BC NOTEBOOK: Classic; Distaff - FIELDS SET

[Kasept]

Classic

American Pharoah (Bob Baffert/Victor Espinoza) 8-5
Beholder (Richard Mandella/Gary Stevens) 3-1
Honor Code (Shug McGaughey) 6-1
Tonalist (Christophe Clement/John Velazquez) 8-1
Gleneagles (Aidan O'Brien/Ryan Moore) 10-1
Smooth Roller (Victor Garcia/Tyler Baze) 12-1
Keen Ice (Dale Romans/Irad Ortiz Jr.) 15-1
Frosted (Kiaran McLaughlin/Joel Rosario) 15-1
Effinex (Jimmy Jerkens/Mike Smith) 30-1
Hard Aces (John Sadler/Joe Talamo) 30-1

[Kasept]

Distaff

Beholder (Richard Mandella) N/A ~ Classic
Sheer Drama (David Fawkes) 3-1
Wedding Toast (Kiaran McLaughlin) 7-2
Untapable (Steve Asmussen) 5-1
I'm a Chatterbox (Larry Jones) 6-1
Got Lucky (Todd Pletcher) 8-1
Curalina (Todd Pletcher) 12-1
Stopchargingmaria (Todd Pletcher) 15-1
Frivolous (Victoria Oliver) 15-1
Stellar Wind (John Sadler) 15-1
Yahilwa (Jim Cassidy) 20-1
My Sweet Addiction (Marty Jones) 30-1
Salama (Charles LoPresti) 30-1
Warren's Veneda (Craig Lewis) 30-1
Calamity Kate (Kelly Breen) 30-1

AE Peace and War (Graham Motion) 30-1

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Distaff

Sheer Drama (David Fawkes) 3-1
Untapable (Steve Asmussen) 6-1
I'm a Chatterbox (Larry Jones) 8-1
Frivolous (Vicki Oliver) 12-1
Got Lucky (Todd Pletcher) 12-1
Wedding Toast (Kiaran McLaughlin) 12-1
Stopchargingmaria (Todd Pletcher) 15-1
Curalina (Todd Pletcher) 20-1
Stellar Wind (John Sadler) 20-1

Calamity Kate (Kelly Breen)
Lovely Maria (Larry Jones)
Peace and War (Graham Motion)
Salama (Fernado Sanchez)
Warren's Veneda (Craig Lewis)
Include Betty (Tom Proctor)

Who made Wedding Toast, who HAS to be favored, 12:1?????

Frankly, the entire line is absurd.

[Kasept]

Originally Posted by blackthroatedwind

Who made Wedding Toast, who HAS to be favored, 12:1????? Frankly, the entire line is absurd.

Note considerable revisions above.. Brad Free's odds.

[blackthroatedwind]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Note considerable revisions above.. Brad Free's odds.

Why is Stellar Wind such a big price, especially relative to the other 3YOs?

[FATPIANO]

love Beholder at 4-1
and
my sweet addiction at 30-1

[Kasept]

PHAROAH TO WORK ‘SATURDAY OR SUNDAY’ AT SANTA ANITA; COULD BE FINAL LOCAL BREEZE
By Mike Willman (Mike.willman@santaanita.com)

ARCADIA, Calif. (Oct. 2, 2015)—American Pharoah, the nation’s first Triple Crown winner in 37 years, could have his final Southern California workout “Saturday or Sunday,” according to his conditioner, Bob Baffert. A gallant second in the Grade I Travers Stakes at Saratoga on Aug. 29, Santa Anita-based American Pharoah is preparing for the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland Oct. 31. Plans are to ship the son of Pioneerof the Nile to Churchill Downs in advance of the Classic.

“I have a plan, but we’ll probably know more tomorrow,” Baffert said Friday morning in response to questions about “Pharoah’s” date of departure. With a 60 percent chance of thunderstorm activity in the Arcadia area on Sunday, Baffert may indeed opt to work his champion on Saturday. Whichever day is decided upon, American Pharoah is scheduled to breeze over Santa Anita’s main track at 6:30 a.m. Although Baffert has not said how far American Pharoah will work, he did breeze a solid five furlongs last Sunday at Santa Anita in one minute flat.

