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Post by tenfurlongs on Nov 4, 2021 13:42:44 GMT -5
Early speed: Acclimate, Channel Maker, Tribhuvan, Walton Street
Closer: Broome?, Domestic Spending, Gufo, Japan, Rockemperor, Sisfahan, Tarnawa, Teona, Yibir
(6) Acclimate (20-1)- Early speed. CA- bred. Won 14F San Juan Capistrano in June, putting the distance question to bed. Held on well but outkicked late in Del Mar Hcp (GII), then just nailed on the line by United in the John Henry (GII). Only knows one way to run and probably gets company up front, swallowed up late. Grade- C
Trainer Phil D'Amato, after the John Henry
“He showed he’s still got it. I was extremely happy with how he ran and how he came out of it. I don’t think the track profile really favors his style on the Del Mar turf course. I’ll likely run him at the very end of the Del Mar meet in the Hollywood Turf Cup (G1). Usually by the end of the meet there in the fall, the turf course gets a little faster."
(4) Astronaut (20-1)- Stalker. Progressive, improving, lightly-raced 4yo. Second to Acclimate in San Juan Capistrano (GII), then drove past the leaders to take the Del Mar Hcp here in a blanket finish. Layed off since then. Not sure he's ready for a Grade I right now, especially this one, but tab for later. Grade- C
Trainer John Shirreffs
“We think it is more important to come in with a high energy level for the Breeders’ Cup. His fitness is not a concern here. He has shown us he likes distance with a good second in the San Juan Capistrano and that strong performance in his last race. With that in mind we decided it was better to rest and come in fresh.”
(15AE) Bolshoi Ballet (15-1)- Stalker. Disappointed in Epsom Derby (GI) after looking the part all spring. Shipped to the US and took down BEL Derby (GI) in a paceless race against weak competition, then disappointed again at SAR and back at BEL against 3yos. This would be his first meeting versus older horses. Would dismiss him out of hand, but O'Brien really seems to want him to run here, and hinted that one of his might come out to get this horse in. Grade- C
(8) Broome (20-1)- Closer. Long season, this would be his tenth start. Ran very well through the summer, winning a GI and just missing in another. Couldn't reel in the winner in a slowly-run Prix Foy (GII) two back, then didn't appear to handle the ground in the Arc de Triomphe last time. Seems to be tailing off, but Dettori takes the mount. Grade- C
Trainer Aidan O'Brien
“In the Turf we have two that got in, but things can change. Bolshoi Ballet is first reserve and we shall keep checking the temperatures of Broome and Japan up to the 8am deadline (for scratches) on Saturday. Broome gets a mile and a half well and is a relentless galloper with good form. The plan is for him and Japan to go on to the Japan Cup (after the Breeders’ Cup). They both have Japanese owners."
(16AE) Channel Maker (20-1)- Early speed. Ran third in this last year, but hasn't been the same horse this term as a 7yo, well-beaten in Dubai and since his return from there. Adds to the stronger-pace outlook for this year. Grade- D
Trainer Bill Mott
“He's doing well. He's one of the ones that will have to regain his form from last year to be competitive."
(3) Domestic Spending (4-1)- Closer. Progressive through his eight starts, never off the board. Won Hollywood Derby (GI) here to cap off 3yo season. Hasn't been beyond 10F. Layoff since neck-second in AP (GI) where glacial-pace setter just held on. Manhattan (GI) win was an eye-opener, rallying from far back into a hot pace. Only question seems to be how effective his kick will be at 12F. Grade- A
Trainer Chad Brown
“The way he settles and switches off, that’s the key (to get 1 1/2 miles). If he gets away from the gate cleanly and has a good post and gets some sort of position early and if he gets any sort of seam in the final turn of that race I think he’s going to be heard from.”
