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Courtesy of Mike Dempsey

It’s Ladies’ Day at the Breeders’ Cup (well, except for the Marathon), and it may be tough to top last year’s opening day at the Breeders’ Cup where Zenyatta stole the show with an impressive victory in the Ladies’ Classic.
This year she will take on the boys in Saturday’s $5 million Classic, and she won’t be the only female missing today.
The brilliant four year old filly Goldikova will race on Saturday, defending her title in the Mile against the boys.
In addition Dar Re Mi (Turf) and Fleeting Spirit (Sprint) have good shots of beating the boys tomorrow.


Three females take on the boys in the Turf Sprint: Gotta Have Her, Diamondrella, and Canadian Bullet,
While some talented females will wait until Saturday, Friday’s card is excellent, with a couple of wide open two year old races, and we get to witness Forever Together (Filly & Mare Turf) and Ventura (Filly & Mare Sprint) attempt to win back to back Breeders’ Cup races.
The final Breeder’s Cup race today is the Ladies’ Classic, which features a very interesting showdown between Careless Jewel and Music Note.
The two fillies will vie for favoritism, but don’t overlook Rainbow View, who was second in the E.P. Taylor (G1) at Woodbine on the grass last out, or Cocoa Beach, Life is Sweet, and Proviso.
As you can see below, I am giving Rainbow View the edge, as she likely is going to offer more value for the top spot than the two likely betting favorites.
There is a daily double combining the Ladies’ Classic with tomorrow’s Classic, which has the potential of producing a nice payoff.
With all the hoopla today, let’s not forget there is still racing at the Big A.

Here is today's opening race from Aqueduct to get our day off to a good start:

AQU Race 1 Clm $12,500N1Y (12:30 ET)

#2 Ruff and Ready 5/2
#1 Hedge Fund 6/1
#3 The Vin Man 2/1
#6 Hey Now 3/1

Analysis: #2 Ruff and Ready checked in a decent third last out at this level, beaten 1 1/2 lengths for the top spot. The seven year old saved ground in the early going and swung out wide and made a good late run. Two back in his first go for the barn off the claim he was seventh against open $20K claimers. The winner of that race was Adagio, who came back to win his next two starts, last out beating $35K claimers on Nov. 4. He was going long on the turf in his previous four starts and figures to move forward off his last sprint try. He does have three in the money finishes in five starts at the trip.
#1 Hedge Fund was off a step slow, was rushed up to prompt the early pace and weakened in the stretch to finish fourth and 4 3./4 lengths back of our top pick. Draws the rail today and owns decent enough early and mid pace numbers. This guy has a habit of landing in the bottom half of the exacta and has done exactly that in half of his ten starts over the main track here and a dozen times in his career. It could be more of the same here in this spot.

Wagering

WIN: #2 to win at 2/1 or better.
EX: 1,2 / 1,2,3,6
TRI: 1,2 / 1,2,3,6 / 1,2,3,6,7

Today's Featured Race of the Day from Aqueduct:

AQU Race 8 Alw $50,000s (3:48 ET)

#9 Elegant Bess 6/1
#4 Loxy Lady 10/1
#6 Goldie Lane 7/2
#3 Boxitup 3/1

Analysis: #9 Elegant Bess was not much of a threat last out trying state bred stakes company, checking in seventh in a race in which the winner and fourth place finisher came back to win next out. The filly was a good looking Alw-1 winner two back going 5 1/2 furlongs over soft footing. It looks like she finds an easier spot here and while both of her turf wins have come sprinting, she has plenty of pedigree to handle the extra ground. She is by Victory Gallop out of a Touch Gold mare. She is lightly raced compared to most of these and still appears to have some upside potential.
#4 Loxy Lady raced in traffic on the far turn and rallied strongly to beat $35K non winners of two last out. The effort was flattered when the third and fourth place finisher came back to win next out. The mare has landed in the exacta in 5 of 9 starts on the turf and her 10/1 ML looks generous.

Wagering

WIN: #9 to win at 4/1 or better.
EX: 4,9 / 3,4,6,9
TRI: 4,9 / 3,4,6,9 / 2,3,4,6,7,9

Today's Featured Race of the Day from Oak Tree at Santa Anita:

SA Race 8 BC Ladies' Classic G1 (3:45 PT)

#8 Rainbow View 6/1
#7 Music Note 9/5
#1 Careless Jewel 2/1
#6 Cocoa Beach 8/1

Analysis: #8 Rainbow View gets the call here in her second start since arriving in North America. She found the last furlong too tough last out in the E.P. Taylor (G1). She took over the lead briefly with a furlong to go but could not hold off Lahaleeb, who is a Group 2 winner overseas and missed winning the Irish 1000 Guineas by a neck. Our top pick was beaten 2 1/4 lengths by Midday and in July was beaten just 1 1/4 lengths when fourth behind Goldikova. She tries Pro Ride for the first time for the Gosden barn that won last year's Classic with Raven's Pass and won the Juvenile Turf in '08 with Donativum. The trainer must have liked Leparoux's ride last out, calling Jimmy Fortune and telling him to stay home and take the day off. Fortune rode this gal in her first ten starts. She looks like the value of the race if we catch most of the 6/1 ML.
#7 Music Note looked sharp winning the Beldame (G1) last out at Belmont Park and earned a career top speed fig in the effort. The runner up in the race as Unbridled Belle, who came back to win the Turnback the Alarm (G3) in her next outing on Oct. 31. Her lone try on a synthetic surface came in this race last year where she was third, beaten three lengths by Zenyatta and 1 1/2 lengths behind runner up #6 Cocoa Beach. The filly has never been better and put in a couple of smart works over the surface here. She is going to be tough but expecting to see around 8/5.
#1 Careless Jewel comes in here riding a five race win streak. Her maiden and Alw-1 wins came over poly at Woodbine. She draws the rail and figures to be loose on the lead here. There are a couple on here that can keep her honest early and if Landry can't rate this gal in the early going she could be in deep waters late. She just has the look of an underlay in here.

Wagering

WIN: #8 to win at 4/1 or better.
EX: 7,8 / 1,6,7,8
TRI: 7,8 / 1,6,7,8 / 1,2,6,7,8

Live Longshots:

These are price plays for exotic players looking to find a couple of extra contenders to use in their trifecta and superfecta wagers. Or for those with smaller bankrolls, you might want to get in a small win-place wager.

Aqueduct

R3: #12 Quechee 15/1
R4: #1 Ravenous 8/1
R5: #6 System Restore 30/1
R8: #4 Loxy Lady 10/1

Oak Tree at Santa Anita (Breeders’ Cup)

R1: #3 Riviera Cocktail 15/1
R1: #6 Deal Breaker 8/1
R1:#1 Green Card James 8/1
R2: #10 Toro Bonito 8/1
R3: #1 Black Astor 12/1
R4: #10 Tapitsfly 8/1
R4: #11 Junia Tezpia 8/1
R4: #12 Lisa’s Kitten 12/1
R7: #3 Game Face 10/1
R8: #6 Cocoa Beach 8/1
R9: #2 Captain’s Lover 8/1
R9: #10 Tuscan Evening 8/1

Good luck today!

