Australia has had some of the best turf sprinters in the world the past couple of years. Takeover Target and Miss Andretti are just two of those famous sprinters to grace the headlines. A third has joined them in the Bel Espirit filly Black Caviar. How good is she? In her nine starts so far, she has yet to lose. She's won 8 stakes so far, with 2 of them being Group One wins. The other thing is that she has won at 2 different sprint distances: about 5 furlongs (1000 meters) and about 6 furlongs (1200 meters).
Her latest win the Coolmore Lightning Stakes was a race that Takeover Target won in 2006 with Miss Andretti taking it the next year in 2007. So what's next for this wonderful filly? More then likely Royal Ascot with their big sprint stakes. History is on her side as well, her dam's half brother Magnus finished third in the King's Stand in 2007 along with winning the Galaxy the same year. I highly doubt we'll see her in the US though. Why is that? Last year Scenic Blast came to US to run on lasix (after he had bled a few times in Hong Kong) and unfortanlly it did not suit him well. Although I'm sure the BC Turf Sprint will be very tempting.
I guess time will tell where we see her next. Weather it still be in Australia or in Europe or Asia or even here in North America. She is certinally a superstar and will be a joy to watch as she continues her career.
Here is her Lightning Stakes win:
Showing posts with label Turf Sprint. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Turf Sprint. Show all posts
March 9, 2011
October 22, 2009
Breeder's Cup Preview: Sprint, F/M Sprint and Turf Sprint
It's the fast horsie talk today, I'm talking about the three sprints in the Breeder's Cup.
Sprint
Any other year this would be East vs West, but this year it's Zayat vs Godolphin in the battle of Middle East owners. Zayat Stables, Zenzational vs Godolphin's Gayego in this 6 furlong battle. The reason why it's not an East vs West battle this year is all of the East Coast sprinters are not fans of synthtic. However, Kodiak Kowboy could be one of the lone reps from the East Coast after winning the Vosburgh last time out after being transfered back to Steve Asmussen for the final few starts of his career. Meanwhile his former stablemate and soon to be Darley bound Pyro might come out even though he is clearly better on dirt, or he could go to the Dirt Mile, or wrap up his career in the Cigar Mile (same with the Vinery bound Kodiak Kowboy). Meanwhile I think Zenzational is going to be the deserving favorite and should win the Eclipse for Champion Sprinter if he wins. Munnings had his chances to take advantage of no Zenzational, but I think the little race called the Haskell may have ruined his sprinting capabilty now. While Gayego has been impressive since returning to his natrual sprinting capabilties, I really don't see the hype about him. Last year when he won the AR Derby he was a nice horse, but not a world beater. I personally think Zenational could run him off his feet. There is a rumor that the top sprinter in Europe, Fleeting Sprit is heading to this race as well. I really wouldn't count her out, and it's not because of the surface. Fillies have done well in the Sprint with Safely Kept, Very Subtle and Desert Stormer winning, plus runner up finishes by Honest Lady, Xtra Heat, Safely Kept (the year before she won) and Meafara (twice).
F/M Sprint
This could be the second best race of the entire weekend (Outside of the Distaff). Ventura, Sara Louise, Indian Blessing, Informed Decidsion; these are just a few names that are pointing towards this race. Ventura is the defending champ and coming off a great comeback win in the Woodbine Mile against the boys after not looking herself at Keenland earlier this year. Meanwhile Informed Decidsion is a better horse on the synth then she is on dirt, while Indian Blessing is the other way around. Still the latter was second against the boys in the Golden Shaheen earlier this year and was able to hold off Sara Louise in her last race. Speaking of the last horse male or female to defeat Rachel Alexandra, she clearly is going to be one of the horses to beat along with Informed Decidsion. With that being said, nothing would be bitter sweet to see Ventura and Indian Blessing going head to head for one more time before becoming mommies next year.
