Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships Newsletter
Contact: Jim Gluckson 212-230-9512
Countdown to the Breeders' Cup World Championships Newsletter
Advisory: This is the fifth of 17 weekly news releases focusing on the horses and races leading to the 27th Breeders' Cup World Championships on Friday, November 5 and Saturday, November 6 at Churchill Downs. For more information, please visit www.breederscup.com.To track leading contenders to the Breeders' Cup World Championships, sign up for Equibase's special Breeders' Cup Virtual Stable.
IZOD HASKELL INVITATIONAL LOOMS AS A SHOWDOWN BETWEEN CLASSIC WINNERS
The balance of power in the three-year-old division is sure to shift Sunday at Monmouth when Kentucky Derby winner SUPER SAVER and Preakness winner LOOKIN AT LUCKY head the prospective field for the grade I $1million Izod Haskell Invitational. Run at 1 1/8 miles, the Haskell traditionally kicks off the second half of the 3-year-old season on the East Coast and unites the stars of the Triple Crown season with an exciting group of new shooters in the Classic division.
The Haskell will be televised live on ABC from 5-6 p.m. ET.
WinStar Farm's Super Saver was a convincing winner of the Derby in May, giving trainer Todd Pletcher an elusive first win in the race. The homebred son of Maria's Mon disappointed in the Preakness, finishing eighth behind Lookin At Lucky and enters the Haskell fresh and looking to regain his status as the country's top three-year-old while proving he can win a major stakes away from Churchill Downs, where he won the Derby and grade II Kentucky Jockey Club as a two-year-old.
Lookin At Lucky put a spring of frustration to rest with a determined victory in the Preakness after troubled trips in the Rebel, Santa Anita Derby and Kentucky Derby. Trained by Bob Baffert for Mike Pegram, Karl Watson and Paul Weitman, the son of Silver Deputy has split decisions with Super Saver this season and would certainly gain a leg up with a Haskell win. Lookin At Lucky was voted the two-year-old champion of 2009 on the basis of a 5-for-6 campaign than included grade I wins in the Del Mar Futurity, Norfolk and CashCall Futurity as well as a second in the Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile.
Robert LaPenta's ICE BOX is also on-target for the Haskell for trainer Nick Zito. The son of Pulpit won the grade I Florida Derby in March and then finished a troubled second to Super Saver in the Derby after encountering severe traffic trouble throughout. Ice Box was favored in the Belmont Stakes but never threatened and finished eighth.
Mill House's TRAPPE SHOT rates as the "now" horse in the Haskell based on four straight lopsided wins, including a local score in the Long Branch July 10. The son of Tapit lost his first career start but has done little wrong since for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, winning his four starts by a combined 29 1⁄2 lengths. Trappe Shot answered a pair of questions in the Long Branch, when he won his first stakes and first two-turn race and can vault himself into the championship discussion with a win Saturday.
Donald Dizney's FIRST DUDE burst onto the scene with a game second in the Preakness and then backed up that run with a third in the Belmont. Trained by Dale Romans, the late-blooming three-year-old could rate as the one to catch in the Haskell and is poised to join the elite of his generation.
AFLEET AGAIN, who won the grade III Withers at Aqueduct in April and UPTOWNCHARLYBROWN, who won the Pasco at Tampa Bay Downs in and most recently was fifth in the Belmont (though he was disqualifies for not carrying the proper weight), round out the potential field for the IZOD Haskell Invitational.
The Oceanside and Matchmaker Stakes, a pair of $200,000 grade III's on the turf, highlight the Haskell undercard and are sure to offer deep and competitive fields. The 1 1/16-mile Oceanport, which will also be televised on ABC, could be led by grade III Monmouth Stakes winner GET SERIOUS, who recently finished a close fifth in the grade I United Nations. CHEROKEE ARTIST, INCA KING, KISS THE KID, NATIONAL KID (BRZ), ROMAN TIGER and STRIKE A DEAL could also start.
The 1 1/8-mile Taylor Made Matchmaker could be led by MARAM, the 2008 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner that recently won the Miss Liberty over the course July 4. Trained by Chad Brown for Karen Woods and Saud bin Khaled, the daughter of Sahm has won 5-of-8 career starts and opened her 2010 campaign with a nose loss in the grade III Eatontown at Monmouth. CHEROKEE QUEEN, EYE OF TAURUS and GIANT MOVER would also warrant consideration should they start.
"Win and You're In" Stakes Blanket Both Coasts
Both Del Mar and Saratoga will host important Breeders' Cup Challenge races this weekend that will assures the winners of a starting berth in the Breeders' Cup this fall at Churchill. The action kicks off at Del Mar in the grade III, $125,000 Cougar II Handicap Friday, where an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup Marathon is on the line. The Cougar II, run at 1 1⁄2 miles, drew an accomplished field of seven, led by Zabeel Racing's RICHARD'S KID, who won the grade I Pacific Classic at Del Mar in 2009. Trained by Bob Baffert, the son of Lemon Drop Kid enters off a third in the grade I Hollywood Gold Cup and won the grade II San Antonio at Santa Anita in February.
