Gio Ponti will win the Classic.  He will not be 12-1 come Saturday afternoon.  

  My mouth was watering when I saw Einstein and Gio Ponti both at 12-1, that's incredible value on these two!  

  Evita Argentina could be making many players very happy at the end of the day with those numbers, even if she doesn't win.

  If Zensational is half the horse most people including me think he is, the 1 hole will not be a problem.  Lookin at Lucky starting from the 13 is going to be hardpressed to overcome, but he's done it all right so far.

  The Filly and Mare Turf has got to be one of the most amazing fields ever assembled for this race. The class of the contenders is mind-boggling!

I dosen't matter what position Zenyatta drew, or anyone else she will finally be beaten and everyone will realize how overrated she was. Go Rip!!!

I am very happy to have quality road on the outside. he should get a nice stalking trip and if they go too slow he will take the lead and dare anyone to pass. zenyatta is in way over her head finishing mid pack. anyone betting a penny on her is just plain crazy. she will be chasing g1 winning males not allowance fillies from california.

Hi Jason! Hope your having fun in Cali! Was really surprised that Zenyatta is going into the classic! I have been watching the works on tv & Summer Bird looks awesome! Whats you take on how he fairs up?

Zensational is way up against it from the rail--as a matter of fact, all three speed guys on the inside portends to a closers race--I will play Gayego, with Capt Candyman, Fleeting Spirit and Dancing In Silks underneath (love Rosario and the Cal Bred can run a bit)...Goldikova is hurt by the far outside draw...Lookin At Lucky is in trouble out there--I am leaning toward Noble's Promise..Music Note is a deserving Favorite--I like Life Is Sweet--she isn't off form--they just have been walking up front in her races--and by the time it's all said and done, the white filly may go off favored, as speed has been doing well here--and she's just a real nice filly! Colonel John is fresh/fit---he ran widest around the far turn (in Goodwood)--and still made up 1 1/2 into a 23 4/5 quarter--and he finished strong--this is a horse that can beat them all with his best race/and getting a good trip--he HAD to need that race...Zenyatta made up 4 1/2 into a 23 2/5 quarter, and was ridden out--if she can save some ground/and get out clean--I think they're all in trouble--Borel got his rail! He'll try to cover up behind Zenyatta's behind! And what a wide body to sit behind--he'll try to follow Big Z, like a harness driver, if he can draft behind her and go with her, I like them both to hit the board...throw in Richards Kid, and you got four horses who prepped on Pro Ride--I can go six deep on a pick three from this race (Summer Bird, Rip Van Winkle)...but if I stay with my original impression---making the Goodwood my key race/using the mare--that's only four deep....Blind Spot remains a (strong) single---would take a good filly to beat her/11k purchase is THAT good...wish Grazen were here to compete in the dirt mile! Saw a huge price on Gotta Have Her--no way will she be that long! 4 for 4 over the course, peaking all-time best right now---Sahadi (Lit De Justice/Elmhurst) doesn't enter her unless she thinks she belongs!...Ventura, for sure, but include another, as she doesn't always run straight in the lane...gotta feelin about Seattle Strike in the juvi-fiilly-grassy race! She wants a mile--will play to win/box with Lillie Langtry...also love Whatsthescript! Was closing into a very soft pace (they walked the first 3/8...) and with Goldikova having to be used from out there--I'm lookin at a hot pace--Rosario is top three right now in US--GoGo/Rosario and you put in the other guy--Rosario is as strong or stronger of a finisher than GoGo--by the way, I think Gomez makes a lot of $$ this weekend--he has some choice mounts!...

Akenite (8-1)--not sure he won't be half that! Noble's Promise (8-1) I'm gonna take a bite outta that! Gotta Have Her (15-1) ok if you say so! Colonel John (12-1) thank you very much! Life Is Sweet (8-1) over a track she adores, at a distance she loves--ca-ching! Oh the possibilities!

There were definitely a handful of horses that I looked at in the Past Performances and videos of prior races that I thought the odds were considerably off.

Horses with too low of odds:

Connie and Michael 4:1 (Second choice as a Maiden winner?)

Music Note at 9:5 (Favorite and has never won on anything but natural dirt)

D'Funnybone at 5:2 (Second favorite without a victory on poly)

Bullsbay at 3:1 (Second favorite even with his terrible showing at HP, his last poly try)

A couple horses that will not stay at the large odds as posted:

Evita Argentina 20:1 (I have placed her heavily in my exotics given her last two races at SA in the spring)

Gallant Gent 30:1 (Worked very well over the turf, pulling back in distance)

I think Post Position hurt the following horses chances of winning:

Interactif

Ventura (will place)

Negligee

Lookin at Lucky

Goldikova (will place)

Quality Road (though I wouldn't have picked him anyway)

My value plays of the weekend will likely be Evita Argentina and Pulsion (in the Juvenile).

