Road to the Breeders Cup: NTRA National Pick 4 Offered Oct. 7

[two gun sid]

From The Bloodhorse:
Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational: The Todd Pletcher-trained English Channel, runner-up in this race last year, enters off a fourth-place finish in the Arlington Million (gr. IT). Prior to that, he won the United Nations (gr. IT). English Channel is fifth in the Turf Division of the World Championship Poll. Pletcher will also be represented in the race by Icy Atlantic. Several European-based horses may also compete, including Frost Giant, Royal Highness, and Freedonia. The 1 1/2-mile contest for 3-year-olds and up is part of the John Deere Turf Division.

Shadwell Turf Mile: Miesque's Approval, fifth in the NetJets Mile Division of the World Championship Poll, heads the field in this important grass contest. Miesque's Approval is on a three stakes winning streak, having taken the Maker's Mark Mile (gr. IIT), Firecracker Breeders' Cup Handicap (gr. IIT), and Red Bank Stakes (gr. IIIT). He will meet a strong field of milers that includes Becrux, who won last month's Woodbine Mile (gr. IT); Aussie Rules, victor in the French Two Thousand Guineas (Fr-I); Cosmonaut, who won the Arlington Handicap (gr. IIIT); Silent Name, winner of the Arcadia Handicap (gr. IIT); and the Bobby Frankel-trained Three Valleys, who took the Oceanport Stakes (gr. IIIT).

Jockey Club Gold Cup: Will Bernardini, facing older horses for the first time, continue the dominance that has seen him capture four consecutive graded stakes, including the grade I Preakness, Jim Dandy, and Travers by wide margins? It's looking like only a handful of runners will challenge Bernardini this time around, with the most intriguing being the Aidan O'Brien-trained Dylan Thomas. As Europe's leading 3-year-old, Dylan Thomas is coming off back-to-back group I wins in the Irish Derby and the Irish Champion Stakes and will race on dirt for the first time as he prepares for the Breeders' Cup. Other likely starters are the Nick Zito-trained duo of Andromeda's Hero and Wanderin Boy, and other such horses as Sun King and West Virginia.

Goodwood Breeders' Cup Handicap: There's no doubt which horse has been the best in the West this year. That's Lava Man, who like Bernardini, needs only two more wins, Oct. 7 and Nov. 4, to lay claim to Horse of the Year honors. Speaking of laying claim, Lava Man is a former claiming horse who has turned into a potential champion with a remarkable 2006 campaign that includes four consecutive grade I wins and victories in three $1 million races. Lava Man is a perfect 6-for-6 this year, having crossed the wire first in the grade I Hollywood Gold Cup, Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap, Santa Anita Handicap, and Pacific Classic. For good measure, he also won the Sunshine Millions Classic. Taking on Lava Man will be 2005 Kentucky Derby (gr. I) winner Giacomo, who was fifth in the Pacific Classic following a win in the San Diego Handicap; Santa Anita Derby (gr. I) winner Brother Derek; Super Frolic; and Magnum.

http://news.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=35650

Anybody want to take a shot at the pick 4? I'll post my picks later.

[aaronbees]

1. sure, I'm game ... a great day of racing

Here's my pick four:
Joe Hirsch = English Channel
Shadwell Mile = Silent Name
Jockey Club Gold Cup = Dylan Thomas
Goodwood = Lava Man

Though disgustingly small, the Jockey Club field is top notch and if I were to bet the Pick 4 with one bet I'd bet against Bernardini (though he may very well romp) just for a better payoff. Honestly, he should destroy this field. The pace scenario may be that Wanderin Boy books out with classier speed than the Big B. has faced, though, and I think that could set it up for Dylan Thomas, who's faced tougher competition and just beat the likes of Ouija Board ... so just maybe Bernardini can be beat here. If not, Bernardini enters the superhorse echelon, looking like a Lear Jet amongst Matchbox cars.

The Goodwood is a mighty fine race, too. I look forward to Lava Man smoking the field as he's done all year.

I was sorely disappointed in Shirocco's effort in the Arc last week, though Rail Link is a fine horse. I still hope Shirocco and Hurricane Run make it to the Turf and show us how it's done.

[two gun sid]

2. My Pick 4

Hirsch - English Channel
Shadwell Turf - Miesque's Approval
Gold Cup - All
Goodwood - Magnum

[aaronbees]

3. Bernardini....

Best 3-year-old since your Bid? Cakewalk. He'll be close to those same 1/9 odds on Classic day. Let's go, Lava Man!

