Classic With a New Frame of Mind
I have to inform those expecting selections and analyses of all 14 Breeders’ Cup races that you won’t find that much depth here this year. The truth is these races are too wide-open to form a strong opinion, especially with dozens of European and Japanese horses I have been unable to keep track of. Therefore, rather than subject anyone to my confused state of mind I am going to focus on the Classic, while sharing a few spot plays where I have some kind of angle. ~ Steve Haskin
Classic With a New Frame of Mind
By Steve Haskin
I admit I am still heartbroken over the scratch of Sovereignty in the Breeders’ Cup Classic to a fever, and will go much deeper into that in Monday’s post-race column. This horse is special to me in a personal way and he will always be the superstar of the 2025 Breeders’ Cup to me; the horse people came to see. But as they say on Broadway, the show must go on. And we do have a stage of talented performers looking to turn in a sensational performance. Although my rooting interest has diminished considerably, there is money to be made, and there are now countless possibilities.
I studied the Classic field in detail, from the past performances, speed ratings, and watching the races, to just plain old gut feeling. I made what I believe to be strong cases for several potential overlays in last week’s column. Although I don’t believe Forever Young will be much of an an overlay any longer at 7-2, and the chances of Fierceness, Sierra Leone, Journalism, and Antiquarian have improved, as have their odds, I still feel Baeza, a May 13 foal, is coming into his own and can show a great deal of improvement and surprise a lot of people.
As I continued to attempt to find a horse who actually intrigued me, I backed up a little and realized hardly anyone has been talkling about Mindframe, including myself. Although there was no doubt he was talented, he was coming into the Classic off basically a four-month layoff, if you eliminate the “non-race” in The Jockey Club Gold Cup. His last competitive race was in the Stephen Foster on June 28. Also his Thoro-Graph numbers are surprisingly slow compared to the other contenders. They formed a steady pattern, with his only negative number being a “negative-1/2” in the Foster. However, his numbers are far better on the Ragozin Sheets, so he just may be a horse where you want to use facts and visuals, and both are very strong.
Why should he be considered a horse you can bet on with confidence? The more I watched his races and dissected his past performances the more I came to the realization that he possessed something none of the others had — a big fat question mark, and I mean that in a positive way. I know who Fierceness, Sierra Leone, Forever Young, Journalism, and Antiquarian are, or at least have a pretty good idea. But I have no idea who Mindframe is, and by that I mean just how high a ceiling he has. I keep getting that nagging feeling that this colt, who by the way is drop-dead gorgeous, hasn’t even come close to revealing his true identity, and that makes him dangerous.
To repeat what I wrote last week, he was thrown into the Belmont Stakes off only two career starts and looked like a winner at the head of the stretch before drifting way out to the middle of the track and losing all his momentum and still getting beat by only a half-length by a tough seasoned Dornoch. He again finished second to Dornoch over a very slow Monmouth Park surface that resulted in a “20” track variant, and he stumbled badly coming out of the gate and was also bumped hard by the outside horse. Despite racing greenly early through sluggish fractions of :48 and 1:12, going wide into and out of the turn, and ducking in from the crop in the stretch, he still was beaten only 1 1/2 lengths and didn’t run again that year.
This year, coming off a 7 1/2-length layoff, he demonstrated his remarkable versatility by tracking the pace in the Gulfstream Mile and drawing off to a comfortable score, then rallying from eighth way out in the middle of the track to win the seven-furlong Churchill Downs Stakes in the slop, defeating the brilliant Nysos, likely favorite for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile; Book’em Danno, arguably the top sprinter in the country who bypassed the Breeders’ Cup to point for the Saudi Cup; Mullikin, winner of the Grade 1 Forego Stakes, second in the Cigar Mile, and third in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint; and the hard-knocking muiltiple stakes winner Banishing, who runs in the Sprint.
Then, stretching back out to 1 1/8 miles, he defeated Sierra Leone in the Grade 1 Stephen Foster, running his last three-eighths in a sensational :35 4/5 and last five-eighths in an equally brilliant :59 3/5, with his Beyer figure jumping from a 99 to a 105 and getting a huge “4” on Ragozin. Sierra Leone won last year’s Classic with a “3” and this year’s Whitney with a “4,” so he is right there already, and there is no reason why he shouldn’t improve off that “4” in the Foster.”
So to capsulize everything, this year he has beaten the top sprinters and milers going seven furlongs, won at a mile coming off a long layoff, and defeated last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic winner and champion 3-Year-Old going 1 1/8 miles. Add to that the amazing race he ran last year at 1 1/4 miles in the Belmont off two career starts. He has a high cruising speed and can be placed just about anywhere on the track, and pace-wise he has won off half-mile fractions of :45, :46 3/5, and :47 4/5 this year and :44 2/5 and :49 halfs last year. And for sheer brilliance and precociousness, he won his career debut at seven furlongs by almost 14 lengths in 1:21 3/5, earning a monster 103 Beyer figure. A debut like that often spells disaster for horses hoping to stick around for a few years and succeed in classic-type races. He looks to be peaking at age 4.
In the past several weeks I have written in-depth columns on Fierceness and Sierra Leone, so you know my thoughts on them. Obviously both are capable of winning, but this is about betting and value.
In summation, I have decided that if I am looking for an overlay, Mindframe as the fifth choice at 6-1, is the logical horse and is my big win bet, with Baeza the other unknown getting good at the right time at 10-1. The question with the latter in regard to winning the race is whether he is ready to handle so many top-class older horses. But he is worth a win bet just in case he is and looks very playable in the exotics. Although my other overlay from last week Forever Young is now too short for me to bet straight, he is definitely a horse you don’t want to throw out of your exotics.
The Rest of the Breeders’ Cup
To add to what I said in the introduction, I find a lack of star power in this year’s Breeders’ Cup other than the Classic. That’s not to say there aren’t plenty of interesting and talented horses, especially in the Juvenile, Turf and Dirt Mile. But do we really feel confident betting 2-year-old grass horses from different countries or grass sprinters? I also am old school enough to consider one-mile races around two turns not true miles, but closer to 1 1/16 mile races and how many 1 1/16-mile Grade 1 races do we have? I actually preferred the Marathon, but breeders regard stayers in this country as lepers and can’t get enough speed. This isn’t meant to try to diminish these races in the eyes of the readers, but only to explain why this is a condensed form of selections.
