Book Your Flight to the Breeders’ Cup
It is time once again for horse racing’s version of Rubik’s Cube with bettors laying down their money with every twist. The Breeders’ Cup has proven to be the sport’s most enjoyable way to lose your money. It’s a strange feeling hitting a couple of longshots or exactas and still losing money over the two days. I’m not here to offer trifectas and superfectas, only some live horses and potential longshots and you can put them together to form an exotic bet if you wish. But no matter how you do, you still have Flightline to look forward to and then we’ll know just what kind of freak this really is. ~ Steve Haskin
Book Your Flight to the Breeders’ Cup
By Steve Haskin
We all know the 2022 Breeders’ Cup goes wherever Flightline takes it, and everyone will be waiting with bated breath for the Classic to see if the skies of Lexington will be filled with rockets, flares, and fireworks following the race. And no matter what is said or not said, most people know deep down inside that this very likely will be the final flight of this extraordinary horse and that Lane’s End Farm already is starting to roll out the red carpet. As the old song goes, “Johnny, we hardly knew ye.”
But we’ll have to deal with that another time. Right now, let’s see if there is anyone who can put an end to this unprecedented reign, as brief as it’s been.
And there are plenty of other races in which bettors can sink their teeth. And that’s why we’re here. My previous Breeders’ Cup handicapping columns and analyses have focused on finding longshots and potential overlays. I will continue in that vein to an extent, but will try to diversify a little this time.
But let’s start with the Classic and get that out of the way. As I alluded to in a recent column about whether Life is Good is capable of upsetting Flightline, I am going to keep that same thought, but spread it out a little. There is an excellent chance that Flightline cannot be beaten, barring something unforeseen like a horrendous trip or him simply not having his best day. But from a Thoro-Graph perspective he could regress 10 lengths and still win.
To me, there is only one question mark with Flightline and that is, what will he do if someone looks him in the eye at the quarter pole or eighth pole and makes him actually run down the stretch for the first time. He has never had a horse anywhere near him from the five-sixteenths pole to the wire and has won all his races geared down, winning most of them with ridiculous ease.
Life is Good’s trainer Todd Pletcher well aware what he’s up against, but he also knows how fast his horse is, as evidenced by the way he made the front-running Horse of the Year Knicks Go look slow in the Pegasus World Cup. We just don’t know if he is as effective at 1 ¼ miles. But Flightline has nver faced an opponent with Life is Good’s speed, combined with class. As for Epicenter, his Travers was visually one of the most impressive races of the year, and we have all watched him grow into a man since the Triple Crown. But his Thoro-Graph number in the Travers was surprisingly slow, so make of that what you wish. If Life is Good and Hot Rod Charlie can stick around long enough to make Flightline know he’s in a race then we could have some drama in the stretch.
But to me this is a race to watch and not get too hung up on trying to beat Flightline. Sure anything can happen in a race, so for the sake of providing some kind of action I’ll throw Life is Good and the vastly improving Taiba in a trifecta box. There would be zero value putting Epicenter in there. But if you get past Flightline then anyone is capable of winning or placing. Yes, even Rich Strike, whose only start at Keeneland was a fast-closing third after a troubled trip. He could sneak into the superfecta.
OK, I guess it’s best to go back to the beginning.
JUVENILE TURF SPRINT – With the speedy English filly THE PLATINUM QUEEN drawing post 12 it opens the door to a number of other fast juveniles, mainly the Wesley Ward-trained LOVE REINS, Queen Mary Stakes winner DRAMATISED, and my longshot pick, Godolphin’s MISCHIEF MAGIC, who could be coming late under William Buick in a race loaded with speed.
JUVENILE FILLIES – In a wide-open race with no standout I’m going to take a shot with ATOMICALLY, who was sent to Pletcher after romping in the My Dear Girl division of the Florida Stallion Series, her first try going two turns.I have been very impressed with the Chad Brown-trained RAGING SEA, but good luck breaking from the 14 post. For my bomb, if you’re looking for a 20-1 shot trained by Bill Mott you have to take a look at AMERICAN ROCKETTE, who had a bad trip when fourth in the Spinaway Stakes, and I will forgive her fourth in the Frizette Stakes in the slop. This will be her first two-turn race and I think she could improve stretching out in distance.
JUVENILE FILLIES TURF – I don’t know if anyone can beat MEDITATE if she handles the two turns, but I give a big shot to the Jessamine winner DELIGHT, who loves the Keeneland turf and the two turns and is improving with every start for Jonathan Thomas. My longshot pick at 20-1 is the Canadian invader LAST CALL, who is improving with distance and won the Natalma Stakes last time out at 21-1 with first race blinkers off and first time racing without Lasix. And I like the move from the big Woodbine turf course to the tighter Keeneland course.
JUVENILE – CAVE ROCK could be a world beater and you can’t knock what FORTE has accomplished and the courage he showed winning the Breeders’ Futurity over the Keeneland track. Remember though that Forte got a faster Thoro-Graph number last out than Cave Rock. But there is no value here with either one and I’m not sure about BLAZING SEVENS, so I will take a shot with Pletcher’s other horse LOST ARK, who looked sensational in his first two starts, including the one-mile Sapling Stakes, then had the trip from hell in the Breeders’ Futurity, where everything went wrong early, putting him at the back of the 14-horse field. This is a horse with good tactical speed and having to come from so far back he had no shot to do much of anything and at least closed to be a respectable sixth. I’ll give him a shot at 20-1, breaking from post 8 and getting the services of Luis Saez.
JUVENILE TURF – This is another wide-open race with a European invader, Godolphin’s SILVER KNOTT, a major threat with the ability to win from on the pace or far back. ANDTHEWINNER IS and REALLY GOOD are both coming off excellent efforts in their 1,3 finish in Keeneland’s Bourbon Stakes and could be the second and third choices, right there with California’s best 2-year-old turf horse PACKS A WAHLOP riding a three-race winning streak. Really Good is running second race with blinkers on and did not have the best of trips last time out and should improve. Brendon Walsh has a 20-1 shot who may outrun his odds. RECKONING FORCE had a rough trip last out when seventh in the Bourbon Stakes, but won a stakes at Kentucky Downs in his previous start and has a good enough closing kick to make his presence felt in the stretch.
FILLY AND MARE SPRINT – CE CE, ECHO ZULU, CHI TOWN LADY, and GOODNIGHT OLIVE look to be the standouts, but I never throw out the classy OBLIGATORY, coming off 11 straight graded stakes, six of them at seven furlongs. With a contentious pace she should be coming strong in the stretch at 8-1 morning line odds.
TURF SPRINT – The usual crap shoot with the exception of GOLDEN PAL, I am intrigued with the decision to drop CASA CREED back to 5 ½ furlongs two starts after he won the Grade 1 Fourstardave at Saratoga going a mile. But he did win the Grade 1 Jaipur Stakes going six furlongs the race before and I am convinced this 6-year-old warrior can come home fast at any distance up to a mile and I’ll bank on him going off higher than his 6-1 morning line odds. For a real bomb I love the way CAZADERO is improving and is beginning to look like the brilliant 2-year-old we saw win the Bashford Manor Stakes by open lengths in 1:09 3/5 and romp in his career debut going five furlong in : 57 3/5.
