racingmeridian.com

It’s disappointing that the Breeders Cup kicks off on a Friday afternoon, a time when the bulk of society is preoccupied with making a living…with the rapid decline of the Canadian dollar the Blue Jays are discussing trading a couple of their higher paid players, according to the exiting Paul Godfrey. Clearly, this means any free agent signings will be of the decidedly low rent variety. So please stop any talk of Manny Ramirez coming to the Big Smoke. Manny can expect a deal at 27.5 million a year for 5-6 years…if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are going to make 2008 the year of a meaningful revival they need to beat the Brad Johnson led Cowboys in Dallas Sunday. The Bucs have lost four of their past five on the road…Marc Bulger’s confidence should be soaring after coming off a benching to lead his Los Angles Rams to two straight wins. His game has been quiet but he gets a busted up Pats secondary in Foxboro so we’ll get an indication whether he is still capable of mining all-pro talent once flaunted so effortlessly. And Orlando Pace, the game’s greatest left tackle, returns after a one game break…the 49ers make their first start with a new coach, Mike Singeltary, usually a gem of a handicapping tip…Peter King on the S I site picks the Lions to win outright against the Redskins. He’s had a knack picking upsets this year, but this one would be a shocker…do agree with King, however, in giving the 13 and taking the Jets. After their poor effort in OT against the Raiders I expect a huge, mean effort from Brett Favre. Well, unless he’s on the phone, or drunk…and we should get an understanding of what the Colts have left as they travel to Tennessee. The unbeaten Titans are giving four…BREEDERS CUP FRIDAY…Sprint - the classy mare VENTURA exits the Woodbine Mile and will attempt a change in surface and distance. She is game, dead fit and should have ample pace to target. Bobby Frankel feels this is the appropriate spot and based on her score sprinting on plastic at Keenland he could well be right. Tiz Elemental, third off the layoff, could run well at long odds. Indian Blessing looms strictly the one to beat and should be incorporated into wagering. Juvenile Fillies Turf - HEART SHAPED ran back to her top in her last while clearly prepping for this high profile engagement. If she handles the hard turf she will be the one running late. Beyond Our Reach bounced hard in her last and should be back in form this afternoon. Saucey Evening looks best of the Americans. Juvenile Fillies - I’m a big fan of David Wachman and interpret his decision to start PURSUIT OF GLORY on the plastic as a positive. The stakes placed filly raced on the polytrack at Doncaster and finished quite well. Stardom Bound has a convincing win on the surface and deserves favouritism. Doremifasollatido is the best of the East Coasters. Fillies & Mares Turf - HALFWAY TO HEAVEN, champion of the Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh and a multiple Grade 1 Stakes winner represents Aidan O’Brien’s best chance of California glory. The filly is at the end of a long campaign but might have enough left to repulse the competition. Mauralakana was the dominant turfer stateside this year before an uncharacteristic flop last out. She can rebound for turf master Clemente. Young jock Alan Garcia represents the future of American jocks and he should have Dynaforce involved in a wild finish. Ladies Classic - Unbeaten ZENYATTA  rolled on this surface while annexing the Ladys Secret with ease. I’ll try Hystericallady underneath for a skimpy exactor…