Friday
As someone who already has one eye on next year’s Derby Rankings, the highlight by far for me is of course the Juvenile, and this is one strictly to observe, unless you have some wild tip on someone other than Ted Noffey and Brant, and after them Intrepido and Blackout Time. If I was going to make any kind of bet now, as insane as it might be in October, I’d put my money on Ted Noffey in the Derby Future Book; he looks that special. He has the looks, the pedigree, the demeanor, and the class to be any kind.
Juvenile Fillies — Anyone can win this race, but again we come to the unknown. Although they are up against it and will be big prices moving way up in class off maiden wins, do we really know how good Meaning and Super Corredora are? I was very impressed with their respective victories, even though the former’s was at 6 1/2 furlongs at Los Alamitos. But being by Gun Runner, out of an Into Mischief mare, that is racing royalty and she should improve stretching out. The latter’s was at a mile and she could not have done it any easier. Also her Beyer figures have skyrocketed in each race. Both are likely going to have to rate a bit more this time, but, again, they look to have bright futures. You’re just gambling they are ready to jump to this level. As for the shorter priced horses I am looking for a much improved race from Tommy Jo, who may have had other things on her mind in the Alcibiades if the speculation is correct that she may have been in season.
Juvenile Turf Sprint — The Euros are here in full force, so good luck. Despite her drawing post 12, I’m just going to casually mention the U.S.-trained Lennilu, only because she has run huge at Royal Ascot for Patrick Biancone, runs well on all surfaces, is a fighter who has never lost in this country, is coming off an 85 Beyer, and has an amazing constitution. As they used to say, she is a good doer who inhales her meals every day. At 8-1 she could be higher from that disadvantageous post.
Just another note. I have heard that Mike Repole has not been happy with Sierra Leone’s “rabbit/pacesetter.” Well, just take a look at the past performances of the two fillies he has entered in the Juvenile Fillies Turf — Time to Dream, a late closer who I picked to win this race the second she crossed the finish line in third in the Jessamine Stakes because of her Euro-like turn of foot, and Celebrity Warrior, a maiden with two seconds who has a great deal of early speed. Their opposite running styles and pace scenario on paper may look kind of familiar.
Saturday
Turf — How often do you see a big showdown between a 3-year-old filly and a 7-year-old gelding? This looks to be quite a Euro matchup wirth Minnie Hauk and Rebel’s Romance. Last year I bet on Gold Phoenix at 32-1, and while he shouldn’t be that price this year despite his 20-1 morning line odds, the four-time Del Mar Handicap winner is in great form and is the only American horse who has proven he can compete with top-class Euros, including Rebel’s Romance. But if I am looking to a European to upset MinnieHauk, Rebel’s Romance, and even Goliath, last year’s King George VI and Queen Elizabeth winner who seems to be back in top form, I would look seriously at Amiloc, who might actually get bet down a bit from 10-1. He burst on the big stage this year after starting his career with four straight victories in lesser company. He then made a huge jump to Royal Ascot, winning the 1 1/2-mile King Edward VII Stakes. He suffered his first career defeat when he finished a strong second in the Irish St. Leger against older horses, making the lead two furlongs out before getting caught. But that was at 1 3/4 miles over the demanding course at The Curragh, which makes the Irish Derby more of a stamina test than the Epsom Derby. I believe the Irish St. Leger, which has produced a number of top-class horses, got him dead-fit and he should relish the firm going at Del Mar and dropping back in distance.
Turf Sprint — Looking at the Euros, Khadeem is wildly inconsistent, but he did shine in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Stakes at Royal Ascot at 14-1 last year. He then came to the U.S. in September and was flying at the end to finish second to our fastest horse Cogburn in the Turf Sprint at Kentucky Downs. After two poor efforts this year he returned here and was a solid third in the same race at Kentucky Downs with Frankie Dettori aboard for the first time before coming from far back to win the Woodford Stakes at Keeneland. Despite the win he now gets blinkers and is quoted at 10-1. Oh, yes, he’s only 9 years old. At least it’s a good story. One of the horses he beat in the Woodford was my pick from last year’s Juvenile Turf Sprint, Governor Sam, who fought on the lead in the Woodford and was beaten only a half-length. Unlike Khadeem he is very consistent, having finished on the board in his last 11 starts and has never been beaten more than 1 3/4 lengths. In last year’s Juvenile Turf Sprint, he again battled on the lead and finished third, beaten only a length at 8-1. If he can lay off the pace this time, which he has done, he looks to be coming into this race in great form for George Weaver.
Sprint — This again is a pure guessing game. I was very impressed with the way Imagination came home in the Saratoga Sprint Championship to crush last year’s Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Straight No Chaser. This was a serious Derby trail horse last year who won the San Felipe and was beaten a neck in the Santa Anita Derby, but has since tailed off and has been trying to find himself, and I believe he has as a sprinter. He’s only 6-1 so not a pure longshot by any means. For an interesting 15-1 shot who hasn’t run since January, Big City Lights is very fast and versatile and he has been working his tail off for Dick Mandella, who has the likely favorite, Kopian, in here, but elected to run this guy as well, giving him a bullet :58 flat work on October 25. You never know.
Distaff — Surprise, I have no strong feelings in this race, which didn’t come up very strong and yes is a pure guessing game. But how great would it be to have Bill Mott and Junior Alvarado win with the 15-1 Scylla, who was a multiple graded stakes winner around two turns last year. But Mott for some reason turned her into a sprinter. She ran well and was beaten only a length in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint, but was winless in seven sprints. Then, just as suddenly, he put her back to two turns last out in the Spinster against Thorpedo Anna an Nitrogen and she ran a solid race to finish third. So is she ready to get back to her winning ways at two turns? Mott obviously thinks so, for here she is. But anyone can win this race, including the Japanese filly Alice Verite, whose only dirt race was a fourth behind Thorpedo Anna in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Distaff at 18-1. Her grass form this year hasn’t been too good, so you can get her at 20-1 returning to the dirt.
Mile — This is another tough one, with a number of good horses from the U.S, and Europe. By the way, watch out for Sahlan’s trainer Francis-Henri Graffard, Europe’s newest training sensation, who just won the Arc de Triomphe and then the Champion Stakes on Ascot’s Champions Day and is loaded with several live horses in this year’s Breeders’ Cup, including this top-class colt who has won two in a row, and the Group 1 Prix de Moulin de Longchamp last out. If there is an interesting longshot, it could be the Chad Brown-trained Program Trading at 10-1 under Flavien Prat. This colt fires every time and has been first or second in seven of his last eight starts at six different tracks. In his only start at Del Mar he won the Hollywood Derby last year.
