Only eleven days from the extravaganza that is the Breeders’ Cup, I give you my final divisional rankings before the big weekend. I’m sure major changes will be in store, but ... in which divisions will the upsets happen?
Older Dirt Males
1) California Chrome – Can anyone derail the California Chrome Express?
2) Frosted – Historic Met Mile win, and stylish Whitney victory, make him the best of the East.
3) Melatonin – If there was a little less speed in the Classic, I would like him more.
4) Hoppertunity –Jockey Club Gold Cup champ is more than willing to pick up the BC Classic pieces.
5) Dortmund – Still in search of his first 2016 win, but he should be the one to beat in the Dirt Mile.
6) Shaman Ghost – If he takes to Santa Anita, we already know he can go the distance.
3yo Males
1) Arrogate – A repeat of his Travers bomb makes him a very interesting Classic competitor.
2) Nyquist – I just cannot see the Kentucky Derby winner being a real factor in this year’s Classic
3) Exaggerator – Santa Anita Derby, Preakness, and Haskell winner is now retired.
4) American Freedom – Proved his toughness in Haskell and Travers second-place finishes.
5) Gun Runner – I think he is a player in the Dirt Mile, but the Classic would be tough.
6) Connect – The Pennsylvania Derby winner will await the Cigar Mile.
Older Dirt Females
1) Stellar Wind – She came, she saw, she conquered … Beholder in the last two.
2) Beholder – Don’t hold three straight losses against her, she still can run.
3) Cavorting – It’s a shame the best older mare in the East has to miss the Cup.
4) I’m A Chatterbox – I think her Spinster win at Keeneland was her best yet.
5) Forever Unbridled – A very good mare that would benefit from fast early Distaff fractions
6) Curalina – Could be very dangerous if they opt for the Filly & Mare Sprint.
3yo Females
1) Songbird – Still perfect on the verge of her toughest test yet.
2) Carina Mia – No match for the top one, but clearly second best.
3) Cathryn Sophia – Kentucky Oaks winner had her shot at Parx, but could not get it done.
4) Time and Motion – Has taken over as the top 3yo turf filly in the land.
5) Catch a Glimpse – Disappointed at Keeneland, but overall she had a very good season.
6) Off the Tracks – The crazy pace in the Test had to take something out of her.
Turf Males
1) Flintshire – Should not have to worry about soft turf in the Breeders’ Cup.
2) Ironicus – Looming as a major threat in the BC Mile.
3) Ectot – Can he repeat his big win in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic on a different type of turf?
4) Da Big Hoss – Former claimer just keeps winning, and winning.
5) Money Multiplier – Did not appreciate the course conditions in the Turf Classic.
6) Mondialiste – A little late to the party in the Shadwell Mile
Turf Females
1) Tepin – Great mare showed a bit of vulnerability in the First Lady, but still the one to beat in the Mile.
2) Lady Eli – Thrilled to see her back and as good as ever, she could also find another Breeders' Cup win.
3) Miss Temple City – Two Grade 1 wins against the boys is huge.
4) Sea Calisi – I don’t think we saw her absolute best in the Flower Bowl.
5) Al’s Gal – E.P. Taylor winner is in career best form.
6) Photo Call – Last one earns her a spot on this list.
Sprint Males
1) Lord Nelson – My pick for the BC Sprint for months now is perfect this year.
2) A.P. Indian – As is the East’s best after getting put up in his seasonal debut.
3) Drefong – Three-year-old is fresh and fit after big Grade 1 win at Saratoga.
4) Masochistic – Still no telling how good he may be; he’ll get his chance in the Sprint.
5) Joking – Not sure how it will translate out at Santa Anita, but you have to respect his Belmont form.
6) Limousine Liberal – Gave the Indian everything he wanted in the Phoenix.
Sprint Females
1) Haveyougoneaway – Last few point her out, plus she loves seven furlongs.
2) Carina Mia – Acorn winner should appreciate the cutback in distance, as well as no Songbird.
3) Curalina – Could well be the one to beat if they go to the Filly & Mare Sprint
4) By The Moon – Better than ever, her Ballerina defeat was excellent.
5) Tara’s Tango – She too, becomes one to watch on the cutback.
6) Paulassilverlining – Tries hard every single time.
2yo Males
1) Not This Time – Have not seen any 2yo run better than he did in the Iroquois.
2) Classic Empire – The Hopeful debacle was put to bed with a big win at Keeneland.
3) Three Rules – Will get his chance to prove that the Florida form is no joke.
4) Gormley – Has done nothing wrong so far for trainer John Shirreffs.
5) Syndergaard – His Champagne performance was nothing if not brave.
6) Practical Joke – Reeling in the New York-bred proved to be everything he could handle.
2yo Females
1) Union Strike – Love the way she stepped up in the Grade 1 Del Mar Debutante.
2) Pretty City Dancer – I thought she was best in the Grade 1 Spinaway.
3) Noted and Quoted – Won the local prep for this in determined style.
4) Sweet Loretta – Still undefeated; may have been too close early in the dead heat.
5) Lady Aurelia – On the shelf after an impressive European campaign.
6) Valadorna – That was an impressive maiden that I saw at Keeneland.
