Kentucky Breeders' Cup preview

Thursday, May 3, 2007
Churchill Downs - Race 9
5 Furlongs
Kentucky Breeders' Cup Stakes (Grade 3)
2-year-olds
Purse $150,000.

RATED FIESTY is bred to be a quick one as the first foal from Grade 3 winner Fiesty Countess (23-9-2-4, $389,465, 5-8 at two, 6-13 sprinting), and she did not disappoint by beating up on boys in her debut for Steve Asmussen. The gray filly showed high speed that day, and figures to be among the frontrunners once again in the Kentucky BC Stakes. The Asmussen barn excels with these kind of runners (34-95, 36% winners, 57% in the money, $2.04 ROI over the last five years with second-time juveniles following a debut win).
READY'S IMAGE made his debut as an even-money, universal good-thing, and he overcame an outside post to win going away for Team Pletcher. He made quite an impression on the clockers with his swift morning trials, and he has "stakes horse" written all over him. He'll make his presence felt in the stretch. Pletcher wins with 28% of second-time juveniles trying winners for the first time. PREACHIN MAN was very game winning his debut over CAPE OF STORMS, but draws a tough outside post, and must avoid a wide trip. LOVE BUZZ upset males at 7-1 in her debut, and trainer Dale Romans has gotten off to a very hot start at the meet. Her dam won this race in 2001 when it was known as the Three Chimneys Juvenile. WONDERFUL LUCK rallied from off the pace to win her maiden despite racing greenly in the stretch. The Garrett Gomez/Steven Asmussen team is formidable, and their charge will likely get a hot pace to attack once again. YOGI'SSPLASHOFGOLD showed exceptional early speed in her debut, and wasn't asked for her best in the lane. According to the Keeneland clockers, her work on April 20 (4 furlongs in .45 flat) was "one of the fastest works at the meet." Her dam was a juvenile stakes-winner.

Selections:
1. Rated Fiesty
2. Ready's Image
3. Preachin Man