This week we present our “Sleeper Six,” a list of six Breeders’ Cup
entrants who might be a shade undervalued as we approach the 2010 World
Thoroughbred Championship weekend at Churchill Downs next month.
ROGUE ROMANCE (Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile) —
Despite a breathtaking, last-to-first victory in the Bourbon S. (G3)
over the Keeneland turf last weekend, this impressive son of Smarty
Jones might be ticketed for the Juvenile, rather than the Juvenile
Turf, by trainer Kenny McPeek. We understand the logic — the colt has
an exceptional turn of foot and should very well appreciate the extra
half-furlong of the Juvenile — and if the two heavyweights in the
division, Uncle Boy and Boys at Tosconova,
fail to see out the trip, Rogue Romance could be the last colt standing
in the final furlong. That said, the conservative approach might be
preferred. Unless a hot shot Euro surfaces in Louisville — and at this
time we have no idea who or how many that might be — Rogue Romance
appears the one to beat in the Juvenile Turf. After a
better-than-looked debut fourth in a maiden turf two-turner at Saratoga
in mid August, the colt improved significantly to graduate with a
pace-prompting trip at the Spa the following month. He then moved
considerably forward once again with his dominating Bourbon victory
despite being given plenty to do from the top of the lane to the wire.
From a gambler’s standpoint, Rogue Romance might offer significant
value should he opt for the Juvenile — most of the heavy money will go
to the two logical favorites — and he would most certainly qualify as
the race’s prime “sleeper.” However, there will be plenty of
opportunities to learn whether this colt will handle dirt before next
year’s Triple Crown trail begins, and our best advice is to take the
easy route right now and let the experimenting come in due time.
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