Horse Racing Articles By Greg Melikov

Here are Ins and Outs of the 24th Breeders Cup

Theres a whole of changes going on for the 24th running of the Breeders Cup even before contenders and hopefuls arrive at Monmouth Park.

The inaugural BC Challenge that guaranteed the victorious in 24 qualifying stakes at a half-dozen premier tracks a free pass to seven BC races didn really benefit six winners. Thats because they were among a dozen that earned a million or more in 2007 and would have qualified anyway.

Of the remaining 18 "Win and You
e In" qualifiers, one won race because of an injury and several others need owners to fork over a supplemental entry fee of $180,000.

And one is dodging stiff opposition in the headline event.

So far, only Fabulous Strike will miss the festivities because of a lung infection contracted shortly after winning the Grade 1 Vosburgh at Belmont Park on Sept. 30.

He probably would have been one of the favorites in the BC Sprint. Of four others that automatically earned a berth in the six-furlong race, Keenelands Phoenix Stakes winner Off Duty must rely on his interests to pay an $180,000 supplemental fee.

Others qualifiers in the deep Sprint field are Vanderbilt victor Diabolical at Saratoga on July 28, Pat OBrien winner Gregs Gold at Del Mar on Aug. 19 and Ancient Title champ Idiot Proof at Oak Tree (Santa Anita) on Oct. 7.

Several other winners are in if a supplemental payment is made, including BC Distaff qualifiers Ginger Punch and Tough Tizs Sis. However, both are expected to run.

Unbridled Belle, who scored in Belmonts Beldame on Sept. 30, is one of six millionaires that would have made their respective BC divisions anyway.

One mare that won race is Take D Tour, who came out of a last-place finish in the Beldame with an injured left foreleg and was retired.

Four millionaires that didn need a victory to race in the $5 million BC Classic still triumphed. But Del Mars Pacific Classic winner Student Council is opting for the $2.3 million Japan Cup Dirt on Nov. 24.

It appears quite a few others will dodge Saratogas Whitney victor Lawyer Ron, Belmonts Jockey Gold Cup champ Curlin and Oak Trees Goodwood winner Tiago.

And don forget Kentucky Derby/Travers standout Street Sense, the top money-winning thoroughbred for �7 with nearly $3 million in earnings, or Hard Spun, No. 3 on the list behind Curlin, who also captured the Preakness.

Plus you can forget Any Given Saturday, who reeled off three consecutive triumphs: the Dwyer, Haskell and Brooklyn. He fell just $5,680 short of banking a million.

Its no wonder the Classic most likely have the shortest field of the 11 BC contests Oct. 26-27 worth $23 million.

However, Lava Man, No. 4 on the money-winning list, won make any BC race. Instead, the trailer in the Oak Tree Mile, according to his interests, will be pointed to the $250,000 California Cup Class for state-breds at Santa Anita on Nov. 4. Besides, Lava Man has been ice cold racing out of California.

English Channel, 12th and last millionaire on the list, made the BC Turf by winning the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Belmont on Sept. 30. He will face two winners of Arlington Million Day Aug. 11: Jambalaya in the showcase race and Shamdinan in the Secretariat.

At least English Channel won have to worry about Hirsch runner-up The Tin Man and the game Shakespeare.

"I can see (the 9-year-old) going," trainer Richard Mandella said. "Well probably think about the Citation (at Hollywood Park Nov. 23) for him."

Shakespeares comeback from a serious tendon injury was cut short after capturing the Woodbine Mile. He suffered another tear in the tendon of his left foreleg.

"After consulting with the vet we decided we were not going to push on," trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said. "Hes a star - its unfortunate. Its a tough part of the game."


by Greg Melikov