Breeders' Cup 2009: Filly & Mare-athon Day

The Breeders' Cup is finally upon us; from my vantage point (watching TVG), the weather looks perfect. We've had a few scratches - Kera's Kitten in the Juvenile Turf, and Allegre from tomorrow's Turf - but at least in the case of the former race, the Ramsey barn has so many talented Kitten's Joy offspring floating around that they've been able to slot Dean's Kitten in as a replacement. While it does throw off our analysis a bit for that particular race (scroll down here if you missed any of 'insights' into each race), on the whole, we're sticking with our picks. Any exciting wagering wins will be reported - as will the usual 'why did I toss him/her out at the last minute?' wails. We'll be following along in real-time (except when day care pickup beckons) and will be posting some notes here, but you can get the most current thoughts on Twitter. Good luck and safe journeys to all the horses and jockeys - I do apologize for today's title. Thoughts - Marathon What a fantastic finish - really outstanding efforts from both winner Man of Iron and runner-up Cloudy's Knight. Here's something to ponder: imagine what Better Than Honour's stud fee would be if she were a stallion. Juvenile Fillies Turf I'd gone off Lillie Langtry last night after hearing about how she'd been taking to California (not well); Smart Seattle didn't have a good trip, so I'd draw a line through this one for her, but I'm very glad I threw a last-minute bet on Tapitsfly. I assumed she was going to be close to her morning-line odds, but when I noticed she drifted up, I was very excited. Nice win for the grey filly.

Breeders' Cup 2009: Classic

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds 1 Mine That Bird, Chip Woolley, C. Borel, 12-1 Perhaps unfairly overlooked; he does have the rail and Bo-Rail. 2 Colonel John, Eoin Harty, G. Gomez, 12-1 Solid runner is flying a bit under the radar. 3 Summer Bird, Tim Ice, K. Desormeaux, 9/2 Gets better and better each time out - can't wait to see him again next year. 4 Zenyatta, John Shirreffs, M. Smith, 5/2 Her numbers and recent competition are the biggest concern - she looks amazing. Perhaps she just does all she needs to? In any case, it's great to see her here. 5 Twice Over (GB), Henry Cecil, T. Queally, 20-1 Tough European seems to offer great value here. 6 Richard's Kid, Bob Baffert, A. Solis, 12-1 The mystery horse; was his shock upset of Einstein the beginning of a pattern? His works have drawn raves. 7 Gio Ponti, Christophe Clement, R. Dominguez, 12-1 Solid, honest horse who happens to beat just about everybody - without garnering much acclaim. Great spot here. 8 Einstein (BRZ), Helen Pitts-Blasi, J. Leparoux, 12-1 He's got the ability, he just needs the luck - would love to see him (pictured) go out on a win, especially for Pitts-Blasi. 9 Girolamo, Saeed Bin Suroor, A. Garcia, 20-1 Three-race win streak is more G2 level, but he does have talent. 10 Rip Van Winkle (IRE), Aiden O'Brien, J. Murtagh, 7/2 If his foot doesn't bother him, he wins - if it does, he finishes up the track. 11 Regal Ransom, Saeed Bin Suroor, R. Migliore, 20-1 Came back from a post-Derby layoff with a win in the Super Derby; hard to evaluate where he sits. 12 Quality Road, Todd Pletcher, J. Velazquez, 12-1 Would have preferred to see him in the Dirt Mile - or even the Mile, given his Aussie breeding. Next time? 13 Awesome Gem, Craig Dollase, D. Flores, 30-1 Will he hit the board again? He did in the 2007 edition of this race. Ideal world: Einstein & Zenyatta DH for first, Gio Ponti takes second, Summer Bird third Picks: Rip Van Winkle, Einstein, Gio Ponti, Twice Over