[two gun sid]

4. Lava Man cruises home....

I was looking for the upset. Brother Derek finished well in 2nd and Giacomo 3rd.

Bernardini is the best horse in the country right now. Yes, the best 3 YO since The Bid.

[aaronbees]

5. Brother Derek redeemed himself

Nice to see him find that good form of the spring. Impressive race by him and I hope they take him to the Classic to get a piece of things; he ran well at Churchill all things considered, so he's got a shot.

I'm just hoping for a dog fight between LM and Bernardini on that day. Would be something great to see. Shame about Dylan Thomas -- maybe they'll take him to the Turf.

I agree -- Bernardini's the best since The Bid. He makes everything easy.

[Justpat]

7. I hope Lava Man and Bernardini stay sound

and healthy. I don't think Lava Man can beat Bernardini but it will be a great race.
Lava Man is such a pro.

[two gun sid]

8. I get a kick out of Lava Man...

when he makes his run at the top of the stretch. He drops down low and just pours it on. He looks like he is gonna take off flying through the air.

[Awsi Dooger]

9. A horse who understands wind resistance

Yeah I like that also. He gets his entire front section down low then explodes. It reminds me a little bit of the way AP Indy used to do it, but with him it was more just keeping his head down low.

I saw the Lava Man race but only the highlights of Bernardini. But damn, Berbardini looked muscular in the close up near the wire. I agree he might be the best 3 year old since Bid.

Who else would be in the discussion? Maybe Point Given despite the Derby flop. Also Sunday Silence, but he was blasted by Easy Goer in the Belmont. Then there's maybe a half dozen others who won the first two legs but none of them blew me away.

[two gun sid]

10. Point Given and Sunday Stop-It! deserve mention...

I also felt Risen Star was a very good 3 YO. He got a very rough trip in the Derby.

I don't want to like Bernardini but, I can't deny he is a special individual. I am waiting to see him in against classy older horses with a full field. Let's see what he does with some traffic and some tough old racehorse hanging off his throat latch all the way around the track. He looked to me like a very pissed off horse yesterday when he came off the turn. Maybe he is just a very tough competitor and likes to run away from other horses but, the way he had his ears pinned I half expected him to savage his rider when he pulled up. I've never seen him in person so that is all speculation on my part.

Still, he will be on my Pick 6.

[Justpat]

11. I liked the way he pinned his ears.

They weren't like that until he got even with Wanderin Boy, then he flattened them against his
head and took off. That is horse language for, "get out of my way, you sob." I like horses
that intimidate others like that.

It is a tough game we are in. You want a horse who undertands that.

But, like you said, we'll see exactly how tough he is when some of those older
boys don't give him a break next time.

[two gun sid]

12. You are right OB...

it was just a feeling I had when I saw him. When he kicked away from Zito's horse I expected him to prick his ears and start listening for anyone else coming to him. I think my bias is showing.

I guess I should just be happy that a horse that good is not in Frankel's barn.

To all you Bernardini fans: Enjoy this horse. He is a very, very good one.

[Awsi Dooger]

14. Yeah, I forgot about Risen Star

Totally dominant in the Preakness and Belmont.

In fact, that SOB cost me a chunk of cash by running so swiftly in New York. The Bally's sportsbook in Las Vegas always puts up an over/under on the time of the classic races, but that year they were just getting started and the number looked absurdly low. It was something like 2:27 flat, meaning the winner would have to run maybe the second or third fastest time ever for it to go under.

I jumped in first on the over, trying to suppress a laugh, then a wave of people followed me. By race time I had almost a 2 second advantage since it went up to 2:28 4/5. I smugly decided not to bet any on the under 2:28 4/5 to go for the "middle," since I had so much the best of it already.

Or so I thought. The Bally's racebook manager and supervisors were chuckling for days after Risen Star ran 2:26 4/5, meaning they cleaned up on the prop, beating me by a length.

