TOM LEACH
TOM LEACH
N
JIM GOODMAN
JONATHAN FOWLER
RACE 8 – JUVENILE
TOM LEACH
1. Syndergaard (2) – Pletcher always fires in this race and this one may be the controlling speed from the inside post. The way he ran last time showed tremendous heart.
Voice of the Wildcats RACE 4 – JUVENILE FILLIES 1.
KATIE GENSLER
Daddys Lil Darling (11) – The mediocre speed figures among this group suggests an upset is possible and this one ran huge from the 14-hole at Keeneland last time. She has a pair of two-turn races under her belt and she shows a good local work
2. Noted and Quoted (10) - Seems to be in peak form for Baffert 3. Union Strike (9) – Being out of a Smart Strike mare, she should welcome the stretch-out. RACE 5 – FILLY AND MARE TURF 1. Queen’s Trust (GB) (11) – Has been consistent in top company racing abroad and this trainer does well when he comes to the Cup
2. Classic Empire (5) – Very professional win at Keeneland last time out 3. Not This Time (10) – Romans is over-the-moon high on this one’s upside but I’m not wild about the post position RACE 9 – TURF 1. Highland Reel (IRE) (12) – This one ran big when he came to the US last summer 2. Flintshire (GB) (4) – Expect him to bounce back on firm turf 3. Found (IRE) (10) – Not sure if she’ll be as good on the firm turf RACE 10 – FILLY AND MARE SPRINT
2. Seventh Heaven (IRE) (3) – Has done well in top-class company in Europe for the O’Brien barn
1. Tara’s Tango (3) – This one has won a grade 1 on this track and could improve in 3rd start off a layoff. This race is wide open
3. Lady Eli (8) – If she is back to her best, she’ll be tough to beat on a course on which she’s already won
2. Finest City (12) – Go back in her form and you’ll find some good efforts in long sprints on the dirt so don’t overlook this one
RACE 6 – SPRINT
3. Irish Jasper (11) – That 98 Beyer two starts back would be tough in this spot
1. Limousine Liberal (9) – He’s in peak form and he’s best at 6
furlongs--add a sensational 10/20 work at Keeneland and he’s worth a shot at a big price.
2. Masochistic (7) – That 110 Beyer jumps off the page but I’m not sure if 6 furlongs is his best distance.
RACE 11 – MILE 1. Tepin (8) – I think the trip to Europe left her a little behind the schedue she used to prep for last year’s win so they had some catching up to do on fitness. I’m betting that she’ll be back at her best here.
3. Drefong (2) – An improving 3-year old. Baffert is also worth a long look.
2. Limato (IRE) (10) – A 129 Timeform rating in that last race jumps off the page so this one could be just be better than the rest.
RACE 7 – TURF SPRINT
3. Tourist (5) – On his best day, he’s run races good enough to win this.
1. Karar (GB) (5) – I put this one on top but it’s a tossup with this one and the next pick, based on the strength of the race they exit. That performance trumps the concern over how the Euros will handle this tricky course
RACE 12 – CLASSIC
2. Ambitous Brew (10) – Local specialists on this unusual layout are always dangerous in this race 3. Holy Lute (13) - Just ran best Beyer in over a year in the prep for this race.
1. Arrogate (10) – When Baffert horses work like this one is working in the mornings, they are hard to beat. 2.
California Chrome (4) – He’s been sensational this year but he’s winning with perfect trips. Let’s see what he does if a horse with equal ability looks him in the eye. If he wins this, tip your cap to a lead-pipe cinch for Horse of the Year.
3. Hoppertunity (9) – 10 furlongs is maybe his best distance and he has a strong record on this track but can’t see a scenario in which one of the top two picks win this race
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KATIE GENSLER Keeneland Paddock Reporter RACE 11 – MILE
RACE 4 – JUVENILE FILLIES 1. Noted and Quoted (10) – Gets home court advantage after a game effort to win the G1 Chandler. 2. Sweet Loretta (5) – Is the most accomplished of this bunch; Pletcher is sharp with sprint to route runners at 26%. 3. Valadorna (3) – Blew away the field when she captured her first career win going a 1 1/16th.
