Breeders Cup - Could it be a Classic Classic?!

Can you believe that its this time again in the great world that is Photo Finish and that can only mean all roads point to Churchill Downs. This year however we have arrived via the Brit Oval and the amazing game that decided the fate of the Ashes. OK so I promised myself I wouldn’t mention it but it was too tempting!

So back to the real reason we are here and that is the Breeders Cup. And this year in comparison to most other years the fields are already bulging and the possibility that there will be field cuts due to the number of horses entered and not just in the juvenile division.

I will focus solely this year on the Classic as this year more than most does it deserve that title. A quick run through the entries will show that there are the winners of this years Triple Crown races, Autharky representing the mighty Rainbow who won the Kentucky Derby and representing Bally Doyle, Reichenbach Falls who took the Belmont and Preakness as well as the Haskell Invitational. However both these horses are having their first runs back after picking up long term injuries – Autharky pulled up injured for 21 days after finishing 3rd in the Super Derby and this race will come almost exactly 14 days after the enforced rest period and Reichenbach Falls who was out for 19 days with injury after winning the Haskell but has had the benefit of a much longer rest period – nearly 2 months. It will be interesting to see which tactic pays off – short or long rest. Interesting Bally Doyle have double entered their colt for the Breeders Cup meeting, so hold your bets till the last minute just in case he goes for the Endurance.

And then there is Regal Son the winner of the Classic for the last 2 years and is trying to make it three times the charm and also try to cement his place in PF history and win the Horse of the Year Award after being narrowly beaten by Heatseeker last year. This 5yr old horse has been virtually unstoppable this season despite picking up niggly sore days but nothing bad enough to stop him from competing and has also taken the Handicap Triple Crown. The stable star from Snowbank Farm has nothing left to prove and after yours truly managed a few words with the stable owner Laurie Brown, we can report that stable confidence is high and that anything that beats Regal Son will have to be on top of their game and running in high octane spaz juice!

Big N’Tough represents Rivendell Stables and this game colt is coming off a last place finish in the KY Cup Classic but despite not winning this season has been on the board in three G1s and last season was 2nd in this race to Regal Son.

Next up are two entries from FDL Lodge the mighty Australian outfit. First is Camena’s Thunder, a son Thunder Arctic and All For Camena both legends in the game but this colt has been campaigned almost exclusively on turf – his only two starts on dirt being off the board finishes. Whilst not wishing to be too negative about any runner in the race this is one colt that we will be looking for at the rear of the field rather than the front!

More interestingly is Come Vampire who was purchased privately in a deal worth to be in excess of $5million from Establos Del Castillo following wins in The Queens Plate and Prince of Wales Stakes two legs of the Canadian Triple Crown. Since the purchase however this colt has only managed a 2nd in the Super Derby but never discount a runner from this stable.


The winner of the Super Derby was Dynamo and Firstholme Racing are more than happy to enter their colt in the Classic as he beat two other Classic entrants in that race. He also set a track record in the race to prove that the win was no fluke and that this was a horse on his way up. Although his earnings may not be high his form looks solid enough to warrant a post position in the race.

At 6 years old , Hold That Train is the oldest runner in the race but don’t let the age fool you. This is one serious racehorse whose race record of 56-16-11-12 with earnings of $9,403,750 makes this entrant one to be reckoned with despite mixing his racing this season between turf and dirt. His win in the KY Cup Classic was impressive with a PSR of 107 and Big N’Tough behind him finishing 5th. It definitely wouldn’t be a surprise to see this iron horse finishing in the top half or even top 4 of the field.

Another horse with a few miles on the clock is Point Taken representing Point Given Stables. His best form is generally to be found in the G2 ranks but he has winning form in G1s although including one on heavy at the start of this season. An interesting runner but as reliable as this tough guy is a top half field finish is the best that can be hoped for.

Chiknsmack Stables sends out one of their stable stalwarts, Priceless Revenge and this colt has shown scintillating form in the top ranks for the last two seasons including taking the Hollywood Gold Cup this year, with none other than Heatseeker back in 5th. He also took the Oaklawn Handicap with a track record and 115 PSR which more than entitles him to be up there in the firing line when the finishing line comes into view. The stable is not known for misplacing their horses and considering the caliber of other runners it is assumed that this colt is in the race to win and not make the numbers up. Double entered in the BC Mile.

Speedy hasn’t quite lived up to his moniker and whilst this good looking colt by Handsome Man (BC Sprint Winner) out of a good race mare in Xtra Heat, it would be fair to say that this race could be a few furlongs too far despite his winning form at Shenandoah Downs over 9f in a track record. It may be that after having a look at the field on Thursday evening, Zippy Chippy will decide to pull this colt from the race and keep him down at a lower level where he seems to be able to perform better. It could be asking too much also if he takes up his alternative entry in the Sprint.

And last but not least is Vindictive representing the amazing Italian stable of Olmo Dorato. This colt has really come into his own in the last 4 races winning both the Travers and Woodward Stakes and posting a PSR of 117 in the latter. This horse also shows that good horses don’t have to cost a fortune, having been picked up from Endless Vista for the tiny sum of $25,000 and now boasting earnings of over $1.5millon. Another horse with an entry in the Endurance like Reichenbach Falls.

So having gone through the field and digested the form book I bet you are all wondering on what our predication will be for the finishing order?! Well its definitely going to be a horse and its definitely going to be exciting but as for my top tips? Lets just say that it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Regal Son, Vindictive and Autharky up there with Reichenbach Falls and Come Vampire mixing it up at the business end of the race.

