Countdown to the Breeders' Cup: July 2, 2012
This is the 1st of 16 weekly news releases focusing on the horses and races leading to the 29th Breeders’ Cup World Championships on Friday, November 2 and Saturday, November 3 at Churchill Downs.
California Countdown to Breeders’ Cup Classic Heats Up in Hollywood Gold Cup
The path to the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic November 3 at Santa Anita heats up Saturday at Betfair Hollywood Park when a guaranteed starting berth will be awarded to the winner of the Hollywood Gold Cup (GI). Run over Hollywood’s Cushion Track at the Classic distance of 1 ¼ miles, the $500,000 Gold Cup will award a free entry into the Classic, as well as awarding the winning connections a $10,000 travel allowance.
Saturday’s Gold Cup is the second of six “Win and You’re In” automatic qualifiers for the Classic.
Ron the Greek was the first horse to qualify with his victory in the grade I Stephen Foster on June 16.
The Gold Cup figures to be led by Diamond Pride, Lanni Family Trust, Mercedes Stable and Bernie Schiappa’s GAME ON DUDE for trainer Bob Baffert. The speedy 5-year-old son of 1998 Classic winner Awesome Again enters off a resounding 7 ¼-length win in Hollywood’s Californian (GII) June 2 and looms a daunting presence on the front end in the Gold Cup.
Game On Dude rose to prominence in 2011 based on wins in the Santa Anita Handicap (GI) and Goodwood (GI) at Santa Anita, along with a tough second, beaten a nose in last year’s Gold Cup. He concluded his campaign with a game and determined second place finish in the Classic at Churchill Downs under jockey Chantal Sutherland and picked up where he left off in February, winning Santa Anita’s grade II San Antonio. Game On Dude disappointed when he ran 12th in the GI Dubai World Cup at Meydan in March but showed in the Californian he’s back at his best while improving his career mark to 7-for-17, with earnings over $2.3 million.
Baffert also could run Zabeel Racing International’s RICHARD’S KID, a multiple grade I winner who recently romped in Hollywood’s Prove It Stakes June 6 after struggling in Dubai in 2011 and 2012. The 7-year-old son of Lemon Drop Kid won the Pacific Classic in 2009 and 2010 to go along with the Goodwood that year and signaled a return to form in the Prove It. All told, Richard’s Kid is 10-for-33 lifetime, with earnings over $1.8 million.
Baffert worked Game On Dude and Richard's Kid six furlongs in company at Santa Anita July 1, with the former going in 1:13.60 and the latter going in 1:13.80.
Owner/trainer Myung Kwon Cho’s, LOVE THEWAY YOUARE could give the Gold Cup a female flavor should she start. The 4-year-old daughter of Arch rallied late to win the Vanity (G1) at Hollywood June 16 to suggest the Gold Cup’s 10 furlongs is a perfect fit. Love Theway YouAre is 3-for-19 lifetime.
The Gold Cup could also include Connie Apostelos’ PAPAW BODIE, who was second, beaten by a nose, in the Manhattan (GI) on turf June 9 at Belmont Park and won the John Connally Turf Cup (GIII) at Sam Houston in January for trainer Mike Maker; Tom and Jack Conway’s STATELY VICTOR, who upset the Toyota Blue Grass (GI) at Keeneland in 2010 for Maker; Mill House’s QUEEN’SPLATEKITTEN, who will look to win his first graded stakes for trainer Todd Pletcher and C R K Stable’s GLADDING, who won the San Antonio in 2011 for trainer John Sadler.
Breeders’ Cup Turf Bid on the Line in the United Nations
Saturday’s $500,000 United Nations (GI) at Monmouth Park will award a starting spot into the November 3 Breeders’ Cup Turf. Run at 1 3/8 miles, the U.N. is expected to draw a compact field that could include HUDSON STEELE and TURBO COMPRESSOR from Pletcher’s barn, AIR SUPPORT and BOISTEROUS from trainer Shug McGaughey and the filly QUAINTLY for trainer Patrick Biancone.
Roger Weiss’ Hudson Steele is 2-for-3 this year, including a win in Pimlico’s GII Dixie in May, while P and G Stable and Off the Hook’s Turbo Compressor won the Colonial Turf Cup at Colonial Downs June 16.
