Countdown to the Cup - July 16, 2012
Advisory: This is the 3rd 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. For more information, please visit www.breederscup.com. The Breeders' Cup will be televised live on the NBC Sports Network.
STELLAR RENEWAL OF KING GEORGE TO OFFER BREEDERS' CUP TURF BID
Saturday's star-studded running of the $1.55 million King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (GI) at Ascot has lured some of the best turf runners in Europe and will award a guaranteed starting berth into the November 3 Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita to the winner.
As part of the enhancements of the Breeders' Cup Challenge series, the winning connections of the King George will receive free entry into the Turf and will receive a $20,000 travel allowance.
The King George, run at 1 1/2 miles, figures to be led by Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith and Susan Magnier's ST NICHOLAS ABBEY (IRE), who won last year's Turf at Churchill Downs for trainer Aidan O'Brien. The 5-year-old son of Montjeu (IRE) has had a distinguished career at racing's highest level, winning 7-of-14 lifetime starts, including a quartet of group/grade I's.
St Nicholas Abbey started his career out 3-for-3 as a juvenile, including a win in the Racing Post Trophy (GI) at Doncaster, but made just one start at three, a disappointing sixth-place finish in the Irish 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. He returned in top form in 2011, taking the Diamond Ormonde (GIII) and Coronation Cup (GI) at Epsom before winning the Turf to conclude a 3-for-7 campaign. This season he's 1-for-3, with second place finishes in the Dubai Sheema Classic (GIII) at Meydan in March and Mooresbridge (GIII) at the Curragh in May prior to repeating in the Coronation Cup in his last start June 2.
Stiff competition should come in the form of Lady Rothschild and Newsells Park Stud's NATHANIEL (IRE), who won last year's King George for trainer John Gosden. The 4-year-old son of Galileo has won half of his eight lifetime starts, including his last, the Coral Eclipse (GI) at Sandown July 7.
Gestut Burg Eberstein and T. Yoshida's 4-year-old filly DANEDREAM (GER) will provide a daunting female presence in the King George for trainer Peter Schiergen. The daughter of Lomitas (GB) burst on the scene in the second half of 2011, when she rattled off three straight group I's over males; the Grosser Preis Von Berlin at Hoppegarten, Grosser Preis Von Baden at Baden-Baden and l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp. This year Danedream is 1-for-2, with a win in Preis Der Badischen Unternehmer (GII) at Baden-Baden and brings a 6-for-15 lifetime mark to Ascot.
Sunday Racing's DEEP BRILLIANTE (JPN), who won the Japanese Derby (GI) at Tokyo Racecourse in May, Pride Racing Club's RELIABLE MAN (GB), last year's French Derby winner at Chantilly and Juddmonte Farm's SEA MOON (GB), who won the Hardwicke (GII) at Royal Ascot June 23 could also start in the King George.
Thus far, four horses have already qualified for the Turf: As Qasr, winner of the Gran Premio 25 in Argentina; Orfevre (JPN), who captured the Takarazuka Kinen in Japan; Meandre (FR), winner of the Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud in France and Turbo Compressor, who won the UN Stakes at Monmouth Park.
Delaware Handicap Offers First Ladies' Classic Spot of 2012
Saturday's $750,000 Delaware Handicap at Delaware Park will guarantee a starting berth into the November 2 Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic at Santa Anita. Run at 1 1/4 miles, the Del Cap, the first Ladies' Classic automatic qualifier of 2012, could offer an exciting showdown between reigning Ladies' Classic winner ROYAL DELTA and grade I winner AWESOME MARIA.
Besilu Stable's Royal Delta streaked to a 3-year-old filly championship in 2011 on the basis of wins in Pimlico's Black Eyed Susan (GII) in May, Saratoga's Alabama (GI) in August and the Ladies' Classic in November at Churchill Downs. The 4-year-old daughter of Empire Maker was slow into stride year, running second to Awesome Maria in Gulfstream Park's Sabin (GIII) in her seasonal debut in February then ventured to Dubai and ran a disappointing ninth against males in the Dubai World Cup (GI).
Trainer Bill Mott regrouped and brought Royal Delta back in Churchill's Fleur de Lis (GII) June 16 and she responded with an eye-catching 8-length win, while running faster than males a race later in the Stephen Foster (GI). Royal Delta completed her final serious tune-up for the Del Cap July 9 at Belmont, working five furlongs in 1:01.75, prompting Mott to assume his filly has bounced back well off her Churchill romp.
"We've certainly been leaning in that direction (of running in the Del Cap) all along and just monitoring her progress and well being," Mott said. "She seems to be fine. She ran awfully big last time and we want to make sure everything's in good order before we run, but it seems to be."