BREEDERS' CUP PREVIEWS

BREEDERS' CUP LADIES' CLASSIC (G1), 8TH-OSA, $2,000,000, 3YO/UP, F/M, 1 1/8M, 3:45 P.M. PST, 11-6

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 CARELESS JEWEL CARROLL JOSIE LANDRY R C 121
2 LIFE IS SWEET SHIRREFFS JOHN GOMEZ G K 124
3 MUSHKA MOTT WILLIAM I DESORMEAUX K J 124
4 LETHAL HEAT ABRAMS BARRY SOLIS A 124
5 PROVISO (GB) FRANKEL ROBERT J VELAZQUEZ J R 124
6 COCOA BEACH (CHI) *SUROOR SAEED BIN MIGLIORE R 124
7 MUSIC NOTE *SUROOR SAEED BIN MARAGH RAJIV 124
8 RAINBOW VIEW GOSDEN JOHN H M LEPAROUX JULIEN 121

The $2 million Ladies' Classic (G1) drew just eight, but the quality in this field makes up for the lack of quantity. This race could belong to standout sophomore CARELESS JEWEL (Tapit), who will likely be alone on the lead early for trainer Josie Carroll. The rapidly-developing gray has proven adept on multiple surfaces, beginning her career on the Polytrack before bringing her show to the dirt, bagging the Alabama S. (G1), Delaware Oaks (G2) and Cotillion H. (G2) in her last three, and her recent BRIS Speed ratings (103-104-110) are clearly good enough to get the job done here. The Kentucky-bred has won five straight in total by a combined 32 1/2 lengths while never facing a serious test, so it's hard to gauge how she will fare if another comes to her at some point in the lane, but she's not going to be facing serious early pressure here with no other front runners entered. We feel that she will be gone late under Robert Landry.

We toyed with giving top billing to RAINBOW VIEW (Dynaformer) from the outside post for genius European conditioner John Gosden. An otherworldly performer when unbeaten at two, the sophomore came back to earth somewhat this season but is still all class, as she proved in a concise tally in the Matron S. (Ire-G1) two back. We loved the filly's prep at Woodbine last out, when second in the E.P. Taylor S. (Can-G1), and we think she'll get a nice trip from midpack under Julien Leparoux.

We've always thought highly of multiple Grade 1 heroine COCOA BEACH (Chi) (Doneraile Court) and give her a decent shot on this day. The classy five-year-old has not been in perfect form in 2009, but only some of that has been her fault as she's been awkwardly placed throughout this campaign. A big second in this race in 2008 to Zenyatta (Street Cry [Ire]), the Godolphin colorbearer had a nice prep for this and has reportedly been impressive in the morning, so she could revert back to her performance last year. Richard Migliore has the call.

PROVISO (GB) (Dansili [GB]) appears to be peaking and could be a tough one to hold off with any improvement for Bobby Frankel. The bay four-year-old was a decent third behind Goldikova (Ire) (Anabaa) in the Prix Rothschild (Fr-G1) three back, prior to knocking off the boys in a subsequent Group 3 event in France. Last out, the Juddmonte homebred ran a big one when crossing the line first in the Spinster S. (G1), only to be disqualified for veering out late in the stretch under Rajiv Maragh. A straight course here with John Velazquez could lead to a victory.

The intriguing MUSHKA (Empire Maker) is in career form and was rightly elevated to first after encountering traffic late in the Spinster. Trained by two-time Ladies' Classic winner and Hall of Famer Bill Mott, the classy four-year-old has a solid turn of foot that might be better on synthetic surfaces, and the distance should be no problem for her. The lack of someone to run with Careless Jewel, though, could be an issue for the stalker. We still consider the well-bred lass to be an exotics threat at a nice price. The game LETHAL HEAT (Unusual Heat) will likely be closest to Careless Jewel early, but we're not sure that it will help her chances beneath Alex Solis. The hard-trying California-bred has run quite well in 2009 without winning a race, and she has yet to be worse than second at Santa Anita. We won't endorse her for the win, but the Barry Abrams trainee could easily sneak into the exotics at a price.

We don't doubt the talent of MUSIC NOTE (A.P. Indy), but we simply can't endorse her at short odds against this deep field. The superb filly has looked especially sharp lately, including a sterling score in the Ballerina S. (G1) two back, and she was a solid third in this test last campaign. The filly, who will be piloted by Maragh, is an obvious gimmicks player. Grade 1 queen LIFE IS SWEET (Storm Cat) is always at the mercy of the early tempo, so this race doesn't set up well for the talented four-year-old. Trainer by John Shirreffs, the late-running filly ran third against the boys in the Hollywood Gold Cup S. (G1) three prior but hasn't really fired since, so we have to look elsewhere.

TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-CARELESS JEWEL
2nd-RAINBOW VIEW
3rd-COCOA BEACH (Chi)


BREEDERS' CUP FILLY & MARE TURF (G1), 6TH-OSA, $2,000,000, 3YO/UP, F/M, 1 1/4MT, 2:23 P.M. PST, 11-6

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 VISIT (GB) FRANKEL ROBERT J VELAZQUEZ J R 124
2 FOREVER TOGETHER SHEPPARD JONATHAN E LEPAROUX JULIEN 124
3 RUTHERIENNE CLEMENT CHRISTOPHE GARCIA A 124
4 MAGICAL FANTASY GALLAGHER PATRICK SOLIS A 124
5 PURE CLAN HOLTHUS ROBERT E GOMEZ G K 124
6 MIDDAY (GB) *CECIL H R A QUEALLY THOMAS 120
7 DYNAFORCE MOTT WILLIAM I DESORMEAUX K J 124
8 MARAM BROWN CHAD C LEZCANO JOSE 120

An outstanding octet of turf distaffers will travel 1 1/4 miles in Friday's $2 million Filly & Mare Turf (G1), and defending champ FOREVER TOGETHER (Belong to Me) is our top pick. She's finished in the money in all five starts this season against the top of her division, including a score in the Diana S. (G1), and netted 118 and 117 BRIS Late Pace ratings in her recent outings. The classy champion has not gotten the firm turf that she desires in four of her starts this campaign, and we wouldn't look too far into her third-place showing last out as it was clearly a prep for this. Some probably think she's lost a step, but we think she's sitting on a big one under Julien Leparoux.

PURE CLAN (Pure Prize) never picked up her feet in this one last campaign but is capable of a huge turnaround with her best for trainer Robert Holthus. The chestnut four-year-old romped in the Flower Bowl Invitational S. (G1) last out over soft turf, and we're fairly certain that she is much better on the firm going. The Kentucky-bred won the American Oaks Invitational S. (G1) in California last year, proving the weather should not hold her back, and if she gets a target to run down, she just might. Garrett Gomez picks up the mount.

MIDDAY (GB) (Oasis Dream [GB]) was almost our top selection as she enters off a pair of superb efforts overseas and has the most upside as a three-year-old. First in the field based on BRIS Class ratings, the Juddmonte homebred has put in an excellent 2009, including a facile score in the competitive Nassau S. (Eng-G1) two back, and she ran a winning race when third in the Prix de l'Opera (Fr-G1) last out. Conditioner Henry Cecil is as good as they get, and this one's versatile running style could separate her from all of the one-run closers in here.

RUTHERIENNE (Pulpit) has never run this far but is in excellent form and can't be dismissed for Christophe Clement. The 11-time winner has finished in the top three in every start in 2009, earning BRIS Late Pace numbers of 116 and 113, and should be primed for a major showing if she can endure the 1 1/4-mile trip beneath Alan Garcia. The way she adores the lengthy stretch at Woodbine indicates that 10 panels might be just right.

MAGICAL FANTASY (Diesis [GB]) has rolled to a trio of Grade 1 wins in succession for Paddy Gallagher and rates as the top local threat in this one. The chestnut filly has a huge closing kick but has proven to be more tractable this season, and her perfect mark in two tries at this distance bodes well for her chances in this test. This race is especially tough, meaning a clean trip is of the most importance, so she has as good a chance as any if Alex Solis finds clear sailing.

VISIT (GB) (Oasis Dream [GB]) was an excellent fourth in this affair a year ago (subsequently promoted to third) but did not build upon that showing in 2009, losing all seven starts. The well-bred four-year-old showed signs of life with a hard-fought second in the Yellow Ribbon S. (G1) most recently, offering further evidence that she loves this lawn, and the dark bay should be in front or right off a slow early tempo the rail. We could see her hanging on for a minor award at a square price.

