
Joel Rosario |
123 |
5 M |
Richard Baltas |
30/1 |
California-based trainer Peter Miller is entitled to feel that he has this sprint all sewn up as he sends out last year’s winner Stormy Liberal (by Stormy Atlantic) for a shot at a repeat victory. This gutsy six-year-old doesn’t know how to lose in a photo-finish, with the 2017 winning margin having been a head, to add to which he has won his last three by a head, a nose and a nose! Twice at the receiving end of the damage inflicted by the gelding is Richard’s Boy (by Idiot Proof) – who is also trained by Miller. One cannot rule out Disco Partner (by Disco Rico), Bucchero, or World Of Trouble (both by Kantharos), while the Europeans include the British-trained Havana Grey (by Havana Gold), already a Gr.1 sprint winner in Ireland, and the less accomplished Ballydoyle hope, Lost Treasure (by War Front).
Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. 8 fur., 3YO+, Dirt. Prize $1,000,000. 1:16 p.m. |
No. |
Name |
Jockey |
Wgt |
Age/ |
Trainer |
Expected |
1 |
City of Light |
Javier Castellano |
126 |
4 C |
Michael W. McCarthy |
5/2 |
2 |
Trigger Warning |
Ricardo Santana, Jr. |
123 |
3 C |
Mike L. Rone |
20/1 |
3 |
Isotherm |
Geovanni Franco |
126 |
5 H |
Philip D'Amato |
20/1 |
4 |
Seven Trumpets |
Robby Albarado |
123 |
3 C |
Dale L. Romans |
15/1 |
5 |
Awesome Slew |
Corey J. Lanerie |
126 |
5 H |
Mark E. Casse |
15/1 |
6 |
Seeking the Soul |
Brian J. Hernandez |
126 |
5 H |
Dallas Stewart |
5/1 |
7 |
Firenze Fire |
Irad Ortiz, Jr. |
123 |
3 C |
Jason Servis |
6/1 |
8 |
Bravazo |
Luis Contreras |
123 |
3 C |
D. Wayne Lukas |
20/1 |
9 |
Giant Expectations |
Julien R. Leparoux |
126 |
5 H |
Peter Eurton |
15/1 |
10 |
Catalina Cruiser |
Drayden Van Dyke |
126 |
4 C |
John W. Sadler |
8/5 |
There is no reason why Catalina Cruiser (by Union Rags), 4-from-4 lifetime in California, won’t adapt to the Churchill Downs dirt, which consists of soil of a different composition to that encountered out West. Yet one cannot make him a “banker” at a short price and both City Of Light (by Quality Road) and Firenze Fire (by Poseidon’s Warrior) have strong claims, particularly the former. Both he and Giant Expectations (by Frost Giant) have the distinction of having downed the top-class Accelerate but the “Giant” hasn’t reached those lofty heights this term. The winningest trainer in Breeders Cup history, D. Wayne Lukas, still spry at 83 as he schools his wards at the track from atop his pony, saddles Calumet’s Bravazo (by Awesome Again), runner-up in the Preakness Stakes won by Justify but out of form since.
Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf. 11 fur., 3YO+F&M, Turf. Prize $2,000,000. 2:04 p.m. |
No. |
Name |
Jockey |
Wgt |
Age/ |
Trainer |
Expected |
1 |
Fourstar Crook |
Irad Ortiz, Jr. |
124 |
6 M |
Chad C. Brown |
5/1 |
2 |
Thais |
Manuel Franco |
124 |
4 F |
Chad C. Brown |
20/1 |
3 |
Wild Illusion |
William T. Buick |
120 |
3 F |
Charles Appleby |
7/2 |
4 |
Paved |
Joel Rosario |
120 |
3 F |
Michael W. McCarthy |
20/1 |
5 |
Princess Yaiza |
Andrea Atzeni |
120 |
3 F |
Gavin Cromwell |
30/1 |
6 |
Sistercharlie |
John R. Velazquez |
124 |
4 F |
Chad C. Brown |
3/1 |
7 |
Smart Choice |
Flavien Prat |
124 |
5 M |
Todd A. Pletcher |
30/1 |
8 |
Fuhriously Kissed |
Tyler Gaffalione |
124 |
5 M |
Anthony T. Quartarolo |
30/1 |
9 |
A Raving Beauty |
Javier Castellano |
124 |
5 M |
Chad C. Brown |
10/1 |
10 |
Magic Wand |
Ryan L. Moore |
120 |
3 F |
Aidan P. O'Brien |
5/1 |
11 |
Mom's On Strike |
Adam Beschizza |
124 |
5 M |
Joe Sharp |
20/1 |
12 |
Santa Monica |
Jose L. Ortiz |
124 |
5 M |
Chad C. Brown |
15/1 |
13 |
Athena |
Wayne Lordan |
120 |
3 F |
Aidan P. O'Brien |
15/1 |
14 |
Eziyra |
Frankie Dettori |
124 |
4 F |
Dermot K. Weld |
15/1 |
Upped in trip from 9 furlongs to 11 furlongs, the Filly & Mare Turf on grass has drawn an intriguing field. Clearly Chad Brown wants to ensure that the trophy ends up on his mantelpiece – he sends out no less than five runners here! All are to be steered by leading riders and will be running on merit. Fourstar Crook (by Freud) and Sistercharlie (by Myboycharlie) have been trading punches all season while running most consistently. They have not had to travel across the Atlantic, which should theoretically give them an edge, but on pure form, the progressive British-trained Wild Illusion (by Dubawi) should have their measure. Magic Wand (by Galileo) was only a length behind the latter when last seen and can step up – Aidan O’Brien has often been able to wring out the required improvement. Finally, one cannot discount the Aga Khan’s Eziyra (by Teofilo) as Dermot Weld rarely travels without a chance; what’s more he has pulled off a coup by signing up Frankie Dettori – and the filly has won on soft.
TwinSpires Breeders' Cup Sprint. 6 fur., 3YO+, Dirt. Prize $2,000,000. 2:46 p.m. |
No. |
Name |
Jockey |
Wgt |
Age/ |
Trainer |
Expected |
1 |
Whitmore |
Ricardo Santana, Jr. |
126 |
5 G |
Ron Moquett |
6/1 |
2 |
Promises Fulfilled |
Luis Saez |
124 |
3 C |
Dale L. Romans |
6/1 |
3 |
B Squared |
Mario Gutierrez |
126 |
4 C |
Doug F. O'Neill |
20/1 |
4 |
Warrior's Club |
Luis Contreras |
126 |
4 C |
D. Wayne Lukas |
15/1 |
5 |
Imperial Hint |
Javier Castellano |
126 |
5 H |
Luis Carvajal, Jr. |
9/5 |
6 |
Always Sunshine |
Frankie Pennington |
126 |
6 H |
Edward T. Allard |
20/1 |
7 |
Distinctive B |
Drayden Van Dyke |
126 |
7 G |
Peter Miller |
12/1 |
8 |
Limousine Liberal |
Jose L. Ortiz |
126 |
6 G |
Ben Colebrook |
6/1 |
9 |
Roy H |
Paco Lopez |
126 |
6 G |
Peter Miller |
5/2 |
From a compact field of nine, five have the required credentials and one really stands out. That is last year’s runner-up, Imperial Hint (by Imperialism), who has taken monstrous strides since, with 4 wins from 5 starts this year. In the course of his journey, he has accounted for both Whitmore (by Pleasantly Perfect) and Limousine Liberal (by Successful Appeal), two of the other prominent runners. Last year’s hero Roy H (by More Than Ready), another from the Peter Miller barn, bids to repeat and is in good form. Finally, there is the young upstart, with a 2 lbs. weight advantage, namely the front-running Promises Fulfilled (by Shackleford), whose last victorious effort over Whitmore showed he had graduated to the big time.
