racingmeridian.com

With American runners continuing to defect, Santa Anita apologists are trumpeting the strong European contingent expected for the Breeders Cup. Irish training legend Aidan O’Brien has committed the Grade 1 winners Henrythenavigator and the Duke of Marmalade to starts at the West coast bash. The Duke is being pointed to the Classic…Henry will likely start as the favourite in the Turf Mile…Jamaican sprinter and reigning Olympic champ Usain Bolt is on Letterman tonight…retiring Detroit Tiger reliever Todd Jones advises the best verbal disses are accomplished without profanity. One wag piped up, during a bad spell, “Are you sure you are a right-hander?” Another, upon being refused a ball from Jones, replied, “It’s okay, if you’re pitching I’ll get one anyways”…Oscar De La Hoya has opened as a solid -200 pick over Manny Pacquiao (+170) for their Dec 6^th showdown. Pacquiao is coming off an electric performance to snatch the lightweight belt, or one of them anyways, from David Diaz while De La Hoya exits a pedestrian score over Steve Forbes. Despite this, punters remain troubled by the size difference between the two, and those with long memories surely recall De La Hoya’s relish for bullying smaller foes. See Arturo Gatti for further details…you can go to Nascar.com to hear the sharp exchange between Rick Hendricks and Dale Earnhardt during last Sunday’s race from Dover. While both sides are now in full damage control it is apparent there is abundant frustration with the dismal showing of the 88 car in the Chase. How does Hendricks bungle the car set-up, causing a blown tire, in such a critical race?..

Woodbine…Eight race card tonight features some reasonably competitive fields. The FIRST features a couple dropping to their easiest company ever, a theme that will be recurrent as we move through the final third of the season. GHOSTLY CONCERTO can edge the fit Souper Vex, benefiting from the plunge in value…in the SECOND, WATCH STOPPER is fast and now adds Lasix. Two Violins and Night Chapel loom the key foes…D’WILD LADY has a winning disposition, often crucial in these dreary non-winners affairs, and reasonable progression from two to three should have her well able for these in the THIRD. Use Molinaro Lady and Bold Anna underneath…SHPEEN fits the FOURTH, in great hands and the seven furlong distance could be the tonic. Battle Zone and long shot Ace Contender, off a “Z” in his last, will try to keep up…DANCING DAHLIA catches a dreadful group in the FIFTH and need only worry about the resurgent Tactical…Strong preference for GABRIELLE’S CHARM in the SIXTH. The filly passed a runner at every call en route to a third place showing on Sept 4^th. She meets a sub-par collection and can be the boss. Princess Amdala could improve in her third off the break, Sometime Anytime figures in the mix…in the SEVENTH we have the chance to play MY SPECIAL ANGEL, a Terry Jordan claim back. Very intriguing, especially with the non-performance when the filly left the rather mysterious barn. She’s back at headquarters now and could benefit from the Jordan homespun…magic?…in the EIGHTH Fifteen Percent has a decent win record and could advance if allowed to set a dawdling pace. Kisseroo will, no doubt, be right there while Talk To Me Girl is in sharp form for John Ross.