The $5-million Breeders Bowl Classic
Kentucky
There’s quite a collection of entrants this year. The bookmakers got it right too — they’ve tabbed the fastest Sim horse of the year, Too Many Larry, as the 4.5-to-1 favorite. The solid grey son of Unbridled’s Song positively nailed the Jockey Guild Gold Cup-G1 last month with a year-high 121 speed figure. That’s year-high of any Sim horse in all of Simland. Trainer Otistaylor has brought this late-bloomer along perfectly to a storming late autumn show and Too Many Larry keeps on improving. Some may question wheher or not he’ll bounce after such a tremendously fast prep, but this guy’s a huge deal and definitely the one to beat.
But, you know, rivalries make the sport, and boy, does Too Many Larry have something to prove against Madmanlopo’s Kimball’s Pride. Trainer Madmanlopo is a relatively new player to the game at a few hundred starts. But what a splash Kimball’s Pride, a chestnut son of Empire Maker, has made. Like Too Many Larry, this colt is also a late-bloomer and often a heartbreaking bridesmaid at that. He took forever to run through the conditions, but, as a frontrunner, has taken it to another level this year. I must key in the Brooke Lynn Stakes last June — Kimball’s Pride dueled on the lead something fierce to finish runner-up in that race. I had an also-ran in there and he was nowhere near Kimball’s Pride’s 117 SP#. This horse has continually progressed since then and held off Too Many Larry in September’s Woodward-G1. He’s a real-deal frontrunner and the fact that Too Many Larry ran such a record race in his follow up start speaks volumes. Sure, Kimball’s Pride avoided the JGGC and even missed just a bit in his BB Classic prep, but this guy’s one to play catch me if you can in a pace-lacking race.
I really like Dark Aura who finished 3rd a spot behind Kimball’s Pride in June’s Brooke Lynn. Dark Aura ran a rather distant 3rd in that race, but Brian (aka Peeps) placed him perfectly in the Hit Me Handicap two starts later (the Sim’s equivalent of the Whitney). Dark Aura ran gangbusters in that race, winning going away. He’s been a 9f specialist and if you look back in his PPs, his lone 10f start came over a sloppy track. His pedigree screams this distance and more, yet this guy has something to prove. I love how he flew from way back to barely miss catching the 3yo Drago D’Oro in the Goody Good-G1, another tough race. Beware of classy company and I really key this colt as a live mild longshot.
A number of Saturday’s runners come out of the GoodyGood-G1 race (equivalent of the Goodwood Handicap). The winner was a 3yo colt though: Drago D’Oro, a big grey by Medaglia D’Oro of course. The midpacker ran monstrous to score by a half-length over Dark Aura’s charge. The summer wine colt has proved to be something special over 9f and did indeed win earlier at that versus Blazing Saddles-restrincted competition over 10f. Can he keep his form going with the added distance? He beat a few in this race in the Goody Good, but can he beat the likes of Kimball’s Pride and the other top older horses?
The rail horse This Calling finished a distant 3rd behind Drago D’Oro in the GoodyGood. This Calling won the CA Classic-G1 back in August beforehand, conquering classy Demeco. I’m willing to give This Calling a break in his last — he ran a huge number in the CA Classic and perhaps earned a rightful bounce. I’m leery how he ran 5th in the Sand Castle race though — he might be a tad below, having reached his top, against the very best here. Regardless, a live sleeper if you can call him one at 7/1 with a top-notch trainer at his back.
I can’t proceed without talking about the 5th-place finisher in the GoodyGood. Hecametomeinadream ran a so-so race there, but this guy might sneak up on ya in a hurry. The buggy brown son of Deep Impact knows how to beat them on their off days. He won the Saints Handicap-G2 back in March in fine time and later took June’s Barry Foster-G1 in a laugher. His trainer Kingab has so much experience in these big races and had a hunch to give this guy a shot at the big-time. ‘Dream is splendidly consistent speed figure wise and actually won the GoodyGood in 2009. If you look deep into his PPs, you’ll find an ethereal 115 SP# over 10f too. The ‘Dreamboat has got to step it up, but if the faves have an off day… look out! His trainer selected the combo after a dream of Secretariat — and the finish line awaits.