Can't wait to watch!

G/L to all!

hey Jason

Just got my first look at the entries and the first thing that jumped out at me was Zensational drawing the one hole for the sprint.I am very high on him, but i will have to make a double take on this.

The next thing is that its on paper now the big girl(Zenyatta) is going with the boys.I  am really happy to see that, win or loose.

Let the handicaping begin

    Three things before I crash, It is late here, First, The one spot will not hurt Zensational at all, It will just prove what an incredible talent he is, Still a lock, Leave him off your ticket at your own peril! Second, Zenyatta is going to prove SO many people wrong, Plain and Simple.  She will win.   Third, I think Rip Van Winkle will be a scratch, If not, He will be a non-factor, Which is a shame!  My two long shots will be in the distaff, I like Mushka and  Rainbow View...

Jason,

    Hope you are having a great time, Very Jealous!  As I write this, It is 31 degrees outside, UGH!  Finally, Now that it is official, I will enjoy my shot at redemption with you, Zenyatta is my pick, The hundred I lost to you, That is my wager, The ball is in your court...(Go Phillies and Pedro!)...

Karelian is lower odds than Zacinto, am I missing something here?? And 7-5 on Zensational from the rail??? 5-2 for Gayego?? I think Gayego will be close to the favorite by the time they spring'em...Mastercraftman will be around even money...Bullsbay will be closer to 6-1 than 3-1...also think Music Note/Careless Jewell will both be around 2-1, with Life Is Sweet getting some play and no one else under 10-1 in the Ladies...Am licking my chops on Seattle Strike at 8-1!

Among others, Seventh Street at 4/1 in the F&M sprint had me scratching my head.  She does her best on off tracks, hasn't won at the distance, hasn't tried synthetics and is coming off a layoff.    

My Brisnet pps warn that Mine That Bird's "best speed rating is well below the average winning speed".  His best speed rating is 110 in the Kentucky Derby.  His Goodwood speed rating was 99.

I mention that because they give no such warning for Zenyatta even though her best speed rating is 107 and from over a year ago and her speed rating from her last race was one point lower than MTB's last race.  Go figure.      

Bo-rail getting the one hole can't be good for those of us who had decided not to use MTB.  I'll probably play one exotics ticket with him included now.  

GIO will not be 12-1!!!  He's won four grade 1's in his last 5.  This isn't a dirt track?!?  6-1 is what I hope for

Poor old, Greg.. we'll be lost without him..LOL

Are you insane?  ZEN will win??  Only a MIRACLE can make Zen win.

But then again, "the Germans have outlawed miracles.."  So fat chance..

I've been high on Evita A. since the beginning..outa sight outa mind...OK with me...!

You're right, JS, if Summer Bird runs like he looks...I'm so glad they are running him next year. I still think Z holds the high card, though. Einstein would be OK with me to win, too.

I think Lethal Heat adds some real value to the exotics...she's always in the mix.

Bullsbaby @ 3/1? The biggest underlay on the card unless it's Music Note.

Music Note is a one trick dirt pony. Bet her and weep.

Lookin For Lucky hasn't run particularly fast and the outside post dooms him.

I'm with one of the greatest jocks of all time Jerry Bailey when he says if Zenyatta wins the Classic she's HOY. Champions run on Championship Day. The Classic is the biggest race of the year and she's facing lightyears better thsn RA did this year. I don't care that RA beat Summer Bird early in the year he's much more mature and better than he was then and would whip her if they had the courage to run her against him now.

Was disappointed by Ventura's PP, but I still think she can do it. I was also surprised by Gio Ponti's 12-1, but he didn't run well at SA in the spring. Anyone think Girolamo has a shot at the Classic at 20-1?

So happy to see Zen take on the boys , I'm eating my words but at least the owners realize that the only way to win HOY is to take on and  beat the boys, we all appreciate the owner putting it all on the line that's what real Champions do -not take a vacation and duck the best competition! Things got a bit easier for her now that Rip is hurt and won't be at his best if he does run which is not certain now.She'll have to beat a terriffic field which I don't think she can, but Saturday we'll all know and should be a great race.See Jesse your phony excuse and fear is known by all the racing fans.Her probable winning  of HOY should have asterik-did not compete against the best in the Classic!You should have let her compete.Thumbs down to you and your crew.