Breeders' Cup 2009: Turf

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds 1 Telling, Steve Hobby, J. Castellano, 20-1 Sword Dancer winner is competitive with American turf runners, if not often in the winner's circle. 2 Conduit (IRE), Sir Michael Stoute, R. Moore, 7/5 Wins almost every time he does not face Sea the Stars - a worthy returning champion. 3 Red Rocks (IRE), B.J. Meehan, J. Leparoux, 20-1 2007 winner of this race has struggled to find his best form this year. 4 Allegre, Brian Koriner, J. Velazquez, 50-1 Big step up in class; distance may also be a concern. 5 Dar Re Mi (GB), John Gosden, L. Dettori, 3-1 Second to Zarkava last year and beat Stacelita (let's be honest) - good result in the Arc (pictured). 6 Presious Passion, Mary Hartmann, E. Trujillo, 4-1 Best US-based chance in the race; always gives his all. 7 Spanish Moon, Sir Michael Stoute, K. Fallon, 5/2 Very solid European performer (although American by birth) is a strong threat here. 8 Monzante, Mike Mitchell, R. Bejarano, 30-1 Recent form does not suggest a huge threat here. Picks: Dar Re Mi, Conduit, Spanish Moon, Presious Passion

Breeders' Cup 2009: Dirt Mile

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds 1 Mastercraftsman (IRE), Aiden P. O'Brien, J. Murtagh, 6/5 Class of the field, no question (pictured). 2 Furthest Land, Michael J. Maker, J. Leparoux, 20-1 Won Kentucky Cup Classic last time, but he's not beaten much. 3 Midshipman, Saeed Bin Suroor, G. Gomez, 6-1 Only blemish is a second in last year's Norfolk Stakes; second start off a long layoff. 4 Bullsbay, H. Graham Motion, J. Rose, 3-1 His third behind Rachel Alexandra in the Woodward is closer than most horses can claim to have come. 5 Neko Bay, John Shirreffs, M. Smith, 20-1 Always first or second at Santa Anita, but against lesser opponents. 6 Mambo Meister, Philip A. Gleaves, M. Cruz, 30-1 Has a win last time out; seems more of a G3 performer. 7 Pyro, Saeed Bin Suroor, J. Velazquez, 10-1 Didn't do much in this race last year, but has done well since returning to the races late this summer. 8 Mr. Sidney, William Mott, K. Desormeaux, 12-1 Well-bred underachiever could use a win, but has faced some quality competition. 9 Chocolate Candy, Jerry Hollendorfer, J. Rosario, 15-1 Has been earning his keep the hard way, but has more talent than that might indicate. 10 Ready's Echo, Todd Pletcher, C. Borel, 20-1 Remember how he dead-heated for third in the Belmont behind Da'Tara? No? Still winless. Picks: Mastercraftsman, Bullsbay, Midshipman, Pyro; longshot: Chocolate Candy

Breeders' Cup 2009: Mile

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds 1 Court Vision, Richard Dutrow, Jr., R. Albarado, 12-1 Looked good last time out, but this is a tall order. 2 Whatsthescript (IRE), John W. Sadler, K. Desormeaux, 15-1 Third in this race last year; has not won since August of the same. 3 Cowboy Cal, Todd Pletcher, J. Velazquez, 6-1 Won the Oak Tree Mile last time out; as with Court Vision, the distance seems a better fit for him, but it's a big stage. 4 Delegator (GB), Saeed Bin Suroor, L. Dettori, 3-1 A notch below horses like Sea the Stars and Mastercraftsman, but could snag a win if Goldikova has an off day. 5 Karelian, George R. Arnold II, R. Maragh, 20-1 Second to Court Vision last time out; big step up in class. 6 Courageous Cat, William Mott, G. Gomez, 20-1 3-year-old seems to be developing nicely - perhaps next year. 7 Ferneley (IRE), Ben Cecil, R. Bejarano, 20-1 Beat Allicansayis Wow, second to Ventura. Likely to finish behind Goldikova. 8 Zacinto (GB), Sir Michael Stoute, R. Moore, 8-1 Most recently second to Rip Van Winkle at Ascot. 9 Gladiatorus, Saeed Bin Suroor, A. Ajtebi, 20-1 Formerly the world's highest-rated racehorse (according to Timeform), he's been hit and miss since then. 10 Justenuffhumor, Kiaran McLaughlin, A. Garcia, 10-1 Ultra-consistent until last time out. 11 Goldikova (IRE), O. Peslier, 8/5 The reigning champ (pictured) should equal Miesque's feat and repeat. Picks: Goldikova, Zacinto, Delegator, Ferneley

