The Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita: Highlights of Past Runnings at The Great Race Place Plus: Fall Racing Hawthorne Preview European Report Horse of the Month: October 2016 / Volume 71 Issue 9

Articles 4 West Coast Notebook 40 Contest Central Pre-Breeders' Cup Feature Get Qualified for the NHC this fall! Here's How 8 East Coast Update 44 Betting Freshman Stallions Belmont Park Fall Championship Meet Preview The Factor 12 Horse of the Month 48 Turf Investor Flintshire “Old-School” Angles Can Give You an Edge 16 European Report Extras British Champions Day, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Anchor Action-Packed October 29 William F. Hudgins Jr.’s Turf Selections 20 Skeptical Handicapper 30 Horses To Watch Coupled and Uncoupled Entries 37 Stop Watch and Shed Row 22 Midwest Memo Hawthorne Race Course Fall Meet Preview 38 Index to Fit & Ready, Shed Row and Stop Watch 26 Over the Turf When the Lower-Weight Entrant is Worth a Shot

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Breeders’ Cup XXXIII: We’re Going Back To “Cali” By Steve Sherack

ith the Breeders’ Cup return- Shirreffs, also brought down the house record of 19-for-20 and earnings of ing to Santa Anita for a in the previous year’s Ladies' Classic in $7,304,580. She was immortalized W record ninth time this fall, Arcadia. She, of course, fell a painful with a life-sized bronze statue in Santa Steve Sherack takes a look at some of head short of her ‘Hollywood Ending’ Anita’s Paddock Gardens in 2012. “We the most memorable moments to take when suffering her first career defeat were blessed to have her,” Ann Moss place at the Championships beneath to in her final trip to the post said upon ’s induction into the picturesque San Gabriel Mountains. in the following year’s heart-stopping the Hall of Fame this summer. “She The two-day event, featuring 13 races Classic at . won her first race on Thanksgiving and purses totaling a record $28 mil- Zenyatta retired with a lifetime and we’ve been thankful ever since.” lion, kicks off in Arcadia, California, November 4.

2009: The Unforgettable “Queen Z” “This is un-be-liev-able!” Those were the unforgettable words of Santa Ani- ta’s legendary track announcer Trevor Denman as Zenyatta closed like a rocket from last of 13 to dramatically become the first – and only – female to cap- ture the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2009. Favored at 5-2 odds, Zenyatta extended her record to a perfect 14-for-14 before an adoring crowd of 58,845 with a one- length victory over Gio Ponti. “I still never got to the bottom of her,” Hall of Fame rider Mike Smith said that day of Zentatta. “She’s incredible.” Mike Smith Celebrates His 2009 Breeders' Cup Classic Win The mighty mare, owned by Jerry Aboard Zenyatta and Ann Moss and trained by John

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2003: Man-oh-Mandella: he also visited the winner’s circle two won four here last time, if I had known What a Day! other times on the undercard that year. I was going to do it, I could have really I’m having a very good day. The Breeders’ Cup was expanded and enjoyed it, but I was in shock all day Richard Mandella saddled a remark- switched to a two-day format beginning and by the time I came out of the shock, able four of the day’s nine Breeders’ at Monmouth Park in 2007. everybody had gone home. And I am Cup winners in the event held at Santa “I don’t know how to describe it,” still in shock here. I didn’t believe this Anita in 2003. Halfbridled got the party Mandella said of his monumental day could happen again, but it happened started with a popular tally in the Juve- at the 2003 Breeders’ Cup. “The day I bigger and better.” nile Fillies beneath – the first female to ride a Breeders’ Cup win- ner. Action This Day followed suit with a 26-1 shocker in the male equivalent in the Juvenile. Johar then dead-heated with repeat winner High Chaparral in a wild renewal of the Turf, and finally put an exclamation point on the day, upsetting the Classic with a smart late rally to win. It wasn’t, however, the first time that the Hall of Fame trainer won four races on a Breeders’ Cup program. Ten years earlier, somewhat coincidentally also at Santa Anita, many people remember that Mandella got the job done with Kotashaan in the Turf and also in the Richard Mandella (far left) with 2003 Breeders' Cup Classic Juvenile Fillies with heroine, Phone Winner Pleasantly Perfect Chatter. Few, however, remember that

2013: – Triple Crown races. “There was one particular horse that The Comeback Kid “I haven’t felt like this since probably I breezed for Simon Callaghan, that is Hall of Fame rider Gary Stevens, back five years before I quit riding, body what I missed, not so much the after- in the saddle in 2013 after a seven-year wise, mental wise and everything and noon stuff, but the feeling that the Rock retirement, put on a show for the Santa I want to give it a go again,” said Ste- Hard Tens, the Point Givens, the Silver Anita faithful at that year’s Champion- vens, who played George Woolf on the Charms give you. Leaving the pole, the ships. He guided home Beholder to big screen in the 2003 motion picture hair literally stood up on the back of a runaway decision in the Distaff and Seabiscuit. my neck and I said, ‘Man I miss this.’” came out on top in a three-way photo aboard in the fol- lowing day’s Classic. “This was a tremendous experience to win this race at my age [50],” Stevens said after getting his picture taken in the Classic. “I never expected to be in this situation. This is the ultimate feeling. It’s the icing on the cake of my career.” Stevens has ridden a total of 10 Breeders’ Cup winners throughout his illustrious career – good for seventh on the all-time earnings list with just a shade under $19 million in purses. He has also ridden the winners of the Derby three times. His hiatus Gary Stevens Wins a Three-Way Photo Aboard Mucho Macho from riding included a popular stint as Man in the 2013 Classic an analyst for NBC’s coverage of the

6 American Turf Magazine / October 2016 Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA West Coast Notebook

1993: Arcangues – That’s Why They Run The Race The speedy , part of a three-horse entry favored at 6-5 in the 1993 Classic, kicked for home with a clear advantage and looked long gone in the Santa Anita stretch. But Arcangues had other ideas. The unknown French invader from Andre Fabre’s yard swept right by beneath in deep stretch and returned the biggest payout in Breeders’ Cup history – $269.60 to win for every $2 bet. There have been 39 horses to go off at odds of 100-1 or greater in the history of the Breeders’ Arcangues Runs Away With the 1993 Classic . . . Paying Cup, and of those only Arcangues has $269.60 to Win finished in the money.

2008: A Star is Born 2008-09; 2012-14: has successfully defended After learning the ropes from all- Putting Them Back to Back her title. The popular chestnut deliv- time training greats like Bobby Frankel With Santa Anita playing host to the ered as the favorite in both the 2012 and Shug McGaughey, Chad Brown Championships five out of the last eight and 2013 editions. Mizdirection, quickly made a name for himself at the years (2008-09; 2012-14), repeat win- owned in part by popular sports talk age of 29 during his first full year of ners have started to show up in force at show host Jim Rome, proved her affin- training at the 2008 Championships the Breeders’ Cup. European invader ity for the hillside course with back-to- courtesy of Maram in the Juvenile Fil- Conduit captured consecutive renewals back wins in the 2012-13 Turf Sprint. lies Turf. “It’s unbelievable. I can’t of the Turf (2008-09) for the legend- Two-time Horse of the Year Wise believe it,” Brown said in the Santa ary Sir Michael Stoute. The brilliant Dan delivered well-timed victories in Anita winner’s circle after Maram hit race mare Goldikova defeated the boys the Mile (2012-13), and Goldencents paydirt at odds of 11-1. “The two guys three straight years in the Mile, includ- doubled-up in the Dirt Mile in 2013- I worked for [Frankel and McGaughey] ing the 2008-09 renewals. Her trainer and 2014. Beholder followed a win in told me she belonged, and I think she Freddy Head was also the regular rider the 2012 Juvenile Fillies with an easy belonged. And she did.” of the sensational Miesque, heroine of tally in the following year’s Distaff. Brown has since added six more the same race in 1987 and 1988. Breeders’ Cup trophies to his man- In the brief history of the Filly & tle, including a hat trick at the 2014 Sprint since its inception in 2007, only Championships, also held at Santa Anita. The native of Mechanicville, New York, recently celebrated his 1,000th career training victory during a record-setting meeting at Saratoga this summer. “I hoped, I dreamed, I worked hard toward it,” Brown said after his mile- stone victory at the Spa. “But you can never imagine it until it starts to become reality. I’ve been lucky all along the way to learn from some really great horsemen. I’ve always tried to surround myself with people who knew what they were doing. I just worked hard. Luckily, I have a wonderful staff around me. I’m a lucky guy. I love getting up and Santa Anita on Breeders' Cup Day coming to work every day.”

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Belmont Park Fall Championship Meet Preview By Michael Sherack

aratoga Race Course’s recently Saturday, October 1, with three Grade career-high win total of 102 set in 2013 concluded meet, the undisputed 1’s on tap. The Grade 1, $600,000 with 489 starters. Bettors will love to S “King of the Jungle” of all race Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational know her runners have produced a meets, kept its status more than safe, for ages 3 and up at 12 furlongs on very strong $1.93 return on investment and racing in New York now turns to turf and Grade 1, $350,000 Vosburgh based on a $2 win bet on every runner. Belmont Park for a 38-day fall meet Invitational for ages 3 and up at six Rice should pick up at Belmont right that doesn’t need not take a backseat to furlongs both carry “Win and You’re where Saratoga left off. She finished many, or perhaps any, other racetrack In” status. The Grade 1, $400,000 Bel- second in wins behind Brown at last season held at any time of year. dame for fillies and mares at 1 1/8 miles year’s Belmont fall meet with a very Belmont’s Fall Championship Meet will also be run. strong 19-18-6 slate from 73 starts kicks off on Friday, September 9, and Saturday, October 22, is Empire (26/59). runs through Sunday, October 30. Showcase Day and offers eight stakes Some Linda Rice runners to look Saratoga’s stakes schedule offered 69 races worth $1.75 million in purses for for this fall at Belmont: Daisy Cutter, stakes races with purses of $18.725 mil- New York-breds. The $300,000 Empire who finished sixth in a New York-bred lion. It wouldn’t be fair to say Belmont Classic for ages 3 and up at 1 1/8 miles stakes race at Saratoga and is yet to find is a drop off – with the season offer- will be the feature. her best form in two starts back from ing an excellent package of 42 stakes Saratoga’s training title went to Chad a four-month break; Kid Cruz, who worth $10.625 million. There will be Brown who set a meet record with 40 offered nothing in Saratoga’s sloppy no shortage of top-class racing with victories. finished sec- Birdstone Stakes at a marathon trip but major Breeders’ Cup implications on ond with 31 wins, and there was a owns a 4-2-1-0 record on Belmont dirt; the road to Santa Anita in November. long distance back to third place and and New York’s Finest, an impressive The meet’s biggest day will be Satur- trainer Kiaran McLaughlin with 13 maiden winner on the switch to turf for day, October 8, and features the 98th wins. Brown and Pletcher are loaded his second career start. running of the Grade 1, $1 million for bear at any meet, run lots of horses, Bill Mott and Michelle Nevin had Club Gold Cup run at 1 ¼ miles win lots of races, blah, blah, blah, we similar Saratoga seasons in that they for ages 3 and up. Seven stakes races know. You’ve been read that riot act sent out their share of live runners and in total will be offered that day, six of before many times. achieved good results that probably them graded, and four of them Grade So, let’s take a look at a trio of train- could’ve been stronger with a bit more 1’s. ers who fared well at Saratoga and luck. And, often a string of second- and In addition to the Gold Cup, the could be in position to also enjoy suc- third-place finishes at one meet leads Grade 1, $400,000 Frizette Stakes at cess at Belmont and perhaps sneak-up to a barn of horses with conditions and one mile for juvenile fillies, the Grade on the wagering public just a little bit sitting on wins at the next stop. 1, $500,000 Invitational this fall. Mott went 9-17-14 from 97 starts for fillies and mares at 10 furlongs Linda Rice is quietly enjoying a (9/41) at Saratoga, and should bring on turf, and the Grade 1, $500,000 career year and had an excellent Sara- a barn with plenty of firepower back Champagne Stakes for juvenile males toga season with a record of 10-10-7 to Belmont for the fall. Last year’s fall at one mile all offer “Win and You’re from 49 starts (20% wins/55% in the meet saw him post a record of 10-10-8 In” automatic berths to the Breeders’ money). Through September 7 of this from 80 starts (13/35) and finish tied Cup for their respective divisions and year, she has a record of 100-49-51 for fifth in the standings for wins. fees paid trips to Santa Anita. from 350 starts (28/57). The win rate Some horses to watch at Belmont Five graded stakes will be offered on is a career best, and she will break her from the Bill Mott barn: Start with

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Take the Stand, who set a hot pace and Belmont’s turf course in May; and Like Baker, Englehart also maintains a finished third, beaten just a neck, in U.S.S. Boxer, who has improved form division at Finger Lakes, and manag- Ring Weekend’s track record win in the since claimed and owns a mark of 4-1- ing who runs where can prove critical Bernard Baruch; Ballagh Rocks, Cleo, 1-0 over Belmont’s main track. to success. Englehart’s Saratoga run- Richmond Street, and True Pleasure Another quartet of trainers who will ners also hit the board an incredibly are all maidens capable of graduating. be interesting to follow at Belmont are: strong 62% of the time and produced Nevin managed to hit the board with Charlton Baker, Jeremiah Englehart, a 10-9-9 record from 45 starts (22%). 50-percent of her runners at Saratoga Carlos Martin, and Tom Morley. None His numbers last year at Belmont in with a 3-8-2 mark from 26 starts (12%), of these stables have the quantity or the fall were respectable at 6-6-8 from and can be expected to have a bet- quality of the top outfits on the NYRA 43 starts (14/47). ter win rate at Belmont. Last fall, she scene, yet all bring “A” report cards Martin’s barn was solid at Saratoga produced a record of 5-3-5 from 37 back from Saratoga. Will they be able to with a record of 6-1-5 from 26 starts runners (14/35). keep and possibly build on the momen- (23/46). His numbers at Belmont last Michelle Nevin runners to keep an tum they have gained? fall were 25-4-2-1 (16/28). Morley eye on at Belmont: Use Arthur Avenue, Baker enjoyed a stellar Saratoga scored at a 24% win rate upstate with a maiden who finished an improved with a record of 10-4-4 from 29 starts a mark of 6-3-2 from 25 starts and hit second in his first career route attempt; (34/62), and can be expected to be the board with 44% of his runners. Little Jerry, who finished 10th in a busier at this upcoming Belmont fall strong race at Saratoga, but won over meet versus last year (19-4-2-0, 21/32).