(11) Gufo (8-1)- Deep closer. 100% ITM in 13 career starts. Ran his best race taking the Sword Dancer (GI) at SAR, closing from behind a moderate pace to catch Japan on the wire. Inexplicably moved way too soon in Turf Classic (GI) at BEL, making the front turning for home but getting caught by two 'Chads' late. Just missed behind Domestic Spending in Hollywood Derby here last fall. In with every chance granted a smooth trip. Grade- B
Trainer Christophe Clement (0-40 at the BC), after Gufo's recent BEL workout
“It was a good work. City Man in front; Gufo further back and finished very willing. Gufo looked great. He will work back next week and then probably go to the Breeders' Cup. I'll speak to the owner today to make sure, but as long he's on board that's the plan. He's one of the leading older horses on the grass in the country and I'm very happy with him.”
(14) Japan (20-1)- Closer. Inconsistent form. Has tailed off since his 3yo season. Fine effort in the Sword Dancer at SAR, then dull in the Turf Classic at BEL. Had minor traffic issues in both races. Ryan Moore currently his pilot, but could envision a scenario where Japan scratches and Bolshoi Ballet draws in, with Moore aboard. Grade- C
Trainer O'Brien
“Japan has run some very good races, but he’s got chopped the last twice. He was chopped with Wayne (Lordan) on board and again when he ran at Saratoga."
(1) Rockemperor (15-1)- Closer. Often hit the board in graded-stakes company without threatening to win. Progressive since his N2X-win in June, peaking with a very impressive finish to take the Turf Classic at BEL last time under Javier Castellano, who keeps the mount. If he can run that race again, he could contend here. Needs to take back and make one run IMO. Grade- B
Trainer Brown
“That was a pleasant surprise. He was training well, but I'll be honest, I was surprised with the way he won the race. This is a big step up in class and this is a different group of horses than the (Turf Classic), but his number was very good. He's had fast numbers in the past and it's not impossible for him to get a piece of it. I like his post, as well. If Javier can get him out of the gate and get a quiet spot following Domestic Spending, that would be ideal.”
(9) Sisfahan (12-1)- Deep closer. 3yo colt has four turf starts this year, winning the German Derby (GI) with an amazingly wide, closing run (find the replay), then ran second to Arc winner Torquator Tasso in a paceless, 'sprint-for-home' Pries von Baden (GI). Last time ran third to Alpinista in another slowly run race, over good ground in the Pries von Europa (GI). French rider Cristian Demuro takes the mount for the first time. Hard to get a handle on him, as he's still a work in progress, but could just be this good. Grade- B
Trainer Hank Grewe
"The race last time was very slow and he needs a fast pace to run at and good ground, so he should get both of those in Del Mar. He has a lot of speed and he doesn't get involved in the race early. He wants plenty of pace in front of him and firm or good ground. I think everything should fit for him on Nov. 6. I think Cristian is a brilliant jockey, really world class. And I think he is very good on horses who are held up off the pace."
(13) Tarnawa (9-5)- Closer. Drew wide, but was always going to be in the back half of the field regardless. Wide with cover is always better than inside with no room to maneuver. Defending champion won seasonal debut easily against overmatched foes, then was second to St. Mark's Basilica in the Irish Champion S. (GI) where she was herded towards the far-side rail by the winner while never looking like she would go past him. Ran too well to lose in the Arc over heavy ground, finishing second between the winner and third-place Hurricane Lane. Colin Keane, who won this race last season, returns in the saddle. Grade- A
Trainer Dermot Weld, following the Arc
“She fought like a lioness, and unfortunately we just came up short and the ground was extremely testing. She's a very brave filly, very tough, very genuine. She gives 110 percent every time she runs. When she came back from Paris she was tired for about a week, so we just took it easy with her… I've been very happy with her work for the past week. The main concern I have will be the ground, I appreciate that she handled what we would call good to firm ground in Kentucky (last year), but they had rain you must remember earlier that week. I'm well aware what we face is going to be a lot quicker and it is a concern - our good to firm or firm ground, I don't think that is quite as firm as what I expect to find in Del Mar to be quite honest."
