Mastery looking 'super'

One of the heaviest favorites during the entire 14-race BC schedule is Mastery, a 3-year-old British-bred colt who runs in the first race of the series, the $500,000 BC Marathon early Friday.

As the winner of the Group 1 English St. Leger last out, the colt will be the first of a handful of major BC contenders being sent out by the Godolphin powerhouse. Frankie Dettori has the mount back on Mastery after missing the Sept. 12 St. Leger at Doncaster. The inaugural Marathon was run at 1 1/2 miles last year over the Pro-Ride but has been extended to 1 3/4 miles this year.

Mastery "is in super condition," said Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford. "The track at Santa Anita should play to his strengths."

Another British-bred 3-year-old, Father Time, looks like the main threat in a prospective field of 11. The Juddmonte Farms homebred colt was fourth in the St. Leger for trainer Henry Cecil.