[Kasept]

Breeders’ Cup Classic: Less speed in field as Liam’s Map chooses Dirt Mile
By Jay Privman

The speedy Liam’s Map will be pointed to the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile on Oct. 30 at Keeneland and bypass the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Oct. 31, trainer Todd Pletcher said on Wednesday from Keeneland.

The decision has major implications for the $5 million Classic, as Liam’s Map would have added considerable pace to a race that now might find American Pharoah, the Triple Crown winner, as the controlling speed.

In addition, jockey Javier Castellano is now able to avoid having to choose between Honor Code and Liam’s Map for the Classic. Castellano will ride Liam’s Map in the Dirt Mile, Pletcher said, and Honor Code in the Classic.

Castellano rode another Classic contender, Keen Ice, to an upset over American Pharoah in the Travers Stakes in his last start, but Castellano has accomplished far more with Honor Code, who should be no higher than the third choice in the Classic, with Keen Ice a higher price.

Liam’s Map worked at Keeneland on Monday with Castellano. He was officially timed in 48.60 seconds but had a considerable gallop-out. Pletcher said that after talking it over with all parties – Castellano, majority owners Teresa Viola and her husband, Vincent, and Terry Finley, whose West Point Thoroughbreds has a minority interest in Liam’s Map – “we’re planning on running in the Dirt Mile.”

“The lone caveat is that it’s not etched in stone, but all things being equal, assuming the Classic field stays intact as it now appears, our plans are to run in the Dirt Mile, and we’re comfortable with that,” Pletcher said.

Liam’s Map has never run 1 1/4 miles, the distance of the Classic. The farthest he has raced is 1 1/8 miles, that coming in his two most recent starts, both at Saratoga. He and jockey Mike Smith were caught in the final strides by Honor Code when second in the Grade 1 Whitney on Aug. 8. Liam’s Map then came back to win the Grade 1 Woodward under Castellano by 4 3/4 lengths while earning the highest Beyer Speed Figure of his career, a 114.

Pletcher said that if the Classic “was a mile and an eighth, it would be a no-brainer, but a mile and a quarter is a little more difficult.”

He also said that the news that the fleet Private Zone would stick with the Sprint rather than go to the Dirt Mile “doesn’t hurt my feelings.”

Final entries are taken and posts drawn for all Breeders’ Cup races on Oct. 26.

Liam’s Map, 4, a son of Unbridled’s Song out of the Trippi mare Miss Macy Sue, has won five times in seven starts. In both of his losses, he finished second. His only stakes win besides the Woodward came in the listed Harlan’s Holiday at Gulfstream Park last December.

The news has to be welcomed by both Castellano and his agent, Matt Muzikar, who now don’t have to turn down a trainer for whom they ride extensively, either Pletcher or Shug McGaughey, the trainer of Honor Code.

Jockeys and their agents usually like to hold out as long as possible on making decisions when faced with similar situations. After all, you wouldn’t want to commit to a mount who subsequently bows out, with your other potential choices having found substitutes in the meantime. Trainers usually want answers sooner.

In 2011, Jose Lezcano had ridden Drosselmeyer in four straight starts prior to the Classic. He also had just won the Pennsylvania Derby on To Honor and Serve. Both runners were trained by Bill Mott. Lezcano wound up on To Honor and Serve, and most bettors agreed, with To Honor and Serve at 9-1 and Drosselmeyer at 14-1. But To Honor and Serve could only finish seventh as Drosselmeyer rallied for the win under Smith.

In 2002, Shaun Bridgmohan had just ridden Volponi to a second-place finish in the Meadowlands Cup, the eighth time he had ridden that horse in his last 10 starts. He also had ridden Evening Attire in 10 straight races, including victories in his last two, the Saratoga Cup and Jockey Club Gold Cup.

Bridgmohan wound up on Evening Attire, and bettors overwhelmingly thought he had done the right thing. Evening Attire went off at 9-2, while Volponi was the longest shot of 12 at 43-1. But Evening Attire only managed to finish fourth, as Volponi scored the upset, in the process exposing the infamous Fix Six scandal.

– additional reporting by David Grening and Mike Welsch

[Kasept]

Castellano being able to ride Honor Code means Desormeaux likely on Keen Ice..

