Stakes Record: Ed\u2019s Pegasus AS (1:42 3\/5, 2002) – the other four editions were all 1:43.
It is fall at its finest, the leaves at the peak of their beauty – hues of crimson, scarlet, orange and gold gleaming in the sunlight, the crisp blue skies a glorious backdrop to this riotous rainbow. This pageant of colors is also found on the track, in the multi-hued silks of the jockeys and the dappled coats of the horses. A buzz is in the air, the track is filled with spectators eager to see racing at its finest. The connections try to laugh of the tension, even as they double and triple check all those last minute details. It is that same attention to detail that got them and their charges here in the first place. This is Breeders\u2019 Bowl weekend.
This year, I am covering the Breeders\u2019 Bowl Juvenile Turf. I have a soft spot in my heart for this race, as three years ago, Epiphany Too finished second in this race. I had trained for a little over a year, and I still remember the thrill – you would have thought I\u2019d won the race, judging from my reaction. Fourteen trainers are hoping for an even better result, with a blanket of royal purple and gold to drape across their colt\u2019s withers, and the trophy\/statue that is instantly recognizable as the Breeders\u2019 Bowl. The lion\u2019s share of the $750,000 purse and the title of pro tem leader for an Eclipse Award are also among the spoils to the victor. And for the losers, they can always console themselves with the thought that they might be the next Horseshoe Bay (seventh) General\u2019s Chariot (fifth) or Jupiter\u2019s Moons (second), all of whom ran in this race last year. Win, lose or draw, congratulations to all of these horses and their connections for making it into this big dance. This may very well be a jockey\u2019s race, with five confirmed frontrunners in the field, but in the end, it may come down to who has the most will to win in a very determined bunch. Without further adieu, the post parade is as follows:
PP1: Very Silver<\/B> (Silver Ghost x Secretariat x Silver Hawk). Turf Record: 3-2-1-0, $452,100
Time and time again, veteran trainers emphasize the importance of trying both surfaces before giving up on a horse, and this guy is a prime example. The colt showed little in his debut after stumbling at the start, and his connections decided they had seen enough and promptly shipped him off to auction. Acote<\/I> liked the silvery grey colt, and put his money where his mouth was, bidding a cool $1.4 million for the juvenile. Silver Ghost\u2019s offspring have been effective on both surfaces, most notably SJ\u2019s Silver Ghost, who won the Breeders\u2019 Bowl Juvenile Filly Turf two years ago. In his morning workouts, the colt took to the turf course like a duck to water, and in his first start over the lawn, served notice that he was one to watch, posting an 84 SF in his facile two length victory against a tough group of Kentucky maidens. Based on that performance, his connections decided to send him straight to the top, and entered him in the Grade 1 Bass Reach For Greatness Stakes. The turf came up good after a series of rainstorms softened the track, but it made no difference. Very Silver made a nice late move, but it wasn\u2019t quite enough to catch Pub Crawl. From discard to Grade 1 in two races is no small feat. Silver would race once more before the Breeders\u2019 Bowl, and it was a dynamite performance. Competing against a full field in the Grade 1 GSR Diamond, the colt powered to the front at the head of the stretch, and the outcome was never in doubt that final furlong. Final time for the mile was a stellar 1:36 (94 SF). With five weeks\u2019 rest, the grey, who is as gentle as a lamb around the barn, but all business on the track, is primed for another big effort and a chance to turn the tables on Pub Crawl. He\u2019s got an excellent shot to continue to add to this success story. I\u2019m surprised that Very Silver\u2019s odds are in double digits – a must include in any exotic bet. Odds: 11\/1.