[two gun sid]

6. Pick 4 race results.

Hirsch - Belmont 9th Race, Post 6:00 Off: 5:23
1 1/2 Miles. (Turf) 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes Purse: $600,000

1A English Channel Velazquez J R 126 3.30 2.10 2.10
3 Freedonia (GB) Gillet T 123 3.40 2.50
6 Royal Highness (GER) Thulliez T 123 3.00
Times in 5ths: :252 :511 1:161 1:394 2:283
Times in 100ths: :25.51 :51.37 1:16.35 1:39.92 2:28.69
Also ran: Interpatation, Frost Giant, Dreadnaught and Icy Atlantic
Winning Trainer: Pletcher Todd A - Owner: Scatuorchio James T.
$2 Exacta (1-3) Paid $9.40
$2 Trifecta (1-3-6) Paid $25.20
$2 Grand Slam (2/5/6-2/5/7-1/2/4-1) Paid $8.90

Shadwell - 9th Race, Post 6:12 Off: 5:43
1 Mile. (Turf) 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes Purse: $600,000

3 Aussie Rules Gomez G K 123 11.80 6.60 5.60
4 Remarkable News (VEN) Douglas R R 126 7.60 8.00
7 Old Dodge (BRZ) Albarado R J 126 15.60
Times in 5ths: :234 :474 1:112 1:223 1:341
Times in 100ths: :23.98 :47.81 1:11.46 1:22.75 1:34.23
Also ran: Cosmonaut, Miesque's Approval, Three Valleys, Silent Name (JPN), Hendrix and British Blue
Winning Trainer: O'Brien Aidan P - Owner: Magnier, Mrs. John, Tabor, Michael and Salman, Faisal
$2 Exacta (3-4) Paid $99.60
$2 Trifecta (3-4-7) Paid $2,159.80
$2 Superfecta (3-4-7-2) Paid $4,821.60
$2 Superfecta (3-4-7-6) Paid $6,620.60
$2 Pick 3 (4-2-3) 3 Correct Paid $1,116.40 Pick 3 Pool $67,612


Jockey Club Gold Cup - Belmont 10th Race Off: 6:00
1 1/4 Miles. 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes Purse: $712,500

1 Bernardini Castellano J J 122 2.30 2.10
3 Wanderin Boy Prado E S 126 3.50
4 Andromeda's Hero Velasquez C 126
Times in 5ths: :25 :48 1:114 1:354 2:01
Times in 100ths: :25.03 :48.13 1:11.81 1:35.86 2:01.02
Also ran: Dylan Thomas (IRE)
Winning Trainer: Albertrani Thomas - Owner: Darley Stable
$2 Exacta (1-3) Paid $5.80
$2 Daily Double (1-1) Paid $4.20 Daily Double Pool $211,400
$2 Pick 3 (1-1-1) 3 Correct Paid $7.60 Pick 3 Pool $211,844
$2 Pick 4 (5-1-1-1) 4 Correct Paid $33.00 Pick 4 Pool $380,147
$2 Pick 6 (10-2-5-1-1-1) 5 Correct Paid $11.00 Pick 6 Pool
$2 Pick 6 (10-2-5-1-1-1) 6 Correct Paid $785.00 Pick 6 Pool $1,682,778

Goodwood - Oak Tree@Santa Anita 6th Race Off: 3:19
1 1/8 Miles. 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes Purse:

4 Lava Man Nakatani C S 126 3.20 2.20 2.10
7 Brother Derek Solis A 116 3.40 2.40
2 Giacomo Smith M E 118 2.40
Finish Time: 1:48.15
Also ran: Preachinatthebar, Super Frolic, Magnum (ARG) and Romeo Plus (ARG)
Winning Trainer: O'Neill Doug - Owner: STD Racing Stable and Wood, Jason
$1 Exacta (4-7) Paid $6.60
$1 Trifecta (4-7-2) Paid $21.50
$2 Daily Double (11-4) Paid $117.80 Daily Double Pool
$1 Pick 3 (2-11-4) 3 Correct Paid $996.00 Pick 3 Pool

[two gun sid]

13. What I learned from yesterday's races: ....

Those Euro grass horses are gonna kick the US grass horses butts.

Henny Hughes is the best sprinter in the country.

Lava Man's connection's should have hung onto that $150k.

My girl Spun Sugar is in for a long day. (Actually, I learned that today. Congrats to the very impressive Asi Siempre.)

[aaronbees]

15. Puzzling performance

I really like Spun Sugar, too, as she's very game. Perhaps she didn't fancy the new Keeneland track? I look for her to rebound if she goes for the Distaff but Fleet Indian looks awfully tough.

