Since I have been assigned the task of making the write up for this years Breeders Cup Classic and with our race assigner Alabarda coming up with a very good idea of asking some of the owners some questions about the Breeders Cup races. I have some answers from a few owners on questions I asked them. Now keep in mind all of these were before the draw of the Classic so some of these could have been changed a little bit.
Owner: Estero Farms
Q1: What horses do you plan on running in the Classic?
A: Erupt and Phooeys Ideal
Q2: Who do you think is the “big horse” in the race?
A: Not sure. I don’t really think there is a “big horse” as I think the field is deep and competitive.
Q3: How do you like your horses chances?
A: That being said I think my two horses are longshots and as I do not think that 10F is their best distance.
Q4: Any other Breeders Cup races you are excited about?
A: I am looking forward to the Juvenile Turf and the Filly and Mare Turf as I think they are my best chances.
Owner: D J C Racing Stables
Q1: What horses do you plan on running in the Classic?
A: For The Boys
Q2: Who do you think is the “big horse” in the race?
A: Admiration
Q3: How do you like your horses chances?
A: I like how he has been running all summer and I expect him to be very competitive.
Q4: Any other Breeders Cup races you are excited about?
A: I am looking forward to running Stark in the Breeders Cup Juvenile.
Owner: Mb Stables
Q1: What horses do you plan on running in the Classic?
A: Barring some unforeseen change of heart, I’ll be running Centerpiece, Apples To Oranges, and Tactical in the Classic
Q2: Who do you think is the “big horse” in the race?
A: I personally think Tactical is the most dangerous horse in the race, though I could see others thinking the reigning champion Splash Mountain or the KYD champion Beach Dandy are the ones to beat.
Q3: How do you like your horses chances?
A: I think I have 3 very talented horses. Everything really depends on the draw. If they draw well, watch out. I especially like Tactical’s chances.
Q4: Any other Breeders Cup races you are excited about?
A: Honestly, I’m excited about them all. I feel I have realistic shots to win in every single race. It’s the best time of the year for horse racing and I just can’t wait for it to get going again.
Owner: Smokey Stover
Q1: What horses do you plan on running in the Classic?
A: I plan on running State Police and Twin Towers in the Classic. It will be State Police’s final race, win, lose or draw, and then he will finally be retired for breeding. I could not be more excited to see some of his foals.
Q2: Who do you think is the “big horse” in the race?
A: Tactical is the one to beat, but I have a feeling that 10F may be slightly further than he wants to go. Of the older horses I like Achilles.
Q3: How do you like your horses chances?
A: I think the race is very open and my two horses certainly fit. I like TT’s chances slightly more of the two due to the massive 4 lb weight break for 3yos.
Q4: Any other Breeder’s Cup races you are excited about?
A: I am very excited for the Distaff where I have two of my favorite fillies in Tenrikyo and Z Command running.
Owner: Fractious
Q1: What horses do you plan on running in the Classic?
A: I only have one horse qualified for the classic which would be Rainstorm.
Q2: Who do you think is the “big horse” in the race?
A: It’s going to be a special field and extremely tough with all of the contenders. Apples to Oranges and Beach Dandy look tough but I would have to go with Achilles. He is tearing up with the track with his recent works and he loves the classic distance.
Q3: How do you like your horses chances?
A: Rainstorm has an outside chance of hitting the board I think. He has definitely outrun his conformation. The best thing about him is he has heart and is very gutsy. I’m just hoping he runs his best race to have a shot.
Q4: Any other Breeders Cup Races you are excited about?
A: I’m excited about all of them, even the ones I’m not involved in! One of my sires, Aggravation has a few runners in different races in addition to some horses that I bred. As far as horses that I train, I’m excited about Creepy Palace and Con Artist in the BC Sprint. I think with those two veterans, I’ll have a great shot to win if they run their race.
Owner: John Henry
Q1: What horses do you plan on running in the Classic?
A: In the Classic, I will be Splash Mountain and Beach Dandy.
Q2: Who do you think is the “big horse” in the race?
A: I feel Splash Mountain is the one to beat. But like everything, post position will determine the outcome. And a possible rabbit.
Q3: How do you like your horses chances?
A: Both have a legit shot to win. It is just too bad pp has so much to do with the outcome.
Q4: Any other Breeders Cup races you’re excited about?
A: All of them.
Categories: BC 2018-20, SRF Interviews
