Gimme the Green: Breeders Bowl Turf Sprint
New Jersey– Who do ya like? Do you want speedsters like Digging The Grave, A Saints Day, Mr Devious, and Drunken Lullabies to come away with the six furlong $1,000,000 Breeders Bowl Turf Sprint? Or do you like those stalkers or closers to bring home the bacon like Northern Pirate, Political Village and General’s Chariot?
It’s time for the Breeders Bowl Turf Sprint(G1) — we remember Lenny’s eventual Sim Eclipse Award champion I Make Stuff Up, the 3yo upsetting his elders last year on his way to glory. I Make Stuff Up is not here this year — but we have many of his rivals in the shadows.
Will we have a super-duper fast race? Last year was pretty slow! Only one sophomore enters this year — will Political Village prevail? Will the old timers like Night’s Desire, Digging The Grave and more usurp the younger spotlight? Or will indeed a new star like Tree Guest House, Borracho, or Seekin Destroy take to the horizon on his way to the recordbooks in Sim history?
It’s such a close race odds-wise on paper. And such a close race in our railbird hearts too. Let’s meet our heroes in the most fantastic turf sprint race of the year — and be awed……………
1 Omerta Code, 4yo colt by Sadler’s Wells
Last Race: 8th in World Cup Turf Sprint(G1) over 6fT
Biggest ’07 Victories: Full Speed Ahead(G3), Otter Dash(G3)
Odds: 16/1
Can the Supers crack the Code? Omerta Code that is, and boy, he sure is a puzzle. We all anticipated this guy’s ’07 debut early this year — Omerta Code had won the Japan Sprint(G1) in a true breakout performance to close out his 2006 sophomore campaign. The sky seemed like the limit in January as Omerta Code took his place amongst the newly-minted 4yo heirs to the Turf Sprint Division.
But, you know, funky stuff does indeed happen. The colt really hasn’t sizzled like we expected this season. He began the year well enough with a decent 5th place in late January’s Everclear Handicap(G2). Turf Sprint fans were willing to forgive the “off” race, but really wanted to see him shine in February’s superstar Generals Pals Sprint Show II(G1). The colt unfortunately never got into the 7.5f race, finishing well up the track.
Thus began a kind of topsy-turvy year for Omerta Code. The colt picked up a listed score, but then tanked in April’s KY Horsemen Elixir Sprint(G1). Why in the world was Omerta Code choking in these big races? The Supers seemed to figure him out after the Elixir, asking Omerta Code to shorten up in those speedy 5.5f and 4.5f Grade 3s. The colt won both of them and sandwiched in a whisker-miss to Digging The Grave in the Golden Jamboree(G1). On paper, it wasn’t a too shabby stretch of efforts there, but the division’s fans expected Omerta Code to pull off the Jamboree victory.
Bottom line, Omerta Code just wasn’t picking him up his speed figures — upper 90s and very low 100s just aren’t enough to snare the big Grade 1s. It’s a case of talent not living up to expected performance on the racetrack. After a disappointing 6th place finish to A Saints Day in the Firey Hooves(G2), Omerta Code continued the trend of subpar efforts with a lacadaisical World Cup Turf Sprint gallop.
Will Omerta Code show up with his best stuff? The midpacker needs to step up big time and show us he’s a champion.
2 Night’s Desire, 6yo horse by Night Shift
Last Race: 2nd in World Cup Turf Sprint(G1) over 6fT
Biggest ’07 Victory: Mr Anderson Special(G3)
Odds: 9/1
He’s the romantic hero of the division and A Knight Named Desire. Keely’s pride-and-joy Night’s Desire hopes to better his 4th-place finish in last year’s BB Turf Sprint. He only missed the winer’s circle by a scant length last year, and boy oh boy, what a great victory it would be if Night’s Desire could capture his first Grade 1 triumph in the Breeders Bowl.
The key with this guy is that he’s got to bring home the consistency. Night’s Desire started off ’07 well enough with a fancy-dancy listed stakes sizzler. The old man seemed primed and prepped for February’s Generals Pals Sprint Show II(G1) since he made a name for himself the previous year as heavy-duty over seven furlongs. But Night’s Desire threw the first of his two big Grade 1 clinkers — the horse finished hot-n-dirty in the Generals Pals and would later in August do the same on Sim History day.
