May 18, 2012

Posts Comments

You are here: Home / Archives for Breeders Cup

2011 Breeders Cup Mile Preview

November 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment

**Click the link to learn about our Breeders Cup Picks. Also, check out our online horse betting page!**

The Breeders Cup Mile will have added meaning this year as champion mare Goldikova tries to take the event for a record fourth time. Can you remember the last horse to win it before her? It was Kip Deville. She beat him in his title defense to get her first triumph in the race. I’m greatly looking forward to watching her compete on Saturday at Churchill Downs.

Let’s break down the field.

Goldikova (Anabaa x Born Gold by Blushing Groom) What can I say about this brilliant mare that hasn’t already been said? She’s the best thing out there, period. She’s won twice from five starts this year and finished second on three occasions.  Her losses came to incredible horses like Canford Cliffs, Immortal Verse and Dream Again. No shame in losing to them. Some say she has lost a step, which could be true. However if she is 90% horse she was in 2010 then she should whack this bunch. The rail could be difficult, but great horses do great things. She will overcome it.To be the best you have to beat the best and this is the one they will have to take down. I wish the field good luck; they’re going to need it.

Zoffany (Dansili x Tyranny byMachiavellian) Not sure what happened last out in the Shadwell Mile where he was never competitive. His claim to fame is running second to Frankel in the St. James Palace Stakes. I’m not sure he is good enough to compete here.

Courageous Cat (Storm Cat x Tranquility Lake by Rahy) He has popped a 100+ Beyer Speed Figure in 5 of his last 6 races. Those races include a win in the Shoemaker Mile two back and a runner up effort in the Woodbine Mile last out. Patrick Valenzuela will have him near the front where he thrives. I really wish he had one more race, but despite that he will be among the top contenders in this spot.

Mr. Commons (Artie Schiller x Justabout by Apalachee) Three-year-old was firing hard in the lane of the Oak Tree Mile, but couldn’t catch Jeranimo. He got a huge 106 Beyer Speed Figure for that race and if he can reproduce it he is a win contender. However, I’m thinking the figure is a bit inflated and he can’t do it again.

Gio Ponti (Tale of the Cat x Chipeta Springs by Alydar) It was nice to see him break through with his first win of 2011 last out when he took win honors in the Shadwell Mile. He finished second in this race last year. The Christophe Clement trainee is a warrior and getting his first win in a Breeders Cup race would be a great way to end his career.

TwinSpires.com

Get Stormy (Stormy Atlantic x Foolish Gal by Kiri’s Clown) New York trainer Thomas Bush has this one training like a bear. He’s raced well all year and owns wins in the Makers Mark Mile and Turf Invitational over this track. Garrett Gomez will ride the horse for the second time and his mount will be live.

Jeranimo (Congaree x Jera by Jeblar) This horse is kind of like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. You never know if you’re going to get the good Jeranimo or the bad Jeranimo. The good one, who came out last out in the Oak Tree Mile, would be a top contender here. The bad one; well not so much. I’m willing to say he brings his A game this time and that means you need to consider him at a price.

Byword (Peintre Celebre x Binche by Woodman) Was last seen winning the Group 2 Prix Dollar at Longchamp. Andre Fabre trainee is 0 for 2 against Goldikova in Europe. I don’t see why he’s going to be able to beat her now.

Court Vision (Gulch x Weekend Storm by Storm Bird) He’s a brilliant miler when on his game, but recent races suggest he is over the hill.

Sidney’s Candy (Candy Ride x Fair Exchange by Storm Cat) Now with Todd Pletcher, his MO is still the same. He needs a soft pace to win and he’s not likely to get one. Even if he did, he’s facing vastly superior horses. I cant see him winning.

Strong Suit (Rahy x Helwa by Silver Hawk) Three-year-old has finished behind Zoffany twice. If I cant like Zoffany then I’m going to have a hard time liking Strong Suit.

Compliance Officer (Officer x Purple Hills by Dynaformer) What a feel good story. Claimed for $25k at the end of 2010, he has reeled off five consecutive wins since. Three of those wins came in NY bred Stakes races. He blasted away powerfully last out to win by five lengths in the Mohawk. As much as I want to like him, it’s very hard. He’s facing much higher caliber animals todays. It’s going to take something crazy for him to win.

Turallure (Wando x Personal Allure by Wekiva Springs) I love trainer Charles Lopresti. He is one of the best in the game at what he does. Jockey Julien Leparoux isn’t too shabby either. They hooked up to win the Woodbine Mile last out and before that he beat a deep field in the Bernard Beruch at Saratoga. He’s got a big shot to win the Breeders Cup Mile.