At the end of the day we are here for the racing and we have been blessed to see such a stellar field of runners entered so far – with the chance of a few late entrants just to throw the whole complexion of the race up in the air!

Anyway, one must be off to visit the other owners here – I am sure that was Jim Webber just landing his Sikorsky S76 which you cant miss as its painted in his stable colours of blue and yellow with the banner proclaiming it to be the home of the only TC winner in PF history – nothing like being modest in this game! I wonder who that was behind the tinted windows with the Dolce & Gabanna shades carrying the latest Louis Vitton overnighter……..

AMANDA PULLS OUT HER MAJOR TRUMP CARD FOR THE DERBY

Reichenbach Falls and Sectum Sempra have been pencilled in as possible triple crown runners for master trainer Amanda O'Brien. When asked about how she thinks Reichenbach Falls will go in the Derby she responded "I think that Falls will be a strong contender for the TC given his pedigree being out of the top sire Troll Tower and a G1 winning World Record holding dam, so he has the potential on paper to be speedy enough for the 10f races whilst having the lungs to get the Belmont distances." Reichenbach Falls will have his lead up runs in the Florida and Santa Anita's Derbies. Sectum Sempra will race in all the same lead up races as Fallsy except for the Kentucky Derby, unless he improves his form over the shorter distances.

Reichenbach's main rivals seem to be Autharky and Believer, both top class colts who have dominated the 2yo dirt races. Beauty Queen is also one not to be ignored especially if she runs against the colts. When I asked what races she had in mind for Fallsy if he wins or races very well in the triple crown races she responded "the breeders cup classic will be his ultimate aim but we'll take it race by race and if he did manage to do well in the TC races he would earn a rest for a while before maybe going for a few races against the older horses". She has also mentioned the Breeders Cup Endurance as a possible goal for Sectum Sempra as he is a dyed in the wool stayer. But be warned punters, Amanda has said that if her horses don't perform in lead up races they won't race in the main event".

O'Brien will also have runners in the English classics, with the big Johar colt Moriaty and perhaps Sign Of Four lining up in the Derby and Perfecta in the Oaks. Moriaty was a promising second in the G3 Pilgrim Stakes over 1800m at Belmont as a 2yo and should handle the extra distance. Perfecta and Sign Of Four have both shown promise and will appreciate the extra ground.

Meanwhile, the Group 2 winning colt New Moon On Monday while resume in the G2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on week 5. He should be hard to beat while in this class.

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Honest stayer WinWinWin will start off his preparation for the Melbourne Cup this week with a run in a $30,000 Open Handicap over a mile at Victoria Park. Kayll said he was happy with his preparation say he had filled out nicely since his last run when he won the Group 3 WA St Leger in Perth. "He's coming along nicely and he well and truly gets the two miles so I'd like to give him a go at the Melbourne Cup" he said. "He'll go onto the G3 Kingston Town (2000m) on the 11th of Feb and then either the G1 Metropolitan Handicap (2600m) or the G2 Winning Edge Handicap (2400m) at Caulfield before the Melbourne Cup."

COULD SWAIN'S GOLD FINISH THE HEATS BUSINESS?

Swain's Gold has been among the 34 3rd acceptances overnight for the Kentucky Derby. The half brother to Heat Seeker is trained by newcomer Tia of Circle F Farms and she is quietly optimistic about her horses chances."I picked up Swain's Gold at the auction from Huttons. I thought $25,500 was a very good price and he has more than earnt that back, more than all of that in one go with his second in the G2 KY Jockey Club. He prefers turf but he is more then capable on dirt and he seems to like the Downs so we might be going to the Derby. We'll see. We will probably be starting him off in Japan in Feb." Swain's Gold is currently $51 for the Derby.

Another possible runner is Tia's original horse Copablanca. "His Dam of Sire is Winning Colors and his mother's no slouch either so I figured he'd be a decent runner. Being that Rev was "older" I needed someone younger to balance and being 2 he fit the bill perfectly. He's got a 2-3 peak and wants distance even though he can't quite hold it yet; his stamina IS improving, though, so there's hope. He pulled an 85 PSR back in November which knocked my socks off. Yeah, there's hope alright. His first start of 2012 will be in the Holy Bull at Gulfstream." Copablanca is currently $151 for the Derby.

Tia also has a very promising sprinter in Enigma, another purchase from Hutton's Horse Haven. "Enigma is our Super Sprinter. Another Hutton Hotty, he ran very nicely last season and it's hoped that he will continue that momentum. He'll be starting in a very low level at Shenandoah in late January - mostly as he finished his last start injured and I want to play it safe. Part of that "safe" includes avoiding Heat Seeker at all costs." Enigma was very good last season when third in the G2 Moir Stakes on Cox Plate day and his last run fourth in the Missle Stakes beating Handsome Bane and Duo Power was very awesome. He'll surely win races this season and possible Tia's first win.

She has made a few purchases at the end of the season, picking up Roll Of Thunder and Our Maiden. Roll Of Thunder was a very good horse for my mate Steve and that will win races. "Roll of Thunder was picked up at the late stable auctions for a song. With bloodlines and PSR's like his (Thunder Arctic and multiple TR's) I would have been a fool to walk away from such a low reserve. He'll be going in an ungraded stakes at Caulfield in late January and probably stay at the lower level, though I do hope he's still Graded-competitive", is Tia's opinion of Roll Of Thunder. This is her comment about Our Maiden, "Our Maiden was purchased from EV to replace Rev in the Filly/Mare runs. She's been cooling her heels for the last year-and-a-half and I only hope she still remembers what a track is for. Strangely enough her first start for us was also Rev's: the Truly Bound HDCP at Fair Grounds. She's another that's slated for the shed, though if she does well she may run again in '13." Our Maiden's name doesn't help out too much but she is a G3 winner who could surprise fresh in mares grade if she comes back as good.

