That's Why It's A Classic

Where do I begin when talking about the 2010 Breeders' Cup Classic? Well, I guess I can state the obvious first. Zenyatta was defeated by a devastatingly narrow margin by Blame under the lights of Churchill Downs on Saturday in what must go down as the greatest Breeders' Cup Classic of all 27 that have been run. The rush of excitement that racing fans, non-racing fans, and anyone else that watched that race felt reverberated around the sporting world for the last two days. There were discussions about Zenyatta's loss on Around The Horn, Pardon The Interruption, Sportscenter, and other media outlets that normally treat horse racing as a leper that gets covered only as a last resort. Zenyatta and her performance were that transcendent. She ran her greatest race in the one race she did not win.

Let us not ignore the winner either. Blame held off quite possibly the greatest horse of the last ten years by digging in and gutting out a final furlong for the ages with everyone watching at the track and on television rooting for him to fail. I had winning tickets on Blame and I found myself rooting for the mare to make the special kind of history we all wanted her to. Blame will most likely be voted Horse Of The Year in light of the victory and also in light of the fact that he beat the horse that he will most likely be pitted against in the voting, however scant the margin. He was truly a champion in victory, even if Claiborne Farms' Seth Hancock did not distinguish himself in the post-race press conference by declaring Blame Horse Of The Year and almost being dismissive of Zenyatta and her tremendous effort.

That effort is what will make this Classic the most classic of all the Classics. The first time under the Twin Spires, it appeared that Zenyatta might have had a problem or something that might have caused her to be pulled up and out of the race. She was that far behind the rest of the Classic field. Jockey Mike Smith (who was as gracious in the post-race aftermath as Seth Hancock was not) called on Zenyatta to get into the action a little earlier than usual and she responded to his urging and clawed her way back into contention as the field moved on the far turn. By the time they hit mid-stretch, Blame and Zenyatta had put all of the competition behind them and had the race to themselves. The near-hysterical crowd was pleading with Zenyatta to get there and win and end her career as The Perfect Horse. She couldn't quite make it and settled for the lone second of her tremendous career. But, you know something, she finally was able to convince all the nay-sayers that she was one helluva racehorse with her character, grace, and magnificence in defeat.

It is hard to believe that Zenyatta will likely never be voted Horse Of The Year. She would have been a longshot candidate in 2008 when she won the Ladies' Classic and in 2009, she ran into the dream season of Rachel Alexandra. In 2010, she came as close as she would ever come and lost the award by a nose. She now becomes like Stirling Moss, who is considered one of the greatest drivers in Formula One history, but never won the F1 Championship. She now becomes like Rocket Richard, the Montreal Canadiens legendary goal-scoring ace, who never won an NHL scoring championship. She will probably never be Horse Of The Year, but she certainly has been the horse of the last three years and for me, that's good enough.

Tune in tomorrow for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

Photo courtesy of tsn.ca

Saturday's Breeders' Cup Selections

Since I opened the blog yesterday, it only seems fair to give Martha Claussen the honors today, so:
My day began well with Eldaafer ($23) winning and ended with a nice victory by my top pick, Unrivaled Belle ($17). Of course, the big highlight of the day was Calvin Borel going "Bo-serk" in the winner's circle against one of my fave riders, Javier Castellano. It brought back fond memories of my days at Sam Houston when I was poised, microphone in hand, to do a post-race interview and barely missed getting knocked out in a slugfest between two riders. I certainly understand how emotions can run high, and have ALWAYS been vocal of my praise as jockeys as underrated athletes. Let's just pray that ESPN does not replay the Borel incident (another) 2 million times on Saturday. So, now it is on to Saturday.

The Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf
Michael
The Euro invaders didn't really show a whole heck of a lot on Friday, but I will stick with it and take #5 Master Of Hounds here. First-time Lasix and a most impressive Racing Post rating in the last Group 1 make him the choice. #9 Soldat has never been worse than second in four lifetime starts and got his only win in a Grade 3 with Alan Garcia in the irons.

Martha
I think the Todd Pletcher trainee Pluck might be sitting on a big race. He rallied for the win in a Grade 3 at Woodbine and has had a series of nice works at Churchill. European trainer John Gosden has won the last two editions of this stakes; his colt, Utley faced tough company at Longchamp on October 3; would be no surprise.

TOP FOUR SELECTIONS:
Pluck, Utley, Master of Hounds, Mantoba

The Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Sprint
Michael
Two of the last three Beyer figures for #5 Smiling Tiger have been in the 100s. He posted a bullet workout at Churchill Downs on October 30, going five furlongs in 58.3 seconds. Russell Baze was up for the win last out and gets the ride Saturday. #1 Big Drama finished within three lengths of Majesticperfection, who would have been the favorite here if he had stayed healthy. He also was within a length of hot horse Here Comes Ben, who goes later in the Dirt Mile.

Martha
West coast invader Smiling Tiger has two Grade 1 wins in the last four months and fired a bullet work at Churchill on October 30. Riley Tucker from the Steve Asmussen barn posted a 110 Beyer speed figure in his Churchill stakes win last May. Not too keen on the two favorites and remember that longshot Dancing in Silks ($52) won this last year.

TOP FOUR SELECTIONS:
Smiling Tiger, Riley Tucker, Atta Boy Roy, Big Drama

The Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint
Michael
#5 Silver Timber rallied to win the Grade 3 Woodford last time out. This will be his second start off the layoff. Also, eight of his thirteen lifetime wins have come at this distance. #11 Grand Adventure led at the five furlong point of the six furlong Nearctic at Woodbine on October 16. If you can get 12-1 on Grand Adventure, that is like stealing in this spot.

Martha
Rose Catherine takes on the boys today. Todd Pletcher trainee has been almost perfect in 2010 with five wins from six starts. Her running style is to take the lead and fly so if she is not at her best, closers Silver Timber, with Julian Leparoux aboard, or Woodbine shipper Grand Adventure have a shot.

TOP FOUR SELECTIONS:
Rose Catherine, Silver Timber, Grand Adventure, Quick Enough

The Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile
Michael
The favorite in this spot will be #7 Uncle Mo and he deserves the honor. If he runs up to either of his last two performances, he should be the winner. There will be some speed to challenge him here, but I just think he is faster than the rest. If he should falter in a pace battle, how about a juicy closing longshot with #9 Rogue Romance? Julien Leparoux has been hotter than anything on the track lately and gets the call on this Smarty Jones offspring going turf-to-dirt.

Martha
Who could forget the Godolphin longshot who won last year and paid $63? Most everyone as Vale of York never made it onto the Derby trail.. But they are back with the undefeated Biondetti once again with the unheralded jockey Ahmed Ajtebi in the irons. Will be interesting to see how another undefeated colt Murjan stakes up against this caliber of 2-year-olds. He has won his three races in Peru by a combined 27 lengths and will be ridden by top California jock, Rafael Bejarano.

TOP FOUR SELECTIONS:
Biondetti, Uncle Mo, Stay Thirsty, Murjan

The TVG Breeders' Cup Mile
Michael
I think this is clearly the best race on the card and as such, I will favor the horse that has been the best of the best the last two years, #10 Goldikova. She has won four of five starts in 2010 and ran second in the other race two back at Deauville. She will be the first three-time winner of any Breeders' Cup race if she pulls this one off. If she doesn't, I think the horse that ran second to her twice this year, #6 Paco Boy, gets a table-turning win here.

Martha
Two-time defending champion, Goldikova (IRE) is strictly the one to beat. She drew a wide post last year and was still able to split foes and get up just in time. Gio Ponti finished second to Zenyatta in the 2009 BC Classic. Clement trainee has won $4.6 million and multiple turf graded stakes; deserves respect. Going back to 2006, the last time the BC was held at Churchill Downs, Miesque's Approval ($50) defeated the Euros and maybe Get Stormy is the spoiler this year.

TOP FOUR SELECTIONS:
Goldikova, Gio Ponti, Sidneys Candy, Get Stormy

The Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile
Michael
#7 Thiskyhasnolimit ran second to Lookin At Lucky in the Grade 2 Indiana Derby over a sloppy track at Indiana Downs last time out and won the Smarty Jones at Philadelphia two races back. His only try at a mile came at Churchill Downs in the Grade 3 Iroquois and it was a victory. #2 Tizway is a son of two-time Breeders' Cup Classic winner, Tiznow. He posted a 105 Beyer last time out at Belmont in a win in the Grade 2 Kelso. In fact, all three 2010 Beyers have been in the 100s.

Martha
Two sons of BC Classic winner Tiznow stand out in the Dirt Mile. We all know that Nick Zito is most dangerous when he flies under the radar and he saddles Morning Line and Cool Coal Man. Morning Line dazzled at Saratoga and won his graded stake debut. Tizway was impressive in his Kelso victory on October 3.

TOP FOUR SELECTIONS:
Morning Line, Tizway, Here Comes Ben, Thiskyhasnolimit

The Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Turf
Michael
No winner of the Arc de Triomphe has ever returned after that win to win the Breeders' Cup Turf in the previous 26 runnings. I don't think it happens here either, but I will take the horse that ran fourth behind Workforce in #7 Behkabad. He won his prior two efforts at this distance at Longchamp in a Group 1 and Group 2. I also think that #2 Winchester deserves a long look in here. He always gives an honest effort and won the Grade 1 Turf Classic Invitational last time out at Belmont on October 2.

Martha
Debussy (IRE) from the barn of John Gosden did not run in the Arc de Triomphe like Workforce and Behkabad, but he did win the Grade 1 Arlington Million in the U.S. in August. The Arc winners are always short prices, and have not won the BC Turf to date, but with just eight horses in the field, Workforce could reverse that trend.

