Breeders' Cup Clocker: Appearance by Team O'Brien spices up Thursday training
LEXINGTON, KY. – The first appearance of trainer Aiden O’Brien’s troops is always a show-stopper at whatever venue the Breeders’ Cup happens to be stopping at each year. And while the contingent is a bit smaller than usual this year at Keeneland, the spectacle is no less enthralling, as just about everybody pauses what they are doing to watch Team O’Brien parade around the track in a line and in perfect unison, whether at a jog or relatively brisk canter, as was the case here Thursday.
That bit of entertainment immediately preceded another highlight of the final full day of training prior to this year’s Breeders’ Cup, some brisk action on the turf course topped by a very lively and impressive half-mile blowout by NEW MANDATE prepping for Friday’s Juvenile Turf. With Frankie Dettori aboard, New Mandate completed a lively half-mile over a less-than-firm strip around the wide dogs in 50.11, with his final quarter in 23.80, while switching leads on cue once entering the stretch. Loved everything about this last-minute drill, which came on the heels of a similarly sharp blowout by KAMEKO prepping for the Mile, zipping down the lane in 23.29 and just prior to GLASS SLIPPERS doing likewise in 23.25 for the Turf Sprint.
Other impressions from Thursday’s training session:
Classic
IMPROBABLE: Continues to make phenomenal impression since arriving 48 hours earlier.
TIZ THE LAW: More subdued this morning but still loaded with energy.
BY MY STANDARDS: Always looks good during training hours whether working or galloping.
HIGHER POWER: Continues to be full of run coming out of quick drill last weekend.
TACITUS: Remains rock solid on a daily basis.
AUTHENTIC: Very high strung for a second consecutive morning.
Distaff
CE CE: Among first on the track each morning, training in the dark. Looked very good coming down the lane at the end of another strong gallop.
HOROLOGIST: Exited very sharp drill here over the weekend with a series of excellent gallops. Seems in peak form.
MONOMOY GIRL: Can’t fault anything about this gal – couldn’t be doing better. Left another big impression this morning.
SWISS SKYDIVER: Ditto the comment on Monomoy Girl. Thriving out of her strong work over the weekend at Churchill Downs.
Turf
ARKLOW: Rock-solid every day here since shipping over from Churchill. Facing a tough task, however, against solid European competition.
Filly and Mare Turf
MEAN MARY: Loved the energy level she showed this morning.
NAY LADY NAY: Came out as part of a trio of Chad Brown stars around dawn. Was a bit on the rank side today, running past a well-held Raging Bull during latter stages of her gallop.
Mile
FACTOR THIS: Again in draw reins, again dragging his rider around at a strong clip.
HALLADAY: Got first good look at him today. Full of energy, and ready for big effort.
Sprint
DIAMOND OOPS: Making good appearance since arriving from South Florida, but has done little more than jog each of the last two mornings, twice around the track today.
Filly and Mare Sprint
SPEECH: Another good morning for her. Like the turn-back in distance for this race.
Dirt Mile
MR MONEY: Really on the muscle today. Gave the rider all he could handle to keep from being a run-off down backstretch and around the turn.
Juvenile Turf
MUTASAABEQ: Loved the composure this youngster showed when run past by Mr Money during course of his gallop. Showed mature, relaxed demeanor while coming down lane side by side with older runner.