Spendthrift Farm's TEMPLE CITY just missed in the grade II American Handicap on the turf at Hollywood Park July 4 and owns a 2-for-5 career mark on synthetic surfaces while Millionaire DELIGHTFUL KISS looks for his first win since the grade III Hal's Hope at Gulfstream in 2009. RENDEZVOUS, LIFELINE, UNUSUAL SUSPECT and PRINCESS TAYLOR (GB) are also entered.
The grade II San Diego Handicap, a "Win and You're In" race for the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, could lure DAKOTA PHONE, third in the grade I Santa Anita Handicap earlier this year, SANGAREE, second in a trio of grade II stakes; the Mervyn LeRoy, Californian and Triple Bend and SLEW'S TIZNOW, most recently third in the Californian.
Ruffian Anchors Big Spa Weekend
The grade I Ruffian Invitational Handicap, a "Win and You're In" race for the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic, headlines a blockbuster weekend at Saratoga that also feature the grade I Diana and grade II Jim Dandy Saturday.
The Ruffian, formerly run at Belmont Park's Fall Championship Meet is led by Peter Vegso's UNRIVALED BELLE, who burst into the spotlight with a shocking win over Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra in the grade II La Troienne at Churchill April 30. The Bill Mott trainee also won the grade III Rampart at the Ruffian's 1 1/8-mile distance this winter at Gulfstream and enters on the heels of a second place finish to LIFE AT TEN in the grade I Ogden Phipps Handicap at Belmont June 12. Life At Ten came back to win the Delaware Handicap last weekend, another "Win and You're In" race for the Ladies' Classic and has now won six straight races.
CLASSOFSIXTYHTHREE, grade II Chilukki winner MALIBU PRAYER and minor stakes winner STARSHIP ANGEL are also eyeing the Ruffian.
The grade I Diana, run at 1 1/8 miles on the turf, is shaping up as one of the best female turf races of the year. Augustin Stable's FOREVER TOGETHER, who won the 2008 Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf en route to the Eclipse Award as champion Female Turf Horse, looks for her third straight in the Diana. Trained by Hall of Famer Jonathan Sheppard, the six-year-old mare was third in last years' Filly and Mare Turf and has run second in both starts this year; the grade II Jenny Wiley at Keeneland and grade I Gamely at Hollywood Park. Standing in her path is Juddmonte's PROVISO, who has won the grade I Kilroe Mile against males at Santa Anita in March and grade I Just A Game at Belmont in June for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. PHOLA, who chased Proviso home with a close second in the Just A Game, is also pointing to the Diana for trainer Todd Pletcher.
The grade II Jim Dandy for three-year-olds shares the Saturday spotlight and serves as a key prep for the grade I, $1 million Travers Stakes August 28. Grade II Dwyer winner FLY DOWN, most recently second in the grade I Belmont for owner Richard Pell, headlines the field for trainer Nick Zito. Gainesway Stable's AFLEET EXPRESS should offer stiff competition for trainer Jimmy Jerkens. The late-blooming three-year-old most recently won the grade III Pegasus at Monmouth in his first stakes and first two-turn start.
INTERNATIONAL SCENE
Goldikova Headlines Prix Rothschild topping Strong Week in Europe
Two-time defending TVG Breeders' Cup Mile winner Goldikova (IRE) is scheduled to run in Sunday's group I Prix Rothschild at Deauville. Wertheimer et Frere's five-year-old won the Rothschild in 2008 and 2009 and has been brilliant in both starts this season, winning the group I Prix d'Ispahan at Longchamp in May and the group I Queen Anne at Royal Ascot in June. Trained by Freddie Head, Goldikova has won 12-of-17 career starts and owns nine group/grade I wins.
PACO BOY (IRE), second by a neck to Goldikova in the Queen Anne, is expected to try her again in the Rothschild. The five-year-old, trained by Richard Hannon for the Calvera Partnership, has won three career group I's and the close Queen Anne defeat is his only loss from three 2010 starts.
Sussex Stakes Tops Goodwood Meeting
The group I Sussex Stakes, long viewed as a key race for the TVG Breeders' Cup Mile, drew an outstanding field for Wednesday's renewal at Goodwood.
Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier and Michael Tabor's RIP VAN WINKLE (IRE) will look to win the Sussex for the second straight year. Trained by Aiden O'Brien, the four-year-old won the Sussex and then the group I Queen Elizabeth II Stakes last year before trying the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita. Rip Van Winkle finished a disappointing 10th in the Classic and enters the Sussex off just one 2010 start, a well-beaten sixth behind superstar Goldikova in the group I Queen Anne at Royal Ascot June 15.