The Statue in Belmont's Paddock

10 American Turf Magazine / October 2016 Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA East Coast Update

Linda Rice Chad Brown

Todd Pletcher Michelle Nevin

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Flintshire “With a horse like Flintshire, we’re not trying to reinvent the wheel. By the time the horse had come over to us, he had made almost $8 million, so I’m not going to change anything. He had been managed so well by both Mr. (Andre) Fabre and , that’s why we have a horse at age six that’s still at the top of his game.” – trainer Chad Brown. By Ellen Parker

t is of interest in an election year The Juddmonte approach is unique Flintshire has already shown his ability where international topics are cer- and individual, in that even a prom- to handle American tracks. I tain to be center stage that the real ising sire is sometimes culled when “The horse has always been very internationalists are actually our horses. he does not match-up perfectly with sound, which makes a big difference, Juddmonte Farm’s green-and-pink silks its prize broodmare band. This was and he has always run well when ground are literally everywhere on the world the case with Belmont winner Empire conditions are in his favor and the race stage from Hong Kong to Great Britain Maker who was sold to Japan and later is run at a good pace throughout.” to America, and back again. Flintshire returned after his son, Pioneerof the Thus American trainer Chad Brown (GB) is a treasured representative of the Nile, sired Triple Crown winner Ameri- was fortunate enough to inherit the method and restraint with which all can Pharoah. Given his vast holdings lovely stallion. He had big shoes to fill: Prince Khalid Abdullah’s runners have in several countries, it is notable that Khalid Abdullah’s long-time trainer been handled throughout their careers. another entity, Gainesway Farm – and Bobby Frankel who trained Empire The now six-year-old son of Judd- not Juddmonte – repatriated Empire Maker and his great dam Toussaud monte’s own sire, , has traveled Maker. is a difficult act to follow. And when the world, winning or placing in races Given his vast ability to breed his own Bobby Frankel died, Abdullah hon- like the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, horses, the Prince has always known ored his memory by naming a Galileo the Breeders’ Cup Turf, the Dubai how to delegate authority, but also has colt out of his good broodmare Kind, Sheema Classic, the Coronation Cup, his own ideas about how and where “Frankel (GB)”. Now at stud, that colt the Hong Kong Vase, and the Sword his horses might excel. Of Flintshire’s went unbeaten in 14 starts and graced Dancer Stakes. move to the U. S., his Racing Manager his namesake’s legacy with every stride. That he is still racing instead of (Lord) Teddy Grimthorpe said, “Prince The horse who entered Brown’s standing at stud reflects Juddmon- Khalid has wanted to strengthen the charge this year was a ‘made’ com- te’s love of seeing its best homebreds American stable. Generally, ground modity. His first start in America was advance their athletic prowess as fully conditions are good or firm going, a second to in the 2014 mature horses rather than earning a which he prefers, and American races Breeders’ Cup Turf. The following fortune in the sales ring. are run at a fast pace from the start. year, he won the G1

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Handicap. to Main Sequence in the Breeders’ Cup But unlike many horses who quit trying This year Brown has sent him out Turf at Santa Anita. He was also second very hard when they are consistently to three major wins in the again to Treve in the Prix de l’Arc de runners up, Flintshire’s career was Handicap at Belmont, and the Bowling Triomphe. going to take a turn for the positive. Green and Sword Dancer Handicaps at Last year at age five, Flintshire ran When the horse arrived at Brown’s Saratoga. The Bowling Green is a G2, seven times and again won only one barn, he stood out immediately. “He’s the other two are G1. And Flintshire, race, but it was a preview of things to so intelligent,” says the trainer. “You who placed in so many major races come – a 2 ½ length victory over Red can pick that up very early with these around the world, has now found a Rifle in the G1 Sword Dancer Stakes horses. This horse just walks around place to win again and again. at Saratoga. His other placings were, the shedrow like he’s the man and he The colt began his career at three, again, G1 world-class races – second in is the man. He picks things up at light something not terribly unusual for a the G1 Hong Kong Vase (to Highland speed, oozes class, and we’re privileged colt with his classic breeding. Racing Reel), Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (to to work with him every day.” six times, exclusively in France, Flint- Golden Horn), Grand Prix de Saint- Once stateside to stay, Flintshire has shire won half of those contests includ- Cloud (to his nemesis Treve), and Cor- been perfect with three wins in as many ing the G1 Juddmonte Grand Prix de onation Cup (behind Pether’s Moon). starts. He began with a 1 ¾-length win Paris. He also finished second to Treve After his Sword Dancer win, Teddy over Ironicus in the $1 million Wood- in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Grimthorpe stated the value of the ford Reserve Manhattan Stakes (G1) on At four, Flintshire again made six horse’s beautiful lineage. “We’ve got the June 11 Belmont Stakes undercard. starts, but this time he ventured out- his father, we’ve got his mother, we’ve Said rider of his 1:58 side France. While he won only once, got his grandmother, and we’ve got his 4/5 minutes in the saddle, “He’s a phe- the races in which he placed were the sister,” he noted. nomenal, spectacular horse. He’s very world’s best. He won the Group 1 Thus there was never any doubt straightforward with his approach. He Hong Kong Vase, and was runner-up about the quality of Flintshire’s quality. can compete with the best horses in

Flintshire Was "Number One" in the 2014 Hong Kong Vase (G1)

14 American Turf Magazine / October 2016 Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA Horse of the Month

Flintshire Wins the 2016 Manhattan (G1) at Belmont Park

the country.” Flintshire’s next appearance under the rail to . He is a phenom- Flintshire’s next stop on the way to colors was his try for a repeat in the G1 enal horse. I’ve never seen any horse the Breeders’ Cup was in the July 30 Sword Dancer on August 27. Again with that much acceleration on grass.” Bowling Green Stakes at Saratoga. A experiencing a troubled trip, the dark With $8.6 million in the bank and a G2 $250,000 prep for his second try bay burst through a narrow opening hat trick to begin the year, Flintshire at the Sword Dancer, Flintshire scared along the rail and won by 1 ¾ lengths has surely found his niche. After Brown off all but three opponents and won in 2:23 2/5 for the 12 furlongs. But ascertained that all was well with his big by 1 ¾ handy lengths over pacesetter that was not the end of things. horse, he revealed his plans. “I’m not Grand Tito, who had slowed the pace The colt’s ‘rabbit,’ Inordinate, had surprised by anything he does any- in an attempt to last the 1 3/8 miles. his rider, Aaron Gryder, accused of more. He came out of the race well, so Castellano was too smart for that costing Roman Approval a clear path we plan on the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic trick, however, yet still had to extri- to the wire and an immediate objection next.” cate himself from a pocket and go wide was lodged. It was disallowed by the That $500,000 G1 race will be run around the small group. stewards and when Roman Approval’s October 1 at Belmont over 12 furlongs The final time was a slow 2:18 4/5 connections, Three Diamonds Farm, – a distance Flintshire should relish. due to the dawdling early fractions. appealed, the New York State Gam- As a globetrotting representative, “When Twilight Eclipse made the ing Commission refused to hear the Flintshire has more than done his job move, they all went,” said Brown. “And appeal, calling it a ‘judgment call’ on to fly the Juddmonte colors to gold and Javier had to make a decision to clear the part of the Saratoga stewards. glory. Like California Chrome, Song- him and get him outside and get him Flintshire could have been affected bird, Tepin, and another Juddmonte- home. The jockeys have a right to by the outcome of a disqualification, owned runner named , he has ride against him and Javier had him but not even the Three Diamonds added sheer quality to yet another very in a tough spot, but he showed a lot group thought he should be taken fine year of racing. of poise and didn’t panic. He is a true down. As for Castellano, he said, “I champion.” was very lucky to go and cut through on

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British Champions Day, Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe Anchor Action-Packed October By John Blake

t seems wrong to want to wish away new climax to the season when the An intriguing clash of generations time, but for European racing fans, mighty Frankel won the Mile race in could unfold in the Fillies and Mares I an action-packed October just can’t 2011 and went back a year later to show race. Seventh Heaven is another rap- come soon enough. his brilliance in the Champion Stakes – idly improving filly from the Aidan British Champions Day is a festival of just two of his 14 peerless victories that O’Brien barn, but she may need to racing with the prestige and the purses set a perfect zeitgeist for this innova- show even more to get past last year’s to back it up. The UK’s richest race tion in British racing. heroine Simple Verse. The champion meet, British Champions Day, now in While no such star is likely to emerge has taken time to come to herself this its sixth year at Ascot, is firmly estab- this year, each race category this season year but looked good in winning a lished as Europe’s Breeders’ Cup. It is will offer us some fascinating clashes. Group 2 race at Doncaster in Septem- formatted to bring together the best Ribchester and Galileo Gold met ber. She won a dramatic St Leger Clas- staying horses; sprinters; fillies and high up on the Sussex Downs at Good- sic last year and has bundles of fight mares; milers, and finally, the mile- wood in July and while they both missed and staying power. Her younger rival and-a-quarter who will out on the gold medal that day, they has emerged from behind the shadow tackle the showpiece Champion Stakes are high-quality milers who are hold- of better-known O’Brien fillies but has itself. ing their form. Galileo Gold backed up looked the part when taking apart two Champions Day will be contested his Classic victory in the 2,000 Guin- strong Group 1 races over 12 furlongs. on Saturday, October 15, and will eas with a smart win for trainer Hugo Order of St George could well get the round-out a big first-half of October Palmer at Royal Ascot. Ribchester only party started for the Irish by landing for Stateside fans of European racing picked up place money in the Guin- the opening race, the two-mile Long and wagering. Less than two weeks eas, but landed a Royal Ascot prize Distance Cup, for Aidan O’Brien. This earlier, October will get started with himself. The tables were truly turned versatile colt seems to be able to win still its most glamourous and coveted when they met again in Deauville in at any distance but this track and race race, the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, the Prix Jaques le Marois, a race the can bring out his best, and he will for to be run at Longchamp on Sunday, Godolphin-owned Ribchester took many bettors be their best wager of October 2. with some authority. A return to Ascot the meeting. Looking ahead to Champions Day, could see these three-year-old milers The sprinters can be the hardest the bar was set high and early in this face off and sign off in a battle to savor. group to get right, especially when no

Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA October 2016 / American Turf Magazine 17 European Report

stand-out champion has emerged in Champions Day was born. They have British flat jockeys’ championship, the year. There will be many who would taken home four races already and may come to a boil Champions Day. point to the record and chances of their Fascinating Rock will be seeking Former jump jockey Jim Crowley had Quiet Reflection and there would be no this year the first back-to-back win of edged ahead of reigning champ Sil- more popular winner than this tough any past champion in any of the five vestre de Sousa as both men closed in speedster who has carried the flag this race categories. This battle-hardened on their 100th winner for the season year for his handler Karl Burke. If the five-year old will be primed to perfec- during September. Both unassuming rain arrived at Ascot, his odds would tion by Weld to land the biggest prize and still not exactly household names likely drop as well. of the day in the Champion Stakes and in racing, let alone British sport, these Dermot Weld and his jockey, Pat he is another who shows his form with durable riders are set to continue their Smullen, quickly announced them- ease in the turf. close tussle for the riding title right selves as a deadly combination once Yet another race, the race to the up until the final count is taken on October 15th.

Prix l’Arc de Triomphe October is certainly a month of top class action in Europe, with still the most glamourous and coveted race being the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe run at Longchamp on its first Sunday. This French puzzle may become a little clearer once the Irish Champion Stakes has been run with dual-Derby winner Harzand taking on the excit- ing filly Minding. It’s Weld versus O’Brien again and the effort of both these superb equine athletes will help guide their trainer’s plans and shape the pecking order for the 12-furlong Arc. Harzand’s wins at Epsom and the Curragh marked him out as a genuine high-class horse with a no-nonsense approach to getting his head down and racing gate to wire. Minding won the Oaks Classic looking in a different league to the fillies that took her on that day and her hold-up style will be an asset in the Arc. Postponed is a colt firmly in the pic- ture and this five-year-old is enjoying the best spell of his 17-race career. A run of three Group 1 wins was capped with an emphatic win in York’s Jud- dmonte International in August. He has the speed to win at 10 furlongs but looks a better horse when allowed the extra quarter mile to hunt down his opposition. He may just have the edge over his younger rivals if the race has genuine pace throughout.