Mrs. Paul Robsham's Awesome Maria has been a gem of consistency throughout her career for trainer Todd Pletcher. The 5-year-old daughter of Maria's Mon has won 9-of-15 lifetime starts but saw her six stakes winning streak end in her last start, when she finished third in Belmont Park's Ogden Phipps (GI), a race she won in 2011. Awesome Maria won all four of her starts in 2011 before being sidelined in the summer with non-displaced condylar fracture of her left foreleg. She returned at Gulfstream in February to win the Sabin over Royal Delta and then won the Rampart (GIII) there in March.
With two stars projected in lineup, the Del Cap field will likely be a compact one. Dede McGehee's ST. JOHN'S RIVER, who won last year's Delaware Oaks (GII) over the track and was third in the Fleur de Lis and Green Hill Farm's LOVE AND PRIDE and Cresran LLC's TIZ MIZ SUE, the 1-2 finishers of the Obeah (GIII), the local prep, could also start.
View the 2012 Breeders' Cup Challenge Schedule: https://members.breederscup.com/challenge/schedule.aspx
Saratoga and Del Mar Kick Off Loaded Meets
The second half of the season gets going in high gear this week when Del Mar and Saratoga kick off their boutique meets on opposite ends of the country. Racing fans in Southern California and Upstate New York will be treated to a pair of all-star meets, with no fewer than nine Breeders' Cup bids in the offing.
Del Mar, which opens for business Wednesday, will offer five "Win and You're In" Breeders' Cup races, starting with San Diego Handicap (GII, guaranteed berth into the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile) July 28. The Clement Hirsch (GI, Ladies' Classic) August 4, Del Mar Handicap (GII, Breeders' Cup Turf) August 25, Pacific Classic (GI, Breeders' Cup Classic) August 26 and Del Mar Futurity (GI, Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile) September 5 round out the slate.
Last year AMAZOMBIE used a third-place finish in Del Mar's Bing Crosby (GI) as a springboard to a Breeders' Cup Sprint win and divisional championship while SECRET CIRCLE won his career debut at Del Mar before winning the inaugural Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint. GAME ON DUDE, who recently earned a berth into the Classic with his win in Betfair Hollywood Park's Hollywood Gold Cup (GI), could see action in the Pacific Classic as he attempts to better his second-place finish in last year's Breeders' Cup Classic at Churchill.
Saratoga opens Friday and if 2011 is any indication it will once again prove pivotal in this year's Breeders' Cup. The "Win and You're In" action kicks off in the Whitney Handicap (GI, guaranteed berth into the Breeders' Cup Classic) August 4 and is followed by the Ballerina (GI, Filly & Mare Sprint( August 24, Personal Ensign (GI, Ladies' Classic) August 26 and Three Chimneys Hopeful (GI, Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile) September 3.
Saratoga was a launching pad for several Breeders' Cup winners in 2011. Breeders' Cup Classic winner DROSSELMEYER, Ladies' Classic winner ROYAL DELTA, Marathon winner AFLEET AGAIN, Dirt Mile winner CALEB'S POSSE and Grey Goose Juvenile Fillies winner MY MISS AURELIA all saw action at the Spa.
The Whitney is shaping up as a definitive race in the Classic division and could lure Santa Anita Handicap (GI) and Stephen Foster (GI) winner RON THE GREEK, as well as 2010 Preakness winner and 2011 Met Mile (GI) winner SHACKLEFORD, Suburban (GII) winner MUCHO MACHO MAN, last year's Classic favorite FLAT OUT and last 2011 Travers (GI) winner STAY THIRSTY.
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News and Notes
Haskell Field Begins to Take Shape, Bodemeister To Pass
Monmouth Park's $1 million Haskell Invitational, run July 29, lost a pair of major contenders over the past two weeks, but the 1 1/8-mile test should still bring together a standout field of 3-year-olds.
Zayat Stable's BODEMEISTER, who won Oaklawn Park's Arkansas Derby (GI) in April before running second in both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, will bypass the race with a fever, according to trainer Bob Baffert. The son of Empire Maker has not started since running second in the Preakness and would have been a solid favorite in the Haskell. Racing and stallion manager Justin Zayat indicated Bodemeister could head to Saratoga for either the King's Bishop (GI) or Travers (GI), both run August 25.
The defection of Bodemeister came days after it was announced that Chadds Ford Stable's Belmont Stakes winner UNION RAGS will miss the remainder of the year with a minor tendon injury to his left front leg.
The defection of both Bodemeister and Union Rags could have a trickledown effect for the Haskell, which could now see several 3-year-olds rerouted to the Jersey Shore. Godolphin Racing's ALPHA, a multiple stakes winning son of Bernardini who has not started since running 12th in the Derby, could run for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, who may also start Darley Stable's LE BERNARDIN, another son of Bernardini who won the Pegasus (GIII), the local prep June 17.
Dr. Kendall Hansen and Skychai Racing's HANSEN, the reigning Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner and 2-year-old champion could also shift gears and head to Monmouth for trainer Mike Maker. The son of Tapit rebounded from his ninth-place finish in the Derby to win Prairie Meadows' Iowa Derby (GIII) by 10 lengths and could bypass a potential start in Mountaineer Park's West Virginia Derby (GII) August 4 to run in the Haskell.
