The last big day in 2009 for NYRA

The major racing season in New York winds down this weekend. We’ve been spoiled by this wonderful November weather and it won’t be long until the Aqueduct “Inner-track” opens and the snow begins to fly. But, today we have four graded races on the card and it will be probably the last time we see these type runners until the spring. So with that said, here’s my look at the Aqueduct’s Holiday-fest card for today. We had two year old runners pointing for bigger things “down the road”, three year old fillies and the older handicap runners in grade I action.

First up are the two year old fillies in the grade I – Demoiselle Stakes going the mile & an eighth route distance. I’m going with the “regal” breeding here and taking the Shug McGaughey trainee; Protesting. Her dam; On Parade was the first foal from My Flag and has the Phipps “blue blood” breeding. She recently broke her maiden at Keeneland on their “polytrack” quite easily. Her previous starts here in New York were even at best. Even though she is bred to be a “good one”, it’s highly doubtful that she’ll be the favorite here. The favorism will be on the Kelly Breen entry; In the Rough & Profiteroles. Both recent broke their maidens out of town and will be tough off those efforts.

The “boys” are next up in the Remsen Stakes at the same distance. It comes down to three very impressive young two year old runners here. Buddy’s Saint nearly wired the field in the most recently run, Nashua Stakes going a mile here on Breeder’s Cup day. Winning off by over 12 lengths, he’ll get the favorism here. Homeboykris was also impressive by winning the Champagne Stakes at Belmont a few weeks back. He’s been working well and will now try two turns. But for my top pick, I’m going with Citrus Kid. This son of Lemon Drop Kid recently won a stake race at Delaware Park after breaking his maiden there impressively. He’ll be the bigger price over the two above horses and could be equally good.

Three year old fillies go in the Gazelle Handicap, a race that has never been run this time of the year in the past. I’m taking a shot with a filly that was on “top of the world” a little bit over a year ago. She has never raced on “real dirt” and hasn't raced in six months. Stardom Bound was more regarded than Rachel Alexandra was as a two year old. The Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Filly winner was last seen running third at Keeneland in the Ashland Stakes. Now, she returns for new connections, but gets her regular rider aboard; Mike Smith. For second, Flashing returns to a route distance and “real dirt”. She ran well over the Aqueduct main track last spring. Milwaukee Appeal and Unrivaled Belle will round out my triple and superfecta plays.

In the last grade I stake of 2009, older males will be going the “flat” mile in the Cigar Mile. We only get six entered, but it is an evenly matched field of top quality runners. This race screams out for a “true” miler and that horse is my top pick; Bribon. A grade I winner on both dirt and turf, he is the definite class of this group. For second; speed is always dangerous and the “main speed” will be from the rail in Driven By Success. This statebred is very tough with his speed and is definitely the one to catch. Rounding out this good edition of the Cigar Mile is Pyro who is making his final career start and returning to a dirt surface.

Brooklyn native / California legend - Bobby Frankel 1941-2009

The past Monday, the thoroughbred world lost a legendary figure. Hall of Fame trainer; Bobby Frankel succumbed to the cancer he had been battling the past year. His death at the age of 68 leaves a void in the sport that may be hard to replace. His nearly 45 years on the track as a trainer originally from the east coast and then transplanted to the west coast was one of exceptional greatness. Born in Brooklyn, he got his start as a “hot walker” at Aqueduct and Belmont Park in the early 60’s. A brash, no nonsense New Yorker; Bobby was tough as nails in the metropolitan racing scene. He saddled his first winner in 1966 and then spent the next six years as a trainer on the New York circuit. In 1972, Bobby decided to move his tact to the west coast. That is where he would flourish and become the great trainer that we know.

His rise to greatness came just about the same time I was beginning to be interested in the sport. In 1986, he won the Eddie Read Stakes with Al Mammon and that started a great stretch of graded stakes wins in California and throughout the country. He trained champion colts; Bertrando (1993) and 2004 Horse of the Year; Ghostzapper, champion sprinter; Squirtle Squirt (2001) and 2003 Belmont Stakes winner; Empire Maker. But, Bobby was best with the opposite members of the sex; the filly and mares. Here Frankel had a knack with the gals and the list of winners and champions he trained is a long one. Ginger Punch, Intercontinental, Possibly Perfect, Wandtesa and Ryafan were all champions for Frankel. The list goes non-stop from the late 80’s until today with graded stake winners. It earned him a place in thoroughbred racing’s Hall of Fame in 1995.