I don’t think we can proceeed any further without talking about the last two BB Classic winners: Demeco and Jeepster. Demeco won the 2008 BB Classic as a 3yo colt and finished 4th in last year’s renewal. The silky red son of Awesome Again hasn’t been the clearly dominant handicap horse of his generation, but, boy, he can show up and thrash ’em when he wants to. Demeco has won two straight runnings of the Sim’s equivalent of the Holllywood Gold Cup. He took this year’s renewal over none other than the Sand Castle winnner Distorted Storm (the latter race in which he finished 7th). While off and on this year, Demeco is a prime testament to the brilliance of his trainer. Wayne (fatattack) plain knows how to race championship horses and Demeco’s longevity is a tribute to the trainer of the year. While Demeco finished 2nd to This Calling in the CA Classic, he trodded home way distant afterwards in the JGGC. Such a classy individual — but can he produce the same kind of effort against the top of the division?
The 2009 Middle Jewel hero Jeepster bested Demeco in the BB Classic. It was an absolutely glorious victory made troubled by his 0-for-7 2010 start. Plainly speaking, super’s Jeepster was nowheresville through much of this year till he finally woke up in the September ALW ranks and promptly added a Japan Grade 3 in October. The upswing in numbers indicates that he’s on an upswing in form. But he did he beat a ton in his last? You gotta respect him, but I’m doubtful unless the faves fall apart mightily.
If you really like out of the blue type horse, then perhaps cast your eye at Selnurivek’s Elusive High. The Elusive Quality colt struggled up the track in the JGGC and, indeed, looks terrbily off form. However, the colt was a superior G! winner late last season and won the Out of the City in July. He also just missed Too Many Larry by a scant length in August’s Farewell to Cryptozot-G1. Too Much Larry would of course go on to win yet again in the JGGC. Elusive High has back class then. Don’t know if he can put it all together though in this spot. He’s an interesting outsider.
There are more older horses to shake your tail feather at. Most of them haven’t made a headlining splash since July or earlier. Distorted Storm won the Sand Castle Classic-G1 in fabulous closing fashion back in March and took two months off afterwards. He finished 2nd to Demeco then in the Movieland Shiny Cup back in June. However, the Distorted Humor 4yo has made only two starts since. He closed well in his last over Saturday’s distance but you have to wonder about his fitness. Could this be his day to shine? I must say, beware! That Sand Castle winner has a way of showing up big-time in the Classic. Think Solar Song, Stormy Prospector, uh huh! Hunch play.
Symondite is also another layoff horse. The Kingmambo veteran has made only one start since March’s Sand Castle in which he finished 3rd. The frontrunner faded against Jeepster in his last. He challenges Kimball’s Pride for the lead Saturday. A difficult assignment with only one start in 7 months. Must merit respect having won the Equinics back in February though — quite a mystery horse. Toss a coin, then dance around in corcles three times and see whethere it’s heads or tails. Woogedy boogedy!
Rock Hard Korn finished 3rd to Jeepster in last year’s BB Classic and 2nd in Demeco’s 2008 edition. He’s a prime old boy who has been around the block or two. In 2009, he won the Sand Castle Classic as his major claim to fame. Aside from a couple listed stakes scores this season, he’s been off the board in grades this year. I must say that he really doesn’t belong. An old boy who’s near the end of his last hurrah.
We’ll have to finish with the other two 3yo colts. Flame Of Apollo is the Super’s other entry. The Kingmambo colt was a top 2yo and Triple Crown trail horse, but he finished up the track in the Bluegrass Derby. The colt rebounded after the Derby to take the Swamps two months later by a head. He’s been winless in two starts since July then albeit in a very fast time versus his age group LTO. Needs to prove himself over 10f, bottom line. We’ll see, but heckuva spot for an experiment.
Finally, Topicount’s Hussonet colt Prussian won the LA Derby two starts back in 112 SP# time. He was runnerup in the Middle Jewel and has shown flashes of superiority since. He too in unproven over 10f. I can see no reason why he wouldn’t like the distance since he missed the Derby. But it’s a litmus test and he was well beaten by older horses at the G3 level in his last.
The BB Classic Field at a glance:
1
This Calling (7/1)Age: 5
Pedigree: Sadler’s Wells x Alydar x Buckpasser
Lifetime record & earnings: 41 / 10-3-7, $1.46-million
Winner: CA Classic-G1 (aka Pacific Classic)
Ranking: # 3 Dirt Classic Older Male
Owner/Trainer: arse2007 (Sdmf) DelPenn National
Jockey: P Harzheim
Running style: Closer
Why he can win: Loves the distance; in decent form winning 2 of last 3
Question Marks: Long in the tooth making 42nd career start; Got beat by 3yo Dragon D’Oro LTO
Nitty Gritty: Mucho respect for tasty mild longshot
2
Jeepster (13/1)Age: 4
Pedigree: Seeking The Gold x Storm Cat x Danzig
Lifetime record & earnings: 24 / 10-1-3, $6.8-million
Winner: Breeders Bowl Classic (2009)
Ranking: # 19 Dirt Classic Older Male
Owner/Trainer: super25 (Supers) DelPenn National
Jockey: D Sherman
Running style: Midpacker/closer
Why he can win: Back on track LTO w/ powerful score; proven class
Question Marks: Best days behind him?