I'm pleased to see Henny Hughes rebound this year from his Dubai adventures and turn into a top sprinter; I still love the effort he gave in last year's Juvie. Neat horse. Sure wish Discreet Cat would enter the Sprint but it seems doubtful. It would be an extraordinary race.

I'm anxious to see which Euros come over -- still hoping Hurricane Run and Shirocco make it, as well as Ouija Board. W/ the filly and mare turf, it's all about Gorella for me.

[two gun sid]

16. Spun Sugar stuck her head in front at the turn...

and then she spit the bit. I hope she's alright.

I am totally geeked about the BC and the pick 6. We got a offer on Mick a week ago Saturday and sold him. My racing season is over so I can get serious about Thoroughbreds now. I've got a little betting money put away for the BC and Aqueduct this winter.

[Justpat]

17. Some horses don't like the polytrack.

Maybe Spun Sugar spun her wheels on it. Asi Siempre is a grass horse and many grass horses
transfer their grass form to polytrack.

A true dirt horse doesn't really excell on it.

Churchill still has a dirt track so maybe she'll do better there.

I don't know if Henny Hughes can show up with the same race at Churchill off of
four weeks rest after going in 1:08. Ususlly it takes them a bit longer to
recover. But he has had a light year so far. Maybe he can pull it off.
If he wins the BC he is truly a great sprinter and deserves end of year honors.

[aaronbees]

18. Haskin: Countdown to the Cup

I'm starting to get a little crazed with BC anticipation.

Countdown to the Cup: Not Enough Flow in Classic Picture
by Steve Haskin

Date Posted: 10/10/2006 9:39:07 AM
Last Updated: 10/11/2006 1:18:37 PM

It is safe to say there has never been more major stakes run and more major stars performing around the country than there were this past weekend. In the end, most of the Breeders' Cup World Championship races were clearly defined, but there was something missing in the aftermath of one of the races.
Of course, this column could be dominated by more superlatives heaped upon Bernardini, but there is nothing that can be said about this extraordinary horse that hasn't been said before, so we'll have others speak their piece about him later on. After yet another stroll in the park in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I), the son of A.P. Indy no doubt is something very special.

But in regard to the Breeders' Cup Classic – Powered by Dodge (gr. I), there was one disturbing observation that had nothing to do with what happened on the racetrack. While the name Bernardini was on everyone's lips, and rightfully so, did any publication east of the Rockies even acknowledge Lava Man's victory in the Goodwood Breeders' Cup (gr. II) some 20 minutes later?

As brilliant and dominating as Bernardini was, there is absolutely no reason why Lava Man, with his accomplishments this year, shouldn't receive equal billing with the Darley dynamo. The Classic is a dream match-up for the media and for the sport, pitting the wealthiest Thoroughbred owner in the world and his regally bred colt against the rags-to-riches horse who was claimed for $50,000, and should be publicized as such. Throw in Invasor, the last Uruguyan star to hit these shores since the infamous Cinzano and his much-publicized ringer case (which we'll rehash later on), and you have one of the most intriguing Classics in memory.

** rest at link: http://bc.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=35732 **

[aaronbees]

19. Invasor gets fresh with Jeannine Edwards

Anyone else see this? Video at the right hand side of the page a little ways down.

http://www.ntra.com/video.aspx?id=20669

Reporting's tough these days .... ;)

[two gun sid]

21. Saw it on ESPN...

ouch!

[two gun sid]

20. Final NTRA National Pick 4 today 10-14-06

From NTRA.com:
Frizette Stakes – Grade 1
Race 7 at Belmont Park – Elmont, New York
Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006 – Approximate Post Time 4:13 p.m. ET
One mile, for 2-year-old fillies
Purse: $400,000

The last major prep for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies features some real up-and-coming stars, starting with Awesome Ashley, who ran fast enough to earn a sparkling 96 Equibase Speed Figure when breaking her maiden in her second career start five weeks ago. By winning that race from off the pace she showed a lot of maturity and by winning that race at the same one-turn mile trip she’s running today over the same track she’s forcing the rest to play catch up from an experience standpoint, giving her top billing for the top team of Todd Pletcher and John Velazquez. Owned by one of the good guys in racing, Alex Campbell, Awesome Ashley could be something very special.


