The Breeders Cup will be held over two afternoons this year. Three new races have been added to the card in the form of the Dirt Mile, Juvenile Turf and Filly And Mare Turf.

 The first Breeders Cup race to be run will be the Filly And Mare Sprint. Leading contenders include Jazzy, La Traviata, Dream Rush, Maryfield and possibly Baroness Thatcher. 

Jazzy 4 f Mutakddim – Jollie Fille, by Southern Halo

 The former South African based filly, Jazzy, comes into the race off a fine win in the Gr2 Gallant Bloom Handicap. In that particular race she defeated some useful sorts, most noticeably multiple Gr1 winner Pussycat Doll (gave four pounds), who has subsequently won another stakes race. Prior to her Gallant Bloom triumph, Jazzy had gamely defeated the Gr1 winning mare Stormy Kiss by a neck in a stakes race at Saratoga. 

La Traviata 3 f Johannesburg – Piedras Negras, by Unbridled 

Unbeaten three-year-old filly. She has looked like a superstar in winning each of her three starts to date. Last time out, La Traviata crushed her field when winning by over nine lengths in the Gr3 Victory Ride Stakes. The third placed finisher, Appealing Zophie, was a previous Gr1 winner.

Her trainer, Patrick Biacone, has been in the headlines lately for his one year suspension.  

Dream Rush 3 f Wild Rush – Turbo Dream, by Unbridled

 One of the best fillies of her generation. Has been most impressive when winning her last two starts. Her penultimate start saw her defeat a decent field of fillies in the Gr1 Prioress Stakes. Dream Rush confirmed her class, by defeated the fast finishing Boca Grande in the Gr1 Test Stakes. The runner up made up a huge amount of ground late in the race but never looked like catching the eventual winner. Third placed finisher, the ultra consistent Baroness Thatcher, was a neck further back. She is owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, a group which has enjoyed a tremendous amount of success this year. 

Baroness Thatcher 3 f Johannesburg – Natkeeta, by Gulch

 Very consistent filly. Won the Gp3 Santa Ynez Stakes earlier this year, but has not won since. She has been running creditably against some of the best fillies around, and was second to the subsequent Belmont Stakes winner Rags To Riches in Las Virgenes (albeit beaten five lengths). While she is very consistent, Baroness Thatcher on form should find one or two of these too good. She could well run into the money. 

Maryfield 6 m Elusive Quality – Sly Maid, by Desert Wine

 An upset winner of the Gr1 Ballerina Stakes at Saratoga. On that occasion she held off Baroness Thatcher to win by a nose, giving the three year old five pounds. Fellow sprint contender, Miraculous Miss, was third, beaten four lengths. Her previous form this year had been somewhat erratic, although she did win the Gr2 Distaff Breeders Cup Handicap impressively, beating Oprah Winney on that occasion.

 The second race on the card is the Juvenile Turf, also being run for the first time. Prussian is the current favourite for the race, ahead of Achill Island, from the powerful Ballydoyle yard. 

Prussian 2 c Danzig – Crystal Downs

The Bill Mott trained youngster is unbeaten to date. He was most impressive when landing the Gr3 Summer Stakes (won last year by champion Dreaming of Anna) at Woodbine. Mott has a potent number of juveniles this year, headlined by the injured Majestic Warrior. Out of a Gp1 placed Alleged mare, the colt is from the family of the ill fated Mubtaker. 

Achill Island c Sadler’s Wells- Prawn Cocktail, by Artichoke

 A half brother to young South African stallion Overlord. Was second in the Gp2 Royal Lodge Stakes, behind City Leader, last time out. The form of the race was given a boost when the third placed runner Scintillo won the Gp1 Gran Criterium next time out. While he is clearly not the best of the Ballydoyle juveniles, European form regularly trumps US form and Achill Island must have a big chance to give this wonderful family another boost. 