TOP FOUR SELECTIONS:
Debussy,Workforce, Behkabad, Telling

The Breeders' Cup Classic
Michael
I am going to be The Grinch and tell you that I don't think that Zenyatta is going to win here. I know I said that last year and she proved me wrong. You know what, I hope she proves me wrong again this year. I would love nothing more than for her to win. However, I will be betting on #5 Blame, who only had one misstep this season in the Jockey Club Gold Cup, when he ran second behind the pacesetter, who was able to steal away to an insurmountable lead on the far turn. That pacesetter was #3 Haynesfield, who could get a similar scenario in here in no one goes with him to the front. Quality Road might, but Quality Road also might freak out in the gate again like he did last year.

Martha
Zenyatta has been an inspiration and joy to watch. To complete her career with a perfect 20 for 20 enshrines her as one of the greatest of all time, and racing needs a heroine right now. I'll be rooting for her, but would be remiss in not reviewing some of the upsets in recent BC Classic history: Raven's Pass ($29) in 2008; Pleasantly Perfect ($30) in 2003 and Volponi ($89) in 2002. Tiznow was the last champion with back to back wins in 2000 and 2001. I can't identify a bonafide longshot to play, but think Lookin at Lucky could easily play the spoiler; big Beyers and Baffert.


TOP FOUR SELECTIONS:
Zenyatta, Lookin at Lucky, Blame, Haynesfield


Remember, They Are Off accepts no responsibility for any wagers placed in conjunction with these selections. They are merely suggestions. Tune in again next week for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

Friday Breeders' Cup Selections

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, so sang Andy Williams many years ago. Of course, Andy was referring to the holiday season. I am referring to the Breeders' Cup World Championships to be conducted on Friday and Saturday beneath the Twin Spires at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Here are the selections for the Friday races from myself and They Are Off frequent contributor, Martha Claussen. I am following last year's lead and giving out two horses that I fancy in each race, while Martha is giving out four selections per race. Why the different approaches to the races? Well, Martha didn't want to limit herself to two horses per race, so there:

The Breeders' Cup Marathon
Michael
I will go with the Calvin Borel horse in here, #12 A.U. Miner. I think the longer the race, the better this horse will perform. It is also his second start off the layoff. #9 Bright Horizon won a two-mile race at The Curragh in Ireland as his last prep race before coming over to North America. I also think if they get any moisture in the track, it could benefit this Euro invader.

Martha
Could it be a repeat for Euro-trainer extraordinaire, Aidan O'Brien? He scored with Man of Iron ($14.80) last year in the Marathon and Bright Horizon (GB) could find similar good fortune this year at Churchill Downs. Prince Will I Am has won his last two with impressive closing kicks, but tacks on eight more pounds, so adding to the streak is no lock.

TOP FOUR SELECTIONS:
Bright Horizon, Prince Will I Am, Eldaafer, Precision Break

The Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf
Michael
#13 Together could have everything together for a win under John Murtaugh on Friday. She has not won since a Group 3 score at Leopardstown in July, but her last two races show improvement and I think her running style will assist her here. #8 Wyomia won a Grade 3 last time out and is working a two-race win streak entering this try. Rafael Bejarano gets the ride.

Martha
The morning line favorite, Winter Memories is undefeated for trainer James Toner, but there are many other price horses that match her talent. New Normal had a sharp five furlong drill at Woodbine and front-runner may rocket from the gate and hold off the closers. Ken McPeek had a tremendous Keeneland meet and his filly, Kathmanblu looks live at 10-1. Julian Leparoux is superb on the turf and this filly loves to come off the pace.

TOP FOUR SELECTIONS:
New Normal, Kathmanblu, Wyomia,Winter Memories

The Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Filly And Mare Sprint
Michael
This is where I think all hell is going to break loose on Friday afternoon. My top choice in here with be 20-1 morning-line choice, #9 Switch. She is one of the several horses to give the great Zenyatta all she could handle this year. She also has been working tremendously at Churchill Downs. If it comes up wet as expected, I think that a 30-1 shot, #6 Moontune Missy, could be a surprise winner. She scored a win in the slop at six furlongs at Belmont Park in late September.

Martha
Defending champion Informed Decision returns but seems to do her best running on synthetic surfaces. Rightly So is a seven furlong specialist, and despite the outside post, she looks tough. Switch looks sneaky good for trainer John Sadler. She ran second to Zenyatta in the Lady's Secret; if she can run as well on dirt as synthetic, she could be a huge price.

TOP FOUR SELECTIONS:
Rightly So, Switch, Informed Decision, Moontune Missy

The Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies
Michael
I am looking for a Frankie Dettori flying dismount after #2 Theyskens' Theory wins this race on Friday afternoon. I think she will be the speed of any speed in this spot and she is also exceptionally well-bred. #12 Tell A Kelly should be flying towards the end of this one. I am sort of discounting the loss in the Oak Leaf after she was in trouble most of the way. There is a rider change to Calvin Borel on Friday.

Martha
Just have a feeling that Canadian trainer Mark Casse could have a really good showing at Churchill Downs. His filly, Delightful Mary ran a game second in a Grade III at Woodbine and check out the bullet work at Churchill on October 25. Theyskens' Theory ran in a Group 1 at Ascot and gets Lasix for her US debut with Frankie Dettori aboard. Interesting!

TOP FOUR SELECTIONS:
Delightful Mary, Theyskens' Theory, A Z Warrior, Jordy Y

The Emirates Airline Breeders' Cup Filly And Mare Turf
Michael
I backed #7 Midday as the winner of this race last year and I am doing it again this year. She won three straight before stopping her schedule to come over to North America. All of those races were Group 1s, by the way. I think that 8-1 is very generous on #3 Miss Keller in this spot. She has a win and a second in her last two over the E.P. Taylor Turf Course at Woodbine.

Martha
Defending champion Midday is one talented turf mare. She has bankrolled $2 million and won her last three Group 1 stakes in Europe. Miss Keller has been impressive for trainer Roger Attfield and gets the riding services of my fave turf jock, Javier Castellano

TOP FOUR SELECTIONS:
Midday, Miss Keller, Plumania, Keertana

The Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic
Michael
Much as I hate to admit, I think this race is likely to be a chalk-fest. My top selection will be #1 Life At Ten. I think she has been the most impressive performer at the end of the season with her only loss coming in the Grade 1 Personal Ensign at 1 1/4 miles. She won't be going that far here. #10 Blind Luck was the star early in the season with a victory in the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill earlier this year.

Martha
This is a tough race and I am not sure that the favorite Blind Luck, can overcome her far outside post. Unrivaled Belle bested Rachel Alexandra at Churchill and could be sitting on another good effort for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. Acoma, at 20-1, could pull the upset. Mare is a million dollar earner, is two for two at Churchill and reunites with the resurgent Robby Albarado.

TOP FOUR SELECTIONS:
Unrivaled Belle, Blind Luck, Acoma, Life at Ten

Remember, They Are Off is not responsible for any wagers placed in conjunction with these wagers. They are merely suggestions. Tune in again tomorrow for a look at the Saturday Breeders' Cup races. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

The 1986 Breeders' Cup Classic

1986 was maybe the greatest year in sports we have ever seen. The Chicago Bears completed their greatest season ever with a 46-10 shellacking of the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX. Jack Nicklaus shot 65 on Sunday to come from way back to win The Masters at age 46. Bill Shoemaker also managed to turn back the clock one more time and score a fourth Derby victory aboard Ferdinand (who is the last horse to win the Derby from the #1 post position). The baseball playoffs were unbelievable from the get go, with the Red Sox one strike away from elimination rallying to win the American League Championship Series over snakebitten Gene Mauch and the California Angels. The Mets and Astros engaged in maybe the greatest baseball game ever played in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series to send the Mets to the World Series, where they then defeated the Red Sox after being one strike away from elimination themselves.

Ferdinand would have his moment in the Breeders' Cup sun one year later in 1987. However, in 1986 the Breeders' Cup made its first journey to the foot of the San Gabriel Mountains in California and beautiful Santa Anita Park. The actual star of the day would turn out to be Lady's Secret, winner of the Distaff. She would be voted Horse Of The Year in 1986 following her win in the Distaff, which came after wins in the Ruffian, Beldame, Whitney. Molly Pitcher, and Shuvee. It was an incredible season for Lady's Secret, but she still had to hold off Turkoman for the honors. Turkoman had won the Oaklawn Handicap, The Marlboro Cup, and the Widener leading up to the Cup. If he would have won the Classic, he might have been able to take Horse Of The Year away from the Distaff winner. Turkoman would have to settle for second in the Breeders' Cup Classic, as Laffit Pincay Jr. gave us a demonstration of top-notch race riding. He sent lightly considered Skywalker to the front and then settled back to let Herat set the pace, but Skywalker was never more than a length away from the lead. Once Skywalker took the lead, the horse never looked back. Skywalker won by a length and a half from Turkoman and third place went to the 1985 Sprint Champion, the versatile Precisionist. Turkoman would still be named Champion Older Male Horse in 1986.

It would be the greatest moment in the career of Skywalker, who was named for Star Wars hero, Luke Skywalker, by the son of the owner. He would win eight of twenty starts in his career, compiling earnings of $2,226,750. If you would like to watch Skywalker's victory in the 1986 Breeders' Cup Classic, here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EONZMClsuPQ.

Tune in to They Are Off tomorrow for Friday's Breeders' Cup selections. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

Before We Forget...

