Steve Davidowitz' Annual Workout Report And Training Analysis

by Steve Davidowitz | Oct 23 2008

For every horse in every Breeders' Cup race

A Column by Steve Davidowitz
October 23, 2008

I suggest you print out these pages and refer to them when you are handicapping the 14 Breeders' Cup races. This analysis should help you interpret the training moves that appear under the past performances in the Daily Racing Form. The horses are listed alphabetically and the races appear in the order in which they will be run. Best of luck and good handicapping!

Friday Races

The $1 million Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint

Friday at 3:35 p.m. EST; 7 furlongs on Pro-Ride

• Dearest Trickski - John Sadler trainee worked 6 furlongs in 1:12 with early zip at Hollywood Park on Thursday and will be part of the pace for this race.
• Dream Rush - Was much better in 2007 when trained by Richard Violette and is another with lots of early zip. Has been working on the slow Saratoga training track.
• Indian Blessing - Won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies in 2007. Had her final work on Saturday, covering 5 furlongs in 59 1/5 after working a strong 7 furlongs in 1:24.80 on October 12th. Seems to be on the muscle, but needs to be perfectly relaxed to perform the way she has this year.
• Indyanne - Worked 4 furlongs in 46 3/5 at Golden Gate Fields for trainer Greg Gilchrist on Saturday. Very fast filly galloped well there on Monday and is expected at Santa Anita Park on Tuesday evening. "She's coming back a little quick," said trainer Greg Gilchrist. "But she's doing very well." Jockey Robby Albarado keeps the mount.
• Intangaroo - Has been absent since strong win at this distance at Saratoga three months ago and has been working every week for a month. "She's good to go," trainer Gary Sherlock said. Young Alonso Quinonez keeps the mount.
• Jazzy - Has been in fair form this year and will need only one scratch to get in from the also eligible list.
• Lady Sprinter - Argentina sprint champ worked a very fast 4 furlongs in 45.20 between races on Friday after a slow 7-furlong move on October 10th and went to the track to gallop on Monday. "It was a little faster than we had planned," said trainer Juan Reviriego, who has overseen the filly's care since she arrived from her native country in June. "I was looking for something around 47 flat, but we have a week to have plenty of easy gallops." Jorge Ricardo, the South American rider with more than 10,000 wins, is her regular jockey.
• Magnificience - Talented but lightly raced 4-year-old galloped a good mile over the main track on Monday and was scheduled for a short work on Tuesday by old-school trainer Bruce Headley. All works have been promising. Jockey David Flores keeps the mount.
• Miraculous Miss - Was sharp second in this race last year when it was held at 6 furlongs in the slop. "This year's race looks very tough, but 7 furlongs is a great distance for her," trainer Steve Klesaris said. Ramon Dominguez, who rode her early in her career, has the mount.
• Tiz Elemental - Has good synthetic track form and has always worked well on this surface.
• Ventura - Trainer Bobby Frankel could have put her in the mile on the turf but opted to go here. Won at this distance on a synthetic track at Keeneland in April and worked a terrific 5 furlongs in 58 3/5 here on Friday. Figures to be one of the key contenders from off the pace.
• Zaftig - Defeated Eclipse champion Indian Blessing in the one-mile Acorn Stakes at Belmont Park in June but was out of action with a stress fracture through most of the summer. Didn't look fit enough to win this when she worked over the weekend.

The $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf

Friday at 4:15 p.m. EST; 1 mile on the turf

• April Pride - Bought sight unseen by trainer James Cassidy after he watched video tape two months ago. Was in quarantine at Hollywood Park on Monday.
• Beyond Our Reach - Euro maiden was in quarantine on Monday. Kent Desormeaux has the mount.
• C Karma - Has good overall form in Canada and has been working well at Woodbine.
• Consequence - Shug McGaughey-trained filly worked 4 furlongs in a fast 46 seconds at Santa Anita Park on Sunday. Improving form, improving workouts.
• Emmy Darling - Has been at Santa Anita Park for six weeks. Worked a good 5 furlongs in 59.80 on Friday and galloped 1 1/8 miles on Monday over the main track. Rafael Bejarano rides.
• Freedom Rings - Stakes-placed maiden on the grass in New York galloped 1 1/2 miles at Keeneland. No hints in slow works at Belmont Park.
• Heart Shaped - Euro with weak form in Grade 1 and Grade 2 stakes was due to arrive on Monday afternoon with the Aidan O'Brien-trained contingent.
• Internallyflawless - Buried deep on the also eligible list and will probably not make the field.
• Laragh - Won turf stakes at Keeneland impressively on October 9th. No late word on her training but was due to arrive on Tuesday.
• Renda - Arrived at Santa Anita Park early Sunday morning from Calder Race Course in Miami and galloped around the track. Worked an even and uneventful 5 furlongs in 1:02 at Calder on October 13th.
• Saucey Evening - Went well for 3 furlongs around the dogs over the Santa Anita turf course in 36.40 on Monday, looking good. Won both of her grass starts including the California Cup Juvenile Fillies over the course on October 5th. Garrett Gomez has the return call.
• Sugar Mom - A former $30,000 maiden claimer trained by Wayne Catalano. Should get in the field as the first alternate selection even though she has shown an affinity for synthetic tracks, winning all three of her synthetic races.

