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Discreet Cat is there to be laid again

US Racing RSS / / 05 October 2007 /

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Nick Shiambouros tells us what's going down in the racing world on the other side of the pond

When I keep saying it just can't get any better, somehow it does. I kid you not last: weekend's action from coast to coast was one of the best I have seen all year. I started to count my money on Lawyer Ron as he cruised in to the lead at the top of the lane but the three year old Preakness winner Curlin had other ideas. This son of Smart Strike never knows when he is beaten and he fought like the champion that he is and ran down the favourite close home in a thrilling finish to The Jockey Club Gold Cup. This really throws the betting wide open for The Breeders Cup Classic later on this month.


One horse that will not be taking part in The Classic or The Breeders Cup Sprint is the overated Discreet Cat. I really thought Christmas had come early when he traded at around 1.9 for The Vosburgh. I hope regular readers took my advice and opposed him as he was outclassed by Fabulous Strike who really looks like having a leading chance in The Breeders Cup Sprint later on this month on this monster effort. As for Discreet Cat, apparently he will be aimed at The Mile Dirt race on Breeders Cup weekend. All I can say is that I shall be laying him again if he shows up.


The defeat of The Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense at Turfway Park was down to a tactical battle that he lost with Hard Spun holding all the aces in The Kentucky Cup at Turfway. I don't think he will beat him in a truly run Breeders Cup Classic.In this small field, Street Sense had no pace to run at but credit to both trainers for taking part in what was a no-win situation.


English Channel showed his well being when John Velazquez found a seam on the rail and fairly bolted up in The Joe Hirsch Invitational back at Belmont Park on Sunday. Lahudood caused a upset in The Flower Bowl beating Wait A While in to third, but the allways smiling Kiaran McLaughin thanked his owners for having a go at this Grade 1.


Over on the west coast, Tiago got the better of Awesome Gem in one of the most exciting Goodwood Handicaps I have ever seen at Santa Anita.They both ran their heart out and I hope Awsome Gem gains compensation.

One of my favourite horses in training extended her unbeaten run to seven when defeating Citronnade in The Yellow Ribbon Stakes at Santa Anita.She is none other than Nashoba's Key who will now take on the best in the world when she lines up in the Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Turf later on this month. Every time her 17 year old rider Joe Talamo has asked her to fight she has responded. Carla Gaines has done a truly wonderful job with her and when she leaves for Monmouth Park, it will be the first time in her short career that she has left California.It is really refreshing to see a trainer give a Grade I ride to young Joe Talamo but he is in my opinion a star already.


More top class action this week with the start of one of my favourite meetings of the year which gets underway at Keenland.The one thing about racing fans at Keenland is that they are among the most knowledgeable in the country.They take their racing seriously and don't suffer fools gladly. I truly savour every moment I spend there when I get the chance to go.There are only two short meetings a year at Keenland and a visit is a must in early Spring or Autumn if you get the chance.


The Lane's End Breeder's Futurity Grade1 is the feature on Saturday and I think this one rests between The Roundhouse who was a good second to the very smart Kodiak Kowboy last time out and the unbeaten Wicked Style who has to overcome a very poor outside draw in twelve.I think The Roundhouse could be the one here at around 3.5 for the Pletcher/Tabor combination.


At Belmont on Saturday the horse they all have to beat is the brilliant Majestic Warrior. Ready's Image takes him on again after being beaten by the former in The Hopefull at Saratoga. I really believe Majestic Warrior is the real thing and I fully expect him to win this.The only problem is that the price may be a bit thin so I will try and get around 2.0 but I may have to settle for less in this great two year old event.


Over on the west coast at Santa Anita, The Tin Man at the tender age of nine, is my choice to win The Clement Hirsch Turf Championship over ten furlongs for the third time in his career.I think he will be around 2.5 as there are a couple of dangers in Runaway Dancer and Toasted.


To close out this week's column I would like to let everybody know that preparations are going well for the Breeders Cup later on this month at Monmouth Park.It is the first time it will be held at Monmouth and I am sure it will be a huge success.I am so happy that they have been given a chance to stage this great event and I am sure a great time will be had by all rain or shine.

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