The First Lady Stakes – Grade 2
Race 8 at Keeneland – Lexington, Kentucky
Saturday, Oct. 14, 2006 – Approximate Post Time 4:50 p.m. ET
One mile on turf, for fillies and mares 3-years-olds & up
Purse: $600,000

Gorella has shown herself to be something special, so opens as the prohibitive favorite even in this 11 horse field with European star Germance to fend off. Unlike Germance, Gorella ‘IS’ a miler, winning a Group 2 mile race in France in June 2005, then winning the Grade 2 Just a Game Breeders’ Cup Handicap in June, at Belmont at this trip. After taking the Grade 1 Beverly D last out at a longer distance, Gorella has been pointing to this race on the way to either the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf in three weeks, or to a reprise run in the Breeders’ Cup Mile versus males, which Gorella arguably might have won last year if not off slowly and if not in a bit tight in the last few yards, as it was beaten a nose for second and three-quarters of a length for the win. So, in the form of her life with two 118 Equibase Speed Figures earned in her last three races and a 120 figure earned here at Keeneland in April, Gorella is the one to beat and can be a ‘single’ on some of our NTRA National Pick 4 tickets.


Champagne Stakes – Grade 1
Race 9 at Belmont Park – Elmont, New York
Saturday, Oct. 14 – Approximate Post Time 5:15 p.m. ET
One mile, for 2-year-olds
Purse: $400,000

Nobiz Like Shobiz stamped himself “one of the ones” for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile with a scintillating win here at Belmont, at the same mile trip he’s running today, in his debut on September 6, earning one of the best Equibase Speed Figures by any two year old this year, 103, in a dominant 10 ¾ length victory. It appeared that Nobiz Like Shobiz had a full tank of gas at the end of the race and so enters this race as on the verge to break out as the star of the division even though he’s just run once. Trained by Barclay Tagg, who handled Funny Cide to Kentucky Derby victory in 2003 and who has another star in his barn in the form of Showing Up, Nobiz Like Shobiz can win if he moves forward off his maiden race even if others do as well.


Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup – Grade 1
Race 9 at Keeneland – Lexington, Kentucky
Saturday, Oct. 14 – Approximate Post Time 5:35 p.m. ET
One mile and one-eighth on turf, for 3-year-old fillies
Purse: $500,000

Magnificent Song has won two graded stakes in a row, most recently at the distance of this race when victorious in the Grade 1 Garden City Breeders’ Cup Stakes last month, earning a career best winning Equibase Speed Figure of 105. Having run the last one-eighth of a mile in under 12 seconds in that race and with Garrett Gomez having ridden her in four straight races, consisting of three wins and a runner-up effort, Magnificent Song looks well-spotted to win her second consecutive Grade 1 stakes race.



http://www.ntra.com/content.aspx?type=feature&id=20789

[two gun sid]

22. Gorella and Karen's Caper battle to the wire...

with Gorella prevailing by a nose.
Scat Daddy impressive in the Champagne.
Sutra wins a slow Frizette.
Vacare Stays Perfect With QE II Cup Upset.

First Lady results: http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=35808

Champagne results: http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=35809

Frizette results: http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=35806

QE II results: http://racing.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=35810

[aaronbees]

23. Sounds like Gorella is going to the BC Mile

And if she does, she is my pick.

I'm liking the Tagg 2yo, Nobiz Like Shobiz, off that Champagne effort. Sounds doubtful he'll go to the Juvie, which is probbly a sound decision. He's my early Derby horse. ;)

[two gun sid]

25. I hope she goes in the F & M Turf...

the Mile will probably have GW and Aragorn. She deserves to have a great shot at being a BC winner. But,....If she could beat that group of boys at a mile, well...... She would be one of the best race mares ever.

Ya gotta hope Tagg gets back to the Derby with a nice horse. He deserves some recognition. He knows how to manage and train a horse as well as anyone.

[aaronbees]

27. I think the F&M Turf will be tougher

if Ouija Board and Wait A While are in there. I just can't see either one of them losing. Aragorn is a very good miler, though, and has been the picture of consistency. I think both spots are tough but have lots of faith in Gorella if she gets room for her run.

Here's hoping Tagg plays it smart with this Nobiz. Sounds like he's a "big dummy," to quote Tagg, and may need some patience figuring it all out. He's a looker, for sure. I read the Remsen may be next on his tab.