Breeders' Cup 2009: Juvenile

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds 1 Alfred Nobel (IRE), Aiden P. O'Brien, J. Murtagh, 20-1 Has G1 and G2 wins in Europe, not as lucky his last few races. 2 Piscitelli, Gregory D. Sacco, K. Desormeaux, 50-1 Maiden by Victory Gallop. 3 Beethoven (IRE), Aiden P. O'Brien, R. Moore, 20-1 Ten lifetime starts, has faced many tough European contenders (pictured). 4 Noble's Promise, Kenneth McPeek, W. Martinez, 8-1 Undefeated - in two starts, but one was a G1. 5 D'Funnybone, Richard Dutrow, Jr., E. Prado, 5/2 Has two G2 wins coming into this race. 6 Pulsion, Patrick L. Biancone, M. Smith, 20-1 Second in one lifetime start. 7 Vale of York (IRE), Saeed Bin Suroor, A. Ajtebi, 20-1 Competitive in solid company in Europe - last start in Italy. 8 Eskendereya, Todd Pletcher, J. Castellano, 10-1 Regally-bred son of Giants Causeway has a win from 1 start. 9 Aikenite, Todd Pletcher, A. Garcia, 8-1 Third and second in two G1 races; aims for a win. 10 Aspire, Eddie Kenneally, J. Leparoux, 30-1 Second in the Hopeful, third in the Champagne. 11 Radiohead (GB), M. Dwyer, 15-1 Winner of the (British) Norfolk Stakes has not been as lucky since, but gets Lasix this time. 12 William's Kitten, Michael J. Maker, R. Dominguez, 30-1 Ramsey homebred has one win from two starts. 13 Lookin At Lucky, Bob Baffert, G. Gomez, 8/5 Undefeated winner of the (California) Norfolk Stakes Picks: Beethoven, Lookin At Lucky, Radiohead, Aikenite

Breeders' Cup 2009: Sprint

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds 1 Zensational, Bob Baffert, V. Espinoza, 7/5 Likely the fastest horse in training (pictured); will the post position hurt? 2 Cost of Freedom, John Sadler, T. Baze, 20-1 Won the Ancient Title here...last year. 3 Fatal Bullet, Reade Baker, E. Da Silva, 9/2 Speedy 4-year-old loves synthetics; second in this race last year. 4 Crown of Thorns, Richard E. Mandella, R. Bejarano, 12-1 Seems to be improving after a long layoff, but probably not ready for this company. 5 Gayego, Saeed Bin Suroor, G. Gomez, 5/2 Ex-Derby candidate successfully reborn as a sprinter; can he keep up with Zensational? 6 Dancing in Silks, Carla Gaines, J. Rosario, 12-1 Step up in class for improving gelding. 7 Join in the Dance, Todd A. Pletcher, J. Velazquez, 30-1 Has yet to win a race. 8 Capt. Candyman Can, Ian Wilkes, J. Castellano, 15-1 3-year-old has thrived at sprinting distances. 9 Fleeting Spirit (IRE), Jeremy Noseda, L. Dettori, 8-1 Always competitive with the world's best turf sprinters; classy mare could pick up the pieces. Picks: Zensational, Fleeting Spirit, Fatal Bullet, Capt. Candyman Can

Breeders' Cup 2009: Juvenile Turf

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds 1 Zip Quik, Patrick L. Biancone, M. Smith, 50-1 Has 1 win so far, from 5 starts; often in the money. 2 Viscount Nelson, Aiden P. O'Brien, J. Murtagh, 6-1 Lovely breeding, some nice European wins so far. 3 Codoy, Mark Hubley, G. Gomez, 15-1 Second to Interactif (pictured) in the Bourbon at Keeneland. 4 Pounced, John Gosden, L. Dettori, 9/2 Very American-bred colt returns from Europe; second in G2 company there. 5 Gallant Gent, Craig A. Lewis, J. Rosario, 30-1 Third in the Norfolk. 6 Awesome Act, Jeremy Noseda, R. Moore, 20-1 Another Euromerican, like Pounced, although only has a maiden win. 7 Bridgetown, Kenneth McPeek, R. Landry, 8-1 Won the G3 Summer Stakes at Woodbine. 8 King Ledley, Darrin Miller, R. Bejarano, 20-1 Yet another US-bred coming from Europe; has 8 lifetime starts, 1 win. 9 Kera's Kitten, Michael J. Maker, R. Maragh, 12-1 Ramsey homebred has a turf win. 10 Becky's Kitten, Wesley Ward, J. Leparoux, 12-1 Another Ramsey Kitten, this one second in the Summer Stakes 11 Interactif, Todd Pletcher, K. Desormeaux, 4-1 Has 2 G3 wins on turf - will that form translate? 12 Buzzword (GB), Saeed Bin Suroor, A. Ajtebi, 6-1 G3 winner in France; not as lucky in G1 company. Picks: Viscount Nelson, Pounced, Interactif, Becky's Kitten