Heffer Syndicate's CANFORD CLIFFS (IRE) rates as the horse to beat for trainer Richard Hannon. The three-year-old Tagula (Ire) colt owns group I wins in the Irish Two Thousands Guineas at the Curragh in May and St. James's Palace at Royal Ascot in June. At Ascot he defeated DICK TURPIN, who returned to win the group I Prix Jean Prat at Chantilly July 4 and is back again in the Sussex.
Solid Field for Nassau Stakes
Saturday's Nassau Stakes, also at Goodwood, is shaping up as one of the strongest European group I's of the year. Defending winner and Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf hero MIDDAY (GB) headlines the field for Juddmonte Farms and trainer Henry Cecil. The five-year-old Oasis Dream (GB) mare was a good second in her seasonal debut in the group II Middletown Stakes at York May 13 and should move forward off that run.
Stiff competition should come from Martin Schwartz's STACELITA (FR), a four-year-old Monsun (Ger) filly who has won 7-of-9 career starts for trainer Jean-Claud Rouget. Stacelita won six straight starts as a three-year-old, including the group I Prix Saint-Alary, French Oaks and Prix Vermeille, but then finished seventh in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe in October. She finished fourth to Goldikova in the Prix d'Ispahan to start her campaign and then won the group III La Coupe at Longchamp in her last start June 14.
MUSIC SHOW (IRE), recent winner of the group I Falmouth at Newmarket July 7 and LILLIE LANGTRY (IRE), who won the group I Coronation at Royal Ascot in June, who also merit consideration should they start.
Starfish Bay Travels to Goodwood
Gainesway Thoroughbreds' STARFISH BAY will make the transatlantic journey to Goodwood for Thursday's group II Audi King George Stakes at five furlongs on the turf. Trained by Todd Pletcher, the daughter of Elusive Quality has won 3-of-4 starts this year, including turf sprint stakes wins in the Lady's Turf Sprint at Gulfstream, the Very One at Pimlico and the Candy Éclair at Monmouth. Thursday she takes on a field of international superstars at Goodwood, including group I winner FLEETING SPIRIT.
"She will run for Todd at Goodwood and then we will evaluate where to go with her," said Michael Hernon, Gainesway's Director of Sales. "She is in very good form at the moment and she is a very quick filly - we are hopeful she will give a very good account of herself. We have been thinking about sending over horses to Europe and this filly seemed a suitable candidate, so we decided to take a shot with her."
News and Notes
Vineyard Haven Impresses in Return
Godolphin's grade I winner VINEYARD HAVEN made a triumphant return to the races Friday, when he won the James Marvin at Saratoga by 1 3⁄4 lengths. Trained by Saeed bin Suroor, the four-year-old was making his first start since running third in the grade I Cigar Mile at Aqueduct in November. Vineyard Haven won the grade I DeFrancis Memorial at Laurel in October and could be pointed to the grade I Forego at Saratoga September 4.
Wine Police Announces his Presence
Kirk and Judy Robison's WINE POLICE was the first of what figures to be many impressive two-year-old debut winners at Saratoga this summer when he drew off to win his debut Saturday by 7 3⁄4 lengths. Trained by Steve Asmussen, the son of champion and Breeders' Cup Sprint winner Speightstown covered the five and a half furlongs in 1:03.36, just 0.23 seconds off the track record. Asmussen was impressed and hinted at bigger goals down the road for Wine Police. "I thought he looked super under the wire," Asmussen said. "He looked beautiful when he put his head down — he just scampered away. He came home strong, and I'm very happy with him this morning. Off that performance, we'll consider a stake for his next start, most likely here in Saratoga. The [Grade 1 Three Chimneys] Hopeful [September 6] comes to mind."
Zenyatta Keeping Sharp
Defending Breeders' Cup Classic winner ZENYATTA blistered through a sharp six-furlong workout in 1:12.40 Thursday morning at Hollywood Park as she readies for a possible start the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes at Del Mar on Saturday, August 7, a race she's won the past two seasons. Zenyatta, trained by John Shirreffs for Ann and Jerry Moss, is perfect in 17 career starts and is being pointed to the Breeders' Cup Classic this fall. The daughter of Street Cry (Ire) has won 11 career grade I's, including the 2008 Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic and became the first female to ever win the Classic last year at Santa Anita. This year Zenyatta is 3-for-3, with grade I wins in the Santa Margarita at Santa Anita, Apple Blossom at Oaklawn Park and Vanity Handicap at Hollywood Park.
Vic Ziegel
The Breeders' Cup expresses its deepest sympathies to the family of Vic Ziegel, former sports editor and long-time columnist of the New York Daily News and the New York Post, who passed away last Friday at 72. Ziegel covered sports in New York and nationally with wit and wisdom for more than 40 years. He greatly enjoyed covering horse racing as much as his other passions, boxing and baseball. He was a regular at the Triple Crown races and at the Breeders' Cup World Championships.
Quote of the Week
"I love where her mind is at right now. She's more mature and she's carrying a little more weight. She's very focused and nothing surprises her. Mr. Jackson issued a statement and in that statement he mentioned two races between this race and the Breeders' Cup. She'll go back to Saratoga in the morning and then we'll get her back to the routine."
