Breeders' Cup Picks For Saturday

Race 1: Harbour Master was last seen finishing fourth behind the Big Score...that was first start stateside..could improve much more in the turn back in ground..glad to see Mike Smith stick...Red Lodge was well beaten in grade one event last time..prior to that ambitious run won first asking stateside going five and a half and will appreciate the cut back...Kitten's Cat is another who is turning back in ground after finishing third in Grade three Pilgrim behind Oscar Performance who came back to show brilliance..the seasoning from that race plus getting firmer grass will be advantageous to this one..Con Te Partico hails from the juvey whisperer  Wesley Ward..fourth last time..won two back and broke maiden impressively.




Race 2: California Diamond could sparkle all the way to the winners' circle..made strong case against state breds and last time ventured into open company and did good work there as well...money will be short on this one but definitely the one to beat. Rinse And Repeat is an interesting player..one win from six starts but five in the money finishes..the Square Eddie colt needs to run quicker to threatened the top pick but will be there in the end...Milton Forever is another who only finished once out of the money from four starts..beat Rinse And Repeat last time..the son of Creative Cause will be finishing in the lane...California Clone broke maiden last out..will be up there trying to carry them around.





Race 3: Mehronissa attracts Dettori...finished second last time in group three contest..gets lasix for this cavalry charge that will be on full display in the lane...Fair Point is an improving filly..second last time to Miss Ella..prior to that won two in a row..good numbers coming into the race...Ortiz knows the filly very well and will have her in the right spot...Lady Shipman was a disappointment last time as the fave..ran a different type of race than what had previously worked...should revert back to old style and be more prominent from the opening bell...Acapulco has shown  talent in her brief career..would I be surprised if she won this event?..absolutely not..she will take money and she will carry them around and play come catch me if you can.





Race 4: Daddys lil Darling endured a wide draw last time and almost pulled out the victory..won two events leading up to the grade one try..saddled with another wide draw again..should work out a trip under Lanerie...Noted and Quoted won grade one effort last time over today's surface...already answered the question about the distance and will sit close throughout...Jamyson N' Ginger ran a huge number breaking maiden..maybe the sloppy going aided that number but regardless love to see the improvement on the stretch out...another one that will sit up close to the pace and wait...Yellow Agate beat Jamyson N' Ginger in maiden win..showed grit in last start...won't have a problem with distance..no lasix in third straight start.






Race 5: Seventh Heaven is another combo of O'Brien and Moore..cuts back in ground..gets lasix..ran in four straight group one winning two out of four..will be sent roaring down the stretch...Queen's Trust has not won this year but the company line is strong..two back beaten by four..Seventh Heaven and Found were the culprits that day..enough said..gets lasix..Dettori rides with that North American flair and will be coming after them. Sea Calisi is another that will be coming from the rear hoping to catch them..four starts stateside and she can hold her head high for those efforts..happy to see Geroux here..after all he has ridden another in this event but sticks here.. Lady Eli..what a woman she is..if she was to take this I would gladly tip my hat and move on..she is brilliant..first start off layoff she was beaten but promptly came back to dispose of her rivals..she is a talented and wonderful filly..will be rooting for her while spending two bucks elsewhere.






Race 6: The Sprint has always been one of my favorite event to watch each year..this year I am a little disappointed with the depth.. I landed on Delta Bluesman who will offer great value along the price play spectrum..four wins this year and the venture outside of Gulfstream park added some spring to his leg..one out the money finish since leaving Gulfstream and one could make an excuse for that race..can rate or take them around and he will sit close while others set fire up front. Masochistic ran  very big number last time...my only concern is that he came back from a long layoff and ran huge two times..loves the surface and distance...A.P. Indian showed grit and fight in last start at Keeneland..I thought he was beaten but he came back and edged it by a nose..hard to ignore the guts of this warrior but looking elsewhere for the win..Drefong has been impressive in four straight..undefeated this year..loves to dance upfront..last time defeated two runners who came back and showed good stuff..while that will be enough to land on this ride I still think others have an advantage here.