Zenyatta will win, period.  She loves Santa Anita, Mike knows the track, and she will finally make a believer out of you doubters.  Life is Sweet will win the Distaff (LC) which will further show how good Zenyatta is.  

Does anyone out there still doubt that Zenyatta will race in the Classic?  So besides having the privilege of watching a once in a life time horse run in a historic race why not profit from the situation.  Bet the bank on Zenyatta to win.  Forget about odds or trying to find value.  Do not bet against her.  You will be sorry.  Countless number of horseplayers have tried and have lost their money.  

Jason,

I will be flying out to LA this evening.  I was planning on going to the track tomorrow morning to watch, and just enjoy.  I would love to meet up with you and talk horses.  I am from KS and love this game but dont' have too many people to discuss with.  Everything I know I have learned on my own and reading stuff on here and message boards.  Shoot me a email with the email I put in for this post and we can get together.  

Connie and Michael was going to be a longshot sleeper for me but the M/L looks like that might not happen.

Zensational from the 1 doesn't really scare me off.  He breaks like a rocket anyway, so I don't see it being a problem other then he can save that much more ground still.

Music Note is ready to roll, but on Pro-Ride????

Einstein looked great in his workout, and I am anxious to hear how QR responds to the Pro-Ride.  I think he is ready to roll.  Richard's Kid will be flying late.  Such a great race, I am thrilled to watch come Saturday.

hey Jason

DO you know the nature of the foot problem Rip Van Winkle is said to have at this point?

I love Beautician, but it SO rare for a top class horse to come from New Hampshire (owners) that "local" filly Negligee gets my Win Thumbs Up!

I've ssaid this before, and I'll say it again. Z will win by a head, Rip will be second, and Summer Bird will come in third. She never overexerts, and she wins for the fun of it. Just remember that she's bigger than most, if not all, of those burly colts.

Where have all of you been that you've not given Zenyatta the respect she deserves?  

DRAYNAY

Call me crazy then,Zenyatta will have to be beat for me to believe it.

The draw in the sprint makes for a mouth-watering contest from the gitgo.  If Zensational is allowed the comfort of leading without significant pressure he will certainly take the shortest route home in front.  I think that Fatal Bullet and Cost of Freedom should not be silly trying to stalk him.  they should go for the "jugular" as the gates open and may the fastest and strongest hit the wire first.  Capt. Candyman Can has the ability to stalk and come flying at the death for a share.  this is setting up to be one of the races of the entire program.  Let us enjoy.  

Jason -Obviously all focus on BC - but also a $150,000 Grade 2 at Aqueduct Saturday - The Nashua for 2yr olds going a mile. Some real nice horses entered who did not want to run on the poly - any thoughts or does anyone really care given the BC on Saturday.

I would not underestimate Zenyatta.Yes she has some great competition in the classic,but she is that good.Just want a safe race for all and then the Queen Z can provide us all with some prince and princesses.

Will stick to exotics and look for Euros with high Beyers running on the "Pretend dirt" for the first time. Will probably just dabble with the Classic unless I see something dangling like a giant carrot in front of me. Hope they put on a great show in the Classic. Then we can all hibernate till Gulfstream opens up.

All the males will "score" in the classic, because they will get a nice view of Zenyatta's butt at the wire.

Good luck to Zensational and Bob Baffert total class act.

has anyone given any thought to the fact that zenyatta has never gone a mile & a quarter before;and to do it against males may be a tall order even for someone as great as she. i believe both summer bird & quality road will spank all their elders and bring home the bacon--g/l to all

Hey All,

So excited for the Breeder's Cup this year.  I'm really hoping that Forever Together can pull it off in the F&M Turf.  Anyone have suggestions for handicapping sprints?  They are by far the hardest for me to figure out.  The longer the distance, the easier it is for me.

I would like to see Gayego do well, and Colonel John too.  (The latter will have to be at the tip-top of his game however to win.)

May the races be great, and everyone come back safe.

Cheers,

Heather

THE PHANTOM

Here's the million dollar question,do you ever,just once say anything GOOD ABOUT ANYTHING? Jackson showed NO FEAR this summer in placing RA into the events that he did. Look what she accomplished! She competed and won races that a filly never has. I think you make it your only goal to always run down someone and something! I TOTALLY agree w/Jackson for not running RA in Breeders'. And that comes from someone that's a huge fan of Zenyatta.

JPSBMAN

You got it half right,Zensational is the "class act".

have anybody notice the last two races of summer bird. they alway end summer bird, quality road and a tiznow horse, so i will play sb,qr and colonel john in the classic.