 **Click the link to learn about our Breeders Cup Picks. Also, check out our online horse betting page!**

Filed Under: Breeders Cup Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2011 Breeders Cup Juvenile Preview

November 4, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 **Click the link to learn about our Breeders Cup Picks. Also, check out our online horse betting page!**

The Breeders Cup Juvenile is always an interesting race. My favorite edition of the event was in 2007 when War Pass splashed home in wire to wire fashion. He was and is still among my favorite horses of all time. Last year we saw Uncle Mo turn in a dominating win. He is favored in this year’s Classic. Will the 2011 victor have a future that leads in a similar direction? Only time will tell.

Let’s break down the field.

Take Charge Indy (AP Indy x Take Charge Lady by Dehere) Talk about being  bred in the purple. This guy is from one of the best sires of all time and out of a champion mare. He wasn’t quite himself last out when finishing fourth in the Futurity at Keeneland. His second place finish in the Arlington Washington Futurity before that tells us he can compete here. One of the best things he has going for him is trainer Patrick Byrne. He’s a top class horseman that won the Juvenile in 1997 with Favorite Trick. This one hasn’t raced over the dirt and he’s bred to love it. Live runner at a huge price.

Dullahan (Even The Score x Mining My Own by Smart Strike) He took the Futurity at Keeneland last out to score his first ever win. We haven’t seen him on dirt yet, but he’s a half brother to Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird. I’m not wild about the way he has worked over the track and beyond that I think he rates below some of the best in here. He will be an underlay and I’m going to pass.

Crusade (Mr Greeley x La Traviata by Johannesburg) His mare, La Traviata, was a very fast Grade 3 winner. Like his momma, this lad can run as he proved by winning the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes last out at Newmarket. He’s bred to love dirt which makes him a scary prospect. The Aidan O’Brien trained colt will be ridden by Julien Leparoux who is the hottest jockey around right now. He would shock a lot of people, but on paper he makes plenty of sense.

Drill (Lawyer Ron x Cat Dancer by Storm Cat) Bob Baffert has incredible luck with babies and this one has been no exception. He won the Del Mar Futurity two back and was last seen finishing second in the Norfolk. His works leading to this race have been rock solid. Blinkers will be coming off. Despite how well he is doing, I’m going to take a pass. I’m not sure he wants to go this distance.

Hansen (Tapit x Stormy Sunday by Sir Cat) I hate that Mike Maker took Victor Lebron off this super quick son of Tapit. He could have done just as well as Ramon Dominguez, but I digress. Hansen crushed the competition first out at Turfway and then returned to score an even easier triumph in the Kentucky Cup Juvenile. He’s got early speed and plenty of it. He hasn’t raced on dirt, but the works indicate that it wont be a problem. If he gets loose he could wave goodbye turning for home.

Prospective (Malibu Moon x Spirited Away by Awesome Again) He’s done nothing wrong. I love that he won going two turns last out in the Grey Stakes at Woodbine. He’s another that hasn’t tried dirt, but his pedigree is rock solid for the surface. Not only that, but his works on the track have been stellar too. If you’re playing multi race exotic wagers like the Pick 4 this colt is a must use.

TwinSpires.com

Creative Cause (Giant’s Causeway x Dream of Summer by Siberian Summer) How about that 98 Beyer Speed Figure first out? He’s scary fast as he proved with a win last out in the Grade 1 Norfolk. I’m a little worried because he was kicked in one of his hind legs by a pony on Thursday. That could have a serious impact on how he runs. If he brings his last effort to Churchill Downs he will be right there at the finish line.

Speightscity (Speightstown x My American Girl by Quiet American) Dominated to break his maiden last out, but it looks like he could be biting off more than he can chew here. Tough to see him winning for Gary Contessa and Corey Nakatani.

Alpha (Bernardini x Munnaya by Nijinsky II) Well bred colt turned heads with his maiden win where he drew off  by 6 at Saratoga. He followed it up with a second place finish in the Champagne Stakes. It wasn’t a bad effort considering it was only his second start and nobody was going to beat Union Rags that day. He should improve vastly in his third try.

Union Rags (Dixie Union x Tempo by Gone West) The favorite has looked phenomenal from the very start when he won first out Delaware. After that race he went to the Saratoga Special where he rewarded me for making him my top pick by winning the race. His last trip to the track was in the Champagne Stakes where he had a rough trip, but still cruised to an easy win. So far, we havent seen any chinks in his armor. He’s the favorite for good reason.

Daddy Long Legs (Scat Daddy x Dream Maiden by Meadowlake) The second entry from Aidan O’Brien won the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes in his last outing. I’m not wild about his dirt pedigree and for that reason alone he is a toss.

Fort Loudon (Awesome of Course x Lottsa Talc by Talc) He rides a four race streak into the Juvenile after sweeping the Florida Stallion series at Calder. He look to be a notch below the top contenders today. Despite that, horses coming from Calder have done well recently and for that reason he deserves a look.

Optimizer (English Channel x Indy Pick by AP Indy) Deep closer was third in the Futurity at Keeneland last out. Before that he was a close second in the With Anticipation Stakes. D Wayne Lukas says he’s better on dirt and that means we should be watching out for him. The blinkers will go on which means he’s going to be quicker early on in the race. If he overcomes the outside post he’s going to be firing hard late in the race.