Yes, I know that the big news of the day is the draw for all the Breeders' Cup races. I will comment quickly that I didn't think much of the draw Quality Road got in the Classic. He will likely load first and have to wait in the gate while the remainder of the field will load. If you remember last year's Classic, Quality Road freaked out during his load and had to be scratched. Hopefully, he will be better behaved this year, but that wait in the gate might prove costly.

Anyway, on to the news I meant to discuss before everyone gets too hysterical over the Breeders' Cup (and believe me, I am already searching for oxygen having to wait three more days), Super Saver has been retired. The 2010 Kentucky Derby winner, trained by Todd Pletcher, has been retired to stud at WinStar Farm. He joins 2009 winner Mine That Bird as a Derby winner unable to win another race following his triumph in the Run For The Roses. While Mine That Bird will go in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile this weekend, Super Saver is getting ready to pass along his genes to a new generation.

Super Saver finished eighth in the Preakness and fourth in the Haskell following his Derby triumph. Clearly, he was not the same horse in those two starts that he was in the Derby. Was it the injury that forced him to retire or was Super Saver just a fluke winner of the Derby because of the wet track that day that prevented him from returning to the Winner's Circle? Was Mine That Bird or Super Saver a bigger fluke winner of the Derby? I will say that Mine That Bird did run well following his Derby score, he just hasn't returned to the Winner's Circle and he might never. We know for a fact that Super Saver never will. We are left to wonder whether or not Super Saver would even be a Derby winner if it hadn't rained like the Amazon Rainforest over Kentucky on the First Saturday in May. Who knows? What we do know is that Super Saver has moved on, and like Rachel Alexandra before him this year, we will wait to see if he can pass along his ability to his progeny.

Tune in tomorrow for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

Photo courtesy of DRF.com

The Grade 3 $100,000 Bold Ruler Handicap

Bold Ruler is best remembered today as the Sire of the greatest Thoroughbred of all time, Secretariat. As pointed out in the recently released film, "Secretariat", Bold Ruler's progeny had a reputation for not being able to last classic distance, that is until Big Red came along. The horses running in the Grade 3 Bold Ruler Handicap won't have to worry about that on Saturday at Belmont Park, since the distance is only seven furlongs. Here is the analysis:

I will put #3 Wildcat Brief in the top spot in here. He ran 3rd in the Grade 1 Vosburgh behind Girolamo and Riley Tucker, both of whom are running in the Breeders' Cup Sprint next weekend. He previous race was a win in an ungraded stakes race at Monmouth. Plus, he has a bullet work at Monmouth on October 25, covering a half-mile in 48.1 seconds. Elvis Trujillo was up for the win in New Jersey and will ride again here. #2 Tahitian Warrior is a Godolphin horse that has never run in a Graded stakes race before. His last three efforts produced Beyer speed figures in the 100s and two of those were at today's distance of seven furlongs. He also has never been worse than second in three starts over the enormous oval at Belmont Park. The venerable #1 Bribon gets consideration for the third spot here. Expect him to make his patented run once they get close to the conclusion of the far turn. My only issue is that the top pick might just get first run on him in this one. John Velazquez is one of the best in the business. This gelding also loves Belmont, hitting the board in eight of nine lifetime starts at this track. I will put #6 Temecula Creek in the fourth position with Edgar Prado at the controls. He finished fourth in the Vosburgh behind the top pick and the value for this one at 12-1 on the morning-line makes him one you cannot leave out. Here is the play for the Grade 3 Bold Ruler Handicap:

$5 WP #3
$1 EX BOX 1-2-3-6
TOTAL- $22

What do you expect? You have to save some money for the Breeders' Cup next week, don't you? Remember, They Are Off does not accept any responsibility for any wagers placed in conjunction with these selections. They are merely suggestions. Tune in again next week for a full look at the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

The 2005 Breeders' Cup Turf

Going into the 2005 Breeders' Cup Turf at Belmont Park, there were several horses that were well-considered including the 2004 champion, Better Talk Now, the Irish-based favorite Ace, Shakespeare, who had won the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic over the Belmont turf earlier in the year. The horse I myself fancied was 20-1 on the morning-line and that was Shirocco. Shirocco was trained by Andre Fabre, who pulled off the greatest upset in Breeders' Cup history with Arcangues in the 1993 Classic at over 100-1. Shirocco had finished fourth in the Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp in France earlier in the year and in the process had finished behind Bago, who would also cross the Atlantic after a third-place finish in the Arc. By the way, Bago had won the Arc the year before also.

Apparently, I wasn't the only one who fancied Shirocco because he was bet down from that juice 20-1 morning-line to a more pedestrian 8-1 at post time. Shirocco settled in second behind the pacesetting rabbit Shake The Bank early on in the process. Shake The Bank was supposed to be setting testing fractions up front so defending champion Better Talk Now could come sweeping up from the back of the pack, which he had done at Lone Star Park in 2004. However, once Shake The Bank stopped after building up the big lead he was supposed to have, Shirocco was there to take over the lead and he never gave it up. In fact, he wasn't even given a big challenge from anyone once he took over. Jockey Christophe Soumillion drove him through the stretch and Shirocco won by a nifty two lengths.

Shirocco would be voted German Horse Of The Year in 2005. For his career, he would win seven of thirteen starts, earning a total of $2,477,588. If you would like to watch the 2005 Breeders' Cup Turf victory by Shirocco, here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fV5AEKIAs6Y. Tune in again tomorrow for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

184

That is the new record number of pre-entries for the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships to be held Friday, November 5 and Saturday, November 6 at Churchill Downs in Kentucky.

Of course, the full list does not get released by the Breeders' Cup head honchos until tomorrow, but that record number will, of course, include the creme de la creme of international racing. Already known in the pre-entries are obvious candidates like the defending Classic champion, Zenyatta, the two-time defending Mile champion, Goldikova, the winner of this year's Arc de Triomphe and Epsom Derby, Workforce, Preakness winner, Lookin At Lucky, and Champagne Stakes and likely Juvenile favorite, Uncle Mo.

One horse you will not see on the list of entries is Cost Of Freedom, who so very nearly won the Sprint last year, only to be collared by Dancing In Silks (who also will not be participating in the Sprint this year) in the shadow of the wire. Cost Of Freedom's connections are opting instead for the California Cup Sprint at Hollywood Park on Saturday in what they are calling a more conservative option.

Tune in tomorrow for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

The Grade 2 $250,000 Raven Run

Keeneland will be wrapping up their fall racing season shortly and racing will not return to Lexington until next spring when Derby Fever is heating up all over the landscape. There is a very competitive seven-furlong sprint on the program on Saturday in the Grade 2 Raven Run, featuring a field of fourteen. Here is the analysis:

My top choice in this field will be #11 Kitty In A Tizzy, an offspring of two-time Breeders' Cup Classic winner, Tiznow. The James Bond trainee has a win and two seconds in three tries over the polytrack at Woodbine. Chantal Sutherland was aboard for all of those Woodbine races and gets the call once again here. By the way, two of those three races were at today's elongated sprint distance of seven furlongs. There seems to be a lot to like in this 8-1 shot. For second, I will use #9 Beautician, who gets red-hot Julien Leparoux in the irons here. Earlier this year, she participated in the Kentucky Oaks and ran a credible fourth behind Blind Luck. Her only 2010 victory came at seven furlongs in an Allowance spot at Saratoga on August 29. She also liked the Keeneland surface in a recent workout, covering five furlongs in 59.3 seconds. The addition of blinkers on Saturday could be a key for #8 Red Hot Buddha. She has missed the board in her two previous attempts with graded company, including a fifth last time out in Presque Isle Masters on September 11. Her style might play a factor in whether or not she is a contender here. There might be plenty of speed in this field that might not last a long time. She could be among the first to strike once the speed collapses. For fourth, let's try a 10-1 shot in #12 My Irish Girl. She has not been to the track since a win at Monmouth in the Miss Woodford in August. The Sire is Closing Argument, who came so close to winning the Derby five years ago. The one hesitation with her is that this will be her first appearance on a synthetic surface, be it in a race or a listed workout. Here is the play for the Grade 2 Raven Run:

$5 WP #11
$1 EX BOX 8-9-11-12-13
$1 TRI 9-11 with 9-11 with 8-12-13
TOTAL- $36

Remember, They Are Off accepts no responsibility for any wagers placed in conjunction with these selections. They are merely suggestions. Tune in again next week for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

The 2000 Breeders' Cup Distaff

The Distaff division (I refuse to call it the Ladies' Classic unless I have to) has always provided some excitement to Breeders' Cup Day. Actually, the last several years it has provided excitement to Breeders' Cup Friday, ever since they expanded Racing's Greatest Day to Racing's Very Good Two Days. If you look at the list of champions in the Distaff, you will find a cornucopia of champions including Princess Rooney, Life's Magic, Bayakoa, Paseana, Azeri, Ashado, and of course, Zenyatta. You will also find (like any Breeders' Cup race) your share of surprising winners like One Dreamer, Jewel Princess, and last year's Life Is Sweet.