Stuart Janney’s Air Support, a multiple graded stakes winner in 2010 and 2011, was second to Turbo Compressor in the Turf Cup while Phipps Stable’s Boisterous won his third career graded stakes when he scored in Aqueduct’s GIII Fort Marcy in May. The 5-year-old son of Distorted Humor recently ran third in the Manhattan.
Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Mrs. John Magnier’s Quaintly is winless in three starts since coming to the US from Ireland this winter, but was third, beaten a half-length in Hollywood’s GIII Beverly Hills June 24.
The United Nations is the fourth automatic qualifier for the $3 million Breeders’ Cup Turf this year. Al Qasr, who won the Gran Premio 25 at Palermo Racecourse in Argentina, Orfevre (JPN) winner of the Takarazuka Kinen at Hanshin Racecourse in Japan and Meandre (FR) in the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in France are the first three qualifiers.
Smile to Award Sprint Bid
Saturday’s GII, $400,000 Smile Sprint at Calder Race Course will award the first starting berth this year into the November 3, $1.5 million Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Run at six furlongs, the Smile figures to be led by Brittlyn Stable’s GANTRY, a 5-year-old son of Pulpit who won the Gaudin and Keener stakes at Fair Grounds this winter and most recently was third in the GII Churchill Downs May 5 for trainer Ron Faucheaux.
Don Dizney’s APRIORITY will offer a stiff test for trainer Dave Fawkes. The 5-year-old son of Grand Slam is winless in five starts this season but has plenty of back class, having won Gulfstream Park’s Mr. Prospector (GIII) last year and also running second in Aqueduct’s GI Carter. Shadybrook Farm and Robert Eversole’s CAJUN BREEZE, recently fourth in the GII Gulfstream Park Handicap March 10, would also attract support for trainer Michael Yates.
2012 Breeders’ Cup Challenge Enhancements and Schedule
Under the “Win and You’re In” format, the first-place finishers in a record 73 designated Breeders’ Cup Challenge Races will earn starting positions into a corresponding of the Breeders’ Cup World Championships on November 2-3 at Santa Anita Park. If the Breeders’ Cup Challenge winner is nominated to the Breeders’ Cup program by Oct. 22, Breeders’ Cup will pay the entry fees to start in the designated race and provide a North American based stable a $10,000 travel allowance and an overseas stable a $20,000 travel allowance. (Click on link for complete Challenge schedule: http://members.breederscup.com/challenge/schedule.aspx)
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Classic Division Looks Wide Open
As the calendar turns to summer, the Classic division is in flux and looking for an undisputed leader that could challenge Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner I’LL HAVE ANOTHER in the race for Horse of the Year. While the retired 3-year-old has a decided leg up on an expansive group of championship rivals, it’s worth noting that dual classic winners Smarty Jones (2004) and Afleet Alex (2005) both lost out on Horse of the Year honors to eventual Breeders’ Cup Classic winners Ghostzapper and Saint Liam after they failed to make a start after the Belmont Stakes.
Since its inception in 1984, 11 winners of the Breeders’ Cup Classic have received the Horse of the Year award. For the first time ever, the Classic will be shown live and in primetime on NBC from 8-9 p.m. ET on Nov. 3.
While Game On Dude could assume divisional command with a win in the Gold Cup, Jack Hammer, Brous Stable and Wachtel Stable's RON THE GREEK likely holds a tenuous lead based on his grade 1 wins in the Santa Anita Handicap in March and Stephen Foster at Churchill Downs in June for trainer Bill Mott. The 5-year-old son of Full Mandate earned an automatic berth into the Classic win his Foster win and also boasts second-place finishes in Gulfstream Park’s Sunshine Millions Classic in January and the grade II Oaklawn Handicap in April.
Mott, who won the Classic last year with Drosselmeyer, indicated he will freshen Ron The Greek and point towards a late summer and fall campaign that culminates with a trip to Santa Anita.
“We’ll look backward from the Breeders’ Cup Classic and probably try the Jockey Club Gold Cup (October 1) at Belmont Park,” Mott said after the Stephen Foster. “We might run him at Saratoga, but not before that.”
Trainer Charles Lopresti holds an envious hand with a pair of homebreds for Mort Fink in WISE DAN and SUCCESSFUL DAN.
