Countdown to the Cup - September 10, 2012

Advisory: This is the 11th 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 Santa Anita. For more information, please visit www.breederscup.com. The Breeders’ Cup will be televised live on the NBC Sports Network.

RICOH MILE HEADLINES BREEDERS’ CUP CHALLENGE RACES AT WOODBINE THIS WEEKEND

The attention of the racing world shifts to Woodbine Race Course outside of Toronto this weekend as a trio of starting spots to Breeders’ Cup races will be up for grabs in the Ricoh Woodbine Mile (GI), TVG Summer Stakes (GII) and Natalma (GII), respectively.

Under the enhanced conditions of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge, all three race winners will have their entry fees paid into their respective Breeders’ Cup races and their connections will receive a $10,000 in travel allowance ($20,000 for foreign-based winners).

The weekend culminates with Sunday’s $1 million Woodbine Mile, which will award a starting berth into the Breeders’ Cup Mile November 3 at Santa Anita. Long on history, the Woodbine Mile is expected to draw a stellar cast, led by Mort Fink’s homebred WISE DAN, who has been sensational in three starts on three different surfaces this year for trainer Charles Lopresti.

Wise Dan, a gelded 5-year-old son of Wiseman’s Ferry, has won 10-of-17 career starts, including the Firecracker (GII) on turf at Churchill Downs, Fayette (GII) at Keeneland over Polytrack and the Clark Handicap (GI) over the main track at Churchill Downs in 2011. This year he has taken his game to a new level, with wins in 2-of-3 starts. Wise Dan opened his campaign with a 10 1/2-length win in Keeneland’s Ben Ali, setting a track record in the process, then was second, beaten a head to Ron The Greek in Churchill’s “Win and You’re In” Stephen Foster (GI) and then exploded in the stretch to win Saratoga’s Fourstardave (GII) by 5 lengths in his last start August 11.

That win prompted Lopresti to look to Woodbine and his stable star put forth his final breeze September 5 at Keeneland over the Polytrack, getting six furlongs in a hand-timed 1:13 by his trainer.

“After training on the dirt at Saratoga, he’s just gliding over this Polytrack,” Lopresti said. “The work was just like a gallop for him. We’ll keep him ticking over and won’t do much more with him before we ship to Woodbine. We’ll put him on a van Thursday night (September 13) and he’ll get there early in the morning Friday.”

The international contingent figures to be led by Juddmonte Farm’s homebred CITYSCAPE (GB) for trainer Roger Charlton. The 6-year-old son of Selkirk has been a mainstay as one of the top middle distance European’s the past several seasons and warrants respect on the basis of his win in Meydan’s Dubai Duty Free (GI) this March. Cityscape is 6-for-20 lifetime and will head to Woodbine off a second-place finish to Excelebration (IRE) in Deauville’s “Win and You’re In” Jacques le Marois (GI) August 12.

Kendel Standlee’s BIG BAND SOUND, Dominion Bloodstock and Linmac Farm’s RIDING THE RIVER and Gustav Schickedanz’s ARCTIC FERN, the 1-2-4 finishers in the local prep, the Play the King (GII) August 26; Mohammed Rashid’s DANCE AND DANCE (IRE), a listed stakes winner at Doncaster in July and Stronach Stable’s HUNTERS BAY, who won the local Dominion Day (GIII) and Eclipse (GIII) this meet on the Polytrack, are also scheduled to start in the Woodbine Mile.

Summer, Natalma Figure to Draw a Crowd

Woodbine’s “Win and You’re In” action gets underway Saturday when the Natalma and Summer will award starting berths into the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, November 2 and 3 at Santa Anita.

The $250,000 Natalma, run at 1-mile for 2-year-old fillies, will likely draw a crowd, with several recent maiden winners looking to sort themselves out as they hope to head down the path to Santa Anita later this fall.

Saratoga debut winners, including Repole Stable’s COCONUT SHRIMP and Ken and Sarah Ramsey’s KITTEN’S DUMPLINGS are expected to start, while Windhaven Farm’s RUTHERFORD RD, John Oxley’s SPRING IN THE AIR (ON), Stoneway Farm and Gary Barber’s SPRING VENTURE and Raroma Stable’s TIZ RO (ON) all broke their maidens over the local course.