The Gr. 1 $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies

Friday at 4:55 p.m. EST; 1 1/16 miles on Pro-Ride

• Be Smart - Worked solid 6 furlongs on October 14th at Keeneland, 11 days after moderate second to Dream Empress in the Alcibiades. Has galloped steadily at Churchill Downs for trainer D. Wayne Lukas, and Lukas has won this race five times in a spectacular Hall of Fame career. Garrett Gomez keeps the mount.
• Black Magic Mama - Maiden was fourth in the Oak Leaf over the track and distance and then jogged 1 1/2 miles at Santa Anita Park on Monday as if she can make a forward move. "She was wide from the 10-hole at 1 1/16 miles in only her second start and first at two turns," trainer Doug O'Neill said. Rafael Bejarano takes over from Garrett Gomez, who is staying with the Lukas filly.
• C.S. Silk - The daylight winner of the Arlington-Washington Lassie breezed 5 furlongs in 59.40 at Churchill Downs on Friday, October 17th and continues to advance in her conditioning. "I loved her work," trainer Dale Romans said. So did I. Robbie Albarado keeps the mount.
• Doremifasollatido - New York-bred Grade 2 stakes winner galloped 1 1/2 miles after a 7-furlong work in 1:25.60 at Belmont Park on October 8th. "She seemed to be getting over the [Pro-Ride] surface just fine," trainer Jimmy Jerkens said. "She'll run on anything."
• Dream Empress - Alcibiades winner galloped 1 mile at Keeneland on Monday after a very good 5-furlong work in 59.80 on the Polytrack on October 17th. "She's doing really well," said trainer Ken McPeak. Kent Desormeaux takes over for Robbie Albarado, who is committed to C.S. Silk.
• Evita Argentina - Galloped 1 1/8 miles with good energy on the Santa Anita main track on Monday after a series of long sharp works at Hollywood Park for trainer John Sadler. Three-time Breeders' Cup winner, Alex Solis retains the mount.
• Palacio de Amor - Second in the Del Mar Debutante and Oak Leaf Stakes at big odds. Worked 4 furlongs in 46.60 on the very fast Santa Anita strip on Monday, third best of 49 at the distance. Will be ridden by Victor Espinoza.
• Persistently - Stretch running miss only worked fair when sent 4 furlongs in 50.60 at Santa Anita Park on Sunday. She was cocking her head to the outside and went a bit slower than trainer Shug McGaughey wanted to see.
• Pursuit of Glory - Irish-bred daughter of Fusaichi Pegasus. Won on Polytrack in England in September and arrived at Santa Anita Park early Monday to spend her first day in quarantine. Johnny Murtagh retains the mount.
• Sky Diva - Won her only two starts including the Grade 1 Frizette on October 4th with strong late kick and will now try Santa Anita's Pro-Ride surface. "She did train well on the Tapeta synthetic," said trainer Steve Klesaris. "She's tall and long-legged with an upright body and she'll run as far as they write races." Ramon Dominguez keeps the mount.
• Stardom Bound - Impressive come-from-behind winner of the Oak Leaf Stakes and Del Mar Debutante jogged 2 miles at Hollywood Park on Monday after a solid 5-furlong work in 59 seconds on October 18th. "She's proven herself at the distance and over the surface," trainer Christopher Paasch said. "That's a big plus for us." Mike Smith keeps the mount.
• Van Lear Rose - Arrived from Canada on Sunday and walked on Monday. Two-time stakes winner has five races on Woodbine's Polytrack, and trainer Catherine Day-Phillips is convinced she will love the Pro-Ride surface. Chantal Sutherland, now based in SoCal, keeps the mount.