PP2: Fuzzy Rainbow<\/B> (Rainbow Quest x Storm Cat x Darshaan). Turf Record: 6-4-2-0, $261,150
One of two colts in the field by Rainbow Quest, the colt is tall, elegant, dark, with just a coronet of white around his right hind ankle. A little aloof around the barn, he carries that imperious attitude onto the track. I spoke to dundey7<\/I> about how he came up with this pedigree cross, and he replied, \u201cThe horse is from my nice mare, Overpass Kitty. Her prior foal by 49er is developing into a classic distance horse at 3, winning his last 2 allowance races at 10f in 102 & 104 respectively. I wanted to try something different with her next foal, and choose Rainbow Quest because I hoped her turf influence would mix nicely with Darshaan, the DDS.\u201d So far, the cross has been a success for the New Jersey-based colt. After a disappointing dirt debut, Fuzzy was shipped to New York, where he made a quick impression, winning two starts in a row over this turf course. It was time to test stakes company, and the colt never turned a hair, as once again, he won with ease. A jockey\u2019s dream, Fuzzy has done well from the back of the pack, mid-pack, and just off the pace. Loesch is clearly delighted with his colt\u2019s ability, and has come to the track early each morning to work the colt. The four race win streak came to an end against Grade 3 competition, as the bay made his usual late run, but fell a half-length short of fellow BB entrant Fantastic Muse. The colt had been talented to win at shorter distances, but it seemed that he most likely needed more ground in order to show his best stuff, and he got that opportunity in the Grade 1 High Flyer Stakes. Reed, the top jock in Ireland, didn\u2019t have one of his better moments that day, as he moved the colt a little too soon. Fuzzy Rainbow took the lead at the top of the long stretch drive, and couldn\u2019t quite hang on, as Andy\u2019s Choice, also in the BB, looped the field late to outfinish dundey7’s colt. Instead Fuzzy Rainbow had to settle for second, beaten 3\/4 of a length. The other horses on the front end at the top of the stretch finished fifth, seventh, and eighth – Fuzzy was the only one to stick around at the wire. With seven weeks\u2019 off, the colt is feeling good, and his dappled coat exudes good health. As his trainer noted, \u201cHe comes into this race sharp, and is ready to roll!\u201d Odds: 9\/1.
PP3: Northern Chant<\/B> (War Chant x Northern Dancer x Raise a Native). Turf Record: 5-3-1-0 $372,190
Jockeymax1<\/I> has several talented two year olds this year, and Northern Chant looks to put the icing on the cake that is the 2005 season. A smallish colt with a nasty temper, he looks a lot like his dam-sire, the immortal Northern Dancer. Although his talent is undeniable, there are some real questions about his ability to win at 1 1\/16 miles, particularly if he doesn’t get the lead. These concerns stem from the Tiny Toes Stakes, where he could never quite get past Tiderunner, finally packing it in during the final furlong. The bay returned none the worse for wear after that disappointing outing, and rebounded in the Grade 1 Nationwide Stakes, where he battled tenaciously to stay in front, first by a nose, then by a \u00bc length, then steadily edged away in a manner to suggest that an extra furlong or two would present no difficulty; posting a 90 SF for the 7 furlongs in the process. Northern Chant’s need to be in front every step of the way is both his strength and his weakness; his blazing speed costing more of his talent than perhaps necessary. It will be the talented Ledwith’s job to get this colt to balance harnessing this speed without making him lose interest in the race in the process. The pair have been getting acquainted in the mornings and hope to see all of this pregame preparation pay off. Odds: 7\/1
PP4: Cronus(IRE)<\/B> (Giant\u2019s Causeway x Forty Niner x Danzig). Turf Record: 4-2-2-0, $105,860
Last year, chilcoat<\/I> was in the winner\u2019s circle on Breeders\u2019 Bowl day with a two year old son of Giant\u2019s Causeway, Cader Ydris(IRE). Another year, another juvenile son of Giant\u2019s Causeway – the only difference here is that this is turf, not dirt. While Cader\u2019s stakes points from last year\u2019s BB dropped off one week too soon, keeping him out of the Classic, this guy may very well make up for that disappointment. The dark hued colt with a slash of white across his face has a striking presence, both in the barn and on the track. Cronus is the first foal out of the stakes winning and graded stakes placed mare Sonoma, who was effective sprinting at a juvenile, but ultimately was most effective at a mile, where she posted a 114 SF three times, all in allowance scores. Interestingly enough, she showed little in her lone turf start. Her son raced once on the dirt, finishing greenly in his debut to take second. Switched to the turf in his next outing, Cronus promptly won, then reeled off win number two in the Caliber