However, no winner of the Distaff was quite the surprise that Spain was in 2000. Firstly, it must be remembered that the defending champion, Beautiful Pleasure, was part of that field, as was Surfside, Heritage Of Gold and Riboletta. It certainly was not a sluggish bunch of challengers, nor was it the most outstanding field in Distaff history. Surfside and Beautiful Pleasure certainly were prominent throughout the race. Surfside set the pace and while Beautiful Pleasure did apply some pressure at various points of the race, she could not defend her championship. Meanwhile, jockey Victor Espinoza had Spain well-positioned throughout the race, down on the rail and forwardly placed. Therefore, when Surfside tired from setting the pace, Spain was there and able to roll up the rail to take the lead at the top of the stretch and was never really challenged the rest of the way home. She more or less cruised through the stretch and won nicely by two lengths. She paid a remarkable 50-1 for her victory, remarkable because she was trained by D. Wayne Lukas and owned by Prince Ahmed bin Salman's Thoroughbred Corporation. Those two names usually resulted in payoffs just slightly less than 50-1 back in 2000.

The 2000 Distaff was the biggest win of Spain's career, although she retired as the richest mare in North American history. Overall, she won nine of 35 starts and hit the board sixteen other times for a total earnings of $3,540,542. If you would like to watch the 2000 Breeders' Cup Distaff, here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmwTpImcBcA.

Tune in again tomorrow for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

Dubai Defectors

The sparkling new Meydan Race Course in Dubai was hailed by one and all as a massive success this past spring, a season that culminated with Gloria De Campeo winning one of the more exciting renditions of the Group 1 Dubai World Cup we have ever seen. The Tapeta racing surface is a synthetic, but it was developed by the "Mad Genius" himself, Michael Dickinson, and is generally considered to be the most satisfactory of those synthetic surfaces normally detested by one and all.

One of those who have come out and mentioned that profound dislike for synthetic surfaces recently is trainer Bob Baffert, who has been more inclined to head eastward rather than remain in California and run on those state-mandated synthetic surfaces in the Golden State. One of Baffert's current prized pupils is Richard's Kid, who clearly has a fondness for the synthetics, having won back-to-back versions of the Pacific Classic over the polytrack at Del Mar and the Goodwood this season over the Pro-Ride at Santa Anita. Baffert had been working Richard's Kid toward the Breeders' Cup Classic, to be run over the dirt at Churchill Downs on November 6. Those plans changed abruptly when the owner of Richard's Kid, Sheikh al-Maktoum, decided that he wanted the horse returned to Dubai to be prepared for a winter and spring of racing over there.

Another runner that had some promise on the synthetic surface in California in 2009 was Twice Over. He ran third behind Zenyatta and Gio Ponti in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita last autumn. He preceded that third-place finish with a win in the Group 1 Champion Stakes at Newmarket. Twice Over repeated that win in the Champion Stakes over the weekend, but he will not be coming west for the Breeders' Cup. Instead, he will go east and head to Dubai to rest for a while and begin prepping for the Dubai World Cup at Meydan.

The Classic field still remains one that could be legendary, even without the presence of Richard's Kid and Twice Over. Remember, that you still have Blame, Quality Road, Lookin At Lucky, and of course, the defending champion, Zenyatta. They all appear ready to give us a show for the ages on November 6. It just seems that we might be missing out on even more quality in that field with these two late defections. After all, who doesn't want to see the best run with the best?

Tune in again tomorrow for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

The Grade 1 $2,000,000 Canadian International

In 1973, Secretariat took the racing world by storm, winning the Triple Crown in his now-legendary and movie-worthy fashion. Secretariat also was voted Champion Male Turf Horse of 1973 following his victory in the Man O'War Stakes and the Canadian International. As a matter of fact, the 1973 Canadian International was the final start of Big Red's incredible career. There was a short film made to commemorate the appearance of Secretariat in the International and here is the link to see Part 1 on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ig6mVScZ4bc. Part 2 is also available on Youtube and you can link to that from Part 1. Now, on to the matter at hand, which is the 2010 Grade 1 Canadian International:

I will go with a reversal of fortune from the Grade 1 Northern Dancer over this same E.P. Taylor Turf Course and pick #9 Fifty Proof as the winner. He ended up second after leading all the way in the Northern Dancer. He has posted three consecutive bullet workouts entering this effort. His morning-line for Saturday is 10-1. When you consider that he only lost by a half-length to #8 Redwood, I think that price is acceptable. Redwood is the second selection here. His Racing Post speed numbers are very impressive to be sure and he won a Group 3 race three back at Goodwood. In fact, his last two wins were at Saturday's distance of 1 1/2 miles. For third, I will use the winner of the Grade 2 Sky Classic at Woodbine, #6 Marsh Side. He ran a poor eighth in the Northern Dancer, tiring badly at the end. His lineage suggests that the distance isn't a problem, so it leaves you to wonder what might have caused that poor effort last time out. Finally, I will go with #4 Simmard in the fourth spot. He ran third in the Grade 2 Bowling Green at Belmont on September 11. He is six for seven in-the-money over the turf at Woodbine. Javier Castellano will be aboard. Here is the play for the Grade 1 Canadian International:

$5 WP #9
$5 EX BOX #8+ #9
$1 TRI 8/9 with 8/9 with ALL
TOTAL- $34

Remember, They Are Off accepts no responsibility for any wagers placed in conjunction with these selections. They are merely suggestions. Tune in again next week for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

The 1994 Breeders Cup Mile

Of all the races that make up the undercard on the Breeders' Cup program (excepting of course the Classic), the Mile might have had the most interesting renditions. The back-to-back wins of Miesque in the 80s, Da Hoss winning in 1996 and taking pretty much two years off and coming back to win in 1998, Domedriver upsetting Rock Of Gibraltar in 2002, and now Goldikova winning the last two Miles in 2008 and 2009 at Santa Anita. She will be coming back to Churchill Downs to try and make it three straight this year. The last time a horse tried to win three consecutive runnings of the Mile was Lure in 1994.

Lure had won the Mile in both 1992 at Gulfstream and Santa Anita in 1993. His try for three in a row (much like Goldikova) came in 1994 at Churchill Downs, does that sound familiar? Well, Lure would not make it three straight at Churchill Downs that year. He wouldn't even be a contender, finishing ninth of fourteen. No, the winner that year would be European invader, Barathea, who had won the Irish 2,000 Guineas previously in his career and was ridden by Frankie Dettori. As a matter of fact, this would be the first of Dettori's nine Breeders' Cup victories in his storied career. He had Barathea fairly close to the pace during the early run of the race and then once he uncoiled Barathea at the top of the stretch, the race was over. Johann Quatz ran on from way back to finish second and Unfinished Symph ran third after being part of the pace setup.

If you would like to watch a replay of the 1994 Breeders' Cup Mile, here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDta0E5_nNY. Tune in tomorrow for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

Tell A... Calvin?

The horse that might very well be the favorite for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies on Friday, November 5 at Churchill Downs will have the services of the man that knows that piece of real estate better than anyone. Tell A Kelly gets Calvin Borel for the Breeders' Cup race that will likely determine who is the Champion Two-Year-Old Filly for 2010.

Tell A Kelly leapfrogged to the top of the pops with her outstanding stretch run to win the Grade 1 Darley Debutante at Del Mar in early September. Her outstanding turn of foot at the end of that race made it entirely plausible that she would able to go longer without much doubt. Well, that lingering doubt returned in full force with her next start at Hollywood Park, where she ran second to 32-1 shot Rigoletta, in the Grade 1 Oak Leaf. The Oak Leaf was run at a mile and a sixteenth, which is the same distance as the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies race.

It is my thought the rider change on Tell A Kelly was totally necessary. If you go back and watch the replay of that Oak Leaf race from Hollywood Park, you will find that rider Alonso Quinonez had Tell A Kelly repeatedly in trouble throughout the important stages of the race. At the top of the stretch, Tell A Kelly was in very tight between rivals and she even appeared to be slightly jostled at that point of the race as well. Her challenger on the outside was Rigoletta, who wore down the favorite in time and prevailed with a strong stretch run of her own. The fact remains that the race shouldn't have been that close had Quinonez done a better job of handling Tell A Kelly earlier and kept her out of harm's way. That can be a very grueling way to get around the racetrack, in traffic and fighting through small holes that are nearly not there, for any experienced horse around, much less a precocious but talented two-year-old.

With the move to Calvin Borel, you get a rider that knows that oval at Churchill Downs as well as anyone in racing today. He has won three of the last four Kentucky Derbies, one on a favorite (Street Sense), one on a longshot (Mine That Bird), and one on a mid-range shot (Super Saver). The folks in Kentucky also know where Borel will likely be, since they don't call him Bo-RAIL for nothing. It will remain to be seen whether he will be able to go the inside route with the late-running Tell A Kelly. He still might have to go overland with her since her last experience in tight quarters didn't fare so well. However she might get there, I think Tell A Kelly keeps her rightful place at the top of the two-year-old filly class with this move by trainer John Sadler.

Tune in tomorrow for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

Finding His Niche

Gio Ponti was the Champion Male Turf Horse in 2009 and also won the Champion Older Male Horse while he was at it in 2009. He won the Arlington Million, the Man O'War, and ran 2nd to the incomparable Zenyatta in the Breeders' Cup Classic over the synthetic surface at Santa Anita. With the exception of the two leading ladies of racing in 2009, Gio Ponti might have been the best horse in North America.

So far, 2010 has been a much different story for Gio Ponti. Going into this weekend, he had won only one race all year. He defended his win in the Man O'War, but he had to work like the dickens to get that done. It took him almost forever to run down 50-1 shot Mission Envisioned, who had set a slow pace and had plenty left in reserve to withstand the challenge of the champion, but Gio Ponti was just too classy on the day. Other than that race, Gio Ponti's 2010 performances have been scuttled by bad luck, excellent performances or a combination of both. A prime example occurred in the Arlington Million, where Gio Ponti appeared primed to defend his title there until Debussy shook clear on the rail and rocketed past him to win.

