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TrueNicks uses a number of coefficients to explain the relationships that are formed beyond those seen in a five generation pedigree. All coefficients are calculated to 10 generations. The reason is twofold. Firstly, the variation in inbreeding and ancestry in Thoroughbreds beyond 10 generations is very similar with very little effect on the ...

For a Bob Baffert-trained horse who will be the likely favorite for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, you would think that McKinzie would have a stronger fan base, especially considering Baffert won three consecutive Classics from 2014-16 and this year’s Breeders’ Cup is being run at his home track. But many of the experts still have reservations ...

Pre-entries for the Breeders’ Cup have been announced, and the World Championships are just days away (Nov. 1-2) at Santa Anita Park. It should be a cause for celebration and anticipation. However, the lead-up to this year’s Breeders’ Cup is high on apprehension and not on handicapping and breeders’ awards. It’s been that kind of year. The ...

In the 2010 Breeders' Cup Classic, Mike Smith was devastated when he just got beat on Zenyatta, ending the great mare's 19-race unbeaten streak. Smith was in tears afterward, feeling he gave her a poor ride and let her down. The following year, he was back in the Classic on a 14-1 pick-up mount named Drosselmeyer, a come-from-behind horse ...

BREEDERS' CUP CLASSIC RANKINGS 1—Vino Rosso Todd Pletcher When in doubt go with the older horse. They are in most cases more mature mentally and physically and this tough, hard-knocking horse looks to be peaking. He's already shipped out there and won a grade 1 over the track and I loved his race in the JC Gold Cup. ...

By J. Keeler Johnson (''Keelerman'') Twitter: @J_Keelerman With the 2019 Breeders' Cup heading to Santa Anita Park, one of the key factors for handicappers to consider is how the slow and tiring main track will affect the outcome of the championship races. The track has received a lot of attention and maintenance in recent months, stemming ...

There’s no question that the Thoroughbred racing business is a risky proposition. The stories published in the general media these days focus on the number of equine fatalities and not the snappy comments a trainer makes in the winner’s circle after a major stakes event.  However, there are positive signs. In the last few weeks we’ve ...

Once upon a time there were two young horses frolicking about in the field at Glennwood Farm in Versailles, Ky. They were both the same color, both had excellent parentage, and both were headed to the Keeneland September yearling sale. One sold for $410,000 and the other for $500,000, giving John and Tanya Gunther, who operate Glennwood Farm, ...

By J. Keeler Johnson (''Keelerman'') Twitter: @J_Keelerman With just three weeks remaining until the 2019 Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita, I was tempted to kick off coverage of the much-anticipated championship event with an early look at the major players in each race. But then I saw the field for Saturday's $500,000 Queen Elizabeth II ...

On the final weekend of “Win and You’re In” races across the country, and in Europe, a lot of talent earned their way to Santa Anita Park for the Nov. 1-2 Breeders’ Cup World Championships. While it’s certainly an accomplishment for an owner to get a horse to the big dance at year’s end, having multiple starters is a longshot at best. Don’t tell ...