Vic Zast

ARCADIA, Calif. - It has taken the Breeders’ Cup 25 years to perfect the confounding nature of horse racing’s World Championships. But Friday and Saturday at Santa Anita Park, the quintessential feature of the sport — uncertainty — will reach its zenith.

Uncertainty is always a force when one horse matches speed with another.  Still, these Silver Anniversary Breeders’ Cup programs abound in the concept. 

The following selections assume that it’s possible to predict how each horse will run on Santa Anita’s new Pro-Ride artificial surface. They measure the skill of the European-based horses in relation to those stabled here without first-hand knowledge.  No one but the horses really comprehends at what stage in their form cycle they are.  In the very end, a race can unfold in myriad ways, some impossible to imagine.

DAY ONE: 

$2 million Juvenile Fillies, 1 1/16 miles

Stardom Bound, the odds-on Oak Leaf Stakes winner on the same track and at the same distance, seems the logical pick to win her third Grade 1 in a row.  But a full field and a lack of pace in the race might threaten her furious closing style.  Before you go all-in on this anticipated heavy favorite, look twice at the over-syllabified Doremifasollatido, the heavenly Sky Diva, the invader Pursuit of Glory and the improving Persistently.  If any of these takes to the surface, she could win.

Sky Diva (7-2), Ramon Dominguez – Two for two and showing the tell-tale signs of a special filly

Pursuit of Glory (8-1), John Murtagh – Fantastically-bred Irish daughter of Fusaichi Pegasus makes her journey over the ocean worthwhile.

Stardom Bound (2-1), Mike Smith – Betting against a perfect trip for her, despite what seems to be superior talent to these.

$2 million Filly and Mare Turf, 1 ¼ miles

Risk an accusation of anti-Americanism. Go against the favorite Wait A While and the logical second choice Forever Together and take the Irish invader Halfway to Heaven. Aidan O’Brien’s three-time Group 1 winner is as tough-minded as a Hollywood agent. This race promises to be one of the most entertaining on the Ladies’ Day card, with challenges likely from at least six horses. 

Halfway to Heaven (4-1), John Murtagh – With losses to Arc winner Zarkava and probable Breeders’ Cup Mile favorite Goldikova, this young filly is defined by class in victory and defeat. Although sired by Pivotal, whose offspring prefer softer ground, Halfway to Heaven’s real challenge is the distance.

Vacare (10-1), Jose Valdivia Jr. – It’s no fun if you don’t pick a few long shots.  Between Pure Clan and her, Vacare’s trainer Christophe Clement, a master with grass horses, makes the difference.

Mauralakana (5-1) Kent Desormeaux – A return to the firm turf will revive her. Clement again.

$2 million Ladies’ Classic, 1 1/8 miles

Until they beat her, you’ve got to bet her. The knock against Zenyatta is that she’s faced ordinary competition en route to her eight straight victories.  But the 4-year-old Street Cry filly has beaten Hystericalady, Ginger Punch and Santa Teresita – three runners that deserve your attention in this race. Try to find some synthetic track runner with juicy odds like the Woodbine-based Bear Now (30-1) to round out your exacta if you’re looking to get even.

Zenyatta (3-5), Mike Smith – Seven of her eight wins have come on a synthetic surface, including her latest – the Grade 1 Ladies Secret on Santa Anita’s Pro-Ride.

Cocoa Beach (8-1), Ramon Dominguez – This Chilean-bred filly owned by Godolphin has been working as if Sheikh Mohammed won’t be wasting his 15 percent supplemental fee to enter her.

Ginger Punch (9-2), Rafael Bejarano – Defending Distaff champ gets the nod over Hystericalady, but you can’t go wrong by betting on either or both.