Oct 19-20

OCTOBER 19-20

Note: This blog is non-commercial and was developed for my own personal use to organize my racing viewing activity.  Your comments as to its usefulness to you would be appreciated.  Thanks!

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British Champions Day, as it happened - includes commentary and race replays

BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY! 
"The Next Big Thing" in the world of racing is BRITISH CHAMPIONS DAY, OCT. 19 - click here! Billed as the "richest day in British racing", it looks to be star-studded, with $3.4 Million Pounds ($5 Million plus USD) in purses. At the link is a listing of the races, as well as the category leaders for each contest. Coming roughly 2 weeks prior to North America's premier event, the Breeders' Cup, British Champions Day is viewed by many in the Colonies as a "talent drain" for the U.S. event. 
Nevertheless, it will be exciting and will be available "live" in the U.S. via many streaming sources.  Being a recent convert to overseas horse racing, I am eagerly anticipating watching this event. 
Video preview of Champions Day including review of races in series

The Berkshire racecourse’s roots go back 300 years to Queen Anne, who recognized the potential of a stretch of heath land while out riding just a few miles from Windsor Castle. The royal link has endured ever since.
 
Some of the stars expected to make their appearances are THE FUGUE, SKY LANTERN, ESTIMATE, LEADING LIGHT, ELUSIVE KATE, AL KAZEEM, DAWN APPROACH, TORONADO, IGUGU, LETHAL FORCE, SOFT FALLING RAIN, INTELLO and many more!  It was announced this week that Declaration of War is headed to the Breeders' Cup in light of the predicted soft ground at Ascot on Champions Day.  Other defections are likely, also.

QUEEN ELIZABETH II STAKES, which Toronado and Dawn Approach are both entered for, raises the tantalizing possibility that the pair may resume a fierce rivalry that currently stands 2-1 in favor of Dawn Approach.

Dawn Approach won their first two meetings, in the 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes, before Toronado struck back in the Sussex Stakes at Glorious Goodwood more recently.

Toronado also holds an entry in the CHAMPION STAKES, as does his stablemate and 1,000 Guineas winner Sky Lantern, plus the British, Irish and French Derby winners (Ruler Of The World, Trading Leather and Intello).

Britain's leading older racehorse Al Kazeem, winner of the Prince of Wales's Stakes and the Coral-Eclipse, is another engaged for the race.

The Qipco British CHAMPION FILLIES & MARES STAKES, being run as a Group 1 for the first time, has doubled in value to £500,000 and attracted a plethora of European talent.

ABIGAIL'S CORNER!  Abigail Anderson has kindly provided us with her "Notes" for British Champions Day.  Please click here to download a printable version for your reference.  Thanks, Abigail!

About the Champions Series

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National Racing Report - Oct. 17, 2013






Grand National Steeplechase is an American Grade I NSA sanctioned steeplechase race run each

fall over the rolling hills of Moorland Farms in Far Hills, New Jersey.  The Grand National (once called the American Grand National) is one of the oldest races in steeplechasing and one of the most important outside Europe. It has been brought back from oblivion by the dedication of a combination of steeplechase enthusiasts. Run in 2006 for the 14th time in its latest incarnation, the day of steeplechasing at Far Hills includes seven races, the most important of which is the Grand National.

In the U.S., the sport of "steeplechasing", or "hunt racing" is not that widely known, however, it is a flourishing sport among many who enjoy this type of racing.  Among aficianados, Far Hills is the center of the universe each year, with the backdrop of Autumn providing Mother Nature's own decoration.  It is where the Grand National takes place, a race that dates back to 1899.  Past winners include 11 of the 14 steeplechasers inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame: Flatterer (also a close second in the 1987 Champion Hurdle), Zaccio, Café Prince, Bon Nouvel, Neji, Oedipus, Elkridge, Bushranger, Battleship (in 1938 became the only winner of this race and the Aintree Grand National), Jolly Roger and Good and Plenty.  The day of steeplechasing at Far Hills includes seven races, the most important of which is the Grand National.