Domestic Fund 2 c Sadler’s Wells – Market Slide, by Gulch

 An own brother to English 2000 Guineas winner Refuse to Bend. Took three starts to break his maiden, but followed up his maiden win with a good second to leading Derby fancy Curtain Call in the Gp2 Beresford Stakes. Curtain Call runs in Saturday’s Gp1 Racing Post Trophy and should he put up a good effort there, Domestic Fund could be a big runner here. His trainer Dermot Weld has a fantastic record when he raids overseas.  

Strike The Deal 2 c Van Nistelrooy – Countess Gold, by Mt Livermore

 Ultra tough youngster. Won well on debut, before running fifth in the Gp2 Norfolk Stakes, he then ran third to subsequent Cheveley Park Stakes winner Natagora in the Gp2 Prix Robert Papin. Following an unplaced run at Doncaster, he then twice ran second to Dark Angel, first in the Gp2 Mill Reef Stakes and then in the Gp1 Middle Park. If his fairly vigorous season has not taken its toll, he should have a good chance here. 

The Leopard 2 c Storm Cat – Moon Safari, by Mr Prospector

 Has run three times, winning on debut. He then ran fifth in the prestigious Futurity Stakes, before winning the Pilgrim Stakes. He is clearly a smart colt, but it remains to be seen if the US turf form can match the European. From the family of champion sire Caerleon, The Leopard is trained by Todd Pletcher. 

The Dirt Mile is the third of the Breeders Cup races on the day, and the last to be run on Friday. This race sees the return of Discreet Cat, who was so impressive prior to his defeat in the Dubai World Cup.

Discreet Cat 4 c Forestry – Pretty Discreet, by Private Account

 Unbeaten star, prior to dismal run in World Cup. Made a reasonable, if not brilliant return, when third in the Vosburgh Stakes. He started favourite for that race, and it remains to be seen if he remains the same level of ability. If the same horse that won the Cigar Mile last year returns it should be a one horse race. He has drawn the rail here, which could prove a considerable advantage. 

Corinthian 4 c Pulpit – Multiply, by Easy Goer 

Winner of the Met Mile early this season, but has not won since. Was well beaten in both the Suburban Handicap and Woodward. Were he to recapture his good early season form he would be a big threat to the favourite. The hot tempered colt will retire to stud at the end of the season. He sports a great pedigree, coming from the famous Special family. Corinthian is currently second favourite. 

Park Avenue Ball 5 c Citidancer – Road to the Ball, by Cahill Road 

One of the outsiders here, he loves the course having scored all of his major wins here. Has not quite been at his best recently and comes off a sixth place, in a field of eight, in the Vosburgh Stakes. At his penultimate start ran second to the outstanding sprinter Smokey Stover in a stakes race at this course. Previously won the Long Branch Stakes and Philip H Iselin Handicap at this course and ran third in the Haskell Invitational – Monmouth’s showpiece race. 

Gottcha Gold 4 c Coronado’s Quest – Gottcha Last, by Pleasant Tap

 Caused a major upset earlier in the season when defeating the outstanding performer Lawyer Ron in the Salvatore Mile. He confirmed his class with a good win in the Iselin Handicap – ran at Monmouth over 1800 meters. He has made steady improvement from his three year old career – where his biggest win came in, ironically enough, the Coronado Quest Stakes 

High Finance 4 c Talk is Money – Margay, by Conquistador Cielo 

A colt who has flashed great ability throughout his career, but was most disappointing last time out, when unplaced in the Gr1 Forego Stakes. Previously High Finance had impressed all when trouncing his field in the Gr2 Fool Handicap. Prior to his Tom Fool win he had been placed in both the Mr Prospector and Deputy Minister Handicaps. At his best at Belmont Park, High Finance was rated highly enough by connections to run in last year’s Belmont Stakes. 

Saturday’s Breeders Cup races kick off with the running of the Juvenile Fillies. The race could be dominated by Baffert trained runners, as he saddles the first and second favourites. In 1998 he saddled Silverbulletday and Excellent Meeting to run 1-2 in this race and he will be hoping to repeat the trick. 

