{"id":5006,"date":"2007-10-27T02:49:40","date_gmt":"2007-10-27T02:49:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blacktypebugler.com\/?p=5006"},"modified":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","modified_gmt":"-0001-11-30T00:00:00","slug":"oldbtb_1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/?p=5006","title":{"rendered":"Gimme the Green: Breeders Bowl Turf Sprint"},"content":{"rendered":"

New Jersey<\/STRONG>–\u00a0\u00a0 Who do ya like?\u00a0\u00a0 Do you want speedsters like Digging The Grave, A Saints Day, Mr Devious, <\/STRONG>and Drunken Lullabies<\/STRONG> to come away with\u00a0 the six furlong $1,000,000 Breeders Bowl Turf Sprint<\/EM>?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Or do you like those stalkers or closers to\u00a0bring home the bacon like Northern\u00a0Pirate, Political Village <\/STRONG>and General’s Chariot<\/STRONG>?\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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It’s time for the Breeders Bowl Turf Sprint(G1)<\/EM> — 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.\u00a0\u00a0 I Make Stuff Up is not here this year — but we have many of his rivals in the shadows.<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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Will we have a super-duper fast race?\u00a0\u00a0 Last year was pretty slow!\u00a0\u00a0 Only one sophomore enters this year — will Political Village prevail?\u00a0\u00a0 Will the old timers like Night’s Desire<\/STRONG>, Digging The Grave and more usurp the younger spotlight?\u00a0\u00a0 Or will indeed a new star like Tree Guest House, Borracho, <\/STRONG>or Seekin Destroy<\/STRONG> take to the horizon on his way to the\u00a0recordbooks in Sim history?<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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It’s such a close race odds-wise on paper.\u00a0\u00a0 And such a close race in our railbird hearts too.<\/FONT>\u00a0\u00a0 Let’s meet our heroes in the most fantastic turf sprint race of the year —\u00a0\u00a0and be awed……………<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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1<\/FONT>\u00a0\u00a0 <\/STRONG><\/FONT>Omerta Code<\/FONT>, 4yo colt by\u00a0Sadler’s Wells\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Last Race:\u00a0\u00a0 8th in World Cup Turf Sprint(G1)\u00a0over 6fT\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Biggest ’07 Victories:\u00a0\u00a0 Full Speed Ahead(G3), Otter Dash(G3)\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Odds:\u00a0 16\/1<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Can the Supers crack the Code?\u00a0 Omerta Code that is, and boy, he sure is a puzzle.\u00a0 We all anticipated this guy’s ’07 debut early this year — Omerta Code had won the Japan Sprint(G1)<\/EM> in a true breakout performance to close out his 2006 sophomore campaign.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
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But, you know, funky stuff does indeed happen.\u00a0 The colt really hasn’t sizzled like we expected this season.\u00a0\u00a0 He began the year well enough with a decent 5th place in\u00a0late January’s\u00a0Everclear Handicap(G2)<\/EM>.\u00a0 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)<\/EM>.\u00a0 The colt unfortunately never got into the 7.5f race, finishing well up the track.\u00a0 <\/DIV>
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Thus began a kind of topsy-turvy year for Omerta Code.\u00a0\u00a0 The colt picked up a listed score, but then tanked in\u00a0April’s KY Horsemen Elixir Sprint(G1)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0 Why in the world was Omerta Code choking in these big races?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The Supers seemed to figure him out after the Elixir<\/EM>, asking Omerta Code to shorten up in those speedy 5.5f and 4.5f Grade 3s.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The colt won both of them and sandwiched in a whisker-miss to\u00a0Digging The Grave in the Golden Jamboree(G1)<\/EM>.\u00a0 On paper, it wasn’t a too shabby stretch\u00a0of efforts there, but the division’s fans expected Omerta Code to pull off the Jamboree<\/EM> victory.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/DIV>
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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.\u00a0 It’s a case of talent not living up to expected performance on the racetrack.\u00a0\u00a0 After a disappointing 6th place finish to A Saints Day\u00a0in the Firey Hooves(G2)<\/EM>, Omerta Code continued the trend of subpar efforts with a lacadaisical World Cup Turf Sprint<\/EM> gallop.\u00a0 <\/DIV>