(12) Teona (6-1)- Closer. Perhaps the 3yo-filly equivalent of Sisfahan. Good ground will suit. Four starts this year, won a Listed event at Royal Windsor in August, then was a revelation in winning the Prix Vermeille (GI) over odds-on Snowfall, though that one flopped badly there and has tailed off in her last three. Gets weight from all, will to one to follow whatever the outcome. Grade-C
Trainer Roger Varian
“We thought about the Filly & Mare for Teona and concluded they were both tough races. However, the Turf is a mile and a half and that’s this filly’s optimum trip."
(5) Tribhuvan (20-1)- Early speed. Fine GI-winner in his own right, but can't help but wonder if he's entered here partially to help set up closer-stablemates Rockemperor (same owners) and Domestic Spending. Stole GI United Nations at MTH by setting a dawdling pace. Thinking he's best at 10F, so twelve will be a real stamina test. Together with other prominent early runners, may stretch out the field allowing everyone to find 'their' spot. Grade- C
Trainer Brown
“He's good and very dangerous here. It may look on paper that he can't get the distance, but I don't think he quite knows when to stop if he gets loose. He nearly pulled it off in the Manhattan. I know that was a mile and a quarter, but he's training well and he's going to love the turf course here. He's a firm-ground horse."
(2) United (20-1)- Stalker. HFTC. Consistent, with last year's BC Turf the only blemish in the last two seasons. Trainer Richard Mandella seemed nonplussed to hear that Flavien Prat was taking off this guy to ride Domestic Spending for Chad Brown. Has won three of five starts this season, including the Eddie Read (GII) over the course, and the San Luis Rey (GIII) at the distance. John Velazquez takes the mount. Grade- C
(7) Walton Street (8-1)- Early speed. Has won four of last six races at 12F. Lightly-raced 7yo (19/7-4-4) won a GII during the Dubai Carnival, and finished a very respectable fourth behind Mishriff, Chrono Genesis and Loves Only You in the $5M Sheema Classic (GI). Got a vacation until returning to run third to Alpinista and later-Arc-hero Torquator Tasso in Preis von Berlin (GI). Shipped to Woodbine and easily beat a strung-out field in the Canadian International (GI) under Frankie Dettori when last seen. Do not overlook quality speed. Grade- B
Trainer Charlie Appleby
“Walton Street is at the grand age of seven now and he’s one of the yard favourites. We saw his profile rise in Dubai and he was then given a deserved break after that. He put up a good performance in Germany on his first start after a break, finishing just behind the eventual Arc winner Torquator Tasso. He then headed to Canada for the International where he put up a dominant performance. He is maturing with age very well. He’s a very straightforward horse in that you can go up and lead with him or he can sit just off the pace. He deserves to be there; he might not be good enough to win it but he won’t look out of place.”
(10) Yibir (12-1)- Closer. This will be his first start against older horses. Started on the Classics trail earlier this year, but didn't live up to expectations and was gelded. Comebacker was a GIII win at Newmarket, then didn't handle soft going at Goodwood next out. Back on good ground at York, won the Great Voltigeur (GII) smoothly from the back of the field, then shipped to Belmont to win the Jockey Club Derby (GI) over firm ground, once again coming from dead last. Probably kept against his own age group for a reason, compared to his more fancied 3yo stablemates, but the talent has come forward now, and he's one to be followed next season. Grade- C
Trainer Appleby
"He’s a gelded son of Dubawi and has been frustrating throughout his three-year-old career. He started his season running in the Classic trials, and running well, but not running the most straightforward races that you’d like to see. He was gelded before the summer and came out and won the Bahrain Trophy. He then went and disappointed us again at Goodwood. We changed some of our tactics on him and we left the hood on at York where he ran out a good winner of the Great Voltigeur. The plan after that was always to head to New York for the Jockey Club Derby as it’s a race which we felt would suit him. He picked up in the straight and won it well. That was a 'Win and You’re In' race to the Breeders’ Cup Turf. He goes there as one of the youngsters but if he brings his A game, he’s going to be very competitive. I’m not going to be as bold to say he’s as good as Hurricane Lane or Adayar who are both Derby and multiple Group One winners, but he was put in those classic trials for a reason. We liked him and we still do like him.”