Indian Blessing 2 f Indian Charlie – Shameful, by Flying Chevron

 The current favourite, she has won two of her four starts. She couldn’t have been more impressive than when she romped home to win the Gr1 Frizette Stakes at her most recent start. Her sire, the underrated Indian Charlie, was also trained by Baffert. She is well drawn at four. 

Irish Smoke 2 f Smoke Glacken – Added Time, by Gilded Time 

Unbeaten in her first two starts, Irish Smoke proved bitterly disappointing last time out when second last in the Gr1 Alciabiades Stakes. Connections site her dislike of the polytrack for her poor display and should she bounce back to the form she displayed when easily accounting for Alciabiades runner up A To The Croft in the Gr1 Spinaway Stakes, she would have a decent chance here. She is trained by Patrick Biancone, who was recently suspended for a year. 

Proud Spell 2 f Proud Citizen – Pacific Spell, by Langfuhr 

Very talented filly, she is unbeaten in three starts to date. Cruised home to win the Gr2 (formerly Gr1) Matron Stakes last time out by over four lengths. On a line through Matron Stakes runner up Armonk, Proud Spell has plenty to find with the favourite, but she is clearly improving all the time. She is from the first crop of her sire, who has made a sparkling start to his stud career – also being represented by the high-class British based juvenile Proud River. 

Izarra 2 f Distorted Humor – Arlucea, by Broad Brush 

The best bred filly in the race, being one of America’s best sires out of a daughter of the legendary racemare Bayakoa. She was just touched off in the Oak Leaf Stakes by Cry and Catch Me and is slightly better drawn than that rival in post eight. Prior to her good Oak Leaf run, Izarra had finished third in the Gr1 Del Mar Debutante.

 The Juvenile itself follows the fillies race and looks an open race, particularly with the defection of leading fancy Majestic Warrior. 

War Pass 2 c Cherokee Run – Vue, by Mr Prospector 

Unbeaten in three starts, the colt was an impressive winner of the Champagne Stakes last time out. The Champagne, however, doesn’t have a good record of producing BC Juvenile winners however, and it remains to be seen if War Pass can buck the trend this year. He hasn’t set a foot wrong, though, and has a good draw. A half brother to Gr1 winning juvenile Oath, War Pass is trained by Nick Zito. 

Wicked Style 2 c Macho Uno – Deviletta, by Trempolino 

Another unbeaten youngster, Wicked Style has a poor draw of 13. Winner of the Gr1 Lane’s End Breeders Futurity last time out, the colt had previously won the Arlington Washington Futurity (formerly Gr1). He is from the first crop of his sire, a juvenile champion half brother to top sire Awesome Again. Should he win it would mean both Macho Uno and Awesome Again would have sired Juvenile winners. 

Tale of Ekati 2 c Tale of the Cat – Silence Beauty, by Sunday Silence

The winner of two of his three starts. Was a most impressive winner of the important Gr2 Futurity Stakes, where he defeated the top juvenile Kodiak Kowboy by a length. Before that he had run second in the Sanford Stakes to Ready’s Image. His dam is a half-sister to champion racemare Sky Beauty. 

Dixie Chatter 2 c Dixie Union – Mini Chat, by Phone Trick 

Winner of the Norfolk Stakes last time out, defeating the top-class juvenile Salute the Sarge. The winner of two of his four starts, his trainer, Richard Mandella knows the family well – having trained the sire, granddam and the granddams’ sire. Dixie Chatter also ran fifth in the Gr1 Del Mar Futurity, where he was beaten a length and a half. His granddam, Phone Chatter, was the champion juvenile filly of her year. 

The Filly and Mare Turf is the first Turf race to be held on Saturday. Unusually an North American filly heads the market in the form of the unbeaten star Nashoba’s Key. 

Nashoba’s Key 4 f Silver Hawk – Nashoba, by Caerleon 

Unbeaten in her seven starts to date, Nashoba’s Key has proven her class and versatility by winning graded races on both the turf and dirt. The nasty tempered filly, accounted for the top-class mare Citronnade in the Yellow Ribbon Stakes last time out and is the one to beat here. Prior to her Yellow Ribbon triumph, Nashoba’s Key had won the Clement L Hirsh Handicap, Vanity Hcp, and Milady Breeders Cup Handicap. With questions hanging over some of the Europeans, Nashoba’s Key should prove to strong for this bunch. 