Bobby had won 3,654 races from 17,657 starters and his horses earned $227,947,775, second all-time on the money list to D. Wayne Lukas. He was an Eclipse Award-winning trainer five times (1993 and 2000-2003), and he won 11 Eclipse Awards with the above mention horses. Throughout his training career, he won 30 individual meet training titles. When he relocated on the west coast, he won 10 titles at Hollywood Park 's spring meet, 6 at Santa Anita's Oak Tree meeting, 5 at Santa Anita's main winter meeting, 5 more at Del Mar, and 3 at Hollywood 's fall meeting. His main success the last decade was with Juddmonte Farms who he trained for and garnered six Eclipse Awards as champion owner and breeder.

But, under that rough exterior that Bobby Frankel showed most of his career was a softer side that he had when people got close to him and it came out more the past few years. Two year’s ago his beloved Australian shepherd pup; Happy passed away just before 2007 Breeder’s Cup at Monmouth Park . Very upset about his death, Frankel did not attend the event. Bobby loved his dog and his horses and would get very emotional when he spoke about them. I know people that became very close to him the past few years and tell stories on how “down to earth” Bobby had become later in life. He was a fun loving guy who enjoyed a good Italian meal, watching sports and celebrating after a big win on the track. He’ll be missed by his friends and the sport will be a lesser place without him in it. He had a long career that spanned from one coast to another, made a lot of friends and won a lot of races. Bobby Frankel was a legend in our sport and will be missed, but never forgotten.

"Z" is.....what "Z" is......the perfect champion!

I really thought lightning couldn’t strike twice in one year, yet alone ever with two wonderful and fabulous filly & mares. But, just when you thought you saw everything with the three year old season that Rachel Alexandra had, Zenyatta adds to it with a powerful victory in the Breeder’s Cup Classic.

The same could be said with the Breeder’s Cup being held at Santa Anita Park for the second straight year too! Much like last year, my handicapping skills excelled on the “pro-ride” surface. But, this year it came quickly in the first race on Friday afternoon in the Marathon . My selection and play of Man of Iron set things up quickly with $300 in my account. Unfortunately, the remaining 13 races didn’t fare quite as well as that. But, overall my bankroll showed a profit for the second straight year at racing’s biggest event on the synthetic racing surface.

It seemed that it was the opposite sex (filly and mares) that had center stage on both racing days. Of course five out of the six races on Friday were for the distaffers. Two year old filly; She Be Wild had a tremendous rail skimming ride in the Juvenile Fillies race and quite possibly locked up year end honors in that category. Informed Decision showed that she is the best older female sprinter in the country outgunning Ventura to victory and is now perfect sprinting on polytrack. In the Ladies Classic, Life is Sweet came out of the shadow from her stablemate; Zenyatta and showed her affinity for Santa Anita’s track surface in victory. Again this year, after day one there was a trend beginning and an all too familiar one.

Saturday’s racing was a mixed bag of results for my wagering. I came ever so close in the day’s first two races from making lots of money. Had the wrong European runner in the Juvenile turf race and if Gotta Have Her wins the turf sprint, I see a payout much like Man of Iron plays on Friday. Once again, a sharp local runner who is a female and lover of Santa Anita’s downhill course came through. This race follows the form we’ve seen before, as does the dirt sprint race. The winner, although seemed to face less competition was victorious over a track he had race well over in the past.

I could not come up with either winners of the Juvenile or the Dirt Mile, but returning champions Goldikova & Conduit remembered Santa Anita well from last year and now are two time repeat winners in their categories. But, all the previous 13 races from this year’s Breeder’s Cup could not compare to what was about to happen in the Breeder’s Cup Classic.

The loading of the starting gate was most eventful with Quality Road literality losing his mind and having to be scratched. At the break, Zenyatta dropped way back as the twelve other runners made their way on the pro-ride surface. Mike Smith then guided Zenyatta masterfully through the pack and clear after occurring traffic in mid stretch. Then with her powerful kick that we’ve seen so many times before, Zenyatta roared past the “boys” with a breathtaking victory and a record in the history books. She became the first female horse to ever win the Breeder’s Cup Classic and to remain undefeated, a perfect 14 for 14. Everything that her connections planned for her came true. It was another defining for the sport this year by a filly, something we rarely see. The debate will go on for months on whose better; Rachel Alexandra or Zenyatta. But for now, we’ll savior the moment on the wonderful and history making performance by the undefeated Zenyatta.

