Todd Pletcher was asked how he keeps a large number of owners happy with more one than horse in some of the races. "The situation has not reached the 'unmanageable' point. I have a lot of competent help, he said."
What would a good Breeders' Cup day haul be for Todd Pletcher? "Having a runner in the Breeders' Cup is a big deal. I will be thrilled if I can win one. After all, this is all the trainers work for," he answered.
I asked him if Scat Daddy won the two year-old (colts and geldings) Juvenile, would he think that there was poetic justice because Johannesburg (Scat Daddy's sire) won the same race in 2001? "Scat Daddy is a big, rangy colt and we feel he is a great freshman prospect. He has tremendous potential. These are bittersweet situations. Another horse I train may win."
"Bernardini is the best prospect for Saturday," Pletcher joked when asked what he thought was the most solid proposition. When pressed to give a horse from his stable, he refused to be pinned down.
Kieren McLaughlin has Henny Hughes in the Sprint and Invasor in the Classic. I asked McLaughlin at what point he decided that Henny Hughes would be more effective as a sprinter. "He is a colt who can do different things. He can cut it and he can race off the pace. As a two year-old he showed a propensity for speed. I wanted to explore shorter trips and it was the right thing. Despite his size, he's quite agile."
Talking about Invasor, McLaughlin said, "I've given him a 90-day rest. He has put on weight. He is training well. I am hoping I have made the correct decision." Invasor, bred in Argentina, is three for three in the United States. He was won three Grade I events at three different tracks. Fernando Jara, the precocious prodigy, rides Invasor in the Classic.
Doug O'Neill is the trainer of Lava Man who has won all of his seven starts in 2006. With winnings approaching the $4 million mark, Lava Man, to be ridden by Corey Nakatani, has a point to prove. He has not won outside of California. O'Neil also trains Great Hunter, a leading prospect in the Juvenile. "Great Hunter is ready. We are excited about him. Luck of the trip is important. His last win at Keeneland has given us hope. Lava Man has something to prove. He may be a shade better this year than last year. I am not without hope despite the opposition that includes Bernardini and Invasor."
Bernardini's trainer is Tom Albertrani. Bernardini, by A P Indy, has won six races from seven trips postward. He was beaten in his debut. My question for Albertrani was, "I deserve an honest answer. Why was your horse beaten in his debut?" He replied, "it was my mistake. It was a 6-furlong race. He found it too short. Second start was over a mile and all subsequent races have been over a mile and longer."
Trainer Albertrani, talking about his approach to the Classic in unassuming fashion, added, "I am never overconfident. I hope he runs his best. He has not been tested yet. I do not know if he will be in training next year. I have little say in the matter."
Aidan O'Brien and Ed Dunlop were next to answer questions. I asked O'Brien why he had entered George Washington in the Classic (against Bernardini) instead of racing him in the Mile in which his chances were much stronger. "He's exceptional. This is a challenge. Also for his stallion. I see it is unfair to him because this is his first race on the dirt. In racing,. you try to scale new heights."
Talking about Kieren Fallon, O'Brien said," Circumstances change. It's an unfortunate thing. I hope Kieren will be back next year."
Ed Dunlop, not given to hyperbole, was restrained in his optimism. "Ouija Board is fresh and well. She likes travel. All the right signs are evident. Her attitude is marvelous."
I asked Dunlop if the tough races this year have taken a toll on Ouija Board. " I know she has had hard races in 2006 but she's at her peak.This is her last Breeders' Cup. I believe she will run her race and that's all I am expecting from her."
Less than two days away, the Breeders' Cup races, called the 'Super Bowl' of horse racing, provide the basis for the Eclipse Awards, America's highest honours in horse racing, in different categories. This is the first Breeders' Cup since its inception in 1984 that Jerry Bailey and Pat Day are not riding. A statue of Pat Day was unveiled at Churchill Downs last Sunday. The best horses in the world, the finest jockey colony you can hope to assemble and a magic environment-these are the ingredients for a Breeders' Cup recipe. Breeders' Cup races go to Monmouth Park in Oceanport, New Jersey in 2007.