Nitty Gritty: Bit of a reach despite LTO; Needs herculean effort
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3
Dark Aura (8/1)Age: 4
Pedigree: El Prado x Roberto x Damascus
Lifetime record & earnings: 23 / 4-8-4, $758k
Winner: Hit Me Handicap-G1 (aka Whitney Handicap)
Ranking: # 14 Dirt Classic Older Male
Owner/Trainer: usctrojans (Padrebri – Brian – Peeps) GR Simsters
Jockey: O A Haack
Running style: Midpacker/closer
Why he can win: Late bloomer peaking at right time
Question Marks: Still eligible for NW4x; Distance yet off track in lone 10f start?
Nitty Gritty: Hit or miss type, yet live play for minor purse share or more
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4
Kimball’s Pride (7/1)Age: 4
Pedigree: Empire Maker x Miswaki x Awesome Again
Lifetime record & earnings: 23 / 7-12-0, $1.16-million
Winner: Bob Woodward Memorial-G1 (aka Woodward Stakes)
Ranking: # 1 Dirt Classic Older Male
Owner/Trainer: ziploc (Madmanlopo) GR Simsters
Jockey: K Ledwith
Running style: Pacesetter
Why he can win: Ultra consistent, ultra classy
Question Marks: Can he sustain speed over 10f? Must outgain fresh Symondite for frontrunner honors
Nitty Gritty: Dangerous if all alone on lead; Don’t leave out of exotics; Like how he didn’t run too fast LTO too
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5
Distorted Storm (9/1)Age: 4
Pedigree: Distorted Humor x Storm Cat x Mill Reef
Lifetime record & earnings: 21 / 12-4-3, $5.02-million
Winner: Sand Castle Classic-G1 (aka Dubai World Cup)
Ranking: # 8 Dirt Classic Older Male
Owner/Trainer: latinlover Hispano Parlante
Jockey: H Harzheim
Running style: Closer
Why he can win: Loves the distance and due for another ’10 score
Question Marks: 0-for-4 since March’s Sand Castle
Nitty Gritty: Cushy post and spaced out schedule; Needs to bring A-game; Rabbit’s foot play
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6
Elusive High (16/1)Age: 4
Pedigree: Elusive Quality x Victory Gallop x Easy Goer
Lifetime record & earnings: 22 / 5-7-3, $1.02-million
Winner: Out of the City Handicap-G2 (aka Suburban Handicap)
Ranking: # 5 Dirt Classic Older Male
Owner/Trainer: dailyracin (Selurnivek – Worldwide) Hong Kong Racing Club
Jockey: S L Ledwith
Running style: Stalker
Why he can win: Distance no problem
Question Marks: Struggled home in Jockey Guild Gold Cup; Inconsistent this season
Nitty Gritty: Seems to be off form; Needs a prayer
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7
Prussian (14/1)Age: 3
Pedigree: Hussonet x AP Indy x Mr. Prospector
Lifetime record & earnings: 15 / 3-4-1, $1.12-million
Winner: LA Derby-G2 (aka Super Derby)
Ranking: # 7 Dirt Classic 3yo Colt
Owner/Trainer: kjracing (Topicount) GR Simsters
Jockey: D Givins
Running style: Stalker/closer
Why he can win: Sensational in gritty LA Derby score as well as super tough when 2nd in Middle Jewel
Question Marks: Unproven at 10f; Dull BC prep LTO
Nitty Gritty: Needs lifetime best to beat these
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8
Drago D’Oro (13/1)Age: 3
Pedigree: Medaglia D’Oro x Storm Cat x Private Account
Lifetime record & earnings: 11 / 6-3-0, $1.18-million
Winner: The GoodyGood-G1 (aka Goodwood Handicap)
Ranking: # 9 Dirt Classic Older Male
Owner/Trainer: ariana (Galileo) Blazing Saddles
Jockey: W McClendon
Running style: Midpacker
Why he can win: Positvely blossoming with 2 straight victories including last over older
Question Marks: Needs to prove superior over 10f; Might bounce after last?
Nitty Gritty: Ethereal score LTO might see him peak one race too early; big threat if not though!