She is very happy with her breeding and is seeing results in the paddock with Unforgiv'n beating Prince Stephen home. Perfect Goer has had 5 foals and Revotic is coming along good. Asking her about horses she's scared off this season are not surprisingly Heat Seeker and the big Otsego colt Shatterstar.

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Race 7483 - 1/9/12 - Grade 1 - Japan Cup - Tokyo Racecourse - 3YOs & up - 1 1/2mi T - $5,000,000 Odds------
Heat Seeker FDL Lodge $1.70f
High Heart Elite Thoroughbreds $17.00
Retribution Spartan Racing Stables $7.00
Sinking Fear Olmo Dorato $4.50
Trigun JD Kayll Race Club $8.00

Race 7484 - 1/9/12 - Grade 1 - Japan Cup Dirt - Tokyo Racecourse - 3YOs & up - 1 5/16mi - $2,300,000 Odds------
A View to a Kill Otsego Farms $6.50
Believer FDL Lodge $8.00
Blessed Rainbow $11.00
Freethinker FDL Lodge $61.00
Gold Skimmer Foxies Lodge $21.00
Missing Hour Watch This Space $9.00
Regal Son Snowbank Farm $1.80f
Sligeach Woodbury Stables $5.50
That's Bullcat Olmo Dorato $31.00

Head to Head

A review of the most eagerly anticipated race this season!

Face to Face with Nancy Newmarket

Hi guys and I hope you enjoy the first Face to Face review!

NEWMARKET HANDICAP

7 Newmarket Handicap 3.30
1200m $500,000 2yo & up Group 1. Apprentices cannot claim.
TAB Sportsbet Fixed Odds


1 37111 RUN MISSY RUN, 10 Golden Acres S Wilman 59 4.00
2 25323 FUR WILL FLY, 4 South Beach Stables D Oliver 57 9.00
3 67122 FIREHEART, 2 Godolphin17 A Khan 56 10.00
4 12211 ATTACK AT DAWN, 1 Chiquita Lodge D Bujak 55.5 3.70f
5 11123 HEPATIC FLAP, 6 FDL Lodge F LaFleur 55.5 6.50
612115 FLAWLESS TOWER, 3 Olmo Dorato E Pozzoli 55 15.00
7 98374 KOSTYA, 7 Beaver Stables G Boss 54.5 13.00
8 s2210 HANDSOME BANE, 5 JD Kayll Race Club J Kayll 54 61.00
9 76668 MIRROR IMAGE, 8 Plugger Racing G Kayll 53 101.00
10 0s112 PERFECTION, 9 Hopeful Farm S Baster 52 5.50
Run Missy Run 1, Perfection 2, Attack At Dawn 3, Hepatic Flap 4

1 RUN MISSY RUN PF Rating 126 (10) 59
Golden Acres (Randwick) STEVEN WILMAN
Owner: Golden Acres Syndicate (Mgr: S Wilman)
4yo ch h Missy’s Bridle- Pharein (Phar Feather) TIMEFORM Race Rating 98
RED, PURPLE SASH, WHITE SLEEVES, PURPLE CAP
27 starts. 17-2-5 $5,607,250 Dist: 10-5:2:2 Track: 2-1:1:0
3-6 CAUL Sat 26Feb11 1400 VIC HEALTH-G1, Firm, S Wilman (3) 58, $2.20f:1-Bro’Town (NZ) 53:6L,1-20-59TR
7-13 NAD Sat 26Mar11 1200 SHAHEEN-G1, Fast, S Wilman (4) 57, $5.50ef: 1-Deux Francais 51: 4L, 1-07-54
1-7 NMKT Sat 15May11 1600 LOCKINGE-G1, Good, S Wilman (6) 57, $2.60f: 2-Princess Nina 55: 3.3L, 1-34-80
1-8 ASCT Sat 13Jun11 1600 QUEEN ANNE-G1, Good, S Wilman (6) 57, $2.20f: 2-Arctic Memories 57: 2.8L, 1-34-55
1-7 NMKT Sat 11July11 1200 JULY CUP-G1, Firm, S Wilman (6) 58.5, $2.50f: 2-Perfect Picture 57: 2.7L, 1-08-25TR
Champion sprinter who won the first two legs of the Silver Arrow Series last year before running second (behind Life Of Mars) in this race. Started off the season slowly before loving the European Climate with 3 straight wins over there. Beat Perfect Picture, Life On Mars and subsequent Australia Stakes winner Returnofthedancer last start. Should atone for last year’s defeat.

2 FUR WILL FLY PF Rating 114 (4) 57
South Beach Stables (Trinidad & Tobago) DAMIEN OLIVER
Owner: South Beach Syndicate (Mgr: C Ambrose)
4yo b h Aussie King Prawn- Feathers Flying (Royal Applause) TIMEFORM Race Rating 90
PINK, ROYAL BLUE SLEEVES
27 starts. 10-5-4 $2,131,500 Dist: 8-3:0:0 Track: 2-0:0:0
2-8 TKYO Sat 1Feb11 1400 NEGISHI-G3, Fast, Y Iwata (7) 57, $5.50: 1-Run Missy Run 57: 6L, 1-21-16TR
5-7 FLEM Sat 25Mar11 1200 SALINGER-G1, Firm, D Oliver (7) 55, $5.50: 1-Hepatic Flap 53.5: 7L, 1-07-63WR
3-6 LSP Sat 26Apr11 1600 TEXAS MILE-G3, Heavy, M Kinane (2) 57.5, $2.50: 1-Made You Look 57.5:6L,1-36-23TR
2-7 BELM Sat 28May11 1600 METRO HCP-G1, Fast, M Kinane (1) 57, $3.50f: 1-Octane 53.5: 0.8L, 1-33-75
3-8 HOLL Sat 19Jun11 1400 TRIPLEBC-G2, Fast, M Kinane (1) 56, $3.50: 1-Taco Bell 55.5: 1.5L, 1-20-78TR
Multiple Group 1 winner who ran in this last year for fifth (behind Life On Mars). Has been racing on the dirt lately with mixed results, and his last run on turf was 5th behind Hepatic Flap. I don’t think he particulary likes the Flemington straight and he isn’t in any better form than last year. Should still run a forward race.