DIRT MILE – There are some tough, classy horses in here who are going to be tough to beat, including one of my early Kentucky Derby favorites SIMPLIFICATION, but there are also some live longshots like SENOR BUSCADOR, who looked like a potential contender early on the Derby trail. He returned from California and looked good winning the Ack Ack Stakes. I am looking for a big effort from SLOW DOWN ANDY, who made his mark on the Derby trail, is a graded stakes winner on grass and dirt, is tough as nails, and game as they come. His solid third in the Grade 1 Awesome Again Stakes sets him up for a big effort here.
FILLY AND MARE TURF – I plead ignorant in this race. I can’t separate the American horses, none of whom are standouts, and I don’t know if any of them can handle the second and third-place finishers of the Prix de l’Opera, NASHWA and ABOVE THE CURVE, and the Epsom Oaks winner TUESDAY, who was beaten by the aforementioned two fillies in the Prix de l’Opera. But at 20-1 we have the Irish Oaks runner-up TOY, winner of a listed stakes last out in Ireland at a distance of one mile, which is too short for her. No strong feelings here.
SPRINT – The bizarre scratch of Jack Christopher with an equally bizarre explanation was a crushing blow to this race. Things appear to go a lot deeper than what is on the surface, but we have no choice but to move on. JACKIE’S WARRIOR, ALOHA WEST, the vastly improved ELITE POWER, and the filly KIMARI all look strong. For a price, AMERICAN THEOREM looks like a new horse since returning to sprint races and could be tough here at 10-1, as could former Derby trail star O BESOS, who is coming off two excellent sprint efforts. Those two would be my longshot picks.
MILE – The top choices all look strong and deep and I’m not seeing any longshots I like to beat ANNAPOLIS, DREAMLOPER, MODERN GAMES, KINROSS, REGAL GLORY, and ORDER OF AUSTRALIA. But there are still prices out there. Who knows how DOMESTIC SPENDING is going to come back off such a long layoff? And you have to give 20-1 BEYOND BRILLIANT and 15-1 MALAVATH a shot. The latter just missed winning the Juvenile Filly Turf last year, flying at the end, and is coming off a powerful second to Kinross in the Group 1 Prix de la Foret, the race Goldikova used as a prep for two of her three Mile victories.
DISTAFF – I’m sitting back and enjoying this one. Just too many top-class fillies who can win. SEARCH RESULTS and BLUE STRIPES look like the logical longshots, but to beat all three of the Curlin fillies, Nest, Malathaat, and Clairiere is a daunting task.
TURF – Again no standout, which is why WAR LIKE GODDESS has a huge shot to win this race. The Euros are sending some solid horses, such as NATION’S PRIDE, REBEL’S ROMANCE, and MISHRIFF. But for a big price you never know when the inconsistent BROOME is going to have a big day, as he did in last year’s BC Turf and this year’s Sword Dancer. And there were victories in the group 1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and group2 Hardwicke Stakes at Royal Ascot. That Broome can win this, especially considering his worst races have come on soft and heavy ground, and he has shown he likes the firm courses in the United States. I must also mention CHANNEL MAKER making his fifth start in the Turf. Although he’s been inconsistant throughout his career it has to be noted that he’s made five starts at Keeneland and has never finished worse than fourth (a win, second, third in the BC Turf, and two close fourths). Watch for him at 30-1.
Racing historian, author, and award-winning retired journalist for the Daily Racing Form and The Blood-Horse, Steve Haskin was inducted into the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame’s Media Roll of Honor in 2016. Known for his racing knowledge and insightful prose, he has been an exclusive contributor to Secretariat.com since 2020.
Flightline’s flight down the Keeneland track was amazing. However, it is extremely disappointing that he was retired after the Breeder’s Cup Classic. Mr. Stronach devised the Pegasus World Cup for a situation like this. And the Farrishs remembered how two stallions, who are father and son and are standing at their farm, had terrific grade one wins at the age of 4 at Gulfstream Park. Quality Road, redeemed himself and his legacy by winning the Donn Handicap which is now the Pegasus World Cup; this was just a few months after his meltdown at Santa Anita. And City of Light cemented his legacy by winning the Pegasus World Cup.
This is very sad for the legacy for horse racing in the USA.
It’s just all about the money. It’s a modern day tragedy.
Well, the retirements keep on coming. First Flight Line, then Life is Good, and now Epicenter. Everyone in racing is in a hurry to maximize profits before anything else goes wrong.
Re Epicenter, has it been announced he’s retiring? If so, that’s one that’s pretty understandable to me.
My four favorite moments from this Breeders’ Cup were Forte’s fabulous win, the thrilling triumph of Cody’s Wish, the finish of the Distaff, and of course the Classic.
I normally want to see a horse continue racing as long as the horse is staying sound, running well, and enjoying what s/he is doing, but in this case I can see why they might choose to retire Flightline. As noted below, Epicenter’s injury was a sad reminder of the hazards of the sport. Also, Flightline resoundingly defeated the winner of this year’s Dubai World Cup, which could diminish any motivation to send him over to Dubai next year, with all the stresses that entails. I think he probably is unbeatable, yet as some have noted below, I put him in a separate category from the greats who had more extensive careers. But he was sheer brilliance on the track, and I agree that he’ll never come close to duplicating himself. How could he?
I think this year’s classic was one of the best I’ve seen. Like you said Steve, this was a race for second place. Secretariat was sure brought up a lot and the comparisons of the two. Of course, we will never know now just how good Flightline could have been.
Mr Farish…when talking about Flightline—when he states his greatness, the FIRST supporting detail (I remember writing class) he mentions is his breeding, and that sums it up, breeding is the first attribute to this horse, in his mind, but for us lovers of the sport it was his races we loved, and not his bloodlines! I remember when Zenyatta got beat in her last race, I’m like “OK NOW you can race at seven, and go to Belmont, a track MADE for an Amazon, because you aren’t going to get a foal like Zenyatta”—turns out they didn’t get a winner out of her, Flightline ain’t-a-gonna sire hisself!
It was a beautiful thing to watch Flightline run, but in this case, six races makes a career. We know he was great in those 6 races. Hard to say how he ranks among the all-time greats. I’ll let others worry about it. Personally, I’ll just say that
Spectacular Bid was the best horse that I ever saw in person and I’ll favor “The Bid” and Secretariat based on their more substantial careers. I’ll always wonder what Flightline could have accomplished if he ran 25 or 30 races. That’s what I’ll think about when I think of him.
Flightline’s retirement should not have come as a surprise to anyone.
I think the handwriting was on the wall when it was announced that Wrst Point was auctioning off their share.