1. Tepin (8) – Training well for an “A plus” performance as she defends her title in the Mile. 2. Limato (IRE) (10) – Multiple Group 1 winner should be able to handle the stretch out with his tactical speed. 3. Photo Call (6) – The Pletcher trainee beat Tepin in the G1 First Lady with a 109 Beyer…was it a fluke? RACE 12 – CLASSIC
RACE 5 – FILLY AND MARE TURF 1. Lady Eli (8) – Appears better than ever when she won the G1 Flower Bowl on Oct. 8th. 2. Seventh Heaven (IRE) (3) – The multiple Group 1 winner should be highly favored for her first start in the U.S. 3. Sea Calisi (FR) (1) – Chad Brown trained and jockey Florent Geroux retains the mount; nice combo for unwavering performance.
1. California Chrome (4) – He’s one spectacular older horse; will anyone beat him this year? 2. Frosted (2) – Serious threat with his versatile running style. 3. Arrogate (10) – Lightly raced 3yo won the G1 Travers by many, many lengths.
RACE 6 – SPRINT 1. A.P. Indian (5) – Top sprinter goes for six in a row and six wins at the distance. 2. Drefong (2) – Newcomer won the King’s Bishop (G1) and could be the speed of the speed. 3. Masochistic (7) – Two starts, two wins this year. Jockey Mike Smith is back aboard. RACE 7 – TURF SPRINT 1. Washington DC (IRE) (8) – Has been facing top turf sprinters in Europe for trainer Aidan O’Brien. 2. Obviously (IRE) (2) – Veteran runner still going strong and can handle the turn back in distance. 3. Celestine (14) – Exits the G1 First Lady, which she likely needed that race. RACE 8 – JUVENILE 1. Classic Empire (5) – Overcame the outside post to win the Breeders’ Futurity; stalking early with a better draw. 2. Practical Joke (9) – He’s the real deal that keeps winning with tactical speed. 3. Three Rules (6) – His dangerous early speed should take him a long way as he moves up in class. RACE 9 – TURF 1. Found (IRE) (10) – Won this race last year against the boys. 2. Flintshire (GB) (4) – Top turf runner did not handle the yielding turf course last time. 3. Da Big Hoss (2) – At the top of his game at 20-1 odds. RACE 10 – FILLY AND MARE SPRINT 1. Tara’s Tango (3) – Training well for a bounce back performance. 2. Carina Mia (8) – Full of class and appears well spotted going 7 furlongs. 3. Irish Jasper (11) – Won her last two races; barn won this race last year.
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JIM GOODMAN Keeneland Director of Mutuels/Simulcast RACE 9 – TURF
RACE 4 – JUVENILE FILLIES 1. Daddys Lil Darling (11) – Kenny McPeek trainee is an imposing specimen who was rolling at the end of the Darley Alcibiades (G1) at Keeneland. 2. Union Strike (9) – Her win in the Del Mar Debutante (G1) was flattered by Noted and Quoted’s subsequent win in the Chandelier (G1) at Santa Anita. 3. American Gal (12) – Rafael Bejarano takes Noted and Quoted; the Mike Smith pickup mount just might be the real deal. RACE 5 – FILLY AND MARE TURF 1. Lady Eli (8) – What a great storyline: returning from laminitis and a one- year layoff, the brilliant filly seems to be back where she was and that should be good enough to take this. 2. Sea Calisi (FR) (1) – She could not handle Lady Eli in the Flower Bowl (G1), but she could be sitting on a big one. Florent Geroux had his choice of three mounts; he took her. 3.
Catch a Glimpse (2) – Losing Geroux but gaining Javier Castellano, she could get brave on the lead. She was not herself in Keeneland’s Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Presented by Lane’s End (G1), acting very fractious in the paddock. Juicy price?