Trainer Todd Pletcher was initially pointing Aqueduct's Wood Memorial (GI) winner GEMOLOGIST to Saratoga's Jim Dandy (GII) July 28, but said he may instead head to the Haskell. WinStar Farm's son of two-time Breeders' Cup Classic winner Tiznow has not started since running a troubled 11th in the Derby.
Derby third-place finisher DULLAHAN is scheduled to start for Donegal Racing and trainer Dale Romans. The son of Even The Score won Keeneland's Blue Grass (GI) in April and has not started since running seventh in the Belmont.
Zayat and Baffert could still be represented in the Haskell with the late-developing PAYNTER. The son of 1998 Breeders' Cup Classic winner Awesome Again won his career debut at Santa Anita in February and was recently second to Union Rags in the Belmont.
Caleb's Posse Retired
Cheyenne Stable and Don McNeill's defending Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner CALEB'S POSSE has been retired due to a non-displaced fragment in his left knee. Trained by Donnie Von Hemel, the 4-year-old son of Posse was 8-for-19 in a career that also included wins in Thistledown's Ohio Derby (GIII) and Saratoga's Amsterdam (GII) and King's Bishop (GI) in 2011. This year Caleb's Posse was 0-for-3, but ran second in Aqueduct's Tom Fool (GIII) and Carter (GI) before concluding his career with a gut-wrenching nose loss to Shackleford in Belmont Park's Met Mile (GI) May 28.
Landaluce Winner Eyes Breeders' Cup
Mike Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman's EXECUTIVEPRIVILEGE, who won Saturday's Landaluce at Betfair Hollywood Park, has Baffert thinking Breeders' Cup later this fall. The 2-year-old daughter of First Samurai made it 2-for-2 with her easy 3 1/4-length win and reminds her trainer of another stable star, 1998 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Silverbulletday.
"I just think she's really gifted," Baffert said. "Hopefully, I won't have to do too much with her (at Del Mar). She'll come back in the Sorrento (GIII, August 8 if she's doing well. The main thing is the Breeders' Cup (Juvenile Fillies November 2 at Santa Anita). She's like Silverbulletday. Those kinds are just gifted."
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COUNTOWN TO THE BREEDERS' CUP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
A listing of the upcoming major stakes races this weekend:
BREEDERS' CUP LADIES' CLASSIC |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Purse - Race - Track | Distance | Division |
| July 21 | $750,000 Delaware Handicap at Delaware Park | 1 1/4 miles | fillies & mares |
| July 21 | $300,000 Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga | 1 1/8 miles | 3yo fillies |
| July 21 | $150,000 Arlington Oaks at Arlington Park | 1 1/8 miles | 3yo fillies |
| July 22 | $150,000 Ontario Matron at Woodbine | 1 1/16 miles | fillies & mares |
BREEDERS' CUP TURF |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Purse - Race - Track | Distance | Division |
| July 21 | $1.55 million King George VI and Queen Elizabeth at Ascot | 1 1/2 miles | 3yos & up |
| July 21 | $600,000 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs | 1 1/4 miles | 3yos |
| July 21 | $300,000 Eddie Read at Del Mar | 1 1/8 miles | 3yos & up |
| July 22 | $300,000 Nijinsky at Woodbine | 1 1/8 miles | 3yos & up |
BREEDERS' CUP FILLY & MARE TURF |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Purse - Race - Track | Distance | Division |
| July 21 | $150,000 Virginia Oaks at Colonial Downs | 1 1/8 miles | 3yo fillies |
| July 22 | $516,667 Darley Irish Oaks at the Curragh | 1 1/2 miles | 3yo fillies |
| July 22 | $150,000 San Clemente at Del Mar | 1 mile | 3yo fillies |
BREEDERS' CUP SPRINT |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Purse - Race - Track | Distance | Division |
| July 20 | $100,000 James Marvin at Saratoga | 7 furlongs | 3yos & up |
BREEDERS' CUP FILLY & MARE SPRINT |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Purse - Race - Track | Distance | Division |
| July 18 | $150,000 Bold Venture at Woodbine | 6 1/2 furlongs | 3yos & up |
BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Purse - Race - Track | Distance | Division |
| July 22 | $200,000 Sanford at Saratoga | 6 furlongs | 2yos |
BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE FILLIES |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date | Purse - Race - Track | Distance | Division |
| July 20 | $150,000 Schuylerville at Saratoga | 6 furlongs | 2yo fillies |
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"They Said It"
"It's all a process. Lee and Susan Searing brought her (Switch) back this year just to try her again in the Breeders' Cup. She's been second (in the BC Filly and Mare Sprint) the last two years. Now we get a Breeders' Cup at home. I love the "Win and You're In.'" I think that's tremendous. You save a lot of money on entry fees and you take the pressure off."
