Classic contender Funny Cide ponied, jogged, and then cantered in the 7 furlong chute this morning, with assistant trainer Robin Smullen aboard. Smullen said, "I had to chase a lot of people out of here. I tried to be good about it but there were so many reporters and photographers here that I had to chase them away. Now we have to concentrate on the Classic. He absolutely is going better than he ever has. It looks like he is getting it all together."
Defending Classic champion Pleasantly Perfect galloped 1 1/2 miles on the main track with exercise rider Crystal Brown aboard. Brown said, "It was an uneventful mile and a half. I wish we could just take him over there right now and get it over with."
Japanese Classic invader Personal Rush cantered one mile on the main track with jockey Frankie Dettori aboard for the first time. Dettori said, "They booked me 2 months ago. They were very keen to go. It was a short canter, but he felt good, very sharp. All my Breeders' Cup horses are outsiders, but outsiders with a chance."
Roses in May galloped 1 1/2 miles in preparation for the Classic under exercise rider Faustino Orantes. Trainer Dale Romans said, "We have a lot of speed inside of us. I think John (Velazquez) is in perfect position to dictate what he wants to do. Everything has gone perfect since we have been here. I couldn't ask for any better."
TURF
Turf entrant Strut the Stage galloped 1 1/4 miles on the main track. Trainer Mark Frostad said, "Corey (jockey Nakatani) has ridden here so he knows the track. He's an aggressive rider which will help, and he's won on this horse before."
Star Over the Bay galloped 1 1/8 miles on the turf then jogged out an additional 1/4 mile in preparation for tomorrow's Turf. Sean Gerson, founding member of ownership group G Racing, said, "We'll be clear coming for home. They're gong to have to come catch us. (Trainer) Mike (Mitchell) couldn't have the horse in better shape. This is a dream come true for me but I can't imagine how emotional (co-owner) Carl (VanBurger) might get. He's been in the business 45 years."
Turf favorite Kitten's Joy galloped 1 1/2 miles on the turf and then stood in the starting gate with exercise rider Faustino Orantes aboard. Trainer Dale Romans said, "He will do whatever you want him to do. I just want Johnny (Velazquez) to be able to be comfortable with him and leave it up to him. If they are going real slow we will try to be closer. If they are going real fast he will sit way back. It is going to be important for Johnny to realize what the pace is.".
Turf entrant Mustanfar galloped 1 1/4 miles on the main track. Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said, "He looks great and the facility looks great. So far the trip has gone just as we planned by coming in right on top of a race which I think was the right move with all the rain this week."
Turf contender Powerscourt cantered a mile on the turf with jockey Jamie Spencer aboard. Owner John Magnier said, "He's a serious horse. The course is good. It's like a modern golf course where you can pour rain on it and the water just goes down and through."
Magistretti jogged 1 1/2 miles and then schooled in the paddock in preparation for the Turf in company with stablemate Sense of Style.
MILE
Defending Mile champion Six Perfections breezed 3 furlongs in 43 seconds on the turf course around the dogs then took a walking tour around the stable area. Racing manager Alan Cooper of Niarchos Stables said, "She's had nearly the same preparation as last year. The difference is that last year she was being trained for the classsics and started her season in April. This season she didn't start until the end of May. Physically I think she's stronger than she was last year and mentally she's in very good shape."
Silver Tree arrived Thursday afternoon and went out for a one mile gallop on the main track in preparation for the Mile. Assistant trainer Kenny McCarthy said, "I imagine there will be a pretty good pace and that should allow him to lay close without having to do so much."
Mile entrant Soaring Free galloped 1 1/4 miles on the main track. Trainer Mark Frostad said, "He's doing well, he just jogged on the track. Hopefully we keep him fresh as a daisy for tomorrow. He's a very streaky horse but in a good way. Last year he won 5 in a row."
Mile entrant Special Ring went out for a mile gallop this morning. Trainer Julio Canani said, "I'm feeling very nervous. The horses are quiet but I'm nervous." Owner Jack Preston said, "He looks as good as he's ever looked. It means a lot being a Texan now to win one of these races."
Continued ...