Watched his departure from Keenland and arrival at Lanes End this morning.
Wishing him a long and happy life and great success in the breeding shed. No doubt it was a sad good bye for the Sadler team.
Also watched Life is Good’s arrival at WinStar. He is a very striking looking horse and is beautifully balanced conformation wise.
Mr Fiske, Racing Manager for Winchell Thoroughbreds, said that the final decision to retire Epicenter to breeding duties will be made later this week but he followed that with a comment that he will most likely never return to the form he was in.
Domestic Spending is more comfortable today and is being given the best of care at R&R. The fracture probably happened as he left the gate. Just from experience, he has a long, long way to go. Wishing him the best of luck.
Tylers Tribe is shipping to Arkansas.
This was , for me, a bittersweet Breeders Cup. So many joy filled highs and the lowest of lows.
Cody’ Wish winning was the highest point for me. The lowest was Epicenter and Domestic Spending.
Will miss Lava Man. That had to be hard for Doug’s team to leave him behind.
Great seeing Whitmore who has transitioned to another life successfully.
I hope everyone enjoyed the races as much as I did. It was made more enjoyable watching on line on the Breeders Cup website.
Keeneland is a beautiful race track. Never saw an aerial view until Friday.
Looking forward to your next column Steve.
Lynda, I miss the story about Lava Man, why was he left behind?
He is retiring to Old Friends.
He ponied Hot Rod Charlie to the Classic. That was his last day on the job, I guess you could say.
Lynda, where did you see Flightline’s departure from Keeneland and arrival at Lane’s End?
I belong to a Facebook Group called Celebrities for Lady’s Secret. I watched the video of him leaving Keeneland on that page.
West Point Thoroughbreds (also on Facebook) had a video of his arrival at Lanes End.
Also a Facebook page named Lady’s Secret
Thank you for letting me know!
With what happened to Epicenter in the same race the decision to retire Flightline, whether preconceived or not, was made that much easier for the connections to stay/make this choice.
I was thinking that, too.
Just watched the Classic replay that includes Larry Collmus’ call. He used to be one of my favorite race callers, but I think he’s starting to yell too much. Though I love his enthusiasm, there’s a certain point at which a call can go over the top and start to draw attention to itself. In doing so, it loses something.
Five years ago I started referring to him as “The Growler”, and he has pre-rehersed race endings!
Larry Collmus is OK, but I think that they should always use the local announcer for whichever track they are at to give it even more of a local flavor.
I agree, Tommy! Kurt Becker always does a terrific job and fluently called the races aired on TVG (oops, Fanduel).
The sales are about to start and a lot of buyers are in town. The pressure to retire will be from that end.
Here’s how bad Horse Racing is doing…I went to Del Mar July 30th, place was crowded….went Sept 3rd to see Flightline place was not crowded, no lines for anything….and now great horse is retired, Racing needs a John Henry….
4 sure!!!
Horse Racing isn’t the only sport that has changed….. world Series last night a Houston player jacked a 3-run Homer, and color man said “WHAT was he (Phily mgr) THINKING, leaving his starter in for THREE lineup rotations!
Brutal Sat for Asmussen….the breakdown….Clairiere tough 3rd….Jackie’s Moneyburner does it again ….
It sure was, Matthew W. May he have a better 2023!
Jackie’s Warrior is just not good in the Breeders Cup. Maybe he doesn’t like the Fall. Some people say that he doesn’t like to be challenged, but I remember him facing down Life Is Good. On the other hand, Life Is Good was coming off of a layoff. Jackie’s Warrior was a “bet against” for me yesterday, but I played the wrong horse.
BTW, Bill Mott had a pretty good day yesterday. Olympiad got 2nd in the Classic and Joel Rosario won with Wakanaka in the 12th race which most people didn’t notice. It was a $350,000 purse. Cody’s Wish and Elite Power.
It’s official. Flightline has been retired. Lane’s End just announced it on Twitter.
Yes just saw the official announcement.
Lots of rumors flying all morning that he was retired but I always wait for the official announcement.
Secret Oath has been withdrawn from the Keeneland Sale. Would seem to indicate that she will be back next year.
Shadewell being encouraged to bring Malathatt back next year.
Game plan for Rich Strike is Pegasus, World Cup, Woodward and 2023 Breeders Cup.
Correction for Rich Strike, no Pegasus, rather Worold Cup, Stephan Goster, Woodward and Breeders Cup.
The injury to Epicenter would have sealed any future thoughts of racing Flightline in 2023. Hopefully, Charge It can advance on the promise he showed this year, very exciting prospect in the older horse division.
Davids, I think the decision to retire him was made before the Clasic. It was Mr Hronis who wanted bring him back next year. As I
understand it his percentage and West Points came up to around 40%. The other owners including Mrs Lyon had the leverage to retire not Mr Hronis. In reference to the possibility of him running in the Pegasus, Mr Farish asked the question “who was going to enter the Pegasus to run against him”.
I saw a photo of his new stall at Lanes End. The walls are thickly padded. Flightline does have a habit of kicking the ealls when he is bored. He is a high energy horse who loves to run and it will probably take awhile to bring him fown from racing. I do not know for certain but I do not think Lanes End exercises their stallions like Coolmore and Godolphin does.
Epicenter out of surgery, went well, waiting for him to come out of anesthesia.
No new into on Domestic Spending.
Flightline has left Keeneland, destination not known (watched the video of him being loaded).
Epi now up and walking. Procedure was textbook.
Fingers crossed and prayers wafting heavenward.
Yes, continued prayers that he heals without any post surgery complication. Laminitis is always a concern.
Flightline was just retired, the people’s horse my you know what…..best horse nobody heard of…..
Unfortunately way too much money at stake! This is a business and I think a very good business decision. Sucks for us but I get it.
I really enjoyed the races both days and I was right around in most of the races, but I still lost on both days. Worse on Saturday than Friday. The Breeders Cup races are the toughest days of the year to hit multi-race wagers. I think Keenland is a great place for the Breeders Cup. On to Santa Anita next year. I’m fine with that as long as the Santa Anita tracks are playing as fair as they are right now. Hopefully, we can come up with some turf runners between now and then so that our turf runners can be competitive with the Europeans. Other European trainers saw what Charlie Appleby and Aidan O’Brien did this weekend and are probably already making travel plans to Southern California.
They will supposedly announce if Flightline will retire or race in 2023 sometime today. I don’t remember if it was on NBC or TVG, but I heard a commentator say that Flightline could earn $40million in his first year of Stud-duty. I don’t know anything about it, but that sounds very high to me. Let’s say that his fee is $100,000 and times that by 100 and that would be $10million. I have no idea how many “dates” a Stallion would get in a year. Whatever. That’s big business. An owner could buy a whole lot more horses with an income like that.
Yeah Flightline ! Boo chad brown and owners for pushing a gelding into the b c Mile after 400 days greed and craziness
Over a very firm course! Very strange, Domestic Spending at his best was no cinch at 8 fur, but it’s more than a year, far outside draw such a big ask….