[two gun sid]

26. NTRA Pick 4 pays $1,186

Frizette - Belmont - 7th Race, Next Post 4:44 Off: 4:14
1 Mile. 2 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $400,000

8 Sutra Luzzi M J 120 27.00 13.20 8.30
1 Enchanting Star Smith M E 120 41.60 18.80
7 Lilly Carson Velasquez C 120 8.10
Times in 5ths: :223 :454 1:12 1:401
Times in 100ths: :22.62 :45.81 1:12.03 1:40.22
Also ran: Awesome Ashley, Dinner Break, Allude, True Addiction, Our Fantene, Meadow Breeze and Ticket to Seattle
Winning Trainer: Stidham Michael - Owner: Oak Crest Farm
$2 Exacta (8-1) Paid $964.00
$2 Trifecta (8-1-7) Paid $7,714.00
$2 Daily Double (7-8) Paid $119.00 Daily Double Pool $132,131
$2 Pick 3 (8-7-8) 3 Correct Paid $420.50 Pick 3 Pool $81,982
$2 Superfecta (8-1-7-6) Paid $17,906.00
$2 Grand Slam (1/5/7-3/4/8-7/8/10-8) Paid $161.00

Champagne - Belmont - 9th Race, Next Post 5:49 Off: 5:17
1 Mile. 2 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $400,000

5 Scat Daddy Velazquez J R 122 7.40 3.60 3.00
2 Nobiz Like Shobiz Velasquez C 122 3.10 2.50
4 Pegasus Wind Luzzi M J 122 7.80
Times in 5ths: :24 :473 1:121 1:364
Times in 100ths: :24.00 :47.78 1:12.22 1:36.97
Also ran: My Golden Opinion, Got the Last Laugh, Xchanger, I'm a Numbers Guy, Buffalo Man, Liquidity and Big Timer
Winning Trainer: Pletcher Todd A - Owner: Scatuorchio, James, T., Tabor, Michael, B.
$2 Exacta (5-2) Paid $23.00
$2 Trifecta (5-2-4) Paid $200.50
$2 Pick 3 (8-4-5) 3 Correct Paid $193.00 Pick 3 Pool $139,360
$2 Pick 4 (7-8-4-5) 4 Correct Paid $525.00 Pick 4 Pool $242,500
$2 Superfecta (5-2-4-3) Paid $1,693.00

First Lady - Keeneland - 8th Race, Next Post 5:36 Off: 4:51
1 Mile. (Turf) 3 Year Olds And Up Stakes Purse: $400,000

4 Gorella (FR) Leparoux J R 125 3.60 2.60 2.10
3 Karen's Caper Prado E S 121 3.60 2.80
1 My Typhoon (IRE) Gomez G K 123 3.20
Times in 5ths: :232 :462 1:11 1:223 1:34
Times in 100ths: :23.53 :46.52 1:11.01 1:22.71 1:34.14
Scratched: Bag of Quarters, Our Love and Sweet Talker
Also ran: Dash of Humor, Mea Domina, Chic Dancer, Wend and Stella Blue (FR)
Winning Trainer: Biancone Patrick L - Owner: Schwartz Martin S.
$2 Exacta (4-3) Paid $9.60
$2 Trifecta (4-3-1) Paid $26.20
$2 Superfecta (4-3-1-6) Paid $229.40
$2 Pick 3 (8-4-4) 3 Correct Paid $92.00 Pick 3 Pool $58,318

QEII Challenge - Keeneland - 9th Race, Next Post 6:11 Off: 5:36
1 1/8 Miles. (Turf) 3 Year Olds Stakes Purse: $500,000

9 Vacare Marquez C H Jr 121 15.60 7.00 5.20
11 Mauralakana (FR) Leparoux J R 121 6.00 5.00
10 Quiet Royal Peslier O 121 10.00
Times in 5ths: :241 :482 1:13 1:364 1:482
Times in 100ths: :24.38 :48.57 1:13.17 1:36.85 1:48.42
Also ran: Germance, Take the Ribbon, Magnificent Song, Vague, Maxxi Arte (IRE), Citronnade, Foxysox (GB) and Trick's Pic
Winning Trainer: Block Chris M - Owner: Lothenbach Stables, Inc.
$2 Exacta (9-11) Paid $106.20
$2 Trifecta (9-11-10) Paid $1,507.00
$2 Superfecta (9-11-10-7) Paid $5,547.40
$2 Pick 3 (4-4-9) 3 Correct Paid $145.60 Pick 3 Pool $68,530