The Gr. 1 $2 million Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf

Friday at 5:35 p.m. EST; 1 1/4 miles on the turf

• Dynaforce - Went 4 furlongs in 49.40 under light urging at Belmont Park on Sunday for Hall of Fame trainer Billy Mott to follow up her four-length win in the Grade 1 Flower Bowl at Belmont Park on September 27th. "She's doing really well," Mott said. Alan Garcia had the mount in the Flower Bowl and keeps it here.
• Folk Opera - Won the E.P. Taylor wire to wire on October 4th and is being set up for a similar attempt in this 10-furlong event. Arrived at Santa Anita Park on Monday afternoon with the other Godolphin horses. Frankie Dettori keeps the mount.
• Forever Together - Jonathan Sheppard trainee galloped 1 1/2 miles at Keeneland and was scheduled for a short 3-furlong move before shipping to Santa Anita Park. Julien Leparoux, who was aboard for two Grade 1 wins this year, has the return mount.
• Halfway to Heaven - Won three Group I stakes this year, including the Nassau at this distance. Was scheduled to arrive at Santa Anita Park on Monday with the Aidan O'Brien-trained contingent. Johnny Murtagh gets the mount.
• Mauralakana - Winner of five of her seven starts this year including the Beverly D on firm turf at Arlington on August 9th. Shows no works in a month and only jogged over the track on Monday after arriving from New York on Sunday, yet trainer Christophe Clement insists that "she's fit and ready." Clement has done well shipping in to SoCal with top fillies and mares.
• Pure Clan - Consistent 3-year-old filly trained by Bob Holthus turned in a few good works at Keeneland after narrowly losing the Grade 1 Garden City to Backstreet Rhythm at Belmont Park in September. Won the Grade 1 American Oaks at this distance on the Hollywood Park turf course in July and will have her first trip over the Santa Anita track on Tuesday.
• Sealy Hill - Canada's 2007 Horse of the Year was third to Folk Opera in her latest but has only won an allowance race in six outings this year. Worked 59.20 galloping out six furlongs in 1:12 on Saturday and trainer Mark Casse was impressed. "I liked her last race a lot and now she's training better than she ever has." Regular rider Patrick Husbands stays aboard.
• Vacare - Stablemate to Mauralakana galloped aggressively on Monday after having won the Grade 2 Palomar at Del Mar and finishing a good second to Wait a While in the Yellow Ribbon at this distance over this course on September 27th.
• Visit - Winner of the Oak Tree at Goodwood in August, the Michael Stoute trainee was in quarantine on Monday. Plans call for her to remain in the U.S. to race for Bobby Frankel after the Breeders' Cup.
• Wait a While - Comes to this race for trainer Todd Pletcher with two straight graded stakes wins, including the Yellow Ribbon on the course. Worked a smooth 5 furlongs in 1:01 around the dogs over the course on Saturday, looking quite fit. Johnny Velazquez keeps the mount.

The $2 million Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic

Friday at 6:15 p.m. EST; 1 1/8 miles on Pro-Ride

• Bear Now - Worked 5 furlongs in 1:03 at Santa Anita Park on Saturday after 58.50 work for 5 furlongs over the Pro-Ride track on October 12th. Won the Kentucky Cup Distaff on Polytrack at Turfway Park on September 27th, but is in a very tough field. Low-profile jockey Eurico Da Silva keeps the mount.
• Carriage Trail - Scored strong win while bearing out late in the Grade 1 Spinster at Keeneland on October 5th and arrived at Santa Anita Park from her New York base on Sunday. Kent Desormeaux keeps the mount.
• Cocoa Beach - Godolphin 4-year-old worked a very fast 5 furlongs in 57.80 while not being urged much in a solid workout over the glib Pro-Ride surface. Defeated Ginger Punch in latest on very sloppy track and is moving forward. Ramon Dominguez keeps the mount.
• Ginger Punch - The 2007 Breeders' Cup Distaff winner over Hystericalady was good second to Cocoa Beach in the Beldame at Belmont Park on September 27th and worked a useful 5 furlongs in 1:00 Saturday at Santa Anita Park for Bobby Frankel. Rafael Bejarano, who has ridden her in 16 of her 21 starts, has the call.
• Music Note - The 3-year-old stablemate to Cocoa Beach is two for two at this distance as she tries a synthetic track for the first time. Worked evenly on Saturday to get a feel for the track.
• Hystericalady - A very game and consistent performer just missed in last year's Distaff, but was no match for Zenyatta in latest. Modest works for trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. Garrett Gomez keeps the mount.
• Santa Teresita - Longshot was fair third to Zenyatta in latest and worked very well on Sunday for this. Michael Baze keeps the mount.
• Zenyatta - Unbeaten 4-year-old superstar trained by John Shirreffs worked a strong 6 furlongs to catch a workmate without any real urging in 1:11.80 on Friday with big finish after working sharp 1:11:20 at Hollywood Park on October 9th. Very hard to fault. Mike Smith keeps the mount.

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The $500,000 Breeders' Cup Marathon

Saturday at 1:10 p.m. EST; 1 1/2 miles on Pro-Ride

• Add Heat - Winless this year and was okay third in California Cup Classic on October 5th, but tired a bit in most recent workout.
• Big Booster - Slow breaking type with okay finish has been working at Hollywood Park for trainer Mike Mitchell without any fanfare. Have no clue where he's really at in his conditioning, but he usually gets a piece of the purse.
• Booyah - Winner of a minor stakes around three turns at Fairplex Park in September has had steady workouts over the track for trainer Jerry Fanning. Joe Talamo has the mount.
• Cedar Mountain - Neil Drysdale trainee has good form at the distance on grass in America and won on Polytrack in England last year.
• Church Service - Another Mike Mitchell trainee. Best race to date was a sharp second-place finish at this distance in the Grade 3 Tokyo City on the pre-Pro-Ride Santa Anita main track in March. Has been working very well at Hollywood Park.
• Delightful Kiss - Worked a good 6 furlongs in 1:12 over Tapeta at Golden Gate Fields on Sunday for former jockey and present trainer Pete Anderson. Won a Grade 3 race at this distance over Polytrack at Turfway in September with jockey Calvin Borel aboard.
• Muhannak - The 4-year-old son of Chester House won his last two in Europe on Polytrack and is one-for-two at this distance. Was in quarantine on Monday. Pat Smullen keeps the mount.
• Sixties Icon - The 5-year-old will be making his synthetic track debut on Saturday when he goes in the Marathon, but he has won three straight graded stakes at 1 1/2 miles to 1 5/8 miles to loom a solid contender for respected trainer Jeremy Nosada. Frankie Dettori keeps the mount
• Zappa - John Sadler-trained gelding breezed a useful 7 furlongs in 1:25.40 on Saturday and was second to Well Armed in the Goodwood over this track on September 27th. Also won a 1 1/2-mile stakes on Del Mar's Polytrack during the summer.