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Will Omerta Code show up with his best stuff?\u00a0\u00a0 The midpacker needs to step up big time and show us he’s a champion.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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2<\/FONT>\u00a0\u00a0 <\/STRONG><\/FONT>Night’s Desire<\/FONT>, 6yo horse by Night Shift\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Last Race:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a02nd in World Cup Turf Sprint(G1)\u00a0over 6fT\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Biggest ’07 Victory:\u00a0\u00a0 Mr Anderson Special(G3)\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Odds:\u00a0 9\/1<\/FONT><\/DIV>
He’s the romantic hero of the division and A Knight Named Desire.\u00a0\u00a0 Keely’s pride-and-joy Night’s Desire\u00a0hopes to better his 4th-place finish in last year’s BB Turf Sprint<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0He 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\u00a0capture his first Grade 1 triumph in the Breeders Bowl.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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The key with this guy is that he’s got\u00a0to bring home the consistency.\u00a0\u00a0 Night’s Desire started off ’07 well enough with a fancy-dancy listed stakes sizzler.\u00a0\u00a0The old man seemed primed and prepped for\u00a0February’s Generals Pals Sprint Show II(G1)<\/EM>\u00a0since he made a name for himself the previous year as heavy-duty over seven furlongs.\u00a0 But Night’s Desire threw the first of his two big Grade 1 clinkers — the horse finished hot-n-dirty in the Generals Pals<\/EM> and would later in August do the same on Sim History day.\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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Now some folks would think that age has caught up with our hero, but think again.\u00a0 Night’s Desire recovered a month later from the race, ripping a 108 sP# in a herculean Mr Anderson(G3)<\/EM> score.\u00a0 The splendid form carried over into the early summer — ‘Desire ran a 107 SP# in the\u00a0super-duper fast Rising Sun Spring Cup(G1)<\/EM>, finishing 6th to Mr Devious.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Then he\u00a0lost a heartbreaking photo to Digging The Grave next time out in the Golden Jamboree(G1)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/DIV>
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You gotta love him carrying form.\u00a0\u00a0 ‘Desire is as solid as can be.\u00a0 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)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Every time you watch that World Cup race, Night’s Desire should’ve won!\u00a0\u00a0 It was his for the taking, he just got nipped by sophomore Jenna’s Deputy.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/DIV>
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I really think Keely has a great shot with Night’s Desire.\u00a0 If he can stay away from the pace craziness and find good position, the Knight is gonna run his race.\u00a0 Yeah! \u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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3<\/FONT>\u00a0\u00a0 <\/STRONG><\/FONT>Seekin Destroy<\/FONT>, 4yo colt by Mineshaft\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Last Race:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a04th in World Cup Long Turf Sprint(G1)\u00a0over 7fT\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Biggest ’07 Victory:\u00a0\u00a0 Sharon & Roys Gold Cup(G1)\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Odds:\u00a0 9\/1<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Seekin Destroy was the Supers’ co-entry in the Japan Sprint(G1)<\/EM> last year.\u00a0\u00a0 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.\u00a0\u00a0 The then-sophomore\u00a0colt had switched late over to the grass and looked very promising\u00a0prior to the Japan debacle.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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But good things come to those who wait.\u00a0\u00a0 The Supers gave\u00a0Seekin Destroy some time\u00a0off and then slowly\u00a0guided the colt through his early 4yo season in the listed and\u00a0allowance turf sprint ranks.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The colt finally hit a good groove by March and won 5 out of 6 listed events.\u00a0\u00a0 On August’s Sim History Day, Seekin Destroy went\u00a0off as a good longshot in the Sharon & Roys Gold Cup(G1)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0but, gosh, he sure didn’t run like one, storming from\u00a0far back to win well in hand by two lengths.\u00a0 A big 111 SP#<\/STRONG> signled Seekin Destoy’s arrival\u00a0in the\u00a0division’s Top 10.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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Just how good is this colt?\u00a0 He bounced a bit in the World Cup, but ran far from yicky with a nice 105 speed figure.\u00a0 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.\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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Will this be Seekin Destroy’s big coming-out party?\u00a0 He’s\u00a0got a legitimate shot at the prize, will get speed up front to run at, and should run his race.