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9
Too Many Larry (9/2)Age: 4
Pedigree: Unbridled’s Song x Alydar x Seattle Slew
Lifetime record & earnings: 19 / 5-5-4, $969k
Winner: Jockey Guild Gold Cup-G1
Ranking: # 2 Dirt Classic Older Male
Owner/Trainer: laz3man (Otistaylor) @ Blazing Saddles
Jockey: J Caves
Running style: Closer
Why he can win: Fastest speed by any horse of the year (121) in Jockey Guild
Question Marks: None except bounce factor
Nitty Gritty: Late bloomer is worthy fave; Gets extra furlong to chase down rival Kimball’s Pride
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10
Hecametomeinadream (13/1)Age: 5
Pedigree: Deep Impact x Lyphard x Secretariat
Lifetime record & earnings: 35 / 13-5-2, $1.5-million
Winner: Barry Foster-G1 (aka Stephen Foster Handicap)
Ranking: # 10 Dirt Classic Older Male
Owner/Trainer: bobcat (Kingab) Empire State Racing
Jockey: T Small
Running style: Midpacker
Why he can win: Gallant when on target; trainer knows how to win these races
Question Marks: Not much experience of late over distance, but pedigree suggests OK
Nitty Gritty: Average efforts of late and lower speed figs indicate this guy might be in over head
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11
Demeco (13/1)Age: 5
Pedigree: Awesome Again x Broad Brush x Secreatariat
Lifetime record & earnings: 34 / 13-7-5, $6.63-million
Winner: Movieland Shiny Cup-G1 (aka Hollywood Gold Cup); Breeders Bowl Classic (2008)
Ranking: # 6 Dirt Classic Older Male
Owner/Trainer: fatattack (Wayne) DelPenn National
Jockey: N Lawton
Running style: Midpacker/closer
Why he can win: Classy individual still got game w/ runner-up spot recently in CA Classic
Question Marks: Nowheresville in JGGCup; in and out of grades this year
Nitty Gritty: Flip a coin whether or not to toss out last race; Sentimental choice
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12
Flame Of Apollo (16/1)Age: 3
Pedigree: Kingmambo x Seattle Slew x Hail To Reason
Lifetime record & earnings: 14 / 5-4-2, $1.79-million
Winner: Swamps Stakes-G2 (aka Swaps Stakes)
Ranking: # 1 Dirt Classic 3yo Colt
Owner/Trainer: super8 (Supers) DelPenn National
Jockey: F Gossett
Running style: Midpacker/closer
Why he can win: Sizzling up-and-comer peaking at right time
Question Marks: Only 3 starts since no-show Derby; Yet to make noise at distance
Nitty Gritty: Major factor for board but needs another level to win
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13
Symondite (9/1)Age: 6
Pedigree: Kingmambo x Storm Cat x Habitat
Lifetime record & earnings: 30 / 9-4-3, $1.33-million
Winner: Equinics’ NH Air National Guard-G1
Ranking: # 15 Dirt Classic Older Male
Owner/Trainer: upgrade (Tulloch) MIDAS
Jockey: O Osbourne
Running style: Pacesetter
Why he can win: Adores the distance and can run fields off their feet
Question Marks: Only one start since March’s Sand Castle (3rd); too fresh?
Nitty Gritty: Duels with Kimball’s Pride for lead; Difficult to guage long layoff’s impact; Look elsewhere
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14
Rock Hard Korn (16/1)Age: 5
Pedigree: Rock Hard Ten x Seattle Slew x Nijinsky II
Lifetime record & earnings: 38 / 9-7-3, $8.14-million
Winner: Listed stakes in 2010
Ranking: # 17 Dirt Classic Older Male
Owner/Trainer: korn (Quikvett) Universal Racing Club
Jockey: S Blood
Running style: Stalker/midpacker
Why he can win: Proven goods in big races
Question Marks: Quite average also-ran this year in the grades
Nitty Gritty: Doesn’t belong at this point
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Snowchief’s Picks:
Tough field and I’d like to go with the bookies on this one with Too Many Larry and Kimball’s Pride. But this group is so deep in back class. Just hard to tell who’s gonna fire! I’ll give Sdmf the kiss of death and take This Calling in a mild upset. Demeco proves he’s a Hall of Famer with the place spot. Flame of Apollo outduels Prussian and Drago D’Oro for the show.
Win: This Calling
Place: Demeco
Show: Flame of Apollo or Drago D’Oro
Good luck to all and go Zenyatta & Goldikova!