Breeder's Cup Championships 2011--Day Two

We viewed some very nice racing in yesterday's races at Churchill Downs.  Today is the BIG day.  Some of the best horses in the world make their starts looking to go down in the history books.  Stand ready for some heart-pounding excitement in Day 2 of the 2011 Breeder's Cup Championships.

We shall take a peak at a couple of the longer races which should be just as interesting as the marquee events on the race card.

Churchill Downs Race 3 {BC Marathon~G2~1 3/4 mile~3 year old Up~Stakes}
A premium field of eleven will enter the gate for the longest race of the Championships.  As many of the commentators mentioned yesterday, the track is playing very fairly.  Hence no bias.  This group of well prepped horses will show their stuff over a very good track.  With a very little speed, most will clomped together mid-pack awaiting the quickening in the final turn.  This should be some fine racing.

#10 Eldaafer (Castellano / Alvarado) is defending champ and appears to have been excellently prepared for this big one.  His two prep races combined with his superb peaking workout tab give him the edge.  He should make his move from a tracking position.
$2 SHOW.

#6 Brigantin (Leparoux / Fabre) is a long distance running colt who looks magnificently prepped for this long one.  His last out third place finish was in a two and a half mile journey over Turf at Longchamp in France.  If he makes a smooth transition from his Turf surface to the Churchill dirt, he could make a great closing run.
$2 SHOW.

#5 Giant Oak (Bridgmohan / Block) was fifth in last year's BC Marathon.  He has compiled a couple of decent last out efforts and should be running late trying to grab a big piece of the purse pie.  His three workouts are solid which should help him improve upon last year's effort.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#11 A.U Miner (Borel / Hanna) should be a major factor in this race.  He is a closing type that could run all day.  He holds a terrific last out triple digit speed number and has put in two athletic, peaking workouts.  He will challenge in the stretch.

#4 Pleasant Prince (Rosario / Ward) appears up to the task, despite not having gone this marathon distance.  He holds a quality last out speed number, a two race progression, and five endurance building workouts.  He could surprise with his tracking style.

10 CENT Superfecta

#10 Eldaafer / #6 Brigantin / #5 Giant Oak / #11 A.U. Miner, #4 Pleasant Prince.


Churchill Downs Race 8 {Emirates Airlines BC Turf~G1~1 1/2 mile~Turf~3 year old Up~Stakes}
This race sports a tremendous field of nine including two successful gals.  With only a modicum of speed, watch for a European style race where the fractions start off slow and there is a final rush to the wire.  This should be a great race over good Turf.  Expect the Euros to dominate.

#1 St. Nicholas Abby [IRE] (O'Brien / O'Brien) looks strongest of the Euro runners with a couple of nice last out performances at Longchamp.  He is an 80% in the money performer, is on a three race progression, and holds five wins.  Should be in mid-pack with the others.
$2 SHOW.

#9 Midday [GB] (Queally / Cecil) hopes to improve on last year's second place performance.  This mare is 100% in the money at this distance.  She will challenge mightily in the stretch.  This gal should be part of the Euro sweep of this race.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#7 Sea Moon [GB] (Moore / Stoute) will come running after the rest in the lane.  He is another that is 100% in the money in a five race career in jolly ole England.  He has a victory at this distance.  This guy is coming off a third place finish in a longer route group one and will not doubt be a major factor in this race.

#2 Sarafina [FR] (Lemaire / De Royer) is the filly that will challenge the boys with her superlative racing record of six wins out of ten career starts.  Her last three races have all been at this distance.  She looks ready, willing, and able to pull off a victory.

10 CENT Superfecta

#1 St. Nicholas Abby [IRE] / #9 Midday [GB] / #7 Sea Moon [GB] / #2 Sarafina [FR].



Friday's BC Results
Churchill Downs R3.  Ack Ack Handicap-G3.  Our first pick, Mister Marti Gras, won (1st) for show money of $2.80.  Our second pick, Glenwood Canyon, finished 3rd for show money of $2.60.  Our third pick, Gladding, finished 4th.
Superfecta went 4-2-5-3.

Churchill Downs R9. BC Filly/Mare Turf-G1. Our first pick, Stacelita [FR], finished a disappointing 10th.  Our second pick, Announce [GB], was scratched.  Our third pick, Nahrain [GB], finished 2nd for show money of $3.80.
Superfecta went 8-5-12-10.

Bankroll slips to $12.45.