Frankie Dettori's Famous Flying Dismount From Galileo Gold at Royal Ascot. (Pg. 16: Ribchester at Royal Ascot)

18 American Turf Magazine / October 2016 Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA Jerry Bailey’s Inside Track Volumes I & 2

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October 2016 / American Turf Magazine 19 Skeptical Handicapper

Coupled and Uncoupled Entries By Barry Meadow

oupled entries give you two the race as Lit de Justice finished third. to watch his horses run. chances in a race (occasion- So my horse lost – but I didn’t care, With a coupled entry, it’s not unknown C ally, three) so you get not only since the winning Field entry returned for a trainer to give riders instructions Speedy Secretariat, but Seattle Speed- $31.00, giving me a pleasant $3,100 such as “Don’t fight the stablemate if he ball as well. And if one doesn’t win, payoff on a loser. wants the lead,” or “Take back and let well, maybe the other might. In most jurisdictions (rules vary from the other one go.” Uncoupled entries And if you bet a coupled entry for state to state), coupled entries are less are not on the same team, and such place and/or show, you may get a bonus common these days. When you have advice is strictly forbidden. Still, the payday if they both fill in the winning a coupled entry, particularly in short public is often suspicious: “Why did slots. fields, fans tend to bet less. A six-horse Horse A battle the favorite, except to I first developed a love for coupled race becomes a five-horse race. And set the race up for Horse B?” or “The entries when I played the harness when one part of the entry looks like a longshot won because the favored part races, back when Morse Code was big. 4-5 shot while the other one looks like of the entry didn’t try.” Sometimes, while one horse ruled 10-1, the player loses in both directions That brings us to researcher Ken a division, a stablemate might have – a lesser payoff when the top horse Massa’s conclusions about uncoupled been second best in that same division. wins, and a severely underlaid payoff entries. For 2011, he found 5,576 races Occasionally, another barnmate might when the longshot wins. with purses of $10,000+ that featured have been third best. Now put all of Typically, two horses race as a cou- one (and only one) uncoupled two- them on an entry in, say, a seven-horse pled entry only if they have common horse entry. All told, in 1,485 of these race, and the likelihood that all three ownership. So if trainer Smith enters races (27%), one of the two horses won. dominating horses would fail to hit to two horses and one is owned by Batman Betting both horses would have given hit the board was somewhere around and Robin, and the other is owned by you a miserable 0.79 ROI (21% loss on zero. Which is why, one time many Clark Kent and Lois Lane and Robin, win bets). Broken down: years ago, I bet $30,000 to show on the entry races as one betting inter- • Lower Odds—1047 won (19%), ROI of an entry to steal a quick $1,500, easy est. Otherwise, if a trainer enters two 0.78, IV of 1.56 pickings when they finished 1-2-3. horses, they race as separate interests. • Higher Odds— 438 won (8%), ROI of Less money than I won on an entry Why would a trainer enter two horses 0.80, IV of 0.65 at the 1995 Breeders Cup at Belmont in a race when, at best, only one can The lower odds horses averaged Park. I bet exactly one race—a mere win? Often, the horses are in a stakes 4-1, the higher odds horses 10-1. As $200 to win on Lit de Justice in the BC race, or in a class that doesn’t fill often expected, the lower odds horses won Sprint. He was part of the field, cou- and doesn’t race often. Sometimes two much more often although the losing pled with a pair of unlikely longshots. classes are combined (such as NW-2 ROI was similar. There was no evi- As it turned out, one of those long- allowance, also eligible $50,000 claim- dence of game-playing. The results shots, a mare named Desert Stormer, ers) and the trainer has a horse in both replicated an earlier survey we had who probably would have been at least classes. Other times, the owner plans reported in Meadow’s Racing Monthly 50-1 on her own, wound up winning to be on scene that day and just wants nearly 20 years ago.

20 American Turf Magazine / October 2016 Skeptical Handicapper

On betting exchanges, entries are 0.90 ROI. What was most interesting if you’re unable to cancel your ticket always uncoupled because you bet on was that the place ROI was 1.01 and (or never knew about the scratch at each horse by name, not number. This the show ROI (72% ran in the money) all). This is a particular problem in proved pleasing to me on a turf race a magnificent 1.10. bets such as pick 4’s or pick 5’s or pick years ago (when it was possible for non- Massa also checked 1,442 races in 6’s – are you stuck with the 15-1 shot New Jerseyans to play Betfair). On my which there originally was a coupled at a badly underlaid price, or is your line, I had the A part of the entry at entry, but one was scratched. These ticket considered a win, or does your 1-1 and the B horse at 6-1, for com- won an OK 16% of the time, but the ticket move to the favorite? Find out bined odds of 3-5. Betfair had them ROI was an awful 0.66. This could what your local rule is. at 3-1 and 5-1. I sure appreciated the possibly indicate that some players bet Final subject: If you create your own 3-1 odds on my top horse, particu- this entry thinking they were getting odds line, simply add the chances of larly since the entry on track was only two horses. each part of the entry to get your final 1-1. I bet $2,000 and my guy won for Which brings up another possible total. If you give Quick Guy a 30% a lovely $6,000 score on a trackside problem with entries – when there’s a chance to win, and Slower Guy a 10% chance, the total of the entry is 40%, meaning 3-2 would be fair odds for the “If you bet a coupled entry for duo—even though such odds on Quick Guy by himself would be an underlay. In the same way, if one part of an entry place and/or show, you may is scratched late, re-calculate your line using only the one remaining entrant. get a bonus payday if they Barry Meadow is the author of Money Secrets At The Racetrack. For seven years, he published both fill in the winning slots.” the newsletter Meadow’s Racing Monthly. In 2014, he won the first-ever Ron Rippey Award even-money shot. late scratch, the rules are not uniform for handicapping media. His newly revised Coupled entries offer certain ben- around the country. Let’s say you have website, trpublishing.com, features a number efits, particularly if both halves run an entry where one horse looks like 3-5 of free handicapping articles. To be notified 1-2, 1-3, or 2-3. Another Massa survey and the other 15-1. At the gate, the 3-5 about his upcoming book, send an e-mail to eliminated all races with a purse value horse is scratched. In some jurisdic- [email protected] requesting to be on under $10,000 as well as all off tracks tions (the intelligent ones), the entry his mailing list. and all races that were taken off the is automatically scratched and the turf, and wound up with 1,625 races remaining horse competes for purse with a single coupled entry. The entry money only – but in others (the stupid won 22% of these races, with a not-bad ones), you’re stuck with the longshot

October 2016 / American Turf Magazine 21 22 American Turf Magazine / October 2016 Midwest Memo

Hawthorne Race Course Fall Meet Preview By David Zenner

fter a summer of racing in the The one-mile oval, which has a chute other post position has better than a northwest suburbs of Chicago at for 6 ½–furlong races, cards sprints at 14% win ratio. As would be expected, A Arlington, the Thoroughbreds distances ranging from 5 furlongs to 6 the remaining inside posts (2-6) fare now prepare to return to south side for ½ furlongs, and routes from 1 mile & better than their outside counterparts. the Hawthorne Race Course fall meet. 70 yards to 1 1/4 miles. Posts 2-6 range from 12-14% success The fall meet is the second Thorough- Taking a look at the last five years of rates while posts 7-11 range from bred meet of the year at Hawthorne, dirt racing at Hawthorne, there have 8%-11%. The farthest outside posts with the track offering a brief spring been 2,494 sprint races carded with 12 (7%), 13 (100% - just 2 for 2) and session in March and April, along with surprisingly little variation in terms 4 (0%) have sample sizes too small to a summer-long Standardbred meeting of winning post positions. Posts one consider. sandwiched in-between. through six all pop at either a 13% or Overall, favorites pop at a 35% win The Cicero, Illinois, racetrack opens 14% ratio while posts seven through ratio regardless of surface with dirt its doors on Friday, October 7 and the 11 score slightly lower, as would be races scoring a notch higher at 36%. entry box should be overflowing, since expected, but none at less than 10%. Taken deeper, favorites in dirt sprints for the first time this year there is a Post 12 in a small sample size had a hit at 37% while only at 33% in routes. 13-day gap between the finish of the 13% success rate. This can likely be Hawthorne boasts one of the longest Arlington meet on Sept. 24 and the attributed to the fact that there is a homestretches in North America at a start of the Hawthorne season. In addi- quarter-mile run to the turn for the full quarter-mile, and that can be tricky tion, Fairmount Park’s season ended on 6-furlong and 6 ½-furlong races, which for riders who are new to the track. Labor Day, and both Canterbury Park of course makes up the largest percent Hawthorne’s long-time morning-line and Prairie Meadows have concluded of the dirt sprints – especially in the maker on on-air paddock host Jim their runs as well, which no doubt will fall. Miller explains: “Give riders new to lead to an influx of new stock at Haw- With a somewhat short run to the the Hawthorne colony some time to thorne for the 43-day meet that con- first turn in 1 mile & 70-yard races get accustomed to Hawthorne's track cludes on Saturday, Dec. 31. and 1 1/16-miles races, the rail shows setup. Many times, riders that don't While Arlington’s main track is an a clear advantage in the nearly 1,500 know Hawthorne will tend to make all-weather Polytrack surface, Haw- route races run at Hawthorne since their wide, swooping move mid-turn, thorne’s is a traditional dirt course. 2011, scoring at an 18% rate while no but it often leaves them running out

Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA October 2016 / American Turf Magazine 23 Midwest Memo

of horse in the lane as the length remainder of the surface. Thus, dur- the track with the grader. Since Haw- of the stretch catches up with them. ing the daylight hours, when temps thorne has a crowned base, over the You will see those riders familiar with are near or below freezing, the rail is course of the racing week the surface Hawthorne waiting until the field has the place to be. Keep in mind though, tends to work its way down toward the straightened out into the stretch to once the sun goes down, the track will inside. In above freezing temperature make their move.” even out very quickly and can go from conditions, this means the rail gradu- Another quirk to the main track is an inside speed bias to an outside clos- ally goes from the best place to be to that the track can change how it plays ers track in the matter of one race.” the worst place to be as the week pro- during the course of the day in the One other gem Miller passes along gresses. The first racing day after con- late autumn/early winter time-period is to note that the majority of serious secutive dark days, expect the inside because of shadows created by the rail work on the surface is done over the to be very good as the track will have as the sun begins to set later in the Monday-Tuesday dark days – thus the been graded.” card. track is at is best when the week begins Hawthorne also offers turf racing “At Hawthorne, there is an 18-inch on Wednesday. on a seven-furlong course. The track wide Fontana rail system that surrounds “During the racing week, there is a cards sprint races at two distances – 5 the track. Based on the track setup minimal amount of time to prepare furlongs and 5 ½ furlongs. Route races with the homestretch on the northern the track between morning works and are generally carded at 1 mile, 1 1/16- side of the track, the rail casts a shadow afternoon races, so often the track is miles, 1 1/8-miles, and occasionally at that covers the inside path during only sealed, watered, and harrowed fol- 1 ½-miles. the daylight hours,” Miller explains. lowing morning workouts and prior to Turf racing is offered as long as “What this means is that on the track racing,” Miller explains. “During the the weather holds up – usually until where the shadow is cast doesn't allow dark days is when Greg (track super- Thanksgiving weekend (though they for the harrows to dig as deep as the intendent Cardenas) is able to get on have made it until the first week of

Hawthorne Race Course

24 American Turf Magazine / October 2016 Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA Midwest Memo

Chicago's Willis Tower Forms a Backdrop for Racing at Hawthorne

December a couple of times in recent While the sprint sample size is rela- years). One year they started racing tively small, the two inside posts are on the turf the last week of March in best with the rail at 17% and the two- the spring meet, while another spring hole at 14%. Posts 4-8 are all in the meet saw every turf race rained off and 10%-12% range while the three-post run instead on the main track. With seems to be an anomaly by scoring at the unpredictable Chicago weather, just 8%. Sample sizes from posts 9-12 horseplayers must be ready to handi- are too small for consideration, other cap for “off-the-turf ” races. Note that than to note they are actually reversed the track does allow “main-track-only” from the expected norm with post 12 runners to be entered in grass races. best among these down to post 9 being The track cards considerably more worst. turf routes than sprints, so let’s look With generally larger field sizes than first at the two-turn grass races. Again their dirt-race counterparts, favorites with a short run to the clubhouse turn on the Hawthorne turf score at just in 1 mile races, the three inside posts 33% with the sprints hitting at 34% are most advantageous with the rail and the routes at 32%. itself being the best place of all with a I hope this Hawthorne fall meet pre- 16% win rate. Posts 4-5 hover between view helps you have a better under- 11% and 12%, with the remaining standing of one of the truly underrated posts at 10% or less. Posts 10 and 12 and overlooked racetracks of the Mid- are worst among these at 4% and 5%, west – Hawthorne Race Course. Best Hawthorne's "Mr. Every- respectively. Somehow, post 11 slides of luck at the mutuel windows! thing," Jim Miller in at a decent 10% while the 6-9 stalls range from 7% to 9% winners.

Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA October 2016 / American Turf Magazine 25 Over the Turf

When the Lower-Weight Entrant is Worth a Shot By William F. Hudgins, Jr.

eight is an ancillary but arrive to post carrying what we some- entries who are not running at the nevertheless essential final times refer to as a “feather.” Imposts at same class level or lower than its W consideration in the overall and below 115 pounds typically signal most recent trip postward. handicapping process. The impost less-than-outstanding runners. In the • 5. Lastly, disregard any potential assigned a given Thoroughbred may terms mentioned earlier in this para- play who does not show at least two not be one of the “prime” selection graph, that may not necessarily be true. workouts since its latest race with factors but the weight package (jockey, Trainers love getting weight removed at least one of those morning exer- saddle, equipment and lead bars if nec- from the backs of their charges that cises at a distance of five furlongs essary) – whether assigned by the racing they honestly think have a legit chance or longer. secretary in a stakes or an overnight to run well. The low weight in stakes, handicap event, or by the eligibility handicaps, and allowances generally To clarify the dictums presented conditions of the race itself – is, in effect, get to that state on so-so performances. above, let’s examine the past per- an encapsulated snapshot of the overall Within the claiming ranks, however, formances of Dennis Manning’s Ms. recent talent displayed by the entrant lower weights can be garnered with a Violette, heroine of a $50,000 maiden under scrutiny. Typically speaking, the bit of shrewd maneuvering in addition claiming test over the distance of one higher the weight assignment the bet- to the aforementioned typical cases. mile at Gulfstream Park in early June. ter the horse we’re studying. That very Aside from those previously noted Ms. Violette entered the middle-dis- basic assumed guideline has proven to perks, running at the rock bottom tance test under a feathery 112-pound be accurate more times than not over offering price can also ease the burden impost and passed all our mandates the years. It’s what keeps genuinely top- to be carried in a race. All this leads with style. The 3-year-old daughter of quality racehorses from dropping into the punter to mandate a few honest Big Drama had just failed to stay a mile conditions/races where they essentially guidelines from a potential low-weight in her latest outing and was returning would be head-and-shoulders above the play – factors that point to the possi- to the same course against the same competition. Research and repetitive bility of a genuine attempt to win the classification level for this event. Man- play over the years has confirmed this race rather than just show up and run. ning, who also bred and trained the fact undoubtedly. The highweights of filly, had prepped her with two use- the field should always be respected – Guidelines for Respecting the Low ful workouts for this test including a especially when the distances get seri- Weight(s) five-furlong drill over the main track. ous, and even more so over the lawn. It Most claimers do not work to get them- may not be the defining handicapping • 1. Grass races for claiming competi- selves into winning form – typically the dynamic but it clearly should never be tors offer the best possible wagering trainer will race it to achieve that goal. totally disregarded. scenarios. Those two works, coupled with the Having set the table with that dis- • 2. Throw out any potential selectees return to a similar distance and class sertation of weight, we’re going to who are being asked to carry more all the while getting an impost of only focus this month on the opposite end than 115 pounds. If the entire field 112 speaks volumes. Obviously she was of the weight issue – the low weights fails to meet this guideline, then the sitting on a decent performance and in the field. Whether getting pounds low weight theory cannot be applied. low weight assignment could only aid off for riding an apprentice jockey, a • 3. To remain a potential selec- matters further. Sent postward at 4-1, filly or mare competing against males, tion, the low weight entrant must Ms. Violette made every post a winning a 3-year-old tackling older runners or be returning to run at the same dis- one, gamely hanging on to score by a simply having performed less-than- tance or shorter than its most recent neck and return a quite respectable stellar within recent outings, some outing. $10.40 to her backers. Thoroughbreds in the field may well • 4. Eliminate any otherwise qualified Finding oneself a qualified low-weight

26 American Turf Magazine / October 2016 Over the Turf

in a turf heat isn’t the norm by any where these type of investment possi- just a casual glance before tossing it stretch of the imagination. Class rules bilities crop up – and it’s surprisingly by the wayside. Good handicapping the roost over the lawn especially as the not as infrequent as you may think. rascals! distances get longer. That said, there Respect the highweights by all means, are instances, particularly along the but when you see a “featherweight” in lower rungs of the classification ladder, the field be sure to give it more than

Copyright © 2016 Daily Racing Form, LLC and Equibase Company, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

October 2016 / American Turf Magazine 27 Featuring “Horses To Watch” at virtually every track in North America. An 8-page publication with long ONLY and informative commentary. The club lists one $3.21/week! “Four Star Special” (Best Bet) and one “Longshot of With 1-year subscriptions Delivery by email, download, fax or US Mail the Week” for every major track.

To order, call (800) 645-2240 or go to AmericanTurf.com/club 28 American Turf Magazine / October 2016 William F. Hudgins Jr.’s North American Turf

nlike the previous year or two, this has indeed been a fas- Ucinating season thus far for the 3-year-olds campaigning across the numerous infield courses in North America. Some have distinguished themselves quite admirably with many the best of the 2016 sophomore turf heats still remaining on the docket. As usual, the number of second-year Thoroughbreds who will show up to test their older counterparts will be steadily increasing as the season moves forward, and having at least some idea which youngsters are apt to handle these testing assignments is of principal for staid grass handicappers. With the combination of both demonstrated ability under competition and pedigree as the foremost con- siderations, here’s our now traditional listing of some of the potentially top-quality turf 3-year-olds – listed alphabetically – who should offer us spirited performances as the distances get longer and the quality of competition increases notice- ably through the remainder of the 2016 grass racing season: Applicator (3g grandson of Kingmambo); Beach Patrol (3c grandson of Kingmambo); Call Provision (3c grandson of Kingmambo); Diamond Fields (Ire) (3f granddaughter of Danehill); Deauville (Ire) (3c exquisitely bred son of Galileo, grandson of both Sadler’s Wells and Danehill); Highly Prized (Eng) (3c grandson of Monsun (Ger)); Inspector Lynley (3c grandson of Kingmambo); Oscar Nominated (3c grandson of (Ire)); and Ousby (3g grandson of Theatrical (Ire)). The 3-year-olds highlighted above are the most absorbing of this season’s crop – right now anyway. Improved and/or continued solid performances over the sod are anticipated from each of them. But there are so many more of this class quality young Thoroughbred that we’re going to, as usual in this space at this time of the turf racing season, dedicate this month’s “Grass Routers To Watch Over North American Courses” segment of the column to further supplement the ledger. Grass purists should be in terrific stead when these young equine turfers show up to go long over the green stuff. Good handicapping rascals! “hudg”

North America’s Top Fifteen Turf Routers ( 9-1/2 Furlongs And Longer ) #1 Kaigun (Can) – Still hanging tough on top of this elite ledger; Top-class. #2 Da Big Hoss – Remains a huge player amongst the best in the nation. #3 Flintshire (Eng) – In remarkable form right now; Legit professional stayer. #4 Money Multiplier – Really talented long distance turf specialist. #5 Charming Kitten – Campaigning overseas right now and doing quite well. #6 Deauville (Ire) – This rascal just keeps cranking out good grass races. #7 Wake Forest (Ger) – Still has a couple more solid runs left for this season. #8 Kasaqui (Arg) – Clearly belongs here; Threat against even the best of ‘em. #9 Grand Tito – Continues in fine fettle and capable of continuing on; Sharp. #10 The Pizza Man – Maybe not as strong as he once was but tough enough. #11 Si Sage (Fra) – Back to his old self and that puts him squarely into the mix. #12 Generosidade (Uru) – Genuine turf stayer can better current rating. #13 Quick Casablanca (Chi) – Returns to this coveted listing after brief hiatus. #14 Mr Maybe – Newcomer here has strung together some nice quality runs. #15 Flamboyant (Fra) – Always a big-time player staying on the West coast.

Grass Routers To Watch Over North American Courses AMERICAN PATRIOT – Can stay a distance; Maybe best at the mile. CAMELOT KITTEN – Ramsey colorbearer has the distinct look of a natural miler. CONQUEST ENFORCER – Sprinter packs a nice stretch punch; Fascinating sort. CONVERGE – Plenty of upside for this colt; Middle distances seems best. GIANT RUN – Has good early / tactical speed; Suited to the middle distances. HIGHLAND SKY – Tons of upside with this 3-year-old turfer; Nice one. LONG ISLAND SOUND – More than capable sophomore continues to improve. ONE MEAN MAN – Consistent enough to warrant respect; Follow closely. SURGICAL STRIKE – Has looked quite impressive at times; Can better his rating. DADDY – Youngster has a decent late kick; Expecting better.

October 2016 / American Turf Magazine 29 BELMONT MEADOWLANDS

CALLISTA: Broke slowest in 6F return prep race comeback BANANA ANNA: Got pressed along on a live pace with a from an eight-month layoff, but finished strong for third four-length-gap back to the rest and faded to third as a so beware next time. result. Can shake loose up front. CHICKALETTA: Unlucky loser closing week at Saratoga BELIEVE INDEED: Continues to knock on the door after just when she broke slow to be last, but then came rallying late missing when second at Monmouth as the only horse in to just miss by a neck in a solid effort. Try again for new her race to make a dent from behind a very slow pace that barn off the claim. favored front runners. EKHLAAS: Settled for second again, this time after DARING BRIDE: Finished strong and was ridden out to a stumbling and breaking last in a 13-horse field from post six-length win at Monmouth to remain in sharp current 13. Ready to get over the hump. form. Likely repeater vs. tougher. GREAT SKELLIG: Drew the tough one-hole in a Saratoga QUICK THINKER: Surged late for second when in the clear turf sprint and then got roughed-up at the start and after getting stuck in traffic in mid-stretch. Just needs pushed into the rail, then later got stuck in traffic in the clear sailing. stretch and settled for fourth. Better luck next time. RESILIENT ONE: Pressed the pace and held on gamely for IRST: Pletcher first starter got bumped in a tangled second behind only an odds-on Clement turfer coming start, but rallied from last-to-second in a 10-horse field from Saratoga. Try again. behind only the lone speed wire-to-wire winner. Ready to SCARFIRE: Finished eighth but lost by just 1 ½ lengths and graduate. didn’t have a clear trip, getting swallowed up after traffic KHALEESI KAT: Broke poorly to begin last and had too trouble in upper stretch. Can rebound at a price. much ground to recover behind a slow pace in unlucky off- SOOKIE: Lost to a runaway lone speed 2-5 favorite, but the-board finish when fourth in a five-way blanket photo finished seven lengths best of the rest in second and for second. Worth another shot. needed the race in return from a nine-month layoff. Fits LOOSE: Got claimed out of her first start, so the clockers well vs. the local turfers in return from the sidelines. must be all over this filly. Just needs a clean start after WHITE KNUCKLE RIDE: Got hooked and cooked in a three- breaking last and getting pinched back at the break to lose length-gap speed duel on unrealistic turf route fractions her best chance in her debut. that set the race up for closers/stalkers. Too early to give MANIPULATED: Got a good try under his belt for third up on her. in well-bet return from nearly a year layoff. Prepped and ready now. MONEY CHANGER: Was bothered in the stretch while trying to catch the speed racing down inside on a slow rail. BEST BET: TOTAL JOINT: Finished second by an unlucky Give him another try. nose behind a 4-5 favorite in a race where he probably was NOBLE QUALITY: Was still in with a chance when best if not for getting caught up in traffic down on the rail interfered with in the stretch in the Stakes in the stretch. at Saratoga. Worth another try. ONE PENNY PIECE: Closed best of all for third in a race LONGSHOT: PRANZARE: Closed well but too late breaking ruled by the front runners who got away with murder up slowly and steadying to be last at the start in a 12-horse front on a slow pace. Don’t overlook. race. Finished seventh, but was just a length out of second ORECCHIETTE: Settled for second in career debut after a and is a candidate for an immediate turnaround. rough stretch run where she was bumped repeatedly while trying to sneak through inside the winner. Won’t be a maiden for long for Pletcher. SPIETH: First starter from a barn that does better with second-time starters got roughed up a bit at the break and then closed too late as a result for fourth. Just needs a clean start second-time out. SUMMER SWEET: Clement turf sprinter drew the bad rail post and the rider had some equipment trouble in toss-out fifth-place finish. Deserves another try if off the rail draw. WESTWOOD: Royally-bred first starter got second in the debut and won’t remain a maiden for long.

BEST BET: MY FAIR LILY: Drew the bad rail in a Saratoga turf sprint, chased a loose wire-to-wire winner, and should have at least been second if able to get through a hole down on the rail in the stretch. Can make amends. LONGSHOT: SMILE BIG: Lost three lengths to the field at the start with a disastrous break, and that ended up being more than the final margin of defeat when fourth beaten two lengths in a solid effort. Live overlay just needs a better start.