Dirt Mile — If Nysos is the Nysos we think Nysos really is then everyone could be running for second behind Nysos. But this is a tough field that includes a Kentucky Derby winner and a Breeders’ Cup Classic winner. Although White Abarrio might be over the top, don’t ignore this way up and way down 6-year-old. He showed his old spark when crushing the Pegasus World Cup and Ghostzapper Stakes early in the year. Since then, he’s lost three straight, but the Met Mile was in the slop that Fierceness didn’t seem to handle that well, and in The Jockey Club Gold Cup he had the dubious distinction of being ridden by two jockeys at the same time during that crazy fiasco with Irad Ortiz. Let’s at least thank White Abarrio for being right there as a landing pad for Ortiz who wound up on his back while grabbing White Abarrio’s rider Edgard Zayas and preventing him from falling off the other side after losing an iron. Ortiz had no choice but to bail out as Zayas was forced to gather himself and get back to riding White Abarrio. We’ll throw that one out. He’s listed at 8-1 and doesn’t have a great post, but you just never know with him.
Filly and Mare Turf — You might have heard this before, but I have no strong opinions here, especially with the Euros dominating this field, but I do know Charlie Appleby is extremely confident that Cinderella’s Dream at 9-2 is going to run a huge race. This filly wants every part of the 1 3/8 miles and nearly got up in last year’s race, rallying from seventh at the eighth pole to be beaten a half-length after winning both the Saratoga Oaks and Belmont Oaks. She is a Group 1 winner this year at a mile, and her third in the Group 1 Sun Chariot Stakes at a mile last out should sharpen her up enough to perhaps make her run a little earlier this year.
So good luck and hope we have a clean and safe Breeders’ Cup. And give thanks at least for the three days we had at Del Mar with Sovereignty, who had jaws dropping just watching him gallop and work.
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.
Puca sold for 5 million to Ace a stud and Yulong Investments in England
Staying in US. Going to Carl Spackler or Raging Torrent at Lanes End.
Death…Taxes…and Journalism showing up! Mewonders….if that tenth furlong is not his friend—but he showed up..
Good grief, Shisospicy is being run through the Keeneland sale starting Monday as a broodmare prospect (along with her dam).
She’s Quality euthanized overnight after injury on Saturday.
Sad news.
Terrible Lynda. Didn’t realise she was injured.
It is thought that she banged her hip really hard on the start gate and then took a hard hit out of the gate.
She was eased by her jockey not long into the race.
I could see the equine ambulance and barriers go up.
Later report was that she walked on the trailer.
Emergency vet said she was favoring her back end but could see nothing obvious.
She was transported to an equine hospital and was said to be stable.
Went downhill quickly during the night and decision made to euthanize.
From what I read she suffered a fractured pelvis.
Just to explain.
There was drone footage just after the race, I saw the equine ambulance trailer and the barrries at the very top of the screen on the dirt track.
I’m saddened by this. Thanks for the in-depth report, Lynda.
I didn’t know she was injured, either! That’s awful.
Per interview with Mr Yahgi this morning, Forever Young is going to Rihaydi to rest up and train Saudi Cup. From there possibly Dubai for World Cup.
He is thinking about one, just one race on turf, possibly France.
He also mentioned possible syndication of Forever Young at stud though that day is a long way off.
Sounds like Forever Young will have a 5 year old career though no mention of returning to America.
So glad Forever Young will be running again next year! Baeza is expected to race in 2026 as well. Journalism’s team is supposed to make a decision about him by the middle of the week.
Hoping Journalism will race next year!
Me too.
Correction: Forever Young going home to Japan for a rest, left last night.
Must have been a faulty translation by interpreter for Mr Yahagi that he was going directly to Riyadh.
I effed Basketball, I retired from reffing , when they went to three—I loved two man teams, where you frame the game, and work as a TEAM—you cannot be a team, with three, and you end up calling more fouls—The Breeders Cup has that problem, and its a serious issue—-13 vet scratches? Mandella running an unsound horse? McPeek? A hau-oats-watwr guy, with two horses that never were on the vets list? I used to tell my partner—they aren’t here to watch REFS, and their calls, they paid to watch the players PLAY….Horse Racing should be talking about the STARS, and not the Vet scratches, and not the computer assisted wagering odds drops….
Well said Matthew W., the scratches put a dent in the atmosphere, some of those fields weren’t big to begin with.
Eclipse Awards?….I think Sovereignty had it won, when he scratched…there are wide open award races…Older Filly?….Filly Sprinter? ( half the field was scratched)….Turf horse?.
.I guess Notake Speeh ran two huge races….Vox Poplai? Journalism? Rhetorical, the NY bred Miler?…Thorpedo Anns?….
Sovereignty is the favorite for Horse of the Year. But why not Ted Noffey? He duplicated HOTY 2yo Favorite Trick by winning the Hopeful/Breeders Futurity/BC Juvenile triple.
I am thinking that Japan’s first classic winner will be tough to beat as horse of the year. Especially with the Oxley connection. Putting my money on FY, especially after he ran one heck of a race. Not sure that Sovereignty would have been in the top two anyhow.
Exactly, if the kingdom of the dirt track runs races on dirt proclaiming to be the World Championship of racing then ignores that the best racehorse on dirt wins the big kahuna only to be spurned in their voting of champions.
Forever Young wins two legs of the biggest Dirt races in the world, the Breeders’ Cup Classic and Saudi Cup while running third in the other, Dubai World Cup , confirming he’s the best dirt horse in the world.
If Forever Young isn’t voted Horse of the Year it makes a farce of what the Breeders’ Cup races are supposed to be, doesn’t it?
Hotse of the year is clearly Sovereignty….hands down!!!
The self-proclaimed championships are in varying categories. The Breeders Cup doesn’t anoint a horse of the year. You seem to have a set of criteria that isn’t part of the horse of the Year voting directions.
Actually, I was quoting the FanDuel commentators who were saying that the Breeders’ Cup races determine the champions in each category.
I don’t get suckered in to all the gushing of the Breeders’ Cup races either glad you agree with me.
Forever Young is very deserving of the honor. Sovereignty not making the Classic puts me on the fence about him.
Traditionally..one race does not make an Ecliose Winner, I’d give Notable Speech the Turf Award…because he ran two races in North America…
Davids, without question Sov prevails for HOY.