This past weekend, Gio Ponti returned to the Winner's Circle and he did it in emphatic style with a win in the Shadwell Turf Mile at Keeneland. Granted, it was only a field of six, but the result never seemed in doubt this time around once Gio Ponti took the advantage. He won like a champion should have. The victory also appeared to clear up the question regarding his final start of 2010 in the Breeders' Cup. Gio Ponti was apparently either destined for the Mile to take on Goldikova or the Classic for another try with Zenyatta, not to mention Blame, Quality Road, and the others he would have to tame. The Classic would also be his first lifetime start on a pure dirt surface. The win in the Shadwell puts the Mile clearly in the crosshairs for Gio Ponti and that is the correct decision, without doubt. He has a much larger chance to win in the Mile and, as far as Goldikova is concerned, remember that no horse has ever won the same Breeders' Cup race three years in a row. She would be the first to do that if she scores at Churchill Downs. Gio Ponti is in the right spot in the Mile and thankfully, he is headed there off of a victory.

Tune in tomorrow for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

The Grade 1 $250,000 Jamaica Handicap

There are a lot of key Breeders' Cup prep races tomorrow. Uncle Mo goes to the post at Belmont in the Champagne and Gio Ponti will also be in the field at Keeneland in the Shadwell Turf Mile. However, the fields for those races came up a little short as far as looking for betting opportunities, so I have instead chosen to handicap The Grade 1 $250,000 Jamaica Handicap, which is earlier on the card at Belmont Park on Saturday.

The top spot will go to #6 Lethal Combination, who scored a win in the Grade 3 Saranac over some of these same horses at Saratoga on September 5. Alan Garcia gets the ride for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin. There appears to be enough speed in here that he might get a decent pace to run at. My second choice in the Todd Pletcher-trained #11 Fantastico Roberto, who is adding blinkers for this try on Saturday. He should be part of the pace I am anticipating, but he was the betting choice in that Saranac and ran third on that occasion. This will be the first graded attempt for #3 Beau Choix. He has two wins and a second in the last three, which are all ungraded stakes tries. Overall, he has hit the board in seven of eight lifetime races. The lone miss of the money came in his lone non-turf start. For fourth, I will use #9 Krypton, who actually defeated the top pick three back in the Grade 3 Hill Prince at Belmont during the spring meeting. Kris S. is present on the Sire side, which is key to a good turf performer. His last workout on October 3 was quite sharp as well. Here is the play for the Grade 1 Jamaica Handicap:

$10 WP #6
$1 EX BOX 3-6-11
$1 TRI 6 with 3-7-9-11
TOTAL- $38

Remember, They Are Off accepts no responsibility for any wagers placed in conjunction with these selections. They are merely suggestions. Tune in again next week for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

The Grade 3 $175,000 Phoenix

Keeneland will be opening up its prestigious fall season on Friday, so They Are Off will take a look at one of the graded stakes race on the Friday program in Kentucky. I elected to handicap the Grade 3 Phoenix over the Grade 1 Darley Alcibides because of a bigger field and I feel a better chance to get a price for our efforts. Also, I think there will be something of a speed duel in here and I would expect some closers to make things quite entertaining in the last sixteenth.

The top pick will be #11 Canonize, who is returning from some time off. His last start was actually on the turf at Santa Anita in the Grade 3 San Simeon and he finished fourth that day in April. His last two workouts at Hollywood were swift and Victor Espinoza gets the riding assignment here. For second, I will go with #4 Wild L at 12-1. He scored a win on the turf last time out at Arlington in late August. In fact, so far in 2010, Wild L is 2 for 2. I think he will be one those middle to late runners that will appear on the scene with a chance to do something late in here under Glenn Corbett. I will put the morning-line choice, #5 Warrior's Reward, third. I REALLY needed him to get past Vineyard Haven in the Forego at Saratoga and finish third, but he couldn't quite do it. My concern with him in here is the polytrack at Keeneland. In fact, his last Polytrack effort was a Grade 3 last October at Keeneland at seven furlongs and he finished fifth. Was it the distance or the surface that caused that result? I can't put him on top until I know for sure. Finally, how about a nice 20-1 shot to wrap up the top four with #6 Moralist? He is another that has gotten some time off since the summer. He won the Claiming Crown Express at Canterbury on July 24 last time out and his price makes him an attractive part of the issue here. Again, there is a lack of Polytrack seasoning, but I am more willing to forgive it at 20-1 as opposed to 5-2. Here is the play for the Grade 3 $175,000 Phoenix:

$5 WP #11
$1 EX BOX 4-5-6-7-11
TOTAL- $30

They Are Off accepts no responsibility for any wagers placed in conjunction with these selections. They are merely suggestions. Tune in again tomorrow for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

The 2002 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies

The 2002 edition of the Breeders' Cup was held for the first (and so far only) time at Arlington Park near Chicago, Illinois. I will always hold a soft spot in my heart for this version of the Breeders' Cup as it was the first one I was personally able to attend. I was invited to participate in All-Star Announcers Day on the Friday before the Cup and it was a tremendous thrill to be a part of it. I got to get acquainted with some of my fellow announcers I had not met before and also was there for an exciting day of racing as well. By the way, in case you are wondering, I still remember the winner of the race I called at Arlington, Murray's D.J. won a one-turn mile under the ride of Tony Farina.

Back to the business at hand, however, and that is a look back at the 2002 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. This race stands out to me because of the way it was won by Storm Flag Flying. She had taken the lead at the top of the stretch and was subsequently passed and appeared hopelessly beaten by Composure in mid-stretch and Storm Flag Flying dug into her reserve of heart and rallied again on the inside to once again get past Composure and surge to a victory and prove herself a champion on that epic afternoon. Storm Flag Flying's performance headlined a day of amazing performances and horses including Azeri, Volponi, Orientate, Domedriver, and others.

Storm Flag Flying was voted Champion Two-Year-Old Filly off of that win in the Breeders' Cup in 2002. Storm Flag Flying was not finished with the Breeders' Cup after that race either. She ran a gallant second to Ashado in the 2004 Breeders' Cup Distaff at Lone Star Park. For her career, she finished with thirteen top three results in fourteen lifetime starts, including seven wins. Her career earnings were $1,951,828. To watch Storm Flag Flying's victory in the 2002 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UbbPN3xwnU.

Tune in again tomorrow for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

Where To Begin...

So much happened this past weekend over racetracks around the world that I am just not sure where to begin.

Of course, Zenyatta ran in the Lady's Secret and made it a perfect 19 for 19 in her career. It was another instance of saying, "She's not going to get there." and as soon as you finish saying it, you have to say, "Oh, yes she is." The Grand Dame of the American Turf just barely ran down Switch to win the Lady's Secret at the Oak Tree meeting at Hollywood Park on Saturday. Zenyatta is still pointing for a repeat try in the Breeders' Cup Classic on November 6 at Churchill Downs, but I am not sure that's the best spot for her that weekend. She might be better served to run in the Ladies' Classic on Friday, which is no pushover of a race either with Blind Luck, Havre De Grace, and a pretty decent field shaping up for that race as well. Meanwhile, Switch appears destined to run in the Filly And Mare Sprint on Breeders' Cup Friday.

Meanwhile, the other top choice for Horse Of The Year honors, Blame, suffered his first defeat of 2010 and he lost conclusively to the front-running Haynesfield. Haynesfield exploded to a five-length lead going around the far turn at Belmont Park and never, ever looked back. Blame got started late and ended up running second, but it was never really much of a horse race. Haynesfield was just that dominant. It would appear that they will be matched up again in the Classic, along with Zenyatta, Quality Road, and what might be the best field for a Breeders' Cup Classic in a while.

The declared leader of the Juvenile Filly ranks, Tell A Kelly, stretched out for the first time around two turns. She ended up getting beat by a 32-1 longshot, Rigoletta, in Oak Leaf Stakes. In Tell A Kelly's defense, I really found the ride she got to be indefensible. She was in traffic trouble most of the way around and had to try and rally from in between horses, which is difficult enough for an experienced horse to deal with, much less a lightly race two-year-old filly going two turns for the first time. I still expect her to be the favorite for the Juvenile Fillies for the Breeders' Cup on Filly Friday.

Europe also leapt into the picture for the Breeders' Cup in a big way with two-time defending champion of the Breeders' Cup Mile, the brilliant Goldikova, winning her final prep race on the Arc undercard at Longchamp. Goldikova held off the late run of Paco Boy to win the Prix de la Foret. Meanwhile, in the Main Event, Workforce won an exciting rendition of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. He barely held off longshot Nakayama Festa to prevail in the French Classic by a head and earn an Arc triumph for trainer Sir Michael Stoute. The rumor is that Workforce will now be pointed to the Breeders' Cup Turf.

All in all, it was a frenetic weekend that produced highs and lows and all kinds of excitment on racetracks all over the world. Even though I didn't cash a ticket on any of it, I still loved every minute of it. Tune in again tomorrow for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

Belmont $500,000 Guaranteed All-Stakes Pick Four

Belmont Park has cancelled live racing the last two days due to a horrible storm that has seemingly stalled over the East Coast and just won't go away. The amount of rain that the main and turf tracks at Belmont has accepted in those days could cause quite a bit of craziness with their big Breeders' Cup preview day, which includes a $500,000 All-Graded Stakes Pick Four. Here is the analysis for that Pick Four play:

Race 7- The Grade 1 Flower Bowl Invitational- I think that #7 Shared Account is going to be the winner here and the expected soft turf should certainly benefit her performance on Saturday. I will also use #2 Red Desire because she might be the best of the bunch in here. Keep in mind that she bested Dubai World Cup winner, Gloria De Campeo, earlier this year on the Tapeta at Meydan.