30 American Turf Magazine / October 2016 SANTA ANITA NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

BEAUMARCHAIS: Dueled for the lead, then dueled again DAYJUR HOOQ: Was best of the rest for second, which when never getting a breather up front en route to a was as good as possible behind a runaway lone speed second-place finish. Don’t overlook. even-money favorite. Knocking on the door at present. CAIIFORNIA CLONE: Broke awkwardly and then rushed up FIRST AMENDMENT: First starter broke three lengths into a speed duel and faded to third as a result. Can make back in last when wanting to flash early speed, then amends with a clean start. rushed up to press the pace until tiring in the stretch FIVE PALMS: Finished second in return from a 10-month due to those early efforts. Too early to give up on her. layoff. Prepped and ready to win for new barn off the KAT MOBILE: Showed speed and pressed a solid pace, claim. but needed a race off a 10-month layoff. Ready now in MAKENA: Broke slowly in difficult one mile stakes assignment in return from a 4 ½-month layoff, but made return from the sidelines. good progress to finish second behind only a 1-2 favorite PRIVATE JOKE: Broke too far back in last when getting while eight lengths clear of the third-place horse. sandwiched between rivals at the start. Just needs a NICKY NUMBERS: Speedy first starter got caught late in clean start. the stretch to settled for second, and got claimed out of STEVE BILKO: Ferndale invader ran well for second as the career debut by Sadler. Won’t be a maiden for long. the only horse in the race to make a dent from off the PROUD OF OUR KIDS: Broke poorly when not handling the pace while finishing five lengths clear of the third horse. rail post and could only recover for fourth. Too early to give TOUGH FAME: Got stuck in traffic and got out too up on him if he gets off the rail draw. late in an underrated fifth-place finish where she was RINSE AND REPEAT: Tough trip third-place finish at Del beaten by just over a length. Live overlay with a clean Mar getting forced in at the gap, steadying, then later trip. getting blocked and steadied again. Better luck next time. TRIBAL ZEN: Broke poorly to start last in a 5F race, SHYSHEISNOT: Got hooked in a speed duel and held on then chased a loose runaway winning 1-5 favorite and best of the speeds for third in a race where closers/stalkers finished just a neck out of second. Just needs a better finished 1-2-4-5-6. Still a threat to shake loose up front. break. WHO SAID LUCKY: Needed a race off a six-month layoff but ran well from last to get up for second and now looks ready to graduate.

BEST BET: LIZZIE’S WAY: First starter couldn’t catch BEST BET: HE WILL: Showed good interest both early and a loose lone speed runaway winner at 5F, but did run late in z-pattern second-place finish where he fell all the a good debut rallying from seventh to second after back to 10th in mid-race. Worth another bet. getting delayed in traffic at the top of the stretch. Won’t be a maiden for long. LONGSHOT: LUCKY DOLLY: Too early to give up on Arapahoe invader after finishing fourth by a neck in a LONGSHOT: MY FRIEND GEORGE: Broke six lengths blanket finish after breaking slowest in that 10-horse race behind the field and lost all chance at the start en route at 5 1/2F. Ready to graduate. to a fifth-place finish, but beware next time, because he ran well until tiring due to his efforts getting back into the race, and still finished less than a length out of second. Just needs a clean start to win.

October 2016 / American Turf Magazine 31 PENN NATIONAL PARX

BILLYPAYSTHEBILLS: Gained too late and missed by a BOLSTER: Was favored for his first start in 11 months neck when second as the odds-on favorite in his first most recently, but chased a buzzsaw winner throughout start in just more than six weeks most recently; on the in Hot Seat, who proved best by 13 ½ lengths, and board in 11 of 20 career starts. settled for second; next time. CONFIRM: Was taken wide around the first turn and FINAL RITUAL: Made the pace and the inside after gave a good account to gain third in her latest; 6YO breaking from post position 10 in a field of 11 at route mare needed 13 starts to win maiden, but has fared well trip most recently, but paid price and gave out to finish in two subsequent tries with winners and can move a distant sixth; follow off $7,5k-claim by trainer W. forward. Caraballo. HANDSOME BOY: Gained and then finished evenly for MALEKITH: Moved wide and finished up nicely for third in good effort from behind a soft early pace in his second behind easy winner when turned back to sprint latest; knocking on door for maiden score. and in from MTH for his latest; his turn next time. MEDDYBEMPS: Finished third with males two starts SALTO DEL INDIO (CHI): Was hustled to reach back and returned to win column when back with fillies contention early in his latest, and ultimately weakened and mares for her latest; solid for trainer E. Merryman to finish fifth of eight; proven sort can be worthwhile (20% wins this year). $5k-claim for trainer M. Kantarmaci. NO ITS NOT: Lacked a rally and finished seventh in his SHE’S CHUBS: Set the pace and remained clear latest, but was up against it trying to gain from behind throughout to live up to favored billing with 3 ½-length 25-second opening quarter-mile at route trip; another score in her latest; stays sharp for S. Lake barn (16% chance at square ticket. wins this year).

BEST BET: KOWBOY DUEL: Took another class drop for BEST BET: SEQUOIA PRINCESS: Set the pace and his latest and finished willingly up the inside to finish a weakened to fourth in an effort below her best when narrowly beaten fifth; next time for trainer M. Salvaggio turned back in distance for her latest; expect more (20% wins this year). sharpness next time for strong J. Navarro barn (32% wins this year). LONGSHOT:BOTTLE DANCE: Was taken in hand early and then turned in fair effort for sixth in her first start LONGSHOT: KID KELLY: Fought on the pace and tired in two months when in from IND for her latest; moves to finish seventh, beaten 12 lengths, in his first start in forward off first try for trainer W. Uhacz. two months most recently; strong R. Preciado barn has him set for next time off the seven-furlong try.

32 American Turf Magazine / October 2016 LAUREL PARK DELAWARE

BARNEY REBEL (IRE): Gained from way back and BRINGHOMETHECROWN: Outran 19-1 odds for second through some traffic trouble to finish a close fourth in behind only a winning 3-5 favorite, and was seven his first start back from brief break most recently; stay lengths clear of the third horse. Worth another try. with proven veteran. FLAMING HUMOR: Late charge got him there despite CORVUS: Finished a willing fourth when in close range needing to check because of a wayward pace-setter in throughout on switch to turf for his latest; still room to the stretch. Can repeat up a notch in next. move forward for K. Voss barn (21% wins with limited GO BO GO: Broke slowly to start last but came from far number of starters this year). out of it to be third and just needs a better start in next. FLY: Was hung wide, put in a run, and flattened out a HURRICANE RAVEN: Got hooked in a three-way speed bit when an acceptable fourth in stakes bid on heels duel with the 8-5 chalk and another horse but was of debut maiden score; promising juvenile daughter of interfered with on the turn and had to settle for third. Brilliant Speed. Try again. ROYAL HUSSAR: Didn’t offer much when seventh J BE K’S SONNET: Got caught in a three-way duel for the on turf in second lifetime start, but can continue to lead and held on best of the speeds for second. Still a develop for trainer H. Smith; likely to return to dirt, threat to shake loose up front. where he finished fourth in debut. PLAY ME NOW: Returned with a solid effort for second ZARSKI: Moved wide after breaking 10th of 11 in second at 5 1/2F off of an 11-month layoff. Prepped and ready career start, was bumped, and finished up well for now. fifth when in from DEL for second career start; moves SAPPHIRE SEAS: Got collared in a five-length-gap forward again. speed duel and still drew off to win as much the best after the early challenger tired badly to last. Likely repeater. SPLIT THE UPRIGHTS: Overlooked first starter ran BEST BET: DECO CZAR: Set a clear pace and weakened well in debut for second after racing too close up to a to finish fourth when in from CT off dominant debut fast pace in a race that set-up for the closer. Ready to score; benefits from experience and conditioning gained graduate now off that good effort. at six-furlong trip. LONGSHOT: MODERN TALE: Passed tired rivals for fifth after having to race wide early; often gets minor awards, but in good from and from solid K. Magee barn BEST BET –COLONY STRIKE: Got cooked in a five- (23% wins this year). length-gap speed duel and got beat by a perfect set-up closer as a result while nine lengths clear of the third horse and 16 lengths ahead of the early challenger. LONGSHOT – NEXT RIGHT: Missed the break in a 5F dash when not handling the rail post and lost all chance as a result. Just needs to get off the rail post draw.

October 2016 / American Turf Magazine 33 WOODBINE ARLINGTON

BRILLIANT CHARLIE: Made it two straight wins CITIZEN JANE: Pressed the pace and held on best of the when able to handle winners in his first crack most front runners for second behind a perfect-trip stalker. recently; stay on board with D. McClachrie trainee EVA’S SUGARLOAF: Couldn’t recover from a bad start, (18% wins this year). racing behind a low pace in a 5 1/2F race that favored GILDED WARRIOR: Moved wide and was bumped in the front runners. Too early to give up on her. upper stretch then finished gamely to be a close fifth FASHION HILL: Got caught in an extended three-length- in second career outing on switch to route/synthetic gap speed duel and won the battle but lost the war scene; graduation looms. when unable to hold off the closers due to those early HIDDEN TURN: Rallied and offered a steady gain efforts. to finish second, beaten only a length, on move HEZA GREAT FRIEND: Set a pressured pace and never to appropriate level most recently; solid mare has got a breather up front in a race that set up perfect for finished in the exacta in 16 of 35 lifetime trips. the 6-5 favorite. Finished a clear second and it’s his turn KING AND HIS COURT: Was bumped, moved wide, next time. and rallied well to pick up third at long odds in stakes HOLLYWOOD SCRIPT: Got hooked and cooked in an attempt on move back to synthetic track most eight-length-gap speed duel and finished last after recently; barn has options now. emptying out up front. Throw out that race and give PATSY’S STAR: Broke slowly and then moved up to him another shot to shake loose on the lead. race in range before she evened out late to finish OFFLEE FUN: Finished second, which was about as fourth, beaten four lengths, in her latest; $20k-claim good as possible in a race dominated by a 1-5 favorite by trainer D. McClachrie can atone for favored loss. that waltzed out on an uncontested lead all the way. Was five lengths clear of third and looks good vs. nw2l. PRINCE CHEVAL: Got completely KO’d in an eight- length-gap speed duel. Toss out the seventh-place BEST BET: FRENCH QUARTER: Didn’t have much in finish because he can rebound. the tank late most recently and had to settle for fifth SACRED CROWN: Rallied too little too late behind a 6-5 following a good third in his prior return from brief favorite as the only horse to make a dent from off the respite; primed now. pace in a tough turf sprint. Try again. VETER: Tried to rally up the rail in the stretch but got LONGSHOT:SINGWITHTHEBIRDS: Has had her gate caught in traffic caused by quitting front-runners. Just woes and once again broke slowly in her latest, only needs clear sailing. to move up to reach contention and fade late to finish seventh; might surprise at square ticket in second start back from brief break. BEST BET –AIR TURBULENCE: Won at first asking in career debut turf route where she overcame early trouble to beat a 3-5 favorite. Should repeat up at the next level. LONGSHOT –WESTERN COUNTRY: Broke slow when not handling the rail post, then rushed up to the pace and faded due to those efforts. Just needs to get off the rail draw.

34 American Turf Magazine / October 2016 THISTLEDOWN CHARLES TOWN A’INTYOUDREAMIN MY DEVILISH DIVA FIVE STAR BUCKLE PORTUGUESE PRINCE CHARSTON PIER RADIANT BLING HEAR THE CHATTER PRINCETONIAN GUN POWDER STELLA MOON HELP A BROTHER PROSPECTOR’S MOON IT JUST TAKES TIME TANGO LIMA HOUSE OF LOVE RUNNIN’TOLUVYA LOTTA ATTITUDE WIL LIKES LUCKY MAY MAY’S CAT SCOTTISH DENIS

FINGER LAKES MOUNTAINEER BOONE STATION PLANET ROCK ALL GOLD PALACE BARISTA DUKE OF WAYMORE ROBIE THE CAT AWESOME NEWS POPPY’S SHADOW LOVE TREE THRU THE DESERT CINEMATIZE PUTTINONASHOW NEVADA KID WICKED JOHN DEFICIT HAWK R SLEEPING BEAUTY PENELOPES BEST WILD THROW GET OUT OF TOWN UNBRIDLED TOGA

BELTERRA INDIANA GRAND

ALLURING APPROVAL KATE N ABS REWARD ALOTOFYOTTA GOAL BIG DOUBLE LIBERTY FIRE CALL ME SASSY I’MGETINEVEN CHICA CHERRY COLA MISS CHUCKIE H CITY SEDUCTION MOON BLOSSOM CUZ SHES AMAZING SISTER JIB COLTON FIFTY ONE RIP ROARIN RITCHIE D’CRAZINESS SPANKLYNN DOUBLE DERINGER SAINT PRADO

PORTLAND MEADOWS PRESQUE ISLE DOWNS

ASTOUNDING ABBY MY GINNY N TONIC ALREADY RED LUCKY EVIL CAPTAIN CAMELOT NO COMPROMISE CHOCKTAW CHUCK SAD BUT TRUE DETHRONE PETRA’S BOLT COURAGEOUS SADIE SEABROOK CHARM KALAKALA SHEELFLY FOR GOLD DOMISSME TAPA TAPA TAPA KAMILCHE GOLD SINGING YANKEE HARBOR CRUISE WELLSPRING LEGACY MONTRONE SOCIETY GIRL

REMINGTON PARK ZIA PARK

ALEDO MOON LITTLE DIXIE K BUCA WHO LOOKER IZE IT BERN BABY SYAN CODE CALIENTE CARSON RAGING AFFAIR DANCE NIGHT SENORITA RAGE CAMINETTO RIVETS DEEYA'S BLING SINGING SHADOWS CHIEF CICATRIZ SNIPER FIRE DIVINE KALEB SOCKS DESERT STEPPER SOUTHWESTER KODIAK GOLD SHOCK STORM ADVISORYL FORTYFOURSMOKELESS STORM JUAN HOLIDAY MUSIC TEQUILA RAGE IMA KNOCKOUT UNIQUE STORM IMMA BLING TOP OF THE MOUNTAIN IT'LL BE FINE WICKED IS GOOD

October 2016 / American Turf Magazine 35 GULFSTREAM PARK WEST CHURCHILL / KEENELAND