\u00a0 The Supers must like this colt better than Omerta Code at this point.\u00a0\u00a0 Keep an eye on him.\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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4<\/FONT>\u00a0\u00a0 <\/STRONG><\/FONT>Northern Pirate<\/FONT>, 4yo colt by Belong To Me\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Last Race:\u00a0\u00a0 9th in World Cup Long Turf Sprint(G1)\u00a0over 7fT\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Biggest ’07 Victories:\u00a0\u00a0 Generals Pals Sprint Show II(G1), Smackdown III (owner-restricted)\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Odds:\u00a0 10\/1<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Everybody’s gonna be on the lookout for Northern Pirate.\u00a0 In regards to the Sim Eclipse turf sprint championship, the downtown closer is the horse to beat Saturday.\u00a0\u00a0 No\u00a0older horse has two Grade 1 victories this year so far, but Northern Pirate has the cloest thing to it when he\u00a0bookended\u00a0a herculean Smackdown III<\/EM> trophy to\u00a0the\u00a0Generals Pals Sprint Show II(G1).\u00a0\u00a0 <\/EM>This guy shows up for the big races.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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On the flip side though, Northern Pirate is terribly vulnerable.\u00a0\u00a0 He doesn’t always run his race and, indeed, his 2007 season has oost some of its luster because of his clinkers.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0We all remember ‘Pirate\u00a0as one of the sophomore quartet in the 2006\u00a0BB Turf Sprint.\u00a0\u00a0 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)<\/EM> in December.\u00a0 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.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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The colt was etheral in February’s Generals Pals(G1), <\/EM>flying from Timbuktu to win with a eye-popping 114 SP#<\/STRONG>.\u00a0 It was an awesome ‘Pirate force over an awesome field.\u00a0 Railbirds expected him to take off to the stratosphere.\u00a0\u00a0 But what goes up must come down (at least a notch or two).\u00a0\u00a0 Northern Pirate went\u00a0terrestrial in\u00a0Borracho’s Elixir(G1)<\/EM> and\u00a0Mr Devious’\u00a0Rising Sun(G1)<\/EM>.\u00a0 \u00a0Thankfully, Northern Pirate’s July\u00a0Smackdown III\u00a0victory over General’s Chariot sure won back his fans.\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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Bottom line with ‘Pirate is that he’s not gonna win all the time.\u00a0\u00a0 Downtown closers need speed to run at and racing room too.\u00a0\u00a0 And, indeed, you ogtta be a little worried about ‘Pirate again after two straight clinkers in the Wolrd Cup and Sim History day.\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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But, ya know, Jockeymax can get his horses primed for the big days and Saturday is the biggest of all.\u00a0 Will ‘Pirate be at his absolute best and defintively take command of this division?\u00a0\u00a0 Count him out at your own peril.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT>\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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5<\/FONT>\u00a0\u00a0 <\/STRONG><\/FONT>A Saints Day<\/FONT>, 4yo colt by A.P. Indy\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Last Race:\u00a0\u00a0 Won\u00a0Longchamp Sprint(G2)\u00a0over 5fT\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Biggest ’07 Victories:\u00a0\u00a0 Longchamp Sprint(G2), Firey Hooves(G2)\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Odds:\u00a0 11\/1<\/FONT><\/DIV>
We’re going to see what A Saints Day is made of Saturday.\u00a0\u00a0 Trainer Irt sends out A Saints Day for the 11th time this season and the colt’s won 2 out of his last\u00a04 graded\u00a0attempts.\u00a0\u00a0 The key with this guy is that he’s a pacesetter through and through.\u00a0\u00a0 He must pass what is\u00a0expected to be a swift duel early on versus Digging The Grave, Mr Devious and possibly Drunken Lullabies as well.\u00a0\u00a0 Very stiff assignment.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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But it’s not like A Saints Day hasn’t been to the tough dances.\u00a0 \u00a0As 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.\u00a0 He finished off his sophomore season making his stakes debut a winning one.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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On that talented note, A\u00a0Saints Day entered ’07 with one eye on the grades.\u00a0\u00a0 Trainer Irt selected March’s Look To The Heavens(G1)<\/EM> (a 4yo-only contest) for his graded debut.\u00a0\u00a0 The track came up soggy though and A Saints Day wound up a determined but rain-soaked 5th.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0The 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.