Breeders' Cup Turf Analysis
by GLEN GALLIVANWire To Wire Racing Editor
Once again, the runners that are coming over from over seas look extremely tough heading into the Breeders' Cup Turf. Some formidable challengers are making the voyage across the Atlantic despite the fact that not a single European challenger was able to win in the first two Breeders' Cup held at Gulfstream Park in 1989 and 1992.
Daylami leads the foreign contingent and enters the Turf as the horse to beat. The 5-year-old gray possesses a powerful late stride that allows him to completely devour his opponents in the final furlong. Earlier this year he displayed this devastating turn of foot against Europe's best in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes and the Irish Champion Stakes, taking these prestigious events by five and nine lengths respectively.
However, the Irish-bred is coming off of a forgettable performance in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. He was bogged down in the water soaked Longchamp turf and never could get a good footing. The Godolphin owned runner staggered home, beaten by over 23-lengths. After that poor showing many believed that he would skip the Cup, but he apparently came out of that race in good order and was shipped to South Florida in mid-October. Consequently, he should have more than enough time to get acclimated to the humid conditions. But, will it be enough to help him capture this affair?
There are some solid handicapping angles against Daylami winning the Turf. First off, he's a come-from-the-clouds type that'll need some racing luck to find his way through the pack. Also, the Hallandale turf course has been inundated with rain in the days leading up to the Cup. With each additional storm the chances greatly increase the likelihood that the grass will be soft on Nov. 6. When you take these factors into consideration and then you consider the fact that he's destined to go off at an incredibly short price, it would be wise to look elsewhere in search of better value.
Honor Glide rebounded nicely off of disappointing campaign last year and has worked his way to becoming among the elite grass runners in the country. The 5-year-old has flourished under the tutelage of Christophe Clement. She showed the world just how much she's improved by capturing the Bowling Green Handicap (G2) and following that up by upsetting the overwhelming favorite Yagli in the Sword Dancer Handicap (G1).
He did take a small set back in the Man o' War (G1), when he crossed the wire a distant seventh. However, he has legitimate excuses for that bad finish. The son of Honor Grades was forced to travel very wide around both turns and the Belmont turf course was extremely slippery that day making it difficult for a number of runners.
 Honor Glide Courtesy of Deborah Kral |
Glenners Picks: Honor Glide, Dark Moondancer and Daylami
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