BATTLE RED: Got hooked in a 3 ½-length-gap speed duel A GALA DAY: Battled for the lead and held on best for third in a race and ran on very well for second, beaten just a neck. Looms that set up for two deep closers. Don’t overlook. a threat to shake loose up front. CITY FLYER: Won during the heart of the Gulfstream meet but was BRIDLES HOLIDAY: Needed a race off a four-month layoff unseen since until turning-up needing a race off a six-month layoff. but picked-up right where he left off for second, which was Can improve up the late-running fourth in the return race. as good as possible behind a loose-on-the-lead lone speed COLLATERAL KITTEN: Couldn’t catch a loose lone speed horse, but winner. outran 20-1 odds to close well for second and should break his maiden given a better pace to chase. COWBOY’S PRINCESS: Got hooked in a six-length-gap CZAR: Outran 16-1 odds to run a solid third in return from a nine- speed duel in fast turf mile fractions and kept fighting to month layoff despite a z-pattern trip where he lost ground in the the wire to finish just a half-length out second despite middle part of the race. Don’t ignore. ending-up fourth. Try again. DECISIVE TRIUMPH: Aptly-named horse won only by a neck, but DIPLOMATIC AFFAIR: Got a slow start but had a fast finish nevertheless in decisive fashion after getting un-blocked in traffic in for third, beaten only a length in return from a 70-day the stretch. Likely repeater. layoff. Ready next time. DRAWBRIDGE: Dueled for the lead in return from a nine-month layoff FANCY PINSTRIPES: Raced on a fast one mile pace and and just missed, settling for third in a blanket finish in a race that set was the only front runner still around at the finish, losing up for closers. Will win in return from the sidelines. to the deepest closer but 11 lengths clear of the third horse. FLEET BERTIE: Ran a z-pattern third-place finish in tough KD stakes Ready to graduate vs. similar. assignment off a 2 ½-month layoff, showing good interest both early HEART DOCTOR: Finished third, just a nose out of second and again late after getting caught in traffic. Try again. in a z-pattern trip where he showed good interest both EL SOMBRE: Broke behind the field when not handling the rail post to early and late after falling too far back in the middle lose his best chance. Finished fourth, but ran well to be only a length behind a lone speed horse. Better luck next time. out of second and just needs to get off the rail post draw next time. JOES BLAZING AARON: Raced way too close up to a FLYING TIPAT: Steadied at the start at KD to begin last in an 11-horse blazing turf route race and had to settle for third in field, then rushed up inside to get back into it but faded to eighth due amongst all of the closers, who finished 1-2-4-5. Can to those early efforts. Just needs a better start. FORGIVE: Forgive him for his fourth-place finish when he tried to rebound. keep up with a speedy 4-5 favorite loose on the front end. Needed LOUIES BABY BOY: Finished third and was placed second that race off a 10-month layoff, so beware next time. via DQ in a rough trip where he got bumped around to start LAMONTAGNE: East-to-West shipper is back in the Midwest and near the back of a big field and then repeatedly bothered ready to do more damage after missing third by a nose after a speed in deep stretch. Just needs a clean trip. duel at KD. STOP THE DRAMA: Raced close-up to a lightning-fast pace MORE THAN FOLLY: Turf sprinting appears to be her forte after and had to settle for third after steadying at the sixteenth pressing then passing a loose speed horse until settling for second pole. Worth another try. behind a perfect-trip closer. Looks good now in return from the five- SWAPL: Percolated into a six-length-gap speed duel on month layoff. the backstretch which took its toll en route to a fifth-place ON LEAVE: Exceptional McGaughey 3yo filly turfer continued her finish. Nevertheless finished less than a length out of winning streak over a tough field in the Sands Point at Belmont. second and can shake loose in next. Looms the pick to win the QEII at Keeneland. ONE GO ALL GO: Fought for the lead in a five-length-gap battle, put away the early challenger and still had enough left to win. Likely to repeat in return from the sidelines. BEST BET: FUNKIRK: Well-bet first starter broke last in a PURE MICHIGAN: First starter broke slow but ran well thereafter for six-horse field and then rushed up toward the pace as an second behind a wire-to-wire winner in sprint prep career debut. May immediate disadvantage behind another speed horse that not be a maiden for long. QUALITY STREET: Broke slow, rushed up, battled, and still won after got out to a solo lead. Ran on well for a close third and just the two early challengers tired badly to last and next-to-last. Likely needs a clean start in next. repeater. SINGING BULLET: Romans first starter withstood pressure and held LONGSHOT: MANANA: Broke poorly and was pushed off a challenge from the favorite to win at first asking. Looks good sideways at the start to begin near the back of a big field and ready to repeat. when wanting to show speed, then rushed up toward the SUSIE BEE: Broke slowly then rushed up into a duel for the lead and pace and still managed to outrun 27-1 odds for second. held on well under those circumstances for fourth, just 3/4 of a length Don’ overlook. out of second. Just needs a clean start. WAR STROLL: Chased a loose speed 8-5 favorite Saratoga shipper and was second best in turf sprint return from a five-month layoff. Prepped and ready now.

BEST BET – CAMMACK: Developing into a force on the grass after repulsing multiple challenges to win again. Should keep the winning streak alive at CD or Keeneland.

LONGSHOT – BONDURANT: Blocked and steadied to lose her best chance in a KD turf sprint when returning from a nine-month layoff. Finished fifth but was only two noses out of third and just needs clear sailing.

36 American Turf Magazine / October 2016 Shed Row Winning reports from our trackmen at major ovals Stop Watch Specials

ELMONT, NY NEW YORK Ladies and gents: BALLAGH ROCKS: Rolls on. Can’t wait for FILLET OF SOLE to get more distance. NOW POWER runs them off their BLAMEITON BROOKLYN: On the comeback trail. feet. TAKREES has returned from the bench better than ever. IRST has the right barn in CAPITAINE: Sneaky good debut. his corner, that’s for sure. Time is on ALTITO’s side. No excuses for ISOTHERM moving FOREIGN AFFAIR: Like this Exchange Rate filly a lot. forward. SPIETH got going a little too late first time out; potential. FOGGY MOUNTAIN CAT is capable of producing boxcars. This guy’s recent turf form is certainly up to PAR. SING FOR BEAUTY forgets to stop.

FLORIDA FAMOUS FACT: Far from impossible. HALLANDALE, FL SHE TOLD YOU: Has been a bit mismanaged. Power to the patrons: SLOT PLAYER: Moves the ball down the field. TO YOUR HEALTH will have you feeling mighty fine. FLASHING CAT always seems to land STARSHIP ZORRO: Slices and dices. on his feet. TRIPLE SERIOUS sneaks in under the radar. TANYAS PRIDE really took care of business in her maiden breaker. LAY IT DOWN runs back to his winning form. BOSSY ALEXANDRA shows ‘em who’s in charge. LAPANTALONES FANCE looks like an upset in the making to us. PHIL’S COMPRISE can round out a hefty exacta. READY TO ZAP should move forward with experience for top barn. It was written for ILLMATIC to be a runner. PENNSYLVANIA CAPE COD TIDE: For the longshot players. JUST LISTEN: That’s all we ask. KELLY AND KILEY: Will win her share. SUCCESS AT SUNUP: Starts the day off right. BENSALEM, PA Greetings: HE’S GOT TALENT and a pretty sharp trainer, too. NAUGHTY NANCY took a big swing and miss in early September. NOT GOLIATH is very intriguing over either surface. DEV- ILWENTOGEORGIA heads to the winner’s circle first. AGONISTIC exceeded expectations MARYLAND first start off the claim. SPANISH DREAM will be a real nightmare for her rivals. HONDO CAPE DANCER: Debut on dirt was just a prep. WANDO sneaks in there at a big price. THUNDER DUKE is about to bring the noise. QUAL- HANDSOME SENOR: Looks like a winner. ITY TIME deserves your full attention. YOU’RE NO SAINT can do no wrong at the moment. RUB THE ROCK: Rock on! SECRET TEMPLE: Keep it under your hat.

CHARLES TOWN, WV Fellow horseplayers: WEST VIRGINIA KING OF CLOUDS continues to head right way with experience/added distance. BUL- ALLEN’S SONG: Hits the right note. LET MOBILE can hit the target at a big price. No more excuses for ADORABLE TWIRL. BREEZING ON BY: Won’t get caught. CAPTAIN HOLIDAY has faced tougher; better than his record says. Hard to find a knock COOL BLUE: Has some sneaky form; beware. on REALLY BOPPIN. SHERWOOD FOREST always shows up; don’t take lightly. LITTLE PROSPECT MEADOW: Lightly raced mare is rock solid. MONEY fattens your wallet. Go for gold with OLYMPIC MISS. CLARA VICTORIA outruns her odds. CLOSET AFFAIR does nothing but win or finish second.

KENTUCKY PLAYING A JOKE: Has the last laugh. LEXINGTON, KY READY MONEY: It’s time to get paid. Hello racing fans: SHINY BADGE: Respect his authority. They won’t get near ONE TOUCH. MIGHTY MAD was well-touted in his debut. CUDDLE SUITS MY FANCY: Meets our criteria. KITTEN got going too late at first asking; moves forward. DRAGON EYES brings the fire. It wasn’t too difficult to come up with TEN EASY STREET. HOPE TO SHINE can get the job done for low-profile barn. We’ll be first in line to play LEAD THE CHARGE. DRAWBRIDGE ran a game one off the layoff. NO SMALL REWARDS takes care of the American Turf faithful. KING MAYNARD has a 28-1 win on his resume; respect. NORTHERN CALIFORNIA EL TIO FERNANDO: Ignore his lifetime record. MORE POWER TO HIM: Get ready for some more. OH MARVELOUS ME: Intriguing EmD shipper. PRAY ANYWAY: Remaining positive on this one. ARCADIA, CA Attention ATM readers: Early speed always makes MALIBU MOGUL dangerous. FABOZZI likes to outrun his odds. SHELL BEACH has some sneaky form. CLEARLY GONE lost a tough photo at 14-1 first time out. Just can’t say no to YES YES YES!SWEETWATER GAL dives right into SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA the winner’s circle. STAND BY FOR NEWS duels clear to get the victory. KERI BELLE MATTER OF LUCK: Roll the dice on her. is a nice longshot to toss in your box. TOUGH SUNDAY shows up ready to play. RUN MISTRESSOFTHENIGHT: Today is the day. LIKE THE BOSS lives up to her name. SPECIAL STORY: Delivered at 13-1 on debut. SHY CARMELITA: Don’t be shy at the windows.

October 2016 / American Turf Magazine 37 Index to Fit & Ready, Shed Row and Stop Watch

CLOSET AFFAIR :SR FIVE STAR BUCKLE:CT This index can be used to locate horses listed in this month's Fit & Ready, Stop Watch and Shed Row COLONY STRIKE:DEL FLAMING HUMOR:DEL pages. Track abbreviations are as follows: COLTON FIFTY ONE:IND FLASHING CAT :SR CONFIRM:PEN FLY:LRL TURF SELECTIONS:Trf LOS ALAMITOS :LA ARLINGTON:AP LOUISIANA DOWNS:LAD CONQUEST ENFORCER :Trf FOGGY MOUNTAIN CAT :SR BELMONT:BEL MONMOUTH:MTH CONVERGE :Trf FOREIGN AFFAIR:SW BELTERRA:BTP MOUNTAINEER:MNR COOL BLUE:SW FUNKIRK:GP CHARLES TOWN:CT PARX:PRX CORVUS:LRL GET OUT OF TOWN:FL CHURCHILL DOWNS:CD PENN NATIONAL:PEN DELAWARE:DEL PRESQUE ISLE DOWNS:PI COURAGEOUS SADIE:PI GIANT RUN :Trf FINGER LAKES:FL SHED ROW:SR COWBOY’S PRINCESS:GP GILDED WARRIOR:WO GOLDEN GATE:GG STOP WATCH:SW CUDDLE KITTEN :SR GO BO GO:DEL GULFSTREAM PARK:GP THISTLEDOWN:TDN INDIANA GRAND:IND WOODBINE:WO CUZ SHES AMAZING:BTP GOAL:IND LAUREL PARK:LRL D’CRAZINESS:BTP GREAT SKELLIG:BEL DAYJUR HOOQ:GG GUESS WHO CHARLIE:LAD DECO CZAR:LRL GUN POWDER:TDN DEFICIT HAWK:FL HANDSOME BOY:PEN A GREAT VICE:LAD BOTTLE DANCE:PEN DEVILWENTOGEORGIA :SR HANDSOME SENOR:SW A’INTYOUDREAMIN:TDN BREEZING ON BY:SW DIAMOND CUTTER:LAD HARBOR CRUISE:PI AD THE CHARGE :SR BRIDLES HOLIDAY:GP DIPLOMATIC AFFAIR:GP HE WILL:LA ADORABLE TWIRL :SR BRILLIANT CHARLIE:WO DOMISSME:PI HE’S GOT TALENT :SR AGONISTIC :SR BRINGHOMETHECROWN:DEL DOUBLE DERINGER:IND HEAR THE CHATTER:CT AIR TURBULENCE:AP BULLET MOBILE :SR DRAGON EYES :SR HEART DOCTOR:GP ALL ABOUT INTEREST:LAD CAIIFORNIA CLONE:LA DRAWBRIDGE :SR HELP A BROTHER:CT ALL GOLD:FL CALL ME SASSY:IND DRAWBRIDGE:CD HEZA GREAT FRIEND:AP ALLEN’S SONG:SW CALLISTA:BEL DUKE OF WAYMORE:MNR HIDDEN TURN:WO ALLURING APPROVAL:BTP CAMELOT KITTEN :Trf EKHLAAS:BEL HIGHLAND SKY :Trf ALOTOFYOTTA:IND CAPE COD TIDE:SW EL GUERO GUANTERO:MTH HOLLYWOOD SCRIPT:AP ALREADY RED:PI CAPE DANCER:SW EL SOMBRE:CD HONDO WANDO :SR ALTITO’s :SR CAPITAINE:SW EL TIO FERNANDO:SW HOPE TO SHINE :SR AMERICAN PATRIOT :Trf CAPTAIN HOLIDAY :SR EVA’S SUGARLOAF:AP HOPE TO SHINE:CD AWESOME NEWS:FL CARYSFORT REEF:MTH EVEN ROB SCORES:CD HOUSE OF LOVE:CT BALLAGH ROCKS:SW CHAPPY:CD FABOZZI :SR HURRICANE RAVEN:DEL BARNEY REBEL:LRL CHARSTON PIER:TDN FAKE DREAMS:MTH I’MGETINEVEN:IND BATTLE RED:GP CHICA CHERRY COLA:BTP FAMOUS FACT:SW ILLMATIC :SR BEAUMARCHAIS:LA CHICKALETTA:BEL FANCY PINSTRIPES:GP IRST :SR BIG DOUBLE:BTP CHOCKTAW CHUCK:PI FASHION HILL:AP IRST:BEL BILLYPAYSTHEBILLS:PEN CINEMATIZE:FL FIJI D:LAD IT JUST TAKES TIME:TDN BLAMEITON BROOKLYN:SW CITIZEN JANE:AP FILLET OF SOLE :SR J BE K’S SONNET:DEL BOLSTER:PRX CITY SEDUCTION:IND FINAL RITUAL:PRX JOES BLAZING AARON:GP BOONE STATION:MNR CLARA VICTORIA :SR FIRST AMENDMENT:GG JUST LISTEN:SW BOSSY ALEXANDRA :SR CLEARLY GONE :SR FIVE PALMS:LA KAT MOBILE:GG

