JC / Railbird

Breeders’ Cup Archive

Is Azeri trainer D. Wayne Lukas’ and owner Michael Paulson’s decision to run the six-year-old mare in the Classic. For giving casual fans a reason to tune in, “The Breeders’ Cup needs to name a race in honor of Wayne Lukas. Or throw him a parade. Or at the very least, beg a free car from its automotive sponsor to reward him.” (New York Daily News)
“We’re going to swing for the fences,” Lukas explained to reporters. “She’s already won the Distaff. We’re going to see if we can do something that hasn’t been done before.” (San Francisco Chronicle)
Gary West says: “Lukas’ unorthodox decision puts mare on track for greatness.” (Dallas Morning News)
But Ray Kerrison is pessimistic: “Logic, odds say Azeri’s lost cause in Classic.” (New York Post)
As is Andrew Beyer, writing in response to the question, “What is Paulson thinking running Azeri in the Classic?” posted in last night’s Daily Racing Form chat: “I can’t imagine. He’s obviously had this idea in his mind for a long time, and he’s going forward despite all logic to the contrary. Obviously, she has no chance of winning. What mystifies me is that he said in a press conference the other day that he was going to look at the Classic from the pace standpoint before coming to his decision. Didn’t he see Roses in May in the race? He’ll bury Azeri.”
And Jay Privan reminds everyone that Lukas is a “Master with the female of the species.” (Daily Racing Form)

Trainer Nick Zito feels a little grumpy about traveling to Lone Star: “We’d prefer to be at Belmont or one of the major tracks, of course,” he tells Eddie Sefko (Dallas Morning News), but Zito says he’s optimistic about Birdstone’s chances in the Classic, even though, “If he wins, it would be a small miracle” (Thoroughbred Times).

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