Race 8- The Grade 1 Beldame- This is the race that has been most significantly affected by the rain as far as I can tell. It is only a field of six, but I plan on using four of them in here. #1 Life At Ten is the top selection, even coming off her third in the Personal Ensign with Johnny V riding for Todd Pletcher. #4 Unrivaled Belle has never caught an off-track before, but her Tomlinson figure indicates that she might like it anyway. #6 Persistently is the one that topped the top pick in the Personal Ensign and it is possible that she could do it again. The one I am using due to the wet conditions will be #2 Miss Match. She is two for two over wet surfaces and if any moisture remains in the track, she is a must include at 15-1 on the morning line.

Race 9- The Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational- #10 Winchester is a Christophe Clement trainee that has never been worse than second in three tries over the Widener Turf Course at Belmont Park. He ran second behind Al Khali, who I am not using here, in the Grade 2 Bowling Green last time out on September 11. #9 Paddy O'Prado loved the wet dirt in the Kentucky Derby enough to run third at 12-1 and round out a big trifecta. He has won his last three turf starts, two at Colonial and one at Arlington. My only question with him today is whether or not he can beat the older horses he faces here. #2 Never On Sunday relished the soft turf at Longchamp in winning a Group 1 race last May in France. However, he has been away from the races since March, which might be a tad too much to overcome here. Finally, I will use #11 Interpatation. Don't ignore history's lessons with him. He won this race last year over a soft turf course, beating a much better than this year's version of Gio Ponti in doing so. That was his last win, but he always has liked the soft going.

Race 10- The Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup- I think #2 Blame will be a single in this field, although Rail Trip could give him some difficulty. Haynesfield might have been a throw-in here also if I weren't convinced that Blame is going to run big on Saturday. This might be hard to believe, but this should be only the second time that Blame will be the betting favorite this year. He was favored in his first start (the Schaefer at Pimlico on Preakness Day) and was not favored in either of the last two victories.

Here is the play for the $500,000 Guaranteed All-Stakes Pick Four:

$1 PK4- 2/7 with 1/2/4/6 with 2/9/10/11 with 2
TOTAL- $32

Remember, They Are Off accepts no responsibility for any wagers made in conjunction with these selections. They are merely suggestions. Tune in again next week for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

The 1997 Breeders' Cup Juvenile

The 1997 Breeders' Cup at Hollywood Park was memorable for many reasons, among them Skip Away's dominating win in the Classic and Chief Bearhart picking up a win for Canada in the Turf. However, no storyline dominated as much as the Breeders' Cup Juvenile where Favorite Trick was the overwhelming choice to win. Favorite Trick was undefeated entering the race and seemed destined for greatness regardless of the outcome on Breeders' Cup Day.

Well, he certainly lived up to the billing in the Juvenile. He would win by five conclusive lengths and set a stakes record time in doing so as well. The victory capped his undefeated campaign and was part of the resume' he had in being named Horse Of The Year in 1997, the first two-year-old since Secretariat to be accorded that distinction. Needless to say, everyone thought Favorite Trick would be able to carry over his brilliant form into his three-year-old season and win the Kentucky Derby and everything else along the way. As we all know, it didn't quite turn out that way. 1998 was the year of Real Quiet, who was documented earlier this week on this blog following his untimely passing. Favorite Trick ended up running eighth in the 1998 Kentucky Derby and did not race in either of the other two Triple Crown races. He ended up coming back in the summer to win the Saratoga prep for the Travers Stakes, the Jim Dandy, and his connections tried to turn him into a turf miler. He scored a nice win at a mile on the turf at Keeneland and was sent off as the betting choice in the 1998 Breeders' Cup Mile, but ended up running eighth that day as well.

One must wonder what might have happened had Favorite Trick been able to remain with the trainer that guided him to that two-year-old championship campaign. Trainer Patrick Byrne had Favorite Trick ready to go in all eight of those two-year-old efforts and after the successful season, Byrne was hired away by Frank Stronach and left Favorite Trick behind. 1998 Horse Racing Hall Of Famer Bill Mott took over Favorite Trick's training and was never able to achieve the same level of success with the horse that Byrne had.

Favorite Trick perished in a barn fire in New Mexico in 2006. For his career, he started sixteen times, winning twelve and running third once. His career earnings were $1,726,793. If you would like to watch Favorite Trick's performance in the 1997 Breeders' Cup Juvenile, here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jikiWUEmzdU.

Tune in tomorrow for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

End Of The Line

On Tuesday afternoon, Jess Jackson, owner of 2009 Horse Of The Year, Rachel Alexandra, made an announcement that really shouldn't have surprised anyone that has been paying attention over the last several months. He announced the retirement of the champion filly and plans to breed her to his other Horse Of The Year, Curlin, are already underway. By the way, one can only hope that the progeny will inherit all the champion qualities of those two parents and become yet another champion to wear the yellow and maroon Jackson colors.

I know she never faced Zenyatta, which is only a huge lost opportunity for the sport. However, I would like to offer the following thought as far as Rachel's historical importance: Rachel Alexandra's 2009 season is the greatest single season for any filly anywhere or anytime. Starting with that first start of 2009 in the Martha Washington at Oaklawn Park, Rachel Alexandra never posted a Beyer figure lower than 100. She won seven consecutive Grade 1 or 2 races. That list includes a Triple Crown race (The Preakness), a 20 1/4-length victory in the Kentucky Oaks, a 19 1/4-length victory in the Mother Goose, and back-to-back wins against her male counterparts in the Haskell (against three-year-olds) and the Woodward (against older males). She did things in 2009 that no other three-year-old filly in history has ever done and she captivated the horse racing nation in doing so.

I must admit that I was quite disappointed in her 2010 campaign, which seemed mismanaged by her connections from the start. The results of only two wins in five starts appear to bear that out. I also admit that it was quite disappointing to never see her run with the Grand Dame of the West Coast, Zenyatta. While you must blame her connections also on that front, you must also blame the connections of Zenyatta, who only ventured outside of California once in an effort to match up in what would have an historic Apple Blossom Invitational at Oaklawn Park. One can only wonder what might have happened in such a race, but whether you are in the Zenyatta camp or the Rachel Alexandra camp, you must admit that it would have been incredible to see it happen.

So, Rachel goes off now to have babies with the creme de la creme of the recent times in Thoroughbred racing. It would be tremendous to see her replicate herself, but the odds are very long that would ever happen. I think we should just appreciate what we were able to see from her and accept that she was a great champion. That is all we should ever ask from any great one, isn't it?

Here is the link to watch Rachel Alexandra's win in the 2009 Preakness Stakes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRbF1kZQLjA. Tune in again tomorrow for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

Real Quiet

One thing that most of my friends and people that know me say about me is that you will usually know exactly where I stand. Very early in my career calling and handicapping races, one of my "certainties" was that Real Quiet (pictured) was not much of a racehorse. I never warmed to him at all and spent most of my time relieved that he failed to join the pantheon on Triple Crown winners by losing the Belmont by a nose to Victory Gallop. One other thing that most people that know me know is that I also can admit when I was wrong.

Real Quiet was a tremendous race horse that came as close as anyone will ever come to winning horse racing's Holy Grail and not doing it. You can almost compare him to the 1986 Boston Red Sox, who came so close yet were so far away from winning that elusive championship. Real Quiet showed guts and determination in winning the Kentucky Derby, Real Quiet showed class and brilliance in winning the Preakness, and Real Quiet showed greatness and fallibility in nearly winning the Belmont Stakes. He deserved the kudos that came his way after his five-week run at immortality (Real Quiet was named Champion Three-Year-Old Colt in 1998). The fact that he didn't quite make it doesn't deter from the fact that he gave it his best.

Real Quiet passed away at the age of fifteen following a fall in his paddock at Penn Ridge Farms on Monday. Looking back on it, he might have been 11th or 12th as far as greatness on that pantheon of Triple Crown winners, but in my opinion, he certainly should have been on the list.

Tune in again tomorrow for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

Photo courtesy of championsgallery.com

Super Derby $100,000 Guaranteed Pick Four

I will be in attendance for the Grade 2 $500,000 Super Derby on Saturday afternoon and Louisiana Downs is offering a $100,000 Guaranteed Pick Four on Race 9-12, including the Super Derby itself, which features a very competitive field of six. Here is the analysis for each of the races in the Pick Four sequence (based on a $1 wager):

Race 9- The Happy Ticket- I think this is the most wide-open race in the Pick Four, so this is the race I will go the deepest in with five possibilities. #2 Patty's Pride, #6 Jazzy Jessy, #7 Accept, #8 Lawyer Tiffany, and #9 Tiger Girl will all be used in this pick four play.

Race 10- The Sunday Silence- #5 Aces N Kings is the 4-5 favorite in this field and deservedly so, so he will be a single in the Pick Four. He is undefeated in five lifetime starts, the last two on the turf.

Race 11- The Grade 2 Super Derby- My top choice in the Super Derby is the undefeated #5 Golden Moka, who worked well at Woodbine in mid-September and is another undefeated contender in this Pick Four play. For another selection in here, I will also use the winner of the Prelude at Louisiana Downs, #3 Apart. His trip in the Prelude was atrocious and he still won going away. It was a very impressive performance.