Breeders' Cup 2009: Filly & Mare Classic

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds 1 Careless Jewel, Josie Carroll, R. Landry, 2-1 Looks absolutely outstanding here - and it would be great to see a female trainer score a big win. 2 Life Is Sweet, John Shirreffs, G. Gomez, 8-1 Although she has a chance to step out of stablemate Zenyatta's shadow, this may not be her day. 3 Mushka, William Mott, K. Desormeaux, 12-1 Has a 2-win streak (of sorts - see below) and won over Keeneland's synthetic surface - will she like this one? 4 Lethal Heat, Barry Abrams, A. Solis, 20-1 Her recent record of running in third and second will not help her here. 5 Proviso (GB), Robert J. Frankel, J. Velazquez, 8-1 Gave Mushka her Spinster Stakes win - by DQ - but that was her 1st US start. Winner in France. 6 Cocoa Beach (CHI), Saeed Bin Suroor, R. Migliore, 8-1 Second to Zenyatta in this race last year; her form this year isn't quite up to last year's standards. 7 Music Note, Saeed Bin Suroor, J. Castellano, 9/5 Reeled off 2 G1 wins in a row and will be a strong contender. 8 Rainbow View, John Gosden, J. Leparoux, 6-1 Second in her 1st North American start, she's been a few lengths behind the very best European competition. Picks: Careless Jewel, Music Note, Rainbow View, Life Is Sweet

Breeders' Cup 2009: Filly & Mare Turf

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds 1 Visit (GB), Robert J. Frankel, J. Velazquez, 10-1 Always close, but has not won since last August. 2 Forever Together, Jonathan Sheppard, J. Leparoux, 5/2 Defending champion back for another crack. 3 Rutherienne, Christophe Clement, A. Garcia, 8-1 Finally won after tough luck her previous two trips; this is a tough field for her, but it's a nice price. 4 Magical Fantasy, Patrick Gallagher, A. Solis, 3-1 Loves California turf - coming in off a 4-race winning streak. 5 Pure Clan, Robert E. Holthus, G. Gomez, 5-1 Won the Flower Bowl last time out, but finished 10th in this race last year. 6 Midday (GB), Henry Cecil, T. Queally, 4-1 Already proven to be very classy in Europe, the first-time-Lasix angle could give her an unbeatable edge (pictured). 7 Dynaforce, William Mott, K. Desormeaux, 8-1 6th in the Flower Bowl, but a Beverly D winner; also unlucky in this race last year. 8 Maram, Chad C. Brown, J. Lezcano, 15-1 Has only 2 starts this year, seems a notch or two below her form last year. Picks: Midday, Rutherienne, Magical Fantasy, Forever Together

