Within the next week some of the most important key races for the Breeders Cup will take place. The Pacific Classic, Travers, Kings Bishops, Personal Ensign, and Ballerina are all Grade 1 events that will run over the weekend. I’m looking forward to the Pacific Classic the most. I believe the race will be key for the Breeders Cup Classic.

Mast Track, winner of the Hollywood Gold Cup is one of the leading contenders for the Pacific Classic. Under the care of Robert Frankel, with jockey Rafael Bejarano, Mast Track should be very contentious. On Monday morning he worked an easy 5 furlongs in :59.20 and galloped out 6 furlongs in 1:11.40, under the guidance of exercise rider Jose Dominguez. I would also like to note that Frankel not only trains Mast Track, he owns him.

Frankel also has turf star, Out Of Control, in the race. He is coming off of consecutive 2nd place finishes in Grade 1 turf events. In those races he lost to Dancing Forever, and Einstein, both who are top contenders for the Breeders Cup Turf. Edgar Prado will be in the irons. Frankel has an astonishing 6 victories in the Pacific Classic, more than any other trainer.

Leading trainer John Sadler will send out Zappa, who recently claimed victory in the Cougar II Handicap at 1 ½ miles. He toyed with the field, winning by 6 ¾ lengths, and dismissing Big Booster in the process. Others being considered for the race are Well Armed, Student Council, Go Between, Surf Cat, and Barcola.

**I have added a Beginners Guide to wagering, and I have updated the Rankings page. Both of these can be found on the red toolbar below the header. Thanks for reading!

Gary Stevens

I was very excited to learn that eight retired hall of fame riders will be taking part in a pari-mutual race at Santa Anita Park a week prior to the Breeders Cup. Dubbed the Living Legends Race, it will include some of the greatest jockeys in the history of the sport. The participants will include Jerry Bailey, Angel Cordero Jr, Gary Stevens, Chris McCarron, Julie Crone, Sandy Howley, Pat Day, and Jacinto Vasquez. The race will be an allowance sprint, and all mounts will be determined randomly, and the horses will carry 126 pounds.

Personally, my money will be on Gary Stevens. I had the pleasure of meeting him at last years Kentucky Cup, and he was nice enough to sign a hat for me. I have to admit I was a bit start struck, but that didn’t happen when I met Chris McCarron at River Downs. Chris was also very pleasant and surprisingly friendly. He said he would do an interview but I haven’t taken him up on that offer yet. This race will surely be one to remember.

I’ve been really busy lately and I haven’t had time to post. You can expect to see me back in full force starting next week. Maybe I’ll call McCarron and ask for that interview! Thanks for reading, and make sure to check back.