SANTA ANITA hosts the Breeders’ Cup for the seventh time in the past twelve years and let us hope everything runs smoothly over the two days. Let us also hope that the overseas challengers make their mark on what is a truly international occasion.
From a vino perspective California is one of the great wine producing regions of the world and the winemakers have had tremendous challenges to deal within the past few years. Make sure you check out wineries like Jackson Family Wines, Louis M. Martini and Cakebread to name a few.
Nearer to home I will be making my first visit to Wetherby on Friday for day one of their Charlie Hall meeting ahead of travelling south to Newmarket for their last day of racing of a very memorable 2019.
Friday November 1st
9.32 Santa Anita Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Dirt 1m ½f
LAZY DAISY is locally trained, improved a big chunk on both form and speed figures when successful at Churchill Downs last month, the step up in trip suiting her well. This will be fast run and if she can get a midfield sit from her decent draw, could outrun her odds. Not as much to find on the figures as the price makes you believe.
Unibet 14/1 each way
10.12 Santa Anita Breeders Cup’ Juvenile Fillies Turf 1m
DAAYHEH the Albany and Rockfel winner is very classy and she has certainly got a good chance here of coming home ahead of the likes of Selflessly and Crystalle.
She is also very game as she showed when beating Stylistique in the Group 2 Rockfel at Newmarket last time out.
Unibet 7/2 win
11.03 Santa Anita Breeders Cup’ Juvenile Dirt 1m ½f
EIGHT RINGS was oh so impressive when scoring in the Grade 1 American Pharoah over C&D last time out, making all and coming right away in the closing stages. Little in the way of early pace here (most of these hold-up horses to varying extents so far) and he looks the banker of the night to make all the running.
Unibet 6/4 win
Eight Rings did not disappoint in the G1 American Pharoah Stakes!
Another victory on the card for Hall of Famers Jockey @ljlmvel & Trainer Bob Baffert!
We'll see you in the @TVG @BreedersCup Juvenile this November! #WinAndYoureIn pic.twitter.com/GwDYohqdQW
— TVG (@TVG) September 27, 2019
Saturday November 2nd
8.54 Santa Anita Breeders’ Cup Fillies and Mares Turf 1m 2f
With now retired Magical out this does look like Sistercharlie’s to lose, but there’s some each-way value to be had in the race and FANNY LOGAN (nap) makes plenty of appeal.
She is looking for a five-timer here, having won very comfortably at Newmarket last time out for the Frankie Dettori and John Gosden team. She is also proven on all types of going too and is a good each way selection.
Unibet 12/1 each way
11.00 Santa Anita Breeders’ Cup Distaff Dirt 1m 1f
SERENGETI EMPRESS did run poorly last time and she has burst blood vessels, so there are some concerns with her, but there’s no way a Kentucky Oaks winner should be such a price here, especially going back up to her preferred trip. She likes to lead, so gate 9 isn’t ideal, but there’s not that much pace up front and it might not be the disadvantage it first appears. Not without hope at a price.
Unibet 16/1 each way
12.44 Santa Anita Breeders’ Cup Classic 1m 2f Dirt
ELATE takes on the boys in a race that looks pretty winnable, rather than go for the Distaff, and the hint should be taken. Her nose defeat by Midnight Bisou (a hot favourite for that Distaff) reads very well, and she is three from three at this trip. That will hold her in strong stead in a race where one or two may have stamina doubts in what is not a vintage renewal and there’s enough pace on for her to use that stamina late.
