11/6/09 (Last updated: 11/5/09 5:43 PM)
HOLLAND'S BREEDERS' CUP SPOT PLAYS NOVEMBER 6, 2009 by Tim Holland Friday Filly and Mare Sprint (G1): While it may be argued that this year's edition is tougher than the 2009 running that VENTURA (Chester House) won by an easy four lengths, it could also be said that the Bobby Frankel-trained filly is even better 12 months later. Lightly campaigned this year she is fresh and returns to Santa Anita where she has won her only two starts which were both at this distance. Similar to last year, Ventura drew a wide post and there is enough early speed entered to benefit her closing style. Ladies' Classic (G1): Cross-entered in the Filly and Mare Turf (G1), RAINBOW VIEW (Dynaformer) landed in this spot. Very highly rated as a juvenile, the John Gosden trained filly was disappointing in the One Thousand Guineas (Eng-G1) and Epsom Oaks (Eng-G1) but has shown a return to form this fall, primarily when winning the Matron S. (Ire-G1). Her better showings have coincided with softer ground which may, in addition to the mile-and-a-quarter distance, explain her inability to defeat Lahaleeb (Ire) (Redback) in the E.P. Taylor (Can-G1) on firm turf last out. The ability to handle soft turf has translated well for horses trying the Pro-Ride surface and Rainbow View filly can pull off a mild upset for the stable that sent Raven's Pass out for his win in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) last year. Saturday Juvenile Turf (G2): VISCOUNT NELSON (Giant's Causeway) was sent on the same course by Aidan O' Brien, who saddled 2008 Juvenile Turf runner-up Wesphalia (Ire), when winning the Hurricane Run S. before contesting the Champagne S. (Eng-G2) at Doncaster. Despite not emulating Westphalia when he was defeated in the Champagne, Viscount Nelson ran a creditable race as the runner-up, beaten less than a length. He's never run a bad one in his four starts and the half-brother to Horatio Nelson (Ire) will have a leading chance with a ground-saving trip from his inside post. Dirt Mile (G1): The 2008 champion two-year-old,MIDSHIPMAN (Unbridled's Song) returns to the scene of his Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) victory last year. Transferred after that triumph to the Saeed Bin Suroor stable, Midshipman was laid up for much of the year and only reappeared at Belmont in September where, despite drifting out when tiring, he was very impressive in an allowance victory. With little other early speed expected from his rivals, Midshipman may dominate this field over a surface he is proven on. Classic (G1): Seven months ago, QUALITY ROAD (Elusive Quality) was all the rage for the Kentucky Derby (G1) after his impressive win in the Florida Derby (G1) indicated that he was the leading three-year-old, but an injury thwarted his Triple Crown claims. He made an impressive reappearance in August when winning the Amsterdam S. (G2) at Saratoga, followed by a slightly disappointing effort in the Travers (G1) when he faded to third behind Summer Bird. That defeat may have led one to believe that Quality Road might have been best at distances up to a mile but in his next race, the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) over the same mile-and-a-quarter trip, he showed improvement when staying on well to be beaten just a length by Summer Bird. Being by Elusive Quality, who sired Raven's Pass, and out of a mare by the turf star Strawberry Road (Aus), Quality Road should have no problem with the synthetic surface. With plenty of speed, he should get a good trip from his outside post just off the early leaders. |