Ridge Stakes over this New York turf course. The colt had shown a good deal of kick in his races, and so he was stretched out to a mile. Sent to France, Cronus fell further back than he ever had in sprints, where he normally raced midpack. He didn\u2019t start rolling until the top of the stretch, but when he did, it was a powerful effort, making up more than five lengths late to move from sixth to second, closing in on Tiderunner, who\u2019d had an uncontested lead on the front end. The juvenile hadn\u2019t quite got the job done, but you had to wonder if another 1\/16th would have made the difference. After earning an 87 SF, the colt had given notice that he should be a pretty nice turf miler. Next start was a tougher than it looked stakes. While the Preview Stakes, run over this track, was not a graded event, it should have been, with the unbeaten Pub Crawl making his final prep for the BB. Again, Cronus fell back early, while Pub Crawl opened up an unpressured five length lead on the backstretch. Cronus would start his move a little earlier, on the far turn, going from last to third, but in the final furlong, while he would make up three lengths on the leader, it wouldn\u2019t be enough, and his connections once again had to settle for second (88 SF). Back at the barn (Mumbai, winner of last year\u2019s Breeders\u2019 Bowl Juvenile Filly Turf, gave me a quick disinterested look as I passed by her stall), I spoke to his trainer about his chances, while Cronus watched all the comings and goings around the barn with interest, clearly delighted and not a bit phased by all the activity and commotion that is Breeders\u2019 Bowl Week. Chilcoat had this to say, \u201cI have no idea whether he has it in him to win, but I expect him to be competitive. I’m thrilled to have the very skilled R Harzheim aboard. A good jock can make or break you in one of these crazy juvie races, where anything can happen. I’m really looking forward to this race. Regardless of who wins, these juvenile races are so exciting and unpredicatable. We’re going to be seeing the stars of tomorrow and I just hope I have one of them.\u201d Odds: 9\/1.
PP5: Vermont Victory<\/B> (Two Punch x Theatrical x Pleasant Colony). Turf Record: 3-2-0-1, $103,600
Winner take all contests are always interesting, particularly when the \u201call\u201d is a stable full of two year olds. If your horse wins, you inherit nine other two year olds; some may turn out to be nothing, others may be something special. But if your horse is going to be something special, you better hope it wins that all-critical race. The WTAS contest was ran on a rather large scale, involving multiple stables, earlier this year, and wtas2<\/I>, a\/k\/a Dixiedotco, may have hit the jackpot here, at breeder david37373’s expense. The colt\u2019s breeder has the misfortune to breed a superior turfer (and with Theatrical and Pleasant Colony, that shouldn\u2019t be much of a surprise) for a contest based on dirt ability; although Vermont Victory gave it his level best, posting a 73 SF while falling just short going 5 \u00bd furlongs on the dirt. That\u2019s the risks and rewards of this contest, in a nutshell. As Vermont\u2019s trainer put it, \u201cThis horse wasn’t even the one I bred (and won the stable with). That one, Salt Bluff, had a few decent races but was injured several months ago.\u201d The near-white colt makes a striking appearance, with his black mane, tail, and four stockings a startling contrast to the rest of his coat. As his groom half-ruefully put it, \u201cHe\u2019ll keep you on your toes.\u201d Vermont Victory may be aggressive, but that usually is the sign of a good racehorse. Switched to the turf, he won over this New York surface, with Painter aboard, who will be aboard again. Talking to the jockey, he\u2019s excited about his chances, \u201cSo often, when all the name jockeys come to town, the local guys get ignored. But hey, we ride this surface every day of the year. We know all the quirks, and how the course will play in any given weather condition.\u201d After that win, the colt was shipped up to Michigan to try stakes company, and once again, it was an easy score; this time an 82 SF for the 7 \u00bd furlongs. Like many of the other contenders in this race, the final prep race was the Grade 1 GSR Diamond. The colt didn\u2019t win, but he managed to pass several horses in the stretch to finish third, without ever threatening the winner (84 SF). Dixiedotco summed up his chances very well: \u201cWith just 5 races under his belt, he has a lot of room for improvement still. Don’t know where he fits with this group, as his numbers are a little light. But he acts like the extra distance will help him, as he seems to be kind of a grinder. The mare’s side of the pedigree says the more distance the better. He’ll sit back and make one run, and with a little luck he can be a factor in the finish.\u201d With this colt\u2019s attitude, Vermont Victory may make his own luck. Odds: 15\/1.