3 FIREHEART PF Rating 110 (2) 56
Godolphin17 (Moonee Valley) AADIL KHAN
Owner: Godolphin Syndicate (Mgr: S Bin Suroor)
4yo b h Forest Dancer- Sparks Fly (Lite The Fuse) TIMEFORM Race Rating 95
BLACK, RED STARS, SLEEVES AND CAP
19 starts. 3-3-2 $498,500 Dist: 9-2:2:1 Track: 1-1:0:0
6-8 CAUL Sat 26Feb11 1800 UNDERWOOD-G1, Firm, B Cornish (2) 56, $7.00: 1-Camena’s Thunder 56: 11.6L, 1-47-85
7-8 CAUL Sat 4Mar11 1600 TOORAK-G1, Firm, B Cornish (4) 54, $4.50: 1-Ton Of Luck (USA) 56: 19.5L, 1-36-67
1-6 FLEM Sat 1Apr11 1200 AGE CLASSIC-G1, Firm, B Cornish (1) 58.5, $3.00: 2-Yeager 58.5: 2.9L, 1-08-54
2-13 DOOM Sat 6May11 1200 AWA STAKES-LR, Firm, B Cornish (8) 58.5, $3.20f: 1-Drunken Smart 54: 0.6L, 1-09-15
2-4 MV Sat 20Jun11 1200 AUST STAKES-G1, Good, B Cornish (1) 58.5, $2.50: 1-Returnofthedancer 58.5: 0.1L, 1-09-05Group 1 winner with a change of stables for $800,000 (formerly trained by Victorian Racing Stables). 3 starts back at this track and distance he won with relative ease from the highly rated Yeager. Next start he found the 5 kilo weight difference too much when beaten behind the Group 2 winner Drunken Smart in Queensland before a close second in the Australia Stakes. Was beaten by a Moonee Valley specialist then and is a Group 1 winner at the distance and goes well at the track. Hard to catch.

4 ATTACK AT DAWN PF Rating 123 (1) 55.5
Chiquita Lodge (Rosehill) DON BUJAK
Owner: Chiquita Lodge (Mgr: D Bujak)
6yo ch m Maythehorsebewithu- Dancethruthedawn (Mr ProspectorTIMEFORM Race Rating 94
WHITE AND PINK QUARTERS, SLEEVES AND CAP
55 starts. 31-12-4 $6,297,750 Dist: 23-12:4:1 Track: 7-4:1:0
1-10 RHIL Sat 29Jan11 1100 CONCORDE-G3, Firm, D Bujak (5) 55.5, $3.00ef: 2-Handsome Politics 51: 2.1L, 1-02-29
2-13 NAD Sat 26Mar11 1200 SHAHEEN-G1, Fast, D Bujak (1) 54, $6.00: 1-Deux Francais 51.5: 2.1L, 1-07-54
2-10 GCST Sat 3Jun11 1400 MM CUP, Firm, D Bujak (9) 54.5, $4.00: 2-Rocket 52: 0.1L, 1-21-80
1-11 FLEM Sat 1Jul11 1000 LIGHTNING-G1, Hard, D Bujak (8) 56, $3.50f: 2-Hepatic Flap 55.5: 0.4L, 55-94
1-9 CAUL Sat 14Jul11 1100 OAKLEIGH-G1, Firm, D Bujak (3) 56, $4.50: 2-Perfection 57.5: 0.1L, 1-02-19Champion sprinter who ran fourth in this (behind Handsome Problem) in 2009. Has won the Lightning Stakes and Oakleigh Plate in 2009 and 2011. Talk around the stables is that she doesn’t run a full 1200m out against this sort of class but she has beaten her main dangers well at her last 2 starts bar Run Missy Run should be hard to beat.

5 HEPATIC FLAP PF Rating 120 (6) 55.5
FDL Lodge (Randwick) FINLAY LEFLEUR
Owner: FDL Syndicate (Mgr: F DeFleur)
3yo ch c Thief Of Hearts- Isca (Rory’s Jester) TIMEFORM Race Rating 92
BLACK, RED AND WHITE HOOPED SLEEVES, QUARTERED CAP
16 starts. 8-3-3 $2,480,000 Dist: 3-2:0:0 Track: 3-2:1:0
1-7 FLEM Sat 3Mar11 1200 SALINGER-G1, Firm, F LeFleur (3) 53.5, $3.50: 2-Private Choice 52: 1.5L, 1-07-63WR
1-7 ASCT Sat 6May11 1600 RAILWAY-G1, Firm, F LeFleur (4) 53, $3.20: 2-Ton Of Luck 55.5: 1.1L, 1-34
1-9 JAPAN Sat 1Jun11 1600 YASUDA-G1, Firm, F LeFleur (2) 52, $6.00: 2-Color Of Fame 57: 2L. 1-32-77TR
2-11 FLEM Sat 1Jul11 1000 LIGHTNING-G1, Hard, F LeFleur (11) 55.5, $5.50: 1-Attack At Dawn 56: 0.4L, 55-94
3-9 CAUL Sat 14Jul11 1100 OAKLEIGH-G1, Firm, F LeFleur (5) 55.5 $5.50: 1-Attack At Dawn 56: 1.5L, 1-02-19 Star miler who has just failed in his two Silver Arrow runs behind Attack At Dawn. His last run at the track/distance was a very good win in the Salinger. Handles a mile and that is very handy for today as it is usually a big test. Should run well.