Lahudood: 4 f Singspiel-Rahayeb, by Arazi 

Caused a 14-1 upset last time out when defeating Gr1 winners Wait A While, Royal Highness and My Typhoon in the Flower Bowl Invitational Handicap. She has won two of her four starts since coming to the US, her sole poor run coming in the Beverly D Stakes. She had decent form in France, running second once to the top-class mare Montare (Prix Royal Oak winner). Her pedigree and record suggest she should continue to improve with age and, highly rated by connections, she could be the biggest threat to the favourite. 

Passage of Time: 3 f Dansili – Clepysdra, by Sadler’s Wells 

Bids to give the re emergent Henry Cecil another Gr1 win. She showed top-class form at two, when her win in the Criterium de Saint Cloud came at the expense of top colt Soldier of Fortune (subsequent Irish Derby winner). This season she won the Musidora before failing in the Oaks. Brought back in the Prix Vermeille, Passage of Time put up a good performance to run third to subsequent E P Taylor Stakes victress Mrs Lindsay.  

Simply Perfect 3 f Danehill – Hotelgenie dot com, by Selkirk 

A dual Gp1 winner, at two and three. A beautifully bred filly, the grey benefited from a great Johnny Murtagh ride to win the Falmouth Stakes over a mile at Newmarket three starts back. Not disgraced in her next two starts, running third to the brilliant Darjina in the Gp1 Prix d’Astarte and fourth in the Sun Chariot Stakes, Simply Perfect has only once been out of the first four in her 14 starts. All of her good form has been shown over a mile, and it remains to be seen if she is as effective over the extra. 

One of the most exciting races on the card looks to be the Sprint, which follows the Filly and Mare Turf. Midnight Lute is fancied ahead of Smokey Stover and Greg’s Gold. 

Midnight Lute: 4 c Real Quiet – Candytuft, by Dehere 

Trained like his sire by Bob Baffert. He is lightly raced, having made just nine starts, winning four and being placed three times. Was most impressive when winning the Forego (Gr1) last time out, outclassing his field. A lot will depend on how well he breaks. Prior to his Forego success he was racing over further but seems at his best over seven furlongs – he will have to improve to go with some of these speedsters. 

Smokey Stover 4 g Put It Back – Milady’s Halo, by Jolie’s Halo 

Top-class and ultra consistent sort. Has never been out of the first three in his 13 starts. Defeated Dirt Mile hopeful Park Avenue Ball impressively, while giving him eight pounds, last time out in the Icecapades Stakes. Has the same connections as the ill fated sprint champion Lost In The Fog, he was slightly disappointing when well beaten two starts back in the Smile Sprint Handicap but prior to that race outclassed leading Sprint contender Greg’s Gold in a Gr2 race at Santa Anita. The horse to beat here. 

Idiot Proof 3 c Benchmark – Perfectly Pretty, by Bertrando 

Lightly raced three-year-old, he has won five of his eight starts including the Gr1 Ancient Title Handicap last time out. Greg’s Gold looked desperately unlucky not to win the Ancient Title however, and it remains to be seen if Idiot Proof can confirm the form. His previous wins include the Jersey Shore Stakes (at Monmouth) by seven lengths, so he clearly likes the course and could still have improvement in him.

Greg’s Gold 6 g Lake George – Lake Windermere, by Fit To Fight 

Injury plagued gelding, who was shockingly unlucky not to win the Ancient Title last time out, when not getting a run late in the race. Prior to that run, he had accounted for the top-class performer Surf Cat in the Gr2 Pat O’Brien Handicap. Was just touched off for a repeat win in the Gr1 Bing Crosby Handicap three starts back. A former Gr1 winner (he won the Bing Crosby last year), Greg’s Gold would be a very popular winner as he has overcome numerous obstacles in his career. 