PP6: Tiderunner<\/B> (Pulpit x Dixieland Band x Seattle Slew). Turf Record: 7-5-0-2, $233,820
This kingfish<\/I> homebred is another confirmed frontrunner in a race chock full of them. The veteran campaigner has made seven starts, all on the turf, never finishing worse than third. The mahogany colored colt, with a simple white star on his forehead, is average in size, but has a back end worthy of a quarter horse. That engine simply motors him along, as he has proven time and again. Surprisingly, for all the speed he shows on the track, around the barn, he’s as mellow and laid back as can be. Only when Tiderunner’s headed to the track does he don his running shoes. It might seem simple to classify this guy as a mere sprinter, until you look at his one routing attempt, the Grade 3 Tiny Toes Stakes in France. Fresh off a stakes win at that track, the colt looked the rest of the field in the eye, holding a narrow lead by the bob of a head at the quarter ole, gutting it out to a \u00bd length at the half mile mark, before breaking the will of the rest of his competition, opening up 2 \u00be lengths at the top of the stretch before holding Cronus safe by 1 \u00bd at the line. According to Truitt, his rider in that race, who was crushed not to make the trip this weekend, “He did it all on his own; all I had to do was chirp to him, and he’d ratchet it up another gear.” With Kingfish satisfied as to his colt’s ability to get a mile, and a BB berth pretty much locked up, he took it easy in the colt’s final prep. Sent 7 1\/2 furlongs in Denmark, he won under wraps, returning to the winner\u2019s circle like he hadn\u2019t raced at all – in other words, the perfect prep. Given the colt’s record, it is somewhat surprising that on a day filled with jockeys with a winning percentage of 20% or more, that Sturman (6%) would get the ride here. Sturman is obviously delighted, the bettors perhaps less so. In a race filled with quality speed, the rider choice may make a key difference. Odds: 13\/1
PP7: Awesome Angel<\/B> (Awesome Again x Old Trieste x Fabled Monarch). Turf Record: 4-3-0-0, $105,000
Yet another colt in this race with speed to burn, this golden-hued chestnut with the flaxen mane and tail is a real eye-catcher. You can’t help but notice him in the morning workouts, his neck bowed, his long tail streaming behind him like a banner as his powerful legs flash across the track. You can’t help but notice him on the track, either, as he challenges his rivals, both in the paddock and on the track, daring them to catch him. And until his latest outing, no one could touch him on the turf. His nickname is Angel Eyes, and if you’ve watched The Good, The Bad and the Ugly, it’s a fitting one. The sheik692<\/I> homebred was a nice colt on the dirt, but turned into something else on the lawn. Three stakes, three gutsy victories. In the Fast Cat, he showed he could go head to head, battling in a three horse speed duel that went the entire 5 \u00bd furlongs before prevailing by \u00bc length. Stretched out to a route for the first time in the Brother Vacuum, there were concerns that he couldn’t carry his speed a distance of ground, but the colt was nonplussed by all the attention, turning in a dazzling performance. The race left some question marks, after all the 6 length lead at the half-mile pole evaporated to a mere \u00bc length at the wire, but the final time of 1:44 (90 SF) was something to take notice of, and the second place finisher, Michelangelo, raced second in the Grade 2 Manofjunk Stakes next time out.. His critics felt that their concerns about his distance limitations were justified when he faded to 10th in the Grade 1 GSR Diamond after setting the early pace, but his connections felt the poor outing was a combination of running back just three weeks after that huge performance in the Brother Vacuum, and in the stretch, his saddle slipped. You can be sure that the saddle will be secured with duct tape, if need be, to make sure there is no repeat. With five weeks’ rest this time around, his connections expect a good ending to their day on Saturday. Angel Eyes will be facing more pressure early in this race, but he’s handled it before, and is there anyone you’d rather have in a shoot-out than a colt nicknamed after Eastwood? Odds: 16\/1
PP8: Always Improving<\/B> (Trempolino x Silver Deputy x With Approval). Turf Record: 3-2-1-0, $186,500