I haven’t followed poor Domestic Spending’s career, of course, given he’s no Wise Dan. I’ll suggest, however, that sometimes trainers put horses where they don’t belong. The strategy sometimes pays off big… look at Rich Strike! Less recently, Alan Jerkens was beating favorites (like Kelso and Secretariat) who weren’t able to run their best almost all the time, as Steve Haskin has written about on this website. Other times, however, a horse can get hurt for no good reason other than greed and carelessness, and maybe poor form that handlers ignored could mean a hidden physical problem. I hope the lack of updates about this hurt doesn’t bode ill for him.
This is a touch and go injury. No news is no news
Chad Brown definitely has questions to answer about Domestic Spending and Jack Christopher. I will say this. I watched the Mile a few times and watched Domestic Spending very closely. He never really even kicked it into gear. He appeared to be running fine and pulled up on the backstretch just before the far turn. But, if he was that fragile that he had to be pulled up after only a half of a mile…….well, I just don’t know what to say.
So glad to hear that. Thanks again Lynda.
Lateral condylar fracture, will undergo surgery tomorrow.
Adding that this surgery is highly successful. He may not race again but he will most likely heal and more thankfully, survive.
Prompt action by Joel most likely saved him from the fracture being more serious (in my opinion).
Can breathe a small sigh of relief at the moment.
That is good to hear!
Blood Horse report is per track vet the skin is intact on the right fore and that is a positive situation.
When I was watching the race I did see an outsider flying down the track but did not pay attention.
If you go to Blood Horse you can read what Joel had to had to say.
Steve went running down the track as soon as he was pulled up.
Additional from Chad Brown is that Domestic Spending suffered a serious pelvic injury.
One thing that might have been overlooked was Lava Man doing his last pony ride on the track. He really seemed to be enjoying it!
I’ve seen him before, like that! He must be remembering his racing days! He dwarfed Hot Rod, in the pp….his Hollywood Gold Cup on real dirt, before they changed to cushion track (synthetic) Lava Man won by 7…. 121 Beyer…
I totally saw that Laura! Can’t believe he’s 21. He will have a blast eating carrots at Old Friends.
Whitmore was Donna Brothers’ mount yesterday for one of the pre race interviews.
Epicenter transported to Rood and Riddle.
I’m worried about him too, Lynda. Thanks for keeping us posted.
Sorry guys, just do not have the heart at the moment to celebrate Flightline.
A fetlock fracture can be a worst case scenario.
Trying to be hopeful that it can be repaired.
Wow is my favorite cliché, but WOW!!!! Flightline gave me both chills and tears. He and Life is Good ran 6 furlongs in less that 1:08. And Flightline moved PAST Life is Good as though he was standing still. He just gobbled up the ground after that, although clearly he was well within himself. Could easily have broken American Pharoah’s track record if the jock had tried.
Yes, Ms Blacktype, Flightline could have easily put another 5 lengths on the win but that would’ve been just showboating by Prat. Flightline is as good as it gets, if not better, and he’s never lost.
Davids,
I’m still trying to take that performance in. I thought NBC was silly to bring up comparisons to Secretariat, but the network wasn’t wrong.
Ms Blacktype, I always watch the breederscup.com coverage. No ads, you see the horses for a long time, and the commentary is more restrained. Ha ha
Good suggestion, David’s! I am too indoctrinated to the TV (and spend too much time on my laptop as is) but that sounds calmer, more like the black and white days of New York races in the 60s. (They may have been in color but I remember them in black and white.)
The chart says they went 6 furlongs in 1:09.60, but the posted time during the race was sub-1:09. Who knows? They were going very, very fast.
I have to say Irad jockeyed a horrible race; went on a suicide mission and was left with the dead. I would be very unhappy if I was the owner. He probably could’ve been 2nd with proper riding tactics and flightline would have broken the track record then…
Excuses. ” Chosen one’s” horse never had a chance in hell.
The owner, Winstar for one, probably requested he ride hard. He ran a good race, they wanted to win, not get second. They have pride in the horse and already had won enough to be able to take this chance. They hoped it would work out better.
And folks and haters who can’t appreciate equine perfection, take that! Greatest horse in at least 47 years, and is all time great. Doesn’t mean anything in my view how many races he ran, no one and I mean no one would be favored over this beast. He would win Sprint championship, any mile race, and 1.1/4 race against ANYONE…
I was out 1 3/4 lengths of Flightline’s win, I thought 10 lengths seemed just about right, but after separating from Life is Good it would have been just foolhardy driving the horse to extend further.
Yes he is good and better then anything here in the states right now. How much weight did he carry? Can he run on turf? Can he beat other horses overseas? Will we ever find out? Probably not.
I’m glad for chance of seeing him race.
He did it!
Prayers for Epicenter. Fetlock injury. Being x-rayed.
Domestic Spending has pelvic fracture. Being treated.
Both sound ominous. Lynda, you are a wonder for finding out stuff they don’t get out of the vet on national TV. Prayers and fingers crossed (and whatever else it takes) for both magnificent animals.
I was wondering about the injuries and brings back memories of Shared Belief.
Yes
Yes Laura, Shared Belief came to mind. He did recover but succumbed to colic as I recall.
Colic or the resulting laminitis. Hopefully vet medicine has improved since then. Still though it was a more I think then a year later that happened.
Prayers for Epicenter, who may be in trouble..
Fingers crossed for Epicenter, at least the best equine veterinarians are on hand.
Flightline went way fast early, Steve did you see Irad try to get Orat to go inside, into the first turn?….Prat stayed wide, Irad carried him out both turns but it is legal….he is an a whole
You’re making that up, Life Is Good stayed 2 paths off the rail. There was very little to no race riding. For you to call out is just BS. Life Is Good ran a great race, maybe went too fast but it wouldn’t have mattered tothe result.
Irad is a clown.
You’re a clown.
Disco, he’s a reckless rider…… period! u have an anger issue.
And…….. Rich S, is no bush league. U would love owing him. Absurd!
Matthew, Ortiz Jr, should have concentrated on providing his mount his best chance of winning/placing. That’s as polite as I can be.
OK you saw it …Disco cannot be objective, I guess, cuz it’s LEGAL.. and he DID, try to lure Prat inside….and when Prat says no thanks, he moves out and makes Prat pull right, it’s in the rhythm of the race, you nailed it, Davids, ride your own horse
…
You’re the one who’s not being objective. He was talking about the pace and fast fractions not what you wrote.
Agreed!
I agree!
He did, point out where he didn’t. It’s so easy to second guess.
Knew he had no chance!
BB’s horse finishes off board!
Taiba almost 2nd
Was wrong.
Thus is where I leave the win money mode, and become a rooting fan….I was live to a $41 double with Arrogate but was screaming for Chrome, with nothing on him…..I want to see Flightline win big….with nothing bet on him..