-Trainer Steve Asmussen, after Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra won the Lady's Secret Stakes Saturday at Monmouth Park.
COUNTOWN TO THE BREEDERS' CUP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
A listing of the upcoming major stakes races this weekend:
BREEDERS' CUP CLASSIC
August 1 — $1,000,000 Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park. Run at 1 1/8 miles for 3yos.
July 31 — $500,000 Jim Dandy at Saratoga. Run at 1 1/8 miles for 3yos.
July 31 — $100,000 Ohio Derby at Thistledown. Run at 1 1/16 miles for 3yos.
BREEDERS' CUP LADIES' CLASSIC
August 1 — $250,000 Ruffian Handicap at Saratoga. Run at 1 1/8 miles for fillies and mares.
EMIRATES AIRLINE BREEDERS' CUP TURF
August 1 — $200,000 Oceanport at Monmouth Park. Run at 1 1/16 miles on the turf for 3yos & up.
August 1 — $150,000 Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga. Run at 1 1/16 miles on the turf for 3yos & up.
TVG BREEDERS' CUP MILE
July 28 — $486,000 Sussex at Goodwood. Run at 1-mile on the turf for 3yos & up.
August 1 — $429,480 Prix Rothschild at Deauville. Run at about 1-mile on the turf for fillies and mares.
EMIRATES AIRLINE BREEDERS' CUP FILLY & MARE TURF
August 1 — $572,640 German Oaks at Dusseldorf. Run at about 1 ¼ miles on the turf for 3yo fillies.
July 31 — $500,000 Diana at Saratoga. Run at 1 1/8 miles on the turf for fillies and mares.
July 31 — $324,000 Nassau at Goodwood. Run at about 1 ¼ miles on the turf for fillies and mares.
August 1 — $200,000 Taylor Made Matchmaker at Monmouth Park. Run at 1 1/8 miles on the turf for fillies and mares.
July 28 — $150,000 Lake George Handicap at Saratoga. Run at 1 1/16 miles on the turf for 3yo fillies.
SENTIENT JET BREEDERS' CUP SPRINT
August 1 — $250,000 Bing Crosby at Del Mar. Run at six furlongs for 3yos & up.
August 2 — $150,000 Amsterdam at Saratoga. Run at six and a half furlongs for 3yos.
BREEDERS' CUP DIRT MILE
July 31 — $200,000 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar. Run at 1 1/16 miles for 3yos & up.
BREEDERS' CUP MARATHON
July 30 — $125,000 Cougar II Handicap at Del Mar. Run at 1 ½ miles for 3yos & up.
BREEDERS' CUP TURF SPRINT
August 2 — $150,000 Royal North at Woodbine. Run at six furlongs on the turf for fillies and mares.
MAJOR STAKES RECAP (July 24-25)
A review of the major international races in the corresponding Breeders' Cup divisions from last week. The top Breeders' Cup Points' leaders and Breeders' Cup Challenge winners by division are listed at the end of each section. Breeders' Cup Point earners are limited to horses who finish first, second or third in American Graded Stakes races. Horses based outside of the U.S., who have not won a Breeders' Cup Challenge race, are selected into World Championships races by the Breeders' Cup Racing Directors/Secretaries Panel at the Pre-Entry stage, Oct. 26. Standings for the four Juvenile races will begin in September. A complete Breeders' Cup Points list is available at http://www.breederscup.com/points.aspx?tab=0
| Race: | $289,560 Prince of Wales (Canadian-breds), 3yos, 1 3/16 miles |
| Track: | Fort Erie |
| Finishing Order: | 1 — GOLDEN MOKA, 2 — MOBILE UNIT, 3 — BIG RED MIKE |
| Margins: | 2 ¾, 1 neck |
| Also ran: | HOTEP, MOBTHEWARRIOR, CAPTAIN CANUCK, WHO WE GUNNA CALL |
| Winning Connections: | Owner: Good Friends Stable; Trainer: Brian Lynch; Jockey: Anthony Stephen. |
| Time: | 1:56.45 (fast) |
Countdown to the Breeders' Cup Classic — Good Friends Stable's GOLDEN MOKA remained perfect in four career starts with a determined 2 3⁄4-length victory over MOBIL UNIT in the Prince of Wales, the second leg of the Canadian Triple Crown. Anthony Stephen put Golden Moka into the race immediately and stalked the early pace of eventual runner-up Mobile Unit before taking command off the far turn and turning back several challenges to post the win. Queen's Plate winner BIG RED MIKE finished third. Golden Moka was undefeated and untested in three starts in Panama in 2009 and was purchased privately after a recommendation by Good Friends member and former jockey Rene Douglas, a Panama native who was paralyzed in a riding spill at Arlington Park in 2009. Sent to trainer Brian Lynch earlier this year, Golden Moka became ill and was forced to miss training time. The Prince of Wales was his first start since last November.