No complaints here......Breeder's Cup XXVI

After all the complaints about the Breeder’s Cup being contested two straight years at Santa Anita Park and on a synthetic surface, we have gotten a record number of horses back for a second year to defend their championship titles from 2008. Six runners are looking to become back-to-back winners in the Filly & Mare Sprint ( Ventura ), Filly & Mare Turf (Forever Together), Marathon (Muhannak), Turf Sprint (Desert Code), Mile (Goldikova) and Turf (Conduit). Also, three other winners from last year; Maram (Filly & Mare Juvenile), Zenyatta (Ladies Classic) and Midshipman (Juvenile) have returned to race in other categories (F&M Turf, Classic and Dirt Mile). That’s nine horses who have returned back where they won last year and will attempt to be two time winners. Not much outcry from the connections of these runners about the racing surface.

The number of European entrants this year has increased with the success of last year’s Euros winning here. Muhannak, Goldikova, Donativum, Conduit and Raven’s Pass all notched championships at Santa Anita. Also four other European runners were runner-up with in the money finishes (Heart Shaped, Westphalia & Eagle Mountain ). So it was completely logical that European connections would come across the pond for a second year in a row.

We have maximum fields in 6 of the 14 races carded, with many of the Juvenile runners having to choose either the main track or turf races. The older male horses had to choose between the Dirt Mile & the Classic. All in all, this year’s edition of the Breeder’s Cup Championship races comes across as a highly exciting betting affair with many intriguing angles.

The Godolphin Stable from the desert has been “red hot” since the summer months. They have sent many runners here to not only win championships, but see if thier string of horses will be good enough to dominate thier races early next year when they open their new “synthetic” track in the United Arab Emirates . Owner George Strawbridge has a runner in each of the five filly and mare races on Friday afternoon. Ventura tries to repeat as champion for her ailing trainer; Bobby Frankel. Presious Passion attempts a victory for little known trainer; Mary Hartmann in the Turf versus the “big” European guns; Sir Michael Stoute, John Gosden and Brian Meehan. In the “main event” race on the Breeder’s Cup card; the Breeder’s Cup Classic, a full field of 13 line up with many questions to be answered. Will the American three year old colts; Summer Bird, Quality Road, Mine That Bird, Regal Ransom and Girolamo take to Santa Anita’s pro-ride surface and be successful in victory? Will European lightning strike twice in the Classic with either; Rip Van Winkle or Twice Over winning? Do the “local” runners at Santa Anita; Awesome Gem, Colonel John or Richard’s Kid have an edge by racing over the polytrack surface and did the two turf horses; Einstein and Gio Ponti make the right decision by passing up the Turf and choosing in this spot?

These subplots are nothing to compare to the biggest question of all. Will, the fabulous mare; Zenyatta who is placing her undefeated streak of 13 straight victories on the line by facing the “boys” for the first time in her career going a mile an a quarter, put her in the record books? Yes, the championship day is at the same venue for a second year and yes, it is on an unnatural surface. But, today with the horses entered and titles at stake, it adds up for an exciting and intriguing day for our sport!

Breeder's Cup selections for Saturday (11/7) main card

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf

Viscount Nelson (#2) – another O’Brien two year old runner who also has done quite well in group races overseas, many European pundits like his chances here.
Interactif (#11) – a different horse since switched to the weeds, best of the American based runners.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Bridgetown (#7) – Buzzword (#12) – Pounced (#4)

Breeder’s Cup Turf Sprint

Gotta Have Her (#7) – hard hitting mare is 4 for 4 at this distance & 6 for 8 over Santa Anita turf course, 11 for 13 the last two years ITM and will be a price here.

California Flag (#3) – speedball is the “one to catch” again this year in this race, tired badly in last year’s running.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Diamondrella (#9) – Cannonball (#6) – Silver Timber (#2)

Breeder’s Cup Sprint

Gayego (#5) – third start off layoff, monster victory with late charge in the Anicent Title last time out, runs down the speed in the end.

Capt.Candyman Can (#8) – pass the synthetic test last time out at Keeneland in the Phoenix Stakes, connections go here with heavy hearts because of the recent passing of one of his owners.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Zensational (#1) – Fatal Bullet (#3) – Crown of Thorns (#4)

Breeders' Cup Juvenile

Aikenite (#9) – rallied quickly first time on polytrack & going a route distance, taken to upset here and possibly at a price.

Lookin At Lucky (#13) – undefeated local runner has been the odds-on in all four lifetime starts, the "one to beat" as the favorite.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Noble’s Promise (#4) – Radiohead (#11) – D’Funnybone (#5)

Breeder’s Cup Mile

Cowboy Cal (#3) – never been better at the flat mile distance and seems to flourish on the west coast, will be motoring on the front end & turns back the “wise guy” Euros.