Warlike Goddess was pinned down inside and got out too late. The breaks of an inside post in a big field. She finished behind 2 more European horses and ahead of 3 others. Unless something spectacular happens in the Classic, the story of this year’s Breeders Cup has to be the domination by the European horses, trainers, and jockeys in the turf races. Unless our U.S. trainers can come up with some good turf horses, I would expect the domination to continue at Santa Anita next year.
Appleby and O’Brien have found themselves a great little “side hustle” for when their European season is over.
Meditate remains ghe wow horse….with one race to go….
Hmm…according to some not looking good for Flightline because of the wind.
Learned long ago, ignore all BS. FL will be fine.
Those making the comments and that the track is playing like Friday consider themselves to be experts.
I almost always disagree with them.
I do not comment in that group. I just read.
SoCal has Santa Ans Winds ….tremendous winds, 4,5 times every Fall…..
Matthew, that is what I was thinking.
Lukas is dense like Biden. SA needs a BREAK!!
She is supposed to go up for auction.
I agree though, she needs a break.
He never cares.
Guess I just can’t get over what he did to Lady’s Secret.
Gabby on Twinspires did comment that Secret Oath had a dappled coat and was holding her weight well. Not sure what more you could expect. She made her typical one burst of speed but couldn’t sustain it. The finish was thrilling though. I thought the Distaff was the best race in the meet.
Old man knows she needs a break.
On a exceptional day of racing excellence, congrats on ruining this blog with a trolling nonsensical comment.
Nice u never rip individuals on blogs Liam.
WOW, what a great race. Malathaat by a whisker
Domestic Spending was pulled up going into the far turn and I don’t think he finished the race. I hope he’s OK.
He was vanned off. Something happened on hind leg.
Prayers the he is OK
Update. Being transported to Rood and Riddle. Potential pelvic injury.
Thanks.
This is my thoughts on the Classic and some other tidbits. I will start by post position
1 Taiba, When the post position was announced my first thoughts was Baffert just can’t get a break in Kentucky. And my second thought is if there is a time I would like a horse left at the gate it is this time. I think it could work as field is not that big and horse he would only have to worry about is Happy Saver and Rich Strike. Mike Smith would need to do what he did with Arrogate in Dubai. I expect a 2 or 3rd depending on how Smith rides him. Coming from off the pace best chance.
2 Life is Good. I have always felt his best chance of winning is off the pace. You saw how Forte won yesterday that is what I would be looking for. With him on the inside of Flightline I will expect him to go to the lead. If he was to the outside he would have had a better chance of coming off the pace. He will fight be expecting a fade at the end of the race.
3. Happy Saver. Expect him to close… Not sure how bad his quarter crack. Pletcher training method and his running style a good match. Just a cut below the best, Looking for him to finish 5th – 8th
4 Flightline Expect him to win… Everything has already been said about him
5.Hot Rod Charlie Expect him to be pushing the pace. He always tries. Will finish 3 – 5th
6 Epicenter … I think he was brought up to this race too soft. Expect him to come off the pace I feel he will finish between 3rd to 5th
7 Olympiad .. expecting him to be near the lead if so and if fractions are fast will expect him to fade. Expect a 6th to 8th finish. Racing is funny though. Will Mott try and bring him from behind … stay tune !!!
8. Rich Strike. Would have like to have seen him with a workout this week … Never saw it if he had one. I hope he is running last in this race at the beginning if so I expect a fast finish. Picking him for 2nd thru 4th
Will be sitting out the Classic. Just will watch and concentrate on other races BC Turf and Distaff mostly
In other tidbits. Bet nothing yesterday. Have only made one bet so far today. The dirt mile and I keyed Cyberknife in a Trifecta in both 1st and 2nd and hit the Tri. Cody Wish is a tough a horse. Nice story behind him
Longshot bet of the day….. Secret Oath will play $5 across the board. Thought she should have been rest but her last 2 works have caught my eye. Not typical of a Lukas work.
Good Luck all !!!
Sure, ‘poor Bob’. Horrible! lol
Not sure we’re you are coming from but my predictions were pretty much spot on!!!
Obviously a Baffert ” hater” poor you !!!
Called an opinion.
Defensive much?
It’s Tuesday on Saturday!
If there was a horse that I wanted to win more than any other, it was Cody’s Wish for young Cody Dorman.
My heart sings with happiness and tears of joy are streaming for young Cody!
Reddam wants Mario on his horses, well he got what he wanted, Slow Down Andy was ready to win today…..with a better trip he would have
Matthew, your support for Slow Down Andy has often been sage advice. For a second, you thought he may just get second.
I guess Simplification needs to get back down to Florida and take his buddy White Abarrio with him.
7 out of 8 for Cody’s Wish. Olympiad and Speaker’s Corner have been on streaks of their own. When Bill Mott gets them good, they stay good.
Even though Caravel won the Turf Sprint, the Euros were right there 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. Ryan Moore and William Buick are not messing around.
Thanks Steve for confirming my thoughts in the Juvy Turf Sprint. I’m always drawn to a Buick-Moore exacta box in turf races. Yesterday I replied that we all miss you on ATR because we miss your voice. The closest thing I could compare it to are FDR’s fireside chats and the people gathered to listen to their radios and I wasn’t even born yet! Even when reading your blogs I hear your voice saying it. You bring us all knowledge and joy. P.S. I’m not blowin smoke up your butt!
Today’s 12th and final race at Keenland has scratched down to just 6 horses. Not a very good “get out” race. In fact, I’d call it downright lousy.
The U.S. turf division has been weak this year overall and our horses were out-classed yesterday. Today, our 2 best hopes are running. Golden Pal and Warlike Goddess. Maybe Chad Brown’s Domestic Spending, Paulo Lobo’s Ivar, or Todd Pletcher’s Annapolis can pull off an upset in the BC Mile. In Domestic Spending’s case, it will have to be a “miracle” from the #14 post and coming off of a layoff. But, don’t forget that Order of Australia pulled off a miracle just 2 years ago on the same track from the #14 post and Chad Brown excels at bringing a horse back after a layoff.
Javier Castellano won 5 races at Aqueduct yesterday and comes in to ride Ivar today. He’s always been a terrific turf rider. A hot & hungry jockey on a longshot is not the worst play in the world.
A bit of trivia. All 5 BC winners on Friday go back to Secretariat.
Oh, we’re on top of that. Lol
It’s a good day in racing when all the horses and jockeys are safe.
As far as I know, other than Tyler’s Tribe bleeding, everyone was safe yesterday.
That is always a win win!
Hopeful that today’s races will be safe for all.
Have to mention (owner) Mike Repole. He is so delightful and so refreshing. He truly loves this sport and the horses.
It was an absolutely gorgeous day for the final Melbourne Cup Carnival today. What a day…12 hours of racing non stop, from dawn in Lexington to dusk in Melbourne. On to Breeders’ Cup Saturday. Does racing get any better than this?