I’ve always found it quite ‘unfortunate’ that a horse can be voted Horse of the Year when its completion has been solely in a restricted age group and has never faced open company.
Forever Young seems the most obvious Horse of the Year to me – he all comers in the Breeders’ Cup Classic and the Saudi Cup while running 3rd in the Dubai World Cup.
Subsequently, Forever Young won two parts of Dirt racings best 3 races while coming third in the other. Isn’t the Breeders’ Cup Classic suppose to crown the world champions? They like claiming it’s the World Championship of racing.
It’s going to look rather odd having Forever Young as the probable World Champion Racehorse but not Horse of the Year where Dirt tracks are the preferred surface.
I agree. It was already locked up for Sovereignty. Older horse is interesting. Probably FY or SL ; a longshot case could be made for Book em Danno, though he will lose sprint award to Bentemorato.
Mindframe won 2 Grade 1 races defeating Sierra Leone in one and Book ‘em Danno in the other.
Sierra Leone won one Grade 1 races defeating with the help of a rabbit. lol.
True, Mindframe beat Book em Danno in that blanket finish, but Book em Danno was 4 for 5, winning 3 straight graded stakes in his final 3 starts. Mindframe ended the year poorly. There is no good answer when they run so little. Maybe vacate it or give it to a starter allowance horse with the most wins this year.
Say, does anyone recall which jockey began the BC tradition of grabbing handfuls of petals from the winner’s flower garland and tossing them into the air? I love that.
Just a guess…Frankie Dettori?
That’s definitely possible. He has that sense of flair.
If that’s what you call it. I don’t. Should preserve it as long as the flowers last.
Maybe Calvin Borel but not sure
It began, when they gave them a handful of loose petals…
I’m guessing “Mikey”, Mike Smith. He did that a lot back in the day.
Sounds about right Dewey.
Overlooked in all the chat about the Classic, the BC Turf was won by Ethical Diamond, whose training included running in several HURDLE races in Ireland earlier this year. Once his trainer, Willie Mullins, switched him to flat races, his been unbeaten. What a betting angle!
Isn’t that something? And DRF says he “had never run in a graded stakes that did not involve hurdles.” What a great story!
Ms Blacktype, Ethical Diamond probably couldn’t believe he was running on a flat surface for a change – “I’m in heaven…
Besides the obvious hurdles, most European tracks are higgledy-piggleddy and all over the place.
That’s what I was thinking, Davids!
I felt like that was the one that got away. In hindsight, his previous two races showed an improving horse, while the favored filly was probably gutted from the Arcl
His stretch run was electrifying and one of the highlights of the BC.. JUST OUT OF THE CLOUDS!!!
My favorite race of the day, even if I was pulling for RR. Ethical Diamond looked amazing in the PP. I loved that his tack appeared to be pretty much his hurdling setup with shorter stirrups. Thoroughbreds CAN be versatile, and I always like to see that on display for celebration.
Me too Katy. That was a thriling race.
Think it was the first time a National Hunt horse has won a BC.
Several firsts this time.
Hoping Steve will write about it all.
Mrs B last night I watched a preview of what the Remington mile track looks like.
It was an advertisement for the race. I am guessing Davids is familiar with it.
The rack is undulating with a short climb at the end.
It was thrilling to watch how fast the horse was running and how powerful he was.
I recall when California Chrome was training up to the Royal Ascot that it was remarked that he learned how to work off his hindquarters and how developed his hindquarters were when he got back home.
I looked up Essential Diamond’s pedigree and Giant Causeway shows up in his sire’s pedigree three generations back.
Very impressed by both him and his trainer Mr Mullins.
Hated to see Romantic Warrior take second though.
My bad, Ethical Diamond not Essential.
Have time change jet lag.
Correction: Newmarket Rowley Mile video.
Just now catching up! Happy to see Forever Young win the Classic! And good for Sierra Leone, Fierceness, and Journalism as well.
Well done, Forever Young. Mr. Yahagi had the plan and Ryusi Sakai the ride. It was sweet revenge on Sierra Leone who cost me the 2024 Kentucky Derby. Arigato!
Dewey, it’s a funny thing in racing how eventually things tend to even out. Watching Scylla blitz the Distaff made my heart sing and hopefully, eased some of the pain for Bill Mott who is always so fair no matter the situation. Karma.
Her win was one of the surprise win of day as she looked like a world beater… Moss and Bailey said earlier that they had heard that Seimic Beauty was not the same horse she was in the summer…rumor confirmed… I did not bet the race.
Moss/ Bailey aren’t be all, end all. Sometimes their bias gets in the way.
Seismic Beauty also had a lousy start. I think I read somewhere that she grabbed a quarter, but I can’t find the article again.
She stumbled badly out of the gate, not surprised she grabbed a quarter.
I love Scylla’s pedigree. She’s linebred to Seattle Slew and inbred to Unbridled. Her 5th dam is Best in Show, the family of Belmont winners. I’m totally shocked that Mott tried her sprinting. I’m so glad she got the chance to route again. It’s in her genes.
On to the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday for me and hope that Bill Mott’s Parchment Party can beat the odds. It’s a very tough race to win.
Highlights for me, Scylla and Nysos finally getting their Grade 1s, Scylla especially. Forever Young winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic was outstanding. Moreover, it was noticeable that of the top 5 places in the Breeders’ Cup Classic – 1 to 5 – four of these positions were filled by 4 year olds with only Journalism, finishing a distant fourth, representing the three year old crop of this year.
Even in the Dirt Mile and Sprint the 4 year olds triumphed over the three year olds. That’s pretty convincing.
Davids, to me it just shows how talented Journalism — and by extension, Sovereignty — are. I hope at least one of them races next year. Baeza surely will live to fight another day. Heck, there are lots of big stakes coming up at Santa Anita later this year.
Ms Blacktype, how often has the same three horses filled the trifecta in the Breeders’ Cup Classic twice? Only once, with Fierceness, Forever Young, and Sierra Leone when they were 3 year olds and four year olds.
Will the above situation ever be repeated? Since 1984 it has only happened once. Until the three year olds of 2025 actually start beating older horses I’m not convinced this crop is any better than the usual run of the mill crop.
Prior to the Kentucky Derby all you heard was how unbeatable Journalism was, then after Sovereignty beat Journalism twice with Baeza third twice the chatter changed to Sovereignty being the leader of the ‘best crop we’ve seen in years.”