It should be an exciting 2 days and I think there is a lot of value out there to be had. Gio Ponti at 12-1 is ridiculous. He will be no higher then 5 or 6 to 1. In my mind Summer Bird and Gio Ponti run first and second and Zenyatta gets 3rd. It is a tall order to ask her to beat these horses. I wish her the best, either way she is a class act and has been fun to watch.  

I really like Summer Bird's chances but am hoping for Einstein and Mine That bird to place and show. Summer Bird will hopefully overcome the less than perfect post position. But, as a woman, I will cheer should Zenyatta get this one!!! In this breeders Cup, there are many horses to cheer on -a hard pick, honestly.  I think"Rip' is a "goner"! Whatever the outcome, I will be happy if everyone gets home safely! Have fun and enjoy these beautiful creatures race their hearts out! My heart will always belong to CURLIN; but I'm still a racing fan with favorites in every race. And my heart will be in my throat in the dirt mile when my favorite, Pyro, takes on a bunch of really good horses.  My lucky # = 7 = Pyro's post position - hopefully a good sign! Love that beautiful little horse.  Same goes for big beautiful black Einstein.  So many horses to love and admire!Duting the Classic, I will for sure think of Curlin!

I dont understand how a filly with zero losses can have such a negative following. shes sensational, & when Zenyatta crosses the wire in front, maybe it will be time for the nay-sayers to simply shut up.

Zenyatta, Summer Bird & Einstein. I hope they dont run RIP simply because he isn't 100%... and to face this top class competition, all the runners should be on top of their game.

This is looking like it is going to be a great weekend at the races.

The Classic is going to be over the top awesome now that Zenyatta is going. It definitely draws the eye back to the classic. I am so excited!

However, since I am not betting, I am going to have to root for several horses to win the classic. I feel bad about leaving the Euros out of my heart, but I am not familiar with them. Maybe one will have the chance to win a piece of it?

ZENYATTA: I want her to win because she has a record on the line. Before RA, Zenyatta facing the boys was on every ones wish list. Zenyatta is a very special horse. She wants to win, she thrives on it. Can you imagine how she would feel if she loses? While I think she is very good, I do believe she is vulnerable and is going to have the target on her back. Everyone knows her moves, question is what kind of new moves is she going to take to the wire?

Einstein: I love this horse. I want this horse to have a great stud career. He's earned it. He is sound, has a great heart, is handsome, an outcross, and durable. I also like his trainer. She is awesome. I saw a video of her up on him working him yesterday. She deserves a big win as much as he does.

Summer Bird: I like this horse ever since I saw him working up to the derby. I didn't think he would win the derby, but I thought wow this horse is a real nice mover...he looks a little immature right now, but watch out for Belmont. He lived up to his name in the Summer, but does that carry into indian summer or fall? I must say he is gorgeous and has really filled out since before the derby.

Mine that Bird: Long shot and underdog. Long, long, shot. I have been watching MTB ever since he cam up on the maidens list over a year ago. I was hoping he would win the juvenile last year, but placed Last. Probably cause I bet on him.

I am also very grateful for the opportunity to view the MTB cam. He sits there with the pigeons and the tweeties, ready to kick any horses ass that walks past his food. I saw a video of him working and it was commented on how he holds his head high. I am going to not worry about that since he appeared to be doing that in some of his works before the derby. If there is anything in a name, people that are betting, MINE THAT BIRD! Next question is it even possible that he can beat Zenyatta or Einstein? lol! How can this closer possibly outclose Zenyatta's long sexy legs? Strategy?

For his reputation I hope so. I also hope that Borel actually rides some races on the card. Mike has rode MTB before and hes on Zenyatta so that is also another knock against him.

Hard knock life for MTB, or reputational redemption? One hit wonder? Fluke?

Gio ponti: dont have much to say besides I wouldn't be dissapointed if he shows up.

Awesome gem: definitely would play this horse in super boxes if I were to bet. Might be losing my money, but at least I won some on him last year.

Quality road: should have went to the 'dirt' mile or sprint. Who knows but i wouldn't throw him out of a super either. He's another horse with a reputation to live up to.

Good luck Euros and may you not have another Raven's Pass. Can birds out fly ravens lol. Can a lovely siren silence them all?

I don't believe in Post 1 being bad. Its not. In fact horses win from that post at an amazing clip on this track(19%?). Draynay-Why would you be happy about QR getting post 13? The outside posts do not play well here especialy for horse that wil want o be near the pace. Einstein is every bit a 12-1 shot. i'd want at least 15-1 to even consider. Thanks Zenyatta fans, nothing better than dead money in the pool. The best race she has ever run gets her 5th place here but if she wins, hands down HOY.