The $1 million Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint

Saturday at 1:50 p.m. EST; 6 1/2 furlongs on the downhill turf course

• California Flag - Worked 3 furlongs in a sharp 34.80 on Saturday at Santa Anita Park for SoCal-based trainer Brian Koriner. Won the Morvich Handicap wire to wire on this tricky course on September 24th. Joe Talamo keeps the mount.
• Desert Code - Three-time winner over this course has been off form lately but did perk up a bit in his 5-furlong workout in 1:00.80 on the Santa Anita turf course on October 12th and then came back with a good 6-furlong turf work in 1:12.60 on Sunday. Coming around.
• Diabolical - Godolphin horse was a very good sprinter in the U.S. before he was bought and shipped to Dubai for the 2008 campaign in Dubai and Europe. Arrived at Santa Anita Park on Monday afternoon.
• Fleeting Spirit - The 3-year-old filly trained by Jeremy Noseda arrived at Santa Anita Park on Sunday evening. Meeting older male rivals but has done that before in shorter European sprints. Ryan Moore is the regular jockey.
• Get Funky - John Sadler trainee worked 6 furlongs very smoothly in 1:12.20 at Santa Anita Park on Saturday for his second positive training move here. Was second in the Morvich and Jose Valdivia keeps the mount.
• Idiot Proof - Seemed to tire a bit at the end of his 6-furlong work in 1:13.80 around the dogs on the course on October 15th for trainer Clifford Sise. Will show speed here but is hard to support even with Garrett Gomez aboard.
• Mr. Nightlinger - Winner of five straight on the lead in shorter turf sprints in the Midwest. Has been training very well on the Keeneland turf course. Galloped out strongly after most recent 4-furlong work around the dogs in 49.80. Scheduled to arrive at Santa Anita Park on Wednesday. Rising star Jamie Theriot keeps the mount.
• One Union - Third in the Morvich, worked 5 furlongs around the dogs in 1:01 1/5 on the turf on Monday morning for Hall of Famer Dick Mandella. Victor Espinoza is the regular jockey.
• Only Answer - Daughter of Green Desert and trained by Andre Fabre. Won a Group 3 in France last month and was in quarantine on Monday. Oliver Peslier is the regular jockey.
• Salute the Count - Has a filling in a hind leg and is doubtful for the race.
• Storm Treasure - Woodbine shipper trained by Steve Asmussen went slow 4 furlongs in 52.20 and arrived at Santa Anita Park on Sunday.
• True to Tradition - Well traveled winner of his last two in Philadelphia and Canada and trained by Scott Lake. Hasn't worked recently but could be well placed here if he gets in.

The $1 million Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile

Saturday at 2:30 p.m. EST; 1 mile on Pro-Ride

• Albertus Maximus - Ran his two best races in last two and has shown improving local workouts.
• Lewis Michael - Makes his third Breeders' Cup appearance. Was 11th in the 2006 Breeders' Cup Sprint at Churchill Downs and a distant fifth in the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile at Monmouth last year on a rain-drenched track. Won the 7-furlong Pat O'Brien this year at Del Mar. Worked easily with good finish going 7 furlongs in 1:25 at Keeneland on October 17th. Eibar Coa gets the mount.
• Mast Track - Has a quarter crack on his right front hoof, but Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel entered him here anyway. Have no idea what to make of that but he does have speed to stalk or press Well Armed, which could change the complexion of this race.
• My Pal Charlie - Won the Super Derby at 9 furlongs and galloped well on Monday at Keeneland. Ships in on Wednesday.
• Pyro - The 3-year-old has been a big disappointment since winning the Louisiana Derby in March. Worked a slow half-mile in 51.20 on Monday and and was shifted to this race instead of the Classic which seems a sensible move.
• Rebellion - Deep closer in sprints who was eighth in last year's Breeders' Cup Mile on soft turf at Monmouth galloped a mile over Santa Anita's main track on Monday morning. "He's really a seven-furlong horse," trainer Graham Motion admits. Edgar Prado, who rode him to victory in the Commonwealth Stakes over Keeneland's Polytrack surface in the spring, has the mount.
• Slew's Tiznow - The 3-year-old jogged 1 1/2 miles at Hollywood Park on Monday and will ship to Santa Anita Park on Wednesday. "We pointed him to Del Mar, got rolling and everything came up perfect," said trainer Doug O'Neill. "We thought about running him back in the Super Derby but it was too much of a squeeze." Jockey Rafael Bejarano keeps the mount.
• Slew's Tizzy - The 4-year-old, full brother to Slew's Tiznow and also trained by Doug O'Neill, returned from a seven-month layoff to win an allowance race at the Breeders' Cup Mile distance on September 26th and hasn't worked much since. Young Joel Rosario keeps the mount.
• Surf Cat - Was set up for this by a fourth-place finish in the nine-furlong Goodwood over the track on September 27th. Trainer Bruce Headley put two good works into him since that race, and he is set to work him another 4 furlongs on Wednesday. Will be ridden by David Flores.
• Two Step Salsa - Two-time Grade 3 stakes winner was second in the Grade 2 Swaps in July. Worked 5 furlongs in 1:01.40 on Sunday over the Santa Anita main track and trainer Julio Canani said rider Martin Pedroza will keep the mount.
• Well Armed - Locally based winner of the Grade 1 Goodwood and a respectable third to Curlin earlier in the Dubai World Cup in March went 5 furlongs in 1:01 with speed in reserve on Sunday looking very good on the gallop out as if he is the horse to beat.

