2009 Breeders' Cup Mile (G1)

This is only an observation, but Gladiatorus, as an example, is just one of a few horses who seemed to be preforming very well in their racing careers until they were sold to and their training taken over by Godolphin Stables. Before being purchased by Godolphin, Gladiatorus had just had an amazing Carnival in 2009 over in Dubai winning the Jaguar XL Trophy, the Al Fahidi Fort, and the Dubai Duty Free posting massive speed figures in all three races. Then, as soon as he was taken over by Godolphin Stables, he was promptly beaten badly in the 09' Queen Anne Stakes at Ascot, finishing a well beaten 6th to the winner Paco Boy and others. Then he had a very poor run in the 09' Breeders Cup Mile, finishing far back, when it looked like in early summer he could be a contender for Goldikova's crown. Delegator is another example. A horse than ran a superb 09' stanjames.com 2000 Guineas, nearly upsetting Sea The Stars, and had rarely ever finished off of the board. Then, taken over by Godolphin, his first race for them, the 09' totesport.com Celebration Mile, he won the race, but was later D.Q.'d and Zacinto placed first for testing positive for methylprednisolone injections in an after race urine test. Then finished a well beaten 5th in the Breeders Cup Mile after being considered one of the favorites to potentially unseat Goldikova.

I tried to beat her with Delegator, Zacinto, and Gladiatorus on my ticket's. I guess I won't make that mistake again. Delegator ran respectably, Gladiatorus, as expected went to the lead, but burnt himself out. I kind of though maybe he might be able to stay the course and at least hit the board at a very good price. I don't know what in the world happened to Zacinto. I've seen replay's of some of his race's in Europe, and he's a much better horse than what showed up today. But all and all, prop's to Goldikova. On a day of special fillies, she to stand's out as being a very special one herself.

Goldikova was shooting for a BC Mile repeat, and the outside post did not stop her as was much the best again. Courageous Cat was a game 2nd, and Justenuffhumor rallied for the show.

Goldikova (1st) - $4.80, $4, $2.60
Courageous Cat (2nd) - $12.80, $8
Justenuffhumor (3rd) - $8
Court Vision (4th)

$1 Exacta - $54.60
$1 Trifecta - $705.30
.10 cent Superfecta - $662.88

I agree Justenuffhumor is a strong play in the Mile. He's proven over firm turf and although he could be off form, you'd feel silly not to forgive him for one bad race over soft turf and a slow pace.

Another possibility is that Justenuff bounced. He ran a lifetime top in the Fourstardave, then ran back to it in the Bernard Baruch and then bounced big time at Keeneland. I haven't looked at the sheets yet, but those guys might say this guy has improved a ton since he started running in December and that it was inevitable he would bounce after the two big efforts. They would also say that he will need more time to come back. However, at 12-1, you have to use him strongly and take a shot it was the soft turf.

What'sthescript running late for a piece is also a nice call... as former Miler's usually do better their second try... and he will be a fat price.

Agree with invasor. Goldikova has gone from one of the most likely Cup winners to a possible vulnerable favorite.