Midnight Lute Scares Away Most Cigar Mile Nominees

Twenty horses were nominated for Saturday’s $300,000 Cigar Mile. But only a handful will show up to challenge the impressive winner of this year’s Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

Midnight Lute, who roared from far off the pace in the Sprint on a sloppy Monmouth Park surface Oct. 27 to catch Idiot Proof en route to a 4 ¾-length victory, is tackling eight furlongs for the first time.

The son of 1998 Kentucky Derby-Preakness champ Real Quiet scored three of his five wins at seven furlongs. His pedigree indicates he shouldn’t have any trouble going a mile. His granddad Quiet American won this race when it was known as the New York Racing Association Mile in ’90.

At Santa Anita Park this month, Midnight Light posted a pair of bullet works, including a sizzling 1:10 3/5 at six furlongs on Sunday. He has two routes under his belt, both in Santa Anita stakes last winter, finishing second a nose back at 1 1/16 miles after leading at the mile marker.

Since those races, however, the colt has performed extremely well after undergoing surgery to correct a breathing problem. On Sept. 1, he captured Saratoga’s Forego at seven furlongs while registering a 124 Brisnet speed figure.

Midnight Lute has been training well, trainer Bob Baffert said. “The Cigar Mile is something he should be able to handle.”

In fact, Baffert plans to send his trainee longer in the foreseeable future, possibly in the $6 million Dubai World Cup at 1 ¼ miles on March 29, because “he’s getting better and better.”

Daaher, who skipped the Breeders’ Cup after winning the Jerome Handicap at Belmont on Oct. 7, goes for his third consecutive triumph since blinkers were added.

Trainer Kiaran McLaughlin felt 19 days between the Jerome and the BC Dirt Mile wasn’t long enough to allow the 3-year-old colt to be ready for another strong effort. On Sunday at Belmont, Daaher breezed four furlongs in 48 3/5.

McLaughlin also is hoping the son of Awesome Again is good enough to run in the Dubai World Cup. “We’ll go Cigar Mile, then hopefully Dubai by way of something,” mentioning the Donn Handicap at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 2 as a possibly.

Tasteyville, who is the horse for the course, boasts a 4-4-2 record in a dozen starts at Aqueduct. The 4-year-old son of With Approval beat three other rivals in the slop in the Big A’s Sports Page Handicap on Oct. 27.

Other contenders that might go in the 19th running of the stakes honoring Cigar, who won it in ’94 during his 16-race winning streak equaling Citation’s record set nearly half a century ago, are:

Istan, sensational winner of the Ack Ack by 8 ¾ lengths a Churchill Downs on Nov. 3 for his fourth victory at a mile. The 5-year-old son of Gone West has won three of his last four starts.

Chatain, 4-year-old son Forest Wildcat that had the perfect prep in the six-furlong William Livingston Stakes at the Meadowlands on Nov. 3, said trainer Angel Penna Jr. The colt has two victories and a second in three outings at a mile, including a win in the Hal’s Hope at Gulfstream.

By BookMaker Racebook

AQUEDUCT

Flash of Victory: Raced fifth more than a length behind after a half-mile, advanced to third heading home, rider dropped whip in stretch and finished second by 2 ¼ lengths at a mile on a good surface Nov. 16.

No Parole: Raced more than seven lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, rallied four wide into stretch, finished well outside from fifth, made up 5 ¼ lengths and ran second beaten 1 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on a good surface Nov. 10; covered final quarter in 23 flat.

Kick Up Your Heels: Raced seventh more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced inside to third in the stretch, finished well to make up 3 ½ lengths and ran second beaten a half-length at a mile on the turf Nov. 2.

Bethpage Black: Raced more than 17 ½ lengths behind in 10th after a half-mile, checked inside on far turn, dropped to 11th after six furlongs, rallied along rail to fifth in stretch, made up more than five lengths and finished third beaten a length at 1 1/16 miles on a yielding turf course Oct. 26.

Rewrite: Raced eighth more than six lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced four wide approaching stretch and prevailed after long drive by a neck at 1 1/8 miles on the turf Oct. 20 at Belmont Park. (Raced along inside eighth more than 7 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, saved ground in sixth for drive, found room in stretch and drove clear by a length at a mile on a good turf course Nov. 18.)

Trouble Maker: Broke last, trailed by more than 4 ½ lengths after a half-mile, advanced inside to third in stretch, altered course outside and finished second by 1 ¾ lengths at six furlongs on the turf Oct. 14 at Belmont Park. (Raced sixth more than 3 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, came wide from fifth into stretch and rallied to second at a mile on a good turf course Nov. 18.)

CALDER

Lady Lon: Bumped by winner at break, raced fourth more than a length behind after a half-mile, steadied behind rivals on far turn, angled out three wide for room in stretch and finished willingly in second by three-quarters of a length at a mile and 70 yards on Nov. 16.

Alex’s Notebook: Stumbled at start, raced sixth early, dropped to seventh more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, moved to fifth in stretch and closed fast to gain second by a neck at six furlongs on Nov. 4.

King Anthony: Raced more than 1 ½ lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, advanced four wide on the turn, rallied in stretch to make up nearly two lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface on Oct. 26.

Cozzi Capital: Raced more than 3 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, rallied outside leaders for the drive, gained the lead in deep stretch and won by a half-length at 1 1/8 miles on a yielding turf course on Oct. 13. (Dueled for lead along inside a head behind after a half-mile, outmoved into far turn, angled out for drive, dropped to fourth in stretch, came again and regained second by 1 ¼ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Nov. 11)

Ed the Boxer: Trailed by 18 ½ lengths after a half-mile, advanced from eighth to sixth in stretch, closed well to make up more than 3 ½ lengths and gained second by a half-length at a mile on Sept. 1.