Now some folks would think that age has caught up with our hero, but think again. Night’s Desire recovered a month later from the race, ripping a 108 sP# in a herculean Mr Anderson(G3) score. The splendid form carried over into the early summer — ‘Desire ran a 107 SP# in the super-duper fast Rising Sun Spring Cup(G1), finishing 6th to Mr Devious. Then he lost a heartbreaking photo to Digging The Grave next time out in the Golden Jamboree(G1).
You gotta love him carrying form. ‘Desire is as solid as can be. Sure, he flopped in the Sim history day Sharon & Roys Gold Cup(G1), but he recovered finely to lose another photo in the World Cup Turf Sprint(G1). Every time you watch that World Cup race, Night’s Desire should’ve won! It was his for the taking, he just got nipped by sophomore Jenna’s Deputy.
I really think Keely has a great shot with Night’s Desire. If he can stay away from the pace craziness and find good position, the Knight is gonna run his race. Yeah!
3 Seekin Destroy, 4yo colt by Mineshaft
Last Race: 4th in World Cup Long Turf Sprint(G1) over 7fT
Biggest ’07 Victory: Sharon & Roys Gold Cup(G1)
Odds: 9/1
Seekin Destroy was the Supers’ co-entry in the Japan Sprint(G1) last year. While stablemate Omerta Code went onto the winner’s circle that day, Seekin Destroy went back to the drawing board, struggling home last in the full field. The then-sophomore colt had switched late over to the grass and looked very promising prior to the Japan debacle.
But good things come to those who wait. The Supers gave Seekin Destroy some time off and then slowly guided the colt through his early 4yo season in the listed and allowance turf sprint ranks. The colt finally hit a good groove by March and won 5 out of 6 listed events. On August’s Sim History Day, Seekin Destroy went off as a good longshot in the Sharon & Roys Gold Cup(G1). but, gosh, he sure didn’t run like one, storming from far back to win well in hand by two lengths. A big 111 SP# signled Seekin Destoy’s arrival in the division’s Top 10.
Just how good is this colt? He bounced a bit in the World Cup, but ran far from yicky with a nice 105 speed figure. You might not like how he specializes around seven panels, but that’s mere window dressing — this colt’s won’t mind the furlong less at all.
Will this be Seekin Destroy’s big coming-out party? He’s got a legitimate shot at the prize, will get speed up front to run at, and should run his race. The Supers must like this colt better than Omerta Code at this point. Keep an eye on him.
4 Northern Pirate, 4yo colt by Belong To Me
Last Race: 9th in World Cup Long Turf Sprint(G1) over 7fT
Biggest ’07 Victories: Generals Pals Sprint Show II(G1), Smackdown III (owner-restricted)
Odds: 10/1
Everybody’s gonna be on the lookout for Northern Pirate. In regards to the Sim Eclipse turf sprint championship, the downtown closer is the horse to beat Saturday. No older horse has two Grade 1 victories this year so far, but Northern Pirate has the cloest thing to it when he bookended a herculean Smackdown III trophy to the Generals Pals Sprint Show II(G1). This guy shows up for the big races.
On the flip side though, Northern Pirate is terribly vulnerable. He doesn’t always run his race and, indeed, his 2007 season has oost some of its luster because of his clinkers. We all remember ‘Pirate as one of the sophomore quartet in the 2006 BB Turf Sprint. Northern Pirate ran a decent 6th to I Make Stuff Up in the BB, but really stunned us when capturing the rich Penn Dash(G1) in December. He was one of the new kids on the block here in the division and, unlike Omerta Code and I Make Stuff Up, Northern Pirate delivered on that promise.
The colt was etheral in February’s Generals Pals(G1), flying from Timbuktu to win with a eye-popping 114 SP#. It was an awesome ‘Pirate force over an awesome field. Railbirds expected him to take off to the stratosphere. But what goes up must come down (at least a notch or two). Northern Pirate went terrestrial in Borracho’s Elixir(G1) and Mr Devious’ Rising Sun(G1). Thankfully, Northern Pirate’s July Smackdown III victory over General’s Chariot sure won back his fans.