Davids, I was more or less following the races in Melbourne yesterday (on Facebook). Did not get into the details which I hope to do later. Rain all day Sunday in forecast, means I am stuck inside so it will be an opportunity to catch up.,
Making some progress in getting familiar with European and Australisn racing.
Lynda, Australia has world class turf sprinters it’s really unfortunate that the hemispheres make it almost impossible for Australia to be represented in the Breeders’ Cup races. I’m not enamoured with Australian Classic distance races due to their style of racing.
Meditate ….was always wide, uncovered, made a most impressive move….
Brad Free at DRF talked me off of Meditate. He had Meditate on his list of 4 vulnerable favorites. I was looking for a price anyway, but I would have had the horse on my tickets at least. He’s got 3 more today. I won’t list them because I don’t want to poison the waters.
Lost all five of my wagers today, but only bet two for $20, I didn’t bet much….Sat is another story, one of the best Breeders Cup Saturdays of them all, with a deep Classic, this is one of the most anticipated horse races of my lifetime!
Sat Plays…..
R3 #4CeCe (4-1)…doesn’t always run her best race but when she does she can run with any filly, short or long, and she can win a big race..
R4 #1 Creative Force (10-1) That man Buick, on a top Euro sprinter…
R5 #1 Slow Down Andy (30-1) probably get bet down to 10-1 I like him a lot…
R6 #9 Rougir (12-1) I just think there’s going to be a hot pace! WP ex bx with In Italian.
R7 #4 American Theorem (10-1) My biggest play, wp ex bx Jackie’s Warrior….
R8 #11 Annapolis 10-1) b ad post but colt on the improve…
R10 # 2 War Like Goddess (9/2)
Safe trips, safe home..
I’m glad Tyler’s Tribe will be OK after his bleeding scare. Unless the Powers That Be make an exception for a horse who actually has EIPPH (is a documented bleeder), however, he won’t be able to step up in most higher stakes races nowadays, since he clearly can’t race safely– after’s he’s healed, of course–without LASIX. It’s a shame that abuse of LASIX on horses who DON’T bleed, dehydrating them and often in order to mask other drugs, can hurt the careers of horses who have a legitimate health problem. Even sadder is the fact that he’s a gelding, unable to pass this issue down to offspring, and therefore not “lying” to future breeders about his viability as a breeding stallion. How ironic he could have inherited this trait from horses their handlers kept from being exposed, so that they could remain attractive as stallions, or were even bred on dangerous crosses! I hope Tyler’s Tribe people still continue to like him and help him recover from his health/racing mishap.
There are other things he can do besides race. TB’s do well in dressage, show jumping, therapy work, etc. Lasix s not allowed overseas and as a result they have a stronger horse, maybe not just as fast. Then again it was the Irish horse that broke the track record yesterday. Not many from the US race overseas but they don’t do that badly when they do. Just goes to show they don’t need it as they can win without it.
I’m going to go against one of my own handicapping factors tomorrow. I NEVER bet Florida horses outside of the “Sunshine State”, but I’ve somehow landed on Tami Bobo’s Simplification. He goes third off of a layoff and picks up leading rider Luis Saez. I think he’ll like the Dirt Mile and his form cycle might be coming around again. I highly doubt that we see his morning line odds of 15-1 though. I think the race is between Simplification, Pipeline, and Gunite. Maybe I’ll come to my senses after I sleep on it. Let us hope so.
I find it ‘amusing’ that the horse who was second in the Grade 1 Woodward Stakes, and worried the hell out of Life is Good, has won the Mathis Mile Grade 2 earlier is actually 20 – 1. Why?
I think that Law Professor is a good longshot in a race of “misfits”. But, you ask “why”. Speed figures have become the fast & easy handicapping factor. But, they don’t tell the whole story. Law Professor’s best BSF is 95 in a race with horses that have posted 105 or in Cody’s Wish’s case, 112. So, he doesn’t stack up too well at first glance. However, I can pick out faults on all of the horses with superior numbers. Even Cody’s Wish(all his best numbers were earned in one-turn races). Stand your ground. Law Professor is coming into the race off of paired-up bests and will be racing 3rd race off of a layoff. He also draws one of the most desirable posts for the distance at Keenland. Lots to like without even mentioning 20-1. None of the 9 starters in the race would surprise me with a win.
I’m looking for a price in this race myself. In fact, I’m going to play either Simplification or Law Professor. Neither has posted a triple-digit BSF yet. But, they are both trending upward. Whatever, both will be on my tickets in some form or fashion. Good luck. I’ll be pulling for you.
Tommy, over the years, with Keeneland changes surfaces backward and forward etc the most constant is that inside posts are highly favorable and that some horses love the dimensions but many really good horses don’t perform well at Keeneland.
The forecast now calls for light rain in the afternoon.
I think it is a great move by Keenland not to run any of the undercard races on the turf until Saturday’s final race. Smart.
Maybe they can get the races in before the rain starts.
BB went 0 for 3 today in his return to the national stage. He did have two 2nds. Cave Rock was “antsy” before the race, but still ran good enough to win most races.
He debuts a $2.3million Colt in tomorrow’s first race at Keenland, Messier’s comeback race in the 2nd race, and Taiba in the Classic.
The Europeans were dominant today. Their best ones are tomorrow. William Buick and Ryan Moore put on a show today. It was a beautiful thing to watch. I don’t watch too many European races, but I have a hunch that it happens all the time over there. That being said, I’m hoping to beat Modern Games and Nashwa tomorrow. I’ll use Nashwa a little bit on Multi-race wagers. I really like Nashwa’s chances, I just want a better price.
I thought Silver Knott was unlucky to finish 2hd, he got thru too late…Meditate was the WOW performance, she just waltzed home…and Forte looked solid, the top four all looked good but Forte was best, today….and the Eclipse winner! I was surprised that they bet so much on Packs a Whallop, I’m out here the Cali 2yo turf stakes are eastern NW2X races, but the Euros today….win all three…in the Turf Sprint finished 1,2,4,5 and I understand those were the “B” teasers! On to Saturday, the REAL Breeders Cup! Friday doesn’t have that feel….
Silver Knott just missed it. Had William been able to get through on the rail just a few seconds quicker. He might have won.
Totally agree about Mediate.
Forte came flying and looked very professional, calm cool and relaxed. Cave Rock was acting up in the warm up and lead up to the gate. He was giving Harley, the pony a fit and Harley is a big, big guy, LOL.
I enjoyed watching the two year olds today, I alwaus do. Gives us a preview of what we can look for next year.
Lynda, did you catch the Giant Mischief / Arabian Lion humdinger in the 4th race at Keeneland today? Arabian Lion (a Baffert trainee) had posted a big Beyer in his first start; Giant Mischief had a so-so number from Indiana. They ran away from the field. I recommend watching if you missed it.
Did not watch any of the undercards. Was trying to get all my outside chores done so I could watch the BC.
I will look for that race, should be able to watch on Blood Horse.
I think Atabian Lion belongs to Zeydan. I had heard about him.
