Impressions from the Breeders’ Cup Backstretch
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Photo:
NYRA, Adam Coglianese
Let me tell you, spending several hours on the Santa Anita backstretch the morning before the Breeders’ Cup, is an experience that every race fan should enjoy at least once. Not only are you in the presence of the movers and shakers in the game, but being so close that you could reach out and touch many of the finest thoroughbred athletes in the world is thrilling. But enough about my great time, I’d like to share some of what I saw this morning with you in hopes of helping with the daunting task of handicapping the Breeder’s Cup.
First the bad news, or maybe it is good news depending on where your preferences lie … I was very disappointed with how the Aidan O’Brien horses looked this morning. Excelebration, St Nicholas Abbey, and Treasure Beach all looked like horses who would rather be cantering in Ireland rather than galloping in Southern Calfornia. On paper, you would have to give Excelebration and St Nicholas Abbey big chances in the Mile and Turf respectively, but after seeing what I saw, I fear them less than I did yesterday.
Now for the good news, several horses caught my eye as looking especially good. Keep in mind that I did not see all the horses running over the next few days, but I did get to see a majority of them. Without further ado, here are the magnificent seven that looked the absolute picture of health this morning.
Game On Dude – Not only does he look great, but he’s as calm as feeling good thoroughbred race horse could be.
Groupie Doll – She looks even stronger then when I saw her this spring. Clearly Buff Bradley has her in fine fettle.
The Lumber Guy – Love a good looking grey, and this young powerhouse could not look much better.
Fort Larned – When he won the Whitney at Saratoga, I thought he looked good in the paddock and on the track … he looked even better this morning.
Coil – This big, beautiful, copper colored chestnut looks both happy and muscled out. He has the perfect look for a championship sprinter.
Ridasiyna – I thought several of the French horses looked good this morning, but this three-year-old filly looked to be the best of the bunch.
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