Race 7: Om could lure them in a trance..the son of Munnings likes to dance near the front..the cut back will only do his body good and Stevens is a smart rider who will have him in a good spot.. Alot finished second going a mile last time but three back showed strength and power in the lane..the pace will be scorching and I think Chad Brown will have this one ready to roll fourth time out of his barn...Undrafted makes fourth start since coming back from Ascot..I believe horses sometimes need a moment to regroup..he will be produced in the lane and if this old fella can turn it over like years past he will be stretching out his neck at the wire...Washington DC will probably be shown more love than our nation's capital today..two nice efforts in last two..O'Brien and Moore once again teaming up.







Race 8: Classic Empire disappointed backers at Saratoga when the rider got lost once the gates flew..came back after that mishap at Keeneland and won like something special..I truly believe this could be a classy colt when we swing into triple crown dialogue....Dismiss Three Rules  at your own peril...you don't win like he did in five starts without having some top notch ability..like the top pick he has won at distance and the last two works suggest he is still full of himself...Not This Time is another who could be on top of the ticket..the son of Giant Causeway showed lovely giddy up in last two while winning them in stylish fashion..also owns a win at the distance...Gormley is the local runner who did nice work in last effort..will be prominent from the opening bell.







Race 9: I am like a kid in the candy store when I think of this race..Flintshire looks like a super horse with the few glimpses I have had this week..the horse caught yielding turf last time and got out kicked  by the pace setter..firm ground today and he will be in the right spot throughout...Found is no slouch and will the main competitor to the top pick..the well traveled runner will try to gun down Flintshire....Highland Reel belongs in the same conversation as the top two picks..could sit close early and be the first to get a run at the pace setters...Money Multiplier was compromised by the surface last time thus I am throwing it out..he ran well two back competing with his star stablemate..Johnny V will have him right and ready to roll.







R10: Irish Jasper is the light bulb play in this spot..won last two and steps up in class but it isn't a scary class jump..three starts this year and won two..the lone defeat this year was on turf...I say watch out....By The Moon exits a nice runner up effort in the Ballerina...she will be traveling close up front and ready to pounce when given the go button..Wavell Avenue is one lady that holds a special place in my heart..she always seem to run and try..will get something to run at..is she still in this class?..today will answer the question...Paola Queen disliked the mud last time..two back she shocked the Saratoga crowd in the test..loves the distance..will be coming at them.







R11: Alice Springs could easily be my best bet..winner of her last two and while some may dismiss her because of her defeat when she traveled to the United States last year..different year..different filly...Limato gets lasix...nice three efforts in last three graded events...her running style suggest she will track the leaders and come at them...Ironicus...lost to Miss Temple City last time while rolling late..she will be produced down the lane and will give her backers a thrill..Photo Call owns a win over the surface while boasting two wins and three thirds from the distance..I expect her to carry them and slow it down as much as she can before trying to steal it.








R12: Last year Frosted disappointed me in the classic..he didn't bring his fight..the Met Mile win was so breathtaking many were gushing kingship upon him after that run..he came back with the Smooth Operator and won the grade two Whitney by two...the last effort was a bit puzzling to some but after the big run in Mile event this should be expected..Trainer won mile yesterday..flirted with the thought of putting Frosted there but opted for this one..I am opting for Frosted as well....California Chrome is a beast and he has done wonderful things to this game that so many of us love..loves the distance..loves the track..won't love the odds....Arrogate is looking tremendous while training and that is scary..the three year old showed brilliance in the Travers..just like Frosted I expect a regression...Effinex will be ridden with confidence from the start..I expect his name to be called often and late but just coming up short.

Breeders' Cup Friday's Picks

Race 1: Forset Blue..goes from turf to dirt and stretches out a bit for this effort..two back was beaten by Silent Bird who I am giving a chance later in the card..Blameitonthelaw..exits the same two back event as the top pick..two solid moves for this..improving numbers in last two...Ain't Misbehavin..gets back on the Santa Anita surface that he loves..won two out of last four against state breds..last two went in open company and didn't hit board but numbers came back strong..cuts back from those efforts and winning jock sticks..Distinctive B..dropped in class for last two and showed renewed fight..climbs the ladder again and last big fig suggest he may be ready to last longer in the fight.