Yes Arabian Lion is a Zeyden horse and it was a good race with Arabian Lion getting caught before the finish.
Ms Blacktype, found the race snd watched it. Good race, these two left everyone else in the dust. Future stars I think.
Magical Song (Songbird filly) ran well too. She showed promise getting up for 3rd.
Great run-down, Steve, and a nice longshot pick with Mischief Magic! I hope that Lane’s End will send that red carpet back to storage.
WOW, what a race.
Victoria Road by a nostril over Silver Knott.
Lynda, both Victoria Road and Silver Knott are Group 3 level horses in Europe.
Davids, not sure what that means other than an analyst on BC web pagesaid that Victoria Road was not one of Aiden’s horses. He mentioned the name of one but I did not catch it.
I was very impressed by both Ryan’s and William’s rides.
A commentator, may have been the same British commentator, that both these horses sped up to get through to take the lead.
That was so close, it was within an inch or two of a dead heat.
Victoria Road just got the jump a mere second over Silver Knott.
The British commentator on Twinspires also said they bring the second string over to the BC races as the first string is tucked away for Ascot, The other background he provided was the difference in style of racing. Over there they want them to come out of the gate and settle right away. The reason being they feel it extends the horse’s racing career.
It really did look like a dead heat. I did miss the first 2 races but watched the rest. LetMyPeopleGo certainly lived up to his name! Not sure why they didn’t catch him but made his own move to the outside and didn’t finish that far back. Some favorites just out of it altogether including one filly that just kept tossing her head and fighting the jockey. Went from like to second to next to last at the end of the race. All in all a good day. Looking forward to tomorrow.
Me too Laura!
Just FYI, you can go to Breeders Cup website and watch the races. Just asked to enter your email address.
Should be able to watch Saturday’s BC races as well.
Victoria Road or Silver Knott
Forte takes the Juvenile
Forte looked outstanding in the paddock and during the warm up. Cave Rock ran well considering he lacked composure prior to the race.
I think Cave Rock left his race in the warm up.
Will be a force next year I think. So want to see these Arrogate babies to do well.
Forte was cool, calm and collected and I am happy for Mike Tepole.
His win was impressive.
Hurricane J has that early speed and fast break. He might be a contender if and when he gets two turns under his belt.
I was watching on Twinspire and they commented that he was hot in the paddock as well and said they didn’t like it. Went off at 2-1 lowest odds ever for a BC race.
And at 5 to 1! I believe TIZNOW went off at 5 to 1 the second time he won the Classic. This will take some of the pressure off Baffert, who won’t have the yoke of having the Derby favorite around his neck when he can’t train him up to the race. Still, Cave Rock was gallant in the race.
I’m pleased that one of my early picks (Mischief Magic) burst through the field and ran off to win the Juvenile Turf Sprint — just wish I had a tenner on him! (Although then he would NEVER have won; those holes would have evaporated along with my money.)
Tomorrow should be even better.
Meditate is gorgeous. All of the No Nay Nevers I have seen are.
Just read an article comparing this Classic to American Pharoah …give me a break! Beholder scratched, and Liam’s Map ran in another race the fields of the 2015 and 2022 Classics are day and night different! Frosted? He was beaten 13 lengths as a four year old, in 2016, Flightline faces a terrific lineup this year!
Frosted was a miler who could be stretched a bit because ‘the money’s so good’ at 9f, 10f always catches them out.
Congrats Meditate by No Nay Never, Aiden and Ryan Moore. That was impressive!
The first WOW performance, of the 2022 Cup!
MatthewW, Yes!
She was a standout in the paddock and going to the post. Loved her win!
Have to cheer for Tyler’s Tribe!
Was vanned off…..they stepped up, WAY up—and moved to first time turf…..
Just read he bled. Hope that is all and not a leg injury
Just read that Tyler’s Tribe is ok.
Thank you for reporting that.
You are welcome
I have added this to the Turf comments as a point of interest:
I must also mention CHANNEL MAKER making his fifth start in the Turf. Although he’s been inconsistant throughout his career it has to be noted that he’s made five starts at Keeneland and has never finished worse than fourth (a win, second, third in the BC Turf, and two close fourths). Watch for him at 30-1.
This is certainly not the best Breeders Cup Turf. Why not Channel Maker.
Bran, Laurel River and No Never Hudson, all scratched.
Bran and Laurel River are vet scratches, not sure about the reason for No Never Hudson.
With the scratch of my big bomb American Rockette in the Juvenile Fillies, perhaps 30-1 Alma Rosa can sneak into the exotics. She is two for two away from Monmouth with two impressive scores and ran big with first time Lasix last out at Delaware Park in the mud. Overmatched on paper but I think she’ll like two turns. Monster longshot, but that’s why I’m here. Main price pick is still Atomically.
Steve, Alma Rosa is one of my selections.
Oh the tears. Cody visited Cody’s Wish this week. Once again, this powerful, tall Thoroughbred dropped his head to Cody’s lap. Such a beautiful story.
Great to see Slow Down Andy in the Cup…has the rail but I think Mark Glatt brought a turf miler over last time…had an “S” in the name he ran solid but did have trouble on the first turn…Andy is a big, good colt…
Meant to say Glatt’s horse had the rail…Sharp Samurai…(I remembered)..
I want to see greatness prevail….I think Flightline wins by 6 over Epicenter, who is 6 in front of Hot Rod Charlie, that last furlong being the difference maker….not sure Bob has a great weekend, Laurel River scratched, which helps my longshots cuz I thought Laurel was going to trounce them….
I am really disappointed that NBC, Fox, and the other networks ignore the Breeder’s Cup except for the Classic. It should be a requirement for whomever buys the rights for the Classic that the others be televised on the same channel as the Classic. BC is nowhere near as important as it was and the lack of interest by the BC in televising the remainder of the card created the problem. They shot themselves in the rear-end.
As for Flightline, I remain skeptical. I am also reminded of a line from the movie Secretariat where Lucian Laurin yells at Ron Turcotte “don’t fall off!” I just hope that every race is clean and that all horses return safely.
Steve
As always Thank You for your thoughts . I hope we get to see some good racing and make lots of money .
Enjoy the weekend!
Chris
Thanks Steve, it’s always enjoyable reading your thoughts. Apart from Flightline, in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, nothing seems certain to me and Keeneland is an unforgiving track if you have an outside post. I’m expecting quite a few upsets but by whom I would just be guessing.
With that in mind, I hope my favorite in each race wins. Ha ha. Good like to everyone and safe trips to all. Onward and upward. If the racing gods are listening, I would like to see Search Results to triumph, Flightline doesn’t need any assistance, he’s just magic. Let’s enjoy the spectacle as it unfolds.
Tossing the Euros in the Juvenile Turf Sprint and in the Juvenile Filly Turf race. They’ll pick up a few wins on Saturday. Here’s my bombers followed in parentheses by who I think wins.
