JC / Railbird - Breeders’ Cup

Breeders’ Cup Archive

No Walkover Next Out

– Music Note points to the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Classic following her absolutely effortless win in the Gazelle on Saturday. The 3-year-old filly may turn out to be no match for Zenyatta or Ginger Punch, but with several top horses across divisions iffy for the Pro-Ride BC, it’s nice to see Godolphin state so unequivocally Music Note will get a crack at the competition. (Similar praise for Big Brown and connections, as well. Now, if only Curlin would show up.)
– Caught a Three Chimneys ad for Big Brown while watching the OTB channel this afternoon, which had the intended effect of sending me to the farm’s web site to check out his stallion page. Applications for service next spring are being accepted; stud fee to be determined, of course, depending on how the colt performs in his final race next month and end-of-the-year honors. Winston, don’t get attached.

Posted in Breeders' Cup on September 14, 2008

Ladbrokes Favorite

Here’s one Euro possible for a synthetic Breeders’ Cup:

Henrythenavigator, at 4-11, just held off Raven’s Pass in the Sussex Stakes, adding to his impressive record. “He won’t be beaten this year,” declared rider Johnny Murtagh after, to which Chris McGrath responds in the Telegraph:

That acquired the look of a very bold assertion when John Magnier, his owner, included the Breeders’ Cup Classic among the colt’s potential targets. The Coolmore boss reasoned that the race’s transfer to a new, synthetic surface this year made it even more tempting than when O’Brien had tried his luck with Giant’s Causeway, second in 2000, and, rather less successfully, with Galileo and Hawk Wing. As for the new distance, all concerned seem confident that Henrythenavigator will stay 10 furlongs. Ladbrokes make him 7-2 favourite for Santa Anita, but you can get 6-1 with Coral.

New distance to challenge, but what competition? Curlin may close his career elsewhere, Big Brown may or may not be in training, the remaining 3-year-old male and handicap horses struggle to distinguish themselves (except, of course, for awesome Commentator, also doubtful for the Breeders’ Cup). Henrythenavigator could be the best thing going in the Classic at Santa Anita. As for Sussex runner-up Raven’s Pass, connections are considering the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

Posted in Breeders' Cup, International on July 30, 2008

You’re Never Alone

… after running for a tag? Digger was a lonely winner at Laurel last winter, photographed only with his jockey following back to back scores in the Northern Dancer and Jennings Handicap (not, I’m sure, that the horse cared, but this person found the empty scenes poignant). At Belmont on Wednesday, the same connections unable to get to Maryland for stakes races surrounded Digger in the winner’s circle, patting his head and scratching his nose, following his facile victory as the 7-10 favorite in the third, an unremarkable claiming event in which the 4-year-old gelding was entered for the bargain price of $30,000 (down from $100,000 more than two months before). Those strokes (whether of affection or relief) must have been goodbyes; Digger was claimed by trainer Enrique Arroyo.

Posted in Breeders' Cup on July 10, 2008

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