Race 2: Longstocking had excuses in last two starts at this level..her numbers fits lovely with these runners..she is a versatile filly and Johnny V will have her in the right spot from the opening jump..Watch This Cat... is likely the one to beat based on last win and how she did it..she is undefeated at the distance and owns a win over the Santa Anita turf..Tryst broke maiden two back then stepped up against winners and had an excuse in that effort..love the fact Prat sticks here and this filly who has taken money in every effort will be a serious player...Always Believe also broke maiden two back and the recent morning moves over the surface suggest she is ready to go and the price will be right.




Race 3: Scuba will be one of the faves in this spot and rightfully so..the six year old comes into this spot with a showy record this year..from seven starts he boast seven in the money finishes...he will be right up front in the slowly run race at first and then will sprint home..Hard Aces..has kept beautiful company in last two starts..three back took care of business..if 4/1 is there at post time I will be all in on this one..Blue Tone...ran a huge number last time in optional company..has competed in graded company and the distance being a son of a Belmont Stakes winner won't be an issue..will track top pick around the oval..Tale Of Verve..will be a nice price and the Smooth Operator hops aboard for the ride.




Race 4: Jazzy Times is the top pick solely on the last race and who he competed against..got a confidence boost two back while running a big fig..will be a short price in this spot but I would tread cautiously because Navy Hymn I believe will be a strong player in this spot..forget the last effort at Parx and take a look at the two back effort where he ran a huge number and received a big figure..record on the Santa Anita surface is terrific...Prospect Park..comes back from a layoff..working well for the come back..best effort would make this one dangerous... Silent Bird beat Forest Blue in last and Forest Blue is my top pick in first..the price will be right if you are looking for someone to spice up the exotics.




Race 5: Only You Babe comes back in with Cal Breds after stepping out of comfort zone last time..he rattled off three wins in a row before tackling open company..the daughter of Thorn Song will be in a good position throughout..Vai will probably be your post time fave...she showed fight in her last start and will be confident coming into this spot...Isa Firecracker was beaten by Vai in last start but was only beaten a half length..will sit third or fourth and then make a move...How About Zero is a price play that could win this event..she was ambitious in first start and wasn't embarrassed..last start she dueled and waved the white flag while getting beat by two..will be in the mix early.





Race 6: I am excited for this race and Good Samaritan is the top pick that I am all in with..the colt won first two starts and boast improving numbers..Joel Smooth Operator Rosario will be back once more aboard this Harlan Holiday runner.. he will have his charge in a great spot...Lancaster Bomber's record and the company lines kept prompting me to revisit a few of his races..he was owned in several races by the talented Churchill..gets lasix and will be the major problem for my top pick...Intelligence Cross also gets lasix for this spot..has only been out of money once in six starts..expect this one to be closer today compared to last effort...Oscar performance lost first start but has shown tremendous talent in last two...will be in a good position and if allowed to walk up front could be tough.





Race 7:  Dortmund could easily have been in the classic and he would've gotten played by many..he cuts back to the mile distance that he owns..his record over the Santa Anita strip is impeccable and the company lines speak for themselves..single and move on..I was impressed with Gun Runner's last effort especially since I loved Connect in that start..he showed his talent and ran strongly to the end..RunHappy speaks for himself but I disliked the last start and it wasn't Prado's fault  but someone had to be the fall guy..willing to give another chance since he won over the surface before and the layoff going into last must be taken into consideration..Tom's Ready made me happy last time and while he is in the fourth spot the ticket will have him all over the place..loves the distance..will get the pace to run at..forget the two back spot and you would have a horse getting much more respect in this spot.





Race 8: When Aiden O'Brien and jockey Moore get together it always makes me excited..Roly Poly has been very good in last four and stretches out for this tough spot..the daughter of War Front gets lasix and the extra ground won't be an issue..the son will try to take down father when Joseph O'Brien sends out Intricately..consistency is the key with the filly in four starts..she gets faster with each start and the extra furlong won't impede her chances...Spain Burg is another runner I am excited to see compete stateside..she has done nothing wrong in five starts...she will be produced late  down the lane..Hydrangea is another Euro with lovely in the money record..last time going a mile she led and kept on while finishing 2nd.