[declansharbor]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Breeders’ Cup Classic: Less speed in field as Liam’s Map chooses Dirt Mile
By Jay Privman

The speedy Liam’s Map will be pointed to the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile on Oct. 30 at Keeneland and bypass the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Oct. 31, trainer Todd Pletcher said on Wednesday from Keeneland.

The decision has major implications for the $5 million Classic, as Liam’s Map would have added considerable pace to a race that now might find American Pharoah, the Triple Crown winner, as the controlling speed.

In addition, jockey Javier Castellano is now able to avoid having to choose between Honor Code and Liam’s Map for the Classic. Castellano will ride Liam’s Map in the Dirt Mile, Pletcher said, and Honor Code in the Classic.

Castellano rode another Classic contender, Keen Ice, to an upset over American Pharoah in the Travers Stakes in his last start, but Castellano has accomplished far more with Honor Code, who should be no higher than the third choice in the Classic, with Keen Ice a higher price.

Liam’s Map worked at Keeneland on Monday with Castellano. He was officially timed in 48.60 seconds but had a considerable gallop-out. Pletcher said that after talking it over with all parties – Castellano, majority owners Teresa Viola and her husband, Vincent, and Terry Finley, whose West Point Thoroughbreds has a minority interest in Liam’s Map – “we’re planning on running in the Dirt Mile.”

“The lone caveat is that it’s not etched in stone, but all things being equal, assuming the Classic field stays intact as it now appears, our plans are to run in the Dirt Mile, and we’re comfortable with that,” Pletcher said.

Liam’s Map has never run 1 1/4 miles, the distance of the Classic. The farthest he has raced is 1 1/8 miles, that coming in his two most recent starts, both at Saratoga. He and jockey Mike Smith were caught in the final strides by Honor Code when second in the Grade 1 Whitney on Aug. 8. Liam’s Map then came back to win the Grade 1 Woodward under Castellano by 4 3/4 lengths while earning the highest Beyer Speed Figure of his career, a 114.

Pletcher said that if the Classic “was a mile and an eighth, it would be a no-brainer, but a mile and a quarter is a little more difficult.”

He also said that the news that the fleet Private Zone would stick with the Sprint rather than go to the Dirt Mile “doesn’t hurt my feelings.”

Final entries are taken and posts drawn for all Breeders’ Cup races on Oct. 26.

Liam’s Map, 4, a son of Unbridled’s Song out of the Trippi mare Miss Macy Sue, has won five times in seven starts. In both of his losses, he finished second. His only stakes win besides the Woodward came in the listed Harlan’s Holiday at Gulfstream Park last December.

The news has to be welcomed by both Castellano and his agent, Matt Muzikar, who now don’t have to turn down a trainer for whom they ride extensively, either Pletcher or Shug McGaughey, the trainer of Honor Code.

Jockeys and their agents usually like to hold out as long as possible on making decisions when faced with similar situations. After all, you wouldn’t want to commit to a mount who subsequently bows out, with your other potential choices having found substitutes in the meantime. Trainers usually want answers sooner.

In 2011, Jose Lezcano had ridden Drosselmeyer in four straight starts prior to the Classic. He also had just won the Pennsylvania Derby on To Honor and Serve. Both runners were trained by Bill Mott. Lezcano wound up on To Honor and Serve, and most bettors agreed, with To Honor and Serve at 9-1 and Drosselmeyer at 14-1. But To Honor and Serve could only finish seventh as Drosselmeyer rallied for the win under Smith.

In 2002, Shaun Bridgmohan had just ridden Volponi to a second-place finish in the Meadowlands Cup, the eighth time he had ridden that horse in his last 10 starts. He also had ridden Evening Attire in 10 straight races, including victories in his last two, the Saratoga Cup and Jockey Club Gold Cup.

Bridgmohan wound up on Evening Attire, and bettors overwhelmingly thought he had done the right thing. Evening Attire went off at 9-2, while Volponi was the longest shot of 12 at 43-1. But Evening Attire only managed to finish fourth, as Volponi scored the upset, in the process exposing the infamous Fix Six scandal.

– additional reporting by David Grening and Mike Welsch

Camp American Pharoah had to love hearing this news.

[cakes44]

Who's probably gonna be the moron betting Tonalist even though the race isn't at Belmont? Yup, probably this guy...especially at 10-1 and up.