Breeders' Cup Classic — Breeders' Cup Points Leaders
| Points | Horse | Trainer | Owner(s) | Breeder(s) |
| 30 | Zenyatta | John A. Shirreffs | Mr. & Mrs. Jerome S. Moss | Maverick Production, Limited |
| 26 | Sidney's Candy | John W. Sadler | Estate of Sid Craig; Jenny Craig | Jenny Craig & Sidney H. Craig |
| 24 | Quality Road | Todd A. Pletcher | Edward P. Evans | Edward P. Evans |
| 20 | Lookin At Lucky | Bob Baffert | Watson & Weitman Performance LLC, Michael E. Pegram | Gulf Coast Farms LLC |
| 18 | Rail Trip | Richard E. Dutrow Jr. | Jay Em Ess Stable | Donarra Thoroughbreds, LLC |
| 17 | Super Saver | Todd A. Pletcher | Winstar Farm, LLC | WinStar Farm LLC |
| 16 | Drosselmeyer (layoff) | William I. Mott | Winstar Farm, LLC | Aaron U. Jones & Marie D. Jones |
| 16 | Ice Box | Nicholas P. Zito | Robert V. La Penta | Denlea Park Ltd. |
| 16 | Jackson Bend (S15%) | Nicholas P. Zito | Robert V. La Penta , Jacks or Better Farm Inc. | Jacks or Better Farm Inc. |
| 14 | Awesome Gem | Craig Dollase | West Point Thoroughbreds, Inc. | Runnymede Farm Inc., Catesby Clay & Peter Callahan |
| 14 | Blame | Albert M. Stall | Claiborne Farm; Adele Dilschneider | Claiborne Farm & Adele B. Dilschneider |
| 14 | First Dude | Dale L. Romans | Donald R. Dizney | Donald R. Dizney |
| 14 | Misremembered | Bob Baffert | Natalie J. Baffert , George Jacobs | Bob Baffert |
| Race: | $412,000 Lady's Secret, fillies and mares, 1 1/8 miles |
| Track: | Monmouth Park |
| Finishing Order: | 1 — RACHEL ALEXANDRA, 2 — QUEEN MARTHA, 3 — ASK THE MOON |
| Margins: | 3, 7 3⁄4, 9 3⁄4 |
| Also ran: | STAGE TRICK, HARK, YES SHE'S A LADY, FABULOUS BABE |
| Winning Connections: | Owner: Jess Jackson; Trainer: Steve Asmussen; Jockey: Calvin Borel. |
| Time: | 1:49.35 (fast) |
Countdown to the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic — Jess Jackson's RACHEL ALEXANDRA, the 2009 Horse of the Year, continued her return to form with a 3-length win over QUEEN MARTHA in the Lady's Secret. With regular rider Calvin Borel in the irons, Rachel Alexandra stalked the eventual runner-up from the outside, took command off the far turn and extended her margin to the wire to win her second consecutive stakes after a pair of runner-up finishes to start her campaign. Rachel Alexandra won her first four starts of 2009 for trainer Hal Wiggins, including a 20 1⁄4-length romp in the grade I Kentucky Oaks. Jackson purchased the daughter of Medaglia d'Oro privately after the Oaks and turned her over to trainer Steve Asmussen. Rachel Alexandra then won four straight grade I's; the Preakness against three-year-old males at Pimlico; the Mother Goose at Belmont; the Haskell against three-year-old males at Monmouth Park and finally the Woodward against older males at Saratoga. After getting the rest of the year off, Rachel Alexandra returned in March at Fair Grounds and ran second in the New Orleans Ladies and then second again in the grade II La Troienne at Churchill. Though neither Jackson or Asmussen committed to Rachel Alexandra's next start, both hinted the grade I Personal Ensign at Saratoga August 29 was the most logical race. "We'll assess her condition when she goes back to the track, discuss everything with Mr. Jackson and go from there," said Asmussen. "I think there's a chance she can run here (Saratoga)." (Lady's Secret video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-WEIl_7lbY)
| Race: | $250,000 BetFair TVG Coaching Club American Oaks for 3yo fillies at 1 1/8 miles |
| Track: | Saratoga |
| Finishing Order: | 1 — DEVIL MAY CARE, 2 — BIOFUEL, 3 — ACTING HAPPY |
| Margins: | 4, 3⁄4, 2 1⁄2 |
| Also ran: | BAHAMA BOUND, SEEKING THE TITLE, ABSINTHE MINDED |
| Winning Connections: | Owner: Diamond A Racing Corp.; Trainer: Todd Pletcher; Jockey: John Velazquez. |
| Time: | 1:49.42 (fast) |
Countdown to Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic — Diamond A Racing Corp's DEVIL MAY CARE won her second consecutive grade I in convincing fashion with a 4-length win over BIOFUEL in the Coaching Club American Oaks. John Velazquez confidently rode the winner, who stalked the early pace, ranged up on her own accord on the far turn and then drew clear while never being asked for her best. The win was eerily similar to Devil May Care's win in the grade I Mother Goose at Belmont Park last month, when she again ranged up on the far turn while not being asked and ran clear in the stretch. Trained by Todd Pletcher, Devil May Care won the grade I Frizette at Belmont last year and took the grade II Bonnie Miss this winter at Gulfstream Park. After a 10th-place finish to males in the Kentucky Derby, Pletcher regrouped and targeted fillies. He indicated that Devil May Care will run next in the grade I BetFair TVG Alabama at Saratoga August 21. (Coaching Club video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsv6sX-7NmU)
Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic — Breeders' Cup Challenge Winners and Points Leaders
| Points | Horse | Trainer | Owner(s) | Breeder(s) |
 | Life At Ten (S09%) | Todd A. Pletcher | Cynthia DeBartolo | Nickelback Farm |
| 40 | Blind Luck | Jerry Hollendorfer | Mark Dedomenico MD, JCRP Stable, Jerry Hollendorfer | Fairlawn Farm |
| 26 | Devil May Care | Todd A. Pletcher | John W. Greathouse Jr. | Diamond A Racing Corp. |
| 24 | Evening Jewel | James M. Cassidy | Tom & Marilyn Braly | Betty L. Mabee & Larry Mabee |
| 22 | Amen Hallelujah | Richard E. Dutrow Jr. | IEAH Stables, Stan Whisenant , Mr. Robert Teel | Thorobeam Farm |
| 16 | Unrivaled Belle | William I. Mott | Gary Seidler , Peter Vegso | Gary Seidler & Peter Vegso |
| 14 | Crisp | John W. Sadler | Michael Talla | James Jones & Randy Swanson |
| 14 | Funny Moon | Christophe Clement | Mr & Mrs. C.W. McNeely III | Gerald J. Stautberg |
| 14 | Switch | John W. Sadler | CRK Stable | Calumet Farm |
| 12 | Joanie's Catch (S09%) | Barry Rose | Rose Family Stables, Ltd. | Rose Family Stable Ltd |
| 12 | St Trinians (GB) (S09%) | Mike R. Mitchell | Daniel Capen , Lauren Chavers | Mrs E. L. Hunter |
| 12 | Tanda | Dan L. Hendricks | Tommy Hutton's Dream Stable, LLc | Kristine L Mitchell |
| 10 | Acting Happy | Richard E. Dutrow Jr. | Jay Em Ess Stable | Samantha Siegel & Mace Siegel |
| 10 | Biofuel | Reade Baker | Brereton C. Jones | Brereton C. Jones |
| 10 | Miss Singhsix (IRE) (S09%) | Martin D. Wolfson | Team Valor International | John O'Connor |
| 10 | No Such Word | Cindy Jones | Brereton C. Jones | Brereton C. Jones |
| 10 | Rachel Alexandra | Steven M. Asmussen | Stonestreet Stables, LLC, Harold F. McCormick | Dolphus C. Morrison |
| Race: | $1,542,300 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes Sponsored By Betfair (G1), 3yos & up, 1 1/2 miles (turf) |
| Track: | Ascot |
| Finishing Order: | 1 — HARBINGER (GB), 2 — CAPE BLANCO (IRE), 3 — YOUMZAIN (IRE) |
| Margins: | 11, 3 1⁄4, neck |
| Also ran: | DARYAKANA (FR), WORKFORCE (GB), CONFRONT (GB) |
| Winning Connections: | Owner: Highclere Thoroughbred Racing; Trainer: Michael Stoute; Jockey: Olivier Peslier. |
| Time: | 2:26.78 (good) New Track Record |
Countdown to the Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Turf — HARBINGER (GB) staked his claim as one of Europe's best with an epic 11-length win in course record time over Irish Derby winner CAPE BLANCO (IRE) in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Olivier Peslier settled the winner in fourth while tracking stablemate CONFRONT (GB), moved up outside rivals entering the far turn and then powered clear through the stretch. Trained by Michael Stoute, Harbinger won 2-of-5 starts last year as a three-year-old and entered the King George with three group wins from as many starts. The historic European test was his first start in a group I and the son of Dansili (GB) now has the group I Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp October 3 as his major goal this fall.
| Race: | $312,400 Nijinsky (G2), 3yos & up, 1 1/8 miles (turf) |
| Track: | Woodbine |
| Finishing Order: | 1 — WINDWARD ISLANDS, 2 — GRAND ADVENTURE, 3 — SOUTHDALE |
| Margins: | 3 1⁄2, 2 1⁄4, 3⁄4 |
| Also ran: | COBOTOWN RON, RAHY'S ATTORNEY, TIERRA DEL TIGRE |
| Winning Connections: | Owner: Sam-Son Farms; Trainer: Mark Frostad; Jockey: Chantal Sutherland. |
| Time: | 1:53.58 (yielding) |
Countdown to the Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Turf — Sam-Son Farms' and trainer Mark Frostad sent out the 1-2 finishers in the Nijinsky, with WINDWARD ISLANDS getting the better of favored GRAND ADVENTURE en route to a 3 1⁄2-length win. Chantal Sutherland settled Windward Islands well off the early pace for the first six furlongs, angled outside runners entering the far turn and used Woodbine's expansive stretch to collar Grand Adventure and draw off the win. Windward Islands, a six-year-old gelded son of Cozzene, was making his first start since winning an optional claimer at Woodbine in June 2009 and now owns five wins from 17 career starts.