RACE 6 – SPRINT 1. Limousine Liberal (9) – The Sprint frequently provides a surprise. This gelding ran his eyeballs out in the Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix (G2) at Keeneland and lost a head-bob to superstar A. P. Indian. At 15-1 in the morning line, he is a bargain and has a legitimate chance to win. 2. A. P. Indian (5) – He is going for his sixth win in a row, has great positional speed and Joe Bravo fits him like a glove. 3. Masochistic (7) – West Coast standout with home court advantage. RACE 7 – TURF SPRINT 1.
Ambitious Brew (10) – Taking a stab here with a horse with a great record over the tricky downhill turf course at Santa Anita. But there are worse stabs than a gelding who has five wins in nine starts at the distance with Hall of Famer Mike Smith aboard.
2.
Mongolian Saturday (3) – Signaled his return from an around-the-world adventure with a resounding win in the Woodford (G3) Presented by Keeneland Select at Keeneland. He ran the best race of his life in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) last year, and a repeat is not out of the question.
3.
Obviously (2) – Another with success at the distance and the Santa Anita turf course. If he can clear Pure Sensation, who has the disadvantageous one hole, he could control the pace and last a long time. This is the first leg of the Pick Six, and a wise handicapper would go deep here.
RACE 8 – JUVENILE 1. Three Rules (6) – He is undefeated and untested. First time out of Florida, with three bullet works in the holster; Cornelio Velasquez traveled to California to ride him. Gets the ultimate class test. 2. Not This Time (10) – Dale Romans loves this horse and rightfully so. The blowout win in the Iroquois (G3) at Churchill could be due to the muddy track or it could be that he is just that good.
1.
Found (IRE) (10) – After flirting with running in the Classic, the Arc champ returns to defend her title in the 1½-mile Turf. She beat seemingly unbeatable Golden Horn last year; with the exception of Flintshire (GB), this group does not seem as tough. Huge chance to repeat and complete an impressive Arc-Turf double.
2. Flintshire (GB) (4) – Other than a second to Ectot (GB) on a rain-soaked turf course at Belmont, he has been untouchable this year; this exacta box with Found (IRE) might be the best bet of the day. 3. Highland Reel (IRE) (12) – Right there with Found (IRE); would not take a huge step forward to propel him to the top, and he beat Flintshire (GB) in Hong Kong last year. RACE 10 – FILLY AND MARE SPRINT 1. Haveyougoneaway (2) – The winner of the Ballerina (G1) at Saratoga, she is on three-race win streak and seems to have relished the stretch-out to seven furlongs. 2. Carina Mia (8) – She took a second swing at Songbird in the Cotillion (G1) at Parx, but she might be much better at this shorter distance. 3.
Wavell Avenue (10) – The defending champ could get overlooked in the wagering, with only one win since last year’s Breeders’ Cup. A quick pace up front could be an advance to her, and she is drawn perfectly to benefit. A pace meltdown could happen again.
RACE 11 – MILE 1.
Ironicus (9) – He was gobbling up ground in the Shadwell Turf Mile (G1) at Keeneland and just missed catching Miss Temple City. He had an impressive :47.88 work before leaving Belmont and he could be peaking at the right time.
2.
Tepin (8) – The logical and sentimental pick, she has done nothing wrong all year. Photo Call (IRE) freaked last out in the First Lady (G1) at Keeneland, and Julien Leparoux was not going to empty the tank in a futile stretch run. She seems to have a lot saved for this spot.
3. Limato (IRE) (10) – The Timeform ratings on this gelding indicate he is right there with the top two. If he takes to the firm turf at Santa Anita, he could be tough to handle. RACE 12 – CLASSIC 1.
California Chrome (4) – He has earned $13 million; this is his home track; he is in career form since returning from Dubai; he has won six in a row. I cannot find any chinks in his armor, and he will be a single in my Pick Six.
2.
Frosted (2) – After the Met Mile (G1), I thought he was the best horse in the country. It seems a lot of people have gotten off his bandwagon after a strangely run Woodward (G1), where he had a bad start and failed to get the nod down the stretch. He could make amends today with a return to his best.
3.