[Gate Dancer]

Originally Posted by cakes44

Who's probably gonna be the moron betting Tonalist even though the race isn't at Belmont? Yup, probably this guy...especially at 10-1 and up.

You won't be alone, I agree..........perhaps we should pray for rain???

[Kasept]

Probables/Possibles Updated..

[FATPIANO]

Beholder went the distance in 1:02 flat and was given the "breezing" label that is not often awarded in Southern California. gotta love it

[Kasept]

Classic (10/7)

American Pharoah (Bob Baffert) 8-5
Beholder (Richard Mandella) 7-2
Honor Code (Shug McGaughey) 6-1
Tonalist (Christophe Clement) 8-1
Smooth Roller (Victor Garcia) 10-1
Gleneagles (Aidan O'Brien) 12-1
Keen Ice (Dale Romans) 15-1
Frosted (Kiaran McLaughlin) 20-1
Effinex (Jimmy Jerkens) 30-1
Hard Aces (John Sadler) 30-1

Hoppertunity (Bob Baffert)
Wicked Strong (Jimmy Jerkens) ~ Dirt Mile


Distaff (10/7)

Sheer Drama (David Fawkes) 3-1
Wedding Toast (Kiaran McLaughlin) 7-2
Untapable (Steve Asmussen) 5-1
I'm a Chatterbox (Larry Jones) 6-1
Curalina (Todd Pletcher) 8-1
Got Lucky (Todd Pletcher) 12-1
Stopchargingmaria (Todd Pletcher) 15-1
Calamity Kate (Kelly Breen) 20-1
Stellar Wind (John Sadler) 20-1
Yahilwa (Jim Cassidy) 20-1
Warren's Veneda (Craig Lewis) 30-1
Salama (Charlie LoPresti) 50-1

Peace and War (Graham Motion)
My Sweet Addiction (Marty Jones)
Frivolous (Vicki Oliver)

[Kasept]

Major work for American Pharoah; 7f in 1:23
By Jay Privman

AMERICAN PHAROAH dialed up the length and pace of his preparation for the Breeders' Cup Classic on Wednesday morning at Santa Anita with a seven-furlong drill, in company, that got an official time of 1:23.

Trainer Bob Baffert had gone fairly easy with American Pharoah since putting him back in training after the Travers but said last week that he'd get serious this week and he was good to his word. "I wanted to get a strong work into him," Baffert said. "It looked like he handled it really well."

Per usual, American Pharoah came out just after the 6:30 renovation break. With regular work rider Martin Garcia aboard, Pharoah broke off at the six-furlong pole about seven lengths behind a workmate, collared the filly he was chasing in upper stretch, hit the wire five in front in 1:11.20, and went out to the seven-furlong pole in 1:23.

Dane Nelson, Santa Anita's head clocker, had American Pharoah galloping out a mile in 1:35.40. Baffert had Pharoah in 1:24, out a mile in 1:37. Regardless, it was a major piece of work as American Pharoah gets set to face elders for the first time while going 1 1/4 miles in his first start in two months.

[bare it all]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Dane Nelson, Santa Anita's head clocker, had American Pharoah galloping out a mile in 1:35.40. Baffert had Pharoah in 1:24, out a mile in 1:37. Regardless, it was a major piece of work as American Pharoah gets set to face elders for the first time while going 1 1/4 miles in his first start in two months.

That's a pretty significant difference. Who's watch would you trust?

[GenuineRisk]

Originally Posted by bare it all

That's a pretty significant difference. Who's watch would you trust?

Haskin tweeted that he thinks Baffert's time sounded more likely.

[FATPIANO]

Today’s Headlines»

Beholder 'Beautiful' in Final SoCal Breeze

Another solid workout by Beholder, Mandella shipping to Keeneland on the 19th, and will have her final workout about 4/5 days before The Big Race, all systems go!!!!!!!!!!

[freddymo]

Originally Posted by FATPIANO

Today’s Headlines»

Beholder 'Beautiful' in Final SoCal Breeze

Another solid workout by Beholder, Mandella shipping to Keeneland on the 19th, and will have her final workout about 4/5 days before The Big Race, all systems go!!!!!!!!!!

Rumor has it Gary Stevens believes she is the "best horse he has ever ridden"...AGAIN