— Trainer John Sadler, following the victory by Switch in the A Gleam Handicap at Betfair Hollywood
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MAJOR STAKES RECAP JULY 13-15
A review of the major international races in the corresponding Breeders' Cup divisions from last week.
| Race: | $400,000 Delaware Oaks (GII), 3yo fillies, 1 1/16 miles |
| Track: | Delaware Park |
| Finishing order: | 1 - GRACE HALL, 2 - VIA VILLAGGIO, 3 - AMI'S DINI |
| Margins: | 3 3/4, 2 1/4, neck |
| Also ran: | AUBBY K, WICKED MIZZ |
| Winning connections: | Owner: Michael Dubb, Bethlehem Stable & the Elkstone Group; Trainer: Tony Dutrow; Jockey: Javier Castellano. |
| Time: | 1:42.59 (fast) |
Countdown to the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic - Michael Dubb, Bethlehem Stable and the Elkstone Group's GRACE HALL easily won the $400,000 Delaware Oaks (GII) over VIA VILLAGGIO by 3 3/4 lengths. Javier Castellano rode the winner for trainer Tony Dutrow, guiding the 3-year-old daughter of Empire Maker to her fifth win in eight lifetime starts. Grade Hall burst onto the scene last year at Saratoga, winning the Spinaway (GI) in her second career start and concluded her 2-year-old campaign running second in the Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Churchill Downs. She opened her 3-year-old season at Gulfstream Park, running second in the Davona Dale (GII) before winning the Gulfstream Park Oaks (GII) in March. Grace Hall finished third as the favorite in the Kentucky Oaks (GI) before heading to Delaware and Dutrow indicated she'll make her next start in Saratoga's Alabama (GI) August 18. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kdCimad6-M
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| Race: | $777,600 Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris (GI), 3yos, about 1 1/2 miles (turf) |
| Track: | Longchamp |
| Finishing order: | 1 - IMPERIAL MONARCH (IRE), 2 - LAST TRAIN (GB), 3 - SAINT BAUDOLINO (IRE) |
| Margins: | Head, 1/2, 3/4 |
| Also ran: | MAIN SEQUENCE, TOP TRIP (GB), HARD DREAM (IRE), ALBION (GB), NUTELLO, LIDARI (FR) |
| Winning connections: | Owner: Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith; Trainer: Aidan O'Brien; Jockey: Joseph O'Brien. |
| Time: | 2:35.47 (soft) |
Countdown to Breeders' Cup Turf - Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith's IMPERIAL MONARCH (IRE) held off a furious late charge from LAST TRAIN (GB) to win Longchamp's $777,600 Juddmonte Grand Prix de Paris (GI) by a head. Trainer Aidan O'Brien and his son Joseph teamed up for the win on the 3-year-old son of Galileo (IRE), who has now won 3-of-4 lifetime starts. Imperial Monarch entered Longchamp off a disappointing eighth-place finish in the Prix de Jockey Club (GI) at Chantilly June 3 but rebounded nicely at Longchamp and added to a resume that also included the Classic Trial (GIII) at Sandown in April. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqGdpOw9ENI
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| Race: | $600,000 Man o' War (GI), 3yos & up, 1 3/8 miles (turf) |
| Track: | Belmont Park |
| Finishing order: | 1 - POINT OF ENTRY, 2 - CENTER DIVIDER, 3 - TAHOE LAKE (BRZ) |
| Margins: | 3 1/2, 1, 3 |
| Also ran: | NEWSDAD, TREASURE BEACH (GB), HUDSON STEELE, GAME BALL. SCRATCHED: PHILLY ACE |
| Winning connections: | Owner: Phipps Stable; Trainer: Shug McGaughey; Jockey: Jose Lezcano. |
| Time: | 2:13.87 (firm) |
Countdown to the Breeders' Turf - Phipps Stable's homebred POINT OF ENTRY continued his ascent up the turf ranks with an authoritative 3 1/2-length win over CENTER DIVIDER in Belmont Park's $600,000 Man o' War (GI). Jose Lezcano was up for the win for trainer Shug McGaughey, guiding the 4-year-old son of Dynaformer to his third consecutive win. Point Of Entry won a Keeneland allowance in April before winning the Elkhorn (GII) there later that month and has now won 5-of-12 career starts. McGaughey indicated Saratoga's August 18 Sword Dancer (GI) will be next for Point Of Entry. Heavily favored and defending champion TREASURE BEACH (GB), for trainer Aidan O'Brien, never fired and finished a well-beaten fifth in his first stateside start since winning the Secretariat (GI) at Arlington Park last August. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRQLmjxqZEU
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| Race: | $200,000 American Derby (GIII), 3yos, 1 3/16 miles (turf) |
| Track: | Arlington Park |
| Finishing order: | 1 - COZZETTI, 2 - ALL STORMY, 3 - SKYRING |
