Racehorses in History November: Fairy Chantb. 1937
Why: A champion at 3 and 4, Fairy Chant won the Beldame twice. She was in the money for 26 of her 42 races.
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No doubt Goldikova’s final race will be many people’s chief memory of the day – add in some truly bizarre results throughout the weekend, and this year’s Breeders’ Cup looks like a bit of a head-scratcher in retrospect. But think of the high points: Joseph O’Brien (surely, the only jockey in the world who towers over me) wins one for his dad, we have some some exciting 2-year-olds to watch for next year, a ‘freebie’ horse winning a Breeders’ Cup race in the excellent Amazombie, and a thrilling result in the Classic. While I did not hit the Exes Exacta (Mike Smith and Chantal Sutherland facing one another in a real race), I did have money on both Drosselmeyer and Game On Dude, so I at least made up a little bit of what was otherwise a terrible wagering weekend (for me).
Let the (very, very confusing) Horse of the Year discussion get going…it’s not often I’m glad I’m not a voter!
Some quick highlights from Friday: Secret Circle looked sharp, but Shumoos was perhaps more exciting finishing just behind him. And there were some great longshot wins from Musical Romance and Perfect Shirl. My Miss Aurelia looks to have a bright future, and I really need to make back all I lost with a strong showing Saturday!
And so, on to the main event – will something happen that could knock Goldikova off the top of Twitter’s trending topics? Follow along to find out…we’ll be posting our customary wrapups-with-Blingees after key races on both Friday and Saturday (with or without any jockeyfights).
| Post |
Horse |
Jockey |
Trainer |
ML Odds |
| 1. |
Prayer for Relief |
Rafael Bejarano |
Bob Baffert |
30-1 |
| Can’t see it happening. |
| 2. |
Flat Out |
Alex Solis |
Charles L. Dickey |
6-1 |
| Seems to be coming into his own, but he couldn’t beat Havre de Grace in the Woodward. |
| 3. |
Drosselmeyer |
Mike Smith |
William Mott |
15-1 |
| Last year’s Belmont winner has proven his victory was no fluke – could hit the board. |
| 4. |
Ruler On Ice |
Garrett Gomez |
Kelly Breen |
30-1 |
| This Belmont winner still needs to work on that. |
| 5. |
So You Think |
Ryan Moore |
Aidan O’Brien |
5-1 |
| Most well-traveled horse in the field apparently likes working on dirt… |
| 6. |
Ice Box |
Corey Nakatani |
Nichaolas P. Zito |
30-1 |
| His recent efforts have not inspired confidence. |
| 7. |
Rattlesnake Bridge |
Calvin Borel |
Kiaran McLaughlin |
30-1 |
| Seems overmatched here. |
| 8. |
Game On Dude |
Chantal Sutherland |
Bob Baffert |
10-1 |
| Comes in with a nice record; the Chantal Sutherland/Bob Baffert combo should be the most telegenic in the field. |
| 9. |
Stay Thirsty |
Javier Castellano |
Todd Pletcher |
12-1 |
| Travers winner is certainly talented, but I’d prefer his chances next year. |
| 10. |
Havre de Grace |
Ramon Dominguez |
Larry Jones |
3-1 |
| I want her to win because she’s the best, not just because she’s The Filly. |
| 11. |
Headache |
Paco Lopez |
Michael Maker |
30-1 |
| Won last time out, but a huge step up in class. |
| 12. |
Uncle Mo |
John Velazquez |
Todd Pletcher |
5-2 |
| The Dirt Mile would have been perfect. |
| 13. |
To Honor and Serve |
Jose Lezcano |
William Mott |
12-1 |
| Flying under the radar a bit here…worth watching. |
Predictions: Havre de Grace, So You Think, Stay Thirsty, Game On Dude
Longshot: Drosselmeyer
The moment you have all been waiting for – the Goldikova show! With the exception of the connections of the horses running against her (and one would imagine that even some of them are hoping she’ll make history), it would be hard to find anyone not looking for the French star to end her career with a fourth Breeders’ Cup Mile victory.