    I just finished handicapping Friday's card.  To start in the Marathon, it will be tough to beat Mastery.  Unlike last year's favorite Sixties Icon, his connections have had this race in mind for a while.  So for the Marathon I'll play Mastery for the win and Cloudy's Night for 2nd.

    In the Juvenile Fillies Turf I really like House of Grace.  She broke her maiden at first asking and going 2 turns.  That's an angle I like and it worked last year for me with Maram.  I'll play House of Grace for the win and Junia Tepzia for 2nd.  Junia Tepzia will be overlooked by many, but I think she's as good as the other Euros coming over.

    In the Juvenile Fillies, no Hot Dixie Chick and no bad trip (thank God Desormeaux took the mount on Connie and Michael) eqauls a win for Beautician.  I'll play Beautician to win and Negligee for 2nd.

    For the F&M Turf, Forever Together was simply using the First Lady as a prep.  It's nice to win them all, but I don't think her connections are concerned.  She was further back early on in that race than she's ever been.  She won't be as far back on Friday so she'll have less to do and an extra 1/4 of a mile to do it.  I'll play Forever Together for the win and Visit for 2nd.  Visit will be a little further off the pace this time around and have a little more left in the tank in the last 1/8.  I respect Midday as she has top Euro form, but you can't play them all if you want to come out ahead and I think she enjoys the ground a little softer than it's going to be.

    For the F&M Sprint, Ventura will be hard to deny in here.  I actually like her post being on the outside in a 1 turn race.  Gomez can keep her outside of everyone and out of any potential trouble.  He'll be able to see everything in front of him and know exactly when to push the button.  I'll play Ventura for the win and Sara Louise for 2nd.

    Finally in the Distaff (refuse to call it Lady's Classic) I think Proviso will run lights out.  She appears to rounding back into form, especially after the Spinster, and you can't argue the quality of company she's kept in Europe for the last year or so.  I'll play Proviso for the win and Rainbow View for 2nd.  I like Rainbow View shortening back up an 1/8 and the switch from turf to synthetic.

To all who think Zenyatta should be HOY - Rachel ran all over the East - Louisiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, and New York; beat colts three times,  Summer Bird twice, and won the Oaks by 20 lengths.

Zenyatta left CA once and scratched when the track was a little wet, has yet to beat colts, and has yet to run very fast. Good luck to her, but not as HOY.

I am not a big zenyatta fan and agree with Dray that Z will be put to the test saturday. The sprint and the classic are the deepest fields i have seen in years. I hope RIP scratches so it makes my trifecta box alot easier! Summer bird is a great horse just not on synthetics toss him! Gio Pointe should win. Gayego is going to stomp the sprint with Gomez on him its the lock of the week!

Jason.  You see all!  Gotta love Evita Argentina.  She beat the boys and this seems to be the "benchmark" for a great filly/mare these days.  I also would like for Life is Sweet to be overlooked at the windows.  She has 3 graded wins over the track, Santa Margarita, La Canada, and El Encino, and finally looses her stable mate who has been beating her up relentlessly.  3rd place in the grade I Hollywood Gold Cup to Rail Trip (Boys again!) was the wake-up call to how good she is at 1 1/4 at least. 8-1... 12-1

I agree w/ the Phantom. RA really is not a horse of the year candidate. Why? Ask this question, if any sport team, or individual doesnt show up to a championship event, are they champions? HECK NO.

Jackson decision should cost RA any chance to be HOY.

Check out past BC Sprints. Horses win this race from off the pace because there is no easy lead when you've got 12 of the best sprinters in the world. There are usually 5 or 6 horses that race on the pace(all very fast) setting it up for the late surge. I'll wait to see what the value is on gameday but I would take a long hard look at Gayego/Capt.candy.

I was hoping that I would get something a little better on Magical Fantasy.  No one locally can beat her on that turf course at that distance.

What a shame about Rip Van Winkle.  I was looking forward to seeing this race with him in it, as he is a top horse, one that would take a lot of money in the Classic.  I would use him lightly but try to beat him with Zenyatta and Gio Ponti.  I hope they don't run him unless he's 100 percent because I don't want excuses and I don't want people to bet and lose money on an injured horse.  Its not fair to the bettors unless they offer some further disclosure so lets see what happens and hope for the best.

Juv F TURF

Who cares about distance.

Who cares about Shipping.

Todd Pletcher gets them ready to run lights out sprinting and pray they can go long.

Rose Catherine

Jason,

Evita Argentina eh? Besides the price, why are you really high on her? Also, will there be enough speed to set up for her, and any of the other closers?