Evidence hasn’t come to fruition to support that claim as yet. With the retirement of Fierceness, Sierra Leone and Mindframe for sure next year Journalism, Sovereignty et al might start beating their elders but they won’t be beating the best there was of that generation.
In the ” Karma ” category, Ortiz did not make Journalism better. !!!!
In the ” next year category ” if they can stay healthy… looking for big years from Barnes and Nysos.
Same for future 3 year olds… Ted Noffey, Brant, Desert Gate, and Blackout Time.
Ted owned Brant.
Maybe a future star in Further Ado!
What the heck!
White Abarrio was warming up and the vet yelled the outsider and said he wanted to see the 10 again.
Evidently he was lame in post parade.
Did not see that he was.
His trainer doesn’t have a moral compass.
Based on what Mike? Every horse was check this week several times by vets.
I’m not the only one stating he’s no choir boy.
I saw him skip a step, but no evidence he was lamb. Crazy that the vets scratched not only a Kentucky Derby winner but a previous Classic winner. They must be jittery because of all the pressure on California racing.
We all want the horses safe, but all the scratches today were discouraging. A horse like Forego, with his ankles, never would have been allowed to run. Coastal, who had a stellar 3yo season in the shadows of Spectacular Bid and Affirmed, was known to be unsound, as were many of his progeny. Between this and HISA, people are going to walk away.
LAME.
Ms B, I did not observe signs of lameness but then I was not there in person, up close and personal.
Obviously the vets saw something the average fan didn’t.
I would agree.
Hard to evaluate lameness watching a horse on a tablet screen.
Yes.
Guess I got it right three times. 🙂 FY and SL
William D: Congratulations on picking those two VERY closely related horses to finish 1-2. They have the same second dam (Darling My Darling) which Steve will likely remind us about in his wrap-up.
Ms Blacktype, thanks. I would be rather interesting if FY were purchased to stand at stud here in the USA and bring Sunday Silence back. The we could see how both of them would fair in the breeding shed. A little competition is always a good thing. Sort of tit for tat, with AP and CC in Japan.
He better! 😉 I was extremely disappointed that none of the press even touched on it. I’ve been all about the cousins since last year’s Kentucky Derby. I’ve been posting for the last two years about it while also sharing my watercolor portrait of Darling My Darling’s dam Roamin Rachel. I caught her on the backside at Churchill Downs before the 1994 Derby where she won the 7 furlong Brown and Williamson Handicap.
I always call them the fighting cousins. I wish more turf writers would consider the families as much as the sire lines.
I could not be happier!
Congratulations to all the connections of Forever Young and the people of Japan.
Congratulations also to Sierra Leone and Fierceness.
I was crushed when Sovereignty was scratched.
Forever Young’s win made up for that.
Yes!
Isn’t it neat that the top three Classic finishers last year were the top three this year as well? What are the odds of that?
Because I’m such a FY fan, I’d have to say that this has been my happiest Classic in about ten years.
Me too!
Same 3, just different order of finish..
I could not been happier!
“Hear Hear” !!!
Good for both of you, arlingtonfan and Lynda, what a fantastic performance by Forever Young and his Japanese connections.
Scylla’s tour de force in the Distaff was the sweetest moment for me. Exhilaration+++
Thank you
Thanks, Davids. Scylla ran a great race.
Oh, happy day! I am absolutely overjoyed about Forever Young’s win. What a race. I cheered myself hoarse!
Nice to hear Matt Dinerman, formerly of Golden Gate Fields, handling the assistant announcer duties for the Cup.
A wonderful two days of racing, capped off by a fabulous finale!
Three more races to go, arlingtonfan, if you have USA, Fanduel or Peacock.
I was so happy, I totally forgot that there were more races! I’d decided to make the Classic the last race I’d watch. But I hope the final races are equally thrilling!
What a great Classic! Forever Young clearly proved the best, but man Sierra Leone was coming fast. Journalism ran his heart out, as did Fierceness.
Sierra Leonecame “lumbering home”…Ill surely miss that lo g striding and low hanging head, of Sierra Leone! I thought he ran strong, in defeat—Forever Young is a good horse, just a mid-size bay, but he always fires!
With all the talk about rabbits and karma, Hector Berrios on Baeza rode Sierra Leone more than his own horse. Baeza ran poorly, but he got SL beaten, not that i’m complaining.
For me, between FY and Baeza, heart says Baeza.
Rebels Romance for the win shortly.
I’d like him to win but the filly is extremely tough.
Guess we both had it wrong.
Mike, it’s horse racing sometimes you win, most of the time you don’t. Luck trumps everything.
Davids, I read that the National Hunt hirsescare raced on the flat to keep them on condition.
That’s correct Lynda, that is how flat racing came into prominence in England they used to run the hurdlers on the flat to keep them in condition.
Known, informally, as bumper races – National Hunt flat races.
Scylla, at last. I thought al the speed practice would do it. great training effort by Bill Mott. FANTASTIC.
Absolutely!!
Hope you’re winning, biggy312.
Davids;
I had a thoroughly enjoyable time watching all 14 races. I was fortunate to cash for $1k with my futures wagers on Forever Young, and also had win/exacta/trifecta on Filly and Mare turf…I was very impressed with Sierra Leone as well as Syclla….Hope you cashed!
Great to hear biggy312, with a group of friends we put $500 to win and $500 for place on Scylla at the TAB here. They don’t have major racing on Sundays here in Australia.
Scylla paid $9.20 for the win and $2.50 for place. The champagne is chilling for tonight. Ha ha
Congratulations on the nice hit!!
Thanks biggy312, I don’t bet like I did years ago but if we see something that looks too good…ha ha
Super nice call on Scylla in the Distaff, Steve. Great performance.
Katy, Bill Mott’s training skills over the past year or so came out with Scylla’s win. Great to see all the effort comes to fruition.
Update She’s Glorious per David Grenig.
Walked on trainer, per on çall vet she is showing some lameness in right hind. Will be sent for evaluation at vet hospital.
Lynda, thanks for that update. I saw a horse backing out of the race but didn’t know which filly it was. Hope all turns out well for her.
Bill Mott had some good luck in the Melbourne Cup draw, Parchment Party has post 3. The other US bred, Onesmoothoperator, got an even more favourable draw with post 6.
Has there ever been so many scratches during the Breeders’ Cup race days? Best of luck everyone.
My Fancies….