The Gr. 1 $2 million Breeders' Cup Mile

Saturday at 3:15 p.m. EST; 1 mile on the turf

• Awesome Gem - Cross entered in both the Breeders' Cup Mile and the Breeders' Cup Classic, but trainer Craig Dollase said the Mile is more likely with the pace scenario favoring his late running style. Worked 5 furlongs in 59.60 on the Hollywood Park Polytrack on October 12th.
• Bold Chieftain - California bred 5-year-old worked easy 4 furlongs on October 15th on Tapeta track at Golden Gate Fields and will have another work before shipping from San Francisco on Tuesday. Russell Baze keeps the mount.
• Daytona - Locally based speed type trained by Dan Hendricks was in top form during the winter before tailing off. Yet this was the fourth straight improved workout this fall. Seems to be coming back to top form and has a chance to steal this with jockey Francisco Alvarado.
• Goldikova - High-class European 3-year-old filly with two straight Grade 1 wins arrived at Santa Anita Park on Sunday afternoon. Regular jockey Olivier Peslier will ride for trainer Freddie Head.
• Kip Deville - Last year's Breeders' Cup Mile winner worked 5 furlongs around the dogs in 1:05.40 on the turf at Aqueduct on Monday morning. "He's ready to go," said trainer Rick Dutrow. Regular jockey Cornelio Velasquez keeps the mount.
• Precious Kitten - Trained very well going 5 furlongs around the dogs on the Santa Anita turf on Sunday and trainer Bobby Frankel thinks she can win this race. "She's my sleeper," Frankel said on Monday morning. "She was sent to the lead [in the First Lady at Keeneland on October 3rd] and [Rafael Bejarano] should have taken a hold. We've got to keep her off the lead; she runs her best races from off it. She can run with those colts, no problem." Bejarano keeps the mount.
• Shakis - Veteran stretch runner who usually is right there at this distance worked 47.80 at Keeneland on Friday. Alan Garcia will ride for trainer Kiaran McLaughlin.
• Thorn Song - Front running winner over Shakis in the Shadwell Mile at Keeneland on October 4th arrived on Sunday from his Kentucky base and will gallop up to the race the rest of the week for trainer Dale Romans. Robby Albarado keeps the mount.
• US Ranger - The 4-year-old son of Danzig is trained by Aidan O'Brien and is winless this year. Arrived from Europe on Monday afternoon and will be ridden by regular jockey John Murtagh.
• War Monger - Consistent sort has been close in last five for trainer Billy Mott and worked a spirited 5 furlongs in 1:01 4/5 at Keeneland on Sunday as if he wanted to more. Was scheduled to arrive on Tuesday and Kent Desormeaux keeps the mount.
• Whatsthescript - Has won four of five career starts at this distance on grass and last three outings were his best ever. Worked smoothly on the Pro-Ride track on Monday and Garrett Gomez keeps the mount for trainer John Sadler.