38 American Turf Magazine / October 2016 Index to Fit & Ready, Shed Row and Stop Watch

KATE N ABS REWARD:BTP MY DEVILISH DIVA:TDN RADIANT BLING:TDN SPLIT THE UPRIGHTS:DEL KATIE’S WARRIOR:CD MY FAIR LILY:BEL RANSON:CD STAND BY FOR NEWS :SR KELLY AND KILEY:SW MY FRIEND GEORGE:GG READY MONEY:SW STARSHIP ZORRO:SW KERI BELLE :SR NAUGHTY NANCY :SR READY TO ZAP :SR STELLA MOON:TDN KHALEESI KAT:BEL NEVADA KID:MNR RINSE AND REPEAT:LA STOP THE DRAMA:GP KID KELLY:PRX NEXT RIGHT:DEL RIP ROARIN RITCHIE:IND STRIKE ‘N SPARE:MTH KING AND HIS COURT:WO NICKY NUMBERS:LA ROBIE THE CAT:MNR SUCCESS AT SUNUP:SW KING MAYNARD :SR NO ITS NOT:PEN ROSIE P:MTH SUITS MY FANCY:SW KING OF CLOUDS :SR NO SMALL REWARDS :SR ROYAL HUSSAR:LRL SUMMER SWEET:BEL KINGDOM’S CROWN:MTH NOBLE QUALITY:BEL ROYAL WARRANT:CD SURGICAL STRIKE :Trf KOWBOY DUEL:PEN NOT GOLIATH :SR RUB THE ROCK:SW SWAPL:GP LAGRATS:MTH NOW POWER :SR RUN LIKE THE BOSS :SR SWEETWATER GAL :SR LAPANTALONES FANCE :SR OFFLEE FUN:AP RUNNIN’TOLUVYA:CT TAKREES :SR LAST PRIZE:MTH OH MARVELOUS ME:SW SACRED CROWN:AP TANGO LIMA:TDN LAY IT DOWN :SR OLYMPIC MISS :SR SAD BUT TRUE:PI TAPA TAPA TAPA:PI LIBERTY FIRE:BTP ONE MEAN MAN :Trf SAINT PRADO:IND TAYLOR:LAD LITTLE MONEY :SR ONE PENNY PIECE:BEL SALTO DEL INDIO :PRX TEN EASY STREET :SR LIZZIE’S WAY:GG ONE TOUCH :SR SAPPHIRE SEAS:DEL THOUGHT PARTNER:MTH LONG ISLAND SOUND :Trf ORECCHIETTE:BEL SCOTTISH DENIS:CT THRU THE DESERT:MNR LOOSE:BEL OVER THERE:LAD SEABROOK CHARM:PI THUNDER DUKE :SR LOTTA ATTITUDE:TDN PALACE BARISTA:FL SECRET TEMPLE:SW TO YOUR HEALTH :SR LOUIES BABY BOY:GP PATSY’S STAR:WO SEQUOIA PRINCESS:PRX TOUGH FAME:GG LOVE TREE:MNR PENELOPES BEST:MNR SHE TOLD YOU:SW TOUGH SUNDAY :SR LUCKY DOLLY:LA PHIL’S COMPRISE :SR SHE’S CHUBS:PRX TRACI IS READY:CD LUCKY EVIL:PI PLANET ROCK:MNR SHELL BEACH :SR TRIBAL ZEN:GG M. B.’S VOW:LAD PLAY ME NOW:DEL SHINY BADGE:SW TRIPLE SERIOUS :SR MAKENA:LA PLAYING A JOKE:SW SHY CARMELITA:SW UNBRIDLED DADDY :Trf MALEKITH:PRX POPPY’S SHADOW:FL SHYSHEISNOT:LA UNBRIDLED TOGA:FL MALIBU MOGUL :SR PORTUGUESE PRINCE:CT SING FOR BEAUTY :SR VETER:AP MANANA:GP PRAY ANYWAY:SW SINGING BULLET:CD WELLSPRING LEGACY:PI MANIPULATED:BEL PREDICT:LA SINGLE BROAD:MTH WESTERN COUNTRY:AP MATTER OF LUCK:SW PRINCE CHEVAL:AP SINGWITHTHEBIRDS:WO WESTWOOD:BEL MAY MAY’S CAT:CT PRINCETONIAN:CT SISTER JIB:BTP WHO SAID LUCKY:LA MEDDYBEMPS:PEN PRIVATE JOKE:GG SLOT PLAYER:SW WICKED JOHN:MNR MIGHTY MAD :SR PROSPECT MEADOW:SW SMILE BIG:BEL WIL LIKES LUCKY:TDN MISS CHUCKIE H:BTP PROSPECTOR’S MOON:CT SMOKEALITTLESMOKE:LAD WILD THROW:MNR MISTRESSOFTHENIGHT:SW PROUD OF OUR KIDS:LA SPANISH DREAM :SR WINNIE THE ROO:LAD MODERN TALE:LRL PUTTINONASHOW:FL SPANKLYNN:BTP YES YES YES :SR MONEY CHANGER:BEL QUALITY STREET:CD SPECIAL STORY:SW YOU’RE NO SAINT :SR MOON BLOSSOM:IND QUALITY TIME :SR SPIETH :SR ZARSKI:LRL MORE POWER TO HIM:SW R SLEEPING BEAUTY:FL SPIETH:BEL

October 2016 / American Turf Magazine 39 40 American Turf Magazine / October 2016 Contest Central

Get Qualified for the NHC this fall! Here's How By William F. Hudgins, Jr.

qualifying spot in the NTRA for the NHC, then traveling to a couple the amount of cramming you’ll need to National Handicapping Cham- select out-of-town tournaments may be do on the eve of the event you choose A pionship remains one of the necessary to keep your hopes alive for to attend. toughest goals a horseplayer can annu- accumulating NHC Tour points and When you’re playing online, you will ally set out to accomplish, but it is reaching the NHC finals. not be able to avoid the major circuits. possible to increase your chances for It’s never too late for National Hand- Therefore, even if your home base is success by doing a little bit of travel- icapping Championship hopefuls to somewhere in a galaxy far, far away, you ing, and strategically picking prime start mapping-out their best chances to will still need to start treating the New spots that draw small fields or offer qualify. Here are a few easy steps you York-California-Kentucky tracks like extra qualifying berths. Hit the road can take to begin to get ready for your your home tracks. Do this by watching and get out to the places that masses own personal run at handicapping’s and wagering on these races with regu- tend to avoid, and then be sure to help Holy Grail. larity, and keeping up-to-date with the yourself by doing your homework so you latest track trends and trainer profiles are well-prepared when you get there. 1) Bone Up On the Big Tracks in order to give yourself a legitimate If qualifying for the National Handi- For starters, it certainly can’t hurt chance to win. capping Championship is a major goal to start focusing your attention on the of yours, you can do a lot to improve major simulcast signals from around 2) Avoid The Crowds, Even If It your chances by coming up with a solid the country, because the races from the Means Journeying Off the Beaten strategy – not only when playing in big circuits are almost always used in Path individual tournaments, but also when tournament play. When you are deciding what out-of- it comes to choosing which qualifying Players who must travel out of town town contests you choose to play, always events you’ll play in throughout the to contests always are at some sort of pay attention to how many qualifying remainder of the year. disadvantage up against players who spots a particular contest is offering, If you are someone who plans on have the home-field advantage thanks and give preference to tournaments playing in more than a few handicap- to their local knowledge, but you can that either don’t draw big fields, or ping tournaments this fall, then the still cut down on that advantage signifi- limit their field size to a small amount Internet and at least some small degree cantly if you watch a lot of races and of entrants. Pick those contests that of traveling are almost certainly on study charts from a variety of major have the best ratio of qualifiers to play- your itinerary. Ideally, players every- tracks. Start following the results from ers, assuming that the date of the con- where hope to win and/or qualify in a circuits like New York, Southern Cali- test fits your schedule, and you can contest close to their neck of the woods. fornia, and Kentucky/Chicago. Being get to the contest while staying within However, if your local contest comes prepared in advance will give you a your budget in terms of entry fees and and goes and you still haven’t qualified better chance to win, and will reduce travel-related expenses.

Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA October 2016 / American Turf Magazine 41 Contest Central

The same is true for online contests. Connecticut, offering two spots on Dec. amounts of NHC qualifying berths. Look for the contests that offer the low- 3rd. In the New York area, there’s also Tournaments like this can be found at est takeout, and/or offer you numeri- the Meadowlands NHC Qualifier on Del Mar on Nov. 12-13, Santa Anita on cally the best chance to qualify. It’s October 1, and the Aqueduct Handi- Oct. 8-9, Keeneland on Oct. 16-17, and better to play in an online event that capping Challenge, which changed at Gulfstream Park for their opening offers one NHC qualifying spot per 40 from its old mythical-money format to day Conquer the Crown tournament entrants than in a contest that offers a real-money format, resulting in fewer on Dec. 3. one qualifying spot per 100. entries and perhaps a greater shot at The king of all of these kinds of con- Looking at the list of NHC qualifying qualifying. The two-day 2016 Aque- tests, of course, is the Breeders’ Cup contests the rest of the year, there are duct contest will be held on November Betting Challenge on Nov. 4-5 (vari- certain tournaments that stand out as 19-20. ous locations). This ultra-rich tourna- good opportunities to consider circling ment has nearly equaled the NHC in in your date book. Start by looking 3) Play In The “Mega-Contests” terms of prestige. It costs $10,000 to for contests in out-of-the-way places, That Offer Multiple NHC Berths enter (including bankroll), and offers or for newly-announced contests that It doesn’t take a calculus degree to 15 qualifying berths into the NHC. have not had enough time to build up figure out that contests offering more For players of all bankroll levels, a large base of loyal entrants. than the traditional number of qualify- including smaller players, the best bet Some examples of this remaining ing spots can be some of the best places for NHC qualifying this fall will be at on the qualifying calendar include to play in your quest to qualify for the Hawthorne Race Course in the Chi- the Penn National Handicapping National Handicapping Champion- cago area. There aren’t too many true Tournament offering 2 NHC berths ship. “super qualifiers” around anymore, but to perhaps 100 entrants on Nov. 12, For high-dollar players with deep Hawthorne still hosts a great one – or and the Lone Star Park 2-Spot Quali- pockets, there are still plenty of oppor- should we say two – on Thanksgiving fying Tournament one-day contests tunities to qualify. Some of these con- weekend, Nov. 25-26 with two separate on October 22 and December 3, and tests this fall will include mostly real- contests for its Hawthorne NHC Fall the new Mohegan Sun Tournament in money tournaments offering large Qualifier. These two individual one-day