Dr Venkman….all of his wins ar Del Mar…Hates the inside and FINALLY gets off the rail….Loves Del Mar so much—he even won the San Diego around two turns, then only lost the Pacific Classic by three lengths, he prefers 7 fur but I thonk he can grab a piece of The Sprint….Baeza……Full Serrano is peaking….Cinderella’s Dream, those are my Fearsome Foursome, horses that may outrun their odds—hopefully visit the winners circle, safe trips and safe home to all….
I’ve always been high on Mindframe and, especially with Sovereignty out of the race, I think his record of always being in the exacta (except for the JGC when he lost his jock) is a good bet. Plus, as Steve said, he is gorgeous and I am a sucker for a looker.
“Future Stars Friday” was underwhelming to me in part because I’ve never been a fan of grass racing and in particular, grass sprints. America has had some success in grass sprints but not this year when the Euros beat our best. Yes, Ted Noffey won, but not with the brilliance or decisiveness I was hoping to see..
Now the news of the scratches of Mystic Dan and especially, Tamara, Saturday has lost some luster, as well.
Give me a break! Ted Noffey did no wrong. Ask Brant.
I dunno. I was impressed that Ted slowed in momentum approaching the shadow of the grandstand, then accelerated again to hold off Mr. AP (who was coming on with a big effort!). Just needs some desensitization work re: light and shadow now. Maybe they should let Mr Mullins work with him over hurdles to help his mind! JK, his knees aren’t ready yet.
Prediction: Forever Young will be the race favorite..
I’d sure like to know how many of these scratches are from the heart checks….
Those late vet scratches really do a number on trying to pick a winner, don’t they? My updated list for today:
F&M Sprint: Richi; Haulin Ice for a piece
Turf Sprint: Bring theband Home, Motorius
Sprint: Bentornato, Lovesick Blues, Kopion (boxed exacta)
Distaff: Seismic Beauty, Scylla, Nitrogen (boxed trifecta)
Turf: Minnie Hawk, Rebel’s Romance, Goliath (boxed exacta)
Classic: No idea.
Turf Mile: Notable Speech, Rhetorical, Formidable Man (boxed exacta)
Dirt Mile: Nysos, Full Serrano, Touch of Destiny (boxed exacta)
F&M Turf: Gezora, See the Fire, She Feels Pretty (boxed exacta)
Ms B, the heart check monitor is being used for the first time, that might explain a couple of the scratches.
On Wm Hill fixed price odds, SL now favored at +250; Fireceness +275, FY +450; Journalism +550, Mindframe +750
Correction: Mindframe is +725
Astila (Ireland), Sweet Azteca and Tamara scratched. No explanations.
Apparently the California vets didn’t like what they saw. There’s a report on the DRF with more details. My pick for the Turf Sprint, Arizona Blaze , was also a vet casualty. In that race, I’m going with my longshot hunch, Bring theBand Home. He ran some sharp races at 5 ½ f this summer, with big Beyer figs.
Fee Blanche and Scottish Lassie also scratched.
Kenny McPeek seems a bit angry about the scratches of Mystik Dan and Blackout Time. I can understand why. You ship two horses across the country to run only to have the vets scratch them. However, nobody wants to see anything bad happen to the horses.
The Dirt Mile is down to 9 horses.
I imagine the Breeders Cup is miffed, about the Derby winner scratched…but what if the Derby winner broke down?…if you told me—Del Mar would go years, without a fatal in race breakdown, on the dirt…I would have said you were crazy….
TVG is showing Mystik Dan running? Is he?…
Ironic, that on the TVG program page…under Mystik Dan it says: “Hot Trainer”..
Thanks Steve, for all you do!
Tentyris by Street Boss wins the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington on a picture perfect day here in Melbourne. Racing all over the world.
Jimmysstar wins the 3 million Russell Balding Stakes at Randwick.
The 170th running of the prestigious 2,500m Group 1 Victoria Derby, Australia’s oldest Classic, now worth 2 million goes to Observer by Ghaiyyath, brilliant ride by Mark Zahra. Leading all the way.
The 10 Million, “The Golden Eagle” at 1,500 m goes to Autumn Glow the great now 8 for 8 ridden by the superstar jockey J-Mac trained by the mercurial Chris Waller.
Pride of Jenny puts on a tour de force performance in the mile Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes at Flemington in front of a massive crowd that erupts in jubilation. Racing doesn’t get better than this.
Godolphin had quite a day!
Saw the results but my overnight recording didn’t take. Watched a bit of the Victoria derby and will try to catch Tentyris later. Enjoy the races, Davids!
You too, Ms Blacktype.
Horse Racing and Baseball are huge, in Japan….Forever Young runs in The Classic—I heard Ohtani may get the Game Seven World Series start, tomorrow evening….
Matthew: At the end of the game last nights Roberts was cagey — said Ohtani might pitch two innings, or maybe four. We’ll see. Would love to see Forever Young win, although handicapping the Classic is a real puzzler. Just hope it’s a clean race.
Has anyone else noticed the hip on Ted Noffey and he just two!
Thanks Steve, as always reading your thoughts, and disappointments, prior to the big races. You may be right that the 2025 Breeders’ Cup races will be mostly remembered by major scratches just days if not hours prior to the actual races. That’s racing I suppose but it does take way from the anticipation and excitement built up over the past month or so.
I’m hoping Mindframe performs to his previous outings but who knows if that is possible. Such an imposing, gorgeous specimen let’s hope he succeeds at Claiborne Farm. Not that you saw much of him on “Breakfast at the Stars.”
With Scylla, I’m hoping Bill Mott has been trying to build up speed with her over the past year. Scylla can easily run the distance of the Distaff but has always lacks that final punch at the end to win. Who knows, fingers crossed she performs well.
For those who can’t wait for more top line racing before Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup races start there are fabulous races at Flemington and Rosehill starting in a couple of hours.
Rosehill is headlined by the 10 million The Golden Eagle and the 3 million Russell Balding Stakes while at Flemington it’s Derby Day. Headlined by the 2 million Group 1 Victorian Derby, 2 million Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes, and 1 million Group 1 Empire Rose Stakes.
It’s always disappointing that Australian racehorses don’t compete in the Breeders’ Cup races but there’s no incentive to because the prize money in Australia dwarfs all other racing nations, especially in Springtime here.
Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup races start at 6 am sharp Sunday morning here – goodnight Northern Hemisphere and good luck tomorrow. Safe trips the world over.
Rosehill should be Randwick in Sydney.
Goodnight Oz
Lynda, you should have been here. Magical day of racing at both Flemington and Randwick in front of packed crowds.