Wise Dan, a 5-year-old son of Wiseman’s Ferry, won the grade I Clark at Churchill in November to close out his campaign and returned in dominant fashion to win Keeneland’s grade III Ben Ali by 10 ½ lengths in April. Wise Dan finished second in the Foster, beaten a head by Ron The Greek as the odds-on favorite. Lopresti indicated Saratoga’s grade I “Win and You’re In” Whitney Handicap August 4 will be the major summer goal.
Successful Dan, a 6-year-old son of Successful Appeal, missed the entire 2011 season due to injury but has returned running this year, winning an optional claimer at Keeneland in April and the grade III Alysheba at Churchill in May before running second in Saturday’s GIII Cornhusker at Prairie Meadows (see major stakes recap below).
Michael Lauffer, Bill Cubbedge and Phillips Racing Partnership’s SHACKLEFORD, who won the Preakness last year, has made a niche at one-turn this winter and spring for trainer Dale Romans. The 4-year-old son of Forestry won a scintillating renewal of the grade I Met Mile at Belmont in May by a nose over defending Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner Caleb’s Posse to earn and automatic berth into this year’s Dirt Mile. Shackleford also won the grade II Churchill Downs in May and though he could run in the Whitney, Lauffer’s high praise of the “Win and You’re In” format has him thinking Dirt Mile.
“Our two main goals for him (Shackleford) this year were to win the Met Mile and the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile,” said Lauffer in the winner’s circle following the race. “We’ve accomplished the first one and now we’ll go after the second. The ‘Win and You’re In’ is a great incentive.”
While the 3-year-olds lost their leader when I’ll Have Another was retired, there are several talented sophomores looking to take over in his absence.
Zayat Stable’s BODEMEISTER romped in the grade I Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn in April before running second in both the Derby and Preakness for Baffert. The son of Empire Maker is pointing to the grade I Haskell July 29 at Monmouth Park, a race that is also scheduled to mark the return of Belmont winner UNION RAGS. Chadds Ford Stable’s son of Dixie Union won the grade II Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream in February but was a troubled seventh in the Derby for trainer Michael Matz. Donegal Racing DULLAHAN, who won the grade I Blue Grass at Keeneland in April and was third in the Derby before running a disappointing seventh in the Belmont, is also targeting the Haskell for Romans.
Talent Abounds in the Chase for the Ladies’ Classic
While the Classic division may be searching for someone to emerge from the pack, the filly and mare division is littered with grade I winners that have flexed their talent on racing’s biggest stages and could provide an epic showdown in the $2 million Ladies’ Classic on November 2.
Besilu Stable’s ROYAL DELTA, the defending Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic winner and champion 3-year-old filly, returned from a layoff to win Churchill’s grade II Fleur de Lis by 8 lengths in June and seems poised for a big second half of the season for Mott. The 4-year-old daughter of Empire Maker disappointed with a ninth-place finish in the Dubai World Cup but rebounded at Churchill (while running a full second faster than Ron The Greek did in the Foster a race later) and has her sights set firmly on the Ladies’ Classic.
Royal Delta has excelled at 1 ¼ miles in the past, but Mott indicated he’ll keep his star filly in her own division for the time being and look towards the grade II, $750,000 Delaware Handicap on July 21 at Delaware Park for her next start. The Del Cap, a “Win and You’re In” for the Ladies’ Classic, is also run at 1 ¼ miles and has become one of the summer’s most important races in the distaff division.
“For the next couple of races we’ll stay against fillies,” Mott said. “That’s the plan as of today. We were very aggressive in going to Dubai and running against the boys there. We showed some sportsmanship to give that try but now there are some big filly races coming up and we’ll stick with that. Then we’ll see what happens later in the year.”
Stronach Stable’s AWESOME FEATHER, who won the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, is back in training and pointing for Santa Anita this fall after an unspecified setback in March. The 4-year-old daughter of Awesome Of Course is 9-for-9 in her career and won her only 2012 start in Gulfstream’s Sunshine Millions Distaff in January. Trainer Chad Brown is relieved Awesome Feather is back to her old self and is looking forward to the second half of the year.
“She seems 100-percent healthy again,” Brown said. “Ideally, I’d like to get a race or two into her before the Breeders’ Cup, that’s our main goal. Those races are yet to be determined where and when.”
