JEFF SIEGEL'S BREEDER'S CUP NOTES

BREEDERS’ CUP CLASSIC

ARROGATE (B. Baffert)
GUN RUNNER (S. Asmussen)
COLLECTED (B. Baffert)
WEST COAST (B. Baffert)
KEEN ICE (T. Pletcher)
CUPID (B. Baffert)
GUNNEVERA (A. Sano)
HOPPERTUNITY (B. Baffert)


THE LATEST – Defending BC Classic winner Arrogate lost for the second straight time when upset by stable mate Collected in the $1 million Pacific Classic Aug. 19, but performed much closer to his old self when going down by a half-length in a race that was legitimately fast and highly-rated. The previous month, the world’s number one rated horse (at that time) was beaten more than 15 lengths in San Diego H. -G2. Though trainer Bob Baffert refuses to use it as an excuse, there are those – jockey Mike Smith among them – who believe that Arrogate simply doesn’t act over the deep Del Mar strip. Arrogate will be trained up to the BC Classic and recorded his first workout since his last outing, an easy half mile at Santa Anita Sept. 18 in 49 3/5 seconds.

Gun Runner was superb in a 5 ¼ romp in the Whitney S. -G1 at Saratoga Aug. 5, over the rejuvenated Keen Ice (who stumbled badly at the start and did well to finish second) and then turned in an even a better performance speed figure-wise when crushing an outclassed field in the Woodward S. -G1 over that same course and distance Sept. 2. The Classic will be his first start at Del Mar (some like it, some don’t) and 10 furlongs certainly is stretching his limit, though he did finish second to Arrogate at the BC Classic’s distance in the Dubai World Cup-G1.  Gun Runner breezed five furlongs in 59 3/5 seconds at Churchill Downs Sept. 24, his final workout before being shipped to Santa Anita where he will be trained up to the race.

Collected had been our top-ranked colt in the BC Dirt Mile division but now will be pointed to –and trained up to – the Classic (the son of City Zip recorded a five furlong workout of 1:00 flat at Santa Anita Sept. 25.  Undefeated in seven starts over a fast dirt track, the 4-year-old colt does his best running on the lead and parlayed a pristine trip to his Pacific Classic victory. Most likely he’ll face a lot more heat in the BC Classic.

Now a winner of five straight, including the Travers S. -G1 and most recently the Pennsylvania Derby-G2, West Coast becomes yet another legitimate BC Classic contender from the Baffert barn.  The son of Flatter has displayed the versatility to win from far back or as the pacesetter, has earned legitimate speed figures, and clearly stands atop the 3-year-old division.  Despite having not participated in any of the Triple Crown races (neither did Arrogate last year). West Coast seems highly likely to be awarded the Eclipse Award in the 3-year-old male division.

Cupid might be better suited to the BC Dirt Mile, but it’s more probable the colt’s connections will opt for BC Classic and thus provide Baffert with even more firepower. He most recently worked four furlongs in 47 2/5 seconds at Santa Anita Sept. 18.





BREEDERS’ CUP TURF

HIGHLAND REEL (A. O’Brien)
ULYSSES (M. Stoute)
OSCAR PERFORMANCE (B. Lynch)
SADLER’S JOY (T. Albertrani)
BEACH PATROL (C. Brown)
HUNT (P. D’Amato)
MONEY MULTIPLIER (C. Brown)


THE LATEST – This year’s American contingent isn’t very impressive and has taken turns beating one another. We’ve listed a few European-based runners that are BC-eligible and have the proper form to be highly competitive, but it’s difficult to know which and how many will actually come, at least until after Arc day at Chantilly Oct. 1.  Defending champion Highland Reel won back-to-back Group-1s in England this year before failing to land a blow when fourth over unsuitable soft ground in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. -G1. There’s every indication that the world traveler will be returning to defend his crown.

Whereas Highland Reel could manage no better than fourth in that late July race at Ascot, Ulysses performed admirably when second (beaten 4 ½ lengths) behind super filly Enable and then ran lights out to win the Juddmonte International-G1 at York. He’s a “definite” for BC Turf if everything goes to plan (he’s expected to start in the Prix de l’arc de Triomphe G-1 and clearly has improved from than last year, when he finished a very respectable fourth at Santa Anita.