\u00a0\u00a0 That was the King’s Fall(G2)<\/EM> over 5f — A Saints Day set the pace hardily, but couldn’t hold off\u00a0winner Borracho(IRE) in deep stretch.\u00a0\u00a0 All in all, the\u00a0hard race toughened up this youngster.\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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In other words, the colt grew up in the King’s Fall — A Saints Day went on to\u00a0capture the Firey Hooves(G2)<\/EM> over Omerta Code and the Longchamp Sprint(G2)<\/EM> (both 5f-ish races).\u00a0 \u00a0Solid speed figures all around for this colt.\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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However, I’m a little wary of this guy.\u00a0\u00a0 He had his shot to\u00a0make a big splash in the division on World Cup day.\u00a0 A Saints Day got into a speed duel though with Diggin The Grave and just fell out of it.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0On one hand, he’s gotta porve that he can carry his speed effectively over the best in the division.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 But, on the other hand, he’s still\u00a0improving at 21 starts and that’s something you just love to see in a potential BB winner.\u00a0\u00a0Has he indeed saved his peak-best for Saturday?\u00a0 Be wary, but not too wary!<\/FONT>\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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6<\/FONT>\u00a0\u00a0 <\/STRONG><\/FONT>Cronus(IRE)<\/FONT>, 4yo colt by Giant’s Causeway(IRE)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Last Race:\u00a0\u00a0 Won\u00a0Listed Stakes over 7.5fT\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Biggest ’07 Victory:\u00a0\u00a0 Sheik Yerbouti(G2)\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Odds:\u00a0 8\/1<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Wow!\u00a0 Just when you thought Cronus’ goose was cooked, whammo!\u00a0\u00a0 The little guy strikes and thensome with a huge 113 SP#<\/STRONG> listed score in his final BB prep.\u00a0 Trainer Chilcoat has to be as confident as heck in her colt.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0you can worry about a “bounce” all you want, but there’s no substitute for a prep like that which signals spot-on fitness.\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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Cronus was a big surprise to the division ealry on this year.\u00a0\u00a0 The colt\u00a0didn’t do much as a sophomore in ’06 and took his merry old time picking up his speed figures.\u00a0\u00a0 But enter, 2007.\u00a0\u00a0 Cronus opened up the season with a brazen 107 SP#<\/STRONG> listed score as well as a 105 SP# thrashing in the Sheik Yerbouti(G2)<\/EM> for 4yos only.\u00a0\u00a0And he didn’t stop that forward momentum either — the colt\u00a0almost shocked the Generals Pals Sprint Show II(G1)<\/EM> finishing runnerup to Northern Pirate over an excellent group.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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However,\u00a0Cronus’ momentum stalled afterwards.\u00a0\u00a0 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!).\u00a0\u00a0 Then he got plain beat in a couple of grades where he ran decently with\u00a04th and 2nd placings.\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
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In hindsight though, Cronus lost to good horses like Lowlands Loft and Ends In Ski.\u00a0\u00a0If you examine his record carefully, you’ll see that he’s found tough competition wherever he went and performed admirably.\u00a0\u00a0 But can he finally prove Grade 1-capable versus the very best in the division?\u00a0 His last race is a bit too fast for my lking, but who’s to say so anyway?\u00a0\u00a0 You want a horse at the top of his game\u00a0right now and Cronus sure looks to fit the bill.\u00a0\u00a0 The closer must bring his A-game and, if he does, watch out.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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7<\/FONT>\u00a0\u00a0 <\/STRONG><\/FONT>Mr Devious<\/FONT>, 4yo colt by Crafty Prospector\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Last Race:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a03rd in World Cup Long Turf Sprint(G1)\u00a0over 7fT\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Biggest ’07 Victories:\u00a0\u00a0 Rising Sun Spring Cup(G1), Simon And Simon Cap(G3)\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Odds:\u00a0 7\/1<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Mr Devious is none other than the king of second acts.\u00a0\u00a0 Kevoman\u00a0naturally raced the Crafty Prospector son over the dirt for the colt’s first two years.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Mr Devious was a stakes winner over the main track once upon a time, but nothing special.\u00a0\u00a0 That is, until November of last year when Kevoman gave Mr Devious a whirl over the green stuff.