Race 12- The River Cities- #7 Category Seven is another big favorite here. She is working a five-race win streak and is five for seven on the Louisiana Downs greenery. #3 Dancin Perfect finished behind #7 Category Seven in two of her last three efforts, but a turn of the tables is possible here. Finally, #8 Vickies In Town deserves a look with back-to-back wins, including the Honeymoon last time out.

Here is the $1 Pick Four play for the Super Derby Pick Four:

2-6-7-8-9 with 5 with 3-5 with 3-7-8
TOTAL- $30

Remember, They Are Off accepts no responsibility for any wagers placed in conjunction with these selections. They are merely suggestions. Tune in again next week for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

The Grade 1 $1,000,000 Woodbine Mile

They Are Off's feature race of the weekend comes on a Sunday this time around as we analyze the Grade 1 $1,000,000 Woodbine Mile from Woodbine in Canada. This race is considered one of the leading preps for the Breeders' Cup Mile to be run on Saturday, November 6 at Churchill Downs. There will be a field of thirteen going postward at Woodbine for the Mile and the morning-line favorite is The Usual Q.T. at 3-1.

The top selection in the race is #12 Famous Name, a Juddmonte horse coming to run in North America for the first time. He has hit the board in 17 of 19 lifetime performances, although the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown last time out on September 4 was one of the misses. That sixth-place finish ended a three race win streak, all of which had come at the same track where he was outrun. Two of those wins were Group 3s. Don't forget the all-important first-time Lasix for the European import. #13 Grand Adventure comes next with Patrick Husbands aboard. Husbands had the ride in each of the last three efforts, which were a Grade 2 win, a Grade 3 win, and a Grade 2 second after leading most of the way at a furlong farther than this race. He has not been to the track since the end of July, however. You might want to check out the recent streak of blistering five-furlong workouts if you have any doubts as to Grand Adventure's fitness. Let's use a big 30-1 longshot in the third spot with #10 Woodbourne. Chantal Sutherland will have the riding assignment on this gelding that is uniquely comfortable of the Woodbine turf, having recorded six of his eight lifetime wins on the Woodbine grass. His lone graded race on the recent resume' was a disaster, an eighth in the 2009 Grade 2 Sky Classic at Woodbine. It would turn out to be his last race of 2009. Since returning, he has been first or second in all five starts, albeit those race have been claimers or optional claimers mostly, just one Stakes try the exception. Finally, for fourth I will use #6 Smokey Fire, who might be challenged by this distance. Quite simply, he has never been this far before. However, he has finished ahead of the other likely fourth-place candidate for me, #7 Signature Red, the last two times they met. Smokey Fire rallied late to win the Grade 2 Play The King at Woodbine going seven furlongs, so asking for that extra furlong will hopefully not be a stretch. Here is the play for the Grade 1 $1,000,000 Woodbine Mile:

$10 WP #12
$1 EX BOX 6-7-10-12-13
$1 TRI 12-13 with 12-13 with 6-7-10
TOTAL- $46

Remember, They Are Off accepts no responsibility for any wagers placed in conjunction with these selections. They are merely suggestions. They Are Off will be taking time off for a road trip next week to the Super Derby at Louisiana Downs. It is my intention to post selections for the Super Derby on Thursday, September 23. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

The 2001 Breeders' Cup Sprint

Every so often with They Are Off, I like to reminisce about great races or great horses from the past. I always enjoy writing this historical pieces and I hope you enjoy reading them. For the next several weeks, I would like to highlight one edition of each of the original seven Breeders' Cup races in the lead-up to the World Thoroughbred Championships to be run at Churchill Downs on Friday, November 5 and Saturday, November 6. Today, I will start the series with a look at the 2001 Breeders' Cup Sprint.

The 2001 Breeders' Cup was run at Belmont Park just a scant six weeks after the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center in the heart of Manhattan. It is hard to believe that such a major international event took place so soon after such a devastating tragedy, but keep in mind that the 2001 World Series between the New York Yankees and the Arizona Diamondbacks was going on at about this time as well.

One of the undercurrents leading into the 2001 Breeders' Cup was the absence of a single Cup victory on the resume' of trainer Bobby Frankel. Frankel had been inducted into the Thoroughbred Racing Hall Of Fame in 1995 and had won (it seemed) every race under the sun. Well, the exceptions to that assumption were the Breeders' Cup and the Triple Crown races. As of 2001, Frankel had not managed a win in any of the races in either series. That would change in 2001 as Frankel's trainee, Squirtle Squirt, wore down the very game filly, Xtra Heat in the shadow of the wire to notch his first career Breeders' Cup winner. Both Squirtle Squirt and Xtra Heat were part of the pace of the Sprint from the moment the gates opened. Unlike most renditions of the Sprint, the opening quarter in 2001 was a pedestrian 22.2 seconds. Usually, the first fractional time in the Sprint is around 21 seconds flat or something nearer that range. So, the frontrunners in the race really hadn't exhausted themselves by the time the wire loomed. The first three finishers in the race (Squirtle Squirt, Xtra Heat, and Caller One) were all at the front of the field for the entire six furlongs. Additionally, none of that trio were well considered by the bettors that day either. Squirtle Squirt went off at 10-1, Xtra Heat was 18-1, and Caller One was 12-1. It resulted in a very nice Trifecta payoff of $2,162.

Of course, this would not be the only Breeders' Cup or Triple Crown win for Frankel in his remarkable career. He would go on to win the Filly And Mare Turf in 2002 (Starine) and 2005 (Intercontinental), the Classic in 2004 (Ghostzapper), and the Distaff in 2007 (Ginger Punch). And, let us not forget the 2003 Belmont Stakes win with Empire Maker that spoiled the Triple Crown bid of Funny Cide. Bobby Frankel passed away in November 2009 and it can certainly be said that when it came to racing, he had done it all.

You can watch the 2001 Breeders' Cup Sprint with the following link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcWm7cENh8Y

Tune in tomorrow for a look at this weekend's Grade 1 Woodbine Mile. By the way, Frankel won the Woodbine Mile three times, 2000 (Riviera), 2005 (Leroidesanimeaux), and 2009 (Ventura). For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

Taking A Pass

The Christophe Clement-trained 2009 Turf and Older Male Champion, Gio Ponti, has elected to bypass this weekend's Grade 1 $1,000,000 Woodbine Mile at (where else?) Woodbine in favor of running in the Grade 1 $600,000 Shadwell Turf Mile at Keeneland to be run on October 9. Clement believes that the fact that Gio Ponti won't be spotting any weight to the field in the Shadwell, as he would have had to do in the Woodbine Mile, is a major benefit.

Certainly, there can be no arguing with Clement's logic. After all, he is only one of the best turf trainers in the world. What become the interesting part of this situation is what happens next. Will Gio Ponti use the Shadwell as a prep race for the Breeders' Cup Mile or the Breeders' Cup Classic? Gio Ponti is one of the top turf horses going right now, but keep in mind that he has actually only won one time in 2010. The rest of his campaign is dotted with near-misses and could-have-beens. That includes his last effort in the Grade 1 Arlington Million, where he was passed in the final strides by Debussy's rail-skimming rally. Even the win was mostly unimpressive, as he appeared to struggle to get past front-running longshot, Mission Envisioned, in the Grade 1 Man O'War at Belmont Park.

The final consideration is the competition he will face in either Breeders' Cup race. If he opts for the Mile, you must consider that Gio Ponti is 2 for 2 at the mile distance on the turf and he will likely be facing two-time defending Mile Champion, the brilliant Goldikova. If he elects to run in the Classic, (where he did run second last year to Zenyatta's eye-catching stretch run) he will likely face a rematch with Zenyatta, not to mention running against the likes of Quality Road, Blame, Rail Trip, and other top-flight Classic division horses in what should prove to be a great race. Also, Gio Ponti has never run a race on dirt before. The 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic was run over the synthetic surface at Santa Anita, while the 2010 Classic will take place over the dir track at Churchill Downs.

It almost looks like Clement will be damned if he does or damned if he doesn't no matter what road he elects to follow. It is my thought that he will take on Goldikova in the Mile. I think the competition will be softer in the Mile, given that other than her, there really isn't a standout horse in that division on either side of the Atlantic plus you get to keep him on the grass surface instead of running him on an unfamiliar track that other great horses have had issues with in the past (see Skip Away).

Tune in again tomorrow for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

Not Super News

The 2010 Kentucky Derby winner, Super Saver, thus far is much like the 2009 Kentucky Derby winner, Mine That Bird. That is, neither one has won a race since their triumphs on the First Saturday In May. Granted, Mine That Bird has had many more chances that Super Saver to do that, but the fact remains they have not returned to the Winner's Circle.

Super Saver and his connections will have at least another two months to contemplate this fact while he is on the shelf for sixty days after some bone bruising was discovered that will require the Derby winner to be on "stall rest". It could very well be that the bruising has been there all along and that might very well be the reason for his lack of success since the Derby win in the Churchill Downs slop. His last three performances since the Run For The Roses were a fading eighth at Pimlico in the Preakness, a somewhat guttier fourth in the Haskell at Monmouth, and a disheartening tenth in the Travers at Saratoga. Certainly, he has been facing tough stuff, but he should have at least hit the board in one of those three subsequent starts.

The drf.com story on Super Saver mentions that Dr. Larry Bramlage discovered a major bruise on his left front cannon bone. Does this news mean that Super Saver won't turn into a one-trick pony like Mine That Bird apparently has? One can only hope so. If there is one thing that horse racing needs, it is for continued success from its marquee race winners. Since there is no race more marquee that the Kentucky Derby, let's hope that Super Saver can get back to the Winner's Circle once he gets back to the track.