Robsham Stable’s AWESOME MARIA saw her six-race winning streak snapped in Belmont’s grade I Ogden Phipps in June but remains a serious threat for trainer Todd Pletcher. The 5-year-old daughter of Maria’s Mon won all four of her 2011 starts by daylight, including the Phipps, before getting hurt and missing the remainder of the season but returned with aplomb at Gulfstream Park this winter. Awesome Maria won grade III Sabin by 8 lengths over Royal Delta and won the grade III Rampart there before running third in the Phipps.
Godolphin Racing’s IT’S TRICKY, second in last year’s Ladies’ Classic, upset Awesome Maria in the Phipps to go 3-for-3 on the year for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. The 4-year-old daughter of Mineshaft won a pair of grade II races at Aqueduct, the Top Flight in March and Distaff in April and could start next during the Saratoga meet.
Peachtree Stable’s PLUM PRETTY, fifth in last year’s Ladies’ Classic, rates a speedy presence for Baffert. The 4-year-old daughter of Medaglia d’Oro won the Kentucky Oaks last year and annexed Oaklawn Park’s grade I Apple Blossom in her seasonal debut in April before being upset in Churchill’s grade II La Troienne in May.
The 3-year-old fillies have taken turns beating each other all season and will likely need the summer to sort themselves out before taking on their elders in the fall. Kentucky Oaks winner BELIEVE YOU CAN, Mother Goose winner ZO IMPRESSIVE and Acorn winner CONTESTED all impressed in those GI wins, while Hollywood Oaks winner POTESTA, Gulfstream Oaks winner GRACE HALL and Forward Gal winner BROADWAY’S ALIBI also merit consideration based on those grade II tallies.
Breeders’ Cup News and Notes
Nomination Discount for Breeders’ Cup Horses of Racing Age Ends July 15
Owners of horses of racing age currently not nominated to the Breeders’ Cup can nominate their runners at discounted rates prior to 11:59 p.m. (ET) by Sunday, July 15 for competition in this year’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships, November 2-3 at Santa Anita Park. All horses must be nominated in order to compete in any of the fifteen Breeders’ Cup World Championship races.
- New this year, 2-year-olds by a nominated Breeders’ Cup stallion can join the program for US$12,000; this one-time nomination fee make the racehorse eligible for its entire racing career to the Breeders’ Cup.
- Three year olds and up that were foaled in the Northern Hemisphere will receive a 50% discount off normal racehorse nomination fees and three year-olds and older born in the Southern Hemisphere can nominate for 25% of their regular nomination fee.
- All nominated racehorses are eligible for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships and any other racing program of the Breeders’ Cup for as long as they race.
Following the July 15 deadline, the price for non-nominated runners reverts back to the standard racehorse nomination fee of US$100,000 or more until October 22, when all runners must be pre-entered for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships races.
Owners may nominate their horses of racing age online at members.breederscup.com or by calling the Breeders’ Cup Racing department at 859-514-9423.
Turbulent Descent Sold, Transferred to Pletcher
Multiple GI winner TURBULENT DESCENT, who finished fifth as the favorite in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, was recently sold to Coolmore Racing and will be sent to trainer Todd Pletcher New York barn this week. The 4-year-old daughter of Congrats won 7-of-11 starts for a partnership led by Blinkers On Racing Stable and trainer Mike Puype, including the GI Hollywood Starlet in 2010 and Santa Anita Oaks and Test at Saratoga in 2011.
Turbulent Descent won her seasonal debut June 17 at Hollywood in the Desert Stormer and was being pointed to the A Gleam (GII) there July 14. The A Gleam is a “Win and You’re In” race for the Filly & Mare Sprint, though Turbulent Descent will now likely be pointed to Saratoga GI Ballerina August 24, which is also a “Win and You’re In” race.
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COUNTOWN TO THE BREEDERS’ CUP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
A listing of the upcoming major stakes races this weekend:
BREEDERS’ CUP CLASSIC
July 4 – $150,000 Swaps at Betfair Hollywood Park. Run at 1 1/8 miles for 3yos.
July 7 – $500,000 Hollywood Gold Cup at Betfair at Hollywood Park. Run at 1 ¼ miles for 3yos & up.
July 7 – $350,000 Suburban at Belmont Park. Run at 1 1/8 miles for 3yos & up.
July 7 - $200,000 Monmouth Cup at Monmouth Park. Run at 1 1/8 miles for 3yos & up.