Top selection: Tarnawa
Contenders: Sisfahan, Walton Street
Must use underneath: Gufo, Rockemperor, Yibir, Teona
TW
Closer: Broome?, Domestic Spending, Gufo, Japan, Rockemperor, Sisfahan, Tarnawa, Teona, Yibir
(6) Acclimate (20-1)- Early speed. CA- bred. Won 14F San Juan Capistrano in June, putting the distance question to bed. Held on well but outkicked late in Del Mar Hcp (GII), then just nailed on the line by United in the John Henry (GII). Only knows one way to run and probably gets company up front, swallowed up late. Grade- C
Trainer Phil D'Amato, after the John Henry
“He showed he’s still got it. I was extremely happy with how he ran and how he came out of it. I don’t think the track profile really favors his style on the Del Mar turf course. I’ll likely run him at the very end of the Del Mar meet in the Hollywood Turf Cup (G1). Usually by the end of the meet there in the fall, the turf course gets a little faster."
(4) Astronaut (20-1)- Stalker. Progressive, improving, lightly-raced 4yo. Second to Acclimate in San Juan Capistrano (GII), then drove past the leaders to take the Del Mar Hcp here in a blanket finish. Layed off since then. Not sure he's ready for a Grade I right now, especially this one, but tab for later. Grade- C
Trainer John Shirreffs
“We think it is more important to come in with a high energy level for the Breeders’ Cup. His fitness is not a concern here. He has shown us he likes distance with a good second in the San Juan Capistrano and that strong performance in his last race. With that in mind we decided it was better to rest and come in fresh.”
(15AE) Bolshoi Ballet (15-1)- Stalker. Disappointed in Epsom Derby (GI) after looking the part all spring. Shipped to the US and took down BEL Derby (GI) in a paceless race against weak competition, then disappointed again at SAR and back at BEL against 3yos. This would be his first meeting versus older horses. Would dismiss him out of hand, but O'Brien really seems to want him to run here, and hinted that one of his might come out to get this horse in. Grade- C
(8) Broome (20-1)- Closer. Long season, this would be his tenth start. Ran very well through the summer, winning a GI and just missing in another. Couldn't reel in the winner in a slowly-run Prix Foy (GII) two back, then didn't appear to handle the ground in the Arc de Triomphe last time. Seems to be tailing off, but Dettori takes the mount. Grade- C
Trainer Aidan O'Brien
“In the Turf we have two that got in, but things can change. Bolshoi Ballet is first reserve and we shall keep checking the temperatures of Broome and Japan up to the 8am deadline (for scratches) on Saturday. Broome gets a mile and a half well and is a relentless galloper with good form. The plan is for him and Japan to go on to the Japan Cup (after the Breeders’ Cup). They both have Japanese owners."
(16AE) Channel Maker (20-1)- Early speed. Ran third in this last year, but hasn't been the same horse this term as a 7yo, well-beaten in Dubai and since his return from there. Adds to the stronger-pace outlook for this year. Grade- D
Trainer Bill Mott
“He's doing well. He's one of the ones that will have to regain his form from last year to be competitive."
Trainer Chad Brown
“The way he settles and switches off, that’s the key (to get 1 1/2 miles). If he gets away from the gate cleanly and has a good post and gets some sort of position early and if he gets any sort of seam in the final turn of that race I think he’s going to be heard from.”