Thank you Davids fir sharing the results.
Very best of luck to Parchment Party.
Safe racing all!
Lynda, the Melbourne Cup has a field of 24 so safety is always a concern. It’s supposed to rain for the Melbourne Cup which is a positive as the turf can harden to cement without some rain.
Fingers crossed for Bill Mott and Parchment Party.
Thanks for posting Steve, very much appreciated !
Thanks for posting Steve, very much appreciated !
I was just thinking, “What could you name a colt by Ted Noffey?” And then I had it: Noff Said.
(Sorry–couldn’t resist!)
LOL
Arlingtonfan, that is a great name!
Have you read the children’s book “King of the Cats,” by Paul Galdone, featuring cat characters Tim Toldrum and Tom Tildrum? These silly name plays remind me of that. Maybe Ted’s get will have funny Seuss-like plays on the end sounds. Fred Moffey, Red Coffee, Tread Softly. Or plays on “Ted” names, like Ted Head, Ted Talks, Hay (or Hey) Tedder, and Right Said Ted.
Do you think this colt’s barn name is Ted? Because that’s what I would call him. It sounds like the name of a Belgian horse who has hitchmates Red, Ned, and Fred, so I love it.
Congratulations to Ted Noffey and a Tip of the Hat for winning the battle today but a ways to winning the war. He has two things going against him though going forward. 1. He is a front running Into Mischief colt ( Hmmm … Last years Juvenile winner was a front running Into Mischief who didn’t do so well in the KD). 2nd he is trained by Todd Pletcher who doesn’t have a stellar KD record and has problem getting a young front runner to win at a 1 1/4 miles. If Todd can get him to run from mid pack too a closer I would love his chances in the KD.
Brant, was not happy Flavien put him on the front end. He needs to rate him which he can do. He is by Gunrunner who’s get get better with age.. If I am Baffert I would not be happy with this ride. Will see how he does in the future
Now on to tomorrow. !!!
He wasn’t beating T N regardless.
I agree
Thanks Lynda. AP ran well,also.
Yes he did!
THRILLED that Gstaad finally won a Grade/Group 1! The Euros didn’t dominate today like I thought they would, but a couple of my picks (mostly on the undercard) came through for me, along with Ted and Gstaad. Tomorrow is another day. Now to the World Series (arggh. Too much sports).
They won two of the three turf races, they seldom win the turf sprint.
Now I know for next year, thanks!
Me too Ms B.
Gstaad’s win gives Aiden his 21st BC win. Previously tied with D. Wayne Lucas at 20.
Congratulations to all the winners!
Best of luck to all on Saturday.
Safe racing for all.
[Over the moon by the way for Ted Noffey)
Really satisfying result in the Juvenile. Ted Noffey demonstrated his superiority at this point in time at a middle distance. I think Brant has a world of potential, but lately the Baffert wonderkins have turned out to be more successful at the sprinter/miler stakes.
And how about Mr. A.P.?! What a nice closing run. He wasn’t going to catch the 2YO champion, but he’s one to watch for next year.
Totally bizarre about the vet scratch of Blackout Time. Looking forward to his next start, whenever it comes.
Rah for Ted Noffey! And yes, didn’t one of the commentators say that Mr. A.P. was formerly a $150,000 claim? Pretty impressive.
Congratulations!
Lost the love feed, was watching on Fan Duel.
Last I heard was “here comes Mr AP.
Loved the way Ted dug in and had more on the tank. (watched replay).
On a different note, wanted to mention to all of you that although I’ve been interested in Steve’s column for a few years, maybe 5, this is the first year I ever watched the juveniles. Thank you to all of you. Pretty sure I’ll never understand half as much as you all do but very happy to try to keep learning.
Welcome!
Welcome to the group.
The in place to be for discussions lead by our fearless leader, the one, the only Steve Haskin!
Comment down below by Mark Gates has drawn a lot of attention / criticism as he came across as a little crude and to the point and I am not sure about the karma thing but can’t say I totally disagree with him about the owner and trainer decision about not going for the triple crown by skipping the Preakness as he was a healthy horse coming out of the Kentucky Derby. Now with him having to miss the BCC his chance now winning the horse of the year have lessen as if Sierra Leone or Fierceness should either win the Classic as they will most assuredly will be voted HOY. If Sov had won the TC no doubt he would have been Voted HOY.!!! Same as Justify was after winning the TC and never running another race.
It can be argued that Spectacular Bid (SB) was the greatest horse not to win the TC even though he won the KD and Preakness then came in 3rd in the Belmont and then on later in his 3 year old season beating older horses ( but lost to older horse Affirmed in JGC who was then voted HOY in 1079) and still not win the HOY. It was SB 4 year old season though that stamped him as one of the all time greats.
Sov is pretty much a cinch to be voted 3 year old of the year regardless of were Journalism finishes in the BCC.
And as far as the argument of Mystik Dan (MD) running in all 3 TC races . All though B Hernandez gave him a ride of the lifetime in the KD, I was less than happy with some of his rides ( too close to pace) afterward. Plus MD was given several months off after the TC races to recover. Running in all 3 TC is not a death nil . Didn’t affect Sunday Silence, Easy Goer and American Pharoah just to name a few… Oh I forgot a pretty good chestnut named….Secretariat !!!
I think William Mott is a “very good” to “great” trainer but sometimes his cautiousness is his worst enemy ( not talking about the fever but more about skipping the Preakness) but when you have a horse of a lifetime and only have one shot of winning a TC you have to go for it. But that is water over the dam and you have to live with your decisions and the what ifs.
Let’s hope Sov comes back as a 4 year old and challenges the Bid’s 4 year old season !!!
I was not offended by the karma thing; in fact i agree. If Sovereignty is retired, he will be easily forgotten. He can never be seen as breathing the same air as Spectacular Bid. If he does run next year, his “campaign will consist of one or two races in the middle east, one or two races at Saratoga, and the Breeders’ Cup. I think Bill Mott is a great trainer and a good guy, but if he has a flaw, he is a bit of a “company man.”
Down,not surprising coming from you. FIRST,he’s GREAT not open to debate. SECOND, he’s dialed into placing any horse first and foremost always, unlike some.
Didn’t the Breeders Cup tell everybody that we didn’t have to worry about late CAW betdowns because of so much money in the pools?
How about that bet down in the 2nd race? First to 7-2 as the horses were going into the gate and finishing at 8-5 as the race was being run.