Bottom line with ‘Pirate is that he’s not gonna win all the time. Downtown closers need speed to run at and racing room too. And, indeed, you ogtta be a little worried about ‘Pirate again after two straight clinkers in the Wolrd Cup and Sim History day.
But, ya know, Jockeymax can get his horses primed for the big days and Saturday is the biggest of all. Will ‘Pirate be at his absolute best and defintively take command of this division? Count him out at your own peril.
5 A Saints Day, 4yo colt by A.P. Indy
Last Race: Won Longchamp Sprint(G2) over 5fT
Biggest ’07 Victories: Longchamp Sprint(G2), Firey Hooves(G2)
Odds: 11/1
We’re going to see what A Saints Day is made of Saturday. Trainer Irt sends out A Saints Day for the 11th time this season and the colt’s won 2 out of his last 4 graded attempts. The key with this guy is that he’s a pacesetter through and through. He must pass what is expected to be a swift duel early on versus Digging The Grave, Mr Devious and possibly Drunken Lullabies as well. Very stiff assignment.
But it’s not like A Saints Day hasn’t been to the tough dances. As a late foal, the colt didn’t get to the races until age three and spent the better part of 2006 in the allowance ranks. He finished off his sophomore season making his stakes debut a winning one.
On that talented note, A Saints Day entered ’07 with one eye on the grades. Trainer Irt selected March’s Look To The Heavens(G1) (a 4yo-only contest) for his graded debut. The track came up soggy though and A Saints Day wound up a determined but rain-soaked 5th. The colt went back to the listed ranks during the springtime and a big 108 SP# victory signaled a re-appearance at the upper level in June. That was the King’s Fall(G2) over 5f — A Saints Day set the pace hardily, but couldn’t hold off winner Borracho(IRE) in deep stretch. All in all, the hard race toughened up this youngster.
In other words, the colt grew up in the King’s Fall — A Saints Day went on to capture the Firey Hooves(G2) over Omerta Code and the Longchamp Sprint(G2) (both 5f-ish races). Solid speed figures all around for this colt.
However, I’m a little wary of this guy. He had his shot to make a big splash in the division on World Cup day. A Saints Day got into a speed duel though with Diggin The Grave and just fell out of it. On one hand, he’s gotta porve that he can carry his speed effectively over the best in the division. But, on the other hand, he’s still improving at 21 starts and that’s something you just love to see in a potential BB winner. Has he indeed saved his peak-best for Saturday? Be wary, but not too wary!
6 Cronus(IRE), 4yo colt by Giant’s Causeway(IRE)
Last Race: Won Listed Stakes over 7.5fT
Biggest ’07 Victory: Sheik Yerbouti(G2)
Odds: 8/1
Wow! Just when you thought Cronus’ goose was cooked, whammo! The little guy strikes and thensome with a huge 113 SP# listed score in his final BB prep. Trainer Chilcoat has to be as confident as heck in her colt. you can worry about a “bounce” all you want, but there’s no substitute for a prep like that which signals spot-on fitness.
Cronus was a big surprise to the division ealry on this year. The colt didn’t do much as a sophomore in ’06 and took his merry old time picking up his speed figures. But enter, 2007. Cronus opened up the season with a brazen 107 SP# listed score as well as a 105 SP# thrashing in the Sheik Yerbouti(G2) for 4yos only. And he didn’t stop that forward momentum either — the colt almost shocked the Generals Pals Sprint Show II(G1) finishing runnerup to Northern Pirate over an excellent group.
However, Cronus’ momentum stalled afterwards. He had a disappoining outing against Night’s Desire in March, then lost a listed stakes event (whose winner was no other than Seekin Destroy!). Then he got plain beat in a couple of grades where he ran decently with 4th and 2nd placings.
In hindsight though, Cronus lost to good horses like Lowlands Loft and Ends In Ski. If you examine his record carefully, you’ll see that he’s found tough competition wherever he went and performed admirably. But can he finally prove Grade 1-capable versus the very best in the division? His last race is a bit too fast for my lking, but who’s to say so anyway? You want a horse at the top of his game right now and Cronus sure looks to fit the bill. The closer must bring his A-game and, if he does, watch out.
