Monmouth Park. Rich in tradition. A summertime track running its first meet in the fall. Could be a speed-lovers haven but be careful because we’ve seen tracks act strangely on Breeders’ Cup day before.
And besides, if it rains any more, we’ll have to blow up all our wagering plans and start over.
Nonetheless, here are my picks.
FRIDAY’S RACES
Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (Monmouth race 8)
(#1) Miss Macy Sue: Should be stalking a fast pace ready to pounce on
the leaders.
(#3) La Travita: One of those early leaders, should hang on for a
share
(#2) Miraculous Miss: Should pass tired horses in the stretch and grab
a share
(#6) Oprah Winney: Got face time on her namesake’s show. Worth a show
bet anyway.
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (Race 9)
(#9) Prussian: Looked awesome at Woodbine last time out. Can track a
fast pace.
(#4) Cherokee Triangle: Won by a ton at Louisiana Downs last out. Could
be peaking at the right time. Has pace to chase too.
(#1) Your Round: Another one who could pick up pieces late.
(#8) Achill Island: Could score one for the Europeans
Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (and 70 yards when the track configuration
isn’t conducive to a mile) (Race 10)
(#1) Discreet Cat: Looked ordinary in his only start the past seven
months. But all that talent he showed last year! And a fast workout to
boot.
(#9) Xchanger: Get a feeling he can surprise here.
(#2) Lewis Michael: Not that far off two runners who will compete in
Saturday’s Classic.
(#8) Corinthian: Couple dud races recently but that Met Mile looked
great and the pace scenario could work in his favor.
SATURDAY’S RACES
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (Race 4)
(#4) Indian Blessing: Ran them off their feet in the Frizette at
Belmont. Could be better around two turns.
(#8) Izarra: If pace horses get tired trying to outrun the top one,
this one could be flying late.
(#12) Grace Anatomy: Showed ability while third at Keeneland. Surprise
package.
(#2) Clearly Foxy: The turf-to-dirt angle could work and make the
superfecta worthwhile.
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (Race 5)
(#10) Tale of Etaki: Lots of speed here. Gets the nod if Monmouth is
kind to stalkers.
(#7) Pyro: Gets the not if it’s more kind to closers. Was impressive
while second in Champagne.
(#3) Kodiak Kowboy: Only four-time winner here. Could last for a
piece.
(#12) Salute the Sarge: Been solid in California this year
Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (Race 6)
(#3) Nashoba’s Key: Unbeaten filly has feasted out west. Can he bring
her A game to the other coast?
(#4) Passage or Time: Also had a long trip, this one across the
Atlantic. The horse that beat her last out, Mrs. Lindsay, won
Woodbine’s E.P. Taylor last weekend.
(#6) Lahudood: Surprised in Belmont’s Flower Bowl. The word is out,
even if it is a bit of a tongue-twister.
(#9) Danzon: Won on the Polystuff at Turfway last out. Has won on turf
as well.
Breeders’ Cup Sprint (Race 7)
(#1) Smokey Stover: Speed and the rail, plus a win at Monmouth in last.
Does it get better than that?
(#10) Greg’s Gold: May benefit from a lot of early speed here
(#7) Idiot Proof: Will be close to the pace but has shown stalking
ability
(#8) Benny the Bull: Because we need a deep closer in the mix as well
Breeders’ Cup Mile (Race 8)
(#13) Excellent Art: Has the best credentials here by far. Will make a
good run in the stretch.
(#8) Kip Deville: If the pace is slow, he’ll benefit most
(#5) Jeremy: Has also done well in European group company
(#9) Nobiz Like Shobiz: Derby also-ran has done well since being put on
the turf.
Breeders’ Cup Distaff (Race 9)
(#10) Indian Vale: Pletcher pair could dominate here
(#11) Unbridled Belle: Beat the top one by a neck last out in N.Y.
(#4) Ginger Punch: Beat by the top two last time. Was that her off
race?
(#6) Bear Now: A longshot to make the superfecta viable?
Breeders’ Cup Turf (Race 10)
(#7) Dylan Thomas: Arc winner is the class of the field, bar none
(#6) English Channel: Best of the U.S. runners
(#2) Red Rocks: Defending champ not as formful this time
(#3) Better Talk Now: Sentiment?
Breeders’ Cup Classic (Race 11)
(#4) Curlin: In the best form of any of these. Win secures Horse of the
Year
(#1) Lawyer Ron: Best older horse in the field. That could be an
advantage here
(#2) Street Sense: We’ve all seen what he can do
(#3) Any Given Saturday: His Haskell win at Monmouth can’t be
overlooked.
However you see it, good luck.