Breeders' Cup 2009: Filly & Mare Sprint

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds 1 Free Flying Soul, Bruce Headley, M. Smith, 50-1 California mare likes the track, but seems outclassed here. 2 Sara Louise, Saeed bin Suroor, L. Dettori, 9/2 Hey, she's beaten Rachel Alexandra - and has proven herself as a tough sprinter since then (pictured). 3 Game Face, Todd A. Pletcher, E. Prado, 10-1 Winner of the G1 Princess Rooney has had ups and downs this year. 4 Only Green (IRE), Freddy Head, O. Peslier, 20-1 More than just Goldikova's rabbit, she won last time out in France when running in her own right - and gets Lasix here. 5 Silver Swallow, Bruce Headley, A. Solis, 30-1 Has been competitive in top company - but has had a long layoff. 6 Evita Argentina, John W. Sadler, J. Rosario, 20-1 Has both wins and disappointing finishes over this surface. 7 Informed Decision, Jonathan E. Sheppard, J. Leparoux, 5/2 Has beaten Ventura in the past and could well do so again. 8 Seventh Street, Saeed bin Suroor, R. Maragh, 4-1 Second in the Ruffian last time out and winner of the Go For Wand before that - will be a threat. 9 Ventura, Robert J. Frankel, G. Gomez, 8/5 May be better at a mile, but it would be nice to see here win for ailing Bobby Frankel. Picks: Sara Louise, Ventura, Informed Decision, Seventh Street; longshot Only Green

Breeders' Cup 2009: Juvenile Fillies

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds 1 Zilva, H. Graham Motion, J. Rose, 30-1 4th in the Alcibiades; taller order here. 2 Ms Vanenzza, Juan Vasquez, J. Rocco, 30-1 Beat Juvenile Turf entrant Potosina in the Blue Hen Stakes. 3 Blind Luck, Jerry Hollendorfer, T. Baze, 3-1 2nd in the G1 Debutante, won the G1 Oak Leaf (pictured); very tough here. 4 Beautician, Kenneth McPeek, R. Albarado, 6-1 Has been competitive, but doesn't have a win - yet. 5 Bickersons, Kelly Breen, J. Rosario, 20-1 Twice 3rd in G1 company - but also lacking a win. 6 Connie and Michael, Kenneth McPeek, K. Desormeaux, 4-1 Impressive in her win at Keeneland, but it's still early days. 7 Devil May Care, Todd A. Pletcher, J. Velazquez, 8-1 Winner of the Frizette; will she take to the Polytrack? 8 She Be Wild, Wayne M. Catalano, J. Leparoux, 8-1 G3 winner and G1-placed; has talent. 9 Champagne d'Oro, John Daley, M. Garcia, 50-1 DQ'd from a win in August, 8th in the Del Mar Futurity - would need luck. 10 Negligee, John P. Terranova II , R. Maragh, 6-1 Alcibiades winner seems to be on the improve. 11 Always a Princess, Bob Baffert, G. Gomez, 6-1 2nd in the Oak Leaf Stakes, interesting pedigree. 12 Biofuel, Reade Baker, E. Da Silva, 15-1 G3 winner in Canada; has yet to establish consistent pattern, but that's not unexpected. Picks: Blind Luck, Always a Princess, Negligee, She Be Wild

Breeders' Cup 2009: Juvenile Fillies Turf

#, Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds 1 Potosina, Mark Shuman, J. Velazquez, 20-1 Two-time stakes winner with mid-Atlantic connections, but likely outgunned here. 2 Elusive Galaxy (IRE), Ben D. A. Cecil, R. Bejarano, 12-1 Won her first time out in Ireland and has finished 3rd to Lillie Langtry (pictured); a close 3rd last time out at Woodbine. 3 Smart Seattle, H. Graham Motion, J. Rose, 8-1 Always in the money, this is in her first time in graded company; she beat Hatheer to break her maiden. Due for a win? 4 Rose Catherine, Todd A. Pletcher , J. Castellano, 8-1 Speedy breeding, but her only win was in a maiden special weight; not sure why she's as low as 8-1. 5 La Nez, J. Eric Kruljac, M. Smith, 20-1 Winner of more than $150,000 so far; has a 3rd in a G1 race and a win over the Santa Anita (main) track. 6 Jungle Tale, Steven M. Asmussen , S. Bridgmohan, 15-1 2nd in the Natalma Stakes at Woodbine; does seem to prefer turf to Polytrack. 7 House of Grace, Kenneth G. McPeek, M. Luzzi, 4-1 Undefeated - in two races - she beat Smart Seattle by a nose in her last race. 8 Lillie Langtry, Aidan P. O'Brien, J. Murtagh, 3-1 Six lifetime starts, half wins, the rest in the money. Really, what's not to like? Besides, I once stayed in a hotel that had been one of the human Lillie Langtry's residences, and that seemed to work out well. 9 Hatheer, Kiaran P. McLaughlin, A. Garcia, 10-1 A winner over turf, although perhaps a notch below the European horses. 10 Tapitsfly, Dale L. Romans, R. Albarado, 8-1 Like House of Grace, she's finished ahead of Smart Seattle and seems consistent. 11 Junia Tepzia (IRE), Peter Schiergen, K. Fallon, 8-1 Undefeated - but this time in one start (albeit a listed race). Likely needs more seasoning. 12 Lisa's Kitten, Michael J. Maker, J. Leparoux, 12-1 A winner at Retama Park. (Where? Oh, Texas.) Also finished behind Tapitsfly and Smart Seattle at Saratoga. Picks: Lillie Langtry, Smart Seattle, House of Grace, Tapitsfly; La Nez as a longshot