July 7 –$100,000 Ohio Derby at Thistledown. Run at 1 1/16 miles for 3yos.
BREEDERS’ CUP TURF
July 7 – $620,000 Coral Eclipse at Sandown. Run at about 1 ¼ miles on the turf for 3yos & up.
July 7 – $500,000 United Nations at Monmouth Park. Run at 1 3/8 miles on the turf for 3yos & up.
BREEDERS’ CUP FILLY & MARE TURF
July 3 – $250,000 Dr. James Penny Memorial at Parx. Run at 1 1/16 miles on the turf for fillies & mares.
July 7 – $150,000 Royal Heroine at Betfair Hollywood Park. Run at 1-mile on the turf for fillies & mares.
BREEDERS’ CUP MILE
July 7 – $150,000 Poker at Belmont Park. Run at 1 mile on the turf for 3yos & up.
July 7 – $100,000 Red Bank at Monmouth Park. Run at 1-mile on the turf for 3yos & up.
BREEDERS’ CUP SPRINT
July 7 – $400,000 Smile Sprint at Calder Race Course. Run at six furlongs for 3yos & up.
July 7 – $150,000 Carry Back at Calder Race Course. Run at six furlongs for 3yos.
BREEDERS’ CUP FILLY & MARE SPRINT
July 7 – $400,000 Princess Rooney at Calder Race Course. Run at six furlongs for fillies & mares.
July 7 – $150,000 Victory Ride at Belmont Park. Run at six furlongs for 3yo fillies.
July 7 – $150,000 Azalea at Calder Race Course. Run at six furlongs for 3yo fillies.
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MAJOR STAKES RECAP June 30-July 1
A review of the major international races in the corresponding Breeders’ Cup divisions from last week.
Race:
$300,000 Prairie Meadows Cornhusker (GIII), 3yos & up, 1 1/8 miles
Track:
Prairie Meadows
Finishing Order:
1 – FORT LARNED, 2 – SUCCESSFUL DAN, 3 – AWESOME GEM
Margins:
3, 2 ¾, head
Also ran:
SHADOWBDANCING, TAPTOWNE, HEADACHE
Winning Connections:
Owner: Janis Whitham; Trainer: Ian Wilkes; Jockey: Brian Hernandez.
Time:
1:47.42 (fast)
Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Classic – Janis Whitham’s FORT LARNED led from start to finish in upsetting heavily favored SUCCESSFUL DAN in Prairie Meadows’ $300,000 Cornhusker Handicap (GIII). The 4-year-old son of E Dubai won the GIII Skip Away at Gulfstream Park in March for trainer Ian Wilkes but entered off a disappointing eighth in the Stephen Foster, a “Win and You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup Classic June 16 at Churchill Downs. Brian Hernandez sent the winner straight to the front and never looked back, avenging a second-place finish to Successful Dan in Churchill’s Alysheba Stakes (GII) May 4. Fort Larned has now won 6-of-16 career starts and could go next in Saratoga’s GI Whitney, a “Win and You’re In” race for the Classic to be run August 4.
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Race:
$245,000 Iowa Derby (GIII), 3yos, 1 1/16 miles
Track:
Prairie Meadows
Finishing Order:
1 – HANSEN, 2 – HERO OF ORDER, 3 – MACHO BULL
Margins:
10, 3 ½, 1 ½
Also ran:
TRUETAP, ALSVID
Winning Connections:
Owner: Dr. Kendall Hansen and Skychai Racing; Trainer: Mike Maker; Jockey: Ramon Dominguez.
Time:
1:42.01 (fast)
Countdown to Breeders’ Cup Classic – Dr. Kendall Hansen and Skychai Racing’s reigning 2-year-old champion HANSEN dominated four overmatched rivals en route to a 10-length win in the grade III, $245,000 Iowa Derby at Prairie Meadows. Ramon Dominguez rode the winner, who made amends for a disappointing ninth-place finish in the Kentucky Derby (GI). The 3-year-old son of Tapit won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile last year at Churchill Downs to conclude a 3-for-3 campaign and also took Aqueduct’s GIII Gotham in March. Trained by Mike Maker, Hansen has now won half of his eight career starts and will be pointed to the West Virginia Derby (GII) at Mountaineer Park August 4, with a potential start in Saratoga’s Travers Stakes (GI) August 25 looming after that. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PkVs_8Yff-M
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Race:
$200,000 Dwyer (GII), 3yos, 1 1/16 miles
Track:
Belmont Park
Finishing Order:
1 – TEETH OF THE DOG, 1 – FAST FALCON, 3 – MORGAN’S GUERRILLA
Margins:
Neck, 6, ¾
Also ran:
ZETTERHOLM, GUYANA STAR DWEEJ, UNSTOPPABLE U, MONARCHIC
Winning Connections:
Owner: – JW Singer; Trainer: Michael Matz; Jockey: Joel Rosario.