BREEDERS’ CUP MILE (TURF)

RIBCHESTER (R. Fahey)
WORLD APPROVAL (M. Casse)
DECORATED KNIGHT (R. Charleton)
HEART TO HEART (B Lynch)
BLACKJACKCAT (M. Glatt)
TIME TEST (W. Mott)
LANCASTER BOMBER (A. O’Brien)
ANNALS OF TIME (C. Brown)


THE LATEST – This is another race in which the Europeans – with so many legitimate candidates – have an enormous edge both in numbers and in talent, depending, of course, who and how many actually make the journey to California.  Ribchester may have been inconvenienced by soft ground when narrowly beaten in the Sussex S. -G1 at Goodwood but returned the following month to exceptional form with a victory Sept. 10 at Chantilly in the Prix Moulin –G1. Present plans call for a run in the Queen Elizabeth II S. -G1 on Champions Day at Ascot Oct. 21 followed by a trip to the States for the BC Mile two weeks later.

World Approval was visually quite pleasing in capturing the Fourstardave S. -G1 at Saratoga in mid-August and then performed at least as well if not better when recording a thoroughly convincing victory in the Woodbine Mile –G1 Sept. 16. The gelded son of Northern Afleet has risen to the top spot among North American-based turf milers, having won four of five starts in 2017, and clearly is most effective at the BC Mile’s distance.

Decorated Knight, winner of the 10F Irish Champion S. –G1 Sept. 9 with a powerful late kick, most likely will finish out the year at Del Mar in the BC Mile –G1, according to trainer Roger Charleton. It’s either that or Champions Day at Ascot, but because he’s more likely to encounter firm ground in California, the son of Galileo is expected to make the trip.  He’s also a possibility for the BC Turf.

Heart to Heart received his coveted “lone f” trip in the Bernard Baruch H. -G2 at Saratoga in early September and returned to winning form while Blackjackcat had been considered nothing more than a nice allowance horse until winning his last three, including the Del Mar Mile H. -G2 over the same course and distance of the BC Turf Mile. He may be sent to Keeneland Oct. 7 for the Shadwell Turf Mile -G1, a critical prep that also is on the agenda of Heart to Heart.

Annals of Time makes the list after winning an allowance race in his 2017 bow at Belmont Park Sept. 16. Unraced since winning the Hollywood Derby –G1 (beating the 2017 Arlington Million –G1 winner Beach Patrol) last December, he did what was required without being knocked about and could be wheeled back in the Shadwell Turf Mile S. –G1 at Keeneland Oct. 7.





BREEDERS’ CUP DIRT MILE

ACCELERATE (J. Sadler)
SHARP AZTECA (J. Navarro)
MOR SPIRIT (B. Baffert)
BATTLE OF MIDWAY (J. Hollendorfer)
PRACTICAL JOKE (C. Brown)
DIVINING ROD (A. Delacour)
GIANT EXPECTATIONS (P. Eurton)
PAVEL (D. O’Neill)
THE LATEST – Accelerate was most recently a highly respectable third in the 10F Pacific Classic over a trip that proved to be out of his range. He’s much more effective at a middle distance and loves the Del Mar main track.  He worked a half mile in 47 3/5 seconds at Santa Anita Sept. 16.

Sharp Azteca outclassed his foes with a thoroughly convincing front-running victory in the 8F Kelso H. –G2 at Belmont Park Sept. 23, leaving a couple of other legitimate BC Dirt Mile contenders, Divining Rod and Tommy Macho, in the dust. The Jorge Navarro-trained colt previously captured the Monmouth Cup –G3 July 30 by more than seven lengths and could easily wind up the post time favorite on Breeders’ Cup day.

Mor Spirit hasn’t made an afternoon appearance since his superior victory in the Met Mile-G1 in early June, and his work pattern since then has been spotty, to say the least.  His most recent workout – a five furlong gate drill in 1:00 1/5 at Santa Anita Sept. 20, showed he hasn’t lost any conditioning and there’s still plenty of time for Baffert to have him cranked and ready.