 **Click the link to learn about our Breeders Cup Picks. Also, check out our online horse betting page!**

Filed Under: Breeders Cup Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2011 Breeders Cup Classic Preview & Picks

November 3, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Breeders Cup Classic favorite Uncle Mo taking the 2010 Breeders Cup Juvenile

 

 **Click the link to learn about our Breeders Cup Picks. Also, check out our online horse betting page!**

The $5 million Breeders Cup Classic is widely considered the most important race in the United States and therefore the world. I’ll always be a Kentucky Derby man, but I still love this race. Last year we saw Blame desperately hold off Zenyatta in a thrilling finish. Will this year be as interesting? It’s certainly got the potential with stars like Uncle Mo, Havre de Grace and So You Think in the mix. Let’s break down the field!

Prayer For Relief (Jump Start x Sparklin Lil  by Mr. Sparkles) The Zayat owned Super Derby winner has been scratched from the race.

Flat Out (Flatter x Cresta Lil by Cresta Rider) Regular readers know that we love this horse. We cashed a big ticket on him in the Suburban Handicap at 14-1. That win was a break through romp for him as he ran off to win by 6 ½ lengths. After that he was second to Tizway in the Whitney Handicap and second to Havre de Grace in the Woodward. The closer broke through with his first Grade 1 victory last out in the Jockey Club Gold Cup where he darted away from Drosselmeyer and Stay Thirsty to post an easy victory. That was an important victory as it shows he is still in top form and he can handle the demanding distance of 10 furlongs. Trainer Scooter Dickey could have him peaking here and the horse figures to get plenty of pace to chase. He’s live at a decent price.

Drosselmeyer (Distorted Humor x Golden Ballet by Moscow Ballet) 2010 Belmont Stakes winner was last seen grabbing second place in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. It’s worth noting that he will be reunited with jockey Mike Smith for the first time since that win. He will get plenty of support as a Bill Mot trainee, but I’ve never been wild about him. Others are more appealing, but the beautiful colt’s has got a puncher’s chance.

Ruler On Ice (Roman Ruler x Champagne Glow by Saratoga Six) The 2011 Belmont Stakes winner finished second in the Pennsylvania Derby in his last trip to the track. He closed very well in that race and it was his first time with Garrett Gomez. He could have a hard time winning this, but it certainly isn’t out of the question. He’s a great horse to use for trifecta and superfecta tickets.

So You Think (High Chaparral x Triassic by Tights) Highly talented New Zealand native horse was third in last year’s Melbourne Cup after winning the Group 1 McKinnon Stakes just a few days prior. He won the Cox Plate just 7 days before taking the McKinnon Cup. Needless to say this horse is a warrior and a throw back to the days of the old war horses. His 2011 campaign has taken him to the winner’s circle in Tattersalls Gold Cup and Irish Champion Stakes. The Aiden O’Brien charge is plenty talented enough to win the Breeders Cup Classic, but he has just a single thing standing in his way. Will he handle the dirt surface? Your guess is as good as mine, but I’d hate to let him beat me.

Ice Box (Pulpit x Spice Island by Tabasco Cat) His only try over this track was a career best effort to be second in the Kentucky Derby. He has really fallen off the map in his 7 races since then. It would take a small miracle to get him to win this thing.

Rattlesnake Bridge (Tapit x Prall Street by Cherokee Run) I’ve liked this colt since he was second to Uncle Mo in the Timely Writer. Since he did that he has won a listed stakes at Monmouth and finished second in the Travers. His last race resulted in a third place finish in the Pennsylvania Derby. He could be live in this spot with Calvin Borel in the irons, but he will have to move way up to win. My gut tells me this horse has got a shot.

Game On Dude (Awesome Again x Worldly Pleasure by Devil His Due) Hard knocking gelding loves to tangle on the front end and will likely be the pacesetter. His 2011 accolades include a win in the Santa Anita Handicap, second place finish in the highly contentious Charles Town Classic and a last out win in the Goodwood where he held off a sharp Awesome Gem. Being on the lead is never a bad place, but it could be hot and heavy in the 2011 Breeders Cup Classic. Jockey Chantal Sutherland will have to ration the speed of the Bob Baffert charge as well as she can.

Stay Thirsty (Bernardini x Marozia by Storm Bird) Many call him the unloved son of Mike Repole, but that really isn’t true. Stay Thirsty has always been well meant and regarded by his connections. He finally proved them right in the Belmont Stakes where he posted a great second place finish. After that he crushed the Jim Dandy field and ran off with the Travers. His last race against older horses wasn’t inspiring as he flattened out to be third in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. Still, there is nothing to say he cant improve and win this race. Worth using at a big price.

