LOOKING AHEAD TO THE Breeders™ CUP

By Devon Ellington

The Breeders’ Cup races take place at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas on October 30 this year. The Breeders’™ Cup is one of the highest-paying and most exciting events in the thoroughbred race calendar. Tracks vie aggressively for the opportunity to host the event. This is Lone Star Park’s first Breeders’ Cup, a major coup for a track only seven years old.

Although the race card is likely to change up until the last minute, from the pre-entries, I’ve made a few choices:

Distaff: Although Azeri is scheduled to run with Pat Day up, and although this is likely to be her last day of racing, I’m not putting money on her. I love this horse and have loved her for her entire career. But without Mike Smith in the irons, she won’t win. I wish her a happy and healthy retirement, and thank her for many racing hours of joy.

Storm Flag Flying is one of my favorite horses, although she’s quite temperamental. She did not do well in her last race, and, although I think she can hit the board, I’m going to pass on her this time around. If John Velazquez was riding her, I’d risk it, but John Velazquez is set to ride Ashado, which causes me to take a second look at her. I’ll put money on her to hit the board. But my favorite horse in this race is Stellar Jayne. I’m looking at her to win, although I might also box an exacta with Ashado.

Juvenile Fillies: None of my girls are in this one. I want to take a look at Balletto, ridden by Aaron Gryder and Sense of Style ridden by Edgar Prado, more because of my respect for the jockeys than because I know much about the horses. If the horses look good to me that day, I’ll bet on them.

Mile: Again, none of my favorites are entered. I’ll take a look at Domestic Dispute and at Musical Chimes right before the race and make my decision then. If Balto Star ends up here instead of in the Turf, I’ll toss some money in his direction.

Sprint: Speightstown to win. This is one of the best, fastest horses I’ve ever seen. As long as he stays healthy between now and then, I don’t think any other horse in the field can come close to him. I’ll bet Cajun Beat to hit the board, and I’m still on the fence about Midas Eyes. I might play the latter to hit the board as well.

Filly and Mare Turf: Riskaverse, ridden by John Velazquez, across the board. In my opinion, she’s the classiest horse in the field.

Juvenile: My favorite two year old, Lunarpal, is nowhere to be found. I’m not sure if he got injured or if he’s resting or what. I’d hoped he’d make a strong showing in this race. Instead, I’ll put money on both Afleet Alex and Roman Ruler, slightly favoring the latter. They’ve both been very impressive. I may also box them in an exacta.

Turf: Balto Star, if he runs here instead of in the mile, to hit the board. I pick Kitten’s Joy to win, and may box an exacta with KJ and BS. I want to take a look at Sarafan and see if it’s worth adding that one to the mix.

Classic: Azeri is entered here, too, to run against the boys. I’m still not going to put money on her, unless something happens and Mike Smith returns as her jockey. I’m also going to pass on Birdstone, although other betters should take a look. Despite his wins, he’s simply not one of my favorite horses. But others shouldn’t lose a chance to make a few bucks because he’s not my choice. Take a look at him and make your own decision. I’m going with Funny Cide, Ghostzapper, and Perfect Drift, although I’m not quite sure how I’ll structure the betting. I might do straight bets and box a trifecta.

The following links will give you more information as race day draws nearer, and keep you up to date on the changes:

Equibase (gives entries, race results and other info from tracks all over the country): www.equibase.com

The Daily Racing Form (the daily newspaper covering thoroughbred racing): http://www.drf.com/bc2004/breederscup.html

Lone Star Park (the track hosting this year’s event): http://www.lonestarpark.com

The Breeders Cup website (facts, figures and other info): http://www.ntra.com/bc2004/bc_event_index.asp

For my tips on picking a horse, visit: http://www.devonellingtonwork.com/racing.html

[Top] [Print this Page]