(11) Gufo (8-1)- Deep closer. 100% ITM in 13 career starts. Ran his best race taking the Sword Dancer (GI) at SAR, closing from behind a moderate pace to catch Japan on the wire. Inexplicably moved way too soon in Turf Classic (GI) at BEL, making the front turning for home but getting caught by two 'Chads' late. Just missed behind Domestic Spending in Hollywood Derby here last fall. In with every chance granted a smooth trip. Grade- B
Trainer Christophe Clement (0-40 at the BC), after Gufo's recent BEL workout
“It was a good work. City Man in front; Gufo further back and finished very willing. Gufo looked great. He will work back next week and then probably go to the Breeders' Cup. I'll speak to the owner today to make sure, but as long he's on board that's the plan. He's one of the leading older horses on the grass in the country and I'm very happy with him.”
(14) Japan (20-1)- Closer. Inconsistent form. Has tailed off since his 3yo season. Fine effort in the Sword Dancer at SAR, then dull in the Turf Classic at BEL. Had minor traffic issues in both races. Ryan Moore currently his pilot, but could envision a scenario where Japan scratches and Bolshoi Ballet draws in, with Moore aboard. Grade- C
Trainer O'Brien
“Japan has run some very good races, but he’s got chopped the last twice. He was chopped with Wayne (Lordan) on board and again when he ran at Saratoga."
(1) Rockemperor (15-1)- Closer. Often hit the board in graded-stakes company without threatening to win. Progressive since his N2X-win in June, peaking with a very impressive finish to take the Turf Classic at BEL last time under Javier Castellano, who keeps the mount. If he can run that race again, he could contend here. Needs to take back and make one run IMO. Grade- B
Trainer Brown
“That was a pleasant surprise. He was training well, but I'll be honest, I was surprised with the way he won the race. This is a big step up in class and this is a different group of horses than the (Turf Classic), but his number was very good. He's had fast numbers in the past and it's not impossible for him to get a piece of it. I like his post, as well. If Javier can get him out of the gate and get a quiet spot following Domestic Spending, that would be ideal.”
(9) Sisfahan (12-1)- Deep closer. 3yo colt has four turf starts this year, winning the German Derby (GI) with an amazingly wide, closing run (find the replay), then ran second to Arc winner Torquator Tasso in a paceless, 'sprint-for-home' Pries von Baden (GI). Last time ran third to Alpinista in another slowly run race, over good ground in the Pries von Europa (GI). French rider Cristian Demuro takes the mount for the first time. Hard to get a handle on him, as he's still a work in progress, but could just be this good. Grade- B
Trainer Hank Grewe
"The race last time was very slow and he needs a fast pace to run at and good ground, so he should get both of those in Del Mar. He has a lot of speed and he doesn't get involved in the race early. He wants plenty of pace in front of him and firm or good ground. I think everything should fit for him on Nov. 6. I think Cristian is a brilliant jockey, really world class. And I think he is very good on horses who are held up off the pace."
(13) Tarnawa (9-5)- Closer. Drew wide, but was always going to be in the back half of the field regardless. Wide with cover is always better than inside with no room to maneuver. Defending champion won seasonal debut easily against overmatched foes, then was second to St. Mark's Basilica in the Irish Champion S. (GI) where she was herded towards the far-side rail by the winner while never looking like she would go past him. Ran too well to lose in the Arc over heavy ground, finishing second between the winner and third-place Hurricane Lane. Colin Keane, who won this race last season, returns in the saddle. Grade- A
Trainer Dermot Weld, following the Arc
“She fought like a lioness, and unfortunately we just came up short and the ground was extremely testing. She's a very brave filly, very tough, very genuine. She gives 110 percent every time she runs. When she came back from Paris she was tired for about a week, so we just took it easy with her… I've been very happy with her work for the past week. The main concern I have will be the ground, I appreciate that she handled what we would call good to firm ground in Kentucky (last year), but they had rain you must remember earlier that week. I'm well aware what we face is going to be a lot quicker and it is a concern - our good to firm or firm ground, I don't think that is quite as firm as what I expect to find in Del Mar to be quite honest."