| Margins: | Neck, head, 1/2 |
| Also ran: | DADDY NOSE BEST, QUICK WIT, THE PIZZA MAN, SOUTHERN PARKWAY, MACHO BULL |
| Winning connections: | Owner: Albaugh Family Stable; Trainer: Dale Romans; Jockey: Shaun Bridgmohan. |
| Time: | 1:57.42 (good) |
Countdown to the Breeders' Cup Turf - Albaugh Family Stable's COZZETTI won his first career stakes with a thrilling neck decision over ALL STORMY in Arlington Park's $200,000 American Derby (GIII). Dale Romans trained the winner, a 3-year-old son of 1985 Breeders' Cup Mile winner Cozzene who was ridden by Shaun Bridgmohan. Cozzeti was a fringe player on the Triple Crown trail this winter, running third in the Tampa Bay Derby (GII) in March and fourth in the Arkansas Derby (GI) at Oaklawn Park in April before finishing seventh in the Preakness. Romans sent him back to the turf in his last start in Indiana Downs' Oliver June 13 and Cozzeti finished second. His win in the American Derby was his second from 10 starts and will likely have him in the starting gate for Arlington's Secretariat (GI) August 18, along with All Stormy and Skyring. Video: http://www.arlingtonpark.com/racing-wagering/toteboard/2012-07-14/8
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| Race: | $200,000 Arlington Handicap (GIII), 3yos & up, 1 1/4 miles (turf) |
| Track: | Arlington Park |
| Finishing order: | 1 - RAHYSTRADA, 2 - BOISTEROUS, 3 - MISTER MARTI GRAS |
| Margins: | Neck, 2 1/2, nose |
| Also ran: | VERTIFORMER, CHEROKEE LORD, SKY BLAZER, NIKKIE'S SANDCASTLE, PROCEED BEE, MAVERICKING |
| Winning connections: | Owner: Robert Courtney Jr.; Trainer: Byron Hughes; Jockey: Joel Rosario. |
| Time: | 2:01.84 (good) |
Countdown to the Breeders' Cup Turf - Robert Courtney Jr.'s RAHYSTRADA held off a sharp late rally from BOISTEROUS to win Arlington Park's $200,000 Arlington Handicap (GIII) by a neck for trainer Byron Hughes. Joel Rosario sent Rahystrada to the front immediately and guided the 8-year-old son of Rahy to his 13th win from 38 starts in a distinguished career that includes multiple graded stakes wins, most recently in the Kentucky Cup Turf (GIII) last September. Rahystrada finished a close fifth in last year's Arlington Million (GI) and Hughes indicated his charge will be back to contest that "Win and you're In" race for the Breeders' Cup Turf on August 18. Favored Boisterous, who won Aqueduct's Fort Marcy (GIII) in April, lost nothing in defeat and could also be back for the Million.
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| Race: | $150,000 Stars and Stripes (GIII), 3yos & up, 1 1/2 miles (turf) |
| Track: | Arlington Park |
| Finishing order: | 1 - IOYA BIGTIME, 2 - MUSKETIER (GER), 3 - SUNDANCER |
| Margins: | 1 1/2, neck, 3 1/4 |
| Also ran: | JOINEM, EAGLE POISE, HARRODS CREEK, MYSTIC, FREE FIGHTER, FINAL COUNT, WORKIN FOR HOPS |
| Winning connections: | Owner: Team Block; Trainer: Chris Block; Jockey: Jeffrey Sanchez. |
| Time: | 2:28.44 (good) |
Countdown to the Breeders' Cup Turf - Team Block's homebred IOYA BIGTIME stunned the field in Arlington Park's $150,000 Stars and Stripes (GIII), defeating MUSEKTIER (GER) by 1 1/2 lengths at 41-1. Co-owner Chris Block trained the winner, a 5-year-old son of Dynaformer who benefited from a textbook front-running ride by Jeffrey Sanchez to post his fifth victory from 15 lifetime starts. Ioya Bigtime, who had yet to hit the board in five starts this season, won his first career stakes and could start next in Arlington's American St. Leger August 18. Video: http://www.arlingtonpark.com/racing-wagering/toteboard/2012-07-14/10
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| Race: | $98,000 Sunset (GIII), 3yos & up, run at 1 1/2 miles (turf) |
| Track: | Betfair Hollywood Park |
| Finishing order: | 1 - DHAAMER (IRE), 2 - ROMP (ARG), 3 - QUAINTLY |
| Margins: | 3 1/4, 4 1/2, 1 1/4 |
| Also ran: | JUNIPER PASS |
| Winning connections: | Owner: Edward Brown Jr. & Jay Manoogian; Trainer: Mike Mitchell; Jockey: Julien Leparoux. |
| Time: | 2:29.13 (firm) |