   Rip Van Winkle is fine! Aidan O'Brien reports no problems with his foot, the horse was warm but that's exactly how the trainer wanted him to be. The master of Ballydoyle was almost bullish, definitely heading towards bullish-From Racing Post...We shall see

Filly-mare Turf

There is no horse in this race that can scare MARAM-ONE of tte most honest horse in the game when she runs-she has a nice close also

She will be a huge price also because her beyers are low

Jason

I just got word that Rip is most likely a go for the classic. Its a very good field for the classic, but i just cant get past Rip(foot issues or not). His connections are so high on him , and every race I have seen , he always seems to be going best at the end of the race.

My only real reservation is Zenyatta. I know she doesn't have the big numbers, and her style makes her vulnerable, but i don't think mike has ever had to get to the bottom of her. If she is on her game, she'll be tough.

In any case, I just really want to see what she's got. She will have to start her run allot earlier than normal.

RHOWARD

You CAN TAKE IT TO THE BANK,RA is and will win HOY.

A worst case scenario for Coolmore would be having to scratch Rip and then having Mastercraftsman lose to a weak field in the Dirt Mile. Pyro and Bullsbay have shown they don't like synthetic, Mr. Sidney is losing form on turf, etc. Mastercraftsman's reputation suffers if he loses this one.

My handicapping is almost done. The last piece was to see who draynay was ranting about and bet against them. No other handicapping tool approaches his 99%+ wrong choices. It's the most prolific way to eliminate winners I have ever come across. Who says a raving lunatic isn't of some value? Good luck to the rest of you all!!  

Awesome Gem at 30-1!! Get all you can at that price, especially for the exotics.

Puplit 68

If you’re going to distort the facts in order to make a point, do a better job....What TWO RACES did Rachel defeat Summer Bird in?  And if the fillies in the Oaks were so great, where are they at the BC?  I DON”T SEE ANY!

When Zenyatta did leave CA she was awesome so saying that she didn’t leave the State doesn’t really say much.  Whoever wins the Classic will have won the toughest route race on dirt in N/A this year PERIOD!  In my estimation if it is SB, ZEN, or GIO then from a N/A standpoint they have an exceptional shot at HOY.

Mike R, his excuse for not racing her against this competition is phony and if you don't like what I write don't read it.RA is a 9 furlong specialist, , avoided the Belmont, Travers, Jockey Gold all a mile a quarter and up, better horses in each field -why because he knew she couldn't win going any further against better horses.So you agree with him why she's not here , yea he helped racing's  popularity by putting on vacation? How can you agree with him she had 3 fairly tough races against the boys that's it the races against the fillies were a joke [a bunch of stiffs]He was scared  and his ego didn't want to see her get beat like his HOY Curlin did last year as a also ran on this track.That's my opinion and many, many others feel the same way on this blog and racing fans across America.Yea she had a outstanding, fantastic year but to put her on vacation isn't where a Champion should be  when the whole purpose of the Breeders Cup is to bring the best horses from around the world to compete against the best competition build the sport, that I blame on him, I'm sure she would have run her heart out.She's won on poly and the fact is his excuses are phony , he chickened out, he didn't give her a chance to compete against real Champions!That's phony and that's a fact , go hold his hand if you think he's such a sport.Here's something good I have to say hats off to the owners of ZEN they are putting it all on the line against male Champions, going a distance farther then ever before, believe in their horse and not putting her on vacation!There your million dollar question has been answered.One other thing I bet Steve A the trainer would have loved to have run her in the Classic here but "The Ego" said no.Chicken little lives by the name of Jesse J.put the asterik by HOY if  she wins-on vacation for the Breeders Cup Classic per the owner!

The linesmaker made a big mistake-Bullsbay should be the favorite-THis hors ran 6 furlongs 1:08 with the widest-widest-widest of trips-once upon a time

no one hates zenyatta but many like me don't understand what many of you are thinking. she barely gets by and now she has to face horses that are 5 to 10 lengths better then anything she has seen all year! how do you expect her to make up that distance? she is a 2 01 horse in a sub 2 minute race.

OK, I have just e-mailed my picks to Jason and, even though none of the races have been run yet, I know that I am already in last place among all persons in his contest.

Notwithstanding the above, please note that I have always liked Evita Argentina and she likes this track and distance.  Also, how the heck can anyone ignore Cannonball in the Turf Sprint?  And whoever liked Maram -- so do I, but only following Midday.

About some others: Jungle Tale actually has run on turf this year, as has Bridgetown.  Fleeting Spirit isn't getting enough respect from the North Americans.  Has everyone also forgotten Fernely?  

