With the announcement by trainer Derek Ryan that Musket Man will run in
the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic Nov. 6 at Churchill Downs, it may
cause some to wonder exactly what the conditioner is attempting to
accomplish.
After all, the 1-1/4 Classic is expected to feature
the undefeated mare Zenyatta; Quality Road, who out finished Musket Man
to win the grade 1 Metropolitan Handicap in July and again in August
while running second to Musket Man’s third in the Whitney Handicap at
Saratoga. And don’t forget that Blame, the winner of the Whitney and
second in the Jockey Club Gold Cup, is also headed to Churchill Downs
for the Classic as is Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Haynesfield.
Representing the best of the 3-year-old crop this year, Preakness,
Haskell, and Indiana Derby winner Lookin at Lucky also appears headed
to the Breeders’ Cup Classic.
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