Havre de Grace (Saint Liam x Easter Bunnette by Carson City) What an amazing year this filly has put together! She won the Apple Blossom, beat the boys in the Woodward and last out dominated her female peers in the Beldame. Jockey Ramon Dominguez should be able to work out a fine trip just behind the speed and if he keeps her out of trouble the filly will be firing big as they turn for home. Can she run them all down? Only time will tell.

Headache (Tapit x Pamric by Woodman) He’s steadily improved from the days where he was offered for a claiming tag. His last outing resulted in a win in the Hawthorne Gold Cup. He could be a horse to use on the bottom of the trifecta, but winning this race would shock the world.

Uncle Mo (Indian Charlie x Playa Maya by Arch) His triumph in the 2010 Breeders Cup Juvenile is one of the most impressive Breeders Cup performances not only in that race, but period. This is far and away the most talented horse in the race. He dazzled fans last out when he easily defeated Grade 1 winners Jackson Bend and Jersey Town in the Kelso Handicap. Still, he’s got his questions to answer. Can he go the distance? Is he ready for a race this big after only two preps? Todd Pletcher has five Eclipse Awards that make his opinion pretty valuable and he thinks the colt is ready. How can I question that?

To Honor And Serve (Bernardini x Pilfer by Deputy Minister) I’ve never been high on this Bill Mott trainee, but he proved me wrong last out with a big win in the Pennsylvania Derby. He’s going to contest the pace and if he’s improved like some seem to think he has then he could be there at the wire. It’s hard for me to put my money behind him though.

 **Click the link to learn about our Breeders Cup Picks. Also, check out our online horse betting page!**

Filed Under: Breeders Cup Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

2011 Breeders Cup Dirt Mile Preview

November 3, 2011 By 1 Comment

Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile Preview

(Race 7 — Saturday — Churchill Downs — post time 4:01 ET)

As with last year, the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile will be run at a one-turn mile.  It will be shown on ESPN as part of the ESPN/ABC coverage.  Let’s meet the field of nine coming out of the chute.

#1 THE FACTOR:  One of several three-year-olds to take on elders, he was on the Arkansas path to the Kentucky Derby this past spring.  He ran the field off their feet in the Rebel, then tried to ration the speed going nine panels.  That turned out to be a failure, so he was put back around one turn, where he won against elders going seven panels two back.  Last time, he was burnt up in a suicidal pace duel going six furlongs in the Ancient Title.  He’s going to make the lead and hold on as long as he can.

#2 SHACKLEFORD: The Preakness winner cuts back to a mile after finishing second in the Indiana Derby. He should be better around one turn and he’s working very well. It’s hard to see him turning the tables on WILBURN, but nothing is out of the question in a race like this one.

#3 TAPIZAR: Won an allowance/optional claimer at seven furlongs last time racing off a very long layoff.  While there’s a slight rider upgrade to Gomez, here’s another who has done his best running on the front end.  Worth noting he graduated at Churchill last fall.  Second off the layoff and the presence of Gomez are nice things he has going for him. He’s going to be a live long shot.

#4 TRES BORRACHOS:  Once upon a time he was a speedster who had failing form.  Then he was taken off the pace in the San Diego Handicap and won.  Since then, he had a disappointing run in the Pacific Classic and tried again to be the speed in the Goodwood. The speed experiment failed, so maybe they take him back off the pace.  With the amount of speed signed up, doing that would be most advantageous.  While he’s never won on dirt, he’s also spent most of his career on the synthetics.  If Rosario takes him off the pace he’s got a puncher’s chance.

#5 WILBURN: Rides a three race win streak into this race, having won the G2 Indiana Derby and the $300k Smarty Jones at Parx.  He jumps up to face elders for the first time, and like SHACKLEFORD he’ll be cutting back to a one-turn mile.  He defeated a sharp group in the Smarty Jones that included multiple next out winners. I love the way he exploded around the turn to take the Indiana Derby. If he moves forward yet again this field is in deep trouble.

TwinSpires.com

#6 IRREFUTABLE: Took advantage of the pace meltdown in the Ancient Title to close and be second behind an honest California sprinter in Amazombie.  Trained by Bob Baffert (who also has THE FACTOR), he was a very creditable second to G1 winner and Sprint contender Giant Ryan in Miami.  If you discard the race on Haskell Day against his natural pace style, you’ll find a closing sprinter who rarely misfires.  Well worth considering.

#7 JERSEY TOWN: Goes in start four off the layoff in this event, and he’s cashed checks in all his 2011 races: a strong listed stakes at Monmouth, the G1 Forego, and the G2 Kelso.  He does have a win at today’s single-turn mile distance last Thanksgiving in the Cigar Mile.  While he’s done his best work from up close to the pace, it’s not the place to be with at least three speedy sophomores at front setting the tempo.  Skeptical.

#8 CALEB’S POSSE: Aside from the nine-furlong Arkansas Derby, he’s cashed a check in every race this year on his barnstorming tour.  A winner around two turns in the G3 Ohio Derby and around one turn in the G1 Kings’ Bishop, he last time checked in with a third in the Indiana Derby when chasing a slow pace.  He could come firing hard into what projects to be a very quick pace.