(12) Teona (6-1)- Closer. Perhaps the 3yo-filly equivalent of Sisfahan. Good ground will suit. Four starts this year, won a Listed event at Royal Windsor in August, then was a revelation in winning the Prix Vermeille (GI) over odds-on Snowfall, though that one flopped badly there and has tailed off in her last three. Gets weight from all, will to one to follow whatever the outcome. Grade-C
Trainer Roger Varian
“We thought about the Filly & Mare for Teona and concluded they were both tough races. However, the Turf is a mile and a half and that’s this filly’s optimum trip."
(5) Tribhuvan (20-1)- Early speed. Fine GI-winner in his own right, but can't help but wonder if he's entered here partially to help set up closer-stablemates Rockemperor (same owners) and Domestic Spending. Stole GI United Nations at MTH by setting a dawdling pace. Thinking he's best at 10F, so twelve will be a real stamina test. Together with other prominent early runners, may stretch out the field allowing everyone to find 'their' spot. Grade- C
Trainer Brown
“He's good and very dangerous here. It may look on paper that he can't get the distance, but I don't think he quite knows when to stop if he gets loose. He nearly pulled it off in the Manhattan. I know that was a mile and a quarter, but he's training well and he's going to love the turf course here. He's a firm-ground horse."
(7) Walton Street (8-1)- Early speed. Has won four of last six races at 12F. Lightly-raced 7yo (19/7-4-4) won a GII during the Dubai Carnival, and finished a very respectable fourth behind Mishriff, Chrono Genesis and Loves Only You in the $5M Sheema Classic (GI). Got a vacation until returning to run third to Alpinista and later-Arc-hero Torquator Tasso in Preis von Berlin (GI). Shipped to Woodbine and easily beat a strung-out field in the Canadian International (GI) under Frankie Dettori when last seen. Do not overlook quality speed. Grade- B
Trainer Charlie Appleby
“Walton Street is at the grand age of seven now and he’s one of the yard favourites. We saw his profile rise in Dubai and he was then given a deserved break after that. He put up a good performance in Germany on his first start after a break, finishing just behind the eventual Arc winner Torquator Tasso. He then headed to Canada for the International where he put up a dominant performance. He is maturing with age very well. He’s a very straightforward horse in that you can go up and lead with him or he can sit just off the pace. He deserves to be there; he might not be good enough to win it but he won’t look out of place.”
(10) Yibir (12-1)- Closer. This will be his first start against older horses. Started on the Classics trail earlier this year, but didn't live up to expectations and was gelded. Comebacker was a GIII win at Newmarket, then didn't handle soft going at Goodwood next out. Back on good ground at York, won the Great Voltigeur (GII) smoothly from the back of the field, then shipped to Belmont to win the Jockey Club Derby (GI) over firm ground, once again coming from dead last. Probably kept against his own age group for a reason, compared to his more fancied 3yo stablemates, but the talent has come forward now, and he's one to be followed next season. Grade- C
Trainer Appleby
"He’s a gelded son of Dubawi and has been frustrating throughout his three-year-old career. He started his season running in the Classic trials, and running well, but not running the most straightforward races that you’d like to see. He was gelded before the summer and came out and won the Bahrain Trophy. He then went and disappointed us again at Goodwood. We changed some of our tactics on him and we left the hood on at York where he ran out a good winner of the Great Voltigeur. The plan after that was always to head to New York for the Jockey Club Derby as it’s a race which we felt would suit him. He picked up in the straight and won it well. That was a 'Win and You’re In' race to the Breeders’ Cup Turf. He goes there as one of the youngsters but if he brings his A game, he’s going to be very competitive. I’m not going to be as bold to say he’s as good as Hurricane Lane or Adayar who are both Derby and multiple Group One winners, but he was put in those classic trials for a reason. We liked him and we still do like him.”
Top selection: Tarnawa
Contenders: Sisfahan, Walton Street
Must use underneath: Gufo, Rockemperor, Yibir, Teona
TW