Finally, just because I want to stay in last place in the contest: Mine that Bird (I still like that little horse) and Einstein.

Good luck to all.

Forever Together is a lock in the F & M Turf……She came from 20L out of it in her last and when looking at the replay, she was making a winning move when a horse in front of her came out just enough to throw her off stride, IMO costing her the race.  She still only got beat by 1-1/2L’s and if she doesn’t get too far back she is the one to beat.

Life is Sweet will prove to be too much in the Lady’s Classic.  She has been in tough in most of her races this year.  Careless Jewel will not be able to hold off her challenge and will battle Music Note for third.  Her Cotillion, though impressive, was against who????  Lethal heat is tough, but not tough enough.  Cocoa Beach for the place.

Need something in Juv with GG gone turfing so I take Nobel Promise-also need to include Baffert inspite of bad post

You can forget about Zensational and Mastercraftman with the bad post

I dont think post 2 does Condult any favors- i would pause a little bit or take a deep breath if you are betting it

GO Pasion

So glad Zen is in the Classic, and I will be cheering her on. Summer Bird will be my second choice for the Classic, but no way will I go against Zen. Hats off to her owners and trainer, they could have taken an easy route and gone to the Ladies Classic, but at least they know that you race a champion against the very best there is, unlike some other people (hate say names so lets just say Rachel's owners)

gw_bushwacker,

      Yup, My best Handicapping tool is Draynay, And it is free!, Whatever he says, Take the opposite...

Going with the Queen, (Einstein will hit the board) Evita Argentina, Zensational, Presious Passion, (hope he is ready to roll), Mastercraftsman....

My head is screaming with Beyers, works, and PPs.

I love Careless Jewel.

When it come time to lay the money down, I will try to figure more value in .. somewhere.

Mike Relva,

      How are you? Should be a great two days of racing!  Do yourself a favor, Just ignore the likes of "The Phantom", Not worth the time or energy...

To HLLIKINS:  I think sprints are easier to handicap than routes.  Look for the potential for speed duels to develop which sets the race up for stalkers and closers.  IMO speed duels are easier to predict in sprints than in routes.    

There's significant potential for a speed duel to develop in this year's dirt sprint because most of the early speed is breaking from the 1-2-3 posts.   Zensational is in post 1 so he has to get out fast so he doesn't get stuck behind the others.  Then his rocketing out of the gate will encourage the others to go up with him which often leads to a suicidal pace.  

On the other hand if he breaks a little slow he'll get stuck.  He probably won't like that and will be fighting to get in front.  

Either way it could get ugly.

Hi Mike Relva.  You are right.  Like your post.  Kinda on the go today but I agree with Alex.  Watch out for those horses from europe.  Very smart to keep an eye on them.  As for Zenyatta.  She has a huge advanage.  She has that track down and she has Mike on her.  I don't see her losing unless the field is stiffed.  :)

Jason.  Where are you?  Are you in California?  

I was just there awhile ago.  Thought about going back but too much is going on.  Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.  Haven't even begun to look at these horses cause of work and other stuff.  I will come over here and read your stuff be4 Friday.  :)

THE PHANTOM

If memory serves me,you were running your mouth a couple weeks back stating that Zenyatta wouldn't be running against MALES. Remember? Guess you forgot,cause I TOLD YOU SHE WOULD! I don't hear you owning up to that! As for Jackson,hell yeah I back him cause RA had run eight times already this yr. Individuals like yourself that cares nothing for the welfare of the racehorse wouldn't probably mind if RA was run thirty times per year! I don't blame Jackson,it's his right and I totally agree,period! BTW it goes both ways,if you don't like my remarks don't read them! If you were a racing fan you would appreciate the great talent that RA put on display this year,instead of complaining.

No horse whose name starts with a Z is going to hit the board Saturday! :)

Like a bunch of 12-1 shots in the Classic in exotic bet combinations....Gio Ponti, Einstein, Quality Road, Mine That Bird and maybe Richard's Kid.

Great race. Too bad it's on rubber....but then would Gio Ponti or the Europeans be in the field?

just wanted to thank all the people on the previous blog (can't access it at the moment) who told me to visit calracing to get live videos of the breeders cup. just registered without any fuss and have alreay watched a race live from golden gate fields. should work for the bc. just made my weekend. thanks again.  

Saratoga AJ love your classic picks and going to box that up tie it in a bow because that is my big classic trifecta. Dont know about the other Z not hitting the board Zensational is a beast! Might go all in with GAYEGO. He has the most experience and as explosive as they come! You have to love the breeders cup cant wait till next year when they go back to the DIRT where it belongs!  $20 exacta box, QR, Gio Pointe and Einstien take it to the bank!