Arrogate (10) – Cannot imagine he will repeat his blowout Travers (G1) win, but the lightly raced son of Unbridled’s Song is immensely talented. His two races at Santa Anita were easy wins, so he loves the track. There are a lot of reasons to look this way, and the race could have a memorable stretch drive with the top two and be a great way to end the Breeders’ Cup return to Santa Anita.
3. Gormley (7) – Won the FrontRunner (G1) with ease over the more highly regarded Klimt. Big home-court advantage.
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JONATHAN FOWLER Keeneland Select Manager
RACE 10 – FILLY AND MARE SPRINT
RACE 4 – JUVENILE FILLIES
1. Paulassilverlining (9) – Lack of early speed might help her either on the lead or stalking.
1. Valadorna (3) – Not the smartest to take the maiden winner but she was so impressive in her only win at Keeneland 2. American Gal (12) – A filly with immense talent who hasn’t been tested. Bob Baffert knows how to stretch out a sprinter. 3. Noted and Quoted (10) – Stepped up to win the Chandelier (G1) in her first two-turn race at Santa Anita.
2. Haveyougoneaway (2) – Looks for fourth consecutive win and has a powerful late move. 3. Carina Mia (8) – Talented filly whose early speed might help in this race. RACE 11 – MILE
RACE 5 – FILLY AND MARE TURF
1. Tepin (8) – Slow pace killed her chances in the First Lady (G1) at Keeneland. No chance of that happening here and I look for her to rebound.
1. Seventh Heaven (IRE) (3) – Huge win two back to defeat Found (IRE). Aidan O’Brien will have her back in form for this race.
2. Limato (IRE) (10) – Faced Group 1 fields in last six of seven races with three wins. Looked particularly impressive in last win in Prix de la Foret (G1).
2. Lady Eli (8) – The American darling of the turf returns to the Breeders’ Cup. She’ll be ready to pounce on the far turn.
3. Alice Springs (IRE) (2) – This is a filly with a tremendous turn of foot. She’s faced older in her last two starts and won both times.
3. Queen’s Trust (GB) (11) – Knocked heads with Europe’s best and held her own. Frankie Dettori aboard.
RACE 12 – CLASSIC
RACE 6 – SPRINT 1. Defrong (2) – Lightly raced 3-year-old looks primed for a big effort.
1. California Chrome (4) - This horse is simply at the top of his game and ready for all challengers. He looks fantastic over the Santa Anita course and appears at his best.
2. A. P. Indian (5) – Showed great determination in winning the Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix (G2) at Keeneland. Two undefeated horses in an epic showdown.
2. Arrogate (10) – HUGE win in the Travers (G1). This is his first test against older rivals and he won’t get things his own way. Will he go for the lead from that outside post?
3. Mind Your Biscuits (1) – Training very well and should benefit from a hot early pace.
3. Melatonin (6) – Unbeaten in four races at Santa Anita and has the ability to rate. This is my price horse at 12-1. Has loved the stretch out in distance starting earlier this year.
RACE 7 – TURF SPRINT 1. Holy Lute (13) – Looked exceptional winning the Eddie D (G3) over this course. Experience is key on this course. 2. Washington DC (IRE) (8) – Talented Aidan O’Brien trainee who has raced in group events all year long. 3. A Lot (9) – Late closer will benefit from the expected speed in this race. Looks fresh off a light campaign. RACE 8 – JUVENILE 1. Classic Empire (5) – Hard work paid off when this horse came back to win the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1). 4-1 in my opinion. 2. Three Rules (6) – Can sprint and go long. Not been tested but looks to be a serious racehorse. 3. Klimt (1) – Couldn’t run down early pacesetter but sets him up well for this race. RACE 9 – TURF 1. Flintshire (GB) (4) – Rain was his biggest hindrance in his last race. I except Found (IRE) to go off the favorite but I think he excels on this course. 2. Found (IRE) (10) – Coming into race exactly the same path as last year. She’s the class of the field. 3. Highland Reel (IRE) (12) – Gets a rest after the Arc and had a solid summer/fall campaign.
