by Steve Byk
first published on October 23, 2008

25th BREEDERS’ CUP — OAK TREE AT SANTA ANITA

DAY 1 (10/24)

3rd: BC Filly & Mare Sprint, F&M-3+, 7f (P6, P3, DD, Super)

Even with anticipated scratch of Indyanne, the pace of this affair appears hotter than a typical seven-eighths event. Stalkers/Closers should have the set up they look for. While Indian Blessing is surely the horse to beat after brilliant managed campaign, Ventura and Zaftig are coming up to this on pitch and should make this one of the weekend’s most exciting races. 

(more…)

by Steve Byk
first published on November 7, 2007

CUP CRITICISMS UNWARRANTED:
It’s been hard to understand the assortment of criticisms leveled at Monmouth Park and Breeders’ Cup officials since the October 26-27 event which was plagued by impossible weather. Attacks that smaller venues are inappropriate for the Cup; that Monmouth was ill-equipped for the undertaking; that betting lines were unmanageable and even that Aramark’s foodservice efforts were lacking, all seem petty and unfair given the circumstances. 

(more…)

by Steve Byk
first published on October 2, 2007 

Saturday’s main Breeders’ Cup events appear doomed to be run under difficult conditions with a turf course certain to be squishy at best and a main track potentially a quagmire. While the new grass strip comes well-regarded for its’ draining properties, the dirt oval is notorious for its’ inability to hold water and has been floated and sealed since mid-week. That reality gives pause for handicapping the 8 dirt tests with an eye on speed horses and just-off types with preferences for sloppy conditions on a surface already prone to kindness for runners of that ilk. 

(more…)

by Steve Byk
first published on January 9, 2007

The Breeders’ Cup announcement January 8 of an expanded program featuring three new events in a second day of racing has generated an initial burst of excitement from fans. The organization’s rationale for the move seems to be that if the eight races that serve as the ersatz championships for the major divisions in the game are so fabulous, more of that good thing must be a positive. But given that the current BC program is designed to unquestionably draw the best thoroughbreds in the world for one spectacular day of quality racing, the execution as announced seems hastily conceived and flawed.

(more…)

by Steve Byk
first published on November 4, 2006 

LOUISVILLE, KY — Breeders’ Cup, the day that racing likes to bill as its’ greatest, once again offered the stories that regularly thrill, and all too frequently chill, those that are captivated by the intoxicating game. Saturday at Churchill Downs, stunning upsets, heroic efforts and a tragic breakdown demonstrated all the passions and pathos and range of emotions that keep horse lovers coming back whether hardened punters or starry-eyed admirers of the pageant.

(more…)