\u00a0\u00a0 And, boy oh boy,\u00a0Kevoman must’ve felt like a horse’s patoot!<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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Because Mr Devious gobbled up the lawn like a long lost cause.\u00a0\u00a0 The colt carefully picked his way through allowance victories.\u00a0\u00a0 He then stepped up to the graded level in April’s Simon & Simon Cap(G3)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0 Well-spotted, the colt revelled in a speed duel enroute to a 110 SP#<\/STRONG> score.\u00a0 Personally, I was a little leery of Kevoman’s subsequent bold entry into the Rising Sun Spring Cup(G1)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0 It was great field again in that race and I was totally shocked when Mr Devious made mincemeat of the competition.\u00a0\u00a0 The colt displayed great maturity stalking the lead to win going away with a 114 SP#.\u00a0 <\/DIV>
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Mmhmm.\u00a0\u00a0 Seemingly overnite, Mr Devious joined the heroes of the division.\u00a0\u00a0 After the two straight huge speed figures, Mr Devious came back down to earth in the Warsaw Sprint(G2)<\/EM> in June, finishing a gritty but tired 4th to newcomer Ends In Ski.\u00a0\u00a0<\/DIV>
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Turf Sprint fans expected to see\u00a0Mr Devious\u00a0continue on with the battles, but perhaps Kevoman had other plans.\u00a0\u00a0 Kevoman instead kept the colt in a couple of listed stakes contests prior to the World Cup.\u00a0 In hindsight, it was probably a good strategy since the colt had already locked up a BB spot with the Grade 1 victory.\u00a0 <\/DIV>
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The World Cup Long Turf Sprint<\/EM> was the stronger half of the two male turf sprint races.\u00a0 And, indeed it turned out that way too with the 3yo Legendary Lemon winning with a huge number.\u00a0\u00a0 Mr Devious ran 3rd after gaining the lead at the top of the stretch.\u00a0\u00a0 On paper, this horse is just so rock solid with 100+ SP#s.\u00a0 He is just going fantastic.\u00a0 You worry though about the pace situtation — if there’s a scramble and ‘Devious gets caught up in it, what will happen?\u00a0 A win Saturday supplants Northern Pirate at the top of the division.\u00a0\u00a0 Beware.\u00a0<\/DIV>
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8<\/FONT>\u00a0\u00a0 <\/STRONG><\/FONT>General’s Chariot<\/FONT>, 5yo horse by Gone West\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Last Race:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a04th in World Cup Turf Sprint(G1)\u00a0over 6fT\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Biggest ’07 Victory:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Battle Of Saratoga @ DelPenn(G2)\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Odds:\u00a0 8\/1<\/FONT><\/DIV>
The old man, General’s Chariot, marks his 40th trip to the post with a possible shot at BB glory.\u00a0 And he ain’t chopped liver just yet either folks — the two-time Sim Eclipse winner\u00a0can still pick up his feet when his trainer places him correctly!\u00a0\u00a0 LOL!\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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The General finished 3rd in the inaugural Turf Sprint last year.\u00a0\u00a0 He had a slow start this season with a few also-ran performances.\u00a0\u00a0 I just needed to get him an easy peasy victory somewhere and finally had to bite the bullet,\u00a0dropping him down a level back in June.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 Crushing.\u00a0\u00a0 LOL.\u00a0 Never fear though — Afc carded a Grade 2 match race for Digging The Grave and General as part of the DelPenn Saratoga Mirror Meet.\u00a0 \u00a0Of course, the General won — LOL!\u00a0\u00a0 It was called the DelPenn’s Battle Of Saratoga(G2)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The General was destined to win it and put DTG in the grave.\u00a0 \ud83d\ude42<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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Yeah, sure, Digging The Grave finished ahead of General\u00a0on World Cup day.\u00a0 \u00a0But, you know, the Chariot keeps rolling along.\u00a0\u00a0 He’s got his mind on business still — yeah, he’ll need a little help.\u00a0\u00a0 He’ll need some of these other hot horses to kind of throw\u00a0yippy-blah races.\u00a0\u00a0 *Then* he might have the goods to get his nose in front in deep stretch.\u00a0\u00a0 Only to outlast Northern Pirate, you say?\u00a0\u00a0 Uh huh.\u00a0 But with the\u00a0General anything can and will go.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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9<\/FONT>\u00a0\u00a0 <\/STRONG><\/FONT>Tree Guest House<\/FONT>, 4yo colt by Forestry\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Last Race:\u00a0\u00a0 Won\u00a0Liar’s Poker Special(G1) over 6.5fT\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Biggest ’07 Victory:\u00a0\u00a0 Liar’s Poker Special(G1) <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Odds:\u00a0 7\/1<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Zowie!