Expected rain in California forced the connections of several key Breeders' Cup contenders to send out their charges Thursday for earlier works than originally planned.
GI Breeders' Cup Classic favorite California Chrome (Lucky Pulpit) went out very early at his Los Alamitos base, and turned in his final major breeze ahead of next week's championship event. The world's highest-rated racehorse covered six furlongs in 1:12.20 (2/6). “He's great,” offered Alan Sherman, assistant trainer to his father Art.
Fellow GI Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist (Uncle Mo) also worked Thursday for the Classic. Last year's champion juvenile went seven panels in company with GI Breeders' Cup Turf pre-entrant Ralis (Square Eddie), and was clocked in splits of 25.80, :38, :50.40, and 1:15.60 with an official time of 1:27.40 (2/4). Ralis was credited with six furlongs in 1:18 flat (15/15). “He worked great,” trainer Doug O'Neill said of Nyquist. “We had a little separation early on, but Nyquist caught up. He showed good stamina, scoped clean and we're excited about where we are.”
Melatonin (Kodiak Kowboy), off since his victory in the GI Gold Cup at Santa Anita going this distance June 25, covered five furlongs in :59.40 (4/74). “Very nice,” conditioner David Hofmans said. “I might blow him out before the race. We'll see.”
East Coast invader Frosted (Tapit) got better acquainted with the Santa Anita surface Thursday, going four furlongs in :48 flat (7/26).
The fairer sex was also out in full force, as two of the three market leaders for the GI Breeders' Cup Distaff turned in recorded works. Unbeaten champion and 'TDN Rising Star' Songbird (Medaglia d'Oro) worked at 6:30 a.m. after the renovation break under exercise rider Edgar Rodriguez, and was credited with five furlongs in 1:01, earning the “breezing” distinction that is rarely assigned by California clockers. “She's doing very well,” offered Hall of Fame trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. “She's training up to the race well and that should be her final work, because we're anticipating rain [Friday].”
Songbird's older foe Beholder (Henny Hughes) worked in company with White Rock Lake (Rock Hard Ten) and stopped the clock in 1:14.40 (5/15) under regular pilot Gary Stevens. “I said last week that was the big work (59.20 last Thursday),” noted trainer Dick Mandella. “This was a little tune up and she went real good.”
Stellar Wind (Curlin), last year's champion 3-year-old filly who beat beholder in the GI Zenyatta S. last time Oct. 1, will work either Friday or Saturday depending on the weather.
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