That looks bad on the sport. But no one except the fans want to fix it. It’s simple. Don’t run the race until all the bets are in and counted.
Another late betdown in the 3rd.
The Juvenile is down to just 6 horses.
Depending on what the reason for the scratch of Blackout Time is for, it could be a blessing in disguise as far as a possible Derby run is concerned.
Blackout Time becomes the first horse on my Derby Watch list. No, “Ted” is not on there YET. Let’s see what happens today.
OH NO !!!
Mc Peek is perplexed about this whole thing !!! He said the vets came by the other day and and were looking at his front left ankle. He said he got it xrayed and all was clean . Then he said they came by today and all of a sudden it was his left hind ankle. He said he jogged the horse and nothing was off. Vets said they were going to scratch him.
Someone we determined to get him scratched from this race !!! This horse like I said the other day looked stunning !!! Mc Peek just needs to keep him healthy and happy !!!
Steve: As usual, thought provoking column that pointed me to horses (or aspects of form) I hadn’t considered. Here are my picks for Saturday, not that I’m risking any cash. (Saw a story on the DRF this morning that came up with a betting strategy for those with a $100 budget; my guess is the writer will do about as well as me.)
Saturday:
Race 3 Goldikova (3T): Breath Away, Special Wan, Violeta M. (Group 2 in BRZ, but hasn’t fired in US yet)
F&M Sprint: Richi, Haulin Ice for an upset, or at least a piece
Turf Sprint: Arizona Blaze, Motorious; hunch play: Bring theband Home
Sprint: Bentornato, Lovesick Blues, Kopion, possible boxed tri
Distaff: Seismic Beauty, Scylla, Nitrogen (also boxed tri)
Turf: Redistricting, Rebel’s Romance, Minnie Hawk
Classic: Sentimental choice – Journalism; rising star – Baea; likely winner – a Pletcher horse
Still working on the last three races.
I mean Blackout Time scratched
It’s turning into a match race for Brant and Ted Noffey. Was going to check who’s left in the field but the drf site is overwhelmed at the moment.
Precise scratched.
She was my pick for Juvie Filly Turf.
Sad.
Me too.
Breakout Time scratched from Juvenile.
Forever Young is bursting with energy.
It he unleashes it Saturday, watch out!
Lynda,
I just love your enthusiasm for FY but from what I saw almost all the horses in the Classic have shown “bursting” energy !!! FY needs to get the proper ride to have a chance to win.
Current fixed odds at Wm Hill on Classic:
Fireceness and Sierra Leone +275
FY +450
Journalism and Mindframe +700
Does that make sense for the top two?
Thanks, Steve.
Steve, thank you for your thoughts on the BC. Am I to infer that you will be sitting several of the races out this weekend? I was going with Fierceness before the scratch but now switching to Mindframe for the odds. I would like a cold exacta but don’t think it’s possible with any degree of certainty. Good luck to all.
I think it’s karma that bit Sovereignty. His connections should have run him in the Preakness. He would’ve won the Triple Crown. So he ships to Del Mar to run in the Classic and spikes a fever. Now his connections are very disappointed.
Perhaps they’re getting what they deserve…
…and you seem to be quite pleased with their misfortune!
Agreed!
Bull! If were mine, same result regarding Preakness.
Mark, get a reality check. Mott shipped Cigar everywhere,but if he didn’t want to race Sov in Preakness, his business.
Cigar went all over, winning 16 straight, funny you should mention him, he finally got beat at…..Del Mar..
Loved him, spent alot of time with him.
Your comment is in very poor taste.
How did Mystik Dan’s run in last years Preakness work out?
Mott is smarter than both of us…ets pretend sov runs in preakness….gets beat…the wouldve skipped belmont and he prob wouldve been beaten morr than once the rest of the yesr…mott knows more thsn anybody how his hotse is doing…
Great comment and accurate.
How did Mystik Dan’s run in last years Preakness work out?
Mott is smarter than both of us…ets pretend sov runs in preakness….gets beat…the wouldve skipped belmont and he prob wouldve been beaten morr than once the rest of the yesr…mott knows more thsn anybody how his horse is doing…
Nonsense! No offense.
Steve;
Derby futures have been up for a few weeks now and Ted Noffey is currently 11-1 top choice. Blackout Time is 25-1 and Intrepido is 28-1…
Best of luck on BC wagers!
Brant is 14-1
So Sovereignty is scratched do to a 1 degree temperature spike. At least that is what I read. He has been my favorite favorite all year. I have bet on him every race this year. I believe that he is the best horse in the world. So sadabout this. I think Mott is being ultra conservative with him.
I had Sierra Leone last year so I will go with him this again this year. I don’t like Fierceness, asking him to run 2 great taces in a row is asking a lot.
So my trifecta will be Sierra Leone, Baeza & Mindframe.
Good luck to all.
Like the trifecta, but would replace Mindframe with Forever Young. Or do a second one.
The fastest race won by a Classic entrant is Forever Young in the Saudi Cup.
If you feel he runs that race he wins. I do.
BB has Seismic in the distaff, I will use with Cliquot. Nitrogen looks like better on Turf.
Nysos should win the mile easy. Three bullets and the track will not be wet as the 15 month off comeback race was at Churchill.
Turf is most likely Minnie Hauk. I remember when the Arc place horses always came over and won the turf.
The sprint is Kopion for me with 3 underneath and reversed. Imagination, Straight no Chacer and Bentornado
F and M sprint, Azteca is super fast. I love Tamara, (soft spot). Hope Road has come in to her own. # way box?
Juvy turf mile, I like Argos as this horse has improved every race. Stark Contrast has improved too and a win over the course.
Good luck this weekend.
I accidently stumbled upon Imagination’s:57 4/5 team work, and he wasn’t being urged, nit like his opponent…also Big City Lights gas a superior work pattern, if not for The Chisen Vron Big City would be practically undefeated and ‘Vron could have been favored here….I also love Cinderella’s Dream! The Classic wise guy horse is Antiquarian, Im sticking with my Baeza, Forever Young, Fierceness box…O like Bob this weekend, Explora, Seismic Beauty and Imagination…and I respect Nevada Beach!. And I love Full Seranno, but Nysos might steal the weekend show, the way Lufe Is Good did in the Dirt Mile ..simply an emotional wager, but Im rooting for Johannes, whom we call “The Beast” out here, Johannes and Rispoli—who rides Del Mar as well as anybody..Here’s to safe trips, and safe home! Grab some of that parimutual mazzulah!