Saturday, Race #8: The Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf
(Turf – 1 1/2 Miles) 3 YO+
Purse: $4 Million
The Breeders’ Cup Turf is contested at the distance of one- and one-half mile for male and female horses for the purse of four million dollars; The BC Turf attracts the top turf runners from all over the world. A fun aspect of this year’s running, because we are back at Santa Anita, is that it will utilize the unique downhill portion of the turf course. As a fan, I am very excited to see the full field come down the hill and cross over onto the main turf course, as a horseplayer I don’t think it will have a bearing on the outcome of the race. Before we begin to look at the runners in with a chance, we must acknowledge that this race has been won by one trainer a whopping six times. Mr. Aidan O’Brien has three runners on the Pre-Entries at the time of this write-up, so let’s start there because we understand that he knows how to get a horse ready to win this race.
#5 Auguste Rodin (3-1 ML) is a very accomplished three-year-old colt with excellent turf pedigree; trained by Aidan O’Brien. He is so good that he has exclusively competed in Grade one races for his last seven attempts winning five of them, at the best tracks in England and Ireland. So, sounds like this is a one horse race and everyone else is running for second place, right? That still could very well be the case, BUT – The two races that he lost, he just didn’t lose them, he didn’t look like the same savvy champion. – A very strong win candidate and that will surely be reflected in his price. #4 Bolshoi Ballet (15-1 ML) is a five year old son of Galileo (outstanding turf sire) who is also trained by Aidan O’Brien. His most recent form does not compare to that of his stablemate Auguste Rodin. Bolshoi Ballet did participate in the 2021 Breeders’ Cup turf and put in a good bid that day and finished sixth, beaten five and half lengths. – Not a viable win candidate. Last of the O’Brien runners is #7 Broome (30-1 ML) , Broome is a seven year-old veteran that is a grandson of Galileo. He has prior Breeders’ Cup experience as well, he ran this race last year finishing sixth, beaten by five lengths. For the past 6 months he has been running marathon turf distances of two miles or more and not being very successful in those efforts; not a win candidate.
Horses to consider:
#9 Mostahdaf (5-2 ML Favorite) is a 5-year-old son of Frankel, trained by John and Thady Gosden that is in great form. Winner of his last two races which were both against Grade one company, In his last race he defeated two of the most highly regarded turf runners in Europe. #8 Up to the Mark (5-1 ML) is a certified closer in the field and is trained by Todd Pletcher. He has won his last 3 starts, all Grade ones, at three different tracks, at three different distances. #13 War Like Goddess (12-1 ML) is a 6-year-old daughter of English Channel that does her best running late no matter the pace she is faced with and is always near the finish line when the photo for the win is being taken.
Let’s make it happen!!!