\u00a0\u00a0 I’ve got my eye on this one for a while.\u00a0\u00a0 Rcdlogan’s Tree Guest House was another late foal who didn’t get to the races till aged 3.\u00a0\u00a0 The colt didn’t start\u00a0till May of ’06.\u00a0\u00a0 He\u00a0took his grand ole time too breaking his maiden in November of that year.\u00a0\u00a0 Talk about a late-show!\u00a0\u00a0 Tree Guest House made his stakes debut\u00a0this February finally, taking 3 of his next 7 listed stakes attempts.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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Around one turn and give me the green!\u00a0\u00a0 Tree Guest House ran a 110 SP# in July and that prompted Rcdlogan for a graded attempt or two.\u00a0\u00a0 The colt who adores to storm from off pace lost by a whisky-whisker to Moonlight Mile in the rockety Capital Spring(G3<\/EM>).\u00a0\u00a0 He then won the photo finish in the Liar’s Poker(G1)<\/EM> for 4yos only on World Cup day.\u00a0 The ‘Tree was left off the American team by a smidgeon, but it was to this reporters delight that he won the Liars Poker<\/EM>.\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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Majotr 112 SP# in thar race.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Just how good is he?\u00a0\u00a0 Tree Guest House plain earned his way to the Breeders Bowl in the school of hard knocks.\u00a0 He’s been through the ranks.\u00a0\u00a0 He’s been through (albeit briefly) the battles.\u00a0\u00a0 He’s a rising star on the improve.\u00a0\u00a0 What more can you ask for from a possible BB winner?\u00a0\u00a0 Gotta love him any which way but loose.\u00a0\u00a0 Read ’em and sizzle.\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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10<\/FONT>\u00a0\u00a0 <\/STRONG><\/FONT>Drunken Lullabies(IRE)<\/FONT>, 5yo horse by Daylami(IRE)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Last Race:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a03rd in\u00a0Longchamp Sprint(G2)\u00a0over 5fT\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Biggest ’07 Performance:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a02nd in Cane Toad(G2)\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Odds:\u00a0 12\/1<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Drunken Lullabies was the one to watch in last year’s BB.\u00a0\u00a0 He was this reporter’s shy pick for all the marbles, but, alas, it just was not meant to be.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
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The colt who was such a furious fire on the graded ’06 sprint circuit, finished dead last on BB day.\u00a0\u00a0 But, hey, we\u00a0didn’t have to wait for long for Drunken Lullabies to redeeem our confidence.\u00a0\u00a0 The colt fired it up\u00a0mightily, winning the Because I Said So(G1)<\/EM> two weeks after the BB in gorgeously beautiful fashion.\u00a0\u00a0 What a turn around!\u00a0\u00a0 <\/DIV>
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From such a high to such a low — Drunken Lullabies has been winless in 2007.\u00a0\u00a0 He was 7th in the Everclear(G2) <\/EM>and 4th after setting the pace in the Generals Pals(G1)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Trainer Blinkers even tried him a mile with no luck.\u00a0\u00a0 The horse looked plain washed up.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/DIV>
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But very late in the summer, Drunken Lullabies found his old groove.\u00a0\u00a0 He had a decent race in A Saints Day’s Firey Hooves(G2).\u00a0\u00a0 <\/EM>And he lost by\u00a0a scant-dant whisker to sophomore Politcal Village in the Cane Toad(G2)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0 That race was a big 111 SP#<\/STRONG> for Drunken Lullqabies — adash of his old self.\u00a0\u00a0 Another close loss to A Saints Day in the Longchamp Sprint(G2) sets him up for Breeders Bowl day.\u00a0\u00a0Does he still have the right stuff and mighty heart to pull off an upset of the very best in the division?\u00a0\u00a0 This guy’s always had promise — and he’s versatile too!\u00a0\u00a0 Will he press the speed or decide Saturday’s a day to stalk?\u00a0\u00a0 He’s a key horse depending on what he does in this field.\u00a0\u00a0 A lot of the faves and longshots hopes will depend upon what Drunken Lullabies does\u00a0come the ring of the bell.\u00a0\u00a0 We’ll see if he’s true to himself Saturday.\u00a0\u00a0<\/DIV>