7 Mr Devious, 4yo colt by Crafty Prospector
Last Race: 3rd in World Cup Long Turf Sprint(G1) over 7fT
Biggest ’07 Victories: Rising Sun Spring Cup(G1), Simon And Simon Cap(G3)
Odds: 7/1
Mr Devious is none other than the king of second acts. Kevoman naturally raced the Crafty Prospector son over the dirt for the colt’s first two years. Mr Devious was a stakes winner over the main track once upon a time, but nothing special. That is, until November of last year when Kevoman gave Mr Devious a whirl over the green stuff. And, boy oh boy, Kevoman must’ve felt like a horse’s patoot!
Because Mr Devious gobbled up the lawn like a long lost cause. The colt carefully picked his way through allowance victories. He then stepped up to the graded level in April’s Simon & Simon Cap(G3). Well-spotted, the colt revelled in a speed duel enroute to a 110 SP# score. Personally, I was a little leery of Kevoman’s subsequent bold entry into the Rising Sun Spring Cup(G1). It was great field again in that race and I was totally shocked when Mr Devious made mincemeat of the competition. The colt displayed great maturity stalking the lead to win going away with a 114 SP#.
Mmhmm. Seemingly overnite, Mr Devious joined the heroes of the division. After the two straight huge speed figures, Mr Devious came back down to earth in the Warsaw Sprint(G2) in June, finishing a gritty but tired 4th to newcomer Ends In Ski.
Turf Sprint fans expected to see Mr Devious continue on with the battles, but perhaps Kevoman had other plans. Kevoman instead kept the colt in a couple of listed stakes contests prior to the World Cup. In hindsight, it was probably a good strategy since the colt had already locked up a BB spot with the Grade 1 victory.
The World Cup Long Turf Sprint was the stronger half of the two male turf sprint races. And, indeed it turned out that way too with the 3yo Legendary Lemon winning with a huge number. Mr Devious ran 3rd after gaining the lead at the top of the stretch. On paper, this horse is just so rock solid with 100+ SP#s. He is just going fantastic. You worry though about the pace situtation — if there’s a scramble and ‘Devious gets caught up in it, what will happen? A win Saturday supplants Northern Pirate at the top of the division. Beware.
8 General’s Chariot, 5yo horse by Gone West
Last Race: 4th in World Cup Turf Sprint(G1) over 6fT
Biggest ’07 Victory: Battle Of Saratoga @ DelPenn(G2)
Odds: 8/1
The old man, General’s Chariot, marks his 40th trip to the post with a possible shot at BB glory. And he ain’t chopped liver just yet either folks — the two-time Sim Eclipse winner can still pick up his feet when his trainer places him correctly! LOL!
The General finished 3rd in the inaugural Turf Sprint last year. He had a slow start this season with a few also-ran performances. I just needed to get him an easy peasy victory somewhere and finally had to bite the bullet, dropping him down a level back in June. He won that listed race and then lost a heartbreaker to Northern Pirate who just nipped my General at the wire in the Smackdown III. Crushing. LOL. Never fear though — Afc carded a Grade 2 match race for Digging The Grave and General as part of the DelPenn Saratoga Mirror Meet. Of course, the General won — LOL! It was called the DelPenn’s Battle Of Saratoga(G2). The General was destined to win it and put DTG in the grave. 🙂
Yeah, sure, Digging The Grave finished ahead of General on World Cup day. But, you know, the Chariot keeps rolling along. He’s got his mind on business still — yeah, he’ll need a little help. He’ll need some of these other hot horses to kind of throw yippy-blah races. *Then* he might have the goods to get his nose in front in deep stretch. Only to outlast Northern Pirate, you say? Uh huh. But with the General anything can and will go.
9 Tree Guest House, 4yo colt by Forestry
Last Race: Won Liar’s Poker Special(G1) over 6.5fT
Biggest ’07 Victory: Liar’s Poker Special(G1)
Odds: 7/1
Zowie! I’ve got my eye on this one for a while. Rcdlogan’s Tree Guest House was another late foal who didn’t get to the races till aged 3. The colt didn’t start till May of ’06. He took his grand ole time too breaking his maiden in November of that year. Talk about a late-show! Tree Guest House made his stakes debut this February finally, taking 3 of his next 7 listed stakes attempts.