| Race: | $300,000 Eddie Read (G1), 3yos & up, 1 1/8 miles (turf) |
| Track: | Del Mar |
| Finishing Order: | 1 — THE USUAL Q.T., 2 — VICTOR'S CRY, 3 — ENRICHED |
| Margins: | 2, 1 ¼, nose |
| Also ran: | CROWDED HOUSE (GB), HYADES, ACCLAMATION AND LOUP BRETON (IRE) |
| Winning Connections: | Owner: Don Van Racing; Trainer: Jim Cassidy; Jockey: Victor Espinoza. |
| Time: | 1:47.28 (firm) |
Countdown to the Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Turf — Don Van Racing's THE USUAL Q.T. won his second career grade I with a 2-length win over VICTOR'S CRY in the Eddie Read. Victor Espinoza settled the four-year-old in third for the six furlongs before moving to the leaders on the far turn and pulling clear in midstretch. The Usual Q.T., trained by Jim Cassidy, won for the eighth time in 15 career starts, including a grade I victory in the Hollywood Derby and grade II win in the Oak Tree Derby last November and grade III score in the Sir Beaufort at Santa Anita in December. The win kept the Usual Q.T. perfect in three starts over Del Mar's turf course but Cassidy indicated he may consider the main track and the grade I Pacific Classic, a "Win and Your In" race for the Breeders' Cup Classic, at Del Mar August 28 for the next start.
Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Turf — Breeders' Cup Challenge Winners and Points Leaders
| Points | Horse | Trainer | Owner(s) | Breeder(s) |
| Chinchon (IRE) | Carlos Laffon-Parias | Darpat S.L. | Zubieta Limited |
| 18 | Bourbon Bay | Neil D. Drysdale | David & Jill Heerensperger | Adena Springs |
| 18 | Winchester | Christophe Clement | Mr. and Mrs. Bertram R. Firestone | Newstead Farm Corp. |
| 16 | Acclamation (S09%) | Donald D. Warren | E.W. Johnston | Old English Rancho |
| 16 | Gio Ponti | Christophe Clement | Castleton Lyons, Inc. | Kilboy Estate, Inc. |
| 16 | Paddy O'Prado | Dale L. Romans | Donegal Racing | Winchell Thoroughbreds, LLC |
| 10 | Workin for Hops | Michael Stidham | Estrorace LLC | Amy Bondon & Tom McNally |
| 9 | Unusual Suspect (S09%) | Barry Abrams | Barry Abrams | David Abrams |
| 8 | Expansion | Chad C. Brown | Gary & Mary West Stables, Inc. | Darley |
| 8 | Never On Sunday (FR) (S09%) | Patrick L. Biancone | Bernard Weill | S.C.E.A. Des Prairies |
| Race: | $150,000 San Clemente Handicap (G2), 3yo fillies, 1-mile (turf) |
| Track: | Del Mar |
| Finishing Order: | 1 — EVENING JEWEL, 2 — CITY TO CITY, 3 — WEEKEND MAGIC |
| Margins: | 3⁄4, head, 3⁄4 |
| Also ran: | CRISP, SWITCH, IT TIZ, CONNIPTION (IRE), CRISIS OF SPIRIT, SOUTHERN FIREBALL, FORTUNIA |
| Winning Connections: | Owner: Tom and Marilyn Braly; Trainer: Jim Cassidy; Jockey: Victor Espinoza. |
| Time: | 1:35.46 (firm) |
Countdown to the TVG Breeders' Cup Mile — Tom and Marilyn Braly's EVENING JEWEL continued to stake her claim as the most versatile three-year-old filly in training with a win 3⁄4-length win over CITY TO CITY the grade II San Clemente. Victor Espinoza gave the daughter of Northern Afleet a confident ride, staling in fourth early, taking the lead in midstretch and easily holding off the deep field. Trained by Jim Cassidy, Evening Jewel burst on the scene with a nose loss to Blind Luck in the grade I Las Virgenes at Santa Anita in February and then cemented her status with a game win in the grade I Ashland at Keeneland in April. Evening Jewel lost another heartbreaker to Blind Luck in the grade I Kentucky Oaks, when she was nailed on the line by a nose and returned from a brief freshening last month to win the grade II Honeymoon in her turf debut. Evening Jewel now owns five wins and five seconds from 11 lifetime starts.
