Division Shake-Ups (Video)
04 Oct 2011 8:29 AM
TCI TOP FIVES
| 1 |
Flat Out |
Now a G1 winner at 1 ¼ miles, he's been as consistently good as any and is entering the Classic the right way. |
| 2 |
Havre de Grace |
Impressive Beldame win sealed her place in the Classic starting gate, and she's without question a legit contender. |
| 3 |
Uncle Mo |
He reminded us in the Kelso what he's capable of when on his game; A huge & intriguing addition to the Classic. |
| 4 |
Tizway |
Setback leaves the question of how he'll handle 1 ¼ miles; Will also need to show he can be as effective outside of NY. |
| 5 |
So You Think (NZ) |
Showed well in the Arc and O'Brien said they're anxious to try dirt; Still one of the best 10-furlong horses in the world. |
| OFF: |
Twirling Candy |
| 1 |
Royal Delta |
No match for 'Grace' in Beldame, but she won't have to face that filly or Blind Luck in here; Still has a big upside. |
| 2 |
Plum Pretty |
Her monster Cotillion win could make this filly the favorite in her return to the place where she captured the KY Oaks. |
| 3 |
Zazu |
Late closer is in great form as shown in the Lady's Secret, but does she have the same punch beyond 1 1/16 miles? |
| 4 |
It's Tricky |
No answer for 'Pretty' in Cotillion, but she's been consistently good enough to be a contender in this now-wide-open race. |
| 5 |
Switch |
Stays on list because she's nominated to Spinster; Wouldn't be surprised if they took a hard look now with Blind Luck out. |
| OFF: |
Blind Luck, Havre de Grace |
| 1 |
The Factor |
Defaults into the top spot and will get a chance to validate that ranking Saturday; 3yo is as naturally gifted as any. |
| 2 |
Smiling Tiger |
Faces top one in Ancient Title and will have a chance to prove his class returning to the dirt. |
| 3 |
Big Drama |
Setback comes at a critical time, and it'll take a masterful training job now to get him sharp enough to defend his title. |
| 4 |
Trappe Shot |
Needed to show more punch in the stretch of the Vosburgh; Remains a big talent and capable contender here. |
| 5 |
Hamazing Destiny |
He'll have to run well in Friday's Phoenix at Keeneland to keep up with the best in this division. |
| 1 |
Jackson Bend |
Showed in defeat that he's a great, in-form miler capable of firing big at multiple racetracks. |
| 2 |
Twirling Candy |
Back on the work tab after foot injury; Dirt Mile seeming likelier after missing time and a final prep race. |
| 3 |
Crown of Thorns |
Hard-luck 6yo is battling minor foot problems again, leaving his Breeders' Cup status up in the air. |
| 4 |
Caleb's Posse |
A bit flat in the Indiana Derby, but we know what kind of horse he is closing around one turn. |
| 5 |
Jersey Town |
May have gotten his heart broken chasing Uncle Mo, but the good news is he won't have to face that one now. |
| OFF: |
Uncle Mo |
| 1 |
Goldikova (Ire) |
How could this division not start with the 3-time defending champ? The concern is whether she's still sharp enough at 6. |
| 2 |
Excelebration (Ire) |
Top 3yo miler in Europe not named Frankel; Connections strongly considering a trip to Churchill Downs. |
| 3 |
Dick Turpin (Ire) |
Classy 4yo is a Group 1-tested miler across the pond; Trainer Hannon brought Paco Boy a year ago. |
| 4 |
Turallure |
Has emerged as North America's top turf miler after displaying a powerful closing kick in his Woodbine Mile score. |
| 5 |
Courageous Cat |
Runner-up as the fave at Woodbine and should move forward off that run; Classy 5yo was 2nd to top one in this race in '09. |
| 1 |
Switch |
Classy filly was runner-up in this a year ago and looks to be pointing for it again; Next up: TCA S. (G2), Oct. 8 at Keeneland? |
| 2 |
Turbulent Descent |
Top 3yo filly sprinter and a 7-furlong specialist; Lightly-raced sort is fresh and training lights out at Hollywood. |
| 3 |
It's Tricky |
Ran okay in Cotillion but was no match for the winner; Will connections consider cutting her back in here? |
| 4 |
Pomeroys Pistol |
Improved 3yo filly is fast enough to win this off her impressive Gallant Bloom romp against older fillies & mares. |
| 5 |
Ultra Blend |
5yo Cal-bred mare is in career form and should love closing down that long Churchill Downs stretch. |
| 1 |
Stacelita (Fr) |
Easily America's top turf mare; Must prove her form against shippers from Europe – where she's had success before. |
| 2 |
Midday (GB) |
2009 champ hasn't been seen since Aug. 17, but remains a top contender if she returns as expected. |
| 3 |
Snow Fairy (Ire) |
Group 1 filly is in great form and would be very formidable if connections chose to bring her over. |
| 4 |
Misty For Me (Ire) |
Breeders' Cup Challenge winner defeated Midday by half a dozen over softer ground earlier this summer. |
| 5 |
Dubawi Heights (GB) |
America's second-best hope showed she remains in top form with Yellow Ribbon win; Possesses good tactical speed. |