Time:
1:41.34 (fast)
Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Classic – JW Singer’s TEETH OF THE DOG won his first career graded stakes with a resolute neck win over FAST FALCON in Belmont Park’s $200,000 Dwyer. Joel Rosario rode the winner for trainer Michael Matz and piloted the son of Bluegrass Cat to third win from seven lifetime starts. Teeth Of The Dog was third in Aqueduct’s Wood Memorial (G1)) in April and entered off a win in Belmont’s Easy Goer June 9. Matz indicated he’ll run next in either Saratoga’s GII Jim Dandy July 28 or Mountaineer Park’s West Virginia Derby August 4. Video: http://www.followhorseracing.com/en/the-latest/news-stories/2012/6/30/teeth-of-the-dog-holds-on-in-dwyer-stakes/
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Race:
$1,614,583 Irish Derby (GI), 3yos, 1 ½ (turf)
Track:
The Curragh
Finishing Order:
1 – CAMELOT (GB), 2 – BORN TO SEA (IRE), 3 – LIGHT HEAVY (IRE)
Margins:
2, 9, 7 ½
Also ran:
AKEED MOFEED (GB), ASTROLOGY (IRE)
Winning Connections:
Owner: Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier; Trainer: Aidan O’Brien; Jockey: Joseph O’Brien.
Time:
2:43.96 (soft/heavy)
Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Turf– Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, and Mrs. John Magnier’s CAMELOT (GB) won the Curragh’s $1,614,583 Irish Derby (GI) by two lengths over BORN TO SEA (IRE) and set up a date with immortality later this summer. Trainer Aidan O’Brien gave his son Joseph a leg up on the winner, a 3-year-old son of Monjeu (IRE) who remained undefeated in five career starts. Camelot won the GI Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster to conclude a 2-for-2 juvenile campaign and has picked up right where he left off at 3, winning the Qipco 2000 Guineas (GI) at Newmarket in May and Investec Derby (GI) June 2 at Epsom. Camelot became the first horse since Nijinsky in 1970 to win that trio of 3-year-old GI’s and will look to become the first English Triple Crown winner since that legend when he starts in the GI St. Leger at Doncaster September 15. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzOW91K4Pn8
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Race:
$258,333 Pretty Polly (GI), fillies & mares, 1 ¼ miles (turf)
BREEDERS’ CUP CHALLENGE RACE
Track:
The Curragh
Finishing Order:
1 – IZZI TOP (GB), 2 – SAPHIRE DREAM (IRE), 3 – I’M A DREAMER (IRE)
Margins:
1 ½, half, half
Also ran:
UP (IRE)
Winning Connections:
Owner: Helena Springfield Ltd.; Trainer: John Gosden; Jockey: William Buick.
Time:
2:15.05 (soft/heavy)
Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf – Helena Springfield Ltd.’s won the Curragh’s, $258,333 Pretty Polly (G1) and became the first horse this year to earn an automatic starting berth into the November 2 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. The winning connections of Izzi Top receive free entry into the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf and will also receive a $20,000 travel allowance to ship to California for the Breeders’ Cup. John Gosden trained the winner, a 4-year-old daughter of Pivotal (GB) who won her fourth straight and improved to 5-for-9 lifetime. Izzi Top won the GIII Dahlia at Newmarket in May and entered off a GII win in the Middleton at York May 17. Gosden has high hopes for the streaking filly. "We'll look at all the big Group 1’s over a mile and a quarter for her, races like the Nassau, Prix de l'Opera and possibly even the Breeders' Cup could be a possibility for her,” Gosden told the Racing Post.