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11<\/FONT>\u00a0\u00a0 <\/STRONG><\/FONT>Political Village(IRE)<\/FONT>, 3yo colt by Montjeu(IRE)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Last Race:\u00a0\u00a0 Won\u00a0Listed Stakes over 6.5fT\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Biggest ’07 Victories:\u00a0\u00a0 Never Ready Sprint(G1), Cane Toad(G2)\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Odds:\u00a0 13\/1<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Oh my!\u00a0 From August Maiden Special Weight victory as a 2yo to\u00a0October Breeders Bowl win at 3?\u00a0\u00a0Legendary Lemon would’ve been awesome in this race, but this is the 3yo that I wanted to see.\u00a0\u00a0 This is the now horse.\u00a0 Now, when, here, forever.\u00a0\u00a0 By all rights, this guy looks like the real deal.\u00a0\u00a0 Yeah, he tied the mile early on his sophomore season with average luck.\u00a0\u00a0 Toss out that marathon race just to see if he was English Derby stuff.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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Hooyah!\u00a0 From June onwards, Political Village has been a one-turn monster under the masterful tutelage of player Iant.\u00a0 He won the premier Never Ready(G1)<\/EM>\u00a0for sophomores in July.\u00a0 He won the Cane Toad a month later versus older horses with a 113 SP#<\/STRONG>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Have mercy, Sim fans.\u00a0 This colt’s got talent he hasn’t even tapped yet.\u00a0\u00a0 Just toss aside that listed score last time out\u00a0too — Political Village has yet to make his mark upon this division, but, boy, he’s a marker and thensome.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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I love him here.\u00a0 I love his ferocious midpack jaunt.\u00a0\u00a0 He’<\/FONT>s a tiger unwrapped.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Some extinct species yet to be\u00a0re-reveleaed.\u00a0\u00a0 Look out for the Sabretooth and cry all you want.\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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12<\/FONT>\u00a0\u00a0 <\/STRONG><\/FONT>Tequila With Lime<\/FONT>, 6yo horse by Lemon Drop Kid\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Last Race:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a03rd in\u00a0Listed Stakes over 7fT\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Biggest ’07 Victories:\u00a0\u00a0 Sydney Sprint(G1), Winthorpe(G2)\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Odds:\u00a0 15\/1<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Bottom line, this is Sdmf’s B-horse aside #1-ranked Digging The Grave.\u00a0\u00a0 But, gosh, what a B-horse he is.\u00a0\u00a0 Tequila With Lime is the old scarred battle-warrior of the circuit.\u00a0\u00a0 He’s the Forego who will surprise you when you least expect it.\u00a0 You bet your botts he can, upsetting his stablemate as well as champ I Make Stuff Up in the Sydney Sprint(G1)<\/EM> back in April.\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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Tequila With Lime has always been a chugalug horse in his late career.\u00a0\u00a0 We remember him finishing well in the Because I Said\u00a0So(G1) <\/EM>(2nd to Drunken Lullabies) last sreason.\u00a0\u00a0 He was 3rd in the Generals Pals(G1)<\/EM>,\u00a0and kept that momentum going forward in the Sydney <\/EM>victory.\u00a0\u00a0 He even finsihed a very fast 5th in the Rising Sun(G1)<\/EM> with a 109.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/DIV>
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I love this horse — he’s late in his career at 45 starts, but he just keeps on going like the Energizer bunny.\u00a0 He’s a smackie closer who can sneak up on ya.\u00a0\u00a0 Sure, he had a couple starts there where he didn’t fire, but he won the Winthorpe(G2)<\/EM> over 5f and can hold his own still.\u00a0\u00a0 Is he as good as the top level here?\u00a0\u00a0 We’ll see, but regardless, I really admire how trainer SDMF made a contender out of this horse.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Did you know that he was # 2 in the division?\u00a0\u00a0 What consistency!<\/DIV>
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13<\/FONT>\u00a0\u00a0 <\/STRONG><\/FONT>Digging The Grave<\/FONT>, 6yo horse by Silver Ghost\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Last Race:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a03rd in World Cup Turf Sprint(G1)\u00a0over 6fT\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Biggest ’07 Victory:\u00a0\u00a0 Golden Jamboree(G1)\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Odds:\u00a0 12\/1<\/FONT><\/DIV>