TVG Breeders' Cup Mile — Breeders' Cup Challenge Winners and Points Leaders
| Points | Horse | Trainer | Owner(s) | Breeder(s) |
| Able One (NZ) (S15%) | John Moore | Dr. and Mrs. Cornel Li Fook Kwan | Sir Patrick & Lady Hogan |
| 22 | Court Vision | Richard E. Dutrow Jr. | IEAH Stables, Resolute Group Stables, Winstar Farm, LLC | W. S. Farish & Kilroy Thoroughbred Partnership |
| 18 | Victor's Cry | Eoin G. Harty | Equilete Stable | Legacy Farm |
| 10 | Blues Street | Todd A. Pletcher | Anstu Farm, LLC | Harriet Finkelstein |
| 10 | Fluke (BRZ) (S15%) | Humberto Ascanio | Patricia Bozano | Haras Doce Vale |
| 10 | General Quarters (OUT) | Thomas R. McCarthy | Thomas R. McCarthy | R. David Randal |
| 10 | Loup Breton (IRE) | Julio C. Canani | Ecurie Wildenstein | Dayton Investments Ltd. |
| 10 | The Usual Q. T. | James M. Cassidy | Don Van Racing, Inc. | Carlee Van Kempen |
| 8 | Hyades | Ben D. A. Cecil | Triple B Farms | Flaxman Holdings Ltd. |
| 8 | Mr Gruff | Ronald W. Ellis | Gary Broad | Robert Spiegel |
| 8 | Society's Chairman (S09%) | Roger L. Attfield | Charles E. Fipke | Errol Bailey |
| Race: | $150,000 Sanford Stakes (G2), 2yos, six furlongs |
| Track: | Saratoga |
| Finishing Order: | 1 — MAYBESOMAYBENOT, 2 — NACHO SAINT, 3 — ANOTHER SILVER OAK |
| Margins: | 1 1⁄2, 1 1⁄4, 3 |
| Also ran: | LOU BRISSIE, CHIPSHOT, BAIL OUT THE CAT, BLUE RIGHT BY, COMMONWEALTH RUSH |
| Winning Connections: | Owner: Carolyn and Karen Scisney; Trainer: Mike Maker; Jockey: Julien Leparoux. |
| Time: | 1:10.97 (good) |
Countdown to the Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile — Carolyn and Karen Scisney's MAYBESOMAYBENOT took the lead soon after the start and never looked back en route to a 1 1⁄2-length win over NACHO SAINT in the grade II Sanford. Julien Leparoux rode the winner, who landed on the lead after heavy favorite and prospective pace setter BAIL OUT THE CAT missed the break and spotted the field several lengths. Maybesomaybenot took advantage, setting a quick 45.65 half-mile and holding sway in the lane for his first career graded stakes win. Trained by Mike Maker, the gelded son of Sunday Break (JPN) broke his maiden July 3 at Churchill Downs in his second career start and now owns two wins from three starts. (Sanford video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjgIpd0gvfY)
| Race: | $100,000 Schuylerville (G3), 2yo fillies, six furlongs |
| Track: | Saratoga |
| Finishing Order: | 1 — LE MI GEAUX, 2 — STOPSPENDINGMARIA, 3 — SHOW ME THE BLING |
| Margins: | 1 1⁄2, 2 3⁄4, 6 1⁄2 |
| Also ran: | LET'S GET FISCAL, DOS LUNAS, SPA SUNRISE |
| Winning Connections: | Owner: Lansdon Robbins; Trainer: Rick Dutrow; Jockey: Freddie Lenclud. |
| Time: | 1:13.67 (sloppy) |
Countdown to the Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies — Owner/breeder Lansdon Robbins' LE MI GEAUX splashed home to a grade III win in the Schuylerville Opening Day at Saratoga. The winner, ridden by Edgar Prado for trainer Rick Dutrow, settled in fifth behind favorite and eventual runner-up STOPSPENDINGMARIA before sweeping into contention on the far turn and pulling clear in deep stretch for a 1 1⁄2-length win. Le Mi Geaux broke her maiden by 7 1⁄2 lengths in her second career start at Churchill Downs in June after running third there in her debut. Dutrow indicated the daughter of First Samurai would be pointed to the grade I Spinaway at Saratoga September 5.
About Breeders' Cup
The Breeders' Cup administers the Breeders' Cup World Championships; Thoroughbred racing's year-end Championships consisting of 14 races and $25.5 million in purses, which makes it the richest event in sports. At last year's Breeders' Cup, more than $100 million in winning wagers were returned to fans at betting locations around the globe. The Breeders' Cup also administers the Breeders' Cup Challenge qualifying series, and the Breeders' Cup Stakes Program. Breeders' Cup has offices in Lexington, Ky., and in New York City. Breeders' Cup press releases appear on the Breeders' Cup Web site, www.breederscup.com. You may follow the Breeders' Cup on Twitter at http://twitter.com/BreedersCup