The $250,000 Summer Stakes, also run at one mile, is shaping up much like its sister race, with several promising maiden winners eyeing a Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf berth, though Ron Kirk John Bates and Michael Riordan’s ARE YOU KIDDING ME rates as the most accomplished member of the field. The 2-year-old son of Run Away And Hide has won his last two for trainer Roger Attfield, including a local allowance August 25 and could go favored.

Trainer Troy Rankin and Joe Davis’ I’M BOUNDTOSCORE, who won the Chenery at Colonial Downs in July should also take support. The 2-year-old son of Even The Score has won 2-of-4 starts and enters off a second in the Tyro on the main track at Monmouth Park August 5.

Bill Schettine’s ARCHER HILL and Ramona Bass’ FREDERICKSBURG, both recent Saratoga maiden winners and Bear Stable’s BEAR’S FURR, Oxley’s INDIANO JONES and Dominion Bloodstock’s MERCENARY, all local maiden winners, could also line up in the Summer.

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News and Notes

Animal Kingdom on the Comeback Trail

Team Valor International’s ANIMAL KINGDOM, the 2011 Kentucky Derby winner, is back in training with Graham Motion and could be heading down the path to the Breeders’ Cup later this fall. The 4-year-old son of Leroidesanimaux (BRZ) has won 4-of-8 career starts but has not started since winning an optional claimer on the turf at Gulfstream Park February 18.

Animal Kingdom was training for the Dubai World Cup (GI) at Meydan in March when he suffered a hairline fracture of his pelvis, which required him to miss 60 days of training. He resumed galloping at Fair Hill June 21 and has had three published workouts since August 21.

While Motion didn’t commit to the Breeders’ Cup, he didn’t rule it out either with a colt that has proven to be tremendously versatile and talented in his brief career.

“I don’t think anything is too ridiculous with this caliber of horse,” Motion said. “I don’t feel like I’m going to go fishing around for a nice, cushy spot. I couldn’t be happier with him. You hold your breath every time you work him because of who he is, but I feel like he’s moving and doing a little better now than he was in the spring – not that he wasn’t doing any good in the spring. I want to have a chance to get him back to the races, but we’re not going to compromise anything.”

Acclamation Could Still Make Breeders’ Cup

Peter and Mary Hilvers and Bud and Judy Johnston’s ACCLAMATION, who has won seven straight graded stakes in California but suffered a minor injury while training for a defense of his TVG Pacific Classic title, could still run in the Breeders’ Cup later this fall, trainer Don Warren announced.

Acclamation, a 6-year-old son of Unusual Heat, has won both his starts this year, including his last in Del Mar’s July 21 Eddie Read, but suffered some minor swelling in his left front ankle while training for the August 26 Pacific Classic at Del Mar. Though he has yet to return to the worktab, Warren is optimistic Acclamation could still make the Breeders’ Cup, likely in either the Turf or Classic.

“There’s still a chance he could run in the Breeders’ Cup,” Warren said. “Everything would have to go perfect. We’ll decide (what race) when we get further along, maybe work him at Santa Anita over the dirt and see how he handles it.”

Sean Avery Returns Running

Black Swan Stable’s SEAN AVERY, away from the races for 13 months because of a bowed tendon, won his long anticipated September 8 at Belmont Park for trainer Allen Iwinski. The 6-year-old son of 1994 Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Cherokee Run rallied late to win the Affiliate Stakes by 2 1/4 lengths in his first start since he won the Vanderbilt (GI) at Saratoga in August 2011.

Sean Avery, who has won 7-of-11 career starts, will be pointed to the Vosburgh at Belmont September 29, a “Win and You’re In” race for the November 3 Xpressbet Breeders’ Cup Sprint at Santa Anita. If all goes well Iwinski could point him to the Sprint later this fall.

“We don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves, but let’s just say that would be painting a beautiful picture if we could get there,” Iwinski said.

Up Could Return for Filly & Mare Turf

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Up, winner of Sunday’s Blanford Stakes (G2) at the Curragh, could return to the U.S. for the 1 1/4 mile Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. Sixth in the Beverly D. last month at Arlington, the 3-year-old daughter of Galileo has made nine starts this year, which includes a second in the French 2000 Guineas.

“The Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf would suit her and she might not run before then as she has been very busy,” O’Brien told the Racing Post.

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COUNTDOWN TO THE BREEDERS’ CUP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

A listing of the upcoming major stakes races this weekend:

BREEDERS’ CUP CLASSIC

September 16 – $150,000 Ontario Derby at Woodbine. Run at 1 1/8 miles for 3yos.