One of the few closers in this field, Always Improving has indeed lived up to his name. While the colt has been a pretty nice runner on the main track, although he gave the impression of needing more ground, he put it all together when switched to the lawn. An easy winner of a Swedish allowance, in his next start, he made the leap to stakes competition a successful one in the Turfstar Stakes. The big brown colt lagged towards the back of pack early before uncorking a powerful run from the back of the pack, going from fifth to first in the final furlong under a well-timed ride. He earned an 82 SF for the 7 \u00bd furlongs, but the colt wasn\u2019t done yet. A gut check awaited him in the Grade 1 GSR Diamond. Again, the colt lingered towards the back of the pack, but once he started rolling, he flew, passing horses left and right, until only Very Silver remained between him and the wire. He couldn\u2019t quite get there, but had acquitted himself admirably, earning a 92 SF for his effort. This time, he gets leading New York rider Lawton aboard, and if there\u2019s any edge to be gained over this course, Lawton will be the one to find it. I managed to find time to speak with trainer rharfo7<\/I> about his charge – the horse in question stuck his head out briefly in hopes of peppermints, then disappeared once it was offered, crunching merrily on his favorite treat. I asked how he\u2019d come up with this pedigree combination, as Trempolino is not an overly popular sire in the sim, although he\u2019s gotten his fair share of sim runners. \u201cBred from a retired 3 from 27 starts ‘G’ grade mare, Always Improving was a last minute breeding late his given birth week. The stable had a few bp’s to use, so I did a quick search of the available retired mares and found his mum, NOT APPROVING in my ‘dodoben’ barn\u201d When asked about his colt\u2019s chances, he said, \u201cWhile he was not closing on the winner, he was not losing ground either…I am hoping that Trempolino’s ability to aid his offspring over longer distances can see Always Improving in the thick of things in the home stretch.\u201d In watching Always Improving\u2019s races, I think that\u2019s an astute observation, as the colt gives every indication of wanting 1 1\/16 miles or more. This is rharfo\u2019s first BB runner in four years of training, a thrill in itself, and as he noted, \u201cA win, which may not be totally out of the question, would be huge!!!\u201d Always Improving may very well live up to his name one more time. Odds: 10\/1
PP9: Hopes and Fears<\/B> (Grand Slam x In the Wings x Polar Falcon). Turf Record: 4-1-1-1, $158,170
To date, this late blooming colt hasn’t accomplished as much as some of the others in this race, but the bobmarley<\/I> trainee won’t turn a hair when facing those rivals Saturday. Mellow both around the barn and on the track, this pale chestnut with a white-blazoned face and pink nose is content to get things done in his own good time. Since stretching out to a route, though, Fear has made up ground on the rest of his class in fairly short order. The Benelux resident made his first attempt at a mile a winning one, stalking the leaders early before pouncing in the stretch, dueling briefly with two others before putting those rivals away to win by an emphatic length (78 SF). Four weeks later, he made the successful leap to the Grade 1 level, although the sheer bogginess of that track that day does put a bit of an asterisk of it. How he would have done had the fabled Queensland course remained firm is anyone’s guess, but on that particular day and surface, he was good enough to duel with rivals who ultimately finished fourth and seventh, failing to withstand only the late charge of Crimson Warrior. That second place finish catapulted him straight onto the leaderboard and into the Breeders’ Bowl. He’ll need to take another step forward off that race to compete with some of the more fancied runners, but he has every right to do so. The routing ability comes to him naturally – his dam Unukalhai (GB) (try saying THAT ten times fast), already has a Grade 2 winner in Dr. John, by Down the Aisle. Dr. John, who showed little in his only turf try, was on the Triple Crown trail last year, winning the Sleepy Fan and finishing third in the Grade 1 LA Derby. Sandwiched in between was a gallant defeat in the Senor Paul Stakes, where he posted a 114 SF in a second place effort. Evans, who has the mount, had this to say, “In a race with this much speed, I think this guy’s tractability is going to be key. We’ll be relaxed right behind the speed duel, and when they burn each other out, we’ll be able to get the jump on the rest of the field. I like my chances a lot.” Odds: 20\/1