Breeders' Cup Mile. 8 fur., 3YO+, Turf. Prize $2,000,000. 3:36 p.m. |
No. |
Name |
Jockey |
Wgt |
Age/ |
Trainer |
Expected |
1 |
One Master |
James Doyle |
123 |
4 F |
William J. Haggas |
12/1 |
2 |
Next Shares |
Tyler Gaffalione |
126 |
5 G |
Richard Baltas |
10/1 |
3 |
Happily |
Wayne Lordan |
120 |
3 F |
Aidan P. O'Brien |
15/1 |
4 |
Polydream |
Maxime H. Guyon |
120 |
3 F |
Freddie Head |
5/1 |
5 |
Oscar Performance |
Jose L. Ortiz |
126 |
4 C |
Brian A. Lynch |
6/1 |
6 |
Almanaar |
Joel Rosario |
126 |
6 G |
Chad C. Brown |
12/1 |
7 |
Expert Eye |
Frankie Dettori |
123 |
3 C |
Sir Michael R. Stoute |
8/1 |
8 |
I Can Fly |
Jamie P. Spencer |
120 |
3 F |
Aidan P. O'Brien |
10/1 |
9 |
Hunt |
Flavien Prat |
126 |
6 G |
Philip D'Amato |
30/1 |
10 |
Catapult |
Drayden Van Dyke |
126 |
5 H |
John W. Sadler |
6/1 |
11 |
Lightning Spear |
Oisin Murphy |
126 |
7 H |
David Simcock |
20/1 |
12 |
Analyze It |
Irad Ortiz, Jr. |
123 |
3 C |
Chad C. Brown |
6/1 |
13 |
Gustav Klimt |
Ryan L. Moore |
123 |
3 C |
Aidan P. O'Brien |
10/1 |
14 |
Mustashry |
William T. Buick |
126 |
5 G |
Sir Michael R. Stoute |
15/1 |
15 |
Divisidero |
Jevian Toledo |
126 |
6 H |
Kelly Rubley |
30/1 |
16 |
Clemmie |
Andrea Atzeni |
120 |
3 F |
Aidan P. O'Brien |
30/1 |
A full field, along with two reserves, has been declared for this popular event, with the Europeans slightly shading the Americans 8 to 6 in numbers. Winner picking looks extremely difficult as none really stands out. Polydream (by Oasis Dream) will probably start as the pari-mutuel favourite but on closer scrutiny her form does not quite stand up. Expert Eye (by Acclamation), who has been knocking at the door of Gr.1 success, may not appreciate the cut in the ground. Of the Coolmore runners, I Can Fly (by Fastnet Rock) came within a neck of downing Roaring Lion recently and a repeat would see her go close. Perhaps it’s significant that Ryan Moore has chosen Gustav Klimt (by Galileo), winless since April, instead? With Analyze It’s regular rider Jose Ortiz committed to Oscar Performance (by Kitten’s Joy), who is the best of the locals, Chad Brown has elected to summon Irad Ortiz on the son of Point Of Entry.
Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff. 9 fur., 3YOF&M, Dirt. Prize $2,000,000. 4:16 p.m. |
No. |
Name |
Jockey |
Wgt |
Age/ |
Trainer |
Expected |
1 |
Champagne Problems |
Calvin H. Borel |
124 |
4 F |
Ian R. Wilkes |
12/1 |
2 |
Abel Tasman |
Mike E. Smith |
124 |
4 F |
Bob Baffert |
7/2 |
3 |
La Force |
Drayden Van Dyke |
124 |
4 F |
Patrick Gallagher |
20/1 |
4 |
Mopotism |
Mario Gutierrez |
124 |
4 F |
Doug F. O'Neill |
30/1 |
5 |
Wonder Gadot |
Irad Ortiz, Jr. |
121 |
3 F |
Mark E. Casse |
15/1 |
6 |
Verve's Tale |
Brian J. Hernandez |
124 |
5 M |
Barclay Tagg |
30/1 |
7 |
Midnight Bisou |
John R. Velazquez |
121 |
3 F |
Steven M. Asmussen |
6/1 |
8 |
Vale Dori |
Joseph Talamo |
124 |
6 M |
Bob Baffert |
12/1 |
9 |
Wow Cat |
Jose L. Ortiz |
124 |
4 F |
Chad C. Brown |
8/1 |
10 |
Blue Prize |
Joe Bravo |
124 |
5 M |
Ignacio Correas, IV |
6/1 |
11 |
Monomoy Girl |
Florent Geroux |
121 |
3 F |
Brad H. Cox |
2/1 |
An excellent bunch of fillies and mares has been assembled for this competitive race, with favourites scoring at a high 41%. Abel Tasman (by Quality Road), who has the formidable record of 8 wins from 15 starts and earnings approaching $3,000,000, is aiming for redemption after her narrow defeat last year. However, she has come up against a younger rival who will probably prove too good, namely Kentucky Oaks victress Monomoy Girl (by Tapizar). If there is anything approaching a banker at this year’s Breeders Cup, it is this wonderfully consistent chestnut who cost a mere $100,000 as a yearling and has now finished first in 9 of her 10 starts (though disqualified once) and earned $1,854,750.
That said, a trio of South American racemares will not go down without a fight; these are Blue Prize (by Pure Prize), coming off a hat-trick, the temperamental Vale Dori (by Asiatic Boy), whose win in the Gr.1 Zenyatta Stakes has set her up nicely, and finally Wow Cat (by Lookin At Lucky), unbeaten in her native Chile, and emerging from a facile win in the Gr.1 Beldame Stakes.
Longines Breeders' Cup Turf. 12 fur. 3YO+, Turf. Prize $4,000,000. 4:56 p.m. |
No. |
Name |
Jockey |
Wgt |
Age/ |
Trainer |
Expected |
1 |
Talismanic |
Mickael Barzalona |
126 |
5 H |
Andre Fabre |
12/1 |
2 |
Enable |
Frankie Dettori |
123 |
4 F |
John H. M. Gosden |
1/1 |
3 |
Channel Maker |
Jose L. Ortiz |
126 |
4 G |
William I. Mott |
12/1 |
4 |
Robert Bruce |
Irad Ortiz, Jr. |
126 |
4 C |
Chad C. Brown |
10/1 |
5 |
Magical |
Ryan L. Moore |
119 |
3 F |
Aidan P. O'Brien |
10/1 |
6 |
Arklow |
Florent Geroux |
126 |
4 C |
Brad H. Cox |
30/1 |
7 |
Glorious Empire |
Julien R. Leparoux |
126 |
7 G |
James L. Lawrence |
12/1 |
8 |
Liam the Charmer |
Tyler Gaffalione |
126 |
5 G |
Michael W. McCarthy |
30/1 |
9 |
Quarteto de Cordas |
Brian J. Hernandez |
126 |
4 C |
Ian R. Wilkes |
30/1 |
10 |
Hi Happy |
Luis Saez |
126 |
6 H |
Todd A. Pletcher |
20/1 |
11 |
Sadler's Joy |
Javier Castellano |
126 |
5 H |
Thomas Albertrani |
30/1 |
12 |
Waldgeist |
Pierre-Charles Boudot |
126 |
4 C |
Andre Fabre |
9/2 |
13 |
Hunting Horn |
Wayne Lordan |
122 |
3 C |
Aidan P. O'Brien |
30/1 |
The race that most of the world, particularly those outside North America, is waiting for is this mile and a half contest where Juddmonte’s Enable (by Nathaniel) will be attempting to become the first winner of the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe to follow up the same year in the Breeders Cup Turf. On sheer class, there is no race, even though Evens is a pretty short price considering that such formidable “Arc” winners as Dancing Brave, Dylan Thomas and Golden Horn bit the dust in the “Turf”. She has won on soft, although it is not ideal. Waldgeist (by Galileo), followed by Magical (also by Galileo) and last year’s winner Talismanic (by Medaglia D’Oro) shape as the chief European dangers, while the Ortiz brothers guide the two best chances for the Americans to keep the prize at home – Irad on the Chilean-bred Robert Bruce (by Fast Company) and Jose on Channel Maker (by English Channel).
