2011 Breeders’ Cup Friday Selections
November 3rd, 2011By Jude T. Feld
5th Race) SECRET CIRCLE towers over this group according to speed figures. The Baffert runner has been training well too. SEEKER may be his major competition. The son of top freshman sire Hard Spun has looked good in the morning and posted a nice fig when he broke his maiden at the Spa. SHUMOOS won a Grade 3 on a synthetic track. By Distorted Humor from a Storm Cat mare, dirt should not be a problem for her.
6th Race) SOMALI LEMONADE may be the best of this competitive group. She has two grass wins in two lifetime starts and worked well at Keeneland for this race. ELUSIVE KATE won a Grade 1 race on Arc day while improving her Racing Post ratings in every start. Ignore her at your own peril. STOPSHOPPINGMARIA really seemed to enjoy the turf in her Saturday workout and her pedigree would indicate that would be her best surface.
7th Race) TURBULENT DESCENT continues to improve with racing. She has a string of nice works leading up to this event and looms the filly to beat. GOLDEN MYSTERY has really turned it on after her short layoff going two-for-two. She posted an excellent drill over the track and will be a big price. POMEROYS PISTOL is capable of some big races and looks like a major player here.
8th Race) MY MISS AURELIA has an efficient stride and really covers the ground. She has trained super for Steve Asmussen and should continue her winning ways. WEEMISSFRANKIE is the pride of the West Coast. She is also undefeated stacks up as the top filly’s major foe. ROCKET TWENTYONE has never lost and worked super out of the gate at Churchill last week. The Arlington-Washington Lassie (G3) victress could light up the tote board.
9th Race) STACELITA stands out among the Americans. Coming off two Grade 1 wins, the Chad Brown trainee has made a lovely impression during morning training at Churchill Downs. NAHRAIN is an undefeated Grade 1 winner of four starts. She seems to have made the trip from France in good order and would not be a surprise. ANNOUNCE has had an excellent career, returning victorious 50% of the time. The Grade 1-winning Juddmonte filly is right at home in these turf marathons.
10th Race) ROYAL DELTA posted the best workout I have ever seen last Sunday at Churchill Downs. She is doing so well right now it is scary and will win the Ladies’ Classic if she runs like she trains. PLUM PRETTY has won over a million dollars in her career. The Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner will be tough to beat. IT’S TRICKY has finished behind the top two in her last two starts but she beat them both three races back. She has a mind of her own but is capable of great things if in a cooperative mood.
