What's Next for Cougar II Top Three?
The top three finishers in Friday’s Cougar II Handicap came out of the race in good shape and with possible Del Mar races still to come, their trainers’ reported this morning. The specific races are still to be determined.
“It seems that he came out of the race in good order,” trainer Neil Drysdale said of winner Bourbon Bay. Drysdale said immediately after the race that the San Diego Handicap and Pacific Classic would be given consideration. A decision could be forthcoming in a week to 10 days.
“He came out of it good and I thought he ran a real good race,” trainer Jerry Hollendorfer said of runner-up Dahoud. “It’s possible he could run here again; we’ll have to see what comes up.”
Regarding champion filly Blind Luck, who Hollendorfer has said will be considered for the Clement Hirsch on August 6 and the Pacific Classic on August 28 as well as the Personal Ensign at Saratoga on the same day as the Classic:
“We’re going to look at all those races,” Hollendorfer said. “I’m sure the Del Mar people would love to see us run here … We don’t love to get on the plane (for East Coast races). We do it because we have to.”
Setsuko, third as the 3-2 favorite in the Cougar was still sleeping early Saturday morning as Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella watched workouts by other horses in his stable.
“So far we can’t find any excuses and Neil’s horse (Bourbon Bay) ran a really good race,” Mandella said. “I wouldn’t rule out the Pacific Classic (for Setsuko). But I’m not as excited about it as I was a few days ago.”
OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS
Bourbon Bay’s victory in the Cougar II, done under Joe Talamo in track record time of 2:29.39 for 1½ miles on the Polytrack, had some potential perks in addition to the $75,000 first prize from the $150,000 purse.
As a Breeders’ Cup ‘Win and You’re In’ race, Bourbon Bay’s victory brought with it an automatic berth into the $500,000 Breeders' Cup Marathon at Churchill Downs in November.
A $15,000 entry fee will be paid by Breeders' Cup Ltd., as well as a $10,000 travel allowance to Louisville. Bourbon Bay, bred by Adena Springs, is owned by David and Jill Heerensperger.