Breeders’ Cup Preview Day Analysis
October 1st, 2010By Jude T. Feld
Bloodstock agent Bob Feld “saw the cat” when he laid eyes on Shared Account at the 2007 Keeneland September Yearling Sale and bought her for historic Sagamore FarmBFB PHOTO
Thoroughbred racing fans will be treated to a magnificent card of sensational racehorses competing in six Grade 1 events at Belmont Park on Saturday – all with an eye on the Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs next month. Here’s my analysis of the six races. Hopefully the main track will be “fast” and the turf course at least “good” for Saturday’s races in the Big Apple, but bad weather cancelled Thursday and Friday’s cards, so some sun and wind will need to materialize in order for that to happen.
VOSBURGH (G1) – BELMONT PARK RACE 6
GIROLAMO came up short in his 2010 debut at Saratoga. That race should have shaken off the rust and his two excellent drills over the Belmont surface will have him fit and focused. Being reunited with his favorite rider, Alan Garcia, won’t hurt him either. WILDCAT BRIEF had a wonderful summer at the Jersey Shore. The situation here is that the company is tougher, but his race three back was fast enough to get the job done if he can repeat it. Jockey Garrett Gomez and the cozy outside post enhance his chances. WALL STREET WONDER is no slouch, but his form has more holes than Swiss cheese. His best effort will be needed but his price should be juicy. Greed is good, right?
FLOWER BOWL (G1) – BELMONT PARK RACE 7
My brother Bob spent $170,000 of Sagamore Farm’s money to secure SHARED ACCOUNT at the 2007 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. It was a super move as the daughter of Pleasantly Perfect has won two graded races and banked over $500,000. The Graham Motion trainee lost by whisker to the ultra-talented Proviso in the Diana (G1) at Saratoga in her last start, but seems to have this field at her mercy with a two-pound break in the weights. FOREVER TOGETHER is a champion mare who hasn’t won since 2009. She always tries hard but seems to have lost a step. Off her old class she merits respect but she is tough to bet on and impossible to dismiss. RED DESIRE is a Japanese interloper whose last two races haven’t been her best. She has been keeping stout company in her native land and could surprise these with one of her better efforts.
BELDAME (G1) – BELMONT PARK RACE 8
UNRIVALED BELLE is from the family of Lady Argyle, a California mare who was developed by exceedingly sharp Beverly Hills breeder Elliot Alexander. She is a paragon of consistency and never ducks any filly or mare (except the great Zenyatta). She beat Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra in the La Troienne (G2) at Churchill Downs in the spring and that race would top this field for sure. LIFE AT TEN is a speedy gal who loves to win. If left alone on the lead, she could be extremely hard to down. PERSISTENTLY is very sharp right now but will need a huge pace meltdown to get the chrome.
JOE HIRSCH TURF CLASSIC INVITATIONAL (G1) – BELMONT PARK RACE 9
It is tough to take a three-year-old over top-class older horses at a mile and a half on the turf, but PADDY O’PRADO has made a believer out of me. The Dale Romans trainee has also made mincemeat of his competition this summer while managing to earn over a million bucks. If anyone beats him in the Hirsch, they can be mighty proud. WINCHESTER is an old favorite of mine and a beaten favorite from the Bowling Green (G2). He is sharp, in capable hands and classy too, so he cannot be ignored. NEVER ON SUNDAY is a magnificent horse but he has a bit of a bleeding problem. If trainer Patrick Biancone has him perfect, he could be the upset special.
JOCKEY CLUB GOLD CUP (G1) – BELMONT PARK RACE 10
At a mile and a quarter on dirt, BLAME might be the best male racehorse in training. He just puts his head down and runs with an attitude that says, “Nobody’s gonna beat me today.†Trainer Al Stall, Jr. has done a great job keeping him fit, fresh and happy while getting him to run faster and faster all the while. This will be his final prep for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). RAIL TRIP makes his debut for trainer Rick Dutrow after having won a million dollars under the tutelage of trainer Ron Ellis. He has been plagued by foot problems of late, but his work tab indicates they are nothing but a memory. A big race can be expected. FLY DOWN was an unlucky loser to Afleet Express in the Travers (G1). He’ll be flying late and could get into the trifecta.