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N
JIM GOODMAN
JONATHAN FOWLER
RACE 8 – JUVENILE
TOM LEACH
1. Syndergaard (2) – Pletcher always fires in this race and this one may be the controlling speed from the inside post. The way he ran last time showed tremendous heart.
Voice of the Wildcats RACE 4 – JUVENILE FILLIES 1.
KATIE GENSLER
Daddys Lil Darling (11) – The mediocre speed figures among this group suggests an upset is possible and this one ran huge from the 14-hole at Keeneland last time. She has a pair of two-turn races under her belt and she shows a good local work
2. Noted and Quoted (10) - Seems to be in peak form for Baffert 3. Union Strike (9) – Being out of a Smart Strike mare, she should welcome the stretch-out. RACE 5 – FILLY AND MARE TURF 1. Queen’s Trust (GB) (11) – Has been consistent in top company racing abroad and this trainer does well when he comes to the Cup
2. Classic Empire (5) – Very professional win at Keeneland last time out 3. Not This Time (10) – Romans is over-the-moon high on this one’s upside but I’m not wild about the post position RACE 9 – TURF 1. Highland Reel (IRE) (12) – This one ran big when he came to the US last summer 2. Flintshire (GB) (4) – Expect him to bounce back on firm turf 3. Found (IRE) (10) – Not sure if she’ll be as good on the firm turf RACE 10 – FILLY AND MARE SPRINT
2. Seventh Heaven (IRE) (3) – Has done well in top-class company in Europe for the O’Brien barn
1. Tara’s Tango (3) – This one has won a grade 1 on this track and could improve in 3rd start off a layoff. This race is wide open
3. Lady Eli (8) – If she is back to her best, she’ll be tough to beat on a course on which she’s already won
2. Finest City (12) – Go back in her form and you’ll find some good efforts in long sprints on the dirt so don’t overlook this one
RACE 6 – SPRINT
3. Irish Jasper (11) – That 98 Beyer two starts back would be tough in this spot
1. Limousine Liberal (9) – He’s in peak form and he’s best at 6
furlongs--add a sensational 10/20 work at Keeneland and he’s worth a shot at a big price.
2. Masochistic (7) – That 110 Beyer jumps off the page but I’m not sure if 6 furlongs is his best distance.
RACE 11 – MILE 1. Tepin (8) – I think the trip to Europe left her a little behind the schedue she used to prep for last year’s win so they had some catching up to do on fitness. I’m betting that she’ll be back at her best here.
3. Drefong (2) – An improving 3-year old. Baffert is also worth a long look.
2. Limato (IRE) (10) – A 129 Timeform rating in that last race jumps off the page so this one could be just be better than the rest.
RACE 7 – TURF SPRINT
3. Tourist (5) – On his best day, he’s run races good enough to win this.
1. Karar (GB) (5) – I put this one on top but it’s a tossup with this one and the next pick, based on the strength of the race they exit. That performance trumps the concern over how the Euros will handle this tricky course
RACE 12 – CLASSIC
2. Ambitous Brew (10) – Local specialists on this unusual layout are always dangerous in this race 3. Holy Lute (13) - Just ran best Beyer in over a year in the prep for this race.
1. Arrogate (10) – When Baffert horses work like this one is working in the mornings, they are hard to beat. 2.
California Chrome (4) – He’s been sensational this year but he’s winning with perfect trips. Let’s see what he does if a horse with equal ability looks him in the eye. If he wins this, tip your cap to a lead-pipe cinch for Horse of the Year.
3. Hoppertunity (9) – 10 furlongs is maybe his best distance and he has a strong record on this track but can’t see a scenario in which one of the top two picks win this race
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KATIE GENSLER Keeneland Paddock Reporter RACE 11 – MILE
RACE 4 – JUVENILE FILLIES 1. Noted and Quoted (10) – Gets home court advantage after a game effort to win the G1 Chandler. 2. Sweet Loretta (5) – Is the most accomplished of this bunch; Pletcher is sharp with sprint to route runners at 26%. 3. Valadorna (3) – Blew away the field when she captured her first career win going a 1 1/16th.