Jason,

    I was just reading over the transcript from today's live blog.  I especially took note of your comments about Cannonball.  Although it's obviously true he has no experience over the downhill turf, he does have 2 starts over in Europe which should help him quite a bit with the way their turf courses undulate up and down so I'm thinking the downhill turf course at SA won't be a complete shock to him.  I guess we'll see soon enough.

Mike R I ate my words on Zen not running in the classic 11/4 8:24 am on my first blog in this column go back up you'll see so before opening your yap , your memory is fading not serving.She ran 8 times you mean 3 real races , and 5 glorified joke workouts.Don't give me this welfare of horses bs, Citation ran 20 times as a 3 yr old and won 19, he was a champion not a vacation taker lol, not saying any horse should overextend themselves but why is it horses nowadays are so fragile get so tired  and not conditioned like yesteryears champs?If the Breeders cup were in NY she wouldn't be tired now would she-uh gotta ya?Jesse was scared after winning the Preakness and proved it by avoiding the tough Belmont, Travers, Jockey Gold races against better fields at  distances longer then 9 furlongs any intelligent race fan can see he ducked the best comp.Champions don't skip the Breeders they run against the best.Greg J says to avoid talking to me why don't you go play with his cats maybe that will help your memory lol!!!I did say she had a great year read the column again your memory needs a tuneup.She's impressive up to 9 furlongs but didn't run against the best, avoided a mile and a quarter and not being here shows the world that Jesse is scared.I am a racing fan and would like to see her race against the best horses as  just about everyone who blogs here would  but its a no show vacation time Phony!Mr Ego still can't forget his great Curlin got his clocked cleaned at this track in the Classic , that's the reason he hates the track and what's so dumb is maybe RA would love running on this track and could have won it all that we will never know because Spinless Jesse was afraid to get beat!!!She and Mr Phony can watch football  while the Champions run on Saturday.Oh by the way Greg J[Mr Prediction] will probably get another winning ticket by mistake and claim he wins all this money be prepared bloggers.

Greg J.  Mike Relva.  Hey...

You guys don't need to deal with the naysayers.  Really is a waist of time.  Trust me.  We all know what is up there and so concentrate on the positve comments and the ones that there is healthy debate.  Children don't know how to have a healthy debate. That is why they always cry when they don't get their way.  :)  Talk soon.  

Yeah Zenyatta.  Just want her safe!  Un-defeated and hoping for a Breeders Cup Classic Win. ;)

If Zenyatta pulls this off she can forget about being HOY but rather she would be Horse of the Decade!  Put her name right above Personal Ensign's name on the all time top 100 Thoroughbreds.  Talk about a history making event.  

5/22/08  OTB

6/3/08   1st

6/28/08  2nd

10/17/08 1st

11/1/08  2nd

11/29/08 1st

2/15/09   "

3/14/09   "

4/5/09    "

5/1/09    "

5/16/09   "

6/27/09   "

8/2/09    "

9/5/09    "

That lazy, no count, Rachel Alexandra's 14 races in 16 months schedule. . . "eight races this year" isn't quite the whole story.

Phantom,

    eight races is more than five. Three tough races is more than one, especially when her last three were nine weeks apart. Let me see that means she ran an average of a race every three week her last three start, I don not see Zenyatt puting up statistics like that. Really Citation, If I'm correct the horse was champion in the 40's! Way to did back through history there pal. Let me clue you in on something on the 21 century horses don't do that any more. SS ran eight race the ENTIRE YEAR in 07. If RA had kept going she would had 10 races in ONE YEAR after the Cup. Anyone remember Hard Spun? that is the amount he had and the horse was considered a throwback because of that. Ten races in a year for a filly, especially when in three she set time records and the rest she won by the length of the Pacific ocean when against her own sex. Her races vs males are unheard of, when was the last time ANY filly beat males on dirt by six lengths? Then a month off that effort she goes and takes on older and wins after having TWO rabbits chase her then two closers both make runs at her. Why don't you take a break and come back when reasonable thought returns.

CJ is probably the most talented filly in this race, my problem is that for one she may not relish the surface, yes she has won on synthetic everywhere else, but that form may not transfer over to the Pro-Ride. Two she runs extremely green and I'm not sure a horse can run against a field like this and win. If she runs straight and doesn't gawk she wins, if not I like Music Note and Rainbow View.

STARDUSTY ROSE

Hello:

Have have you been lately? Hope you have great luck!