The Gr. 1 $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile

Saturday at 3:55 p.m. EST; 1 1/16 miles on Pro-Ride

• Azul Leon - Worked a useful 6 furlongs in 1:14 on Saturday with good gallop out for trainer Doug O'Neill. "He's a real mature classy colt, and you can see why he won his first three races," O'Neill said. "He's training well, and distance should be no problem." Joel Rosario will ride the son of Lion Heart for the first time.
• Bushranger - Two-time Grade 1 winner in Europe spent Monday in quarantine. Obviously should be given a very close look in this race and Johnny Murtagh keeps the mount.
• Elusive Bluff - Worked 5 furlongs in 1:02.20 at Hollywood Park on Monday morning. Trainer Eric Guillot said the 1 1/16-mile distance was the key to his decision to run here instead of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at one mile. Michael Baze keeps the mount.
• Gallant Son - Multiple stakes winner from Emerald Downs joined the field for the Juvenile with the defection of Believe in Hope after working a smart 6 furlongs in 1:12 flat on Sunday over the Pro-Ride surface. Frank Lucarelli-trained and Leslie Mawing keeps the mount.
• Midshipman - The Del Mar Futurity winner worked a good 6 furlongs in 1:12.20 in company at Santa Anita Park on Sunday for Bob Baffert. "We're locked, loaded and ready to go," Baffert said. Garrett Gomez gets the mount for the first time.
• Mine That Bird - Won three straight stakes at Woodbine and is now being trained by Dick Mandella. Worked 5 furlongs in 59.80 over the Pro-Ride track and Chantal Sutherland keeps the mount.
• Munnings - Distant second to Vineyard Haven in the Champagne at Belmont Park on October 4th but did work 5 furlongs in 59.60 in company with Silent Valor at Santa Anita Park on Sunday, looking slightly best going under the wire for trainer Todd Pletcher. John Velazquez will ride on Saturday.
• Pioneer of the Nile - Mott trainee finished well for third in the Breeders' Futurity on Polytrack at Keeneland on October 4th and has had two good works at Keeneland since that contest, including 5 furlongs in 1:00.20 on Sunday. Robby Albarado will ride on Saturday.
• Silent Valor - Fifth in the recent Norfolk over the track and distance on September 28th. Was slightly second best in the team drill with stablemate Munnings. Garrett Gomez has the mount.
• Square Eddie - European import improved nicely to win the Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland on October 4th and worked 6 furlongs in 1:15 over the track while taking a few awkward steps. Jogged 1 1/2 miles on Monday. "He's an extremely classy individual and a very smart colt," said trainer Doug O'Neill. Rafael Bejarano will ride the colt back.
• Street Hero - Norfolk Stakes winner worked a slow and easy 5 furlongs in 1:02.60 on the Pro-Ride surface on Saturday with regular rider Alex Solis aboard. Myung Kwan Cho is the owner, breeder and trainer.
• Terrain - Worked a smooth 4 furlongs in 48.40 at Keeneland on Saturday and will arrive at Santa Anita Park on Wednesday. "He's sitting on go," said his optimistic trainer Al Stall Jr. Jamie Theriot keeps the mount.
• West Side Bernie - Unbeaten in two lifetime starts, including the Kentucky Cup Juvenile on September 27th. Arrived at Santa Anita Park two weeks ago and promptly worked 5 furlongs in a snappy 58.80 on October 11th. Followed that last Saturday with 4 furlongs in 47.60. Longshot seems quite fit for New Jersey-based trainer Kelly Breen. Stuart Elliot, of Smarty Jones' fame, has the mount.

The $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf

Saturday at 4:35 p.m. EST; 1 mile on the turf

• Bittel Road - Todd Pletcher-trained deep closer is undefeated in three outings on grass and worked an easy 4 furlongs in 49 seconds at Keeneland on Sunday to follow up his strong stretch running score in the Bourbon Stakes on October 5th. Was set to arrive at Santa Anita Park on Tuesday. John Velazquez gets the mount back.
• City Style - Worked 5 furlongs in 1:03.20 in the mud at Retama Park in Texas on October 15th for trainer Cheryl Asmussen. Expected to be at Santa Anita Park by noon on Wednesday. Tony McNeil keeps the mount.
• Coronet of a Baron - Worked 5 furlongs in 1:02.80 on the Santa Anita turf course on Monday. Alan Garcia will ride.
• Donativum - Made it into the starting field after Del Conte was scratched due to injury. Won his last two turf sprints in England for trainer John Gosden and was on his way to Santa Anita Park on Monday. Frankie Dettori has the mount.
• Grand Adventure - Won both of his career outings at Woodbine, both on grass, including the Grade 3 Summer Stakes over Skipadate on October 4th. Canadian legend Mark Frostad trains.
• Ninth Client - Third to Bittel Road in the Bourbon on October 5th. Worked a slow 6 furlongs in 1:17.20 at Churchill Downs on October 15th and has been jogging and galloping there ever since. Wayne Lukas trained, jockey Julien Leparoux keeps the mount.
• Paddy the Pro - Won his last two on synthetic tracks in Ireland and arrived at Santa Anita Park early Monday after a night flight from Europe. Now trained by Paddy Gallagher and will return to the grass for this race with little else known about him.
• Skipadate - All three turf races have been very good and all were at one mile or longer and two were stakes. Galloped 1 mile on Monday and will deserve a long look on Saturday.
• Westphalia - Won the Grade 2 Champagne in England on September 13th. Aidan O'Brien trainee arrived at Santa Anita Park on Monday afternoon. Jockey John Murtagh will ride on Saturday, and this is another young Euro who will deserve attention in this made-to-order turf race.

