Got Woof?

Tweet It's Breeders' Cup draw day in Louisville and 168 horses have obtained a spot in the starting gates for the two-day world championships. Some notes and quotes about the draw:

BC Classic

- Lookin at Lucky (6-1 ML) drew the outside post (12) in the Classic, the complete opposite of his horrid rail draw in the Derby. Although this was the cause of his second place finish in last year's Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita when he was in gate 13, I don't seem to think this will be as much trouble with the extra eighth of a mile. Even his trainer Bob Baffert seemed somewhat relieved: "It’s not that horrible, it’s not the end of the world. I’m just glad he’s out of the one-hole."

- Quality Road (5-1 ML) drew the rail, not the best place to be, but I think the fact that Paddy O'Prado is inside of him and Haynesfield will probably shoot to the lead from the three hole shouldn't be too much of an issue for the Road. If the track is souped up on Saturday (probably not says the conspiracy theorist in me) look out for this one who has been flying under the radar since his loss to Blame at the wire in the Whitney. Remember the Saratoga track was deep and tiring for most of the summer. If the track resembles anything like Gulfstream's speedway in the earlier races on Saturday, I'll be taking note with my bankroll.

- Zenyatta (8-5 ML favorite) drew the eight hole and the BC hype machine is rolling. Her every move being glorified. It seems like everyone in Louisville wants her to win. Don't get me wrong, I love her, but let's not go overboard. There's still a race to be won. Owner Jerry Moss liked the draw: “That is excellent. Eight is our lucky number. We’re very happy to be here. If we didn’t think she was up to the task, we wouldn’t have brought her.”

BC Juvie

- Boys at Tosconova (5-2 ML) drew the two hole and has Ramon Dominguez aboard. Rick Dutrow has rested him since closing day at Saratoga where he won the Hopeful (G1). Will he be ready to roll? Dutrow thinks so: “He showed in the Hopeful he can sit behind horses and rate. He’s done everything we’ve asked and he’s ready. I’ve absolutely loved this horse from the first time I laid eyes on him. If Uncle Mo shows up with his best game we are going to be in for one hell of a show.”

- The Todd Squad Stay Thirsty (8-1) and Uncle Mo (7-5 ML favorite) will be right next to each other in the six and seven spots, respectively. Respect the "other Pletcher horse," which in this case is Stay Thirsty, with Javier Castellano aboard. The Bernardini colt finished secon to Boys at Tosconova by just under two lengths. I think I need to review the Turk's prep course for this race.

- The two SoCal horses have to be respected also, Jaycito (8-1 ML) and JP's Gusto (10-1 ML), who finished 1-2 in the Norfolk (G1) at Hollywood Park's Oak Tree meet. JP's trainer David Hofmans on the draw of the four spot: “We’re OK with it. I would have preferred the outside, but I’m just glad we’re not in the 1 or the 2.”

That's all for now....appears most of the trainers are woofing up their horses in the pre-race hype. I'll be hunkering down with the past performances for the next two nights and we'll post some picks later in the week. Also, keep an eye over on the Handicappers' Corner over at ThoroFan where most of the races will have a handicap by one of our TBA bloggers. So be sure to head over there and check it out.