PP10: Fantastic Muse<\/B> (Fantastic Light x Danzig x Rainbow Quest). Turf Record: 4-3-0-0, $276,840
The lightly raced Fantastic Muse has made quite a splash in a very short period of time, as he made his debut a mere 15 weeks ago. After easily breaking his maiden, borden<\/I> sent her prize colt into grade 3 competition four weeks later, and he emerged from the fray a winner, earning a stellar 87 SF for the 6 furlong event. Left in his wake was Fuzzy Rainbow. Next came the Grade 1 High Flyer Stakes, and for whatever the reason, the colt never really fired, dawdling in midpack throughout. His connections anxiously checked the colt over, but he was fine, just one of those mysterious and unexplainable things. They decided to simply toss that race out, and that proved to be a wise move. Returning to the races four weeks later in the Grade 2 Manofjunk Stakes, the colt once again relaxed in midpack before making a bold move to pass the leaders at the top of the stretch, hooking up throughout the stretch with first Sting Like A Bee, and then Michelangelo, but determinedly pressed on to win by a head, earning an 86 SF. He wheels back on only three weeks\u2019 rest, which his trainer acknowledges. \u201cHe is ready to go, although coming off only a 3-week layoff, but he will be there. He has already shown great heart, coming out on top of a fierce stretch battle last time out. Even if he bounces, he has a wonderful future ahead of him.\u201d Back at the barn after a morning workout, the colt was his usual playful self while receiving his bath. As my colt, Epiphany Too, was also by Fantastic Light, I asked Ace how she ended up picking this stallion. She laughed. \u201cLooking at her pedigree, alot of people probably would have sent her to Storm Cat or a Mr. Prospector son. Had the 5x beta come out before I bred him (or had I bothered to look at it) I may have done so myself. As it is, the close-up linebreeding (3 x 4 for both Northern Dancer and Blushing Groom(Fr) ) has apparently worked out well in this case. So, why did I choose Fantastic Light? He was available on Saturday evening. lol! Ok, that’s not the only reason. He is one of my favorites, and I was shooting for a classic\/long turfer, with aims at the BB Turf someday. So, who better to use as a sire than one who won the BC Turf?\u201d Who, indeed? And the colt is from a Danzig mare, Muse, who was a pretty nice runner in her own right, winning a stakes and earning bronze in the Equinics. With a solid pedigree, a favorable pace scenario, as he ought to be able to stalk behind a torrid early pace, and Small in the irons, there\u2019s a lot going this colt\u2019s way. Odds: 9\/1
PP11: Bead Two(GB)<\/B> (Beat Hollow x Spinning World x Black Tie Affair). Turf Record: 6-4-1-0, $336,330
This handsome, seal-brown colt with a snip of white across his nose (that makes him look like he poked his nose in a paint bucket) is an absolute gentleman around the barn, as his groom will proudly tell you. But his good manners do not mean that he gets pushed around on the track – far from it. Hailing from the GR Simster residency, Bead Two made an early splash in the juvenile turf colt division, piling on four consecutive wins, including two graded stakes, all in sprints. The most impressive thing about these wins was that this was no precocious colt, dashing madly about. Instead, he would break slowly from the gate and steadily build up steam, a relentless force that would pass each of his rivals until he was alone, in front. With that running style, things figured only to get better as the distances got longer, and it has, sort of. Bead Two has raced only once in a route so far, and while he didn\u2019t win, he was making up ground, and was less than two lengths behind Tiderunner at the wire (86 SF). Cut back in distance, he was closing ground once again in the Grade 1 Nationwide Stakes, ultimately ending up second behind Northern Chant while never really threatening the winner. It may be that, at the end of the day, he\u2019s a sprinter with a good late kick, but I\u2019m not willing to base that on a single route race, and