Countdown to the Breeders' Cup Turf - Edward Brown Jr. and Jay Manoogian's DHAAMER (IRE) won his first career graded stakes with a 3 1/4-length win over ROMP (ARG) in Betfair Hollywood Park's $98,000 Sunset (GIII). Mike Mitchell, at Hollywood Park for the first time since undergoing brain surgery June 29, trained the 5-year-old son of Dubai Destination, who was ridden by Julien Leparoux. Dhaamer won 3-of-10 starts in Europe for trainer John Gosden, but has flourished since coming to Mitchell's barn this winter, winning 2-of-4 starts, including the local Round Table in his last start, May 13. It was Dhaamer's first U.S. start, a tough neck loss in Santa Anita's Tokyo City (GIII) on the main track that has Mitchell looking forward to the fall for the 5-for-14 lifetime runner. "We want to have a Breeders' Cup Marathon (November 3 at Santa Anita) horse on the dirt," Mitchell said. "He just barely got beat in the Tokyo City." Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y7Iaql76ygc
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| Race: | $350,000 American Oaks (GI), 3yo fillies, 1 1/4 miles (turf) |
| Track: | Betfair Hollywood Park |
| Finishing order: | 1 - LADY OF SHAMROCK, 2 - MY GI GI, 3 - BEST PRESENT EVER |
| Margins: | 1 1/4, 1 1/2, 1 1/4 |
| Also ran: | MISS CATO (GB), STORMY LUCY, LEFT A MESSAGE, NAYARRA (IRE), COLONIAL FLAG |
| Winning connections: | Owner: Hronis Racing; Trainer: John Sadler; Jockey: Mike Smith. |
| Time: | 2:03.19 (firm) |
Countdown to the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf - Hronis Racing's LADY OF SHAMROCK closed stoutly under Mike Smith to win Betfair Hollywood Park's $350,000 American Oaks (GI) by 1 1/4 lengths over MY GI GI. John Sadler trained the winner, a 3-year-old daughter of Scat Daddy who avenged a tough nose defeat to My Gi Gi at odds-on in her last start, Hollywood's Honeymoon (GII) June 9. Lady Of Shamrock won the Blue Northern, China Doll and Providencia (GIII) at Santa Anita this winter prior to the Honeymoon and is now 5-for-9 lifetime. Sadler mentioned the August 18 Del Mark Oaks (GI) as Lady Of Shamrock's next start, with the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf November 2 at Santa Anita as a year-end goal. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ahf4FWBuerk
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| Race: | $248,000 Falmouth (GI), fillies & mares, 1-mile (turf) |
| Track: | Newmarket |
| Finishing order: | 1 - GIOFRA (GB), 2 - ELUSIVE KATE, 3 - SIYOUMA (IRE) |
| Margins: | 1/2, 3/4, 3 3/4 |
| Also ran: | IRISH HISTORY (IRE), MAYBE (IRE), BAREFOOT LADY (IRE), ALANZA (IRE), LAY TIME (GB), GOLDEN LILAC (IRE), JOVIALITY (GB) |
| Winning connections: | Owner: Haras de la Perelle; Trainer: Alain de Royer-Dupre; Jockey: Christophe Soumillon. |
| Time: | 1:42.14 (soft) |
Countdown to the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf - Haras de la Perelle's GIOFRA (GB) won her first career group I with a half-length win over ELUSIVE KATE in Newmarket's $248,000. Christophe Soumillon was aboard for trainer Alain de Royer-Dupre, guiding the 4-year-old daughter of Dansili (GB) to her fourth win from six career starts. Giofra won her seasonal debut in Longchamp's Prix D'Hardcourt (GII) in April and entered the Falmouth off a sharp second behind the multiple group I winning male Cirrus Des Aigles (FR) in Longchamp's Prix Ganay (GI) April 29. Royer-Dupre mentioned the Nassau at Glorious Goodwood August 4 or Prix Jean Romanet (GI) at Deauville August 19 as potential next starts for Giofra, with the ultimate goal the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (GI) at Longchamp October 7. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9orQhWHRglg
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| Race: | $200,375 Robert G. Dick, fillies & mares, 1 3/8 miles (turf) |
| Track: | Delaware Park |
| Finishing order: | 1 - STARFORMER, 2 - BUBBLY JANE BRZ), 3 - SIKARA (IRE) |
| Margins: | 3, head, 1 1/2 |
| Also ran: | TEAM, DINNER'S OUT, SEX APPEAL, NAMASKARA, SENADA |
| Winning connections: | Owner: Juddmonte Farm; Trainer: Bill Mott; Jockey: Edgar Prado. |
| Time: | 2:15.19 (firm) |
Countdown to the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf - Juddmonte Farm's homebred STARFORMER won Delaware Park's $200,375 Robert G. Dick (GIII) by 3 lengths over BUBBLY JANE (BRZ) under a crafty front-running ride by Edgar Prado. The 4-year-old daughter of Dynaformer improved to 3-for-10 lifetime for trainer Bill Mott, while winning her first career stakes. Starformer started her career in Europe with trainer Criquette Head-Maarek, winning 1-of-4 starts, before heading to Mott's Saratoga base last summer and running third in the Hattie Mosely. Starformer could run next in Arlington Park's Beverly D. (GI) August 18. The Beverly D. is a "Win and You're In" race for the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf November 2 at Santa Anita.