Set over a 2⅝ mile course during the one day Far Hills Races, it has 14 national fences, and a purse of $250,000.

Considered one of the premier social events of the year in the tri-state area, it is attended by as many as 75,000 people annually. Family and friends create unique and often extravagant fall picnic areas, complete with beautiful floral center pieces, haybale seating, ice carvings and culinary feasts. For many visitors, the Race Meeting is a time-honored tradition and a joyous reunion of family and friends.

Full race details including expected star entries   Top contenders clash in Far Hills $250,000 Grand National     Jimmy Duggan to provide commentary on Grand National Card   Far Hills Racing - Home Page     Pierrot Lunaire back for Grand National title defense

AUSTRALIA - CAULFIELD CUP DAY
The Caulfield Cup is one of the biggest events on the Australian racing calendar second only to the Melbourne Cup and the interest is global both from trainers and owners as well as general punters.   It is a Group 1 event raced under open handicap conditions in Australia’s racing capital, Melbourne.   See below for links to entries and more race information.  Caulfield Cup Preview and Entry analysis

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Note:  International and NA champion races on tap Oct-Nov.  Be sure to scroll to the NEWS/COMING UP section for info and preview videos for the Cox Plate, Breeders' Cup, and Melbourne Cup.  A collection of video previews and other links to get familiar with these fields.

Featured races listed below in time ordered format with a link to view the card.  After the race is run, come back and click on the Card to view race result and video replay (U.S. races).   Check out my printable time ordered list and entries:  Click here


FEATURED RACES

 Ann Maree's Time Ordered LIST and ENTRIES - This is a printable file.

FRIDAY

5:21 ET  Pin Oak Valley View S, G3, Kee, $150,000, 3yo, 1 1/16 mi, R9  CARD

SATURDAY
International
Australia - Caulfield
2:45 a.m. EDT Caulfield Cup, G1, Caulfield, $2.5 Million, 1 1/2 mi, R10
Caulfield Cup Day - All races - Caulfield Cup Race 10

Best place to watch replays of Australian races - click here

Great Britain - Ascot
Champions Day Cards all on one page
8:45 a.m. ET  Long Distance Cup, G3, Ascot, $300,000, 3yo+, 2mi, R1 CARD
9:20 a.m. ET  Sprint, G2, Ascot, $525,000, 3yo+. 6f, R2 CARD
9:55 a.m. ET  Fillies & Mares S, G1, $750,000, 3yo+ f/m, 1 1/2 mi, R3  CARD
10:30 a.m. ET  Queen Elizabeth II S, G1, $1,500,000, 3yo+, 1mi, R4  CARD
11:05 a.m. ET  Champions S, G1, $2,000,000, 3+, 1 1/4 mi  CARD

More info on today's races:
Ruler of the World in Champion Stakes

North America
Far Hills - American Steeplechase Racing
1:00 ET  Peapack Hurdle S, $75,000g, 3&up, f/m, 2 1/8 mi T, R1 CARD
2:10 ET  Foxbrook Champion Hurdle S $100,000g, 4+, 2 1/2 mi T, R3 CARD
2:45 ET  Foxbrook Champion Hurdle S  $100,000g, 4+, 2 1/2 mi T, R4, CARD
3:20 ET  Grand Nat'l Steeplechase G1, $250,000g, 4&up, 2 5/8 mi T, R5 CARD

More on today's races:
Pierrot Lunaire back for Grand National title defense
Full race details including expected star entries
Entries including latest scratches for all races

Flat Racing

12:50 ET  Joseph A. Gimma S, $150,000, 2yof, 7f, R2 CARD
1:22 ET   Bertram Bongard S, Bel, $150,000, 2yo, 7f, R3  CARD
1:54 ET  Iroquois S, Bel, $150,000, 3+, 7f, R4  CARD