1. Tepin (8) – Training well for an “A plus” performance as she defends her title in the Mile. 2. Limato (IRE) (10) – Multiple Group 1 winner should be able to handle the stretch out with his tactical speed. 3. Photo Call (6) – The Pletcher trainee beat Tepin in the G1 First Lady with a 109 Beyer…was it a fluke? RACE 12 – CLASSIC
RACE 5 – FILLY AND MARE TURF 1. Lady Eli (8) – Appears better than ever when she won the G1 Flower Bowl on Oct. 8th. 2. Seventh Heaven (IRE) (3) – The multiple Group 1 winner should be highly favored for her first start in the U.S. 3. Sea Calisi (FR) (1) – Chad Brown trained and jockey Florent Geroux retains the mount; nice combo for unwavering performance.
1. California Chrome (4) – He’s one spectacular older horse; will anyone beat him this year? 2. Frosted (2) – Serious threat with his versatile running style. 3. Arrogate (10) – Lightly raced 3yo won the G1 Travers by many, many lengths.
RACE 6 – SPRINT 1. A.P. Indian (5) – Top sprinter goes for six in a row and six wins at the distance. 2. Drefong (2) – Newcomer won the King’s Bishop (G1) and could be the speed of the speed. 3. Masochistic (7) – Two starts, two wins this year. Jockey Mike Smith is back aboard. RACE 7 – TURF SPRINT 1. Washington DC (IRE) (8) – Has been facing top turf sprinters in Europe for trainer Aidan O’Brien. 2. Obviously (IRE) (2) – Veteran runner still going strong and can handle the turn back in distance. 3. Celestine (14) – Exits the G1 First Lady, which she likely needed that race. RACE 8 – JUVENILE 1. Classic Empire (5) – Overcame the outside post to win the Breeders’ Futurity; stalking early with a better draw. 2. Practical Joke (9) – He’s the real deal that keeps winning with tactical speed. 3. Three Rules (6) – His dangerous early speed should take him a long way as he moves up in class. RACE 9 – TURF 1. Found (IRE) (10) – Won this race last year against the boys. 2. Flintshire (GB) (4) – Top turf runner did not handle the yielding turf course last time. 3. Da Big Hoss (2) – At the top of his game at 20-1 odds. RACE 10 – FILLY AND MARE SPRINT 1. Tara’s Tango (3) – Training well for a bounce back performance. 2. Carina Mia (8) – Full of class and appears well spotted going 7 furlongs. 3. Irish Jasper (11) – Won her last two races; barn won this race last year.
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JIM GOODMAN Keeneland Director of Mutuels/Simulcast RACE 9 – TURF
RACE 4 – JUVENILE FILLIES 1. Daddys Lil Darling (11) – Kenny McPeek trainee is an imposing specimen who was rolling at the end of the Darley Alcibiades (G1) at Keeneland. 2. Union Strike (9) – Her win in the Del Mar Debutante (G1) was flattered by Noted and Quoted’s subsequent win in the Chandelier (G1) at Santa Anita. 3. American Gal (12) – Rafael Bejarano takes Noted and Quoted; the Mike Smith pickup mount just might be the real deal. RACE 5 – FILLY AND MARE TURF 1. Lady Eli (8) – What a great storyline: returning from laminitis and a one- year layoff, the brilliant filly seems to be back where she was and that should be good enough to take this. 2. Sea Calisi (FR) (1) – She could not handle Lady Eli in the Flower Bowl (G1), but she could be sitting on a big one. Florent Geroux had his choice of three mounts; he took her. 3.
Catch a Glimpse (2) – Losing Geroux but gaining Javier Castellano, she could get brave on the lead. She was not herself in Keeneland’s Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Presented by Lane’s End (G1), acting very fractious in the paddock. Juicy price?