Breeders' Cup 2009: Marathon

The post positions, in this case, have no real impact on my more detailed thoughts on this field which are already up on the NTRA site - while Mastery (pictured) and Father Time seem the class of the field, I like Black Astor at a price. # Horse, Trainer, Jockey, ML odds 1 Black Astor, Lisa Lewis, Alex Solis, 12-1 2 Muhannak (IRE), Ralph M. Beckett, Ryan Moore, 12-1 3 Nite Light, Todd A. Pletcher, John Velazquez, 4-1 4 Cloudy's Knight, Jonathan E. Sheppard, R. Homeister, 8-1 5 Father Time (GB), Henry Cecil, Eddie Ahern, 3-1 6 Mastery (GB), Saeed bin Suroor, L. Dettori, 9/5 7 Sir Dave, Jack Carava, Joel Rosario, 20-1 8 Eldaafer, Diane Alvarado, R. Bejarano, 30-1 9 Man of Iron, Aidan P. O'Brien, John Murtagh, 8-1 10 Gangbuster, J. Keith Desormeaux, Kent Desormeaux, 30-1

Will Zenyatta Bump Up Street Cry's Stud Fee?

Shocking's Melbourne Cup win gave his sire, Street Cry, G1 winners at both sprinting and staying distances, but the stallion could garner even more accolades this weekend. While Street Sense has already carried the banner for Street Cry in the Juvenile in his 2-year-old season, and Zenyatta took the Ladies' Classic last year, if she were to win the Classic this time around, one presumes his stud fee would take another leap upward (and well done to Darley for updating the graphics on his page to reflect the latest news - if not the body text - while that might be taken as a given in other sports, it's relatively rare in racing to see the marketing piece done with any style, as anyone who has ever watched stud farm ads on TVG can attest). We'll know the answer to the will-she-won't-she dance this afternoon when the post positions for each race are drawn; it's hard to imagine Zenyatta's connections wouldn't want to take the bigger shot. But the solid European contingent is feeling very confident indeed already - and while Santa Anita's surface is given as the major reason, I would argue that last year the better horses on the day won, for the most part (as, indeed, was the case of the previous year on Monmouth Park's sloppy track, despite arguments to the contrary) - whether it will go the same way this year remains to be seen. Starting tomorrow, we'll do a race-by-race analysis (although you can preview the Marathon here) - check back then, and follow us on Twitter for live thoughts on the races Friday and Saturday! In the meantime, you can catch us on Alex's radio show tomorrow discussing All Things Breeders' Cup - tune in!

We Interrupt Breeders' Cup Week for the Melbourne Cup

While we look forward to the Breeders' Cup draw tomorrow, tonight (at least for those in North America) is the Melbourne Cup. There's a 24-horse field entered this year, including last year's winner, Viewed - and not a little intrigue. Should Mourilyan win, will the money make Bad Things Happen in Chechnya? Will Alcopop (pictured), a 7-year-old gelding with a previous career as an occasional cattle wrangler (not to mention a little-known provincial jockey) find the winner's circle? Veteran trainer Bart Cummings, who conditions Viewed as well as Roman Emperor and Allez Wonder, doesn't think so - and his reasoning serves to highlight a major difference between US and Australian racing: "He's a very good horse but he hasn't raced for three weeks, so who knows? I would have preferred him to race a little closer than three or four weeks ago." Viewed ran last Saturday (yes, on Halloween - they do things differently Down Under) and came out of the race with some superficial injuries, but he's been cleared to attempt a Melbourne Cup repeat Tuesday - all while carrying the field's high weight. Other favored horses include the Kiwi hope Daffodil, who won the Australian Oaks, but she has an outside post to overcome; Roman Emperor and Shocking also have many backers (including, in the case of Shocking, prime minister Kevin Rudd). TVG will be airing the race live (you're looking for the seventh race from Flemington), which should go off around 11 pm EST. Set your TiVos - and check back in tomorrow for our real kickoff to Breeders' Cup week.