We don't like MARAM (Sahm) much in this spot, but we acknowledge the fact that the filly is full of talent and not completely overmatched against this field. A winner of the Juvenile Fillies Turf over a strong cast last year, the lightly-raced sophomore just missed when third in the Pebbles S. in a perfect prep for this last out. The dark bay is a big question mark at 10 furlongs, and we are not thrilled that she drew widest of all, but a well-timed run and her ability to run this far against this type could give her a top three chance at a nice price. Multiple Grade 1 queen DYNAFORCE (Dynaformer) won the Beverly D. S. (G1) two back before throwing in the towel early in the Flower Bowl for trainer Bill Mott. The inconsistent but talented mare was an even eighth (subsequently promoted to seventh) in this event a year ago and faces an arguably better field this time around, so we'll pass on the six-year-old.

TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-FOREVER TOGETHER
2nd-PURE CLAN
3rd-MIDDAY (GB)


BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE FILLIES (G1), 5TH-OSA, $2,000,000, 2YO, F, 1 1/16M, 1:45 P.M. PST, 11-6

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 ZILVA MOTION H GRAHAM ROSE J 122
2 MS VANENZZA VAZQUEZ JUAN CARLOS ROCCO J S JR 122
3 BLIND LUCK HOLLENDORFER JERRY BAZE T C 122
4 BEAUTICIAN MCPEEK KENNETH G ALBARADO R J 122
5 BICKERSONS BREEN KELLY J ROSARIO JOEL 122
6 CONNIE AND MICHAEL MCPEEK KENNETH G DESORMEAUX K J 122
7 DEVIL MAY CARE PLETCHER TODD A VELAZQUEZ J R 122
8 SHE BE WILD CATALANO WAYNE M LEPAROUX JULIEN 122
9 CHAMPAGNE D'ORO GUILLOT ERIC GARCIA MARTIN 122
10 NEGLIGEE TERRANOVA JOHN P II MARAGH RAJIV 122
11 ALWAYS A PRINCESS BAFFERT BOB GOMEZ G K 122
12 BIOFUEL BAKER READE DA SILVA EURICO 122

A dozen juvenile fillies will vie in Friday's $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) on the Santa Anita Pro-Ride, and BIOFUEL (Stormin Fever) gets our upset selection in this race from the widest post. The Reade Baker trainee has won two of her three synthetic races, including a smashing, 4 1/2-length romp in the Mazarine S. (Can-G3) in her last start. The improving filly has low BRIS Speed numbers compared to her top foes, but she showed an explosive turn of foot in Canada and drilled a fast five-eighths for a sharp outfit. Eurico da Silva will pilot the filly at a big price.

DEVIL MAY CARE (Malibu Moon) was a stylish winner on Travers Day at Saratoga and returned with a gritty victory in the Frizette S. (G1) for Todd Pletcher. The filly earned a lifetime best 100 BRIS Speed figure last out and although she has no experience on this stuff, she has a ton of ability and could be a bit of an overlay in this wide-open field. John Velazquez will pilot the win contender.

Oak Leaf S. (G1) queen BLIND LUCK (Pollard's Vision) has the home court edge and deserves to be favored over this field for conditioner Jerry Hollendorfer. The ultra-talented chestnut has won three of four, with her lone loss coming in the Darley Debutante S. (G1) when second, and her running style suits this course to a tee. Tyler Baze has the call atop the filly, who should be in midpack before charging home late.

BEAUTICIAN (Dehere) has never run a bad one for Ken McPeek and is an interesting longshot play in this one. Second in the Spinaway S. (G1) and Schuylerville S. (G3) after a dominant debut tally, the gray finished a troubled fifth in the Alcibiades S. (G1) last time but could easily improve in her second two-turn and synthetic outing. She owns very respectable BRIS numbers, and we'll surely use the miss under Robby Albarado.

Oak Leaf third BICKERSONS (Silver Deputy) has very good early speed and proved ratable when nearly finishing second over this oval most recently. The Kelly Breen trainee gets a positive rider switch to Joel Rosario, posted three solid works over this strip in advance of this and should have a chance turning for home at a big number.

CONNIE AND MICHAEL (Roman Ruler) was simply awesome in a winning debut at Keeneland first out for McPeek, drawing off to a commanding, 7 3/4-length score. The bay miss was well-backed at first asking and overcame the 12 post with ease, and we love the fact that Kent Desormeaux retains the mount. The Kentucky-bred could be overbet, but she must be considered a threat at any odds. SHE BE WILD (Offlee Wild) had her unbeaten streak come to an end when getting caught late in the Alcibiades at Keeneland but remains a top challenger with her best. The Grade 3 victress has no serious knocks going against her, and while we don't particularly love her, we respect her chances in this affair.

Alcibiades queen NEGLIGEE (Northern Afleet) was visually impressive late in conquering her biggest field to date and looks like yet another contender in this puzzling event. The bay Kentucky-bred has excellent tactical speed, is proven at the trip and seems to have all the tools to be a major factor here for John Terranova. With that said, we think that at least 10 of these can win and won't settle for a small price with her from post 10. ALWAYS A PRINCESS (Leroidesanimaux [Brz]) set the pace and finished a game second in the Oak Leaf and keeps Garrett Gomez, who probably had numerous options in the field. The chestnut may have been hampered some by the rail draw in the Oak Leaf, but she drew even worse here (post 11) and could be caught wide early with plenty of speed signed on to her inside. We have mixed emotions about the obvious talent, but can't dismiss her in this well-matched group.

Alcibiades fourth ZILVA (Successful Appeal) had a nice prep race leading into this test but must still answer this class test for Graham Motion. The bay lass, who broke her maiden over the lawn at Saratoga two back, should save ground on the rail throughout but will likely need help in the form of a suicidal pace duel to challenge in this affair. Jeremy Rose has the assignment aboard the late runner. Blue Hen S. heroine MS VANENZZA (Successful Appeal) has outrun her sales price and odds in two career starts at Delaware and is a complete mystery in this cast. The twice-raced Kentucky-bred could move up on this surface just as easily as she can regress, so we can't blame anyone who uses her in the exotics at a huge price. CHAMPAGNE D'ORO (Medaglia d'Oro) is a maiden that looks out of her element.

TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-BIOFUEL
2nd-DEVIL MAY CARE
3rd-BLIND LUCK


BREEDERS' CUP FILLY & MARE SPRINT (G1), 7TH-OSA, $1,000,000, 3YO/UP, F/M, 7F, 3:02 P.M. PST, 11-6

PP HORSE TRAINER JOCKEY WT
1 FREE FLYING SOUL HEADLEY BRUCE SMITH M E 124
2 SARA LOUISE *SUROOR SAEED BIN DETTORI LANFRAN 122
3 GAME FACE PLETCHER TODD A PRADO E S 124
4 ONLY GREEN (IRE) HEAD FREDDIE PESLIER O 122
5 SILVER SWALLOW HEADLEY BRUCE SOLIS A 124
6 EVITA ARGENTINA SADLER JOHN W ROSARIO JOEL 122
7 INFORMED DECISION SHEPPARD JONATHAN E LEPAROUX JULIEN 124
8 SEVENTH STREET *SUROOR SAEED BIN MARAGH RAJIV 124
9 VENTURA FRANKEL ROBERT J GOMEZ G K 124

The $1 million Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) attracted defending champ VENTURA (Chester House), who dusted her foes a year ago for trainer Bobby Frankel from post 11 and figures to relish her outermost post here. Fresh off a win in the Woodbine Mile (Can-G1) on September 20, the talented five-year-old looks as strong as she did in 2008, and while she might have a tougher foe to knock off this season, she's still the top choice. The Juddmonte homebred has a potent turn of foot, registering a scintillating 126 BRIS Late Pace rating last year, and should be rolling in the final furlongs under Garrett Gomez.

INFORMED DECISION (Monarchos) is our 1A pick in here for Jonathan Sheppard, as she's perfect in six tries over synthetic surfaces, including a win over Ventura in the seven-furlong Madison (G1). The gray four-year-old reminds us some of Zenyatta (Street Cry [Ire]) in the way that it seems that there will never be too much ground for her to make up in the stretch, and her BRIS numbers are outstanding. The Kentucky-bred filly has had a perfect pair of shorter preps to ready her for this grand stage, and if the likely favorite slips even a little, Julien Leparoux and this miss will be waiting.

