Post positions were drawn at a ceremonial breakfast at Chuchill Downs on Wednesday morning. After opening remarks from Ernie Fletcher, the Governor of Kentucky, the process got underway. At the conclusion of the post position-draw for each race, Mike Battaglia, the Churchill Downs oddsmaker, came up to the podium to give the morning line. It is like the bookmakers in India giving the odds for the Invitation Cup card.
Cash Included, Corey Nakatani up, is the 3-1 morning line choice in the $2 million race for two year-old fillies. There are fourteen fillies going over 1 1/16 miles (1700m). The second choice at 4-1 is Dreaming Of Anna.
Two year-old colts and geldings take center stage in the next event. The purse is $2 million and the distance is 1 1/16 miles. Circular Quay is the 5-2 morning line favorite and will be ridden by Garrett Gomez. Scat Daddy is 4-1 and Great Hunter is third in line at 9-2. There are fourteen juveniles.
Ouija Board is the 16-10 choice in the third race. It is the Filly-Mare Turf over 1 3/8 miles (1900m). Ouija Board won this race in 2004 and was second in 2005 at Belmont Park. Frankie Dettori will handle Ouija Board. Wait A While, America's best hope, is at 3-1 and the rider is Garrett Gomez. Ten distaffers go postward.
"It is sad in a sense because this will be her last Breeders' Cup," said Robin Trevor-Jones, the head lad supervising Ouija Board's preparation. He added, "she's in great nick. She's got the best temperament you could ask for in a racehorse. She has been a professional all through her career."
There are fourteen horses in the $2 million Sprint over six furlongs. Henny Hughes, in rare form at the moment, is the 2-1 choice. Second favoritism has been accorded to Bordanaro who is listed at 3-1. John Velasquez rides Henny Hughes.
Thirteen horses answer the starter's call in the next race, the $2 million Turf over a mile. Favoritism has been accorded to Gorella, a girl taking on the boys. To be ridden by Julien Leparoux, Gorella is listed at 4-1. Araafa, winner of the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the St James Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot, is 9-2 and will have the services of John Velasquez. Aragorn, a sensation on the West Coast, is the 5-1 third choice. The field includes Echo Light who, in the hands of Dettori, was a decisive winner at Longchamp over the Arc weekend.
Fleet Indian is the 16-10 favorite in the next event, the $2 million Filly-Mare race over 1 1/8 miles. Jose Santos rides Fleet Indian. Pine Island is the 5-1 second choice. Fourteen of them go in this race.
Eleven horses go in the $3 million Turf over 1 1/2 miles (2400m). Hurricane Run, who is making his third start since October 1, is the lukewarm 3-1 pick. Christophe Soumillon is being reunited with the top rated horse in the world in 2005. English Channel is at 7-2 and comes into this race in the best of health. Cacique has enjoyed a lucrative year`and is at 4-1. Scorpion, winner of the 2005 English St Leger and to be ridden by Mick Kinane, is listed at 6-1.
The $5 million Classic is the final race. It is over 1 1/4 miles (2000m). Bernardini, the Preakness and Travers champion, is the even money favorite. Invasor is the second pick at 5-1. Thirteen horses go to the post.
Bernardini did his final piece of serious work at Belmont Park on Tuesday. He went five furlongs in 1.02.94 without being extended. "We could not be happier with him. Everything is going according to plan, said, Tom Albertrani, Bernardini's trainer.
Louisville has a festive look. The clash between Lava Man and Bernardini is being promoted as the 'Mane Event.' The radio and TV stations have special Breeders' Cup shows. The races will be carried live to most parts of the world. India is 10 1/2 hours ahead of Louisville.