The Sprint is followed by the Mile, a race which is often very much influenced by the draw. As a result of drawing poorly, leading European contender Excellent Art has gone out in the betting, and US fancy Art Market is now the favourite for the race. 

Art Market: 4 c Storm Cat – Tranquility Lake, by Rahy 

Ran well last time, albeit in defeat, when second to Trippi’s Storm in the Kelso Handicap. Gave the winner nine pounds, and lost by half a length. Should turn the tables here at level weights. Prior to that run After Market had won four graded races in a row, including two Gr1’s. His first Gr1 success came at the expense of Lava Man in the Charles Whittingham Memorial Handicap and he followed it up with a smooth victory in the Eddie Read Handicap. Beautifully bred, and superbly looking individual, he retires to Lane’s End after this race. Looks the biggest opposition to Excellent Art. 

Excellent Art: 3 c Pivotal – Obsessive, by Seeking the Gold 

The horse to beat, despite having a shocking draw. He has been very consistent all year in Europe’s Gr1 mile races and has looked unlucky not win on occasion. Defeated a good field when landing the St James Palace Stake and was subsequently in both the Sussex and QE II Stakes, after his jockey seemed to leave his run too late. His draw will make it difficult for him, but he could still prove too good for this lot, should his jockey be able to get him over.

Should he win here, it will be interesting to see whether or not he stays in training. From the wonderful Miss Carmie family, Excellent Art has an extremely attractive pedigree as a potential sire and will be sought after when he does retire to stud. 

Nobiz Like Shobiz: 3 c Albert the Great –Nightstorm, by Storm Cat 

Top class and versatile three-year-old. He has won his last graded races, has won graded races on dirt and turf this year. He was most impressive last time out when thrashing Virginia Derby winner Red Giant by four lengths in the Gr2 Jamaica Handicap, and on his last start on dirt was second to leading Classic hopeful Any Given Saturday in the Gr2 Dwyer Stakes. Winner of the Wood Memorial (Gr1) earlier in the season, Nobiz took his chances in the Kentucky Derby but ran unplaced.  

Jeremy 4 c Danehill Dancer – Glint In Her Eye, by Arazi 

Another to make his swansong at the meeting. Jeremy was an impressive winner of the Gp2 Sandown Mile first time out. It was his only win this season, but he has been consistently running well until his last run, when only seventh in the Gp1 Prix de la Foret. Prior to that he ran placed twice behind Ramonti when beaten a head in the Gp1 Queen Anne Stakes and third in the Sussex Stakes. From the same family as leading F & M Turf hopeful Lahudood, Jeremy has a great pedigree. 

Purim 5 h Dynaformer – Kirsteena, by Lord At War 

Winner of the Shadwell Turf Mile last time out, when holding off Cosmonaut by a neck. It was the first Gr1 win for the son of Dynaformer, but he had won his previous start, the John Henry Stakes. An earner of just under $1 million, he is not well drawn at 12. The winner of nine races,  he is currently a 20-1 shot. 

The Distaff is one of the more open races on the card. Beldame runner up Indian Vale is a narrow favourite, ahead of Ginger Punch, Unbridled Belle and Lear’s Princess. 

Indian Vale 5 f A P Indy – Marley Vale, by Forty Niner 

The favourite comes into the race off a good second place behind Unbridled Belle in the Gr1 Beldame Stakes. On that occasion Ginger Punch, who had previously won two Gr1 races, was two and a quarter lengths behind. On form there is nothing to choose between Indian Vale and Unbridled Belle and it should be close between them again. While she has yet to win at the highest level, the Pletcher trained filly has been placed twice in Gr1 races in her last two starts. Her dam won the Gr1 Test Stakes. 

Unbridled Belle 4 f Broken Vow- Little Bold Belle, by Silver Buck 

Top-class performer. She won the rich Gr2 Del Cap (Delaware Handicap) three starts back, before running second to Miss Shop (a non runner here) in the Gr1 Personal Ensign. She then narrowly accounted for a strong field in the prestigious Beldame Stakes. She has twice beaten Indian Vale and on form there seems no reason as to why she shouldn’t maintain her superiority over that rival. 

