LION HEART, $1.4 million FTFFEB topper,

wins debut HEADLINE ATW p. 5 NEWS For information about TDN, DELIVERED EACH NIGHT call 732-747-8060. BY FAX AND INTERNET www.thoroughbreddailynews.com SATURDAY, OCT. 25, 2003 THE SUN SHINES ON SANTA ANITA THE RECIPE FOR TROPHY SUCCESS The Breeders’ Cup returns to Santa Anita for the first Recent evidence suggests a simple formula is re- time since 1993, just in time to celebrate the 20th quired to win today’s G1 Racing Post Trophy at anniversary of the championships. Once again, Eclipse Doncaster. Simply put, it involves being trained by Awards are on the line in every division as the favorites Aidan O’Brien, who has won four of the last six renew- in each race have question marks about their chances. als. And it doesn’t hurt to be sired by Sadler’s Wells. “We’re just delighted with both the quality and the However, O’Brien’s last three winners scored on rain- depth and breadth [of our entries],” said Breeders’ Cup softened ground, and the prolonged dry spell that has President D.G. Van Clief, Jr. “It sets up some very continued into the fall could hurt his chances this year. interesting contests.” Distaff favorite Sightseek (Distant The Ballydoyle duo is headed by Susan Magnier’s View) has come up second best in each of her three Magritte (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells), who may find the fast starts at Santa Anita. Top juveniles Halfbridled (Unbri- surface against him. The colt, described as a “beauty” dled) and Cuvee (Carson City) have drawn the outside by his trainer after a facile debut score in a Tipperary post in their respective races. The Mile, with 13 run- maiden July 20, has not been out since. But it is the ners, places a premium on racing luck, as usual, while presence of Juddmonte Farms’ American Post (GB) the Filly & Mare Turf features a glittering array of talent (Bering {GB}) that is most likely to deny O’Brien another from the U.S. and Europe. And the recently retired Trophy. American Post was supplemented after he and Empire Maker will have to trust that their massacred weak opposition in the Oct. 5 G1 Grand regular season records can stand up to the results of a Criterium at Longchamp. That four-length victory came very competitive Classic. on soft ground and it remains to be seen whether he can reproduce his finish on this livelier surface. Fantas- From Across the Sea... tic View (Distant View), runner-up to the smart Punctili- While the number of European shippers is not as ous (GB) in a Salisbury conditions event Sept. 4, defied great as recent years, who can argue with the quality penalties to win the Listed Stardom S. at Goodwood of the representatives? High Chaparral eight days later and G3 Autumn S. at Ascot Oct. 11. (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells) is back to defend his title in the Turf and faces a rematch with Saturday, Doncaster, Britain, post time: 3:05 p.m. (Ire) (Fairy King), the most accom- RACING POST TROPHY-G1, £217,500, 2yo, c/f, 1mT plished older horse in England this season. SC PP HORSE SIRE TRAINER (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells), who held 1 4 American Post (GB) Bering (GB) Head-Maarek her own against both of the aforemen- 2 1 Cape Fear (GB) Cape Cross (Ire) SCR tioned runners, returns for another tilt at 3 3 Fantastic View Distant View Hannon the Filly/Mare Turf, where she spearheads 4 2 Magritte (Ire) Sadler’s Wells A O’Brien a five-strong European challenge. The Mile 5 5 Mikado (GB) Sadler’s Wells A O’Brien Falbrav features a trio of top three-year-olds in 6 6 Tahreeb (Fr) (Ire) Tregoning Horsephotos Oasis Dream (GB) (Green Desert), Refuse All carry 126 pounds. to Bend (Ire) (Sadler’s Wells) and Six FOR COMPLETE BREEDERS’ CUP COVERAGE, Perfections (Fr) (Celtic Swing {GB}), while (Ire) (Indian Ridge {Ire}) will try the dirt