Turfy Euros Breeders Cup Blog - Day 2

Some great results from Santa Anita for UK and Irish racing (3 winners), lady trainers (Jo Hughes), ex-jockeys (Willie Carson - owns Chriselium), tall jockeys (Richard Hughes - rode Chrisellium), and this blog yesterday (3 winners).


Now fingers crossed for a repeat performance tonight!

Have you noticed the multitude of kitteny names in the US that are given to horses?  I'm struggling to see the connotations.  I can understand Panther (pouncing at the last minute) or tiger (brave, game and fierce) but kitten (cute, fluffy and cuddly?)?   
Nope, I'm not getting it. Or do you think that more of the US owners let their daughters choose their racehorses names.....

....back to the matter in hand and I've reconsidered by stance on dirt!  As in yesterday I wouldn't entertain a runner who hadn't previously run on the substance despite their breeding and pedigree!  London Bridge bit me on the bum there so I'm hoping that Ms Hughes has given Mr O'Brien the benefit of her wisdom (hehe - girl power!) and have opted for Declaration of War over Game On Dude  in the big one.  In reality, I will probably back both though!



Here we go:

19:05	Untapable
19:43	Dank  1st
20:21	Groupie Doll 1st
21:05	Mizdirection 1st
21:43	Havana 2nd
22:22	The Fugue 2nd
23:01	Justin Philip
23:40	No Jet Lag
00:35	Declaration Of War 3rd

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The Dirty Breeders Cup Blog - Day 1

You have to admit that the US know how to lay on a racing extravaganza and what a stage with the San Gabriel mountains as a backdrop!  

There are a couple of things to bear in mind when searching for winners at Santa Anita.  Firstly there was a pro-track cushion surface in place from 2007 to 2010 before they reverted to good old dirt, so beware when looking back at past winners and draws etc during these years.  

Secondly, this is the first year that the babies (2yo) will not be allowed to use Lasix (a medication used to prevent bleeding).  This won't present a problem for most Euro runners and indeed it should be to their advantage.  Some US runners though will have been used to running with this.  

Finally (ok then, three things!) DIRT IS DIRT IS DIRT.  I don't care what the breeding/pedigree says, until I've seen a horse act on this surface then I cannot entertain that it may win a race on it - too many European horses have set off favourite on this surface only to be whipping the field in at the business end of the race (ask Mr O'Brien!)

Here are my selections, taking into account my own compiled draw statistics, recent form, liking for sharp left handed tracks, use of Lasix (or not....where applicable), jockey & trainer form and all else that we love to battle with and ponder for hours in the pursuit of smug!

17:40	Kochees
18:15	Cat Burgler  2nd
18:50	Cinmars Dance
19:27	Moving Desert  2nd
20:02	Gabriel Charles 2nd
20:45	Pool Play
21:25	Outstrip  1st
22:05	Goldencents 1st
22:50	Al Thakhira
23:35	Beholder  1st
00:10	Ms Dixie  3rd

Good Luck !

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The GV, SNA and AOB BC 2012 Blog

That'll be George Vancouver, Saint Nicholas Abbey, Aiden O'Brien and Breeders Cup then!

A slight difference to the format tonight with a first choice and a next best....to do with what you will (Dutch, each-way, forecast, print off and use instead of Andrex .....the list is endless!)

No fancy write ups (today has been spent on form study and sharing 'my' road with lunatic drivers whilst teaching them some inventive and descriptive forms of insult) 

santa anita
18:50	George Vancouver	Gervinho
19:35	Groupie Doll	Dust And Diamonds
20:14	Fed Biz	Rail Trip
20:57	Next Question	Camp Victory
21:36	Power Broker	Title Contender
22:18	St Nicholas Abbey	Treasure Beach
22:58	Coil	Amazombie
23:40	Wise Dan	Excelebration
00:35	Flat Out	Mucho Macho Man