Race 9: I was looking for a price to beat Stellar Wind but I came back here..this is an impressive young miss..eleven lifetime starts and in the money ten times..lovely record on the Santa Anita surface..the record at the distance doesn't sway me because she is a maturing young lady that has finally recognized that she is a star...Songbird..nothing left to be said about this lady..she has given us nothing but joy throughout the summer and she will once again lay it down..I don't think we have seen the bottom of her and if she glides up front Stellar Wind will have her hands full...Forever Unbridled will be a great price..she will be coming at them at the end...Beholder..could win this and boast the quality that made some believe she could beat Chrome..she is marvelous and if the fight is still there she will be a tough out.




Race 10: Top pick is Oscar Nominated..won by six last time..this company I think is mild compared to what previously kept...Free Rose...comes with a two race winning streak.. Path Of David...beaten by Oscar Nominated last time at Kentucky Downs..had mild trouble and should be tighter in this spot..Monster Bea is seeking first win since the DelMar upset..maybe ready to fight his way back in the winning business.

Travers' Day Card Selections

Race 1: Your Secret's Safe..is by Tapizar out of a Thunder Gulch mare and has been working very well with a set of steady breezes for this effort..I am a big fan of Tapizar going out for the first time and Chad Brown is a masterful conditioner with the youngsters. Reckling hails from the Asmussen barn and has one start over the track..he was beaten six lengths but should be even better second time. Monaco by Uncle Mo comes from another conditioner with a high win percentage with first time babies...steady diet of works for debut and should be ready to fire from the opening bell.


Race 2: Sport had problems in last two starts..the son of Hard Spun will sit off the pace and come running in the lane..jock from last effort sticks. Ballagh Rocks finished in front of top pick last time..beyer numbers are on the rise and will once again rolling when the true running starts. Turf Commander hails from Chad Brown's house..he set pace and backed up last time..this one has options..could sit close or take them around..could get away if allowed to crawl on the front end. Price play is Patterson Cross...second time Mott and Lezcano and that is always a recipe for success..include in exotics.



Race 3: This could be a major day for Chad Brown and Threefiveindia could be one of his many winners on the day...this charge is lightly race...broke maiden in first start..went to grade one company and was humbled..given time and returned with a nice win..given another two months break..work lovely since last win and looks ready to fire. Its All Revelant has flashed brilliance in the past..kept some good company..will push pace upfront. Tiz Shea D arrives in this spot from a long break..horse has been out of money only twice and cuts back in ground for the comeback try..working lights out and looks ready to fire strong. Annual Report did some good work in three starts before exiting stage left for a break..Kiaran is a master at getting them to fire and this isn't a tough spot to make that trek back. Price play in this spot if the layoff horses refuse to giddyup will be Yellow Chips...five of eight in the money this year and if morning line or anything close will warrant a two dollar wager.



Race 4: Another Chad Brown runner who I am giving a major shot. Penjade makes second start in the states and first effort the horse took money and didn't embarrass self..beaten only a length and quarter..he will be rolling. Last Waltz exits a series of very strong races.. horse that beat her three back came back to win in lovely fashion last Sunday..will be post time fave and could win this one for fun. I love Bill Mott second time anything and he has a nice filly making her second go for him..Montalcino ran super after getting pinched in first start and going wide in lane..the number came back very good for this spot and will be produced in the lane. Stella Rose..finished behind a nice runner in first try on grass..the smooth operator sticks around for the call..expect her to be closer to pace.



Race 5: Imperia started career on turf then chased the derby dream before going back to turf in last two. The two efforts on grass this year were pretty good and getting beat by Money Multiplier isn't anything to hang head about. Manitoulin became a different horse since getting on the grass..performed well in first start with winners..will be there once again. Deeply Undervalued is another runner from Chad Brown's yard who will be taking mucho dinero at the window..throwout first start and this horse is putting something nice together..broke maiden by over three lengths last time and while I like to take a wait and see approach with maiden breakers with winners for the first time, I am willing to look the other way because Chad Brown is involved. Havana Moon exited stakes company in last but failed to fire..gets lasix and Johnny V who had a great Friday at the Spa climbs aboard.



Race 6: This will be an exciting race to watch..I landed on I'm a Chatterbox..brilliant effort in her last start and two back she was masterful..she will once again sit close from the inside and play catch me if you can in the lane. Cavorting could've easily be my top pick but I love her more going shorter..her last race going past a mile was breath taking to observe and I would not be surprised if her superiority rose to the top once again. Forever Unbridled has done nothing wrong this year and could easily win in this spot..love the last move over the Saratoga surface..she will be ready to rumble once again. Curlina..will be fighting for favoritism with Cavorting at the window..she is a top class filly but I just happened to like others over her.



