October 21 - This weekend at Santa Anita Racecourse in Arcadia, California is expected to be a hive of activity as punters, owners, trainers and jockeys settle in for the long-awaited two-day Breeders' Cup World Championships, with a particular focus on Saturday's $5-million Breeders' Cup Classic 08.

Arguably the biggest and most popular race of the 14-race card, the Breeders' Cup Classic is the race that most punters will be keen not to miss especially as its reigning title holder and current Horse of the Year, Curlin has been confirmed to run and will go in as the coveted race's big favorite.

However, it hasn't all been plain sailing after the news of Big Brown's forced retirement last week and scratching from the Cup as a result of a foot injury. His has not been the only casualty due to injury as yesterday the Bobby Frankel trained Mast Track was scratched as a result of a quarter crack.

Mast Track's scratching has also meant that Well Armed trained by Eoin Harty will miss the Breeders' Cup Classic. The reason is simply that with Mast Track out of contention for either the Classic or the Dirt Mile (as he was nominated for both), Harty has rated his chances more in the Dirt Mile.

The good news for horseracing fans hoping to see only the strongest contenders battle it out in the Classic is that the Todd Pletcher trained Fairbanks may run in the Classic instead of the 1 1/2-mile Marathon. In doing so, he would help to fill the hole left by speedsters Mast Track and Well Armed.

That said, there are still plenty of big guns left in the Breeders' Cup Classic over and above Curlin that could give punters something to talk about. These include Curlin's stable mates Student Council and Pyro, as well as Colonel John and Champs Elysees, each of whom has a shot to win this year's Cup.

Back to Curlin - the talented colt underwent his final workout yesterday over Santa Anita's new Pro-Ride surface. The colt breezed a half-mile in 49.60 seconds which considering that this will be his first ever campaign over the surface is not to bad. How he handles the surface come race day is another question.

Said his trainer Steve Asmussen, 'I think that the Pro-Ride surface is a huge variable because after dirt and turf it is a completely different surface, and one which some horses take to and others don't. That said, the Pro-Ride is running fast and I believe it could suit Curlin's running style come Saturday.'

Other Articles:

Bolger Celebrates Dewhurst Stakes Hat-Trick - 10-23-08

Royal Day Chalks up Win in Michaelmas Handicap - 10-22-08

Pick Six at Belmont Park tops $1 Million - 10-22-08

New Approach Retires a True Champion - 10-21-08

Samantha Miss To Hit In The 2008 Cox Plate - 10-20-08

2008 Breeders Cup Turf Loses Talented Runner - 10-20-08

2008 Melbourne Cup Runner Profound Beauty Injured - 10-19-08

Bumper Fields Expected at 2008 Breeders Cup - 10-18-08





2011/12/09 12:48:40 AM