The Gr. 1 $2 million Breeders' Cup Sprint

Saturday at 5:15 p.m. EST; 6 furlongs on Pro-Ride

• Black Seventeen - Upset winner of the Vosburgh on a wet track at Belmont Park on September 27th worked 4 furlongs in 47.80 on Monday on the Pro-Ride surface. "He's a big, heavy horse who is a bit lazy in the mornings and you've got to get him to work hard to get things done," said trainer Brian Koriner. Clinton Potts keeps the mount.
• Cost of Freedom - Worked a good 5 furlongs in 59.40 at Santa Anita Park on Saturday and came back to jog a mile on Monday. Looked good winning the Ancient Title on September 27th with good gallop out and Tyler Baze keeps the mount.
• Fabulous Strike - Very fast 5-year-old gelding missed last year's Breeders' Cup Sprint with a severe lung infection and has only raced twice this year, posting a solid Beyer Speed Figure when second by a nose in the Vosburgh on September 27th. Worked a snappy 5 furlongs in 59.20 on Sunday at Santa Anita Park for Pennsylvania-based trainer Todd Beattie. Regular rider Ramon Dominguez keeps the mount.
• Fatal Bullet - Runaway winner of the Kentucky Cup Sprint at Turfway Park on September27th worked 5 furlongs under control in 1:01 2/5 at Santa Anita Park on Sunday under jockey Erico Da Silva, who will ride him for trainer Reade Baker.
• First Defence - The 4-year-old sharpened up with a bullet 5 furlongs in 57.80 without serious urging from jockey Goncalino Almeida. "I didn't want him to go that fast," trainer Bobby Frankel said. "I told him to work him in a minute. But what are you going to do? I'll tell you, though, I've been watching these sprints for a long time and it seems to me the horses that work fast win them. I remember when I ran Squirtle Squirt in New York and won. He worked 45 coming up to that race." Will be reunited with Javier Castellano on Saturday.
• In Summation - Consistent in-the-money type with four wins on synthetic tracks has been training well on the Pro-Ride surface since his third-place finish in the Ancient Title on September 27th. John Velazquez keeps the mount.
• Midnight Lute - Winner of the 2007 Breeders' Cup Sprint with a powerful late surge worked 5 furlongs in 56.80 over the track on October 13th and followed that with a good 4 furlongs in 47 flat on Monday morning. "He went very smooth, very nice," trainer Bob Baffert said. "I got him galloping out the five-eighths in 59.60." That said, Baffert has had to deal with minor hoof problems since a disappointing effort at Del Mar. "That surface down there was just too hard for him," Baffert said. "He really picked up his head once he got on this surface. He's thrived on it." Garrett Gomez has the mount.
• Sing Baby Sing - Phoenix Stakes winner at Keeneland on October 4th worked 4 furlongs in 48.60 on Saturday at Remington Park in Oklahoma for trainer Jack Brunner. Justin Sheppard has ridden him in 11 straight races and has the mount on Saturday.
• Street Boss - Strong finisher was second to improved Cost of Freedom in the Ancient Title on September 27th and worked 5 furlongs in a fast 57.60 on October 14th. Will work a short 3 furlongs on Wednesday for trainer Bruce Headley, who is replacing injured jockey David Flores.

The Gr. 1 $3 million Breeders' Cup Turf

Saturday at 6:00 p.m. EST; 1 1/2 miles on the turf

• Better Talk Now - Worked 6 furlongs in company on Monday morning over the Tapeta racing surface at Fair Hill Training Center in Maryland. "I was really pleased with the work," trainer Graham Motion said.
• Conduit - The St. Leger winner arrived from England early Monday morning after a flight from England and spent the day in quarantine. Michael Stoute trains him and jockey Ryan Moore is back aboard after wins at Goodwood and Epsom this year.
• Dancing Forever - Walked at Santa Anita Park on Monday morning after working 1:00 1/5 over the turf course on Sunday. Shug McGaughey trains the 5-year-old who won the Manhattan Handicap on Belmont Stakes Day. Definitely prefers firm turf and will get those conditions on Saturday. Rene Douglas has the return mount.
• Eagle Mountain - The 4-year-old son of Rock of Gibraltar who won a stakes at Newmarket for South African-based trainer Mike DeKock arrived early Monday from England and was in quarantine.
• Grand Couturier - Galloped 1 1/2 miles at Belmont Park on Monday morning for trainer Bobby Ribaudo. Has been going strong since August and has looked very good training for this race. Rising young star Alan Garcia has the mount.
• Out of Control - Worked a good 5 furlongs at Santa Anita Park on Sunday for trainer Bobby Frankel. "I experimented with him on the main track," Frankel said, "but he's a turf horse and he almost set the world record in his last outing over this course [when second to Red Giant]." Garrett Gomez will be aboard for the fifth time.
• Red Rock Canyon - Aidan O'Brien trainee is in the race strictly to set the pace for stablemate Soldier of Fortune.
• Red Rocks - The 2006 Breeders' Cup Turf winner at Churchill Downs worked 7 furlongs on Belmont Park's turf course on Sunday in 1:27.40. Hasn't raced since his two-length victory over defending Horse of the Year Curlin in the Man o' War at Belmont Park on July 12th. Scratched from the Sword Dancer at Saratoga when he developed an infection. New trainer Mark Hennig has had a battle on his hands all summer. Nevertheless, world-class jockey Frankie Dettori takes mount again.
• Soldier of Fortune - Third-place finisher in the $5.3 million Arc de Triomphe, only 2 1/2 lengths behind world beater Zarkava. Was scheduled to arrive at Santa Anita Park on Monday afternoon with the Coolmore flight from Ireland. Aidan O'Brien trained, is probably the horse to beat here with Johnny Murtagh, who rode him to victory in the Coronation Cup earlier this year.
• Spring House - Trainer Julio Canani said on Monday that he was having a hard time deciding between this race and the 1 1/2-mile Breeders' Cup Marathon.
• Winchester - The 3-year-old son of Theatrical, trained by Dermot Weld, impressed me winning the Secretariat Stakes at Arlington Park in his last start and arrived early Monday after a flight from England to spend the day in quarantine. Jockey Pat Smullen, who rode this horse in his maiden win, has the mount here.