6 FLAWLESS TOWER PF Rating 118 (3) 55
Olmo Dorato (Cancanelle) ETTORE POZZOLI
Owner: Olmo Dorato Syndicate (Mgr: E Pozzoli)
4yo ch m Troll Tower- Flawlessly (Affirmed) TIMEFORM Race Rating 85
PINK, NAVY DIAGONAL STRIPES, WHITE SLEEVES AND CAP, PINK POM POM
35 starts. 21-3-0 $2,609,750 Dist: 21-13:2:0 Track: 6-3:0:0
1-5 SANTA Sat 9Apr11 1300 SIMEON-G3, Firm, E Pozzoli (5) 55.5, $1.60f: 2-Mystical Island 51.5: 2.3L, 1-14-45
2-8 CANN Sat 29Apr11 1200 CHIESA-G3, Good, E Pozzoli (3) 56, $1.80f: 1-Xanthomata 50.5: 1.5L, 1-09-71TR
1-6 FLEM Sat 26May11 1200 STANDISH-G3, Hard, E Pozzoli (3) 56, $1.80f: 2-Lord Kayman 50: 2.2L, 1-08-11
1-3 MORP Sat 24Jun11 1200 SANGSTER-G1, Firm, E Pozzoli (2) 56, $1.10f: 2-Vesuvius 56: 4.4L, 1-09-44
5-9 CAUL Sat 14Jul11 1100 OAKLEIGH-G1, Firm, E Pozzoli (4) 56, $4.00f: 1-Attack At Dawn 56: 10.1L, 1-02-19 Hong Kong Sprint winner of last year who ran seventh last year (behind Life Of Mars). Has been in top shape this campaign but has been disappointing when she’s stood up to the big league, especially last start when backed into favouritism from loyal punters. Just think the she doesn’t run out a fast 1200m pace in this sort of class but she’ll run her usual honest race.

7 KOSTYA PF Rating 108 (7) 54.5
Beaver Stables (Flemington) GLEN BOSS
Owner: Beaver Syndicate (Mgr: B Ruth)
3yo gr c Encosta De Lago- Bollinger (Dehere) TIMEFORM Race Rating 90
NAVY BLUE, GOLD LIGHTNING BOLT, GOLD AND WHITE ARMBANDS, GOLD CAP
15 starts. 7-2-1 $1,821,000 Dist: 8-3:2:1 Track: 3-1:0:0
9-13 NAD Sat 26Mar11 1200 SHAHEEN-G1, Fast, F Dettori (7) 52, $9.00: 1-Deux Francais 51: 5.6L, 1-07-54
8-10 GCST Sat 3Jun11 1400 MM CUP, Firm, G Colless (4) 51.5, $8.00: 1-Rocket 52: 10.5L, 1-21-80
3-9 ASCT Sat 17Jun11 1200 GOLD JUBILEE-G1, Good, J Murtagh (5) 54.5, $3.50f: 1-Perfect Picture 58.5: 3.5L, 1-09
7-11 FLEM Sat 1Jul11 1000 LIGHTNING-G1, Hard, G Boss (7) 55.5, $5.50: 1-Attack At Dawn 56: 5.9L, 55-94
4-9 CAUL Sat 14Jul11 1100 OAKLEIGH-G1, Firm, G Boss (1) 55.5, $5.50: 1-Attack At Dawn 56: 7.1L, 1-02-19 Blue Diamond winner of last season who has always been well fancied this year but has been disappointing. Good run in the Golden Jubilee before being close up in the Lightning and the Oakleigh. Backs up well and is very consistent. Will run another honest race and loves the straight track.

8 HANDSOME BANE PF Rating 103 (5) 54
JD Kayll Race Club (Moonee Valley) JOSH KAYLL
Owner: J D Kayll, S Polizzi, J Layley, A P Mayne & B Ung
5yo br h Handsome Man- Urbane (Citidancer) TIMEFORM Race Rating 77
BLACK, YELLOW MALTESE CROSS, YELLOW AND RED STRIPED SLEEVES, QUARTERED CAP
18 starts. 3-4-5 $302,250 Dist: 3-0:1:2 Track: 1-1:0:0
2-13 EFM Sat 5Dec10 1400 ASCOT-LR, Yielding, D Dunn (5) 53.5, $5.50: 1-Hepatic Flap 52: 5.8L, 1-22-93
2-9 SANH Sat 22Jan11 1400 LISTON-G2, Firm, D Dunn (7) 57.5, $10.00: 1-Bro’Town 55: 1.1L, 1-22-03
2-6 NEWM Sat 19May11 1800 PRIX D’ISHIPAN- G1, Yielding, J Kayll (4) 54, $5.00: 1-Arctic Memories 57: 5.9L, 1-48-73
1-7 MORP Sat 10Jun11 1100 IRWIN-G3, Hard, J Kayll (6) 58.5, $4.00ef: 2-Rain Man 58.5: 1.8L, 1-03-18
7-7 CAUL Sat 7Jul11 1400 C.F.ORR-G1, Good, J Kayll (7) 57, $7.00: 1-Camena’s Thunder 57: 11.5L, 1-21-98Well bred colt who really disappointed last start when well fancied in the Orr Stakes. Expected to run better this time and the blinkers are on to sharpen him up so he can contend with these. At best a good 3rd or 4th.