SEVENTH STREET (Street Cry [Ire]) is a candidate to buck the growing trend and win a race of this caliber in her all-weather debut. A classy, multiple Grade 1 winner from the connections of Godolphin, the well-bred chestnut seems perfectly suited to this seven-furlong trip and should get first run on the closers with her best, but we're just not sure if that will be enough to hold off the big two. We loved her win last time over a muddy track (108 BRIS Speed rating), and Rajiv Maragh will be back to guide the ultra-talented four-year-old. We will definitely spread with her on our tickets.

Unknown import ONLY GREEN (Ire) (Green Desert) is a multiple stakes queen who looks in deep against these, but we've learned over the years not to take horses of this caliber lightly on the biggest days. The bay filly has already put in nine starts in 2009 and looks a bit out of sorts in this field, but she won her last and gets Lasix for this. The sophomore hails from expert connections, and we'll use on the bottom of the gimmicks with Olivier Peslier.

Likely pace presence FREE FLYING SOUL (Quiet American) drew the rail and could lead the way early for Bruce Headley. The Kentucky-bred bay crushed a nice one last out and is perfect in three tries over this oval, so we don't agree with her 50-1 morning line. The four-year-old has a chance to round out some gimmicks with her best.

SARA LOUISE (Malibu Moon) has never run poorly and comes in off a pair of superb efforts, posting BRIS Speed figures of 105 on each occasion. The Godolphin colorbearer is undoubtedly a talent and could challenge the top pair late if she takes to the Pro-Ride, but that's too much of an if for us. Frankie Dettori will guide the obvious exotics contender.

Grade1 heroine GAME FACE (Menifee) was a useful fourth in the ultra-competitive Presque Isle Masters S. (G3) last out in her synthetic debut, which gave some hope to those in her corner. The accomplished chestnut will probably be a big overlay in this one, but we still can't see her being a serious factor. Edgar Prado has the call. Standout sophomore EVITA ARGENTINA (Candy Ride [Arg]) took the San Vicente S. (G2) against the boys on this surface but is stepping up severely in class. It's hard for us to endorse her with the likely lack of pace signed on. SILVER SWALLOW (Alphabet Soup) is commendable in the fact that she always packs a punch late for Headley, but she may be too slow to challenge against these rivals.

TRACK BANDIT SELECTIONS: 1st-VENTURA
2nd-INFORMED DECISION
3rd-SEVENTH STREET

2009 Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships at Santa Anita


2005 HANDICAPPER OF THE YEAR

Ron Rippey bested 224 other horseplayers to claim the 2005 title of
Handicapper of the Year . A public racing handicapper for the past 43
years, Rippey’s selections have appeared in New Jersey’s largest
newspaper, the Star Ledger for the last 27 years. Competing in tournaments since 1999, he has racked up several impressive tournament
victories including the prestigious Aqueduct Handicapping Challenge

On handicapping Rippey had this to say, “I like to consider myself a
trip handicapper, but when in doubt I will lean on good trainers. I also
look for certain angles. I have found that horses dropping in class and
getting the service of a better jock win at a very high percentage. I
always bet overseas shippers that show ability in their stateside debut
but fail to win. In turf and slop races I tend to over-emphasize pedigrees. Class really shines through in these situations. In maiden races
I am more concerned with consistent works than I am with speedy
works. A consistent workout tab indicates to me the horse is healthy.
Ultimate PPs give me the Strategic Advantage of obtaining comprehensive information 2 days in advance.”

in 2003.
RON RIPPEY
2009 Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships
1





Will history repeat and favor horses coming off artificial surfaces in the Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita again this year? Will horses coming
off turf events have an edge over those who last raced on conventional dirt tracks?

Probably.
Because of that there may be more "shorter" priced horses than in years gone by in the Breeders' Cup; however, there will still be amaz
ing value by hitting long shots in the exotics underneath those likely winners.


Let's look closer:


Friday, November 6, 2009

BREEDERS' CUP DIRT MARATHON
THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, PURSE $500,000
1 3/4 MILES - ALL WEATHER

MASTERY looms the shortest-priced winner on the two-day Breeders' card. The powerful Godolphin stable colt has proven to be capable
at distances up to 2 miles (the race this year is an extended 1 3/4 miles), the key to picking a marathon winner, has been in the money in
7 of 8 races and is the only one in the field to have earned more than a million bucks. He has a huge class edge and leading rider Frankie
Dettori will be reunited with him for this long jaunt.

While 7 of 8 of his races have been on grass, the Saeed bin Suroor (31% winners this year) trained colt showed ability in his only race
on an artificial track closing strongly to miss by a half length. Mastery will be a single on many exotics tickets.

MAN OF IRON is the price play vs. the favorite by virtue of his 2 for 3 record on synthetic tracks and documented ability to get marathon
distances. All three of his victories have come this year showing considerable improvement from his 2-year-old campaign.

The same holds true for FATHER TIME, the probable second choice to Mastery. He has placed 4 3/4 and 1 1/4 lengths behind the favorite
in his last two races, can go this far and won his only race on a synthetic track.

NITE LIGHT is the best of the U.S. entries in the Marathon, which is no surprise given the Europeans success at long distances. He has
won three races at 1 1/2 and 1 5/8 miles usually sitting close to the lead. His best chance is to try to steal this race, but artificial surfaces
have been unkind to front-runners. Nevertheless, he has been on exacta tickets in 12 of 15 races and should be prominent for most of the
race.





SELECTIONS
1st - MASTERY (# 6) Consider as a key in exotics.
2nd - MAN OF IRON (# 9) Price play in exotics.
3rd - FATHER TIME (# 5)
4th - NITE LITE (# 3)

BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE FILLIES TURF - GRADE 2
TWO YEAR-OLD FILLIES, PURSE $1,000,000
1 MILE - TURF

TAPITSFLY looms a value play against some tough European contenders. She has been impressive working out over the Santa Anita turf
course with long, gliding strides. She also has enough early speed to steal this with Robbie Albarado aboard. The gray filly won her lone
start on the grass before losing a speed duel as the 1-2 favorite in her last start when the race came off the lawn. More important, Tapitsfly
has proven ability to get the mile distance, something some of her rivals lack.

By no means can Tapitsfly be used as a single on exotic tickets, but the potential is there to light up the toteboard.

LILLIE LANGTRY appears to be the one to beat in a tough race. The European import is the only one in the field with three graded stakes
races, where she finished first, second and third, and has been sent off as the odds-on choice in her last three starts. Lillie Langtry is by
far the top money earner ($952,637) in the field and has not been out of the money in her six career starts on the lawn.

JUNIA TEPZIA is the X factor. Unbeaten in two starts in Italy, she has the best breeding for the lawn in the field as an offspring of Rock
of Gibraltar, but hasn't faced any noteworthy competition. However, sharp Team Valor thought enough of her to acquire her. It appears
she will be closer to the pace than Lillie Langtry and get first run at the leaders. Don't dismiss.

SMART SEATTLE hasn't turned in a poor effort in three lifetime races. She lost to HOUSE OF GRACE when the race exited the grass course,
and was second to Tapitsfly in her previous start. Exotics contender.

SELECTIONS

1st - TAPITSFLY (# 10) Price play in exotics.

2nd - LILLIE LANGTRY (# 8)

3rd -JUNIA TEPZIA (# 11)

4th -SMART SEATTLE (# 3)





BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE FILLIES - GRADE I
TWO-YEAR-OLD FILLIES, PURSE $2,000,000
1 1/16 MILES - ALL WEATHER

ALWAYS A PRINCESS will offer fair value. She will try to reverse a loss to Blind Luck when she was overhauled as the 3-1 favorite after
setting the pace in the Grade 1 Oak Leaf at Santa Anita. Garrett Gomez has elected to ride her and her ability to either come off the pace
(she won her debut rallying from 10 lengths back) or set the fractions will be a big advantage. Always a Princess is one of only a trio in
the field to have raced over the Pro-Ride surface, another big advantage.