[aaronbees]

24. Great article on Dean Richardson and Barbaro

Examining the intricacies of Barbaro's situation over the months. Apparently, Richardson received hate mail that criticized his care for Barbaro and the choices he made to keep going. Unbelievable. Kudos to him for his courage and skill.

http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/sports/15747455.htm

Barbaro's steady docSurgeon relentless through stress, critics, rehab
By DICK JERARDI
[e-mail]

WHEN YOU have been doing something for nearly 30 years, you know what can go right and what can go wrong. Still, as June blended into July, Dr. Dean Richardson began to believe that his case of a lifetime was going to end with the outcome that everybody wanted. Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro's fractured right hind leg was healing. Just about every sign was positive.

Perhaps all those people who are so attached to animals and really became attached to this animal, who had sent all those flowers and all those posters to the New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, were going to able to see Barbaro walk out of the hospital.

Then, with no warning, everything changed. Even now, weeks after that first week in July, Richardson - the chief of surgery at New Bolton and the doctor who performed the May 21 surgery on Barbaro the day after the colt shattered that right hind leg in the Preakness, a man who has seen just about everything there is to see in his business - finds those days hard to relive.

Seated at one of the desks in the auditorium where he first explained Barbaro's injuries and then made the grim prognosis in mid-July, he went back to the weekend of July 8-9, describing all that went down before then and all that has transpired since.

** rest at link **

[two gun sid]

28. Bordonaro to supplement to BC Sprint

From DRF.com:
Bordonaro, the winner of the Grade 1 Ancient Title Breeders' Cup Stakes and two other stakes this year, is expected to be supplemented to the $2 million Breeders' Cup Sprint at Churchill Downs on Nov. 4, trainer Bill Spawr said over the weekend.

Spawr and owners Fred Carrillo and Daniel Cassella had hesitated to commit Bordonaro to the Sprint after the Ancient Title at the Oak Tree at Santa Anita meeting, citing concerns about the four-week gap between races. But Spawr said the 5-year-old Bordonaro has trained well in the week since his win.

http://www.drf.com/news/article/79647.html

The BC Sprint is shaping up to be a very exciting race.

[aaronbees]

30. It is ... trying to find a way to beat Henny

though I love that horse. I think Bordonaro could do it. I'm happy they're coming on over. More the merrier as far as I'm concerned.

Looks like the Mile and Turf could be a bit thinner than I was hoping for -- don't see some of the top Euros coming over though it looks like Pride is a possibility.

[aaronbees]

29. Free early past performances for the Breeders Cup contenders

http://www.brisnet.com/cgi-bin/static.cgi?page=breederscup

My early top two picks that are sure to change:
Juvie - Circular Quay or Principle Secret
Juvie Filliers - Dreaming of Anna or Cash Included
F&M Turf - Ouija Board or Wait A While
Sprint - Siren Lure or Bordonaro
Mile - Gorella or Aragorn
F&M - Round Pond or Spun Sugar
Turf - The Tin Man or Shirocco
Classic - Lava Man or Perfect Drift

[two gun sid]

31. Mandella Decides Not to Run The Tin Man in BC Turf

From The Bloodhorse:
The Tin Man, who has compiled the best seasonal record of his career with two grade I wins at the age of eight in 2006, will miss what would have been his third effort in the John Deere Breeders' Cup Turf (gr. IT).

Trainer Richard Mandella said he decided on Thursday that the son of Affirmed would not make the trip from his California base to Churchill Downs.

"He just isn't training back up to his best form and I'm not going to bring him there if he's not," Mandella said. "Right now, I'm deciding whether I'll go ahead and give him a couple of months rest or just take some more time with him between races. But, with the Breeders' Cup coming up, I don't have time to have him back where I should in order to go."

The Tin Man won the Clement L. Hirsch Memorial Turf Championship Stakes (gr. IT) on Sept. 30 at Santa Anita Park by a head over T. H. Approval but has not recovered quickly from that performance. Yet Mandella said he and owners Ralph and Aury Todd are philosophical about the turn of events since The Tin Man, whose career almost never happened due to two bowed front tendons as a juvenile and who has endured more injuries since then, has done so much for them. He has won four of five starts and earned $1,990,000 just this year.

http://bc.bloodhorse.com/viewstory.asp?id=35902