Around one turn and give me the green! Tree Guest House ran a 110 SP# in July and that prompted Rcdlogan for a graded attempt or two. The colt who adores to storm from off pace lost by a whisky-whisker to Moonlight Mile in the rockety Capital Spring(G3). He then won the photo finish in the Liar’s Poker(G1) for 4yos only on World Cup day. The ‘Tree was left off the American team by a smidgeon, but it was to this reporters delight that he won the Liars Poker.
Majotr 112 SP# in thar race. Just how good is he? Tree Guest House plain earned his way to the Breeders Bowl in the school of hard knocks. He’s been through the ranks. He’s been through (albeit briefly) the battles. He’s a rising star on the improve. What more can you ask for from a possible BB winner? Gotta love him any which way but loose. Read ’em and sizzle.
10 Drunken Lullabies(IRE), 5yo horse by Daylami(IRE)
Last Race: 3rd in Longchamp Sprint(G2) over 5fT
Biggest ’07 Performance: 2nd in Cane Toad(G2)
Odds: 12/1
Drunken Lullabies was the one to watch in last year’s BB. He was this reporter’s shy pick for all the marbles, but, alas, it just was not meant to be.
The colt who was such a furious fire on the graded ’06 sprint circuit, finished dead last on BB day. But, hey, we didn’t have to wait for long for Drunken Lullabies to redeeem our confidence. The colt fired it up mightily, winning the Because I Said So(G1) two weeks after the BB in gorgeously beautiful fashion. What a turn around!
From such a high to such a low — Drunken Lullabies has been winless in 2007. He was 7th in the Everclear(G2) and 4th after setting the pace in the Generals Pals(G1). Trainer Blinkers even tried him a mile with no luck. The horse looked plain washed up.
But very late in the summer, Drunken Lullabies found his old groove. He had a decent race in A Saints Day’s Firey Hooves(G2). And he lost by a scant-dant whisker to sophomore Politcal Village in the Cane Toad(G2). That race was a big 111 SP# for Drunken Lullqabies — adash of his old self. Another close loss to A Saints Day in the Longchamp Sprint(G2) sets him up for Breeders Bowl day. Does he still have the right stuff and mighty heart to pull off an upset of the very best in the division? This guy’s always had promise — and he’s versatile too! Will he press the speed or decide Saturday’s a day to stalk? He’s a key horse depending on what he does in this field. A lot of the faves and longshots hopes will depend upon what Drunken Lullabies does come the ring of the bell. We’ll see if he’s true to himself Saturday.
11 Political Village(IRE), 3yo colt by Montjeu(IRE)
Last Race: Won Listed Stakes over 6.5fT
Biggest ’07 Victories: Never Ready Sprint(G1), Cane Toad(G2)
Odds: 13/1
Oh my! From August Maiden Special Weight victory as a 2yo to October Breeders Bowl win at 3? Legendary Lemon would’ve been awesome in this race, but this is the 3yo that I wanted to see. This is the now horse. Now, when, here, forever. By all rights, this guy looks like the real deal. Yeah, he tied the mile early on his sophomore season with average luck. Toss out that marathon race just to see if he was English Derby stuff.
Hooyah! From June onwards, Political Village has been a one-turn monster under the masterful tutelage of player Iant. He won the premier Never Ready(G1) for sophomores in July. He won the Cane Toad a month later versus older horses with a 113 SP#. Have mercy, Sim fans. This colt’s got talent he hasn’t even tapped yet. Just toss aside that listed score last time out too — Political Village has yet to make his mark upon this division, but, boy, he’s a marker and thensome.
I love him here. I love his ferocious midpack jaunt. He’s a tiger unwrapped. Some extinct species yet to be re-reveleaed. Look out for the Sabretooth and cry all you want.
12 Tequila With Lime, 6yo horse by Lemon Drop Kid
Last Race: 3rd in Listed Stakes over 7fT
Biggest ’07 Victories: Sydney Sprint(G1), Winthorpe(G2)
Odds: 15/1
Bottom line, this is Sdmf’s B-horse aside #1-ranked Digging The Grave. But, gosh, what a B-horse he is. Tequila With Lime is the old scarred battle-warrior of the circuit. He’s the Forego who will surprise you when you least expect it. You bet your botts he can, upsetting his stablemate as well as champ I Make Stuff Up in the Sydney Sprint(G1) back in April.