RACE 6 – SPRINT 1. Limousine Liberal (9) – The Sprint frequently provides a surprise. This gelding ran his eyeballs out in the Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix (G2) at Keeneland and lost a head-bob to superstar A. P. Indian. At 15-1 in the morning line, he is a bargain and has a legitimate chance to win. 2. A. P. Indian (5) – He is going for his sixth win in a row, has great positional speed and Joe Bravo fits him like a glove. 3. Masochistic (7) – West Coast standout with home court advantage. RACE 7 – TURF SPRINT 1.
Ambitious Brew (10) – Taking a stab here with a horse with a great record over the tricky downhill turf course at Santa Anita. But there are worse stabs than a gelding who has five wins in nine starts at the distance with Hall of Famer Mike Smith aboard.
2.
Mongolian Saturday (3) – Signaled his return from an around-the-world adventure with a resounding win in the Woodford (G3) Presented by Keeneland Select at Keeneland. He ran the best race of his life in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) last year, and a repeat is not out of the question.
3.
Obviously (2) – Another with success at the distance and the Santa Anita turf course. If he can clear Pure Sensation, who has the disadvantageous one hole, he could control the pace and last a long time. This is the first leg of the Pick Six, and a wise handicapper would go deep here.
RACE 8 – JUVENILE 1. Three Rules (6) – He is undefeated and untested. First time out of Florida, with three bullet works in the holster; Cornelio Velasquez traveled to California to ride him. Gets the ultimate class test. 2. Not This Time (10) – Dale Romans loves this horse and rightfully so. The blowout win in the Iroquois (G3) at Churchill could be due to the muddy track or it could be that he is just that good.
1.
Found (IRE) (10) – After flirting with running in the Classic, the Arc champ returns to defend her title in the 1½-mile Turf. She beat seemingly unbeatable Golden Horn last year; with the exception of Flintshire (GB), this group does not seem as tough. Huge chance to repeat and complete an impressive Arc-Turf double.
2. Flintshire (GB) (4) – Other than a second to Ectot (GB) on a rain-soaked turf course at Belmont, he has been untouchable this year; this exacta box with Found (IRE) might be the best bet of the day. 3. Highland Reel (IRE) (12) – Right there with Found (IRE); would not take a huge step forward to propel him to the top, and he beat Flintshire (GB) in Hong Kong last year. RACE 10 – FILLY AND MARE SPRINT 1. Haveyougoneaway (2) – The winner of the Ballerina (G1) at Saratoga, she is on three-race win streak and seems to have relished the stretch-out to seven furlongs. 2. Carina Mia (8) – She took a second swing at Songbird in the Cotillion (G1) at Parx, but she might be much better at this shorter distance. 3.
Wavell Avenue (10) – The defending champ could get overlooked in the wagering, with only one win since last year’s Breeders’ Cup. A quick pace up front could be an advance to her, and she is drawn perfectly to benefit. A pace meltdown could happen again.
RACE 11 – MILE 1.
Ironicus (9) – He was gobbling up ground in the Shadwell Turf Mile (G1) at Keeneland and just missed catching Miss Temple City. He had an impressive :47.88 work before leaving Belmont and he could be peaking at the right time.
2.
Tepin (8) – The logical and sentimental pick, she has done nothing wrong all year. Photo Call (IRE) freaked last out in the First Lady (G1) at Keeneland, and Julien Leparoux was not going to empty the tank in a futile stretch run. She seems to have a lot saved for this spot.
3. Limato (IRE) (10) – The Timeform ratings on this gelding indicate he is right there with the top two. If he takes to the firm turf at Santa Anita, he could be tough to handle. RACE 12 – CLASSIC 1.
California Chrome (4) – He has earned $13 million; this is his home track; he is in career form since returning from Dubai; he has won six in a row. I cannot find any chinks in his armor, and he will be a single in my Pick Six.
2.
Frosted (2) – After the Met Mile (G1), I thought he was the best horse in the country. It seems a lot of people have gotten off his bandwagon after a strangely run Woodward (G1), where he had a bad start and failed to get the nod down the stretch. He could make amends today with a return to his best.
3.