If Northern\u00a0Pirate is the one to beat for the lead in the championship, then #1-ranked\u00a0Digging The Grave is the one to beat for the prestige.\u00a0 Just when you think this horse is cooked, he keeps coming back like that\u00a0cat came back in that funny song.\u00a0 ‘Cause he’s the ‘Grave that came back after the Generals Pals(G1)<\/EM>, thought he\u00a0was a goner but the ‘Grave came back because he couldn’t stand the General!\u00a0\u00a0 Ha!<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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You betcha boots — \u00a0the ‘Grave finished way gonzo in the Generals Pals(G1)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0 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.\u00a0\u00a0 He\u00a0played participant spectator in stablemate’s Tequila With Lime’s April Sydney Sprint(G1)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 But not for long though, whn ‘Grave found second (or gazillion!) life in Mr Devious’ Rising Sun(G1),<\/EM> finishing2nd with a 112 SP#<\/STRONG>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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Woohoo!\u00a0 What a trooper!\u00a0\u00a0 The speedster ran to gate to post afterward winning the Golden Jamboree(G1)<\/EM> for the 2nd year in a row.\u00a0\u00a0 He cemnted himself as one of the Sim’s all-time great turf sprinters in that race.\u00a0\u00a0 ‘Grave flopped over the summer, but recovered enough to finish 3rd\u00a0on World Cup day when the limelight\u00a0returned.\u00a0 This guy shows up for the big dances.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
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He’s at 41 starts Saturday — does he have one last great show in him?\u00a0\u00a0 The General has been beat by this horse too many times — count him out at your own peril.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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14<\/FONT>\u00a0\u00a0 <\/STRONG><\/FONT>Borracho(IRE)<\/FONT>, 4yo colt by El Prado(IRE)\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Last Race:\u00a0\u00a0 11th in\u00a0Liar’s Poker Special(G1) over 6.5fT\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Biggest ’07 Victory:\u00a0\u00a0 KY Horsemen Elixir Sprint(G1)\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
Odds:\u00a0 13\/1<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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.\u00a0\u00a0 The colt won a listed stakes, then spoiled the best in the division in the KY Horsemen Elixir Sprint(G1)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0 I was just so impressed with that 107 SP#<\/STRONG> victory.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 This guy looked like the new heir to the sprint division.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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But Minnesota Downs trainer Goodgrits steered Borracho clear of the big boys for a while.\u00a0\u00a0 The horse ran\u00a02nd to a good runner named Like Magic in the Simon And Simon (redux)(G3)<\/EM>.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Afterwards, Borracho beat A Saints Day in the King’s Fall<\/EM>(G2) over 5f.\u00a0\u00a0 That race was in mid-June and Biorracho sat out near three months afterwards.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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The colt did not get back into the game till September in Political Village’s Cane Toad(G2)<\/EM> (6th of 10) and later Tree Guest House’s Liar’s Poker(G1)<\/EM> (11th of 14).\u00a0\u00a0Not a very inspiring comeback\u00a0to say the least.\u00a0\u00a0 He’s got a month’s rest here — will Borracho\u00a0show up as his true promising self?\u00a0This guy’s so talented at 21 starts.\u00a0\u00a0 He’s definitely one to watch.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
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Snowchief’s Picks<\/U>:<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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I’m gonna take Political Village this time.\u00a0 The 3yo sure fits the mold of defeating his elders and thensome.\u00a0\u00a0 Mr Devious, Tree Guest House\u00a0and Borracho to fight it out for a photo in the 2nd and 3rd spot.\u00a0\u00a0 Old stand-bys Night’s Desire and General’s Chariot duking it out for 5th and 6th.\u00a0\u00a0 <\/FONT><\/DIV>
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Win:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Political Village<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Place:\u00a0 Tree Guest House<\/FONT><\/DIV>
Show:\u00a0\u00a0Mr Devious\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/FONT><\/DIV>
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Good luck everyone!<\/DIV>
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\u00a0<\/DIV><\/FONT><\/DIV><\/FONT><\/DIV><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Tree Guest House, Mr Devious close faves in free-for-all<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":396,"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-5006","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-previews"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5006","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\/396"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=5006"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5006\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=5006"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=5006"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/btb.ehorseracing.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=5006"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}