BREEDERS’ CUP TURF

September 15 – $852,500 St Leger at Doncaster. Run at about 1 3/4 miles on the turf for 3yos.

September 15 – $258,333 Irish St Leger at the Curragh. Run at 1 3/4 miles on the turf for 3yos & up.

September 15 – $200,000 Kentucky Cup Turf at Kentucky Downs. Run at 1 1/2 miles on the turf for 3yos & up.

September 16 – $500,000 Northern Dancer at Woodbine. Run at 1 1/2 miles on the turf for 3yos & up.

BREEDERS’ CUP FILLY & MARE TURF

September 15 – $300,000 Garden City at Belmont Park. Run at 1 1/8 miles on the turf for 3yo fillies.

September 15 – $175,000 Pucker Up at Arlington Park. Run at 1 1/8 miles on the turf for 3yo fillies.

September 15 – $150,000 Noble Damsel at Belmont Park. Run at 1-mile on the turf for fillies & mares.

September 16 – $453,600 Prix Vermeille at Longchamp. Run at about 1 1/2 miles on the turf for fillies & mares.

September 16 – $300,000 Canadian at Woodbine. Run at 1 1/8 miles on the turf for fillies & mares.

BREEDERS’ CUP MILE

September 16 – $1 million Ricoh Woodbine Mile at Woodbine. Run at 1-mile on the turf for 3yos & up.

September 16 – $583,2000 Prix de Moulin at Longchamp. Run at about 1-mile on the turf for 3yos & up.

BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE TURF

September 15 – $258,333 Vincent O’Brien at the Curragh. Run at seven furlongs on the turf for 2yos.

September 15 – $250,000 TVG Summer at Woodbine. Run at 1-mile on the turf for 2yos.

BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE FILLIES TURF

September 15 – $250,000 Natalma at Woodbine. Run at 1-mile on the turf for 2yo fillies.

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MAJOR STAKES RECAP SEPTEMBER 5-9

A review of the major global races in the corresponding Breeders’ Cup divisions from last week.

Countdown to Breeders’ Cup Classic – Bourbon Lane Stable and Wayne Lynn’s BOURBON COURAGE rolled home to a 5-length win over FLY LEXIS FLY in Louisiana Downs’ $500,000 Super Derby. Kellyn Gorder trained the winner, a 3-year-old son of Lion Heart who was ridden to victory by Leandro Goncalves. Bourbon Courage burst onto the scene with two straight speedy wins to start his career at Fair Grounds this winter but finished off the board in his next two starts, Churchill Downs’ Derby Trial (GIII) in April and Belmont Park’s Woody Stephens (GII) in June. Keller regrouped and tried Bourbon Courage over two turns in his last start, Mountaineer Park’s August 4 West Virginia Derby (GII) and the result was an improved second-place run, while finishing ahead of reigning Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner and 2-year-old champion Hansen. A winner of half of his six lifetime starts, Bourbon Courage could run next in the Indiana Derby (GII) at Hoosier Park October 6 or the Oklahoma Derby at Remington Park September 30 in what could be a penultimate start prior to the Breeders’ Cup Classic November 3 at Santa Anita. “We always have the Breeders’ Cup in the back of our minds. That would be a possibility,” Gorder said. “I need to race him before that. I think I’d need a race before that. We’re just throwing some different ideas around, watching what the other horses in the division are doing. We’ve got to pick our spot.” Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIRNJGn-PgQ

Classic Contender Profiles: http://www.breederscup.com/contenders/119

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Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Turf – Anamoine Ltd.’s SNOW FAIRY (IRE) once again showed she’s an international superstar with a 1 1/4-length win over NATHANIEL (IRE) while earning a starting berth in the November 3 Breeders’ Cup Turf at Santa Anita in the process. Defending Breeders’ Cup Turf winner ST NICHOLAS ABBEY (IRE) was third. Under the enhanced conditions of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge, Snow Fairy will have her $90,000 entry fee into the Turf paid for and her connections will receive a $20,000 travel allowance if she is nominated to the Breeders’ Cup program by Oct. 22. Snow Fairy, a 5-year-old daughter of Intikhab who was ridden by Frankie Dettori and trained by Ed Dunlop, has been among the world’s most celebrated turf horses throughout her career. She won the Epsom Oaks (GI), Irish Oaks (GI) at the Curragh and Hong Kong Cup (GI) over males at Sha Tin in 2010 and Queen Elizabeth II Cup (GI) at Kyoto over males in 2010 and 2011 and entered the Irish Champion off a win in her seasonal debut in the Prix Jean Romanet (GI) August 19 at Deauville. Snow Fairy is now 8-for-20 lifetime and has Dunlop thinking big later this fall. “She's in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (GI at Longchamp October 7) and the Champion GI at Ascot October 20), but Frankel is in that and that is a different level entirely,” Dunlop said. “I'd like to take her to the Breeders' Cup, as she hasn't done that and winning a group 1 in a sixth country may be a record." Dunlop trained Ouija Board to victories in the Filly & Mare Turf in 2004 and 2006, while finishing second in the 2005 Filly & Mare Turf. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0-eon35TPYI