However, in her most recent workout she had to be pushed to keep up with the pace early. That may cool bettors from landing on her
number. Prior to that recent drill, her workouts for trainer Bob Baffert had been excellent.

NEGLIGEE split fillies in time to beat some of this same field. And then Sunday she uncorked the most impressive workout of the day.
Negligee reeled off a 12.88 first eighth of a mile and came home in snappy 11.46, 11.59 and 11.39 fractions or a quick 34.24 for the final
three furlongs. That's race-horse time! She switched leads perfectly and galloped out with authority. Negligee is the one to beat.

BLIND LUCK would have been the one to bet following her three-wide victory over Always a Princess in the Oak Leaf. However, in her last
work, she drifted out badly and was pulled up at the finish.

CONNIE AND MICHAEL will look to some as the speed of the race, but that may doom her on the Pro-Ride surface. She romped in her
debut from Post 12 at Keeneland and retains the services of Kent Desormeaux. However, her speed could be her undoing on the artificial
surface.

SELECTIONS

1st - ALWAYS A PRINCESS (# 11)

2nd -NEGLIGEE (# 10) Price play in exotics.

3rd - BLIND LUCK (# 3)

4th - CONNIE AND MICHAEL (# 6)





BREEDERS' CUP FILLY AND MARE TURF - GRADE I
FILLIES AND MARES, THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, PURSE $2,000,000
1 1/4 MILES - TURF

PURE CLAN has been a new filly since last year's flop in this same race. She has not finished out of the money since finishing 8 1/2
lengths behind Forever Together, thrives at this 1 1/4-mile distance (where she is 3 of 5) and comes off a powerful victory on soft turf in
the Grade 1 Flower Bowl, a race which has become a key prep for the Breeders Cup.

Except for that dismal finish in the Filly and Mare Turf last year, she has not been off the board in 15 career outings. She lured Garrett
Gomez to ride after Julian Leparoux opted to stay with the favored Forever Together.

Pure Clan has enough positional speed to get the jump on Forever Together and may just be a better filly at this distance.

FOREVER TOGETHER roared from 20 lengths back to only lose by 1 1/2 lengths in her last outing, but after winning 6 of 11 on the turf
she has lost her last two starts. No doubt she is the one to beat, but her late-surge style may leave her vulnerable at short odds.

RUTHERIENNE can not be left off any exotic tickets. She has finished in the money in 20 of 22 races and gives supporters a thrill every
time with her determined finishes. However, she hasn't raced this far and she lost her last four meeting with Forever Together.

MIDDAY is the only European entered in the Filly & Mare Turf. She has hit the board in four consecutive Group 1 races and has proven
herself capable at the 1 1/4-mile distance. She would not be a huge surprise to see the winner's circle and figures to be a key player on
exotic tickets.

SELECTIONS

1st - PURE CLAN (# 5) Price play in exotics.

2nd - FOREVER TOGETHER (# 2)

3rd - RUTHERIENNE (# 3)

4th - MIDDAY (# 6)


2009 Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships | Brisnet.com Spotlight Selections

5


Brisnet.com Spotlight Selections with Ron Rippey


BREEDERS' CUP FILLY AND MARE SPRINT - GRADE I
FILLIES AND MARES, THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, PURSE $1,000,000
7 FURLONGS - ALL WEATHER

VENTURA has an edge over INFORMED DECISION by virtue of a perfect 2-for-2 record at Santa Anita. She is a better finisher than
Informed Decision, a fact that will be helped by the 7-furlong distance. Although there is little to separate the pair, Ventura has the biggest
bankroll ($2,220,530) and figures to reverse the head loss to Informed Decision two races ago when she went five wide as the 2-5 favorite.

Synthetics? Ventura is 4 for 6 and Informed Decision 6 for 6.

They both must be utilized on exotics tickets. After that it's wide-open.

You can make a case for EVITA ARGENTINA, who got away slowly in her last start, but likes this track, the distance and the Pro-Ride surface. However, her late-running style leaves her vulnerable to a traffic jam.

SEVENTH STREET, a $1,000,000 Godolphin purchase, is in great form, however, has never run on an artificial surface or even on grass.
She has been favored in 7 of 9 career starts and has never been out of the money.

SELECTIONS
1st - VENTURA (# 9)
2nd - INFORMED DECISION (# 7)
3rd - EVITA ARGENTINA (# 6)
4th - SEVENTH STREET (# 8)


2009 Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships | Brisnet.com Spotlight Selections

6


Brisnet.com Spotlight Selections with Ron Rippey


BREEDERS' CUP LADIES' CLASSIC - GRADE I
FILLIES AND MARES, THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, PURSE $2,000,000
1 1/8 MILES - ALL WEATHER

MUSIC NOTE'S last two efforts have been monster victories, the best in her 7 for 11 career. She comes out of eight consecutive Grade 1
events, won 3 of 4 at this distance and is part of the powerful Godolphin stable. In her only Pro-Ride start – in this race last year – she
finished third to undefeated Zenyatta after a five-wide journey. She could be a single on some exotic tickets.

RAINBOW VIEW may have the best chance against the top pick. She was overtaken in her North American debut which was her seventh
straight Grade or Group 1 event. Rainbow View will stalk Music Note, hoping she falters to boost her 5 for 11 career record, although all
of those races have come on the grass. Coming off the turf may be to her advantage going on to the Pro Ride.

CARELESS JEWEL has won seven in a row, including three straight graded stakes victories, and been working out with authority. Her
desire to gun for the lead may be her undoing versus the top pair, but she is clearly the best of the rest.

COCOA BEACH has been close to Zenyatta twice and finished second to her in this race last year. She has the right style, but will be hard
pressed to overtake her Gondolphin stablemate Music Note. After being pushed in her latest workout she came back blowing for air. Not
a great sign.

A 1-2-3-4 cold superfecta with the top four picks would not be a shock.

SELECTIONS

1st - MUSIC NOTE (# 7) Consider as a key in exotics.

2nd - RAINBOW VIEW (# 8) Price play in exotics.

3rd - CARELESS JEWEL (# 1)

4th - COCOA BEACH (# 6)







Spotlight Selections with Ron Rippey
Saturday, November 7, 2009


BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE TURF - GRADE 2
TWO YEAR OLD COLTS AND GELDINGS, PURSE $1,000,000
1 MILE - TURF

BECKY'S KITTEN can surprise the Europeans on the grass after a solid workout and a game second-place finish in her first graded stakes
test. There has been no hotter trainer in the U.S. with 2-year-olds than Wesley Ward and he has the superbly-bred turf runner ready.

Becky's Kitten didn't become a factor until she moved onto the grass in August and that's when her pedigree showed. She owns both
positional speed and a solid closing kick, something that will be required to beat a group of tough European invaders who excel on the
lawn.

That group is headed by POUNCED, who has outfinished two of this field in his short career.

He will be closely followed by VISCOUNT NELSON, who has not been off the board in four races and has solid connections, a brilliant turf
pedigree and is 2 for 2 at this route.

INTERACTIF may be the best of the other American colts. The Todd Pletcher-trained star is 2-for-2 since going on the lawn, but may not
offer the value of the top choice.

SELECTIONS

1st - BECKY'S KITTEN (# 10)

2nd - POUNCED (# 4)

3rd -VISCOUNT NELSON (# 2)

4th -INTERACTIF (# 11)




BREEDERS' CUP TURF SPRINT
OPEN THREE YEAR OLDS AND UP, PURSE $1,000,000
6 1/2 FURLONGS - TURF

SQUARE EDDIE may be the price play of the weekend with a 20-1 morning line. He has not been on the lawn since coming to the U.S.
and dazzled the field at 9-1 last year in the Breeders' Cup Futurity at Keeneland. He lost to Midshipman as the favorite in the Breeders' Cup
Juvenile last year before running second to Triple Crown contender The Pamplemouse .

