BREEDERS CUP

[aries4747]

BREEDERS' CUP: Gary Stevens' picks

http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061103/SPORTS08/61103030
Breeders' Cup picks from Gary Stevens, a Hall of Fame jockey, eight-time Cup winner and TVG and NBC analyst.

Juvenile Fillies – Pick: Dreaming of Anna. Longshot: Her Majesty.

Dreaming of Anna’s last race was exceptional against colts at Woodbine. She’s come back and worked very, very well at Churchill. A lot of people question whether she can put her turf form back to dirt. I think she can. Her Majesty has had two races on the Polytrack. She’s by 2000 Classic runner-up Giant’s Causeway. She’s got the right style to pick up the pieces.



Juvenile – Pick: Circular Quay. Longshot: UD Ghetto.

I like Circular Quay’s pedigree, his style of running and he loves Churchill Downs. U D Ghetto looks like he’s been training exceptionally well and he’s really done nothing wrong in his career.



F&M Turf – Pick: Ouija Board. Longshot: Germance.

Ouija Board is an absolute standout. Her record speaks for itself. She’s already won one Breeders’ Cup and was second last year when she wasn’t at her best. And it looks like she’s coming into this at her best. Germance ran a very good race in Keeneland’s Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup to unbeaten Vicare. She goes from jockey Ioritz Mendizabal to Christophe Soumillon, the leading rider in France.



Sprint – Pick: Siren Lure. Longshot: Siren Lure.

I didn’t like his breeze over the track, but I’ve reanalyzed it since I’ve watched it. I’ve got a ton of respect for his trainer, Art Sherman. He’s very, very crafty. I almost think that work was by design. He’s going to be a big price; I think everybody will be on Bordonaro and Henny Hughes. I’m singling Siren Lure (in multi-race wagers). I think a horse coming from off the pace will win. If Kelly’s Landing had drawn somewhere beside the 14 post, I’d be throwing him in there definitely as well. But I think that’s going to be too much to overcome at Churchill.



Mile – Pick: Gorella. Longshot: Aussie Rules.

Gorella should have won last year [when she finished third with Stevens]. Not for just sentimental reasons. She is what she is - a champion filly and as good a miler as I’ve ever ridden. She’s very, very special. Aussie Rules has a very similar style to Gorella. He can quicken up very nice, and he was very impressive in the Shadwell Mile and I think he’ll be a decent price.



Distaff – Pick: Pine Island. Longshot: Lemons Forever.

I love Pine Island’s stride. She continues to improve with every race, and she’s lightly raced. She looks like she’s an exceptional filly. I’m going with another 3-year-old for my longshot. I believe in horses for courses, and I loved the Oaks this year. When everybody is staggering and falling down, Lemons Forever is going to be making the last run.



Turf – Pick: Cacique. Longshot: T.H. Approval

Cacique has been the most consistant throughout the year. A lot of people are worried about him getting the distance. That will not be a problem. And he’ll handle any kind of turf course, no matter how it happens to come up. T.H. Approval will be a very good price. He’s a warrior. I love the way he fights. He’s a horse who can make a long sustained run, and he loves to fight it out.



Classic – Pick: Bernardini. Longshot: George Washington.

Bernardini is the best horse I’ve seen since Spectacular Bid. I don’t think any American horse has a chance of beating him. For a longshot I’m going with (Irish star) George Washington. I’m hoping he can adapt his turf form to the dirt. I’m not going to play at Bernardini at 3-5. I’d rather have George Washington at 9-2 or 5-1.”