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Race:
$200,000 New York (GII), fillies & mares, 1 ¼ miles (turf)
Track:
Belmont Park
Finishing Order:
1 – MYSTICAL STAR, 2 – ARUNA, 3 – HIT IT RICH
Margins:
1, ½, 1
Also ran:
PRINCIPLE ROLE, BANIMPIRE (IRE), THE UNDERLING
Winning Connections:
Owner: Cheyenne Stable; Trainer: Christophe Clement; Jockey: Jose Lezcano.
Time:
2:00.17 (firm)
Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf – Cheyenne Stable’s MYSTICAL STAR won her first career graded stakes with a one-length win over ARUNA in Belmont Park’s $200,000 (GII) New York Handicap. Jose Lezcano put the 4-year-old daughter of Ghostzapper on the front immediately and they never looked back, holding off a late challenge from GI winner Aruna to prevail. The Christophe Clement-trained Mystical Star entered off a nightmarish fourth (she was disqualified from third) in Belmont’s Sheepshead Bay Handicap (GII) May 26, when she reared at the start and spotted the field some 15 lengths only to come running late. Mystical Star has now won half of her eight career starts and could run next in Arlington Park’s Beverly D. (GI), a “Win and You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf to be run August 18.
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Race:
$518,400 Prix Jean Prat (GI), 3yos, 1-mile (turf)
Track:
Chantilly
Finishing Order:
1 – AESOP’S FABLES, 2 – GREGORIAN (IRE), 3 – COUP DE THEATRE (FR)
Margins:
1, 2, head
Also ran:
XANADOU (IRE), SOFAST (FR), CASPAR NETSCHER (GB), FRENCH FIFTEEN (FR), ARNOLD LANE (IRE)
Winning Connections:
Owner: Godolphin; Trainer: Andre Fabre; Jockey: Maxime Guyon.
Time:
1:37.59 (good)
Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Mile – Godolphin’s AESOP’S FABLES picked the right time to win his first career stakes when he annexed the GI, $518,400 Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly. Maxime Guyon was aboard for trainer Andre Fabre, guiding the 3-year-old son of Distorted Humor to his second win from seven career starts and first from three outings this year.
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Race:
$300,000 Shoemaker Mile (GI), 3yos & up, 1-mile (turf)
BREEDERS’ CUP CHALLENGE RACE
Track:
Betfair Hollywood Park
Finishing Order:
1 – JERANIMO, 2 – SUGGESTIVE BOY (ARG), 3 – LITTLE MIKE
Margins:
1 ¼, ½, neck
Also ran:
MR. COMMONS, CORPORATE JUNGLE, DUBAI YOU X Y Z, HUDSON LANDING, LIBERIAN FREIGHTER
Winning Connections:
Owner: B J Wright; Trainer: Michael Pender; Jockey: Garrett Gomez.
Time:
1:33.97 (firm)
Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Mile – B J Wright’s JERANIMO surged late to upset Betfair Hollywood Park’s GI, $300,000 Shoemaker Mile by 1 ¼ lengths over SUGGESTIVE BOY (ARG) and earn an automatic starting berth into the November 3 Breeders’ Cup Mile at Santa Anita. Additionally, as part of prevailing in the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In’’ event, the pre-entry and entry fees will be waived for Jeranimo and his connections will receive a $10,000 travel allowance. Garrett Gomez rode the 6-year-old son of Congaree for trainer Michael Pender and guided Jeranimo to his eighth win from 28 career starts. Favored LITTLE MIKE, who won the Woodford Reserve Turf Classic (GI) at Churchill Downs in May, set the pace before tiring in deep stretch to finish third. Jeranimo won the GII Oak Tree Mile at Santa Anita in October and grade II Citation at Hollywood in November and it’s the win in the former that has Wright liking his chances come the fall. “We have the home field advantage now,” Wright said. “This is a “Win and You’re In’’ and the Breeders’ Cup is at Santa Anita. I like the home field advantage. And we have Gomez. It can’t get much better than that.” Jeranimo joins Gimmethegreenlight (SAF) and More Joyous (NZ) as the first three qualifiers for the Mile this year. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DB7WJ6yu8yU
***
Race:
$150,000 Firecracker (GII), 3yos & up, 1-mile (turf)
Track:
Churchill Downs
Finishing Order:
1 – GUYS REWARD, 2 – SERUNI, 3 – NIGHT PARTY
Margins:
2, ½, ¾
Also ran:
TURALLURE, SILVER ROCK
Winning Connections:
Owner: Michael Bruder; Trainer: Dale Romans; Jockey: Corey Lanerie.