His last start, a four-wide off-the-board finish behind probable Sprint favorite Gayego, may have set him up for this. Watch out. His pedigree is really solid for sprinting on grass. And the fact Frankie Dettori has elected to ride him enchances his credentials. Bombs away!

CANADIAN BALLET has been in the exacta in four of her past six races. She will draw heavy support after a noteworthy drill on the downhill course. She is trained by Linda Rice, who won the Saratoga training title this year and seemed unbeatable in turf sprints.

The diminutive CALIFORNIA FLAG has a home course edge and has not lost since stopping cold on the lead in this race last year after a
torrid speed duel. There's little doubt he will be in front early and maybe for a long way.

CANNONBALL returned from a second-place finish in a major stakes race in England to win a thriller at Saratoga. Then Sunday he clocked
a 59.44 workout for 5 furlongs on the Santa Anita turf, kicking in with authority after making the turn for home. On the upswing,
Cannonball may be the wise-guy play of the day in a race that cries out for big payoffs.

SELECTIONS

1st - SQUARE EDDIE (# 8) Price play in exotics.

2nd - CANADIAN BALLET (# 10)

3rd - CALIFORNIA FLAG (# 3)

4th - CANNONBALL (# 6)





BREEDERS' CUP SPRINT - GRADE I
THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD
6 FURLONGS - DIRT

GAYEGO appears to have the race set up just for him. His determined closing style should capitalize on a speed duel that always occurs
in the sprint. He came from 9 lengths back to win the Grade 1 Ancient Title as the 6-5 favorite over this surface and is 4 for 4 at 6 furlongs.

A key handicapping angle in this corner is to play any horse who returns from Dubai and runs hard in his next outing. Gayego did just that

– in his last two races. Gayego can be a single on a lot of exotic tickets and should be.
ZENSATIONAL will be part of that torrid speed duel. He has been favored in all seven careers races, winning five, and has been sensational in the mornings. However, speed can get beat in Pro Ride sprints especially when two or more duel for the lead.

And it seems assured that FATAL BULLET will be part of that chase. He is 6 for 6 at 6 furlongs and, although he doesn't need the lead, he
needs to stay real close.

COST OF FREEDOM had the lead turning for home before Gayego passed him. He can sit off the pace and come alive if the race folds on
top. He is 3 for 4 at Santa Anita and 5 for 7 at this distance. Figures in exotics.

SELECTIONS

1st - GAYEGO (# 5) Consider as a key in exotics.

2nd - ZENSATIONAL (# 1)

3rd - FATAL BULLET (# 3)

4th - COST OF FREEDOM (# 2)





BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE - GRADE I
COLTS AND GELDINGS, TWO-YEAR-OLDS
1 1/16 MILES - DIRT

NOBLE'S PROMISE comes off a three-race winning streak and should have no problem with the Pro-Ride surface after winning at three
different tracks. His recent 59.4, 5-furlong workout on the Polytrack stands out especially with a 34.99 final 3 furlong move. His up-close
stalking style also fits the profile of what's been winning at Santa Anita.

LOOKIN AT LUCKY is undefeated in four races, the latest over this surface. After going off as the favorite in all four starts, you might be
forced to take a short price on him. Baffert (28% winners), who dislikes the Pro-Ride surface, has been prepping Lookin at Lucky for this
spot all along. And his off-the-pace resume fits the profile needed to win.

BEETHOVEN ships in off a Group 1 victory at 33-1 in England. All 10 of his races have been on the grass. While he hasn't been living up
to his early hype, he may just be starting to come around.

AIKENITE closed with a rush five wide to just miss catching the top choice. He will need a clean trip with his late-closing style, but that's
possible if a speed duel develops.

SELECTIONS

1st - NOBLE'S PROMISE (# 4)

2nd - LOOKIN AT LUCKY (# 13)

3rd -BEETHOVEN (# 3)

4th -AIKENITE (# 9)





BREEDERS' CUP MILE - GRADE I
THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UPWARD
1 MILE - TURF

ZACINTO has not been out of an exacta in Great Britain in his five-race career and comes off a second-place finish to Rip Van Winkle, widely regarded as the one-to-beat in the Classic. He's well bred for the lawn and seems to thrive at this mile distance. Here is another case
where the Europeans show their stuff on the green.

Zacinto must be used with logical favorite GOLDIKOVA, who won this race last year as the 9-5 favorite after being trapped behind horses. Goldikova has won 9 of 13 at this mile route and is in better form than last year.

His positional speed is a key to staying out of trouble.

FERNELEY was second to the outstanding mare Ventura at Woodbine and seems to have made giant strides forward in his last two races.
His drills on the lawn at Santa Anita could not have been better or more steady.

Grass specialist Bill Mott brings COURAGEOUS CAT along from N.Y. after the colt won 3 of his past 4 races on the turf. He may find the
top pair tough foes, but there's no reason why he can't hit the board.

SELECTIONS

1st - ZACINTO (# 8)

2nd - GOLDIKOVA (# 11)

3rd - FERNELEY (# 7)

4th - COURAGEOUS CAT (# 6)





BREEDERS' CUP DIRT MILE - GRADE I
OPEN, THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, PURSE $1,000,000
1 MILE - ALL WEATHER

MASTERCRAFTSMAN jumps off the past performance page as a likely winner. After winning 4of 8 Group 1 races in Europe, he smoked a
field by 5 on his first try on Polytrack. Just as important, three of those four losses were to the now retired See the Stars, widely considered the best horse in Europe. His best races have come at this mile distance ... although they have been on the lawn. Again, good grass
form seems to convert to winning on the Pro-Ride instead of going from dirt to an artificial surface.

MIDSHIPMAN is a puzzle. After whipping Square Eddie in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile last year, he only raced once more – winning at
Belmont with ease while drifting out. And Sunday, following a sluggish start in his prep, he finished in a rapid 34.48 for 3 furlongs, but
also drifted on the turn for home. If fit, he's dangerous.

BULLSBAY seems to be better suited for longer distances after a good third to Rachel Alexandra and a stunning 18-1 victory in the
Woodward, both at 1 1/8th miles. However, the late closer has won 1 of 2 starts at a mile and has shown the ability to handle synthetic
tracks where he placed in the money in 6 of 9 races. A speed duel would help his late charge, but he might not get it.

NEKO BAY is a Horse for the Course having hit exacta tickets in all six races at Santa Anita and in 9 of 10 career races. His record can't
be faulted, but he will be tested for class as his 20-1 morning line indicates.

SELECTIONS

1st - MASTERCRAFTSMAN (# 1) Consider as key in exotics.

2nd - MIDSHIPMAN (# 3)

3rd -BULLSBAY (# 4)

4th -NEKO BAY (# 5)





BREEDERS' CUP - GRADE I
THREE-YEAR-OLD AND UPWARD
1 1/2 MILES - TURF

We called TELLING right as the winner at 33-1 in the Sword Dancer at Saratoga and maybe lightning will strike twice. There's no doubt
the well-bred 5-year-old can get the grueling 1 1/2-mile distance or that he disliked the soft turf in his last start at Belmont when he lugged
in during the stretch run. His wide trips in big fields have been more of his downfall than the competition and with a good trip he could
light up the toteboard again.

There's no question that European invader CONDUIT is the one-to-beat and SPANISH MOON can be close behind. Conduit has been running into the best Europe has to offer, chasing home See The Stars and Rip Van Winkle to a third-place finish three races ago. He also
has been carrying 131 to 133 pounds in his last four races and cutting down to 126 at this distance will seem like a feather.

SPANISH MOON hasn't faced the heavyweights that Conduit did, but has not been out of the exacta in his last six races, four against Group
rivals. He is 4 for 6 at this 1 1/2-mile distance and will not be short at the finish.

PRESIOUS PASSION is the next best American hope. He will gun for the lead – he led at Monmouth by 20 lengths – and hope he can hang
on. He has been able to do just that 3 times in 5 tries at this marathon distance.

SELECTIONS

1st - TELLING (# 1) Price play in exotics.