Turf Sprint
I really really wish Takeover Target wasn't retired, this would be the PERFECT race for him. In all honesty if Cannonball, California Flag or Fleeting Sprit (if she doesn't go to the sprint), don't win this race then well I'll be sad. That is Godolphin decides to send Diabolical over, but I haven't heard anything about his wearabouts since Royal Ascot. Now of course, he could still come over but I rather see him in the Sprint... if it was on dirt then here. Why? He did win a G2 here after all and over in Europe hasn't done that much. With that being said, beware of the locals especially California Flag, the defending champ Desert Code and Gotta Have Her who just won this past Sunday.
No preview tomorrow as I have to work, and no Weekend Preview as well. So I will be back either Sunday or Monday with a recap and then Previews will continue on Weds with the two Juvy Fillies races. Until then have a great weekend!
Sprint
Any other year this would be East vs West, but this year it's Zayat vs Godolphin in the battle of Middle East owners. Zayat Stables, Zenzational vs Godolphin's Gayego in this 6 furlong battle. The reason why it's not an East vs West battle this year is all of the East Coast sprinters are not fans of synthtic. However, Kodiak Kowboy could be one of the lone reps from the East Coast after winning the Vosburgh last time out after being transfered back to Steve Asmussen for the final few starts of his career. Meanwhile his former stablemate and soon to be Darley bound Pyro might come out even though he is clearly better on dirt, or he could go to the Dirt Mile, or wrap up his career in the Cigar Mile (same with the Vinery bound Kodiak Kowboy). Meanwhile I think Zenzational is going to be the deserving favorite and should win the Eclipse for Champion Sprinter if he wins. Munnings had his chances to take advantage of no Zenzational, but I think the little race called the Haskell may have ruined his sprinting capabilty now. While Gayego has been impressive since returning to his natrual sprinting capabilties, I really don't see the hype about him. Last year when he won the AR Derby he was a nice horse, but not a world beater. I personally think Zenational could run him off his feet. There is a rumor that the top sprinter in Europe, Fleeting Sprit is heading to this race as well. I really wouldn't count her out, and it's not because of the surface. Fillies have done well in the Sprint with Safely Kept, Very Subtle and Desert Stormer winning, plus runner up finishes by Honest Lady, Xtra Heat, Safely Kept (the year before she won) and Meafara (twice).
F/M Sprint
This could be the second best race of the entire weekend (Outside of the Distaff). Ventura, Sara Louise, Indian Blessing, Informed Decidsion; these are just a few names that are pointing towards this race. Ventura is the defending champ and coming off a great comeback win in the Woodbine Mile against the boys after not looking herself at Keenland earlier this year. Meanwhile Informed Decidsion is a better horse on the synth then she is on dirt, while Indian Blessing is the other way around. Still the latter was second against the boys in the Golden Shaheen earlier this year and was able to hold off Sara Louise in her last race. Speaking of the last horse male or female to defeat Rachel Alexandra, she clearly is going to be one of the horses to beat along with Informed Decidsion. With that being said, nothing would be bitter sweet to see Ventura and Indian Blessing going head to head for one more time before becoming mommies next year.
Turf Sprint
I really really wish Takeover Target wasn't retired, this would be the PERFECT race for him. In all honesty if Cannonball, California Flag or Fleeting Sprit (if she doesn't go to the sprint), don't win this race then well I'll be sad. That is Godolphin decides to send Diabolical over, but I haven't heard anything about his wearabouts since Royal Ascot. Now of course, he could still come over but I rather see him in the Sprint... if it was on dirt then here. Why? He did win a G2 here after all and over in Europe hasn't done that much. With that being said, beware of the locals especially California Flag, the defending champ Desert Code and Gotta Have Her who just won this past Sunday.
No preview tomorrow as I have to work, and no Weekend Preview as well. So I will be back either Sunday or Monday with a recap and then Previews will continue on Weds with the two Juvy Fillies races. Until then have a great weekend!
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