#9 TRAPPE SHOT:  Winner of the G2 True North in the late Spring and nosed out of the G1 Vanderbilt during the summer, he was last seen playing bumper cars in the Vosburgh over a wet strip.  As a three year old he was able to stretch his speed two turns in a listed stakes. He’s able to come off the pace.  His figures make him a worthy favorite and the horse to beat.

Click the link to learn about Breeders Cup Picks for this and every other championship race.
Filed Under: Breeders Cup Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

2011 Breeders Cup Ladies Classic Picks & Preview

November 2, 2011 By Leave a Comment
by Paul Mazur
Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic:
(Race 10 — Churchill Downs — post time 7:30 ET)The biggest and richest race of the first day of the Breeders’ Cup draws a field of ten to go 1 ⅛ miles on the dirt under the lights.  The race will be televised on ESPN2 as part of the ESPN/ABC coverage of the two day event.  Let’s meet the field.

#1 MISS MATCH (10/1 ML) : She hasn’t won since a 45-1 upset of the G1 Santa Margarita in the Spring over Switch (who goes in the Filly & Mare Sprint).  Most recently, she faced the boys in Grade Ones in the last two starts, and neither was all that inspiring: a 7th in the Pacific Classic and a 4th in the Goodwood.  In between she was behind the division’s two absent amazons of Blind Luck and Havre de Grace, the latter bound for Saturday’s classic.  While she might be rounding back into stride off a nice workout, duplicates of her best races aren’t going to cut it.  Pass.

#2 PACHATTACK (12/1):  Rolled up some nice synthetic wins last year and this year, scoring the G3 Arlington Matron in May.  She ran out of synthetic spots to run, so she stayed in Chicago and tried grass in the G1 Beverly D.  That was a deep field on yielding/soft turf, and she checked in with a forgivable bad race.  She did score a second in the G1 Personal Ensign behind fellow entrant Ask the Moon and was second in the G1 Spinster to Aruna, who chose the Filly & Mare Turf earlier in the card.  Though she gets plus points for the second place effort at Saratoga, Polytrack as always struck me as this horse’s best surface.  She’s not hopeless here and she’s worth a flyer at better than 20-1.  But otherwise, no sale.

#3 IT’S TRICKY (5/1):  The first of the three-year-olds to take on the elders.  All season she’s been holding her own with fellow sophomores and entrants Royal Delta and Plum Pretty.  She did defeat both of them back in July in the G1 Coaching Club America Oaks.  She was beaten squarely in the Alabama by Royal Delta, and in the Cotillion by Plum Pretty.  I felt before the Cotillion this was a horse that needed a break and a distance cutback.  True, she won at today’s nine furlong distance, but she caught Royal Delta at less than 100% the first time at Saratoga.  Worth noting she’s only got one bad race in her career.  For the bottom of the trifecta or superfecta.

#4 SATANS QUICK CHICK (30/1): While she was third in the Beldame last time out, someone had to be third as that race was a two horse battle between Royal Delta and Havre de Grace.  For most of the year, she’s been cashing checks in listed stakes around the country.  While Edgar Prado rode with renewed zip at Keeneland, she’s got serious class questions to answer.  Better for the undercard.

#5 ASK THE MOON (6/1): As recently as July 1, you could have had her for $75,000.  After passing the claim box she was turned into a front runner and placed in a listed stakes, then won two G1s at Saratoga.  Neither of those stakes turned up sharp in retrospect, however.  In her last start she was taken to the West Coast, where she set the pace and folded in the stretch in the Lady’s Secret.  After a winless 2010, those two G1 wins at Saratoga appeared to come out of nowhere and they’re due to her being turned into a front runner.  If she runs back to the Saratoga races she has a chance, but I think  her odds will be depressed.  Taking a stand against.

TwinSpires.com

#6 ROYAL DELTA (5/2):  She clearly needed the first race at Saratoga in the CCA Oaks, and she beat It’s Tricky and Plum Pretty and asserted herself as the tepid favorite of the three-year-old filly dvision when winning the Alabama.  She took on the elders in her most recent in the Beldame,  a clear-cut second to Havre de Grace.  Perhaps she moved too quickly or perhaps trainer Mott saw this race as a disposable prep.  However, her trainer has won many a race under the Twin Spires and she’s reportedly been working well in the mornings.  A deserving and logical pick to win.

#7 ULTRA BLEND (8/1): Traded decisions over the summer in Southern California with three-year-old Zazu, beating the sophomore at Del Mar and being second over the Santa Anita dirt.  An honest hard tryer who has hit the board in twenty-two of twenty-four career starts, she’s danced all the dances on the West Coast and is that region’s best hope for taking the top prize.  The third place finisher from the last race won a G2 at Keeneland.