Countdown to the Breeders’ Turf – Stuart Janney’s homebred AIR SUPPORT wore down a game front-running BOMBAGUIA to win Belmont’s $200,000 Bowling Green (GII) by a head for trainer Shug McGaughey. John Velazquez was resolute on Air Support in deep stretch and his busy ride netted the 4-year-old son of Smart Strike his fourth career graded stakes win. He won Belmont’s Pilgrim (GIII) as a 2-year-old, Keeneland’s Transylvania (GIII) and Colonial Downs’ Virginia Derby (GII) as a 3-year-old and won for the first time in six 2012 in the Bowling Green. Air Support is now 5-for-15 lifetime and McGaughey mentioned the Sycamore (GIII at Keeneland October 18) or Red Smith (GII at Aqueduct November 3) for Air Support’s next start, while not ruling out the Breeders’ Cup Turf November 3 at Santa Anita. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U44laJZT8Zw

Turf Contender Profiles: http://www.breederscup.com/contenders/122

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Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf – Tony Evans’ CHACHAMAIDEE (IRE) was awarded a controversial decision over DUNTLE (IRE) in Leopardstown’s $245,417 Matron (GI) after stewards disqualified the latter for bumping the eventual winner in the stretch. Duntle finished a head to the good in the Matron but was disqualified after a lengthy inquiry, which awarded Chachamaidee, trained by Sir Henry Cecil and ridden by Tom Queally, her first career group I win. The 5-year-old daughter of Footstepsinthesand (GB) had won a trio of group races in her career, including the Lennox (GII) at Glorious Goodwood in July, but reached racing’s highest level in the Matron. Chachamaidee is now 6-for-19 in her career. Video: http://tinyurl.com/bt396la

Filly & Mare Turf Contender Profiles: http://www.breederscup.com/contenders/127

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Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint – Fred Bradley, Carl Hurst, Brent Burns and trainer Buff Bradley’s GROUPIE DOLL returned from a four-month layoff to capture Presque Isle Downs’ $400,600 Masters (GII) by 3 3/4 lengths over KITTY IN A TIZZY. Rajiv Maragh was in from his New York base and rode the 4-year-old daughter of Bowman’s Band to her seventh win from 14 career starts. Groupie Doll has won all three starts since adding blinkers, including Keeneland’s Madison (GI) in April and Churchill Downs’ Humana Distaff (GI) in track record time in her last start May 5. She suffered a minor setback in training shortly after the Humana Distaff and Bradley decided to freshen her for the second half of the season. He indicated that she’ll run next October 6 in the Thoroughbred Club of America (GII) at Keeneland and then the November 2 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint at Santa Anita. The Thoroughbred Club of America is a “Win and You’re In” race for the Filly & Mare Sprint. Video: http://tinyurl.com/bpka46d

Filly & Mare Sprint Contender Profiles: http://www.breederscup.com/contenders/129

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Countdown to the Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile – Arnold Zetcher’s ROLLING FOG continued trainer Bob Baffert’s domination of the $300,000 Del Mar Futurity (GI) when he prevailed by 1 1/4 lengths over KNOW MORE and earned a guaranteed starting berth in the November 3 Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita in the process. Under the enhanced conditions of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge, Rolling Fog will have his $60,000 entry fee into the Juvenile paid for and his connections will receive a $10,000 travel allowance. Rafael Bejarano rode the winner, a 2-year-old son of Posse who was Baffert’s remarkable 11th Futurity winner. Rolling Fog broke his maiden in his career debut at Del Mar August 4 and will look to go 3-for-3 when he tries two turns for the first time in Santa Anita’s September 29 FrontRunner, another “Win and You’re In” race for the Juvenile. Both Know More and third-place finished SCHERER MAGIC could also point to the FrontRunner. Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVnOJMYfpSE

Countdown to the Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile – Swifty Farm’s PATAKY KID made it 2-for-2 at Arlington Park with a 3-length win over MUPPET MAN in the $150,000 Arlington-Washington Futurity (GIII). Garrett Gomez was aboard for trainer Tom Proctor, guiding the 2-year-old son of Rockport Harbor to his second win from three lifetime starts. Pataky Kid was third in his career debut at Churchill Downs in July then headed to Arlington and broke his maiden August 9. Proctor indicated that he’ll likely send Pataky Kid to Keeneland for the October 6 Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity (GI), a “Win and You’re In” race for the November 3 Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Santa Anita. Favored MUPPET MAN may cut back later this fall and point to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Sprint November 2 at Santa Anita. “I think he just can’t get the (mile) distance but he gave it a good go for a half-mile,” said trainer James DiVito. “If I have anything to say about it, I’d like to keep him sprinting. I would like to take him to California for that 2-year-old sprint.” Video: http://tinyurl.com/8vth7q3

Grey Goose Juvenile Contender Profiles: http://www.breederscup.com/contenders/121

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Countdown to the Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies – Dolphus Morrison’s GOLD EDGE won a three-horse blanket finish by a neck over LA SONG and DANCINGINTHECIRCLE in Arlington Park’s $150,000 Arlington-Washington Lassie (GIII). Trained by Lon Wiggins and ridden by Chris Emigh, Gold Edge remained perfect in three career starts and added to her local win in the Lisa M August 4. The 2-year-old daughter of Eddington won her career debut against maiden claimers at Churchill Downs in June and will likely target Keeneland’s October 5 Alcibiades (GI), a “Win and You’re In” race for the Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies November 2 at Santa Anita. Video: http://tinyurl.com/9jdqzx4

Grey Goose Juvenile Fillies Contender Profiles: http://www.breederscup.com/contenders/128

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Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint – Simon Gibson’s SOCIETY ROCK (IRE) won Haydock’s $348,750 Sprint Cup (GI) by three quarters of a length over GORDON LORD BYRON (IRE) for trainer James Fanshawe. Kierron Fallon was aboard the 5-year-old son of Rock Of Gibraltar (IRE), who won for the fifth time in 19 career starts. Society Rock won Royal Ascot’s prestigious Golden Jubilee (GI) in 2011 but had gone winless in seven subsequent starts prior to the Sprint Cup. Fanshawe indicated he’ll run next at Ascot in the British Champions Sprint (GI) October 20. Favored ORTENSIA beat just one horse home but was reported to have suffered a minor cut to her left front leg. Trainer Paul Messara said he’s still considering the 7-year-old daughter of Testa Rossa (AUS) for the November 3 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Santa Anita, a race she gained a free entry into when she won York’s Coolmore Nunthorpe (GI) August 24. "This will be her last run in Europe, she won't run again over here,” Messara said. “There is a possibility that we will give some consideration to the Breeders' Cup race. " Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJpq8-ndIsI

Turf Sprint Contender Profiles: http://www.breederscup.com/contenders/124

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Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf – Ben Keswick’s SKY LANTERN (IRE) won The Curragh’s $290,625 Moyglare Stud by 2 1/2 lengths over SCINTILLULA (IRE) and earned an automatic starting berth into the November 2 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita in the process. Under the enhanced conditions of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge, Sky Lantern will have her $30,000 in entry fees into the Juvenile Fillies Turf paid for and her connections will receive a $20,000 travel allowance. Richard Hughes rode the winner, a 2-year-od daughter of Red Clubs (IRE) who won for the third time in five career starts for trainer Richard Hannon. Sky Lantern won her debut at Goodwood in May then a listed stakes at Naar in June and entered the Moyglare off successive second-place finishes in Solera (GIII) at Newmarket and Prestige (GIII) at Goodwood in August. While Hannon was excited about the automatic entry into the Juvenile Fillies Turf, he’ll await final word from Keswick in the coming weeks. “She now gets an entry into the Breeders’ Cup and that certainly is an option, but the owner is unfortunately in Hong Kong so we can’t discuss plans right now,” Hannon said. Video: http://tinyurl.com/btbn4et

Juvenile Fillies Turf Contender Profiles: http://www.breederscup.com/contenders/130

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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 NBC. The $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic will be shown live and in primetime on NBC from 8-9 p.m. ET. 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.