| Post |
Horse |
Jockey |
Trainer |
ML Odds |
| 1. |
Goldikova |
Olivier Peslier |
Freddy Head |
7-5 |
| I’d never bet against her, for sentimental or cash-related reasons. Let’s do it! |
| 2. |
Zoffany |
Ryan Moore |
Aidan P. O’Brien |
20-1 |
| Looked great last year, but then ran into Frankel – did it hurt his confidence? |
| 3. |
Courageous Cat |
Patrick Valenzuela |
William I. Mott |
8-1 |
| Certainly effective against American milers, but will have much more to do here. |
| 4. |
Mr. Commons |
Mike Smith |
John A. Shirreffs |
20-1 |
| Seems to prefer turf miles, but again, he’s not faced Goldikova. |
| 5. |
Gio Ponti |
Ramon Dominguez |
Christophe Clement |
4-1 |
| I hate to root against such a wonderful horse, but I will be in this instance. Hope for a good second. |
| 6. |
Get Stormy |
Garrett Gomez |
Thomas M. Bush |
15-1 |
| Very honest horse – could see him hitting the board. |
| 7. |
Jeranimo |
Martin Garcia |
Mike Pender |
20-1 |
| Has never been terribly consistent. |
| 8. |
Byword |
Maxime Guyon |
Andre Fabre |
12-1 |
| Has faced some impressive European fields and should finish well. |
| 9. |
Court Vision |
Robby Albarado |
Dale L. Romans |
30-1 |
| Seems to have lost a step this year. |
| 10. |
Sidney’s Candy |
John Velazquez |
Todd A. Pletcher |
15-1 |
| A fine horse, but I can’t see it being his day. |
| 11. |
Strong Suit |
Richard Hughes |
Richard Hannon |
10-1 |
| Another Frankel victim, but one who has rebounded of late. |
| 12. |
Compliance Officer |
Alex Solis |
Bruce Brown |
30-1 |
| Has done very well since being claimed, but has never faced this company. |
| 13. |
Turallure |
Julien Leparoux |
Charles Lopresti |
8-1 |
| Another solid North American contender, but this field goes to 11. |
Predictions: Goldikova, Gio Ponti, Strong Suit, Byword
Longshot: Byword
2 year olds. On dirt. Cue often-misguided early Derby buzz.
| Post |
Horse |
Jockey |
Trainer |
ML Odds |
| 1. |
Take Charge Indy |
James Graham |
Patrick B. Byrne |
30-1 |
| Looked very tired in his last race (and I say this as a fan of his dam, Take Charge Lady). |
| 2. |
Dullahan |
Kent Desormeaux |
Dale L. Romans |
8-1 |
| Half to Mine That Bird tries the dirt. Looked good on turf, but will his form translate? |
| 3. |
Crusade |
Julien Leparoux |
Aidan P. O’Brien |
12-1 |
| European invader also a dirt debutant. |
| 4. |
Drill |
Martin Garcia |
Bob Baffert |
8-1 |
| Still learning, but worth keeping an eye on. |
| 5. |
Hansen |
Ramon Dominguez |
Michael J. Maker |
10-1 |
| Undefeated in two starts and generating some buzz. |
| 6. |
Prospective |
Luis Contreras |
Mark E. Casse |
30-1 |
| Won two out of three at Woodbine. |
| 7. |
Creative Cause |
Joel Rosario |
Mike Harrington |
7-2 |
| Looks bred for turf, but seems to love the dirt. Impressive Norfolk winner. |
| 8. |
Speightscity |
Corey Nakatani |
Gary Contessa |
20-1 |
| Big step up in class, but they are all only 2. |
| 9. |
Alpha |
Garrett Gomez |
Kiaran P. McLaughlin |
15-1 |
| Second to Union Rags in the Champagne. |
| 10. |
Union Rags |
Javier Castellano |
Michael R. Matz |
2-1 |
| Undefeated buzz horse looks a strong favorite here. |
| 11. |
Daddy Long Legs |
Ryan Moore |
Aidan P. O’Brien |
12-1 |
| Another European horse, but with a very American pedigree. |
| 12. |
Fort Loudon |
Luis Gerardo |
Stanley Gold |
20-1 |
| Very experienced, but another taking a jump up in class. |
| 13. |
Optimizer |
Robby Albarado |
D. Wayne Lukas |
15-1 |
| Another who looks like he could go for either turf or dirt. |
Predictions: Union Rags, Dullahan, Creative Cause, Alpha
Longshot: Prospective
Insert ‘European Vacation’ jokes here…and expect a blanket finish from the stars who have flown in from across the pond.