Battle of Midway, third in this year’s Kentucky Derby, added blinkers, got the patient ride he prefers, and won the listed Shared Belief S. over the same track and distance of the BC Dirt Mile in late August with a career top speed figure.   He encountered early trouble but then simply second best to Untrapped in the subsequent Oklahoma Derby – G3 at Remington Park Sept. 24 at a mile and one-eighth.  He’ll appreciate the turn back to a mile.

Another 3-year-old that may be a factor in this race is the lightly raced but ultra-talented Pavel, winner of the Smarty Jones S. -G3 at Parx Sept. 5. However, his connections are targeting the 10F Jockey Club Gold Cup -G1 at Belmont Park and a good effort there – we actually think he has a chance to win it – will certainly land him in the BC Classic.

Several other possibilities for the BC Mile appear to be one-turn specialists.  Giant Expectations won the win-and-you’re-in Pat O’Brien S. –G1 over seven furlongs at Del Mar Aug. 26 but like Practical Joke, Awesome Slew, American Anthem, Tom’s Ready, and Seymoudini has proven to be more much effective around one turn.





BREEDERS’ CUP SPRINT

DREFONG (B. Baffert)
ROY H (P. Miller)
MIND YOUR BISCUITS (C. Summers)
RANSOM THE MOON (P. D’Amato)
IMPERIAL HINT (L. Carbajal, Jr.)
EL DEAL (J. Navarro)
AWESOME SLEW (M. Casse)
WHITMORE (R. Moquett)
THE LATEST – Defending BC Sprint champion Drefong obliterated his competition in the Forego S. -G1 at Saratoga, earning a career top speed figure in the process to regain leadership in the sprint division. He’ll be trained up to the BC Sprint, just as he was last year with a virtually identical gap in between starts after he had won the King’s Bishop S. -G1 at the Spa.

Roy H managed to finish third in the Bing Crosby despite being badly impeded by the rider-less Drefong, and remains a strong contender. He’s a superior turf performer, as well, but this is the race that trainer Peter Miller is pointing for.  The 5-year-old gelding will prep in the $300,000 Santa Anita Sprint Championship-G3 Oct. 7, a race that also is expected to attract BC Dirt Mile candidate Giant Expectations.  A son of More Than Ready, Roy H worked six furlongs in 1:15 3/5 seconds at Santa Anita Sept. 23.

Mind Your Biscuits, after a string of superb performances both at home and in Dubai, ran considerably below his best form when unplaced in the Forego. Trainer Chad Summers will train the son of Posse up to the race.

Imperial Hunt crushed three outclassed rivals by more than six lengths under wraps in the listed LeVine Memorial Stakes at Parx on Labor Day, missing the track record by four one-hundredths of a second.

El Deal, who has turned into a rocket ship since joining the Jorge Navarro barn, will be the one to beat in the win-and-you’re in Vosburgh Stakes -G1 at Belmont Park Sept. 30.





BREEDERS’ CUP TURF SPRINT

LADY AURELIA (W. Ward)
MARSHA (M. Prescott)
CARAVAGGIO (A. O’Brien)
PURE SENSATION (C. Clement)
OM (D. Hendricks)
BATTAASH (C. Hills)
PAY ANY PRICE (R. Zaidie)
HOGY (M. Maker)
THE LATEST – This year’s BC Turf Sprint will be run at five furlongs, and that – coupled with Del Mar’s short run in from the top of the lane to the wire – means deep closing turf sprinters will be at an extreme disadvantage. The course can accommodate 14 starters but we doubt they’ll get that many.  At this shortened trip Lady Aurelia has a considerable edge; she’s quick enough to make the lead but is quite comfortable in a stalk-and-pounce role should the situation dictate. She lost little in defeat when nosed out by Marsha in the Nunthorpe S. -G1 at York in late August over ground that might have been a bit stickier than she prefers.

Marsha is hardly a one hit wonder, as she also won the Prix de l’Abbaye-G1 on Arc day last year at Chantilly. She’s being pointed for that race again, but while she’s Breeders’ Cup eligible there is no talk yet about a subsequent trip to the States.  However, two other European-based sprinters have seriously entered the discussion. The Aidan O’Brien-trained Caravaggio returned to winning form with a superb victory in the 5F Flying Five S. –G2 Sept. 10 at The Curragh and will finish out the year with an appearance in the British Champions Sprint at Ascot or the BC Sprint at Del Mar or, perhaps both. Also, the 3-year-old gelding Battaash, from the Charles Hills barn, is said to be under strong consideration; he was fourth behind Marsha in the Nunthorpe but prior that had won three straight including the King George S. -G2 at Goodwood.