Breeders' Cup Classic. 10 fur., 3YO+, Dirt. Prize $6,000,000. 5:44 p.m. |
No. |
Name |
Jockey |
Wgt |
Age/ |
Trainer |
Expected |
1 |
Thunder Snow |
Christophe Soumillon |
126 |
4 C |
Saeed bin Suroor |
12/1 |
2 |
Roaring Lion |
Oisin Murphy |
122 |
3 C |
John H. M. Gosden |
20/1 |
3 |
Catholic Boy |
Javier Castellano |
122 |
3 R |
Jonathan Thomas |
8/1 |
4 |
Gunnevera |
Irad Ortiz, Jr. |
126 |
4 C |
Antonio Sano |
20/1 |
5 |
Lone Sailor |
James Graham |
122 |
3 C |
Thomas M. Amoss |
30/1 |
6 |
McKinzie |
Mike E. Smith |
122 |
3 C |
Bob Baffert |
6/1 |
7 |
West Coast |
John R. Velazquez |
126 |
4 C |
Bob Baffert |
5/1 |
8 |
Pavel |
Mario Gutierrez |
126 |
4 C |
Doug F. O'Neill |
20/1 |
9 |
Mendelssohn |
Ryan L. Moore |
122 |
3 C |
Aidan P. O'Brien |
12/1 |
10 |
Yoshida |
Jose L. Ortiz |
126 |
4 C |
William I. Mott |
10/1 |
11 |
Mind Your Biscuits |
Tyler Gaffalione |
126 |
5 H |
Chad Summers |
6/1 |
12 |
Axelrod |
Joe Bravo |
122 |
3 C |
Michael W. McCarthy |
30/1 |
13 |
Discreet Lover |
Manuel Franco |
126 |
5 H |
Uriah St. Lewis |
20/1 |
14 |
Accelerate |
Joel Rosario |
126 |
5 H |
John W. Sadler |
5/2 |
15 |
Collected |
Joseph Talamo |
126 |
5 H |
Bob Baffert |
30/1 |
16 |
Toast of New York |
Julien R. Leparoux |
126 |
7 G |
Jamie Osborne |
20/1 |
That brings us to the grand finale and the race that appeals most to racing fans in North America, the Breeders Cup Classic. Accelerate has been a model of consistency all year and no doubt his trainer is hoping that the son of Lookin At Lucky will help him break his duck at the Breeders Cup, if he hasn’t already done so with Catalina Cruiser earlier in the afternoon. About the only negatives are that Accelerate lost at his only start outside California and that he was not impressive last time out.
Catholic Boy (by More Than Ready), winner of the Travers Stakes, and Baffert’s pair West Coast (by Flatter) and Mckinzie (by Street Sense) form the core of the US-trained opposition, along with the versatile Mind Your Biscuits (by Posse), who would have been one of the favourites had he run in the Sprint or the Dirt Mile. The Japanese-bred Yoshida (by Heart’s Cry), a grandson of Sunday Silence, provides some intrigue as he tries to become the first from his native land to oblige at this meeting.
Adding considerable interest to the proceedings are Godolphin’s Thunder Snow (by Helmet), who is proven on dirt having won this year’s Dubai World Cup, Qatar Racing’s Roaring Lion (by Kitten’s Joy), making a bold bid to transfer his superlative grass form to the dirt, and Coolmore’s Mendelssohn (by Scat Daddy), aiming to live up to the hype that has surrounded him from the moment he fetched $3,000,000 as a yearling. Roaring Lion won’t be risked if the going is sloppy.