9 MIRROR IMAGE PF Rating 100.5 (8) 53
Plugger Racing (Moonee Valley) GRANT KAYLL
Owner: G J Kayll, I Spillard, D C Kayll, A E Kayll.
5yo bl h Sunday Silence- Riboletta (Roi Normand) TIMEFORM Race Rating 80
CERISE, ROYAL BLUE SASH AND STRIPED SLEEVES, WHITE CAP
35 starts. 2-2-5 $257,250 Dist: 6-0:0:1 Track: 3-0:0:1
7-8 CAUL Sat 11Mar11 1400 ELLIS STAKES-G3, Good, D Oliver (4) 50.5, $8.00: 1-Tsunami 53: 10.1L, 1-22-16
6-9 FLEM Sat 1Apr11 1100 HILTON-LR, Good, G Kayll (5) 56, $7.00: 1-Definite 56: 6.8L, 1-02-87
6-13 CDWNS Sat 29Apr11 1000 AEGON-LR, Firm, G Kayll (5) 42, $13.00: 1-Yeager 54: 6.6L, 56-43
6-13 CAUL Sat 3Jun11 1100 RUBITON-G3, Yielding, G Kayll (8) 58.5, $10.00: 1-Mr. Gwalia 54.5: 5L, 1-04-46
8-11 FLEM Sat 1Jul11 1000 LIGHTNING-G1, Hard, G Kayll (10) 58.5, $31.00: 1-Attack At Dawn 56: 11.8L, 55-94Consistent handicapper sprinter who ran a pretty decent race in the Lightning Stakes before Attack At Dawn. Ran well at WFA and Handicap class before that. Shouldn’t get much weight and gets a strong 1400m so will handle the pace. Roughy.

10 PERFECTION PF Rating 105 (9) 52
Hopeful Farms (Flemington) STEVEN BASTER
Owner: Handsome Man Stud Syndicate
4yo b h Handsome Man- Sister Act (Saint Ballado) TIMEFORM Race Rating 100
ROYAL BLUE, GREEN SLEEVES, LOGO, GOLD CUP AND POM POM
4 starts. 2-1-0 $255,000 Dist: no starts Track: no starts
9-9 RHIL Sat 8Aug10 1100 STAR KINGDOM-G3, Hard, D Nikolic (4) 54.5, $6.00: 1-Blast Of Storm 56: 9.8L, 1-02-71
1-7 EMLD Sat 26May11 1300 FSN HCP-LR, Fast, S Baster (7) 57, EVENS: 2-Mardi Gras 57: 7.5L, 1-14-53WR
1-5 CDWNS Sat 19Jun11 1600 FIRECRACKER-G3, Good, S Baster (4) 54.5, $2.80f: 2-Island Refugee 52: 3L, 1-34-01
2-9 CAUL Sat 14Jul11 1100 OAKLEIGH-G1, Firm, S Baster (7) 57.5, $10.00: 1-Attack At Dawn 56: 0.1L, 1-02-19Well bred colt who has really came around in leaps and bounds this campaign. Made the transition to Group 1 level last start with a magnificent 2nd to Attack At Dawn. Should go very close.

Tips:

Run Missy Run

Perfection

Attack At Dawn

Hepatic Flap

Josh Kayll

HE'S BACK

He's back. The champion sprinter from Golden Acres has bounced back from a recent losing streak to win the Lockinge Stakes. Run Missy Run has been slightly disappointing of late, with a 6 length third in the G 1 Dubai Racing Club Cup over 1400 at Caulfield behind Bro'Town and Hepatic Flap, and a 7th in the Dubai Golden Shaheen last start behind Deux Francais. Now these runs would have been magnificent for a horse of just G1 quality, but Run Missy Run is the top shelf horse around.



Now he was entered in the Lockinge Stakes, one of Europe's top mile races, which has a rich quality over the years. The only Australian runners to run before Run Missy Run, were the half-brothers Elvstroem and Haradasun, who both went on to race with great distinction in England, especially Haradasun who won the Queen Anne Stakes.

Up against Run Missy Run was the Breeders Cup Mile winner Mr Purler, the evergreen sprinter All For Dansilver, the Group 1 winning mare Devil His Brew & the improvers Maximize, Island Refugee & Princess Nina.

Run Missy Run led the whole race and won running way by 3 lengths from Princess Nina, with Island Refugee and All For Dansilver filling the other places in the money.

Punters had kept him at a safe price for Lightning Stakes before that win at $21.00 but he has been backed in to a short price of $7.50 behind the FDL Lodge pair Life On Mars and Hepatic Flap. The challenge is on for Run Missy Run is to take on the champion 3yo filly Life On Mars, of whom he has a losing record against so far. The factors were against him on those two occasions, and I seriously think that Run Missy Run will make her sweat if he runs. Come on Steve, run him!

Anyway I am the trainer of All For Dansilver and I am happy with his run, and will push on in the mile Group 1 events before going for a record breaking third straight Goodwood Handicap.

Here is the pre-race odds for the Lightning Stakes in a month or two game time.