Pure Sensation returned to winning form with a sharp score in the Monster Turf S. -G3 at Parx on Labor Day. Meanwhile, trainer Michael Maker’s $80,000 claim Hogy paid quick dividends with a game victory in the $400,000 Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint –G3 and is Breeders’ Cup bound, with a possible prep scheduled at Keeneland Oct. 7 in the Woodford S. –G2.

Green Mask, the winner of the Troy Handicap in near course-record setting time at Saratoga in August, had been considered a major contender for this race but suffered a career-ending injuring in a workout at Belmont Park Sept. 17.





BREEDERS’ CUP DISTAFF

STELLAR WIND (J. Sadler)
FOREVER UNBRIDLED (D. Stewart)
ABEL TASMAN (B. Baffert)
VALE DORI-AR (B. Baffert)
ELATE (W. Mott)
FAITHFULLY (B. Baffert)
IT TIZ WELL (J. Hollendorfer)
CHAMPAGNE ROOM (P. Eurton)
THE LATEST –With the retirement of division leader Songbird, Stellar Wind firmly occupies the top spot. Better at age five than she’s ever been, she’s 3-for-3 this year, all in Grade 1’s, in 2017. Songbird’s conqueror in the Personal Ensign S. -G1, Forever Unbridled, is a small step behind at number two and that’s only due to the home court advantage Stellar Wind will enjoy at Del Mar. Both are in exceptional form. Forever Unbridled will be trained up to the race.

Abel Tasman made a premature move (ya think?) in the Cotillion S. -G1 at Parx Sept. 23 and was understandably worn down late by It Tiz Well, losing little despite her second place finish.  In her previous start, the Baffert-trained filly was a smart winner of the Mother Goose S. -G2 in a race that  was flattered when runner-up Elate came back to dominate the Alabama S. -G1. The latter might take on older fillies and mares in the Beldame S. -G1 at Belmont Park or the Spinster S. -G1 (both on October 8) for her final Breeders’ Cup prep.

The 2016 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Champagne Room was visually quite impressive when easily handling her outclassed foes the 8.5F Remington Park Oaks Sept. 24 in her first outing since early February and seems likely to make her next start in the BC Distaff.



BREEDERS’ CUP FILLY & MARE SPRINT

UNIQUE BELLA (J. Hollendorfer)
SKYE DIAMONDS (W. Spawr)
BY THE MOON (M. Nevin)
PAULASSILVERLINING (C. Brown)
HIGHWAY STAR (R. Ubillo)
AMI’S MESA (J. Carroll
FINEST CITY (I. Kruljac)
FINLEY’SLUCKYCHARM (B. Calhoun)
THE LATEST – Unique Bella recorded her sixth workout on the comeback trail Sept. 20 when she went the fastest of 44 for the distance in a solo five furlong gate work clocked in 59 seconds (officially, “handily,” though she was never let run).   Unstarted since defeating Abel Tasman in the 8.5F Santa Ysabel S. -G2 in early March, the daughter of Tapit will return to action in the L. A. Woman S. -G3 at Santa Anita October 8.  If she performs as expected, trainer Jerry Hollendorfer might then be tempted by the far more valuable BC Distaff (and actually nominated Unique Bella to the 8.5F Zenyatta S. -G2 Sept. 30) but present plans are pretty solid for a start in the BC Filly & Mare sprint.

Skye Diamonds has become the best female sprinter in the West not named Unique Bella and is undefeated in two starts at Del Mar. After another thoroughly commendable victory in the Rancho Bernardo S. – G2 in August, the former claimer will train up to the race.

By the Moon has quietly won three of her last four, including the Ballerina S. -G1 at Saratoga Aug. 26. She’s as genuine and consistent as they come but, like Skye Diamonds, has never earned a triple-digit Beyer number despite having19 career starts. She will be trained up to the race.