#8 PLUM PRETTY (2/1): She came on to the national stage when she won both the Sunland Park Oaks by a pole and the Kentucky Oaks after that.  Most recently, she won the Cotillion over fellow star sophomore It’s Tricky.  Her only time off the board came three starts back in the Alabama, behind both It’s Tricky and Royal Delta.  The works and the spacing seem fine, but I questioned whether or not she was on the downside before the Cotillion.  She wont have things as plum pretty this time around, however.  I won’t disagree with those that see her as a win candidate, but I’m using her defensively.

#9 MEDAGLIA D’AMOUR (30/1): She’ll be making her first start on dirt and the pedigree says she will like it. Her last race was OK.  The works are good.  The issue with her is pace, as the front end could be crowded with Plum Pretty and Ask The Moon, or the outside post could force her wide if she stalks.  On top of that she’s never won beyond a mile.  The surface change and rider change could wake her up, but I think all these improvements don’t take her to the winners’ circle.

#10 SUPER ESPRESSO (20/1): Her last victory came in the spring at Pimlico in the Du Pont Distaff, and her second in the G1 Ruffian at Saratoga behind fellow entrant Ask The Moon doesn’t look so promising when that one has yet to run back to back to her upstate New York races.  Her last time in the Spinster could be chalked up to hating polytrack, but it’s awfully hard to forget this one having a clunker before that in the Personal Ensign.  Skeptical.

Click the link to learn about Breeders Cup Picks for this and every other championship race.
Filed Under: Breeders Cup Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

5 Great reasons to bet the Breeders Cup with TVG

October 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment

The Television Games Network, or TVG for short, is one of the best places to bet horses online. Not only that, but it is a top flight television station too. Every person out there should be checking out their program The Works which analysis the workouts of horses preparing for the Breeders Cup. The opinions of people like Simon Bray and Tom Amoss are invaluable as you prep for the Breeders Cup.

Let’s take a look at a few reasons why you should consider betting horses with TVG.

#1 $100 Breeders Cup Sign-Up Bonus: $100 can go a long way as you prepare to play the Breeders Cup. All you have to do is wager $250 one month and $250 the following month and bonus is yours. The bonus is credited in half after the first $250 and then again after the second $250 is wagered.

#2 Ease of Use: One of the primary reasons that TVG is my place of choice to bet the Breeders Cup, Kentucky Derby and other important races is the interface of their website. It’s easy to use and easy to make a bet.  Like TVG host Nick Hines told me the other day, “Wagering with TVG is easier; it’s just that simple.” It’s true. Try it for yourself and you will see what I mean.

#3 Customer Service: TVG takes care of their people. I’ve been to several great parties for free on TVG’s dime. I’ve also been to suites at Churchill Downs and Keeneland which is always an unbelievable experience. This type of thing is for those that put a lot of money through the windows, but even if that’s not your game, you can always expect TVG to handle your account with care.

338x80 - Breeders Cup

#4 Free Picks: This may sound like a gimmick, but the free picks that TVG gives out for every race are actually really good. They have been known to give out long shots too. These can be use in conjunction with other free things like power figures (I love these) and jockey/trainer combination statistics.

#5 Fast Payouts: TVG is the easiest place to get paid. You can pick up your money at tracks like Turfway or Keeneland depending on your location. Checks typically arrive in about 3 days in my experience. No fees either!

TVG is the best place to bet the 2011 Breeders Cup from Churchill Downs. It is where I will be playing. Click the banner above to claim your $100 bonus today.

Filed Under: Breeders Cup Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

Havre de Grace geared up for Breeders Cup Classic run

October 30, 2011 By 1 Comment

The United States lacked a truly top horse at the beginning of 2011. Stars of yesteryear like Blame, Zenyatta, Quality Road, Lookin At Lucky and many more had taken up new roles in the breeding end of the industry.

Thankfully, it didn’t take long for a new King of the Hill to emerge. Wait; sorry, I meant Queen of the Hill.

Just like Rachel Alexandra and Zenyatta before her, Havre de Grace (Saint Liam x Easter Bunette by Carson City) took on the boys and beat them. Her race of choice was the Woodward where she made easy work of top older horse Flat Out. That horse returned to be an easy winner of the Jockey Club Gold Cup.

Havre de Grace’s campaign this year has been nothing short of spectacular. Highlights include a victory in the Apple Blossom from Oaklawn and a breath taking stretch duel in the Delaware Handicap where Blind Luck bested her by a mere nose. She followed that up with her aforementioned Woodward win and was last seen taking the Beldame by a city block.

All of her brilliance has trainer Larry Jones and owner Rick Porter thinking Horse of the Year, but she is still missing a crown jewel achievement. She is missing a win in the Breeders Cup World Championships.

Never a tandem to shy away from top competition, they are taking their mare to the Breeders Cup Classic. Not surprising given that Jones, a trainer of several champions, believes this lass is the best horse he has ever trained.

Despite being a rare case of a female taking on the boys in the Classic, Havre de Grace figures to be sent off as the second betting choice.  After all, her form is almost flawless.

