With the clock inexorably ticking ever closer to the 29th Breeders’ Cup
World Championships at Santa Anita nine days hence, event participants
went through their daily regimen without a hitch on a clear, crisp,
sun-filled Thursday morning with the scenic San Gabriel Mountains
providing their ever-present picturesque background.
Among the horses working on Santa Anita’s fast main track
Thursday were Classic contender Richard’s Kid, Best Pal winner Know More
(Juvenile, six furlongs in 1:15.40) and Pennsylvania Derby winner
Handsome Mike (Dirt Mile or Classic, six furlongs in 1:15.20) for
trainer Doug O’Neill; and Beholder (cross-entered in the Juvenile Sprint
and the Juvenile Fillies) for Richard Mandella.
Richard’s Kid worked six furlongs in company with Cinco de
Mario, with clockings of 1:15.40 and 1:17, respectively. Beholder,
ridden by regular rider Garrett Gomez, worked five furlongs in company
with In the Stars, each timed in 1:01.60. South Floyd (Juvenile Sprint)
also worked for O’Neill, going six furlongs in 1:15.40.
“There was not a lot of deep thought going on” as to why O’Neill
worked Richard’s Kid in company, the Kentucky Derby-winning trainer
said. “I wanted to see a good three-quarters and let him finish up good,
which he did. I got him in 1:14 with him finishing up faster than he
started off. He galloped out great, so we’re very pleased.
{2012 Breeders' Cup Classic field}
“Know More and Handsome Mike both worked great. Today was a day
for maintenance works and an excuse to give them an easy day tomorrow
and then we’ll get right back into our normal good gallops right into
the race.”
Also working for O’Neill was Boxeur de Rues, on the also eligible list for the Sprint, going six furlongs in 1:13.80.
“It was a nice work,” Mandella said of Beholder’s effort. “We’re
pre-entered in both races but we’re leaning towards the open Sprint.”
Added Gomez of Beholder: “We had her sit off another horse and she went
around there real nice.”
Also Thursday, Moulin de Mougin (also eligible on the Juvenile
Fillies Turf) worked five furlongs on the grass in 1:02.20 for Mandella,
while Suggestive Boy (Mile) went six furlongs on turf in 1:13.60 for
Ron McAnally.
In other Breeders’ Cup news:
Bob Baffert said Classic favorite Game On Dude would have his
final breeze on Sunday, while unbeaten Juvenile Fillies contender
Executiveprivilege would work Saturday.
Bill Spawr plans to work defending Sprint champion Amazombie
Friday morning before sun-up as usual. “He schooled in the gate and
galloped, then schooled in the paddock,” said Spawr, who owns the
6-year-old California-bred son of Northern Afleet with Tom Sanford.
“He’ll work a long five (furlongs) and (go) out three-quarters,”
Spawr said. “Depending on how he works tomorrow, I’ll come back on
Thursday (Nov. 1) and do something. I’m not sure about two-minute
clipping or actually working three-eighths. That’s pretty much been
standard for him and it’s been pretty successful.”
Asked his feelings about running at his home track as opposed to
Churchill Downs, where he won the Sprint last year, Spawr said, “I’d
feel real good if it rained a couple days before (next Saturday), but
it’s not good for us: clear skies. But Amazombie tries anyway.”
Scott Blasi, assistant to trainer Steve Asmussen, said their
Breeders’ Cup candidates will have their final major breezes at Santa
Anita “Sunday or Monday.”
Tammy Fox, assistant to trainer Dale Romans, said all their
Breeders’ Cup prospects at Santa Anita are scheduled to have their final
workouts on Saturday. Romans is expected to arrive in California late
Friday night. Pacific Classic winner Dullahan will work on the main
track Saturday, after which a decision will be made on whether he runs
in the Classic or the Turf.
Mandella-trained Jimmy Creed (Sprint) worked five furlongs at
Santa Anita Wednesday in a bullet 59.80, fastest of 28 drills at the
distance, the average time of which was 1:02.35.