Paulassilverlining had won four straight stakes races (including back-to-back Grade-1s) after finishing third in the ’16 Filly & Mare Sprint, but she was well below form when winding up fifth in the Ballerina S. –G1 in an effort that is best ignored. In that race she broke sharply but was strangely guzzled back off a crawling early pace, got behind horses, got mad, and failed to fire. The interior fractions of that race – remember, this was a Grade-1 sprint – were 24.05 and 47.81. Originally ticketed for the Gallant Bloom H. -G2 at Belmont Park Sept. 24, she will now be trained up to the race.

Highway Star captured the Gallant Bloom H.-G2 at Belmont Park Sept. 23 in workmanlike fashion.  Not particularly fast on speed figures but always genuine and consistent, the daughter of can be equally dangerous sprinting or at a middle distance.

Ami’s Mesa has won six of nine, including her last four, and on Sept. 18 scored her biggest victory in the 6.5F Masters S. –G2 at Presque Isle Downs, breaking the track record in the process. She is fast on speed figures but has yet to race over conventional dirt.

Defending champion Finest City hasn’t quite regained her 2016 form just yet but currently is in a steady work pattern, most recently being credited with a 1:01 /4 clocking for five furlongs Sept. 24 at Santa Anita. She will be sold at auction in November.

American Gal, winner of the Test S.-G1 at Saratoga in August, has been dropped from the rankings after missing considerable time due to what we’ve been told is a minor problem. She currently is tack-walking at Santa Anita and will not make the race.





BREEDERS’ CUP FILLY & MARE TURF

LADY ELI (C. Brown)
QUEEN’S TRUST (M. Stoute)
WINTER (A. O’Brien)
GRAND JETE (C. Brown)
DACITA (C. Brown)
ALICE SPRINGS (A. O’Brien)
QUIDURA (G. Motion)
CAMBODIA (T. Proctor)
THE LATEST – Trainer Chad Brown could saddle half the field and Aidan O’Brien the other half if they were to enter all of their legitimate contenders. Lady Eli has the style to suit the tight turf course at Del Mar, where the short stretch requires handiness and instant acceleration. In her victory in the Ballston Spa-G2 at Saratoga Aug. 26, the remarkable daughter of Divine Park did just that. She will be trained up to the race.

Queen’s Trust, who out-photo’d Lady Eli in this race last year (when it was contested at 10 furlongs), is likely to be Del Mar bound, though this year’s BC Filly & Mare Turf trip of a mile and one-eighth trip might be a tad shorter than she prefers. In fact, her connections could opt to tackle the boys in the BC Turf over her preferred trip of a mile and one-half. Most recently the daughter of Dansili was an excellent third to Arc favorite Enable in the 12F Yorkshire Oaks –G1 over soft ground.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Winter had won four consecutive Group-1 victories overseas prior to going down by a head to stable mate Hydrangea in the Matron S. –G1 at Leopardstown Sept. 9. She had missed 10 days of training due to a bruised foot prior to the race and certainly wasn’t at her best. The daughter of Galileo holds entries in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe –G1 and the Prix de l’Opera –G1 at Chantilly next month but remains under some consideration for the BC Filly & Mare Turf –G1. She also would fit strongly (perhaps even more so) in the BC Turf if she were to make the journey.  Another O’Brien trained mare, Alice Springs, has been off the track since April after finishing third in the Gladness S. -G3, but reportedly is doing well. She holds entries in several European group races next month.

Dacita earned her way in with a victory in the Beverly D. S. -G1 at Arlington Park Aug. 12 but stable mate Grand Jete, who dead-heated for second, encountered extreme traffic and should have won. Both will have their final BC prep in the Flower Bowl S. –G1 at Belmont Park Oct. 8.





BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE

BOLT D’ORO (M. Ruis)
ZATTER (B. Baffert)
HONORABLE TREASURE (K. McPeek)
FREE DROP BILLY (D. Romans)
COPPER BULLET (S. Asmussen)
DAK ATTACK (D. Romans)
GIVEMEAMINIT (D. Stewart)
THE TABULATOR (L. Rivelli)
THE LATEST – Since none of the major players have routed on dirt yet, this list could change dramatically when the longer prep races are staged in the coming weeks. Bolt d’Oro is unbeaten in two starts, won the 7F Del Mar Futurity-G1 impressively, and has the pedigree that suggests added distance won’t hurt one bit. In the Futurity, the son of Medaglia d’Oro wore down the stubborn Zatter close home (both were well clear of the rest) while earning a legitimate speed figure. Bolt d’Oro wore blinkers in his first two starts but may race without the hood when he returns in the FrontRunner S. -G1 at Santa Anita Sept. 30.