2:03 ET  Maryland Million Sprint H, $100,000, 3+, 6f, R4 CARD
3:20 ET  Labeeb S, WB, $100,000g, 3&up, 8f T, R6  CARD

4:05 ET  Ticonderoga S,  Bel, $200,000, 3+f, 1 1/16 mi, R8, CARD
4:24 ET  River Memories S, WB, $100,000g, 3&up, f/m, 8f T, R8 CARD
4:39 ET  Hudson H., Bel, $150,000, 3+, 6f, R9 CARD
4:55 ET  Maryland Million Turf, 3+, Lau, 1 mi, R9  CARD
5:13 ET  Mohawk S., Bel, $150,000, 3+, 1 1/16 mi, R10  CARD
5:23 ET  Lexus Raven Run S, G2, Kee, $250,000 3yo f, 7f, R9  CARD
5:45 ET  Empire Classic, Bel, $250,000, 3+, 1 1/8 mi, R11  CARD

Other flat racing in the U.S. include several state-bred races, and there are a handful of races at Belmont.  Check this index of today's racing calendar for full details and entries:  Index of weekend's racing events across U.S.

More on today's races:
Cluster of Stars in Empire showcase spotlight
Ben's Cat opts for Maryland Million Turf Mile
MARYLAND MILLION DAY LIVE STREAMED by DRF

SUNDAY
3:20 ET  Cup and Saucer S, WB, $250,000, 2yo, 1 1/16 mi T, R6 CARD
4:24 ET  Bunty Lawless S, WB, $125,000 3+, 1mi, R8, CARD
4:49 ET  Rood & Riddle Dowager S, Kee, $125,000, 3+, 1 1/2 miT, R8 CARD

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NEWS/COMING UP

International Racing Calendar

Cox Plate Oct. 26
Big time performers Atlantic Jewel, Shoot Out, Green Moon, It's A Dundeel, Norzitaand Super Cool head up the star-studded entries run at Moonee Valley on October 26.

Breeders Cup Nov. 1-2
HRTV's Pursuit of the Cup - 10-17-13
PREVIEW - Video
Margarson trains eyes on Breeders Cup for Kristale
Breeders Cup Classic - contenders, pps

Melbourne Cup Nov. 5
PREVIEW - Part 1 - Video
PREVIEW - Part 2 - Video
Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden likely to carry top weight for 2013 edition
Field and Form info - Melbourne Cup
Willie Mullins takes plunge with borderline Simenon

NEWS
Japan Racing Journal - Review of first half of 2013
Keeneland November Sale - Eblouissante and Groupie Doll
The Kronfield dispersal includes Eblouissante, the winning half-sister to Horse of the Year Zenyatta.
Andrew Beyer: Stands may be empty, but people are betting
Leroi relocating to England in 2014
Panther left panting as Grandeur shows gears
Frank Mitchell: Breeders in Japan have their eyes on the classic prize
Glen Boss is the right man for the occasion
Panther still Melbourne bound
Multipe Grade 1 winner Richard's Kid retired
Busy work day for top Churchill based 2 yos
Nicky Henderson sets exciting agenda for stable stars
Tampa Bay tops again in Florida host-track battle
An intriguing experience at Shadai Stallion Station and Northern Farm

Other News
World denied by Kizuna in Niel
Light leads the way to hand O'Brien fourth St. Leger
Security measures increased for Jockey Club Gold Cup
Sunshine Millions Preview added to Gulfstream calendar
Gustavian noses out All Together in Lonesome Glory
Stevens to ride Mucho Macho Man in Awesome Again
Mizdirection works over Santa Anita turf

Back in Time
Kincsem: The Mystery and Majesty of an Immortal - THE VAULT
A tip of the hat to Round Table 

RACING INDEXES
BloodHorse
Daily Racing Form
Great Britain - Ireland
Australia
Japan
International

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