***
| Race: | $200,000 Modesty (GIII), fillies & mares, 1 3/16 miles (turf) |
| Track: | Arlington Park |
| Finishing order: | 1 - ROMACACA, 1 - SNOW TOP MOUNTAIN, 3 - UPPERLINE |
| Margins: | Neck, 2 1/4, 1 |
| Also ran: | SMART STING, BIZZY CAROLINE, SHE'S ALL IN, PATHWAY |
| Winning connections: | Owner: Frank Calabrese; Trainer: Danny Miller; Jockey: Francisco Torres. |
| Time: | 1:56.67 (good) |
Countdown to the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf - Frank Calabrese's ROMACACA continued her affinity for Arlington Park's turf course with a neck win over SNOW TOP MOUNTAIN in the $200,000 Modesty (GIII). Trainer Danny Miller and jockey Francisco Torres teamed up for the win with Romacaca, a 6-year-old daughter of Running Stag who improved to 14-for-29 lifetime and 5-for-7 over the Arlington turf. Romacaca won Monmouth Park's Matchmaker (GIII) in 2011 and could look to better her fourth place finish in Arlington's Beverly D. (GI) in 2010 if she starts in this year's renewal August 18. The Beverly D., a "Win and You're In" race for the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf November 2 at Santa Anita, could also attract Snow Top Mountain and Upperline. Video: http://www.arlingtonpark.com/racing-wagering/toteboard/2012-07-14/6
***
| Race: | $101,000 Jersey Shore (GIII), 3yos, six furlongs |
| Track: | Monmouth Park |
| Finishing order: | 1 - WELL SPELLED, 2 - CAP COD CANAL, 3 - SCARAMAGNA |
| Margins: | 1 1/2, 1/2, 1 3/4 |
| Also ran: | ISN'T HE CLEVER, WILDCAT CREEK, RASS STONE |
| Winning connections: | Owner: GPS Racing Stable; Trainer: Ben Perkins; Jockey: Pablo Fragoso. |
| Time: | 1:11.17 (fast) |
Countdown to the Breeders' Cup Sprint - GPS Racing Stable's WELL SPELLED made his graded stakes debut a winning one, defeating CAP COD CANAL by 1 1/2 lengths in Monmouth Park's $101,000 Jersey Shore (GIII). Ben Perkins trained the winner, a 3-year-old son of Spellbinder who closed from last under Pablo Fragoso to win his third start from nine lifetime runs. Well Spelled could run next in Saratoga's King's Bishop (GI) August 24. Video: http://www.drf.com/news/monmouth-park-well-spelled-goes-last-first-jerse...
***
| Race: | $200,000 A Gleam (GII), fillies & mares, seven furlongs BREEDERS' CUP CHALLENGE RACE |
| Track: | Betfair Hollywood Park |
| Finishing order: | 1 - SWITCH, 1 - SUGARINTHEMORNING, 3 - GLAMORISTA |
| Margins: | 1 3/4, 2 1/4, 1/2 |
| Also ran: | AMERICAN LADY, TEDDY'S PROMISE, IZZY RULES, MILDLY OFFENSIVE |
| Winning connections: | Owner: C R K Stable; Trainer: John Sadler; Jockey: Garrett Gomez. |
| Time: | 1:24.37 (fast) |
Countdown to the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint - C R K Stable's SWITCH finally returned to the winner's circle and earned an automatic berth into the November 2 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint at Santa Anita in the process with a 1 3/4-length win over SUGARINTHEMORNING in Betfair Hollywood Park's $200,000 A Gleam (GII). As a part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge series incentives, Breeders' Cup will pay the $30,000 entry fee for Switch to start in this year's Filly & Mare Sprint and provide the stable with a $10,000 travel allowance. Trained by John Sadler and ridden by Garrett Gomez, Switch won for the first time in eight starts since taking Santa Anita's Santa Monica (GI) in January 2011. The 5-year-old daughter of Quiet American was winless in two starts this year but has been a mainstay in grade I races throughout her career, also winning Santa Anita's La Brea (GI) in December 2010 and finishing second in both the 2010 and 2011 running of the Filly & Mare Sprint. She's now won 6-of-21 lifetime starts and has Sadler eyeing Santa Anita later this fall. "It's all a process. Lee and Susan Searing brought her back this year just to try her again in the Breeders' Cup," Sadler said "She's been second (in the BC Filly and Mare Sprint) the last two years. Now we get a Breeders' Cup at home. I love the "Win and You're In.'" I think that's tremendous. You save a lot of money on entry fees and you take the pressure off." Video: http://tinyurl.com/7dp4g8o
***
| Race: | $150,000 Hollywood Juvenile Championship (GIII), 2yos, six furlongs |
| Track: | Betfair Hollywood Park |