LIGHTNING STAKES (1000m)
$3.50 Life On Mars
$6.00 Hepatic Flap
$7.50 Run Missy Run
$10.00 Deux Francais, Attack At Dawn, Flawless Tower
$13.00 Arctic Silver, Returnofthedancer
$15.00 Bro'Town, Fireheart
$21.00 Rocket, Private Choice
$26.00 People's Champ, Kostya, Handsome Politics
$41.00 All For Dansilver, Maroon Lodge
$81.00 Bellfast Lad, Skasey, Drunken Smart

It should be a keenly contested race and is the start of the Silver Arrow Sprint Series. All us Aussies went to clean-sweep the series. Will Life On Mars join Fin's other mares in All For Camena and Blushing Allanna in winning the triple crown? Will Run Missy Run clean-sweep to atone for last year? Or will the tough mare Attack At Dawn or the stallion Returnofthedancer reclaim there crown of being the Silver Arrow Champ again? Its anybody's guess.

Josh Kayll

Aussies deny the British yet again

Amanda O'Brien of Bally Doyle has been a magnificent sport of in all the years on PF but she must have been a tad annoyed that she just failed to win a Group 1 for the first time in a while, with Ordinary World in the Selene Stakes at Woodbine. Amanda, (who is well loved on the game) has commented that she is feeling what she must do to win a Group 1. My answer; Run away from the superstable in FDL Lodge and his gigantic colt Heat Seeker, and you have got a greater chance of winning a Group 1.

Now lets get back to the Selene Stakes. There was a small but select field of 3 fillies contesting the race. There was Oprah from FDL Lodge, Ballata Selvaggia from Penfold Stud and of course Ordinary World. Oprah was the $1.35 favourite on her great form in winning her last two starts, and her fourth in the (G 1) Caulfield Guineas behind Kazzcay and Gournay at Caulfield three starts back. Second elect was Ordinary World at $2.40, who had great form with a close G 1 placing behind Reward in the Santa Anita Oaks two starts back. The outsider of the field was Ballata Selvaggia, who had regal breeding, being by the Europe champ Montjeu and the Cox Plate winner Sunline. The positions during the race was the finishing positions, and it was Oprah that led, with Ordinary World 5 lengths behind her with Ballata Selvaggia last. In the last 200m Ordinary World started to take serious ground off the FDL Lodge trained filly but couldn't overwhelm her, creating a popular win with several headlines in Australia.

It is the first win in America by an Australia since Phar Lap all those years before, and the first runner since the David Hayes trained Anamato ran third in the American Oaks behind Panty Raid and Valpenny in 2007. Amanda remained philosophical after the race and was asked by an Australian reporter by the name of the Joshua Kayll how she felt losing to an Aussie yet again and will she ever beat them again. "I have won a Melbourne Cup with Dancing Delaware before you know" she quipped, and that left Kayll without a decent comeback. Her comment about Ordinary World's run was "whilst I was disappointed to lose by such a short margin it has proven that she can run at the level and will be back for more soon". All of us hope she does come back and wins a well-deserved Group 1 for the trainer. Just don't invite the Aussies!

Kentucky Derby Review

Welcome to Churchill Downs, home of the Twin Spires and more specifically this week, the Kentucky Derbee. OK I will probably mispronounce the name dozens of times in this recap but I hope you will all forgive me!

In a break from the norm, this review will focus entirely on the Run for the Roses where we have a field of 16 horses lining up to take home a purse in excess of half a million dollars. And its not just the money that they will walk (well hopefully run!) away with – it’s the double whammy of the prestige of winning the first leg of the triple crown and, for the colts in the race, to be referred to as a derby winning sire. This year there is a filly running, and to be honest it isn’t much of a surprise to see her lining up – I of course refer to Godolphins champion filly, Road to Zion.

There was a large contingent from overseas, with Columbia represented by Rainbow’s pair of Tundra Sky and Blessed, several runners from Australia including two from Underworld Stables these being Thyroid Storm and Out of Time, whilst the G1 producing machine that is FDL Lodge entered his latest purchase, Cold Come Back. Europe was also in the mix with the English stable of Woodbury entering his lightly raced colt Sligeach and the Spanish runner Golfo Blanco being sent by Yeguada Lore Toki. Canada aren’t to be left out of the “overseas” runners with Dikto from the Canadian stables of Iron Racing and Eureka sending out Find A Way.

The American representatives were headed by Big N’Tough from Rivendell stables who was heads above the rest of the field in terms of form and G1 wins. State Tower was no forlorn hope from the Godforwand Stables and Silver Sword was running for Snowbank Farms.

The crowd thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle of the runners being lead out from the pre saddling enclosure down the home stretch to enter the saddling boxes. This test is part of a champion – how many of them would take the preambles calmly and in their strides and how many would boil over and run their races before hitting the track. One that really stood out was Golfo Blanco who looked stunning and stood out being the only white runner – his groom must have spent hours getting the shine on this colt and had even brushed the Spanish flag into the hindquarters. A lot of eyes strained to see how the filly was going to cope and she coped perfectly – behaving like the true champion she is. He owner was at her head reassuring her that everything was all right and yes everyone was there just to see her. On the other hand, Out of Time looked decidedly out of sorts, sweating badly and jig jogging around his handlers, causing several spectators to comment about the amount of sweat already forming between his hind legs, never a good sign. The rest of the field appeared to be taking the walk well with the odd flying kick just to let people know that they were ready to race. It had already been announced that Sligeach would not be ponied to the start, his trainer sticking with European tradition and letting the horse make his own way – a good idea as he had shown winning form last time out without being accompanied to the gate.