Race 7: A very tough race.. Sheer Drama is my top pick..gets away from Cavorting and Forever Unbridled but this spot isn't a piece of cake..love the fact the mare is cutting back to a distance that she has shown to be strong at..the regular pilot sticks and he knows this woman very well. Carina Mia will take all type of money at the window..the Songbird company and the fact she held her own for a short while will put many supporters in her corner..this filly was impressive before Songbird and will once again be tough at a distance that when seen last time she romped by eight. Paulassilverlining will hustle out of there under Ortiz and dare them to come get her.



Race 8: Tom's Ready took my voice away in his last race..he has been given a lovely break since that monster job and a steady diet of works shows that he hasn't lost his edge since the big win. Economic Model will be strong in the lane cutting back to seven furlongs..the win two back produced a big number..he will be dangerous in the lane. Mohaymen..the shiny object in this race based on his resume...gets back in the conversation with his entry in this spot..brilliant move in his last work..would I be blown away if he wins by five..absolutely not..if the money is right on the board he will be enticing. Price play is Bird Song who won in stylish fashion in last start..earned a big number for that major run and will be coming once again..could get up for a piece.



Race 9: I have been chasing Marking since February and will once again chase this colt..flashed some nice things over in Dubai but failed to show up for showtime...came back in Met Mile and ran into Frosted who is turning out to be something special as a older horse..in last start came running at an impressive runner who since that race came back to win and once again shows up in this spot. A. P. Indian beat marking by a head two back and came back at six panels and won another dog fight..stretch back out slightly and I see no reason why this son of Indian Charlie will regress. Catalina Red..has run some major numbers in last three..he wants to be in the mix and expect Saez to establish self early along the rail hoping to be strong to hold off top two picks. Ready For Rye has not been out of the money this year..finished behind the top two picks in last start..great odds for a nice trier..will sit off the rumble upfront and then produced by Johnny V.



Race 10: Flintshire should continue Chad Brown's winning ways..last race was mind blowing..geared down before he passed Grand Tito.. a terrific runner who will be singled on many tickets..I am expecing the same world class effort against this crew. Money Multiplier would be a big time player in this spot without the presence of stablemate..four big efforts this year and should push stable mate a bit in the lane. Roman Approval will be a big price and will sit behind Grand Tito..third place finisher two back came back to fire big at Woodbine...Grand Tito did all the dirty work in last start but was left outside in the cold by Flintshire..the old man will once again ask his leg to take him as far and as fast as he can.




Race 11: This is Exaggerator's race to lose..he will fire big and far once again and will dispel all talk about being a mudder. Destin..I have been waiting for this horse since the powerful Tampa Bay Derby victory..flashed it in Belmont Stakes and last start allowed a maiden claimer to walk on the front and steal the race..that maiden claimer will not be allowed to crawl this time around and Destin will get a favorable setup. Governor Malibu continues to show how far NY Breds and the breeding program have come....he is a fighter and Rosario's fourth dance on this colt could be music to many supporters. Connect is and will be a very nice horse..I think a few in here are more seasoned for this spot than he is but rest assured this horse will surpass many in this field.



Race 12: What needs to be said about Lady Eli?...she was going to be Tepin like before Tepin emerged on the scene...coming off major break and scary episode..working like the champ she is..looking forward to seeing her on the track. If Lady Eli Stumble off the layoff..I am swinging with Sweet Accalim who has flashed brilliance in a few starts this year. I witnessed her losing by a head to her stable mate at Churchill and since that try she came back at Ellis Park to run huge..once she gets going she will be rolling under a turf master. Miss Temple City may have needed that last one since traveling overseas..will be on the top of her game. Sentiero Italia belongs in the conversation with these ladies..nice win last time..The Smooth Operator sticks and will sit very close for the run.




Race 13: Rooftop View tipped hand in last start and will be ready to get win number two. Kerjilhon..is the one to beat in this spot came back strong after a two year break..will be post time fave and will be a tough out in the lane. Papa Freud is the best of the rest and should fill out the underneath ticket along with I Win who will sit up close to the pace.