Honorable Treasure earned a sensational 90 Beyer speed figure in winning over seven furlongs in an off-the-turf Saratoga maiden in mid-August that originally was carded at a mile and one-sixteenth. He’s a slam dunk to improve as the distances increase.

Free Drop Willy and the maiden Givemeaminit finished two-three in the Hopeful S. -G1 behind Sporting Chance (out for the year with a knee chip) and, according to their bloodlines, should relish added ground. They could face each other again in the Champagne S. –G1 Oct. 7.

Two other accomplished juveniles with route pedigrees are Copper Bullet, impressive winning the Saratoga Special, and Dak Attack, a come-from-behind stakes winner at Ellis Park. The latter was scheduled to have his final BC prep in the Breeders’ Futurity -G1 at Keeneland Oct. 7 but hasn’t recorded an official workout since Sept. 3.





BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE FILLIES

MOONSHINE MEMORIES (S. Callaghan)
PIEDI BIANCHI (D. O’Neill)
AMY’S CHALLENGE (M. Robertson)
ALLURING STAR (B. Baffert)
SEPARATIONOFPOWERS (C. Brown)
LADY IVANKA (R. Rodriguez)
BET SHE WINS (C. Block)
MAYA MALIBU (G. Motion)
THE LATEST – Results of two valuable Grade-1 races for juvenile fillies on Labor Day weekend suggest the strength in this division lies in the West. Unbeaten Moonshine Memories returned off short rest following her impressive debut maiden win to take the Del Mar Debutante -G1 over seven furlongs in smart fashion with a Beyer speed figure (82) 16 points better than what Lady Ivanka was assigned in her perfect-trip tally in the Spinaway S. -G1 at Saratoga.   As a daughter of Malibu Moon, ‘Memories should be able to stay a middle distance and will have the home court advantage at Del Mar.

The Debutante runner-up Piedi Bianchi was more than five clear of the others while producing a significant forward move over her maiden win earlier in the meeting, and is another that shouldn’t be inconvenienced by two-turns.

Amy’s Challenge, a 16 ½ length winner of her debut at Canterbury Park while earning a 91 Beyer speed figure (tops among 2-year-olds of either sex so far in 2017), verified the performance by defeating colts in the listed Shakapee Stakes Sept. 16, again earning a superb speed figure (92 Beyer). The daughter of Artie Schiller will try to carry her intense speed over a distance of ground in her next start, the Alcibiades S. –G1 at Keeneland, Oct. 6.

Alluring Star, a daughter of Exchange Rate, was an eye-catching debut winner at Del Mar (82 Beyer figure) and seems likely to return in the Chandelier S. -G1 at Santa Anita Sept. 30 for Baffert.

Separationofpowers, a daughter of Candy Ride and thus bred to train on, got stuck inside in a speed duel in the Spinaway and paid the price, weakening to wind up a tired but much better-than-looked third. She can returned to top form with patient handling and remains a good prospect.

Bet She Wins was a 9 ½ length winner over the poly track at Arlington Park in the once prestigious but now non-graded 7F Arlington Washington Lassie Stakes. The daughter of First Samurai earned a superb 90 Beyer speed figure while leaving her previous form (two starts on turf with a win via disqualification) far behind. She may get a chance to prove she can act on dirt in the Alcibiades S. –G1 at Keeneland Oct. 6, though the Mazarine S. –G3 over the all-weather track at Woodbine the following day is a viable option as well.





BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE TURF

ROARING LION (J. Gosden)
JAMES GARFIELD (G. Scott)
UNTAMED DOMAIN (G. Motion)
CATHOLIC BOY (J. Thomas)
HEMP HEMP AWAY (W. Ward)
COUNT ALEXANDER (M. Lightner)
ENCUMBERED (S. Callaghan)
SNAPPER SINCLAIR (S. Asmussen)
THE LATEST – Roaring Lion is undefeated in two starts, and while he may not be the best of the Europeans, he may be the most likely to make the trip, assuming he continues his winning form in the 8F Royal Lodge S. –G1 at Newmarket Sept. 30. A Kentucky-bred son of Kitten’s Joy, the John Gosden-trained colt has a strong California female family and should love the firm surface he’s sure to encounter at Del Mar.

James Garfield scored handsomely in the Mill Reef SW.-G2 at Newbury Sept. 23, and while that race came over six furlongs the colt’s connections believe he’ll get a mile over the firm ground and tight course he’ll encounter at Del Mar.  If he does, he’s a major player, for sure.

The U. S. based prospects in this division are light in number but that situation can always change rather quickly. As of now there we haven’t seen any potential superstars, as the field in the 8F Summer Stakes – G2 at Woodbine Sept. 17 finished in a heap and the Beyer number that was assigned to winner Untamed Domain (75) wasn’t very inspiring. The good news is that  ‘Domain is a son of Animal Kingdom and therefore bred to improve with distance and maturity, and he did overcome a bit of a slow start to produce a steady late bid to get up in time. It was a “win and you’re in” race so he’s certain to come.

Previously top-ranked Hemp Hemp Away (Artie Schiller) had every chance in the Summer S. but was worn down late and may not have seen out the trip. The same can be said for Count Alexander (Scat Daddy), though both certainly ran well enough to earn a plane ticket to California.

Catholic Boy is undefeated in a pair of two-turn starts, having won a nice 7.5F maiden event on turf at Gulfstream Park in July and then springing a 12-1 upset in the 8.5F With Anticipation S. -G3 at Saratoga the following month. Logically, a start in the Pilgrim S. -G3 at Belmont Park Sept. 30 is next in line.

There are not super stars in Californian in this division at this time, but Encumbered is clearly the leader of the division in the West following back-to-back wins over the Del Mar turf course, a maiden tally in late July followed by a useful score in the listed Del Mar Juvenile Turf Stakes in early September. The son of Violence has steadily rising numbers and appears to be a genuine sort.

Snappy Sinclair is progressing properly, having won a 6F maiden turf sprint at Saratoga and then stretching out to seven furlongs to win a restricted stakes at Kentucky Downs. The New York-based son of City Zip likely will be trained up to the race.





BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE FILLIES TURF

ORBOLUTION (T. Pletcher)
THEWAYIAM (G. Motion)
TAKE ME WITH YOU (J. Noseda)
CAPLA TEMPTRESS (W. Mott)
RUSHING FALL (C. Brown)
DIXIE MOON (C. Day-Phillips)
WONDER GADOT (M. Casse)
TERRA’S ANGEL (D. Keen)
THE LATEST – Orbolution began her career without making any real impression in a pair of main track sprints but since being transferred to turf the daughter of Orb has blossomed. She was two-for-two routing on grass at Saratoga including a nearly five length romp in the listed P. G. Johnson while displaying an exceptional turn of foot from the top of the lane to the wire. She’s the best of the Americans and therefore rates billing, at least until we learn names of the European prospects, of which there may be several.

Capla Temptress, fresh off the plane following a good third in the Sweet Solera S. –G2 in mid-August, defeated a solid field with a workmanlike performance in the Natalma S. –G2 at Woodbine Sept. 16, wearing down Dixie Moon and Wonder Gadot close home. The Beyer number (71) was just okay. She was saddled for that race by her European trainer, Marco Botti, but will now join the Bill Mott barn.

Theywayiam (France) and Take Me With You (England), are two candidates from overseas that are pointing for this race. Theywayiam, currently in training at Fair Hill for Graham Motion, finished a troubled third in a listed stakes at Saint-Cloud in July, while Take Me With You was a smart novice winner at Windsor after being group-placed at Royal Ascot. Her trainer, Jeremy Noseda, says he has every intention of coming.

Rushing Fall was a very impressive debut winner for Chad Brown at Belmont Park Sept. 16 and will try to qualify for the BC Juvenile Fillies turf in her next start, the Jessamine S. –G3 at Keeneland, Oct. 11