Zacinto (#8) – lightly raced European runner comes into this race with a sharp 2nd behind Rip Van Winkle (a Classic starter) last time out, would be no surprise here.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Goldikova (#11) – Justenuffhumor (#10) – Courageous Cat (#6)

Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile

Midshipman (#3) – last year’s Breeder’s Cup Juvenile winner here makes his second start off the layoff after returning on the dirt sprinting at Belmont Park, loved the pro-ride here last year & should be a square price.

Mastercraftsman (#1) – sharp Irish bred three year old has finished behind European superstar; Sea The Stars, draws the rail for his second synthetic race start which he romped first time on .

Exotic & multi-race runners : Ready’s Echo (#10) – Mr. Sidney (#8) – Bullsbay (#4)

Breeders' Cup Turf

Spanish Moon (#7) – on paper this European runner looks to have this field “over a barrel” with his recent form, he’s my Best Bet on Saturday’s card & overall “lock” of the Cup.

Presious Passion (#6) – American “speed ball” has out raced them this year with four wins in seven starts, quite possibly could “wire” this field of runners.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Conduit (#2) – Da Re Mei (#5)

Breeder’s Cup Classic

Girolamo (#9) – taking a longshot flyer in this very tough edition of the Classic, has not raced on synthetic surface yet….but, his sire AP Indy has placed several stake winners on it, loved this horse in his debut last summer at Saratoga and is razor sharp coming into this race.

Quality Road (#12) – this very talented three year old runner has been one of my favorites this past year, caught a slop track in his last two starts and didn’t run poorly, now tries the pro-ride for the first time & connections may try to rate him more in today’s race, you’ll NEVER get this morning line price on him again!

Exotic & multi-race runners : Zenyatta (#4) – Summer Bird (#3) – Gio Ponti (#7)

2009 Breeder's Cup day #1 selections (11/6)

Breeder’s Cup Marathon -

Man of Iron (#9) – is out of the mare; Better Than Honour, which makes him a half brother to classic winners; Jazil, Rags to Riches also Casino Drive, has two victories on polytrack and should enjoy the mile & three quarter distance.
Mastery (#6) – winner of the grade I – St.Leger Stakes last time out on grass, ran 4th last spring in the Kentucky Derby Challenge on the polytrack surface, the one to beat.

Exotic & multi-race runners: Night Light (#3) – Cloudy’s Knight (#4) – Muhannak (#2)

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf -

Lillie Langtry (#8) – Irish bred European invader comes stateside in fine form, stakes placed in four of six lifetime starts, could be a “big” Cup for our friends "across the pond".
Junia Tepzia (#11) – an Irish bred filly that has a German trainer and has raced in Italy , impressive in both lifetime starts, could be anything.

Exotic & multi-race runners : House of Grace (#7) – Smart Seattle (#3) – Hatheer (#9)

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies -

Negligee (#10) – recent winner (12-1) in the Alcibiades Stakes at Keeneland for new connections, been working well over the Santa Anita pro-ride surface.
Blind Luck (#3) – recent winner of the Oak Leaf Stakes over the Santa Anita strip, proven on polytrack & the one to beat

Exotic & multi-race runners : Zilva (#1) – Connie and Michael (#6) – She Be Wild (#8)

Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf -

Midday (#6) – European invader has done well in group I competition, new shooter faces somewhat weak American group.
Forever Together (#2) – the defending champion may have not cared for the soft Keeneland turf in last start, may not be as sharp this year as when she won last year.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Magical Fantasy (#4) – Rutherienne (#3) – Pure Clan (#5)

Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint -

Ventura (#9) – another defending champion comes off a grade I victory on the weeds versus the males at Woodbine, handles grass or polytrack & is my Best Bet on Friday’s card.
Informed Decision (#7) – perfect 6 for 6 on synthetic surfaces, will give top pick all she can handle in this “chalky” exacta selection.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Sara Louise (#2) – Evita Argentina (#6) – Seventh Street (#8)

Breeders' Cup Ladies Classic -

Careless Jewel (#1) – razor sharp three year old filly has quite a turn of foot, has raced well on the polytrack at Woodbine early this year and is the one to catch.
Music Note (#7) – third start off the layoff after two monster wins on natural dirt, no factor third in this race last year behind Zenyatta.

Exotic & multi-race runners : Muska (#3) – Life is Sweet (#2) – Proviso (#5)