Breeder's Cup analysis
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A look at today's races at Santa Anita Park.
MARATHON
Conditions: 1 1/2 miles on artificial main track. The race starts on the backstretch, which means the horses will have to negotiate three turns.
Favorite: Sixties Icon, based in Europe, has won at this marathon distance.
Other top contenders: Zappa (has won at this distance), Big Booster (8 lengths behind Zappa in last race), Cedar Mountain (off since July but can win at this distance).
Possible long shot upsetters: Church Service (10-1), Muhannak (20-1).
Selections: 1. Cedar Mountain, 2. Muhannak, 3. Church Service.
TURF SPRINT
Conditions: 6 1/2 furlongs on the downhill grass course that is outside the main oval.
Favorite: Get Funky is a lukewarm choice but has experience on this quirky course.
Other top contenders: Fleeting Spirit (has raced against the best sprinters in Europe), Diabolical (hasn't won since March but always close), Mr. Nightlinger (5 of 6 lifetime on turf).
Possible long shot upsetters: True to Tradition (15-1), Only Answer (20-1),
Selections: 1. Fleeting Spirit, 2. Mr. Nightlinger, 3. Only Answer.
DIRT MILE
Conditions: The "dirt" mile will actually be one lap on artificial surface.
Favorite: Well Armed, another lukewarm choice. He's in great form but usually runs longer distances.
Other top contenders: Albertus
Possible long shot upsetters: My Pal Charlie (20-1), Rebellion (15-1), Two Step Salsa (15-1).
Selections: 1. Lewis Michael, 2. Well Armed, 3. Surf Cat.
TURF MILE
Conditions: One lap on turf course.
Favorite: Goldikova has won 5 of 8 lifetime in France.
Other top contenders: Whatsthescript (has won 6 of 12 lifetime), Kip Deville (the defending champ), Daytona (3 for 3 on this course).
Possible long shot upsetters: Bold Chieftain (15-1), Shakis (10-1), Thorn Song (12-1), War Monger (12-1).
Selections: 1. Goldikova, 2. Thorn Song, 3. War Monger.
JUVENILE
Conditions: A little bit more than one lap on the artificial surface for 2-year-olds.
Favorite: Munnings has won only once but is very talented.
Other top contenders: Square Eddie (European that's won one race in US), Midshipman (has won 2 of 3), Street Hero (won last on this track), Bushranger (won 4 of 6 in Europe).
Possible long shot upsetters: Silent Valor (15-1), West Side Bernie (20-1).
Selections: 1. Midshipman, 2. West Side Bernie, 3. Street Hero.
JUVENILE TURF
Conditions: One lap on the grass for 2-year-olds
Favorite: Bittel Road is undefeated in three races.
Other top contenders: Coronet of a Baron (good record, but has not raced on grass), Westphalia (won 3 of 6 in Europe), Grand Adventure (undefeated in Canada).
Possible long shot upsetters: Relatively Ready (12-1), Skipadate (6-1).
Selections: 1. Grand Adventure, 2. Westphalia, 3. Bittel Road.
SPRINT
Conditions: Six furlongs on the main artificial track.
Favorite: Street Boss has won 7 of 12 lifetime, loves Santa Anita, and is working great.
Other top contenders: Midnight Lute (defending champ, lost only '08 race but working fantastically), Fabulous Strike (has won 10 of 16 lifetime); Cost of Freedom (3 for 3 at distance, Santa Anita).
Possible long shot upsetters: In Summation (10-1), Black Seventeen (15-1).
Selections: 1. Street Boss, 2. Fabulous Strike, 3. Cost of Freedom.
TURF
Conditions: 1 1/2 miles starting on the downhill turf course before merging with the main turf course.
Favorite: Soldier of Fortune was third in the Arc de Triomphe against the best in Europe.
Other top contenders: Red Rocks (European, won '06 Turf), Grand Couturier (won Turf Classic at Belmont by 10 1/4 lengths), Conduit (won British Classic St. Leger in last race), Eagle Mountain (close but failed to beat best in Europe).
Possible long shot upsetters: Out of Control (10-1), Spring House (10-1), Winchester (15-1).
Selections: 1. Conduit, 2. Grand Couturier, 3. Red Rocks.
CLASSIC
Conditions: 1 1/4 miles on the artificial main track, starting on a chute a quarter-mile from the finish line.
Favorite: Curlin is the defending champ, '07 Horse of the Year, and a heavy favorite. The only question is how he will like the artificial surface.
Other top contenders: Raven's Pass (top-notch European has only raced on grass), Go Between (first or second in 6 races on artificial surface).
Possible long shot upsetters: Casino Drive (10-1), Colonel John (20-1), Duke of Marmalade (10-1), Henrythenavigator (10-1).
Selections: 1. Curlin, 2. Colonel John, 3. Casino Drive.
JOE SULLIVAN
