As Breeders’ Cup approaches, pre-entries are released

With the release of the names of this year’s 188 pre-entered horses, the Breeders’ Cup seems a lot closer than it did yesterday. The entrants will be distributed over 14 races to be run on Nov. 1 & 2, with guaranteed purses totaling $28 million. Following are brief notes on five of the most significant races.

Classic – A month or so ago, it was still possible to envision a Classic field that included Preservationist, Catholic Boy and Maximum Security. At their best, the three would have been among the favorites. Unfortunately. Preservationist and Catholic Boy were retired early this month, and Maximum Security hasn’t had enough time to recover from an attack of colic to make the race.

This year’s Classic field may not include any future Hall of Famers. Ten of the 11 expected starters, however, are Grade 1 winners and two (Code of Honor and McKinzie) are on most lists of horse of the year candidates. The expected field also includes Higher Power, Math Wizard and Mongolian Groom, three late

developers who owe their places in the Classic starting gate to upset victories in major races in late summer or early fall.

The cross-entered Elate (the Distaff is her second preference) is this year’s most intriguing Classic entrant. The 5-year-old mare is bidding to become the first female winner of the race since Zenyatta’s historic achievement a decade ago.

Turf – Bricks and Mortar, who remains the toprated horse on the NTRA’s weekly poll, has won all five 2019 starts, four of them Grade 1s. A victory in the Turf could clinch horse of the year for the 5-year-old son of Giant’s Causeway, but it won’t be easy. Among the horses he’ll have to defeat are two sons of Galileo trained by Aidan O’Brien: Magical, winner of three Group 1s this year, and Epsom Derby winner Anthony Van Dyck.

Godolphin’s Old Persian also poses a threat. The well-traveled Dubawi colt has posted wins this year in Dubai (Sheema Classic) and Canada (Northern Dancer) and was third in Germany’s Grosser Preis von Berlin.

Distaff – It’s at least possible that the connections of Elate made the Classic first preference over the Distaff because they considered the former race an easier spot. Without Elate, the prospective Distaff field is still a strong one, with nine Grade 1 winners expected. The certain favorite is Midnight Bisou, currently no. 2 in the NTRA poll and another serious HOY candidate. The 4-year-old filly is unbeaten in seven 2019 starts. Her opponents include toughies Blue Prize, Wow Cat and Dunbar Road.

Sprint – The Sprint is often one of the most competitive Breeders’ Cup races, and this year looks to be no exception. The field of 11 is a relatively small one, but it includes the formidable trio of Mitole, Imperial Hint and Catalina Cruiser, all of whom are ranked in the NTRA poll’s top ten. Mitole has lost only once in a half-dozen 2019 starts. Imperial

Hint, who hit the board in the last two editions of the Sprint, looked unbeatable winning the A. G. Vanderbilt and Vosburgh. And the versatile Catalina Cruiser’s only loss in eight career starts came in last year’s Dirt Mile.

Filly & Mare Turf – Reigning female turf champ Sistercharlie goes for a repeat here. A win would be her seventh consecutive Grade 1 victory and would keep her under consideration for horse of the year. Top rivals include European Group 1 winners Billesdon Brook, Villa Marina and Castle Lady. The biggest threat, however, could come from hometown hero Vasilika, who has won 11 of 12 starts at Santa Anita, including six straight graded races.