In the saddling enclosure the tension was palpable and as the countdown started to post time, the crowd around the parade ring was like the sea rippling with everyone trying to catch a glimpse of their pick before rushing back to place a bet. With a field of 16 it took a little longer than normal for the runners to be saddled up and jockeys jocked up. The silks glistened in the sun and provided a carnival feel to the parade with the national colours of Trinidad & Tobago carried by Road to Zion and the maple leaf of Canada in the white silks of Iron Racing on board Dikto. Not to be outdone, the Columbian flag was doubly on display with a distinguishing white sash allowing spectators to differentiate between Blessed and Tundra Sky, the former being considered the outsider of the pair so wearing the sash.

As one, the crowd stood and sang My Old Kentucky Home, with hats hastily snatched off their heads in due deference to the occasion. The parade past the stands without an incident and made their way down to the gate. Sligeach didn’t break out of post position despite his lack of a pony whilst Road to Zion was allowed to bring up the field last as the only female runner.

With the runners approaching the gate there was suddenly an announcement from the stewards – Out of Time was declared a non runner due to the ground. The jockey looked devastated as he was led off the track but the trainer had felt that the horse hadn’t been striding out comfortably on the way to the start and believed that it was in the horses best interest if he was withdrawn.

The starting bells rang and the horses sprang as one and down the stretch they came for the first time. Through the opening furlong it was State Tower out in front, followed by Key Largo, Red Dawn and Blessed. Big N’Tough was sitting handily just slightly up from mid field with Sligeach in his sights whilst Road to Zion had a handy position tracking the main contenders. The back marker at this stage was Cold Come Back.

As the field approached the first of the two turns of this amazing race State Tower was tackled by Big N’Tough was laying down his challenge early and it seemed that the jockey was saying come and get me if you can and was going to try to repel all comers. Behind the field was relatively unchanged in position and all seemed to be travelling within themselves. Coming around the bend and into the back straight Big N’ Tough was determined to be in the lead whilst State Tower was equally determined not to let him pass. Thyroid Storm had the 3^rd position hugging the rail with Red Dawn and Sligeach just behind him. Cold Come Back had improved several places and now sat mid field and another making an eye-catching move was Dikto. Road to Zion had slipped back and only had two behind her at this stage.

Halfway down the back it looked like the Rivendell horse was not having things his own way and was involved in a battle for the lead and people were starting to murmur if this early duel was going to leave anything in the tank for later. Sligeach was now breaking from the pack and moving to the outside in a closing third and Dikto was slipstreaming the Woodbury colt but still all horses looked to have a chance with just over half the race left.

With only half a mile to go Sligeach was now eye to eye with Big N Tough, State Tower started to drop back and still Dikto loomed ominously behind. The field was beginning to stretch out with 14 lengths covering the runners which was still completed by Road to Zion and Find A Way.

Coming out of the home turn Big N’Tough’s jockey started to get tough with the colt and was urging him to start picking up but right next to him Sligeach’s jockey was sitting quieter than a church mouse at Sunday service. From mid division Fireball was making strides and this colt was definitely looking a danger if he could manage to slingshot himself around the bend and the leaders.

Quarter of a mile left and suddenly Big N’ Tough cracked he just couldn’t sustain the pace he had set with State Tower nearly a mile previously and still Sligeach’s jockey didn’t move, except a sly glance under his arm to see where the danger was coming from and he could see Dikto being moved from three wide back down to the rail to try to get past a tiring Big N’Tough and Fireball was still making giant strides towards the leaders and then from the middle of the pack Thyroid Storm was getting into top gear and seemed to be a horse who would definitely be there at the finish – the crowd started to rise in order not to miss a moment of this thriller down the last furlong. Would the trophy stay at home or would it be shipped abroad?

200 yards left and amazingly Big N’ Tough was refusing to give in – the jockey was giving it his all to the horse and gamely oh so gamely the colt was responding – could he get back up and deny Europe a win, could Sligeach repel the gallant challenger, had Dikto and Fireballs jockeys time their challenges to perfection or would Thyroid Storm pass all of them and take the race on the line?

UNDER THE WIRE they passed – and yes Sligeach had won! He had held on and found the reserves that only champions have and took the Kentucky Derby by just over a length to the gallant Dikto with Big N’ Tough running the race of his life to keep on for 3^rd. Thyroid Storm took 4^th. All four horses were separated by less then 2 lengths at the line.

What an amazing race – a horse only having its third lifetime start winning the Kentucky Derby and taking the prize back to Old Blighty and the spiritual home of all Derbies. His owner Martin Pennington was the first down to the track to congratulate his homebred star and was heard to exclaim that “nothing could beat this feeling, not even Wigan winning the Premiership!”

The full finishing order was:

13 Sligeach 3yo Colt Woodbury Stables

5 Ditko 3yo Colt Iron Racing

14 Big N' Tough 3yo Colt Rivendell Stable

3 Thyroid Storm 3yo Colt Underworld Stables

9 Fireball 3yo Colt Royal Flush Farms

1 Blessed 3yo Colt Rainbow

4 Tundra Sky 3yo Colt Rainbow

8 Find A Way 3yo Colt Eureka Racing Stables

15 Silver Sword 3yo Colt Snowbank Farm

12 Road to Zion 3yo Filly Godolphin17

7 Key Largo 3yo Colt Alydar Stables

10 Golfo Blanco 3yo Colt Yeguada Lore Toki

6 Cold Come Back 3yo Colt FDL Lodge

2 State Tower 3yo Colt Goforwand Stables

11 Red Dawn 3yo Colt Alydar Stables

I hope you enjoyed this review as much as I did reviewing it! Speak to you all soon – when I recover from the after race party with Martin!