JC / Railbird

Breeders’ Cup Archive

Breeders’ Cup Fields

Post positions for the Breeders’ Cup and a morning line are up at the Daily Racing Form.
Related: “Kitten’s Joy is even-money favorite in Breeders’ Cup Turf” (San Francisco Chronicle)

Posted in Breeders' Cup on October 27, 2004

All Anyone’s Talking About

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)

Posted in Breeders' Cup on October 27, 2004

The Quotable Zito

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).

Posted in Breeders' Cup on October 27, 2004

It’s Decided

Azeri will run in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. (Daily Racing Form)

Posted in Breeders' Cup on October 26, 2004

An International Cup

Bill Finley would like to make the Breeders’ Cup a truly international affair, and he has a few ideas for increasing European participation: “Stop holding the Breeders’ Cup in warm weather sites … Hold the turf races at a European track.” (ESPN)

Posted in Breeders' Cup on October 26, 2004

One Confident Horse

“Afleet Alex strutted back to his barn after a solid workout Monday morning looking relaxed and confident. His demeanor spoke for his entire team.” (Dallas Morning News)
Related: “Here we go again” (New York Post)

Posted in Breeders' Cup on October 26, 2004

The Giant Killer

“Someone once said trainer Allen Jerkens must be part horse. This certainly would explain why he understands horses as few other people do. He’s a genius who has pulled off some of the biggest upsets ever.” Just never in the Breeders’ Cup. Don’t count Jerkens out this Saturday though. “The Giant Killer, as he’s fondly called, will try to put his magic to work Saturday at Lone Star Park with horses in two races on the $14 million program. Ignore him at your peril, even if his Bowman’s Band is a scary 50-1 in the $4 million Classic.” (Lexington Herald-Leader)
More: “Jerkens looking for first Breeders’ Cup win” (MSNBC)

Posted in Breeders' Cup on October 26, 2004

All Have Place at Lone Star

The champions, the journeymen, and the upstarts — there’s room for all at Lone Star Park this year. “Horse racing, after all, is among the most democratic of endeavors.” (Dallas Morning News)

Posted in Breeders' Cup on October 26, 2004

Joy to Behold

“One of the shortest price betting favorites in the Breeders’ Cup Saturday will be an American horse going a mile and a half on the grass and shooting for Horse of the Year honors. Now there’s a real switch!” (New York Post)

Posted in Breeders' Cup on October 26, 2004

Horse by Horse

A look at the Breeders’ Cup horse by horse:
“Roman Ruler: Regressed a bit in 2-turn debut yet still won by 4½; major threat.”
“Azeri: 2002 Horse of Year won Distaff then; should be favored, but worth trying to upset at very short price.”
“Speightstown: Freaky fast, big chance; ignore tough-trip loss at 4-5 in Vosburgh.” (ESPN)

Posted in Breeders' Cup on October 25, 2004