Ginger Punch 4 f Awesome Again – Nappelon, by Bold Revenue 

Prior to her defeat in the Beldame was regarded as the leader of the division. Connections were forced to supplement her into the race which suggests confidence of a good run. Her two Gr1 wins, in the Ruffian Handicap and Go For Wand Hcp, both came at the expense of Miss Shop – who accounted for Indian Vale and Unbridled Belle in the Personal Ensign. Her sire has already sired three Breeders Cup winners including previous Distaff winner Round Pond. Ginger Punch has not once finished out of the first three in her 12 starts to date. 

Lear’s Princess 3 f Lear Fan – Pretty City, by Carson City 

Another very consistent filly. She pulled off a noticeable upset when accounting for the great Rags to Riches in the Gazelle Handicap last time out. Lear’s Princess has won four of her six starts, and been second twice. She ran second to Octave in the Coaching Club American Oaks and to Lady Joanne in the Alabama Stakes. 

Panty Raid 3 f Include – Adventurous DI, by Private Account 

The most versatile filly in the field, she has won graded races on dirt, turf and polytrack. She was impressive when the Spinster Stakes, against older fillies and mares, last time out on Keeneland’s polytrack. Prior to that she run poorly behind Lady Joanne in the Gr1 Alabama, but earlier in the season won the Gr2 Black Eyed Susan (on dirt) and Gr1 American Oaks (on turf). From the first crop of her millionaire sire, she is from the family of leading sire Valid Appeal. Another trained by Todd Pletcher, she has won five of her eight starts. 

The Turf is the penultimate event on the two day card. Dylan Thomas will be a prohibitive favourite to end his amazing career on a high. 

Dylan Thomas 4 c Danehill – Lagrion, by Diesis 

Described by Kieran Fallon as the best horse he has ridden, Dylan Thomas makes his last start here. A gutsy winner of the Arc last time out, he had earlier shown tremendous class to easily win both the King George and Irish Champion Stakes. He bids to become the first horse to the win the King George, Arc and Breeders Cup Turf. He has won six group one races to date.

A half brother to champion Queen’s Logic, he will stand at Coolmore next year. He is the best bet on the card. 

English Channel 5 h Smart Strike – Belva, by Theatrical 

Makes his third attempt on the race this year, finishing fifth two years ago and third last year. Every year seems to find the Europeans a bit strong. Still arguably the best US representative here. Was a gutsy winner of the Turf Classic last time out when getting blocked alongside the rail, before that had been a well beaten second in the Gr1 Sword Dancer Invitational behind Grand Couturier. A winner of over $3.6 million, he earlier made an abortive trip to Dubai when unplaced in the Duty Free. 

Red Rocks 4 c Galileo – Pharmacist, by Machiavellian 

Winner of this race last year, when defeating Better Talk Now and English Channel. Faces a huge challenge from Dylan Thomas, who beat him six lengths in the Irish Champion Stakes. Despite winning a Gp3 earlier this season, he has not looked quite as good as he did last year and has to improve.

Better Talk Now 8 g Talkin Man – Bendita, by Baldski 

A former winner of this race (he won it three years ago). He looked as good as ever when defeating English Channel by a head to win the Manhattan Handicap, although the latter turned the tables on him in the United Nations Handicap, when beaten three lengths. A five time Gr1 winner, he is very classy but needs a strong pace to have a chance here. Remarkably he has won graded races each year from four to eight.  A 14 time winner he has earned a shade under $4 million. Should the favourite fluff his lines, he could be the horse to pick up the pieces.

 Grand Couturier 4 c Grand Lodge – Lady Elgar, by Sadler’s Wells 

An impressive winner of the Sword Dancer at Saratoga earlier this year, where he made English Channel look ordinary. It was by and far away the best form he has shown and he finished third to Doctor Dino last time out, beaten nearly four lengths. Doctor Dino in turn was outclassed by Dylan Thomas when they met in the Prix Ganay at the start of the season, so Grand Couturier clearly has ground to find with the favourite. 

