2011 Breeders Cup Saturday Preview

Friday's Breeders Cup had some favorites (Secret Circle) and longshots (Perfect Shirl) win, some champions crowned (see My Miss Aurelia) and some more questions raised.  "Ladies Day" was solid but the big day is Saturday, and what a day it could be for the ladies!
The 2010 Breeders Cup was all about Zenyatta and her quest for back to back Classic titles.  She ran valiantly only to come up a head short.  That overshadowed the unprecedented 3rd straight TVG Breeders Cup Mile win for female superstar Goldikova.  She's won in California, she's won in Kentucky, she's won from far behind, she's won from just off the pace.  She doesn't win every race in Europe, but trainer Freddie Head always has her in peak condition come Breeders Cup Saturday.  Today the great race mare goes for number four, and I really hope she gets it.  Per usual the field is stacked with US stars Gio Ponti and Courageous Cat, the runners up in the prior two BC Miles, as well as European Group 1 winner Byword and Zoffany (IRE) - a runner up to superhorse Frankel by only 3/4 of a length in June at Ascot.  This race has been moved back to 10th on the card, just before the Classic, which is a nod to how historic the run could be for Goldikova.  I know one thing's for sure, I'm not going to bet against this great champion mare, the most accomplished I've ever witnessed in person (and that's counting Zenyatta).  Her turn of foot is breathtaking, and I think she'll grace us with one last sizzling stretch run.

Here are my picks for the Saturday Breeders Cup card.

BC Marathon:  #9 Cease - lightly raced colt on the improve
BC Juvenile Turf:  #7 Caspar Netscher - wide open race, this Euro already has 3 wins on the sod
BC Sprint:  #2 Giant Ryan - won 6 in a row
BC Turf Sprint:  #10 Havelock - complete crapshoot, best horses have worst posts
BC Dirt Mile:  #8 Caleb's Posse - Beat Uncle Mo 2 back
BC Turf:  #7 Sea Moon - Would be shocking if a Euro doesn't win this
BC Juvenile:  #10 Union Rags - Play of the day, but at short odds
BC Mile:  #1 Goldikova - Fo, fo, fo
BC Classic:  #2 Flat Out - Superfilly Havre de Grace comes up just short

Expect a few longshots, a few faves, and some great racing.  Good luck Goldie!