Breeders Cup: Calling All Sprinters

[two gun sid]

Of all the Breeders' Cup divisions, at the moment there may not be a more unsettled one than the Sprint. After 25-1 Dancing in Silks won a four-way photo in the 2009 BC Sprint at Santa Anita last fall, things have gotten even shakier through five and half months of 2010.

If you had to pick a leader of the division right now, who would it be?

Is it speedy 3-year-old D' Funnybone, a five-time grade II winner but untested against older horses? Four-time grade I winner Vineyard Haven, who hasn't even made his season debut as of yet? Kinsale King, proven against the world's best on synthetics and turf but still without a start on dirt? Or is it Hollywood Hit, a red-hot sprinter who scored his first graded stakes win earlier this month? Take your pick.

If you are as confused as I am, here is a starter list that hopefully answers a few questions about the contenders as we move into the summer's biggest sprints. Let's hope things sort themselves out.

http://cs.bloodhorse.com/blogs/breeders-cup-chat/archive/2010/06/22/calling-all-sprinters.aspx

I look forward to D' Funnybone possibly making a start in the King's Bishop at Saratoga this summer. I really believe he is one of the most talented horses out there. - two gun sid

[two gun sid]

1. Devil May Care Takes Mother Goose

Odds-on favorite Devil May Care took over from stablemate Katy Now at the top of the lane and bounded home for an impressive victory in the $250,000 Mother Goose (gr. I) (VIDEO) June 26 at Belmont Park in her first start since the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I).

The only filly in this year’s Derby, Devil May Care finished 10th after being in contention when turning for home but tiring in the final furlong back on May 1 at Churchill Downs. Cutting back to 1 1/16 miles in the Mother Goose, which had been run at 1 1/8 miles in years past, the daughter of Malibu Moon had no problem returning to her winning ways against 3-year-old fillies.

Todd Pletcher went to post with three of the five starters in the Mother Goose, including Katy Now, who set a solid pace in her stakes debut. The daughter of Tiznow clicked off opening fractions of :22.81, :45.59, and 1:09. 92 under Kent Desormeaux, with Connie and Michael pressing the pace.

Devil May Care raced in a stalking third through the backstretch and came up four-wide to challenge Katy Now approaching the far turn while still in hand under John Velazquez. She went by her stablemate with ease nearing the three-sixteenths-pole and sprinted clear from the field.

http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/57629/devil-may-care-takes-mother-goose