| Post |
Horse |
Jockey |
Trainer |
ML Odds |
| 1. |
St Nicholas Abbey |
Joseph P. O’Brien |
Aidan O’Brien |
9-2 |
| Certainly very accomplished, but I think Sarafina has his number this time. |
| 2. |
Sarafina |
Christophe Lemaire |
Alain De Royer-Dupre |
5-2 |
| While the Arc->Breeders’ Cup trip hasn’t worked well in the past, she could do it. |
| 3. |
Dean’s Kitten |
Ramon Dominguez |
Michael J. Maker |
10-1 |
| I suppose some Americans have to enter, and he’s bred for it. |
| 4. |
Stately Victor |
Mike Smith |
Michael J. Maker |
30-1 |
| Can’t see it happening. |
| 5. |
Teaks North |
Javier Castellano |
Justin Sallusto |
20-1 |
| Has some good US turf results, but he’ll never beat this group. |
| 6. |
Await the Dawn |
Julien Leparoux |
Aidan O’Brien |
7-2 |
| Should be a very serious threat. |
| 7. |
Sea Moon |
Ryan Moore |
Sir Michael R. Stoute |
4-1 |
| Will the lost training time this week affect him? Looks solid. |
| 8. |
Brilliant Speed |
John Velazquez |
Thomas Albertrani |
20-1 |
| Would have a great deal of work to do. |
| 9. |
Midday |
Tom Queally |
Sir Henry Cecil |
4-1 |
| Has had some bad luck this year, but eschewed the F&M Turf for this one – she has a definite shot. |
Predictions: Sarafina, Midday, Sea Moon, Await the Dawn
Longshot: We’ll pretend Midday is a longshot.
Or, the race that Uncle Mo should have been running in. You know this.
| Post |
Horse |
Jockey |
Trainer |
ML Odds |
| 1. |
The Factor |
Martin Garcia |
Bob Baffert |
7-2 |
| Bad luck last time out, but has he returned to his best form? |
| 2. |
Shackleford |
Jesus Castanon |
Dale Romans |
7-2 |
| Ran out of gas before, but this could be his perfect distance. |
| 3. |
Tapizar |
Garrett Gomez |
Steven Asmussen |
20-1 |
| Looked good in a confidence-building allowance win. |
| 4. |
Tres Borrachos |
Joel Rosario |
Martin F. Jones |
30-1 |
| Last won in July, but again, this could be the right distance. |
| 5. |
Wilburn |
Julien Leparoux |
Steven M. Asmussen |
4-1 |
| Can’t seem to lose lately, even when encountering trouble. |
| 6. |
Irrefutable |
Rafael Bejarano |
Bob Baffert |
12-1 |
| Seems to prefer a shorter race, but interesting to see him here. |
| 7. |
Jersey Town |
Cornelio Velasquez |
Barclay Tagg |
15-1 |
| Cigar Mile winner finishes in the money frequently. |
| 8. |
Caleb’s Posse |
Rajiv Maragh |
Donnie K. Von Hemel |
5-1 |
| Should relish this cut back in distance after the Indiana Derby experiment. |
| 9. |
Trappe Shot |
John Velazquez |
Kiaran McLaughlin |
3-1 |
| Outside post may finally give him a chance for a clean break. |
Predictions: Wilburn, Trappe Shot, The Factor, Tapizar
Longshot: Jersey Town
Some old rivals return to the turf for a little speedwork…
| Post |
Horse |
Jockey |
Trainer |
ML Odds |
| 1. |
Grand Adventure |
Javier Castellano |
Mark R. Frostad |
20-1 |
| It’s been a long time since he’s found the winner’s circle. |
| 2. |
Holiday for Kitten |
Joel Rosario |
Wesley A. Ward |
30-1 |
| Has some good experience, but with lesser company. |
| 3. |
Broken Dreams |
Garrett Gomez |
Thomas F. Proctor |
20-1 |
| Won last time out, but a taller order here. |
| 4. |
Perfect Officer |
Kendrick Carmouche |
Michael Pino |
12-1 |
| May well finish in the money, but I don’t see him winning. |
| 5. |
Great Attack |
Jeffrey Sanchez |
Wesley A. Ward |
20-1 |
| Last victory was a 2010 allowance race. |
| 6. |
California Flag |
Patrick Venezuela |
Brian J. Koriner |
15-1 |
| Won this race in ’09, unlucky last year; comes in on a win. Would be a great story. |
| 7. |
Hoofit |
Edgar Prado |
H. Graham Motion |
15-1 |
| Intriguing NZ-bred looked great in his first two US races. |
| 8. |
Regally Ready |
Corey Nakatani |
Steven M. Asmussen |
3-1 |
| Toss his penultimate race and he’s had a great year. |
| 9. |
Rapport |
Brian Hernandez Jr. |
Ronny W. Werner |
30-1 |
| First race of this year was in October; last win was in 2010. |
| 10. |
Havelock |
Robby Albarado |
Darrin Miller |
9-2 |
| Won last time despite a very wide trip; a worthy favorite. |
| 11. |
Country Day |
James Graham |
Stephen R. Margolis |
20-1 |
| Probably a notch blow some of these. |
| 12. |
Camp Victory |
Julien Leparoux |
Mike R. Mitchell |
12-1 |
| Second to The Factor not long ago and often finishes in the money. |
| 13. |
Caracortado |
Joe Talamo |
Michael Machowsky |
4-1 |
| Won last time despite a troubled trip; seems to have returned to form. |
| 14. |
Chamberlain Bridge |
Jamie Theriot |
W. Bret Calhoun |
5-1 |
| Has not had the best of luck this year, but has the talent. |
Predictions: Havelock, Caracortado, Regally Ready, Chamberlain Bridge
Longshot: Hoofit
On to the grown-up speedsters…Big Drama is looking to defend his title.