6th – Oxymore (Love Reigns)
7th – American Rockette (Chop Chop)
8th – G Laurie (Xigera)
9th – Blazing Sevens (Cave Rock)
10th – Reckoning Force (Packs A Wallop)
Good Luck!!
I surely miss your input on Steve Byks show. I love your knowledge of the history of this game. I wish everyone here the best of luck today, and Mr. Haskin a blessed holiday season as well!
We all miss Steve on ATR!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks Derek and Art, I appreciate it.
Just dropping by early to wish everyone the best of luck with your bets, that all the horses and jockeys have safe trips.
Thank you Steve for sharing your knowledge and expertise and the love and passion that you have for the horses and the sport.
Thanks for all your great contributions Lynda.
Steve, you are correct in that he has not faced a horse fast enough to challenge him past the five-sixteenths pole. Flightline is indeed a nice horse. However, careful review of his past opponents paints a picture of substandard competition. The best of the bunch….Country Grammer’s fastest 1 1/4 time is 2:02.23
Should Irad Ortiz hustle LIG from the opening bell, he is very capable of at least going hoof to hoof for a 1 1/8 with Flightline. Then it will be up to rest to make some noise.
I dont trust Irad not to do something stupid and reckless. These arent the NYRA stewards who let his success hide his numerous fouls. If he comes anywhere near bothering Flightline they will DQ him.
Steve,
I also hope not. But, if something does occur, they have to set him down long enough to make an impact on his pocketbook.
Jo Anne
Steve, I do hope you’re wrong. It would be disgraceful if Ortiz Jr tried some antic to stop Flightline from winning. The world is watching and competing.
At first glance, Love Reigns looked much the best in the BC Juvenile Turf Sprint, but digging deeper, several others look just as impressive. This is the first leg of the Pick 5 which is always tough to hit, and can get expensive. Private Creed looks enticing at 15-1 as does Persian Force (15-1) who was a close 3rd to Blackbeard in the G1 Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes.
Can Speed Boat Beach continue his winning ways on turf, we’ll see. Mischief Magic was 4th behind Persian Force, so I see him as a contender as well.
Bottom line, I’ll play 5 horses in the first leg of the Pick 5 (Love Reigns, Private Creed, Mischief Magic, Persian Force and Speed Boat Beach).
I’ll single Cave Rock in the BC Juvenile. I’m still working on the other three legs of the Pick 5.
Horse racing IMO needs another wonder horse similar to Ghostzapper. I don’t think Flightline will go down as an all time great even if he wins handily. With only 6 races under his belt he wouldn’t qualify in my book as a other worldly race horse, an all time great. He would be somewhere along the lines of Arrogate but perhaps a little better. I personally think he wins easily and will be considered the best of this generation.
You can’t compare him to Spectacular Bid, Secretariat, Dr. Fager, Damascus, Affirmed or Seattle Slew, we just can’t.
He might even be compared to Justify who also retired after 6 unbeaten races.
I won’t bet the race as I agree with Steve on his assessment. I will watch and hope we have a champion who at least is in the conversation as one of the great ones.
I like Nest in the Distaff with Malathaat running 2nd. Golden Pal will be hard to beat in the Turf Sprint….
Good luck to all
Horse racing IMO needs another wonder horse similar to Ghostzapper. I don’t think Flightline will go down as an all time great even if he wins handily. With only 6 races under his belt he wouldn’t qualify in my book as a other worldly race horse, an all time great. He would be somewhere along the lines of Arrogate but perhaps a little better. I personally think he wins easily and will be considered the best of this generation.
You can’t compare him to Spectacular Bid, Secretariat, Dr. Fager, Damascus, Affirmed or Seattle Slew, we just can’t.
He might even be compared to Justify who also retired after 6 unbeaten races.
I won’t bet the race as I agree with Steve on his assessment. I will watch and hope we have a champion who at least is in the conversation as one of the great ones.
I like Nest in the Distaff with Malathaat running 2nd. Golden Pal will be hard to beat in the Turf Sprint….
Good luck to all
The Dirt Mile and Sprint are wide open. I wouldn’t mind seeing Simplification and Manny Wah win. I found it easy to pick winners for the other races this year, a mix of favorites and longer shots who are mostly my personal favorites. I could be wrong to go with my favorites but oh well. Overall, an excellent BC.
Terrific analysis. Well worth the wait. Thanks.
It will be interesting to see what becomes of Jack Christopher.
I like some early non Cup races, tom…..I like Blazing Sevens, and the colt he beat, Verifying….on Sat I, too think Slow Down Andy and Senor Buscador are contenders, alsp LOVE American Theorem and Annapolis—Beyond Brilliant can get brave, with a lonely first half….
Have one longshot in Friday’s races, Hurricane J in the Juvenile.
His sire and grandsire both won the Juvenile.
Find his pedigree to be impressive.
One gorgeous colt, very impressive looking; only saw one work, but seems to have taken to the track at Keeneland.
Drew the 1 and his first time going 2 turns, but he is fast.
Only two starts but won both.
Worth a shot, Lynda! All of these 2YOs are so lightly raced I won’t be too shocked if any of them wins. I especially like the Juvenile because it usually is a highly formful race, and a good window toward next year’s classics.
Ms Blacktype, well said!
It’s a sad state where if you dont get TVG you have to depend on USA network to show the Breeders’ Cup and they dont even start Saturday until the third BC race. So the heck with the F&M Sprint and Turf Sprint. Fox Sports 2 starts their NYRA show at 10:30 so maybe they’ll have something even though TVG rules at Keeneland.
Looks like a slight chance of showers late Saturrday afternoon, but it shouldnt have too much effect on the races.
I will supply any changes in my selections based on late developments as we go along
It is sad. On horseracing’s biggest days, we shouldn’t have to hop all over the place to watch the races. All the races should be on one channel that is accessible to everyone. The amount of money wagered on the races on these biggest days should demand that IMO. Oh, well. Maybe someday.
Steve: Had just finished going through tomorrow’s races and it is good to see we agree on some of them, notably the Juvenile Fillies Turf and the Juveniles Turf Sprint.
BUT, you never told us who your personal pick is in the Classic, unless we are to infer you’ll be delighted with whoever wins (especially Life is Good).
I expect Flightline to win, but I hope Epicenter is the horse who looks him in the eye at the eighth pole.
As I mentioned I’m just going to watch and enjoy the Classic. I explained the only scenario I see where Flightline could possibly get beat, but I have mixed feelings personally. I always want to see a super horse win, especially a horse unlike anything we’ve ever seen at tis point in his career to make it a historic event. On the other hand as a historian I hate the thought of a horse this special retiring after only 6 starts. It’s not good for the sport to have its heroes come and go before we really got to see them or know them. Its all about stallions now, not racehorses.
Yes, you broadly hinted at that in your column. I love getting extra reasons to love a horse, as with your tips on Last Call in the Juv Fillies Turf. Because of Canadian-bred restrictions, there are so few Grade 1s north of the border that I usually sit up and take notice when I see one.