Time:
1:38.46 (good)
Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Mile – Michael Bruder’s GUYS REWARD continued his affinity for the Churchill Downs turf course with a two-length win over SERUNI in the GII, $150,000 Firecracker for trainer Dale Romans. Corey Lanerie rode the winner, a 5-year-old son of Grand Reward who improved to 5-for-9 lifetime over the Churchill turf and 7-for-34 overall. Heavily favored TURALLURE, who was second, beaten a nose in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Mile at Churchill Downs, struggled over the yielding ground and finished fourth.
***
Race:
$250,000 Triple Bend (GI), 3yos & up, seven furlongs
Track:
Betfair Hollywood Park
Finishing Order:
1 – CAMP VICTORY, 2 – THE FACTOR, 3 – MOBILIZED
Margins:
3 ¼, 5 ¼, ¾
Also ran:
TRES BORRACHOS, SMILING TIGER, CENTRALINTELIGENCE, ITALIAN RULES
Winning Connections:
Owner: Featherston, Jacobson, Miller; Trainer: Mike Mitchell; Jockey: Joe Talamo.
Time:
1:43.12 (fast)
Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint – Featherston, Jacobson and Mitchell’s CAMP VICTORY rallied late to roll by heavily favored THE FACTOR and win Betfair Hollywood Park’s GI, $250,000 Triple Bend by 3 ¼ lengths under Joe Talamo. Co-owner Mike Mitchell trained the winner, a 5-year-old son of Forest Camp who was claimed for $40,000 in February 2011 and has now earned over $350,000 for his new connections. Camp Victory won for the eighth time in 23 career starts and gave a nice boost for Mitchell, who watched the race from the hospital after having a brain tumor removed June 29. GI winner The Factor, running for the first time since finishing sixth in the GI Dubai Golden Shaheen at Meydan in March, set a pressured pace and tired late while finishing well clear of third.
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zWeOLAglhY
***
Race:
$150,000 Bed o’ Roses (GIII), fillies & mares, seven furlongs
Track:
Belmont Park
Finishing Order:
1 – DERWIN’S STAR, 2 – CATCH A THIEF, 3 – C C’S PAL
Margins:
3 ½, neck, 2 ½
Also ran:
TWICE THE LADY, ISLAND BOUND, CATINATREE
Winning Connections:
Owner: Marcia Cohen and Steve Klesaris; Trainer: Klesaris; Jockey: Ramon Dominguez.
Time:
1:22.53 (fast)
Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint – Marcia Cohen and owner/trainer Steve Klesaris’ DERWIN’S STAR won her first career graded stakes with a 3 ½-length win over CATCH A THIEF in Belmont Park’s $150,000 Bed o’ Roses (GII). Ramon Dominguez was aboard the 5-year-old daughter of Wildcat Heir who won for the eighth time from 17 career starts. Derwin’s Star, who won the Charles Town Oaks in 2010, will likely now be pointed to Saratoga’s Ballerina (GII) August 24, which is a “Win and You’re In” race for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint.
***
Race:
$109,800 Bashford Manor (GIII), 2yos, six furlongs
Track:
Churchill Downs
Finishing Order:
1 – CIRCLE UNBROKEN, 2 – POSITIVELY, 3 – SPECIAL JO
Margins:
1, 1 ¼, 1
Also ran:
HIGHTAIL, GOOD TICKLED, ROMAN’S AVENUE, PRAETORIAN PREFECT, GO JACK JO
Winning Connections:
Owner: – Travis Morgeson; Trainer: Gary Simms; Jockey: John Court.
Time:
1:11.21 (fast)
Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile – Travis Morgeson’s CIRCLE UNBROKEN remained perfect in two career starts with a 1-length win over POSITIVELY in Churchill Downs’ GIII, $109,800 Bashford Manor. John Court rode the winner for trainer Gary Simms, guiding the 2-year-old son of Broken Vow to a stakes win just 13 days after he won his career debut at Churchill. Circle Unbroken will likely be a major player this summer in Saratoga’s 2-year-old stakes races. "We don't have a plan for his next race, but obviously the year-end goal will be the Breeders' Cup Juvenile," trainer Garry Simms said. "He came out of the race really well and he's just a class act."