Tune in tomorrow for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

The Grade 2 $150,000 Bowling Green Handicap

The New York Racing Association ended it summer sojourn to Saratoga this week and Saturday marks the return to Belmont Park for what is traditionally some of the best racing in the country. For those of you looking for some Breeders' Cup thoughts, you might want to check out that New York simulcast signal over the next several weeks, as the good ones will be running often. The Opening Day feature is the Grade 2 $150,000 Bowling Green Handicap with what was supposed to be a field of eleven. However, Grand Couturier's connections are opting to find a softer spot (literally, they want to run on soggy turf and the weather forecast indicates that the Northern Dancer at Woodbine on September 19 is the place for them). That means we have a field of ten to take a look at, so here is the analysis for the Grade 2 Bowling Green:

My top choice in here will be #3 Al Khali, who ran 3rd behind Telling and Bearpath in the very competitive Grade 1 Sword Dancer at Saratoga on August 14. Just as telling for Al Khali is the apparent versatility this horse has. Looking at his past performances, he can rate or he can go to the lead and be dangerous doing either one. Plus, he gets Julien Leparoux in the saddle and not many have been as hot of late. I am going to use the chalk second with #5 Winchester. First of all, I have said it before and I will say it again: CLEMENT ON THE GRASS!!! The last time that Winchester ran over the Belmont greenery, he was a winner in the Grade 1 Manhattan on Belmont Stakes Day at odds of 21-1. He followed that up with a third in the Grade 1 United Nations at Monmouth. The longshot to like in this race appears to be #10 Followmyfootsteps. While he has never run at this level before, he acquitted himself nicely at The Spa with a win and a third in two tries and his turf Tomlinson number is among the best in the field. I like him here at 15-1 on the morning line. Finally, I will use #1 Simmard to wrap up the top four. If Leparoux isn't the hottest rider around, it might just be John Velazquez. The big knock on this runner is that he has been away from the race since January. However, he did throw a bullet workout on the board at Woodbine on September 8, covering five furlongs in 59.3 seconds. Here is the play for the Grade 2 $150,000 Bowling Green Handicap:

$5 WP #4
$1 EX BOX 1-3-4-5-10
$1 TRI 3-5 with 3-5 with 1-4-10
TOTAL- $36

Remember, They Are Off accepts no responsibility for any wagers placed in conjunction with these selections. They are merely suggestions. Tune in next week for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

Return Engagement

Lookin At Lucky has been sidelined for quite some time now since coming down with an illness in the wake of his convincing victory in the Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park. The 2010 Preakness winner, trained by Bob Baffert, has been out of action since spiking a fever. Baffert says the goal for the likely three-year-old champion is the Breeders' Cup Classic to be run in November at Churchill Downs.

Lookin At Lucky started the long climb toward that goal with his first workout since being out of action with the health issue. He worked an easy half-mile in 49.40 seconds this morning at Del Mar over the Polytrack surface there. Baffert says that he doesn't have any specific races in mind to use as a prep for the Classic.

There are some scenarios for that warmup race for the Classic and that road has been made a little bit easier with the decision of the Quality Road camp to go directly to the Classic following his win in the Woodward at Saratoga last weekend. Baffert is certainly in no rush to get Lookin At Lucky back to the races, but since he is heading to Hollywood Park anyway, a cursory look at the Oak Tree schedule shows the Grade 1 Goodwood Stakes on Saturday, October 2 to be a possibility and still leave more than a month to be prepared for the Breeders' Cup in Kentucky. There really isn't any other race to match Lookin At Lucky with during the Oak Tree season at Hollywood Park. Of course, if Baffert is in the mood to travel with the Preakness champ, he could go to Belmont park on the same day and run in the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup as well. Either way, I see Baffert's options as very limited at this point.

Tune in tomorrow for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

BONUS RACE: The $100,000 Budweiser Select Cradle

One of my good friends in racing is Pete Aiello, who calls the races at River Downs in Ohio. The Daily Racing Form featured the Cradle Stakes in the Sunday edition History Challenge. Plus, it is the Labor Day Holiday on Monday, so how about a bonus race for the day with the $100,000 Budweiser Select Cradle Stakes:

I will put #6 Rustler Hustler on top following the win in the Continental Mile. That was his first race ever over the turf and he closed smartly to get the win. That and the fact that my all-time favorite turf horse, Cozzene, is on the Dam side gives him the edge in this spot. For second, I will use a 10-1 possible price with #4 Mesonic. Corey Lanerie has the riding assignment for trainer Eddie Kennally. This horse ran 5th behind the top pick in the aforementioned Monmouth race. He also beat the possible favorite in here two back at Arlington over the greenery. I will put that likely favorite third with #1 Awesome Attack. A Pat Byrne trainee with a win and second in two previous efforts. By the way, the win came over this very turf course on August 14. Finally, I will put #7 Naphtali in the fourth spot following an impressive first-start victory at Ellis on August 14. Perry Ouzts has the riding assignment. Here is the play for the $100,000 Budweiser Select Cradle Stakes:

$10 WIN #6
$1 EX BOX 1-4-6
$1 TRI BOX 1-4-6
TOTAL-$22

Remember, They Are Off accepts no responsibility for any wagers placed in conjunction with these selections. They are merely suggestions. Also, please enjoy the holiday safely. Tune in again later this week for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

The Grade 1 $250,000 Forego

The Forego honors one of the great handicap horses of the 1970s. Forego was one of the first racing stars I remember seeing on my television when I was a very young racing fan. The race on Saturday will be run at seven furlongs at Saratoga and, of course, we will try to beat the favored Godolphin entry of Vineyard Haven and Girolamo. Here are the selections:

I really had a hard time separating my top two selections in this race, but I ended up going with #3 Big Drama based on the class of competition factor. Big Drama ran an excellent race when second to Majesticperfection in the Grade 1 Vanderbilt at Saratoga on August 8. He does have two previous wins at the seven furlong distance and both of the August workouts at Calder are strong. Eibar Coa has the riding assignment. For second, I will go with #4 Here Comes Ben, who is 12-1 on the morning line for this try. He has not run since June 25, but rolled off a three-race win streak before the break. All of those wins were at seven furlongs. However, this will be his first go with graded company and it is a very tough spot for him here. #6 Omniscient gets the third selection for me in the Forego. He picked up a win in an ungraded stakes race at Monmouth on August 1 and won the last two as a matter of fact. He is shortening up in distance off those wins, both of which were at 1 1/16 miles. Finally, I will use #8 Warrior's Reward, who is teaming back up with Julien Leparoux here. All three of the previous pairings were at seven furlongs and they ended up with two wins and a second. The colt is 0 for 2 at Saratoga, though, plus he has not raced since May 31. Here is the play for the Grade 1 $250,000 Forego:

$5 WP #3
$1 EX BOX 3-4-6-8
$1 TRI BOX 3-4-6-8
TOTAL- $46

Remember, They Are Off accepts no responsibility for any wagers placed in conjunction with these selections. They are merely suggestions. Tune in again next week for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

Dancing In The Dark

The Daily Racing Form website is reporting today that Gulfstream Park is looking to add lights to accommodate nighttime racing starting with the 2011 season. That is all well and good, but according to the same story, Florida law prohibits nighttime Thoroughbred racing. While Gulfstream officials are apparently confident that they can get the law changed in time for the 2011 season (and with the way most governments function, good luck with that), this situation actually begs a different question, "Is nighttime racing the future of the sport?"

My answer to that question would be an almost unqualified yes. If you look at the success that Churchill Downs had with their nighttime racing programs since they have installed lights, it makes you wonder why more tracks don't jump on the bandwagon and try it. I understand that there is a prohibitive cost in putting lights in at a racetrack and the electrical bills will skyrocket, but if you make it a sometimes thing (a la Churchill), I think you will start to see some success with it as well. I called races at a nighttime winter track for twelve years and I can tell you that while the numbers weren't always great, those nights when we were the only game available (as a result of winter cancellations of other nighttime products) were very successful.

Of course, this discussion also came up when the lights went in at Churchill, "What about running the Derby at night?" Well, that might still be some time off, but I can certainly see Churchill and whatever network will have the Derby rights by that time fully endorsing a Kentucky Derby run in prime time. I will also bet the farm that the ratings for such an event would be through the roof. What about a prime time Breeders' Cup? Can you imagine the thought of Zenyatta blazing through not only the field but also the nighttime sky to win that race last year? And, again, I will say that with Her Eminence running in prime time, the TV numbers would have been somewhat higher.

So, I for one am pulling for Gulfstream Park to get the lights going and get the Florida legislature on board. I think it might be the way of all things racing in the not too far distant future.

Tune in tomorrow for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!

Martha And McGovern

Ann McGovern was part of the excellent management team at Sam Houston Race Park when I was hired as the track announcer there in 1997. Martha Claussen (a frequent contributor to this blog) was my direct supervisor at Sam Houston Race Park for twelve years. It seems only natural that the two of them should get together for a retrospective of McGovern's career with her decision to leave her current post at Ruidoso Downs at the conclusion of the current meet. Here is a link to the story from the Paulick Report:

http://www.paulickreport.com/blog/good-news-friday-sponsored-by-liberation-farm-celebrating-mcgovern/

I would also like to add my personal well wishes to Ann in whatever she elects to do in the future and offer a sincere thank you to her for her part in starting my announcing career. Tune in tomorrow for more from They Are Off. For right now, I am Gone... GOODBYE!