The $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic

Saturday at 6:45 p.m. EST; 1 1/4 miles on Pro-Ride

• Casino Drive - Japanese invader won a prep race over the track vs. much weaker but should benefit from that outing. Still, it would be a near miracle if he is ready to face the likes of Curlin and the top-class Euros in this field in just his fourth lifetime start. Victor Espinoza has the mount.
• Champs Elysees - Consistent Bobby Frankel trainee worked 5 furlongs in 59.60 in company (with blinkers on) with stakes filly Country Star who was clocked in 1:00 flat. A sharp move. "He's usually lazy in the mornings," Frankel said. "But the blinkers helped and he likes this track." Alan Garcia will ride him for the first time on Saturday.
• Colonel John - Eoin Harty-trainee hasn't raced since winning the Travers Stakes in August. Went an easy half-mile in 49 seconds over the Pro-Ride surface on Monday. Looked good doing it, but will have to be ready for the race of his life to win here.
• Curlin - The champ worked a solid 5 furlongs in 59.11 on October 13th, galloping out 6 furlongs in 1:12 to prove he can handle the Pro-Ride surface. Came back to work 4 furlongs in a leisurely but smooth 49.60 on Monday and seems ready to fire for trainer Steve Asmussen. Regular jockey Robby Albarado rides on Saturday.
• Duke of Marmalade - The 4-year-old won five Grade 1 races in Europe this season before finishing seventh in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe on October 5th. Is he over the top? Or can we throw that last race out and expect him to give Curlin a stiff test? Hard to know without really seeing him train, but jockey John Murtagh chose him instead of Henrythenavigator for trainer Aidan O'Brien.
• Fairbanks - Worked 5 furlongs in 1:00 2/5 at Santa Anita Park on Sunday with good finish. Trainer Todd Pletcher opted to go in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic instead of the $500,000 Marathon for one-tenth the purse. But he will be 25-1 in the Classic and would have been less than 3-1 in the Marathon. Richard Migliore will ride.
• Go Between - Solid synthetic track performer worked 4 furlongs in 48.20 at Churchill Downs on Monday morning. The move ranked second of 47 works at the distance. "I got him galloping out 5 furlongs in 1:01," trainer Billy Mott said. "It looks like he came out of the work good, and he's ready to go." Jockey Garrett Gomez has the mount.
• Henrythenavigator - Son of Kingmambo won four Grade 1 races at one mile this year at four different European tracks before he lost his last two. Stretching out in distance and trying Pro-Ride so is very hard to gauge his true chances. American jockey John Velasquez has the mount.
• Raven's Pass - John Gosden trainee came to the fore relatively quickly in Europe during the summer to defeat Henrythenavigator in the QE II at Ascot. Will be stretching out in distance and trying Pro-Ride, but seems a classy sort and jockey Frankie Dettori takes the mount.
• Smooth Air - Ohio Derby winner worked in 1:12.60 at Calder Racecourse on Saturday and then shipped to Santa Anita Park. Manoel Cruz will have the mount for veteran trainer Bernie Stutts Jr. Is one of the few horses in the field with genuine early speed.
• Student Council - Uncoupled stablemate to Curlin is a Grade 1 winner on Polytrack and worked three times recently, including his latest 4 furlongs in 48 flat on the Pro-Ride surface on Monday morning. Jockey Shaun Bridgmohan has the mount.
• Tiago - The 4-year-old stretch runner has been nibbling at purses in rich races all year and just might do the same in this rich race. Looked better than usual jogging at Hollywood Park on Monday. Regular jockey Mike Smith retains the mount in quest of an 11th Breeders' Cup victory and second in the Classic (he won aboard Skip Away in 1997).

Will Curlin defend Breeders' Cup Classic title? Bet on the Breeders' Cup!

That completes my workout and training reports for almost every horse entered in a Breeders' Cup race. Please check the 'Face Off' for each race, written by Dave Tuley and me, for actual selections on this amazing two-day smorgasbord of high-class stakes.

Steve Davidowitz has written two highly acclaimed books on Thoroughbred racing---Betting Thoroughbreds and The Best and Worst of Thoroughbred Racing. He also is a regular contributor to Daily Racing Form's Simulcast Weekly and DRF Plus and his columns appear in the Bodog Racebook each week.