Jude Feld’s Friday Breeders’ Cup Analysis
October 31st, 2013
Race 6 – Breeders’ Cup Marathon (G2)
#1 OLD TIME HOCKEY is bred to relish the dirt, but has contested most of his races on the turf. He certainly has the ability to get the mile and three-quarters. The son of Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Smarty Jones has been facing some pretty tough customers recently, so this race may actually offer some class relief. Trainer Tom Proctor should have him set for a top try. #2 CEASE seems to run best at extended distances, although he managed to get up going seven furlongs in his most recent start for trainer David Jacobson, who claimed him two races back. #6 INDIAN JONES has run lights out since being claimed back by trainer Phil Aristone. He has shown a fondness for marathon racing, missing by a nose in a Grade 3 stakes at Parx at a mile and one-half recently. It would not be shocking to see him in the winners’ circle.
Race 7 – Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1)
#5 BOBBY’S KITTEN is at the top of his class in American racing. He has been very impressive in all three lifetime starts, capturing his last two, including the Pilgrim (G3) at Belmont Park in his latest trip to the post. The Chad Brown trainee has drawn well for the mile distance and looms as one of the most solid plays on the card. #4 OUTSTRIP has been right there in all his starts for Godolphin. He is out of the talented mare Asi Siempre, who was a force in American racing during her career. #11 POKER PLAYER is on an improving pattern. He hails from the red-hot stable of trainer Wayne Catalano and has a solid closing kick. He should get a piece of the pie. #13 BASHART may have had his best chance squashed at the draw, but if Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez can work out a trip, he could have a chance to be in the frame. #2 GIOVANNI BOLDINI is well-drawn inside and has good European form. He is another son of super sire War Front who has tons of talent.
Race 8 – Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1)
#12 GOLDENCENTS is a quality colt who is three races into his comeback. The mile distance should be perfect for him and he is training like a bomb for trainer Doug O’Neill. #9 CENTRALINTELIGENCE prepped in a sprint and stretches out for sharp trainer Ron Ellis. The son of Smarty Jones has been crying out for more real estate and will finally get it in this event. #11 PANTS ON FIRE is in super-sharp form. He comes off a facile victory in the Ack Ack Handicap (G3) at Churchill Downs and should get a perfect stalking trip. #8 HOLY LUTE is a three-year-old. The lightly raced colt from the Jim Cassidy stable is steadily improving and might be the surprise package in a very puzzling affair.
Race 9 – Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1)
Unfortunately, the best three American-based fillies have drawn the three worst posts. #13 SKY PAINTER has an amazing turn of foot. Her running style should suit the field, but jockey Luis Saez must negotiate a good trip from the 13-hole. #14 MY CONQUESTADORY has been a buzz-filly since her impressive come-from-behind victory in the Darley Alcibiades (G1) at Keeneland. She escaped trouble in that run and will no doubt need more racing luck from the extreme outside post here. #12 TESTA ROSSI wowed the fans in the Miss Grillo (G3), her U.S. debut. She has won four races in-a-row and could take another if given a clear path. #6 VORDA invades from Newmarket, where she won a Group 1. The Philippe Sogorb trainee could easily have a say in the outcome. #8 CHRISELLIAM is also a Group 1 winner. She has improved leaps and bounds in her last three starts and could move forward again today. #2 AL THAKHIRA is undefeated in two trips to the gate. The daughter of Dubawi is drawn well and could get a perfect trip near the pacesetters.
Race 10 – Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1)
#4 ROYAL DELTA is best when she is allowed to run her own race. Hopefully Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith now understands this, as every time he has tried to make her rate, she flops big time. With “filly to beat†#5 BEHOLDER drawn inside of her, Mikey will have no choice but to let the Queen roll from the gate and stalk the pride of Spendthrift Farm. They should be able to wrest the lead from last year’s two-year-old champion in the final furlong, and head to the winners’ circle for the third straight year. #5 BEHOLDER is a formidable foe and it will take a top performance to defeat her at Santa Anita, her beloved track. She has been training super for Hall of Famer Richard Mandella and has the great Gary Stevens to ration her speed. #2 AUTHENTICITY runs hard every time against the best fillies and mares in the land. One of these days she’ll be bride instead of the bridesmaid.