2nd - CONDUIT (# 2)

3rd -SPANISH MOON (# 7)

4th -PRESIOUS PASSION (# 6)





BREEDERS' CUP CLASSIC - GRADE I
THREE-YEAR-OLDS AND UP, PURSE $5,000,000
1 1/4 MILES - ALL WEATHER

Love to look for a longshot here, but just can't get past the European invader RIP VAN WINKLE. Put your longshots underneath. Famed
European trainer Aidan O'Brien says the 3-year-old is the best horse he has ever had. That's saying a lot.

Rip comes off consecutive victories after losing three straight to Sea The Stars, who would have been the overwhelming favorite here if
he had not been retired.

While being a pace presser, Rip Van Winkle has the uncanny ability to take off again when challenged. He is 4 for 8 in his career and getting better in a hurry. His 128 TimeForm rating in his last race (the way horses are rated in Europe) stands out in almost any year.

SUMMER BIRD has won 3 of his last 4 races losing only to probable Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra. The only question here is if he
can handle the Pro-Ride surface. He seemed to be getting over it easier during the past week and has raced well in his last three races,
all in the slop. Since his Belmont Stakes victory, Summer Bird is sitting closer to the pace which may be necessary in this race.

GIO PONTI, the best grass horse in America, will have no trouble getting 1 1/4 miles. He has won 3 of his last 4 races at that distance.
And moving from turf-to-Polytrack should not be a problem. In fact, he has raced on synthetic surfaces winning 1 of 2 starts. Watch for
a big finish into the exotics.

Two things are for sure about undefeated filly ZENYATTA. One, she will be overbet. Two, the boys will not fold when she rolls into contention in the stretch.

She has her pluses. In addition to being unbeaten in 13 races, she is a perfect 12 for 12 on artificial surfaces and 4 for 4 at Santa Anita.
Her absence from the top spots at the finish will boost exotic payoffs.

SELECTIONS

1st - RIP VAN WINKLE (# 10) Consider as key in exotics.

2nd - SUMMER BIRD (# 3)

3rd - GIO PONTI (# 7)

4th - ZENYATTA (# 4)





RON RIPPEY'S BREEDERS' CUP PICKS

Marathon - *Mastery, ++Man of Iron, Father Time, Nite Light
Juvenile Fillies Turf - ++Tapifsfly, Lillie Langtry, Junia Tepzia, Smart Seattle
Filly & Mare Sprint - Ventura, Informed Decision, Evita Argentina, Seventh Street
Juvenile Fillies - Always a Princess, ++Negligee, Blind Luck, Connie and Michael
Filly & Mare Turf - ++Pure Clan, Forever Together, Rutherienne, Midday
Ladies Classic - *Music Note, ++Rainbow View, Careless Jewel, Cocoa Beach
Juvenile Turf - Becky's Kitten, Pounced, Viscount Nelson, Interactif
Turf Sprint - ++Square Eddie, Canadian Ballet, California Flag, Cannonball
Dirt Mile - *Mastercraftsman, Midshipman, Bullsbay, Neko Bay
Juvenile - Noble's Promise, Lookin at Lucky, Beethoven, Aikenite
Mile - Zacinto, Goldikova, Ferneley, Courageous Cat
Sprint - *Gayego, Zensational, Fatal Bullet, Cost of Freedom
Turf - ++Telling, Conduit, Spanish Moon, Precious Passion
Classic - *Rip Van Winkle, Summer Bird, Gio Ponti, Zenyatta

*Consider as singles in exotics. ++Price plays in exotics.

SIMPLE WAGERING STRATEGY

FRIDAY
Rolling Pick 3s

Bet Top 4 Picks in First Two Races of Each Pick 3 with Top Pick in Third Leg of First Four Races
(4X4X1)=16 BETS

Superfecta

Box Top 4 Picks in Last Two Races=24 BETS EACH RACE
24 BETS

Pick 6

(Single) Mastery and Music Note with Top 4 Picks in Other 4 Races (1x4x4x4x4x1) = 256 BETS

SATURDAY
Rolling Pick 3s

Bet Top 4 Picks in First Two Races of Each Pick 3 With Top Pick in Third Leg of First Six Races
(4X4X1)=16 BETS

Superfecta

Box Top 4 Picks in Last Two Races=24 BETS EACH RACE

Pick 6

(Single) Mastercraftsman, Gayego and Rip VanWinkle with Top 4 Picks in Other 3 Pick 6 Races = 64 Bets x $2 = $128

Breeders Cup Plays / Services

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wizard's Major Stakes Analysis for Friday's MARATHON, the first Breeders' Cup event Breeders' Cup Marathon Santa Anita Race 3 - 1 3/4m Non-graded 3yo and up, Purse: $500,000. Post Time: 3:35 ET



Race Synopsis

Black Astor will be sent right to the front and try to wire the field. Nite Light should be making 1st run on the pacesetter with Father Time and Mastery closing from off the pace. I expect the pace to be a lively one, which should set it up for my top 2 selections to be closing strongest in the late stages of the race.



First Selection: (6) MASTERY (Suroor Saeed Bin/Dettori Lanfranco) There is no barn in the world that possesses the quality and quantity of regally bred and dominant racehorses than Godolphin. Most are trained by Saeed bin Suroor. Mastery was always considered the second string behind several of their long distances runners, but that changed quickly when he defeated the more fancied Godolphin runner Kite Wood in his last start, providing the stable a fifth win in the prestigious Group 1 St. Leger Stakes at a similar distance as the BC Marathon.

Mastery was bred by Sheikh Mohammed's Darley Stable and was transferred to Godolphin after his smart effort at Kempton. He had never run beyond 1 1/8 miles. This was about to change for his new connections. In 5 starts for the stable, Mastery has raced from distances of 1 3/8 miles up to 2 miles indicating that he has tremendous stamina.

As a 3 year old, Mastery will be facing older for the first time, but that is no concern to me, as he has proven to excel at marathon distances against top flight opposition, in contrast to the American’s who have shown spotty form against lesser competition than what the Euro shippers will face in the Marathon. Mastery enters the race off a 55 day rest. He has been training great and is a deserving favorite to take down top honors.

Second Selection: (5) FATHER TIME (Cecil H R A/Ahern E) Like Mastery, Father Time is a 3 year old who exits the same race as Mastery in the St Leger Stakes. He experienced a good inside trip that day with dead aim on the leaders through the stretch, but had to settle for 4th, beaten 3 ½ lengths by Mastery. Father Time was bumped slightly nearing the wire, but this minor incident would not have resulted in a closer finish.

It’s amazing that his trainer Henry Cecil has never won a Breeders Cup race, but that could change with Father Time who would be no surprise if he were to turn the tables on his rival Mastery, who has defeated him twice in both their encounters.

One important factor that should not go unnoticed is the fact that Father Time broke his maiden in his debut over polytrack at a minor track in Great Britain. The question that must be answered is if Father Time can make up the difference in his lose at Doncaster to Mastery in the Marathon. I am going to speculate that Santa Anita may suit him better than 1 3/4 miles at Doncaster.

Third Selection: (3) NITE LIGHT (Pletcher Todd A/Velazquez J R) Nite Light is my choice of the Americans to make the most impact on Mastery and Father Time. In 15 career starts, Nite Light has proven to be a gem of consistency, winning 6 times and placing 6 times. He has proven to be a quality long distance performer with 2 victories at 1 ½ miles. Nite Light is a very versatile 5 year old who can set all the pace from the outset or sit back in pursuit of the leaders and pounce on the far turn.

With speedball Black Astor in the field, the latter tactics will most likely be employed. He has only raced on polytrack once, and that was a decisive 5 ¾ length victory in a Grade 3 stake at Turfway Park on Sept 12. Nite Light got away with murder on the front end, setting “snail” like fractions against far weaker than what he will face in the Marathon. He will be tested sternly for class against Mastery and Father Time, who have a lot more upside than Nite Light despite spotting him racing experience and age.

