**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!**






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