Breeders’ Cup Hopefuls

By Devon Ellington

I can’t believe it’s almost time for another Breeders’ Cup. And I must apologize to the horse-racing faithful – I’ve been working on set on a pilot for NBC and not able to file regular reports on the prep races. I wrap mere hours before the BC on Saturday. I begged a day off to look at the pre-entries, and, as always, I have a few opinions:

Juvenile Fillies: I’m going with Folklore across the board – a horse with a great personality and perseverance. I’m going to take a look at Knights Templar and see if I can put her in the mix somewhere.

Juvenile: First Samurai, a horse who shows consistent excellence and Henny Hughes, likewise. I’m going to bet each of them across the board, and box them in an exacta. I want to look at Sorceror’s Stone and Private View to see if either looks like it’ll make the show spot. My worry for First Samurai and Henny Hughes is that doing well here will derail them for next year’s Triple Crown, which happens more often than not, known as the “BC Juvy Curse.”

Filly and Mare Turf Pre-Entries: This race is the hardest one on the card. You’re making me choose between Riskaverse, Ouija Board, Film Maker, Wend, Intercontinental, Megahertz and Angara? You tryin’ to kill me over here? Okay, here it goes: Ouija Board across the board; Ouija Board, Riskaverse, Film Maker in a boxed trifecta; Wend to show, maybe? Intercontinental, Megahertz and Angara – I have to see them in the paddock. Most likely I’ll slot Megahertz in there, if she’s at her roaring best.

Sprint: Hmm, let’s see, Lost in the Fog is running. Is there even a point to bet on any other horse? Lost in the Fog across the board. Roman Ruler, who I think is bouncing back, across the board. Lost in the Fog and Roman Ruler in a boxed exacta. I’m looking at Imperialism, Battle Won and Gygistar for the show spot – doubt I’ll go with all three. Imperialism is my sentimental favorite, but the other two are also pretty special. Have to see them in the paddock.

The Mile: I like Artie Schiller a lot, but I’m a little queasy about a mile. Sand Springs and Leroidesanimaux seem the strongest here. Possibly strong enough for a boxed exacta. I’ll do something with Artie Schiller because I love him, but I don’t know what yet. I also want to see if Limehouse is back on form, and I’m rather fond of Whipper for a show slot, or, maybe even a place.

The Distaff: Well, you know if Ashado is running, I’m going to bet her across the board. Stellar Jayne and Sweet Symphony are going to challenge her, so they’ll be shuffled in there, but not quite sure how. And Happy Ticket intrigues me, although I’m not sure she can outmaneuver the other three ladies. I love the fillies and mares because they are so unpredictable.

The Turf: Better Talk Now, Fourty Niners Son and Shakespeare – not sure what order. This will depend a lot on the weather. If we’re in the middle of Hurricane Wilma, I’ll toss ‘em all out if they’re cranky and start over.

The Classic: Tiznow’s repeat win several years ago remains my favorite Classic race. This year, we’ve got Flower Alley in. Considering how much money I’ve won on F.A. this season, it would be an insult to do anything less but bet this horse across the board. And one of my favorite horses of all times is in the race, too – Rock Hard Ten. Across the board again. Boxing an exacta with them, too. Sun King is a question mark for me – any time I doubt him, he runs better than I expect. When I have faith in him, he has a bad day. I’m looking at him for a show spot, but it’s questionable. I’m also on the fence about Borrego – who’s steadily improved the last few months – Perfect Drift and Sir Shackleton. Choctaw Nation intrigues me – if this one looks perky in the paddock, I’ll throw a few bucks that way, too.

No Racing Ink this week, I’m afraid, but I’ll be back next week with a wrap up full of hits and misses. One of the most interesting aspects of the Breeders’ Cup is the fact that it tends to be a day of upsets regarding handicappers’ picks. Also, these picks are taken from the pre-entries list – the actual entries may change up until post time.

Happy Racing!

Bio: Devon Ellington publishes under a half a dozen names in a variety of genres, both fiction and non-fiction. Vast her blog, Ink in My Coffee at: http://inkinmycoffee.blogspot.com and her website at: http://www.devonellingtonwork.com .

 

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