Do you think she will beat the boys? Leave a comment and share your thoughts.

In the mean time, check out our Breeders Cup Picks page for information on how to get our selections for all 15 Breeders Cup races!

Filed Under: Breeders Cup Tagged With: , , , ,

2011 Breeders Cup Juvenile sneak peek

October 25, 2011 By 2 Comments

by David Crone

Before 2011 most racing fans would not have thrown Michael Matz on the list of best Juvenile trainers. Matz is a guy with a reputation for taking his time developing horses, and has had the majority of his success training horses over longer distances, and in many cases, on the turf. Despite these preconceived notions, the all-around equestrian (Matz is also a member of the Show Jumping Hall of Fame) has the best juvenile in America in his barn heading to next weekends’ Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

Union Rags has yet to take a misstep in his two-year-old campaign. He broke his maiden at first asking at Delaware Park before heading to New York to capture the Grade II Saratoga Special. In his most recent start, Union Rags galloped to an easy victory, despite traffic trouble, in New York’s biggest Juvenile prep, the Grade I Champagne Stakes.

Based on his last two efforts, there is little doubt that Union Rags will be favored in the Juvenile when they load the gate at Churchill Downs. Being the favorite in the Juvenile has been a great indicator of success recently, in the last five years the favorite has finished no worse than second.

Despite that, this race is far from a walkover for Union Rags.

Creative Cause is a regally bred son of Giant’s Causeway that sports three wins from four starts, and, unlike Union Rags, already has a win going the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile distance of 1 1/16 miles around two turns. In his last start, the colt took the Grade I Norfolk Stakes over highly regarded Bob Baffert juvenile Drill. Plus, Creative Cause proved that day that he could handle conventional dirt. He will be a hot second choice and sure to take a lot of action.

The aforementioned Drill is still very much in the Juvenile picture, despite his loss in the Norfolk. Before that race Drill had proven himself to be a top class juvenile with his win in the Grade I Del Mar Futurity, but, there are definitely some questions he has to answer.

468x60 - Breeders Cup

Was it just not his day at Santa Anita for the Norfolk Stakes? Or was it the extra distance or the conventional dirt surface that caused him to regress off of his Del Mar Futurity effort? Few trainers rival Bob Baffert’s ability to have a juvenile prepared for Breeders’ Cup weekend, but is Drill good enough to beat the top two?

The dark horse that has caught the attention of many is undoubtedly Hansen. The son of Tapit is undefeated in his two career starts, both coming over a synthetic surface at Turfway Park. While the competition he has faced is questionable, the way he has dispatched them has been impressive. In both his maiden victory and the Kentucky Cup Juvenile Hansen has absolutely crushed his opposition, winning his two starts by a combined 25 ½ lengths. He is already a winner around two turns as well. He is the proverbial, “could be anything” type of horse. If he takes to dirt, and his first two starts were legitimate he could have the best chance at upsetting the top two contenders.

Dullahan broke his maiden while winning the Grade I Dixiana Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland in his most recent start. He is another serious threat on Breeders’ Cup Saturday if his connections choose to run him in the Juvenile (they are seriously considering the Juvenile Turf). The son of Even The Score had two lackluster starts on dirt before moving to the turf for his third and fourth starts, and finally won when entered on the synthetic at Keeneland. His ability makes him a factor if he goes into the Juvenile, but his dirt record says to tread with caution. However, his older brother, Mine That Bird, seemed to love the Churchill Downs dirt surface where he skipped to the largest margin of victory in Kentucky Derby history.

Another horse being considered for the Juvenile is the Grade III Hollywood Juvenile winner, Majestic City, who led to mid stretch in the Breeders’ Futurity only to be run down by Dullahan in the final stages of the race. However, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf is likely their top option, and the Juvenile distance of 1 1/16 miles may prove to be too much for the son of City Zip.

Alpha, runner up to likely favorite Union Rags in the Champagne is also being pointed to the race, a son of the exciting young stallion, Bernardini, and out of a family of distance specialists, he certainly rates a look as a horse that should be improving.

Other possible starters include the highly regarded Bob Baffert juvenile, Secret Circle, who may opt for the Juvenile Sprint instead, D Wayne Lukas’ Optimizer, who could be pointed to the Juvenile Turf instead, and third place finisher in the Champagne, Right to Vote.

**Interested in our thoughts on this and all other Breeders Cup races? Click the link to learn about our Breeders Cup Picks!**

Filed Under: Breeders Cup Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

2011 Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies sneak peek

October 25, 2011 By Leave a Comment

by David Crone

It can be argued that no Breeders’ Cup race has produced more complete busts over the past decade than the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies. The race has churned out a number of fillies that looked set for utter stardom, only to fall flat on their faces and never come close to living up to the hype. Horses like Stardom Bound, Storm Flag Flying, and Folklore had people expecting greatness, but delivered very little.