| Finishing order: | 1 - SCHERER MAGIC, 1 - CARSON'S CROWN, 3 - JUST CALL ME AL |
| Margins: | 2 1/2, 1 3/4, 1 3/4 |
| Also ran: | STRONG WIND, CONFEDERATE RECON, AMARISH, DIRTY SWAGG |
| Winning connections: | Owner: Gary & Cecil Barber; Trainer: John Sadler; Jockey: Joe Talamo. |
| Time: | 1:11.67 (fast) |
Countdown to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Sprint - Gary and Cecil Barber's SCHERER MAGIC provided an immediate return on investment, rolling home to a 2 1/2-length win over CARSON'S CROWN in Betfair Hollywood Park's $150,000 Juvenile Championship (GIII). John Sadler claimed the 2-year-old son of Doneraile Court for $50,000 out of his local debut win June 14 and Scherer Magic improved to 2-for-2 with Joe Talamo aboard. The win has Sadler thinking of another California sprint, while taking advantage of the Breeders' Cup generous early nomination period. "I might want to make him eligible to the Breeders' Juvenile Sprint (November 3 at Santa Anita)," Sadler said. "It closes tomorrow (Sunday, July 15) and it's a big price reduction if you nominate him early." Video: http://tinyurl.com/csfyzcb
***
| Race: | $620,000 Darley July Cup, 3yos & up, six furlongs (turf) |
| Track: | Newmarket |
| Finishing order: | 1 - MAYSON (GB), 1 - THE CHEKA (IRE), 3 - SOCIETY ROCK (IRE) |
| Margins: | 5, 1, 2 1/4 |
| Also ran: | ORTENSIA (AUS), HAWKEYETHENOO (IRE), SIRIUS PROSPECT, FIRE LILY (IRE), STRONG SUIT, DANDY BOY (ITY), GENKI (IRE), SEPOY (AUS), REPLY (IRE) |
| Winning connections: | Owner: David Armstrong; Trainer: Richard Fahey; Jockey: Paul Hanagan. |
| Time: | 1:15.90 (heavy) |
Countdown to the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint - Richard Armstrong's MAYSON (GB) led gate-to-wire under Paul Hanagan en route to a 5-length win over THE CHEKA (IRE) in Newmarket's $620,000 Darley July Cup (G). Richard Fahey trained the winner, a 4-year-old son of Invincible Spirit (IRE) who won Newmarket's Palace (GIII) in May and improved for 5-for-16 overall. Fahey indicated the Coolmore Nunthorpe (GI) at York August 24 could be next for Mayson. Run at five furlongs, the Nunthorpe is a "Win and You're In" race for the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint November 3 at Santa Anita. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGT7UvhFBQE
***
| Race: | $200,000 Greenwood Cup (GIII), 3yos & up 1 1/2 miles BREEDERS' CUP CHALLENGE RACE |
| Track: | Parx Racing |
| Finishing order: | 1 - REDEEMED, 1 - NOT ABROAD, 3 - HELLO LOVER |
| Margins: | 1/2, 4, 1 1/2 |
| Also ran: | WIN WILLY, EVERSOUL, DOUBLE THE STYLE |
| Winning connections: | Owner: Jay Em Ess Stable; Trainer: Rick Dutrow; Jockey: Ramon Dominguez. |
| Time: | 2:28.01 (fast) |
Countdown to the Breeders' Cup Marathon - Jay Em Ess Stable's REDEEMED opened up early and held on late to defeat NOT ABROAD by a half-length in Parx Racing's $200,000 Greenwood Cup and earned an automatic bid into the November 3 Breeders' Cup Marathon at Santa Anita in the process. As part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge incentives, the winning owners gain free entry into the Marathon and receive a $10,000 travel allowance to California. Ramon Dominguez was in from New York to ride the winner for trainer Rick Dutrow, guiding the 4-year-old son of Include to his eighth win from 13 career starts. Redeemed won the Discovery (GIII) at Aqueduct to close out 2011 and entered off a win in Belmont Park's Brooklyn (GII) June 8. Earlier this year he was third in Gulfstream Park's Donn (GI) and also won Belmont's Milesius in May. Video: http://tinyurl.com/c3lwr2x
About Breeders' Cup
The Breeders' Cup administers the Breeders' Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing's year-end Championships. The Breeders' Cup also administers the Breeders' Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The 2012 Breeders' Cup World Championships, consisting of 15 races and purses totaling more than $25 million will be held Nov. 2-3 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., and will be televised live by the NBC Sports Network. Breeders' Cup press releases appear on the Breeders' Cup Web site, www.breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders' Cup on social media platforms, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