Nite Light has only won one race since Feb 16 2008, and has been a beaten favorite in 4 of 6 starts since that victory. Despite the negatives I have presented, the fact that he can stay the 1 ¾ mile distance, is consistent and trained by the always dangerous Todd Pletcher, Nite Light must be included in your wagers.

Fourth Selection: (4) CLOUDY'S KNIGHT (Sheppard Jonathan E/Homeister R B Jr) Trainer Jonathan Sheppard and long distance performers have proven over the years to go hand in hand. Not only is Sheppard a master at developing runners on the flat as the distances increase, but the same can be said with his jumpers. This 9 year old, who is not only the elder statesman of this year’s Marathon, has also raced more times than any in the field, especially when you compare him to Mastery and Father Time, who have a combined 15 starts amongst them.

When Sheppard took over the training of Cloudy’s Knight following his eight place finish to end a very disappointing 2008 campaign, it was clear that much work had to be done to get him to regain some semblance of his excellent 2007 ledger, capped off with a nose victory in the Grade 1 Canadian International. Sheppard sent Cloudy’s Knight to the farm to enjoy a respite in the pasture. Last August it was time to start preparing him for a fall campaign.

First stop was in Kentucky Downs in the Grade 3 Kentucky Cup Classic. Despite having to wipe off months of rustiness, Sheppard had Cloudy’s Knight ready to win at 1 ½ miles. He did not disappoint with a decisive 2 ½ length victory. Very few trainers could accomplish this task with a 9 year old, but Sheppard is on a very short list of horseman who could do so. Next stop was the Grade 3 Sycamore at Keeneland. Most horses usually regress in their 2nd start off a long layoff, but that did not hinder Cloudy’s Knight, as he eked out a head decision over the classy Winchester and Yates Black Cat.

The question in the Marathon is if Sheppard and Cloudy’s Night have 1 more powerful effort to conquer Mastery and Father Time. I feel a good showing is in the cards but a victory would be a mild surprise. The Marathon was never really the target when he returned off the layoff. A matter of fact, Sheppard was going to enter him in the Red Smith at Aqueduct, but when he found out that the race was not at Belmont Park, which he thought it was, the decision to enter here was a better option according to him.

I’m not sure what the difference is running at Aqueuct or Belmont, but he certainly knows more than I do. I expect Cloudy’s Night to launch his rally on the far turn, but I do not feel his late kick will be enough to get the job done.

Wagering Strategy
In addition to the Superfecta and Pick 3 wagers in this race, it is also the first leg of the Pick 6. For those interested, I have given a recommendation for a ticket that wouldn't require a huge investment. The Pick 6 on Breeders' Cup days is usually even harder to hit than on normal racing days, so I would strongly caution against playing it unless you have a large budget and feel comfortable with that kind of investment in this wager that is hit at a very low frequency.

* Dime Superfecta: 5-6 / 3-4-5-6 / 3-4-5-6 / ALL = $8.40 for a dime wager * Dime Superfecta: 5-6 / 3-4-5-6 / ALL / 3-4-5-6 = $8.40 for a dime wager (These two wagers can be played multiple times, based on your personal budget) .

* Start a Pick 3 wager with three tickets: Ticket 1: 6 / 3-4-7-8-9-11 / 3-4-6-7-10-11 = $36 for a $1 wager Ticket 2: 6 / 4-8 / ALL = $24 for a $1 wager Ticket 3: 6 / 4-7-8 / 3-4-7 = $9 for a $1 wager .

*$2 PICK 6 TICKET: 6 / 4-7-8 / 3-4-7 / 2-4-5-6 / 9 / 7 = $72

Globeform's Breeders' Cup Special

Friday edition

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Breeders’ Cup Championships 26

OAK TREE / SANTA ANITA 6 NOVEMBER 2009

In-depth previews, exclusive Globeform Ratings,
selections, betting plans etc.na Appeal. She stays
so well, and Landry can therefore kick on early and take the sting out of some of her speedier
rivals. Such a scenario may set the race up for Life is Sweet but let’s deal with MUSIC NOTE
first. She won the 7-furlong Ballerina Stakes (G1) at Saratoga (sloppy track) in some style,
beating Indian Blessing and Informed Decision by a wide margin (both won big next out).
Music Note followed up in the 9-furlong Beldame Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park in early
October, notching her seventh career win by beating Unbridled Belle readily by 2 1/4 lengths.
Unbridled Belle also won next time she ran, so this form looks solid enough. Music Note races
prominently, and should be close to Careless Jewel throughout. She has a good chance.

LIFE IS SWEET is the one who can run by them all at the finish if the early pace is too strong.
She must be respected, despite having lost her last four races. Her life has been sweet, that’s
for sure, but it’s not easy to live in the shadow of a stable companion like Zenyatta. One of
Life is Sweet’s best races was her impressive off-the-pace success in the Santa Margarita
Handicap (G1) over this course and distance in March. Blowing past her rivals, she won by
2 1/2 lengths from Santa Teresita and recorded Globeform 119 in the process. Life is Sweet
has been in some tough spots since, and she never runs a bad race. One can argue that she
suffered from ‘pilot error’ both in the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1) in July (third to Rail Trip) and
the Lady’s Secret (G1) at Santa Anita in October (fourth to Zenyatta). Life is Sweet was given
far too much to do on both occasions. She loves a fast-run race, she is 3-for-4 over this
course and both of her runs at the distance have sent her to the winners’ circle. It could well
happen again on Friday.

PROVISO was disqualified from her ‘win’ in the Spinster Stakes (G1) at Keeneland and the
ex-French filly gets a lot of attention off that US debut. She was by far the best, beating fellow
Ladies Classic contender Mushka by 1 1/4 lengths while failing to keep straight at the business
end of the contest. Now, is that form good enough to win the Ladies Classic? No, it is not.
Next question; can Proviso improve? Quite possibly, though a ‘bounce second time off the
plane’ could just as well happen. She’s hard to place -and needs to be considered for Trifecta
and Superfecta players. Selections & betting plan -next page

2008 BREEDERS’ CUP LADIES CLASSIC (G1)

1 – ZENYATTA (Street Cry) J Shirreffs / M Smith -Globeform 127p

2 – Cocoa Beach -GF 121p
3 – Music Note -GF 117 Won by 1 1/2 lengths, 1 1/2 lengths

BC SPECIAL DAILY DOUBLE

LEG 1: 1 Careless Jewel
LEG 2: 4 Zenyatta

GLOBEFORM’S PICK 4 PLAN

Race5 1–3–6–7–8-10
Race 6 2 Forever Together
Race7 7–9
Race8 1–2–7 36lines





Globeform’s Breeders’ Cup Special 2009 / Day 1


BREEDERS’ CUP LADIES CLASSIC


GLOBEFORM SELECTIONS

A: 1 CARELESS JEWEL
B: 2 LIFE IS SWEET, 7 MUSIC NOTE
C: 5 PROVISO, 6 COCOA BEACH
RECOMMENDED BETS
WIN: 1 Careless Jewel
4 EXACTAS

A: 1 with 2, 7
B: 2, 7 with 1
10 TRIFECTAS
A: 1 with 2, 7 with 2, 7
B: 1 with 2, 7 with 5, 6
C: 1 with 5, 6 with 2, 7
SUPERFECTAS
A: 1 with 2, 7 with 2, 7 with 5, 6
B: 1 with 2, 7 with 5, 6 with 2, 7
C: 1 with 5, 6 with 2, 7 with 2, 7
BC SPECIAL DAILY DOUBLE

LEG 1: 1 Careless Jewel
LEG 2: 4 Zenyatta

GLOBEFORM’S PICK 3 PLANS
Race 3 4 Cloudy’s Knight
Race 4 11 Junia Tepzia
Race 5 1 – 3 – 6 – 7 – 8 -10
Race 6 2 -4
Race 7 7 -9
Race 8 1 Careless Jewel
BEST DOUBLE WAGER
6 lines
4 lines
Race 3
Race 4
4 Cloudy’s Knight
11 Junia Tepzia