Arrogate (10) – Cannot imagine he will repeat his blowout Travers (G1) win, but the lightly raced son of Unbridled’s Song is immensely talented. His two races at Santa Anita were easy wins, so he loves the track. There are a lot of reasons to look this way, and the race could have a memorable stretch drive with the top two and be a great way to end the Breeders’ Cup return to Santa Anita.
3. Gormley (7) – Won the FrontRunner (G1) with ease over the more highly regarded Klimt. Big home-court advantage.
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JONATHAN FOWLER Keeneland Select Manager
RACE 10 – FILLY AND MARE SPRINT
RACE 4 – JUVENILE FILLIES
1. Paulassilverlining (9) – Lack of early speed might help her either on the lead or stalking.
1. Valadorna (3) – Not the smartest to take the maiden winner but she was so impressive in her only win at Keeneland 2. American Gal (12) – A filly with immense talent who hasn’t been tested. Bob Baffert knows how to stretch out a sprinter. 3. Noted and Quoted (10) – Stepped up to win the Chandelier (G1) in her first two-turn race at Santa Anita.
2. Haveyougoneaway (2) – Looks for fourth consecutive win and has a powerful late move. 3. Carina Mia (8) – Talented filly whose early speed might help in this race. RACE 11 – MILE
RACE 5 – FILLY AND MARE TURF
1. Tepin (8) – Slow pace killed her chances in the First Lady (G1) at Keeneland. No chance of that happening here and I look for her to rebound.
1. Seventh Heaven (IRE) (3) – Huge win two back to defeat Found (IRE). Aidan O’Brien will have her back in form for this race.
2. Limato (IRE) (10) – Faced Group 1 fields in last six of seven races with three wins. Looked particularly impressive in last win in Prix de la Foret (G1).
2. Lady Eli (8) – The American darling of the turf returns to the Breeders’ Cup. She’ll be ready to pounce on the far turn.
3. Alice Springs (IRE) (2) – This is a filly with a tremendous turn of foot. She’s faced older in her last two starts and won both times.
3. Queen’s Trust (GB) (11) – Knocked heads with Europe’s best and held her own. Frankie Dettori aboard.
RACE 12 – CLASSIC
RACE 6 – SPRINT 1. Defrong (2) – Lightly raced 3-year-old looks primed for a big effort.
1. California Chrome (4) - This horse is simply at the top of his game and ready for all challengers. He looks fantastic over the Santa Anita course and appears at his best.
2. A. P. Indian (5) – Showed great determination in winning the Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix (G2) at Keeneland. Two undefeated horses in an epic showdown.
2. Arrogate (10) – HUGE win in the Travers (G1). This is his first test against older rivals and he won’t get things his own way. Will he go for the lead from that outside post?
3. Mind Your Biscuits (1) – Training very well and should benefit from a hot early pace.
3. Melatonin (6) – Unbeaten in four races at Santa Anita and has the ability to rate. This is my price horse at 12-1. Has loved the stretch out in distance starting earlier this year.
RACE 7 – TURF SPRINT 1. Holy Lute (13) – Looked exceptional winning the Eddie D (G3) over this course. Experience is key on this course. 2. Washington DC (IRE) (8) – Talented Aidan O’Brien trainee who has raced in group events all year long. 3. A Lot (9) – Late closer will benefit from the expected speed in this race. Looks fresh off a light campaign. RACE 8 – JUVENILE 1. Classic Empire (5) – Hard work paid off when this horse came back to win the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1). 4-1 in my opinion. 2. Three Rules (6) – Can sprint and go long. Not been tested but looks to be a serious racehorse. 3. Klimt (1) – Couldn’t run down early pacesetter but sets him up well for this race. RACE 9 – TURF 1. Flintshire (GB) (4) – Rain was his biggest hindrance in his last race. I except Found (IRE) to go off the favorite but I think he excels on this course. 2. Found (IRE) (10) – Coming into race exactly the same path as last year. She’s the class of the field. 3. Highland Reel (IRE) (12) – Gets a rest after the Arc and had a solid summer/fall campaign.
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