The "Final Table" at the 2016 NHC

42 American Turf Magazine / October 2016 Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA Contest Central

List of Fall NHC Qualifying Tournaments Mentioned in This Month’s Column qualifying spots. Entry Dates Contest Spots into this contest also gets Oct. 1 Meadowlands NHC Qualifier 2 you a VIP spot at the Oct. 8-9 Santa Anita Autumn Handicapping Champ. TBA Breeders’ Cup – which is certainly no small perk in Oct. 16 Keeneland NHC/BCBC Qualifier 5 its own right. If you can’t Oct. 22 Lone Star Park 2-Spot Tournament 2 pony-up the 10 grand, Nov. 4-5 Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge (BCBC) 15 you can always go to DRF Nov. 12 Penn National Handicapping Tournament 2 tournaments (formerly BCQualify.com) and try Nov. 12-13 Del Mar Nov. Handicapping Challenge 5 to get in via a cheaper Nov. 19-20 Aqueduct Handicapping Challenge 3 qualifier. Nov. 25-26 Hawthorne NHC Fall Qualifier 8 Aside from just the Nov. 26 TwinSpires Online Championship 20 BCBC, online qualifiers are also being held every Dec. 3 Gulfstream Park Conquer the Crown TBA weekend at DRF tourna- Dec. 3 Lone Star Last Chance 2-Spot Tournament 2 ments and HorseTour- Dec. 3 Mohegan Sun NHC Qualifier 2 neys.com for virtually Dec. 30-Jan. 1 Race Place NHC Qualifier 6 all of the contests listed above in this column. In contests offer a combined 8 NHC which will host its annual Twinspires some cases, you will need entry/betting berths (2 spots on Friday, Nov. 25, and Handicapping Championship Las money in the thousands to play in some 4 spots on Saturday, Nov. 26). Many Vegas qualifying blowout online on of these big NHC qualifying contests, people have family commitments over Saturday, Nov. 26 when 20 NHC spots but online you give yourself the chance the Thanksgiving holiday, and airfares will be offered in addition to 30 more to qualify for as low as $20. are high – two factors that keep out-of- berths into the next Horseplayer World town participation down in this con- Series. You can still begin your quest 5) Get Online . . . Now! test. Nevertheless, these are extremely to qualify for this Twinspires bonanza These days, obviously the best popular and worthwhile tournaments for as little as $10 every Wednesday- place to get yourself qualified for the that feature anything goes real-money Sunday. National Handicapping Champion- wagering with essentially no entry fee. ship is online, because there are just If you are one of the people who does 4) Qualify for the Qualifiers so many opportunities to play virtually make it to Chicago that weekend, you Tournament players with big bank- each and every weekend. Online con- will be rewarded with two good tourna- rolls definitely have an advantage when tests also offer the added advantage of ments and a better-than-average shot it comes to NHC qualifying, because low overhead, with no travel expenses at qualifying . . . and no entry fee for being able to pay big entry fees in the or logistical problems hindering your 8 NHC qualifying berths . . . you can’t thousands of dollars will put you in ROI. get any better than that. the running in a greater number of For a complete calendar of NHC Another destination that would have contests that offer a greater percent- qualifying events, go to the NTRA to be considered a good qualifying des- age of NHC qualifying spots to their website’s NHC Tour section at https:// tination would be the Surfside Race top finishers. www.ntra.com/nhc/nhc-events/ Place at Del Mar, which offers its three However, thanks to sites like Horse- I hope to see you at the next National one-day Last Chance contests on Fri- Tourneys.com and tournaments.drf. Handicapping Championship in Janu- day thru Sunday, December 30-January com, players always have plenty of ary 2017 in Las Vegas. Best of luck! 1. These three separate contests– each chances online to qualify for the big- with 2 NHC berths to the top finishers money qualifiers by doing well in much Noel Michaels has been the racing media’s number for a total of 6 NHC berths offered smaller online qualifiers, which often one authority on the National Handicapping during the weekend – may pose dif- start in the $20 range. Championship since the event’s inception in ficult travel issue for many people, The grand-daddy of all contests 2000. He is the author of the Handicapping thereby helping keep entries in the offering online qualifying, besides Contest Handbook, a Horseplayer’s Guide to contest down to a level below where the NHC itself, is the Breeders’ Handicapping Tournaments. and a five-time they should offer entrants a fair chance Cup Betting Challenge. The BCBC NHC qualifier since 2010. at NHC berths. costs $10,000 ($2,500 entry fee and Finally, the mother of all super $7,500 live bankroll) and offers a cash qualifiers is still at TwinSpires.com , prize pool of $500,000 plus 15 NHC

October 2016 / American Turf Magazine 43 44 American Turf Magazine / October 2016 Betting Freshman Stallions

THE FACTOR (War Front - Greyciousness, by Miswaki ) By Lauren Stich

AGE STARTS 1ST 2ND 3RD EARNINGS Rain was a winner who produced four stakes winners – Gala Lil, Gala Double, 2 2 1 0 0 $34,680 Seed the Cloud, and Gala Forecast. 3 7 4 0 0 $617,500 4 4 1 2 0 $270,000 How to bet The Factor’s offspring: It’s a given that The Factor’s runners will have early speed and make very he Factor was all about blazing became a powerhouse at stud. North- good 2-year-olds. While they will cer- speed. He was essentially a ern Dancer, 1964 champion 3-year- tainly be a force on dirt and on wet T sprinter/miler who was able to old when he won the tracks, they should explode on turf, win at 1 1/16 miles. As a 2-year-old, he and Preakness, became legendary as a especially if the damsire is a turf influ- won a maiden race at Santa Anita by 8 stallion and his influence unquestion- ence. I’ve designated The Factor as ¼ lengths smoking the six furlongs in ably helped shape the breed. While a HT (Hidden Turf) sire, because 1:06.98. His four victories at age 3 all achieved his success although he was successful on dirt, he came in stakes – Malibu, Pat O’Brien, on dirt, his offspring, while winners on was always bred for turf and this will Rebel, and San Vicente. At 4, he won dirt, became famous for their prowess come out now through his offspring. the San Carlos and was second in both on turf. Representative 2-year-olds by The Factor: the Bing Crosby Stakes and Triple Bend Tail-Female Line (Greyciousness CHENAL, colt is a half-brother to So Handicap. - Skatingonthinice - Rain Shower - Many Ways, who won the Spinaway, Tail-Male Sire Line (War Front – Right as Rain). Greyciousness won Schuylerville, Stakes, and Danzig - Northern Dancer). War Front twice at age 3, and War Front was her Charles Town Oaks. was a stakes-winning sprinter who has only stakes winner from 10 foals. But CLASSIC INFLUENCE, filly’s fourth become a premier stallion both in the second dam, Skatingonthinice, was a dam is champion filly sprinter, Ta Wee, U.S. and internationally, getting top- multiple stakes winner of minor races a half-sister to Hall of Fame champion, class winners on dirt *and* especially in Minnesota, and she was a half-sister Dr. Fager. turf. Danzig was arguably one of the to Chief Seattle, who was second in top four sons of Northern Dancer at both the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and DOG GONE LENNY, his dam is a half- stud, along with Sadler’s Wells, Nijin- Champagne Stakes. Rain Shower was sister to the brilliant Half Ours, and sky II, and Nureyev. Danzig only raced stakes-placed multiple times and in second dam is a full sister to stakes three times for trainer addition to Skatingonthinice, she pro- winner, Yankee Gentleman. and he was brilliant, winning all three duced stakes winner, Showering and FACT FINDER, colt won his debut at before an untimely injury. But he stakes-placed Nina Ashley. Right as Saratoga and his fifth dam is 1966

October 2016 / American Turf Magazine 45 Betting Freshman Stallions

co-champion 2-year-old filly, Regal LA MAQUINA GRIS, colt is out of an Today’s Racing Digest and Breederscup.com. Gleam. Empire Maker mare, and second dam, She was founding member and pedigree analyst/ FACT OF LIFE, filly won for Bob Baf- stakes winner, Miraloma, was a full sis- columnist for Gradeoneracing.com, and was the fert at Los Alamitos and descends from ter to The Prime Minister and half- founding racing and bloodlines editor for Horse the prolific broodmare, Patelin. sister to the influential champion race- Society Magazine. Stich is the author of “Pedigree FINDING VALUE, filly is out of a half- mare and broodmare, Gold Beauty. Handicapping,” “Bet With the Best,” and “Bet sister to multiple stakes winner, Con- PENNSYLVANIA, colt descends from With the Best 2: Longshots” and has been featured fessional, and female family produced immediate family that produced cham- in seminal handicapping books by James Quinn, champions Chris Evert and Winning pion, Unbridled’s Song. Steve Davidowitz and many other prominent Colors. Thoroughbred authors. She was also a bloodstock IRON MANE, colt won debut on *turf*. (Beginning her career in racing at The Morning consultant for trainer, Michael Dickinson. She Dam was unraced but is a full sister to Telegraph in 1970, Lauren Stich was the can be reached at [email protected]). stakes winner, Cause to Believe. Highly longtime pedigree handicapper and bloodlines successful female family of Cuddles, columnist for Daily Racing Form, and has written Stellarette and Square Angel. for The Racing Times, American Turf Monthly,

The Factor

The Factor

46 American Turf Magazine / October 2016 Photo by Horsephotos.com/NTRA We Bring the Action t o You

America's #1 Handicapping Magazine for Racing Fans since 1946 ( ) To order, call 1 800 645-2240 or go to www.AmericanTurf.com 1 October 2016 / American Turf Magazine 47 Turf Investor

“Old-School” Angles Can Give You an Edge By Frank Cotolo

ecently, at Mountaineer Park, After all, though it would be a factor, wonderful of weather. Most of the time, I was more than usually attracted the academic approach should still I have found, the early-speed horses R to a weekday evening program rule. That is, I was banking that the charge out of the gate to eat up all the of ordinary overnight events because I betting public would be evaluating real estate they can. But on a day when sensed an edge over the betting public. more ingredients when handicapping the surface is a mess, they are assisted The edge, I suspected, had nothing to than just the fact that a sloppy track can by factors that can help them hold on do with jockeys, trainers, class drops, make winners of horses that look on longer than usual because those horses speed figures or any of the common paper as if they will always be short. To chasing them are trying to overcome an elements a race crowd uses to form the many players, what I was counting on adversity that doesn’t exist on a smooth odds. As well, it had nothing to do with would seem an inadequate approach to surface – splashing. any notes or research I had been doing take on the whole program. However, It can happen and it will happen that concerning Mountaineer. Indeed, I unlike many players, I was not look- a horse showing extreme halts after have not an inkling of knowledge about ing to use my possible edge for nine bursts of early speed on a “fast” surface the track’s usual performers for this races; I was looking to find the few suddenly begin to hold on gallantly in particular meet. The edge I thought perfect horses that would excel due to the slop. After all, in the front or near might work for me was the weather the soupy surface. the front there is no one kicking up that night in New Cumberland, West muck. Behind the early speed there Virginia. Connotative Competitors could be many better horses that are The skies had opened up earlier in My search would be simple, and being stopped from making their best the day and the track would be labeled oddly enough, I wasn’t looking for how moves from mid-pack or behind due “sloppy” at post time. The betting any entry had raced on past sloppy to the mire showering being caused public (which these days comes from tracks. That was for the crowd. The by the foes before them. So while the numerous spots around North Amer- edge I wanted included not looking public dismisses those horses that seem ica), I hoped, would not be taking a for “mudders” or any horse with past- never to have enough gas to finish simple approach to the track condi- performance lines that only sparkled competitively, I watch for their odds tion. Indeed, the crowd should be look- under soaking conditions. I was look- to become worthy of a bet, poised to ing at any number of factors and would ing for horses with early speed, quick- support horses I would never look at certainly not take the sloppy track as lick, if you will. These types explode twice on a sunny day. the single-most important consider- out of their gate stall, regardless of ation when handicapping. what it feels like strolling to it in the Value Packed Perhaps in the new millennium the muck. If they stumble, sway or bobble, I let Race 1 go by because I didn’t focus I suggested could rule the nine- that has little to do with the surface – like the price of the obvious favorite. race card was considered “old school.” they can do that as well in the most He did win, paying $3.60 for an easy

48 American Turf Magazine / October 2016 Turf Investor

wire-to-wire trip. The second race sustain her whether she was challenged to make the program worth it for me offered two speedy sorts, but both for any length of time or not. The short but I took a shot in the fourth race appeared to be in form, making it dif- field was a plus in this matter, since if with a 7-1 shot that stayed close to the ficult to choose one or the other, and she got the lead she would only have early leader right out of the gate and neither were offering any great prices. four others behind her and each would managed to gallop by at the wire and One of them took the race after a short be suffering from Suita Music’s hoofs win, paying $16.60. Two others I sup- duel with the other, and drew away to pounding the mushy surface. Oh, yes, ported did not show their early speed win by 4 lengths at even money. there was something else that drove me for reasons I will never know but the These were two events that made me to support her – she was 22-1. two pricey wins made up for the two feel good about the slop factor, only I When Suita Music went to the front losses and showed me a pretty profit for the evening. The point here is not my profit but “Early-speed horses charge out of the my tactic, which might be old school but certainly meant more than any gate and eat-up all the real estate other factor when it came to horses the public dismissed by not giving the they can. But on a day when the surface enough weight in their handi- capping. It is important for all players surface is a mess, they are assisted to be able to circumvent details that may not enjoy their potency when it by factors that can help them hold on comes to any number of “angles.” I enjoy the sloppy-speed angle because longer than usual.” it works so often and on any given track and because it takes no particular tal- needed to find a value-packed early commandingly, I was happy to know ent to sensationalize upon. runner that looked as if he or she could I was at least half right but when she And, I love it also, because no mat- get the top early. Race 3 gave me my stayed on top past the half I could not ter how much I talk about it to bettors first shot at the edge I thought I might have heard sweeter music from Suita or write about it, the crowd finds ways have. It was a mile on the muck with Music. The race favorite struggled to to ignore it and play too many races only five in the field. The horse that get anywhere near her and settled for with too many other handicapping could prove me right was Suita Music. second as Suita Music paid $47.40 to concerns. She had the only feature I wanted to win over just four other horses. embrace – early speed that could not That win was more than enough

October 2016 / American Turf Magazine 49