people may be in for a bit of a surprise, now that he gets a chance to go 1 1\/16 miles. While he has yet to crack 90, like several of his rivals have, the Beadster isn\u2019t that far off, and a small step forward could very well be enough. A midpack runner, he should avoid much of the traffic and pace problems that may confront several of his rivals, and he gets a solid rider in Harzheim. I got a chance to interview bodgit<\/I> (a\/k\/a epic), regarding his prized charge to get a little background on Bead Two. As it turns out, talent runs in this colt\u2019s family: \u201cBead Two is a a full brother to a now retired 4YO filly named Beadmeister, who was a pretty darn good filly. Both come out of the mare Out of This World. Out of this World was a product of Tilting Plus Tie, who some really old sim players may remember as the *other* horse in billg51’s stable way back when. Yes he was a stablemate of Gatling Prospector, and I picked him up in the auction when Billg51 correctly thought Tilting Plus Tie was done. Tilting Plus Tie did win 4 G3’s in his days with Billg51, so while he was no Gatling, he did hold his own.\u201d Beadmeister, one of epic\u2019s favorite fillies, ended up with three stakes wins. Out of this World, who is looking more and more like a blue hen, also produced a pretty promising filly who broke her maiden with an 82 SF on the lawn before being prematurely retired. As for Bead Two, \u201cI decided to try a full to Beadmeister, in the unlikely event that I could get another Beadmeister. That’s where the name Bead two comes from. And what do you know, he’s actually been better than Beadmeister! He did lose his last 2 races after starting 4 for 4, but both came from bad posts and still he only lost by a combined 4 lengths. If Bead Two makes the field and then gets a decent post this time around, I think he’s a live long shot.\u201d Well, he\u2019s made the field, and post 11 would qualify as \u201cdecent\u201d my book, and as superstitious players know, good things come in threes . . . Odds: 10\/1
PP12: Andy\u2019s Choice<\/B> (Rainbow Quest x Gone West x Lyphaness). Turf Record: 4-4-0-0, $403,080
The second Rainbow Quest colt in the field, Andy\u2019s Choice is the first of three unbeaten colts in the race. He showed talent the second he first arrived at the track from the farm, and he quickly proved that he was the real deal, and no morning glory. In his first two starts, the handsome dark bay colt would settle into stride, letting other horses pass him, until he was ready to unfurl his gigantic stride, picking off runners with ease. Appropriately, his first stakes victory was the Look of Eagles, for this horse\u2019s eyes have exactly that look. He\u2019s a thinking horse, interested in what is going on around him, and smart as a whip, which is probably why he\u2019s so tractable on the track. Having established his talent, it was time to give him a true class test, and so the Grade 3 Up North Juvenile was selected. Once again, Andy was towards the back of the pack early, but he wove his way through traffic, getting checked but never stopping, until he had gone from 10th to first in the final quarter mile, making up 5 lengths at the end to give pacesetter Glory B Good, the \u201cbad beat\u201d at the wire. A relentless competitor for gunsynd<\/I>, the colt would run once more before heading to New York – this time in the Grade 1 High Flyer Stakes. In a full field, Andy would once again be moving late, this time going from seventh to first in the final quarter mile, making up more than six lengths. This time, Fuzzy Rainbow would suffer the heartbreak at the wire. In a field where five horses are confirmed frontrunners, and two others are stalkers plays to this guy\u2019s strength, although he\u2019s had the talent to win even when the pace hasn\u2019t been so lively. I got a chance to briefly speak with his trainer as the horse was cooling from his final gallop over the track. \u201cHe is right at his peak and has been kicking the stable door down. My only concern is if they go too fast for him as he loves to come home strong and the distance should be right up his alley. I’m sure he will give a great account of himself and it is a thrill just having such a talented colt.\u201d A thrill indeed, and Andy has an excellent shot of continuing to add to that enjoyment. At 11\/1, it is hard not to load up on this colt. Odds: 11\/1.
