AMERICAN TURF CLUB LEAD

By: JOE GIRARDI

            The Breeders’ Cup is less than two week’s away and the preps are all but done.

We are going to take a look at the contenders from each race.

            BREEDER’S CUP DISTAFF

With the retirement of SIGHTSEEK, AZERI looks to be the odds-on choice to win another

 Breeders’ Cup Distaff. The horses that will challenge her on Breeders’ Cup Day, like

STORM FLAG FLYING and SOCIETY SELECTION are simply just not good enough.

 It will be interesting to see where her connections decide to run AZERI as they have

mentioned the Classic as a possibility. If she does run in the Distaff she will be odds-on if not

 the race is wide open.

            BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE FILLIES

With SENSE OF STYLE finally losing after a tough trip in the Alcibiades she has dropped

on some handicappers’ list but she still is on top here. With that experience and her talent she

will still be the one to beat at Lone Star on October 30^th. SWEET CATOMINE and

 BALLETTO both winners of their final prep races are both eligible to improve and their off

the pace style will help.

            BREEDERS’ CUP MILE

This race is as wide open as any on Breeders’ Cup day. Last year’s winner SIX PERFECTIONS,

 the filly will be returning to defend her title. Americans NOTHING TO LOSE and possibly

 ARTIE SCHILLER will make their presence known if they both run. This looks to be one

 of the better betting races of the day.

            BREEDERS’ CUP SPRINT

Another race that usually is a solid betting race. PICO CENTRAL, the best sprinter in the

country is not eligible and may not be supplemented. After PICO CENTRAL, there are

 many horses that are right there. SPEIGHTSTOWN, MIDAS EYES, CAJUN BEAT

 (last year’s winner) and others will make this one of the more competitive races of the day.

            BREEDERS’ CUP FILLY AND MARE TURF

LIGHT JIG the winner of the YELLOW RIBBON stakes out west looks to be the best

 on the West Coast. RISKAVERSE who took the FLOWER BOWL stakes at Belmont

has still not committed to the race and would be a price if she did enter. OUIJA BOARD

 the ENGLISH and IRISH OAKS winner would be the best one coming from Europe and

 should make for a solid race.

            BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE

This two year old crop has not seen a frontrunner step out and declare themselves as the

best out there. ROMAN RULER is the best of the West but has not beaten much on the

way to the Cup. PROUD ACCOLADE, AFLEET ALEX, and SUN KING the first

three finishers in the Champagne at Belmont look like they are better than the West Coast

three year olds. If ROMAN RULER takes the money he is expected to take the prices

on the other three will be overlays.

            BREEDERS’ CUP TURF

With the turf division especially among the older horses coming up a little weak this year,

 three year old KITTEN’S JOY has stepped up and taken charge. With a powerful win

 in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic KITTEN’S JOY has jumped to the top of the list among

the best turf horses in the country. Others that are under consideration are POWERSCOURT,

 who won the Arlington Million but was D’Q may run in the Classic. MAGISTRETTI who

 was second to KITTEN’S JOY in the Turf Classic will have another shot in the Turf.

            BREEDERS’ CUP CLASSIC

The Classic may be the most competitive race of the day. GHOSTZAPPER who will be

among the favorites is questionable at the distance. PLEASANTLY PERFECT has been

lightly raced this year and will be tough to beat in defense of his title. Injured jockey

Jerry Bailey who will return well before the Breeders’ Cup will have the mount.

ROSES IN MAY who has been much improved this year will be one to reckon with on the

 lead. BIRDSTONE, FUNNY CIDE, DYNEVER are all horses that might take money

 at the windows but are just not good enough at this time to get it done.