Tequila With Lime has always been a chugalug horse in his late career. We remember him finishing well in the Because I Said So(G1) (2nd to Drunken Lullabies) last sreason. He was 3rd in the Generals Pals(G1), and kept that momentum going forward in the Sydney victory. He even finsihed a very fast 5th in the Rising Sun(G1) with a 109.
I love this horse — he’s late in his career at 45 starts, but he just keeps on going like the Energizer bunny. He’s a smackie closer who can sneak up on ya. Sure, he had a couple starts there where he didn’t fire, but he won the Winthorpe(G2) over 5f and can hold his own still. Is he as good as the top level here? We’ll see, but regardless, I really admire how trainer SDMF made a contender out of this horse. Did you know that he was # 2 in the division? What consistency!
13 Digging The Grave, 6yo horse by Silver Ghost
Last Race: 3rd in World Cup Turf Sprint(G1) over 6fT
Biggest ’07 Victory: Golden Jamboree(G1)
Odds: 12/1
If Northern Pirate is the one to beat for the lead in the championship, then #1-ranked Digging The Grave is the one to beat for the prestige. Just when you think this horse is cooked, he keeps coming back like that cat came back in that funny song. ‘Cause he’s the ‘Grave that came back after the Generals Pals(G1), thought he was a goner but the ‘Grave came back because he couldn’t stand the General! Ha!
You betcha boots — the ‘Grave finished way gonzo in the Generals Pals(G1). He was a big fave in the event after winning this reporter’s vote for the Sim Eclipse (but he didn’t win it all!) last year. He played participant spectator in stablemate’s Tequila With Lime’s April Sydney Sprint(G1). But not for long though, whn ‘Grave found second (or gazillion!) life in Mr Devious’ Rising Sun(G1), finishing2nd with a 112 SP#.
Woohoo! What a trooper! The speedster ran to gate to post afterward winning the Golden Jamboree(G1) for the 2nd year in a row. He cemnted himself as one of the Sim’s all-time great turf sprinters in that race. ‘Grave flopped over the summer, but recovered enough to finish 3rd on World Cup day when the limelight returned. This guy shows up for the big dances.
He’s at 41 starts Saturday — does he have one last great show in him? The General has been beat by this horse too many times — count him out at your own peril.
14 Borracho(IRE), 4yo colt by El Prado(IRE)
Last Race: 11th in Liar’s Poker Special(G1) over 6.5fT
Biggest ’07 Victory: KY Horsemen Elixir Sprint(G1)
Odds: 13/1
Borracho came on strong as a grass sprinter at age 3 but really didn’t amke a show of it till March of this year. The colt won a listed stakes, then spoiled the best in the division in the KY Horsemen Elixir Sprint(G1). I was just so impressed with that 107 SP# victory. This guy looked like the new heir to the sprint division.
But Minnesota Downs trainer Goodgrits steered Borracho clear of the big boys for a while. The horse ran 2nd to a good runner named Like Magic in the Simon And Simon (redux)(G3). Afterwards, Borracho beat A Saints Day in the King’s Fall(G2) over 5f. That race was in mid-June and Biorracho sat out near three months afterwards.
The colt did not get back into the game till September in Political Village’s Cane Toad(G2) (6th of 10) and later Tree Guest House’s Liar’s Poker(G1) (11th of 14). Not a very inspiring comeback to say the least. He’s got a month’s rest here — will Borracho show up as his true promising self? This guy’s so talented at 21 starts. He’s definitely one to watch.
Snowchief’s Picks:
I’m gonna take Political Village this time. The 3yo sure fits the mold of defeating his elders and thensome. Mr Devious, Tree Guest House and Borracho to fight it out for a photo in the 2nd and 3rd spot. Old stand-bys Night’s Desire and General’s Chariot duking it out for 5th and 6th.
Win: Political Village
Place: Tree Guest House
Show: Mr Devious
Good luck everyone!