queenbee

Since Curlin is a "no brainer" for horse of the year, I would like to engage in debate with down-the-stretch-dan who suggested Curlin is not horse of the century, albeit a short century. His first choice was Invasor. I would point out Curlin beat him with ease. His second choice was Tiznow. I would point out that while European horses are superior, European jockeys are often horrendous at Breeders' Cup. Tiznow won by a nostril twice,  only because the jockeys took the Euro's out to the concession stand. Sahkee for sure, and probably Giants Causeway would have easily defeated Tiznow had that not occurred. Ghost Zapper? Too short a career. Same with Megdalia de'Oro.

Conclusion? Curlin

Did the Europeans dominate the Cup on Saturday? They won four, the American horses won five. The Euros entered 22 horses, there were 110 Americans. Add the fact the Americans are always significant underlays and you have a bonanza for wagering.

What would be a negative for them was John Murtagh. I echo my friend Rave, Murtagh may have cost three horses a win yesterday. Murtagh is singularly the worst rider to ever ride in Breeders' Cup history. He allowed Bushranger to lag ten lengths in a walking pace type race. Far worse, however, was his performance in the Turf. Trainer O'Brien used a rabbit, Red Rock Canyon, to set up the race for Soldier Of Fortune. Imagine the trainers shock and anguish to find Murtagh had used up his horse chasing HIS rabbit! There should be an immediate time right after the race when the trainer can take the jockey off the horse and kick him in his Anterior Superior Spine.

Far from finished with stupidity, Murtagh had one more horse to destroy in the Classic. Once again he moves the horse too soon and watches helplessly as he is defeated by two inferior European horses. Fortuitously, having seen him in action, I cemented the exacta quite solidly. Could O'Brien refuse to purchase the round trip for his jockey?

One final observation. There are many fine handicappers who would never support a horse who had run but three times going into the Kentucky Derby. It baffles me how so many could then support Casino Drive in the Classic with such credentials.

A fine Breeders' Cup unless you had to listen to the obscene music being played on the simulcast. For shame!

I just read the "Horseplayer Magazine" selections for Breeders' Cup and would think it a tragic joke. Most of the "top" selections are not even entered. The "experts" are laughable.

I believe the winner of the Classic will NOT be Curlin. I have loved this horse from the onset of his career, wrote many blogs trumpeting his talent. His numbers currently make him a terrible underlay. Could he win? Of course. Not with my money. I believe the Europeans will dominate all day and culminate in the Classic with Duke of Marmelade winning. I will box 1,4,5, 8 and 9. I will bet Duke of Marmelade wps.

Standouts in earlier races:

Race 3 - #1 - Lewis Michael

Race 5 - # 12 -Bushranger

Race 8 - # 4 - Soldier of Fortune (best bet)

What a wonderful day.

There have been some lamentations (see blogs beneath this one) that Curlin will not run at Breeders' Cup, and we have seen the last of this great champion on the race track. The lamenting is very logical but to be logical is not to be right.

Mr. Jackson is one of the great horsemen and great sportsmen of his generation. It would in one sense be justice to pick up and go home given the asinine decision to award the Breeders' Cup to a track where the surface is untried until this past week, and the jury on that is certainly out. Nonetheless Mr. Jackson is a great horseman and a true sportsmen.

While it is not a cinch, I make it odds on that Curlin does run in the Classic. He was not abused on Saturday, the whip was never used, it was a hand ride workout; a far cry from what would have been were this Curlin's final race. Now it is true should Curlin abhor the surface in workouts, the connections will indeed not enter. That appears an unlikely event, this surface is apparently not as unfair as the last one at Santa Anita, or the laughable one at Keeneland. Thus with a fair amount of certainty, I believe we are going to get a remarkable Classic; Curlin vs. Big Brown vs. some other formidable animals. What a pleasant thought!