Breeders' Cup Pre-entries - Initial Thoughts

You'll want to go over these today - I'll be doing that on a train shortly, with more to come later. In the meantime, here are a few quick thoughts -- Zenyatta's first preference is the Classic - huzzah! Dar Re Mi is down for the Turf, with the F&M Turf as her second choice; also good. Summer Bird has the Turf has his second choice - I'd love to see him try this at some point. A thought inspired by Mine That Bird in the Classic - should the Kentucky Derby count as a Win & You're In race? Not knocking him specifically, since he has been working nicely and since I think his other Triple Crown race efforts are underrated, but would a horse who had done nothing since winning the Derby automatically get a spot in the Classic? Just wondering. Square Eddie has first preference in the Turf Sprint - that seems a good fit. Chocolate Candy is technically out of the field at this point (with his first preference, sensibly, being the Dirt Mile) - I'd rather see Quality Road try the Dirt Mile, currently his second choice over the Classic - perhaps he could take on the Mile next year. Like Summer Bird, I think he could do quite well on the grass. Black Astor in the Marathon, trained by Lisa Lewis - does that make five female trainers with Breeders' Cup entries this year (including Helen Pitts-Blasi, Josie Carroll, Carla Gaines and Jenine Sahadi)? Did I miss anyone? I worry that may be a record.

Breeders' Cup Musings & Arc Winning Dates

While we are focused on the Breeders' Cup, across the pond they are already thinking about next year's 2000 Guineas and the Derby, thanks to St. Nicholas Abbey's impressive victory in the Racing Post Trophy over the weekend. The 2-year-old Montjeu colt is 3-for-3 so far - if nothing else, he's already accomplished considerably more than the last colt named for a Barbados landmark. While no American-based 2-year-olds have (so far) suggested future brilliance, there's a long time between now and next Spring. But there is still plenty of European interest in the Breeders' Cup - Zacinto is back on for the Mile, while Mastercraftsman may take the Dirt Mile (this leaving the way clear for Rip Van Winkle in the Classic). Godolphin and Ballydoyle may be the biggest largely-European teams represented (and we will take a closer look at their entries later), but there's plenty beyond them - Dermot Weld is likely to send out Famous Name in the Dirt Mile, while Henry Cecil has Middday in the Filly & Mare Turf, Father Time in the Marathon and Twice Over aiming for the Classic. Jeremy Noseda has Awesome Act primed for the Juvenile, while his outstanding mare Fleeting Spirit is going for the 'dirt' Sprint. And, of course, Freddie Head has both Goldikova (pictured) in the Mile and her pacemaker, Only Green, in the Filly & Mare Sprint. That's not to say the US contingent is lacking firepower; while another major name has definitely been ruled out (Indian Blessing), Einstein and Summer Bird are both looking sharp, and even unlucky-of-late Mine That Bird worked a bullet over the Santa Anita surface. Zenyatta also had a good workout - tomorrow we should discover which in race(s) they've opted to pre-enter her. Finally, of course, comes the news that Sea the Stars will, as predicted, stand at stud in Ireland. He'll be at the Aga Khan's Gilltown Stud, where last year's Arc winner, Zarkava, will pay him a visit. It will not be the first time an Arc winner has been bred to an Arc winner - Urban Sea, dam of Sea the Stars, was sent to Lammtara, producing Melikah (winner of the Pretty Polly stakes, and now a broodmare). Urban Sea was also sent to Peintre Celebre, a breeding that resulted in the unheralded Emily - so it's no guarantee of success. Check back later in the week for more on Breeders' Cup pre-entries...