The Classic is the last race of the meeting. It features an interesting and closely matched field. Favourite Lawyer Ron has his work cut out against a strong bunch of three-year-olds. 

Lawyer Ron 4 c Langfuhr – Donation, by Lord Avie 

Comes off a short head defeat by Curlin in the Gr1 Jockey Club Gold Cup, albeit after he pulled hard. Previously looked a superstar when winning the Woodward and Whitney Handicap by big margins. A top three-year-old last year when his wins included the Arkansas Derby, he has always looked suspect over ten furlongs. A multi millionaire, he retires to stud after this race. Should his jockey manage to settle him, he could prove tough for the three-year-olds. 

Street Sense 3 c Street Cry- Bedazzle, by Dixieland Band 

The first horse to win both the BC Juvenile and Kentucky Derby. His jockey, is better known as Calvin Bo”rail” for his riding style. Street Sense followed his Derby win up with a short head second to Curlin in the Preakness, but bounced back to land the Travers. The form was hardly franked when runner up Grasshopper was beaten in a Gr2. His old rival Hard Spun, previously beaten by Street Sense in the Derby and Preakness, turned the tables when comfortably beating him in the Kentucky Cup Classic, but connections were satisfied as they were using the race as a prep.  The horse to beat. 

Curlin 3 c Smart Strike – Sheriff’s Deputy, by Deputy Minister 

Purchased for an unknown amount after breaking his maiden impressively. He followed up with dazzling wins in the Rebel Stakes and Arkansas Derby. Despite being one of the least experienced horses in the field, he managed a good third in the Kentucky Derby. He followed up with a game win over Street Sense in the Preakness, before losing narrowly to Rags to Riches in the Belmont Stakes. Following a disappointing third in the Haskell, beaten over four lengths by Any Given Saturday and Hard Spun. He followed up with a head win over Lawyer Ron at Belmont. If his hard season hasn’t taken too much out of him, he will be right there. 

Any Given Saturday 3 c Distorted Humor – Weekend In Indy, by A P Indy 

A promising two-year-old, Any Given Saturday ran Street Sense to a head in the Tamp Bay Derby after winning a minor stakes race with consummate ease. He then ran third in the Wood Memorial, after racing wide, before finishing unplaced in the Kentucky Derby. The Pletcher trained colt bounced back spectacularly to win his last three starts – all graded. He outclassed a good field to win the Gr2 Dwyer Stakes, played with Hard Spun and Curlin to land the Haskell and then defeated older horses to win the Brooklyn Handicap. He should give Street Sense plenty to think about. 

Hard Spun 3 c Danzig – Turkish Tryst, by Turkoman 

A brilliant two-year-old, he won his first graded race when landing the Gr3 Lecomte Stakes. After a defeat by Teuflesberg, he bounced back to win the Lane’s End Stakes in his familiar front running fashion. After a game second place, comfortably beaten by Street Sense, he ran third and fourth in both the Preakness and Belmont Stakes – both times being defeated by Curlin by four lengths or more. After his second place in the Haskell, the well bred colt won his last two starts, winning the Gr1 King’s Bishop Stakes and beating old nemesis Street Sense in the Kentucky Cup Classic. After his King’s Bishop win, many felt the Sprint would be a better option for the speedy colt, who retires after the race. His connections however felt otherwise. 

Tiago 3 c Pleasant Tap –Set Them Free, by Stop The Music 

Has accomplished more than what his Kentucky Derby winning half brother Giacomo did. Having caused an upset when winning the Santa Anita Derby, Tiago then ran seventh, not disgraced, at Churchill Downs. He impressed many observes by flying up late to run third in the Belmont Stakes, beaten half a length by Rags to Riches and Curlin. He then won two graded races in a row, in the form of the Swaps Stakes and Goodwood Handicap – a race previously won subsequent Classic winner Pleasantly Perfect. Clearly a top-class colt, he has attracted some betting support for the race.