BREEDERS’ CUP FRIDAY
PREVIEWS
BREEDERS’ CUP MARATHON (G2),
6TH-SA, $500,000, 3YO/UP, 1 3/4M, 4:45PM, 11-1
| PP | HORSE | TRAINER | JOCKEY | ODDS | ||||
| 1 | OLD TIME HOCKEY | Tom Proctor | Jose Lezcano | 8-1 | ||||
| 2 | CEASE | David Jacobson | David Cohen | 8-1 | ||||
| 3 | COMMANDER | Troy Taylor | Aaron Gryder | 6-1 | ||||
| 4 | EVER RIDER | Maria Munoz | Gary Stevens | 7-2 | ||||
| 5 | SUNS OUT GUNS OUT | Dale Romans | Julien Leparoux | 10-1 | ||||
| 6 | INDIAN JONES | Philip Aristone | Angel Castillo | 5-1 | ||||
| 7 | LONDON BRIDGE | Jo Hughes | Mike Smith | 8-1 | ||||
| 8 | BLUESKIESNRAINBOWS | Jerry Hollendorfer | Martin Pedroza | 6-1 | ||||
| 9 | POOL PLAY | Mark Casse | Eurico Da Silva | 8-1 | ||||
| 10 | WORLDLY | Brendan Walsh | David Flores | 6-1 |
The Marathon kicks off the 14-race, two-day Breeders’ Cup program with a
well-matched field of 10 at 1 3/4 miles. Last year’s Marathon featured a
surprisingly quick pace, with an opening half-mile in :47 4/5, and that set the
table for the now-retired Calidoscopio, who rallied from to win going away by
nearly five lengths. We’re expecting a different situation this year, with tepid
early fractions, and like Commander’s chances on the front end.
1ST — COMMANDER was bet down to 6-1 in last year’s 13-horse field but could
not make the lead after breaking from post 11, weakening to ninth after chasing
the early leaders. The five-year-old gelding drew post 3 this time around and
will take the field as far as he can with Aaron Gryder. Conditioned by Troy
Taylor, the five-year-old gelding is enjoying a career-best season in 2013,
winning four of his last five starts, and he’s earned BRIS Speed ratings of 104,
105 and 106 this year. He won’t face the stiffest competition (last year’s
Marathon field was much deeper) and should be cruising along at a moderate
tempo. And the 18-furlong distance isn’t a serious concern for the son of Broken
Vow. Commander can lead all the way.
2ND — SUNS OUT GUNS OUT exits a nice optional claiming win at Parx Racing
and fits well at this level. The four-year-old son of Empire Maker appears to be
thriving for trainer Dale Romans, recording a couple of nice works since the
confidence-building win last time, and can sit close to the pacesetter with his
tactical speed. Julien Leparoux retains the mount on the improving colt and Suns
Out Guns Out appears capable of running well from just off the pace.
3RD — OLD TIME HOCKEY will be able to save ground from his inside post and
should appreciate the class relief after recording a pair of fourths in his last
two starts against graded rivals. The four-year-old will need to transfer his
form from turf to dirt, making 14 of his 17 career starts on the sod, but he has
placed in two dirt attempts and is in good hands with trainer Tom Proctor. We
give Old Time Hockey a good chance to make an impact.
Others: EVER RIDER ships in from Argentina and receives a positive rider
switch to Gary Stevens. However, his South American form pales in comparison to
Calidoscopio and we have quality concerns with the five-year-old. Ever Rider has
won two of his three starts, though, and we won’t be surprised to see him grab a
small share from off the pace. LONDON BRIDGE loves a route of ground and
receives first-time Lasix, but dirt is the big question mark for the European
shipper. He is by Arch, which bodes well for his chances, and has the services
of Mike Smith. We can’t completely dismiss his chances.