PP13: Pub Crawl(IRE)<\/B> (El Prado x Giant\u2019s Causeway x Danzig). Turf Record: 5-5-0-0, $427,030
Don\u2019t be deceived by that ninth-place divisional ranking – it exists solely because this is the untested and unbeaten colt\u2019s first graded foray at a route. The pale grey colt with white stockings and a black mane and tail catches the eye of even the most novice bettor, exuding class and confidence. That attitude, which can sometimes make him a handful around the barn, is also what wins races. And so far in his career, that\u2019s all Pub Crawl knows. The son of El Prado has done the GR Simster residency proud, and is owner\/breeder stormborn\u2019s<\/I> pride and joy. The colt began his career in his country of birth, Ireland, and while he won his first two starts, the times were not spectacular and failed to hint at what was to come. In his stakes debut, Pub Crawl shot out of the gate like a rocket, and led throughout, holding the rest of the field, including graded stakes winner Kepler Storm, safe with an 84 SF for the 7 panels. He then wheeled back in the Grade 1 Bass Reach for Greatness Stakes. The rains came, but they didn\u2019t matter – the way Pub Crawl ran, it could have been sand or broken glass for all he cared. Again, a gate to wire tour-de-force, this time defeating the highly regarded Very Silver. At this point, the BB was clearly in sight. So, for his final prep, the colt shipped to New York, where Pub Crawl settled in like he\u2019d always been stabled there. Determined not to squeeze the proverbial lemon dry, a nongraded route stakes was selected as the final prep for the star colt. Once again, the grey went quickly to the front and never looked back, although Cronus did his best to eat into that winning margin at the wire. I got a chance to talk to his elated trainer as Pub Crawl eagerly attacked his dinner. \u201c”Words can’t describe how happy this horse has made me. In addition to being a perfect 5\/5, the icing on the cake is that he’s by my favorite sire El Prado. Nothing seems to phase Pub Crawl, he’s improved at every distance, and really to this point he’s never been challenged, winning every race by open lengths. I expect that to change in the Breeders Bowl, as he’ll have to contend with a lot more talented speedy types than he’s used to seeing. However, in his first race he didn’t come away with the lead at the jump and still won, so that gives me confidence that he will be able to rate somewhat if needed. Whatever happens Saturday, Pub Crawl has given me a great thrill with my first G1 winner, and that will never change. But I sure wouldn’t complain with a nice BB showing from him!” It\u2019s hard to argue with perfection, he\u2019s come up to this race in terrific form, and gets the world famous turf jock Stivers for the big dance. Lots to like here. Odds: 6\/1
PP14: Omerta Code<\/B> (Sadler\u2019s Wells x Gone West x Mill Reef). Turf Record: 2-2-0-0, $101,760
The least experienced colt in the field, Omerta Code has experience a meteoric rise through the ranks, qualifying for the Breeders\u2019 Bowl in only two races. Trainer gradetwo<\/I> is going to have a busy Breeders\u2019 Bowl, as they are also saddling Rhibus in the Juvenile and Torch Song in the Juvenile Filly Turf. The colt\u2019s dam, Mother Virtuous, experienced a fair amount of sim notoriety last year during the retired mare controversy. Her now three year old, Ghoul, has won one race from eight starts, but has yet to achieve the results of either Omerta Code or Atlantian, her first foal, who was also a stakes winner. One year later, the mating to Sadler\u2019s Wells finally occurred, and so far, has been worth the wait. Omerta Code, who is named after the Mafia\u2019s code of silence, has acted like a pro since he first set hoof on the track and refuses to act a second stringer to anyone, even Rhibus. In his debut, he broke from the gate like he\u2019d been doing it all his life, and won under wraps, earning a 79 SF for the flat mile. The decision was made to push for the Breeders\u2019 Bowl, and so he reappeared on the track a mere four weeks later in the Grade 3 Mohawk Juvenile, also at a mile. Again, the dark red chestnut broke smartly from the gate and never looked back, posting a nifty 90 SF in the process. There are some knocks against him – he\u2019s wheeling back on only three weeks\u2019 rest, and has never been pressured early or had to face horses with the early speed of Pub Crawl and others. On the other hand, this colt\u2019s future is bright indeed and he\u2019s done everything that\u2019s been asked of him. Odds: 7\/1.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Three Unbeaten Colts in All Star Field; Speed Duel Likely<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":438,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"colormag_page_container_layout":"default_layout","colormag_page_sidebar_layout":"default_layout","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1029","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-previews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1029","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/438"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1029"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1029\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1029"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1029"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1029"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}