Wed, 10/13/2010 - 16:09

Northlands trainer Meyaard trying new circuit

OKLAHOMA CITY – Trainer Jim Meyaard is making a significant circuit change after operating one of the winningest stables at Northlands Park in his native Alberta, Canada. On his agenda for the balance of 2010 and into 2011 are Remington Park, Florida, and Woodbine.

“We only live once and we want to take that next step,” said Meyaard.

Wed, 10/13/2010 - 16:01

Franklin County could be West Ocean's stepping-stone to Breeders' Cup

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The Win and You’re In races already have been exhausted this fall at Keeneland, but a horse or two still conceivably could be impressive enough in a final prep here to convince his or her connections to wheel back in the Breeders’ Cup.

Case in point: West Ocean, a top-class female turf-sprint specialist who will be a solid favorite Friday in the $100,000 Franklin County Stakes at Keeneland and would seem to fit nicely – even against boys – off a big effort when the $1 million BC Turf Sprint is run Nov. 6 at Churchill Downs.

Wed, 10/13/2010 - 15:51

Acoma may get to make one more start

The Spinster Stakes on Sunday at Keeneland was a Win and You’re In race for the Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic on Nov. 5 at Churchill Downs, and, as of Wednesday, there was a chance the connections of Acoma were going to utilize that berth for an encore race for a mare whose racing career might have concluded had she lost on Sunday.

Wed, 10/13/2010 - 15:48

McAnally repeats John Henry's prep schedule with Eclair de Lune

Hall of Fame trainer Ron McAnally is using elements of his own history to have Eclair de Lune ready for the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Churchill Downs on Nov. 5.

In the winter of 1981-82, McAnally prepared the famous gelding John Henry for the Santa Anita Handicap in early March without a race since the preceding December. John Henry finished second in the Big Cap, but was promoted to first when Perrault was disqualified for interference.

Wed, 10/13/2010 - 15:43

Former claimers prominent among contenders in Turf Sprint

Hey what is this – the Breeders’ Cup or the Claiming Crown? Indeed, several of the top contenders in the Turf Sprint were acquired through the claim box, the latest being Quick Enough, a 6-year-old gelding who won Monday’s Morvich Handicap after being haltered by Doug O’Neill for $40,000 at Del Mar two starts earlier.

Quick Enough earned a Beyer Figure of 98 for his pace-pressing score in the Morvich, which is a Win and You’re In event. His connections seem likely to pony up $90,000 to supplement QuickEnough to the Turf Sprint..

Wed, 10/13/2010 - 15:41

Lookin At Lucky breezes a half-mile

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Lookin At Lucky bounced off the Hollywood Park racetrack on Wednesday morning after a half-mile breeze in 48.40 seconds.

Walking up an incline that led from the track to the barn area, the colt began to buck, surprising jockey Martin Garcia who was aboard for the workout.

“He was feeling good,” Garcia said.

The workout was Lookin At Lucky’s first since a win in the Grade 2 Indiana Derby at Hoosier Park on Oct. 2, and the colt’s first in the buildup to the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Churchill Downs on Nov. 6.

Wed, 10/13/2010 - 15:40

Espoir City gives Japan its best Breeders' Cup shot

There has been little Japanese participation in the Breeders’ Cup over the years, just four starters in all, the last two being Casino Drive, 12th and last in the 2008 Classic at Santa Anita won by Raven's Pass, and Personal Rush, who finished sixth of 13 as a 25-1 shot in the Classic won by Ghostzapper in 2004 at Lone Star Park. But Japan will be well represented this year with a horse who is unquestionably that country’s best runner sent here thus far for the Breeders’ Cup, Espoir City.

Wed, 10/13/2010 - 15:28

Paco Boy to take another shot at Goldikova

Four times Paco Boy has squared off against two-time Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Goldikova, and four times the filly has beaten him, but Paco Boy will try one final time to beat the mighty mare. Paco Boy’s trainer, Richard Hannon, confirmed the horse as an intended BC Mile starter this week, with the Mile to be the final race of Paco Boy’s career.

Wed, 10/13/2010 - 15:13

Gallant Gent, Nextdoorneighboor audition for bigger roles

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – The appearances of Gallant Gent and Nextdoorneighbor in optional claiming races at Hollywood Park on Friday are as much about the future as they are immediate success.

Both colts have the potential to be a factor in important races in coming months, particularly at the Santa Anita winter-spring meeting that begins in late December.

Wed, 10/13/2010 - 15:07

Fly the Flag has pedigree for wet track

ELMONT, N.Y. – It is perhaps fitting that at the bottom of the overnight for Friday’s card at Belmont reads the following: “Aqueduct winter stall applications are due November 1.”

Friday’s nine-race card lacks a true feature, and with significant rain predicted Thursday night into Friday, there is a good chance that all five races scheduled for the turf will be moved to the main track, making it appear even more like a winter card at the Big A.