But, the 2011 crop seems to have some fillies with some serious potential. And, standing clearly at the top of that list is the Steve Asmussen trainee, My Miss Aurelia.

My Miss Aurelia earned her spot as early Juvenile Fillies favorite with a dominating win over another top contender for this race, Stopshoppingmaria, in the Grade I Frizette Stakes at Belmont. That victory was the third win in three starts for My Miss Aurelia, and the undefeated daughter of Smart Strike, seems a very tough favorite for the Juvenile Fillies. The one knock on her is that she has a pedigree that suggests two-turns might not be her forte. My Miss Aurelia’s dam, My Miss Storm Cat, was a stakes winning sprinter by a sire, Sea of Secrets, who produced mostly sprinters. While her sheer talent may very well be enough to help her find the winner’s circle on Breeders’ Cup weekend, her pedigree offers a glimmer of hope to all those handicapper’s out there looking for a reason to find a longshot.

Second to My Miss Aurelia in the Frizette was Stopshoppingmaria who comes to the Breeders’ Cup with a record of just one win in three starts. The common link in her two losses? Both came at the hooves of My Miss Aurelia who beat her in a maiden race at Saratoga and again in the Frizette. Todd Pletcher is tough to knock in Juvenile races, so there is always a chance that she could turn the tables in Louisville.

The second choice in the Juvenile Fillies could very well be Tony Dutrow’s Grace Hall who was somewhat surprisingly sent to the Blue Hen Stakes at Delware for her final Breeders’ Cup prep instead of the Grade I Frizette. While you could interpret this as simply choosing a softer spot, I think many will see this as Dutrow giving his filly a start around two-turns, thinking that the two-turn effort would give her a more solid foundation heading to Churchill Downs than the one-turn Frizette would have.

468x60 - Breeders Cup

The top west coast contender is undoubtedly Weemisfrankie. The California invader is undefeated in three starts, including impressive wins in the Grade I Del Mar Debutante and Grade I Oak Leaf. The filly is sure to attract a lot of money from casual gamblers due to her connection. One of her owners is MTV star Rob Dyrdek, and sentimental types will love that she was named after a recently deceased friend of the owners. All of these factors lead to her being a probable underlay in her first start outside of Southern California.

Awesome Belle will try to emulate last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner, Awesome Feather, by coming out of the My Dear Girl at Calder to take the Juvenile Fillies at Churchill. In fact, not only is she coming out of the same race as Awesome Feather, she is also by the same sire, Awesome of Course. The similarities are pretty striking, but Awesome Belle will offer a much higher price than Awesome Feather’s 4/1 last year.

Other contenders include Candrea, runner-up to Weemissfrankie in the Oak Leaf, Miss Netta, third place finisher in the Frizette, horribly named Putthebabiesdown who ran third in the Alciabides, and Arlington Washington Lassie winner Rocket Twentyone.

**Interested in our thoughts on this and all other Breeders Cup races? Click the link to learn about our Breeders Cup Picks!**

Filed Under: Breeders Cup Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

2011 Breeders Cup from Churchill Downs Picks, Tips & Selections

October 23, 2011 By 24 Comments


Breeders Cup Picks 2011

The Breeders Cup World Championships are the best two days of racing in the entire world, bar none. Visitors to this site know that we deal with the crème de la crème. Graded stakes races are our specialty and we thrive with them.

This year, like the past 4, we will be helping you handicap the biggest races in the world. Here is a look at some of our notable scores in 2011.

As you can see we have done great work in top races. Whether it’s hitting $378 exactas straight, $44,750.70  superfectas, or a big $52.40 winner, our site can help you cash big on Breeders Cup day. All of the above picks were available for free and you can find more on our Free Horse Racing Picks page.

Below you will find several packages of Breeders Cup Picks. Choose the one that suits you best and find it on the drop down menu near the “Buy Now” button. Selections will be sent via email upon receipt of payment and at least 24 hours prior to the first post time at Churchill Downs.

Also, please consider playing the Breeders Cup with Twin Spires or TVG. They are two stellar ADWs for online horse betting and both have great sign up bonuses worth at least $100. Check out our Horse Betting page to learn more about them and other great places to bet the ponies online.

Breeders Cup Friday Picks ($14.99)

  • This package includes our top selection to WIN in every Breeders Cup race on Friday.
  • Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta plays
  • Daily Double, Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5 plays
  • Pick 6 play

Breeders Cup Saturday Picks ($14.99)

  • This package includes our top selection to WIN in every Breeders Cup race on Saturday.
  • Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta plays
  • Daily Double, Pick 3, Pick 4 and Pick 5 plays
  • Pick 6 play

Breeders Cup Friday+Saturday Picks ($26.99)

  • Purchasers of this package get picks for both days.
  • Top Selections to win EVERY Breeders Cup race
  • Assorted Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta plays
  • Daily Double, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5 and Pick 6 plays

 

Breeders Cup Picks

 

 

Filed Under: Breeders Cup Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
« Older Posts