| Post |
Horse |
Jockey |
Trainer |
ML Odds |
| 1. |
Euroears |
Rafael Bejarano |
Bob Baffert |
4-1 |
| Had a bad trip last time out, but has otherwise had a convincing campaign this year. |
| 2. |
Giant Ryan |
Cornelio Velasquez |
Bisnath Parbhoo |
8-1 |
| He’s won six in a row (including the Vosburgh) and is 8-1. Attractive. |
| 3. |
Aikenite |
Javier Castellano |
Todd A. Pletcher |
8-1 |
| Has had a string of bad luck since May, but nearly got there last time. |
| 4. |
Hamazing Destiny |
Robby Albarado |
D. Wayne Lukas |
10-1 |
| Finishes in the money, but hasn’t won for quite a long time. |
| 5. |
Jackson Bend |
Corey Nakatani |
Nicholas P. Zito |
7-2 |
| Won the Forego, but lost out to Uncle Mo in the Kelso last time out. |
| 6. |
Force Freeze |
John Velazquez |
Peter R. Walder |
10-1 |
| Probably a notch below these. |
| 7. |
Amazombie |
Mike Smith |
William Spawr |
5-1 |
| All the Ancient Title winner wants to do is eat your brains. He’s not unreasonable. |
| 8. |
Big Drama |
Ramon Dominguez |
David Fawkes |
5-2 |
| Has only raced twice since winning here last year. |
| 9. |
Apriority |
Joel Rosario |
David Fawkes |
30-1 |
| Had not managed to beat the best in this division. |
Predictions: Euroears, Amazombie, Jackson Bend, Aikenite
Longshot: Giant Ryan
Look! 2-year-olds on the turf – lots of them! This should be an interesting betting race.
| Post |
Horse |
Trainer |
Jockey |
ML Odds |
| 1. |
Gung Ho |
Michael Maker |
Mike Smith |
20-1 |
| Has some winning experience, but wasn’t quite up to it when tested last time out. Update: scratched. |
| 2. |
Fantastic Song |
Chad Brown |
Javier Castellano |
20-1 |
| Only two races so far, but he showed promise. |
| 3. |
Shkspeare Shaliyah |
Doodnauth Shivmangal |
Alex Solis |
15-1 |
| Never out of the money – so far. |
| 4. |
Farraaj |
Roger Varian |
Neil Callan |
15-1 |
| Decent in Europe; should be a threat. |
| 5. |
Wrote |
Aidan O’Brien |
Ryan Moore |
12-1 |
| Another solid European performer. |
| 6. |
Coalport |
Wayne Catalano |
Junior Alvarado |
15-1 |
| And another good-looking, lightly-raced son of Kitten’s Joy. |
| 7. |
Caspar Netscher |
Alan McCabe |
Kieren Fallon |
6-1 |
| UK-based colt has more wins than some in this field have starts. |
| 8. |
Majestic City |
Peter Miller |
Garrett Gomez |
4-1 |
| Still learning, but has shown some talent. |
| 9. |
Daddy Nose Best |
Steve Asmussen |
Julien Leparoux |
30-1 |
| Big step up in class. |
| 10. |
Animal Spirits |
Al Stall Jr. |
Robby Albarado |
8-1 |
| Comes in off a win in the Bourbon, but can he beat the Euros? |
| 11. |
Excaper |
Ian Black |
Emma-Jayne Wilson |
30-1 |
| Canadian-based colt sticks with his regular jockey. |
| 12. |
Lucky Chappy |
Graham Motion |
Joel Rosario |
10-1 |
| Third in his first US start, but a winner in Italy. |
| 13. |
Finale |
Todd Pletcher |
John Velazquez |
5-1 |
| Has three consecutive wins to his credit. |
| 14. |
State of Play |
Graham Motion |
Ramon Dominguez |
5-1 |
| Undefeated (in two starts), has the right tools. |
| 15. |
Tequila Factor |
Wayne Catalano |
Rafael Bejarano |
30-1 (AE) |
| Unlikely to start, and has never faced this sort of company. Update: Makes the field! Still a longshot. |
Predictions: Caspar Netscher, Wrote, Lucky Chappy, Coalport
Longshot: Fantastic Song
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