JC / Railbird

Breeders’ Cup Archive

Handicapping Lone Star

Paul Daley offers advice on handicapping the Breeders’ Cup at Lone Star Park. Things to note: The stretch run is a mere 930 feet, the turf course can be thought of a “mini Santa Anita,” and “don’t ever lose sight of the fact that most times, excepting horrendous racing luck or a poor ride, the best horse usually does win.” (Lowell Sun)

Posted in Breeders' Cup on October 8, 2004

Juvenile Cup: No Derby Impact

Paul Moran, reliably cranky: “The leading 2-year-olds usually held up at age 3, and being the winter-book favorite to win the Derby meant something. That unofficial title has now become a stigma. Two decades have demonstrated that this was the one original expectation the Breeders’ Cup has failed to fulfill. The first 20 winners of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile have failed to win the Kentucky Derby or any race in the Triple Crown series.” (Newsday)

Posted in Breeders' Cup on October 8, 2004

Remembering a Perfect Day

“It was nearly a year ago that Richard Mandella had perhaps the greatest training day in Breeders’ Cup history, winning four races at Santa Anita. He was favored to win the Juvenile Fillies with Halfbridled…. And she won despite starting from post position 14. But handicappers didn’t give Action This Day (Juvenile), Johar (Turf) and, of course, Pleasantly Perfect (Classic) much of a chance. But they all won. The most impressive was Pleasantly Perfect, who defeated highly acclaimed Congaree, Medaglia d’Oro and Funny Cide.” (Dallas Morning News)

Posted in Breeders' Cup on October 8, 2004

Star Power

Ghostzapper, Pleasantly Perfect, Birdstone — and now Funny Cide. Breeders’ Cup and Lone Star officials are thrilled the “gutsy gelding” will be part of the Classic: “He’ll add even more excitement to an exciting day.” (Dallas Morning News)

Posted in Breeders' Cup on October 7, 2004