CHURCHILL DOWNS

Men’s Club: Raced six lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, allowed to fall back inside to eighth, came out 10 wide for drive, advanced to third in stretch, made up 3 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 16.

World Emissary: Raced 11th more than 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, circled horses 12 wide into the lane, rallied from sixth to make up six lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on Nov. 10; ran final quarter in 23 3/5.

Storming Marine: Raced more than five lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, clipped heels with runner-up, made up nearly two lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a nose and a head at 1 1/8 miles on the turf Nov. 2. (Raced two lengths behind in third after a half-mile, angled four wide into the lane, wore down leader in stretch under strong handling and prevailed by a neck at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course Nov. 16; returned $10.40 on the front end.)

Dixie Decision: Raced more than 9 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, advanced between horses more than three wide to fifth in stretch and rallied to gain second by a nose at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course on Oct. 28.

Court Vision: Raced three lengths back in fourth after a half-mile, advanced when asked to third in stretch and drew clear by 1 ¾ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on Oct. 6 at Keeneland. (Settled two wide in hand more than 4 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, fanned more than six wide for the drive, closed determinedly in stretch from fifth to make up 4 ½ lengths and won by a half-length on Oct. 27.)

Silver Lord: Raced sixth early, blocked along backstretch, dropped to seventh 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, steadied off heels of rival in middle of turn, swung out four wide in upper stretch, closed fast from fifth to make up two lengths and gained second by 1 ¾ lengths at six furlongs on Oct. 27 at Retama Park. (Forced pace four wide early, led by a half-length after a half-mile and held sway under urging winning by 1 ¼ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on Nov. 18; returned $31.80 on the front end.),

HAWTHORNE

Rally Catcher: Steadied inside early, trailed by seven lengths after a half-mile, advance wide to seventh in stretch, made up more than 3 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a nose and two lengths at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Nov. 14.

Winter Trail: Broke last from outside post, moved from 11th to ninth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, closed with a rush from fourth in stretch to make up nearly 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on Nov. 4.

Don Nico: Trailed early, moved to ninth more than 10 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced six wide to sixth in stretch, rallied to make up more than five lengths and finished second by 2 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on Oct. 28; ran final quarter in 24 3/5. (Raced two lengths behind in third after a half-mile, pressed pace into stretch, but failed to sustain bid and finished third beaten three-quarters of a length for second at a mile and 70 yards on Nov. 8.)

HOLLYWOOD PARK

Dr Zaentz: Chased pace between rivals in eighth more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, moved outside leaving turn, swung five wide into stretch, rallied from sixth to make by three lengths and finished second by two lengths at six furlongs on Nov. 11; ran final quarter in 24 1/5.

Dirty Dish Mitch: Squeezed at start, raced ninth more than nine lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up four wide to third in stretch, drifted in but made up two lengths and finished second beaten a length at seven furlongs on Nov. 10.

LAUREL PARK

Double or Quits: Raced inside more than 6 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, swung four wide leaving turn, rallied from fourth to make up more than 4 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a nose at seven furlongs on Nov. 17.

Brokerage House: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, eased out in mid-stretch and closed with a rush to make up nearly 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Nov. 3.

Baseball Diamond: Broke next to last from outside, moved to ninth more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced seven wide to seventh in stretch, rallied to make up 3 ¾ lengths and gained second by a nose at six furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface Oct. 24.

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Showerstosunshine: Bumped leaving gate, saved ground racing ninth more than 9 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, split foes in stretch, rallied from eighth to make up more than 4 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at seven furlongs Nov. 17.

Do My Thing: Raced ninth early, dropped to 10th more than eight lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out leaving turn, advanced to seventh in stretch, closed well to make up 5 ¼ lengths and gained second by a head at six furlongs on Oct. 22.

White Russian: Raced more than five lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, launched drive leaving turn from fourth, made up more than 2 ¾ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Oct. 9.

RETAMA PARK

Go Leroy Go: Broke in air, trailed, raced seventh more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced on turn to fourth in stretch and rallied inside to gain second by a head at six furlongs on Sept. 21. (Raced sixth more than 5 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, rallied in stretch to make up 1 ¾ lengths and finished third beaten three-quarters of a length for second at 5 ½ furlongs on Oct. 19.)

TURF PARADISE

Zawinner: Raced 10th more than six lengths behind after a half-mile, came wide for drive, made up more than 4 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Nov. 18.

Trae Genius: Raced fourth more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, dropped to fifth when steadied and blocked on far turn, eased out for drive and finished a game second beaten a head at a mile Nov. 11.

AQUEDUCT

Flash of Victory: Raced fifth more than a length behind after a half-mile, advanced to third heading home, rider dropped whip in stretch and finished second by 2 ¼ lengths at a mile on a good surface Nov. 16.

No Parole: Raced more than seven lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, rallied four wide into stretch, finished well outside from fifth, made up 5 ¼ lengths and ran second beaten 1 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on a good surface Nov. 10; covered final quarter in 23 flat.

Kick Up Your Heels: Raced seventh more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced inside to third in the stretch, finished well to make up 3 ½ lengths and ran second beaten a half-length at a mile on the turf Nov. 2.

Bethpage Black: Raced more than 17 ½ lengths behind in 10th after a half-mile, checked inside on far turn, dropped to 11th after six furlongs, rallied along rail to fifth in stretch, made up more than five lengths and finished third beaten a length at 1 1/16 miles on a yielding turf course Oct. 26.

Rewrite: Raced eighth more than six lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced four wide approaching stretch and prevailed after long drive by a neck at 1 1/8 miles on the turf Oct. 20 at Belmont Park. (Raced along inside eighth more than 7 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, saved ground in sixth for drive, found room in stretch and drove clear by a length at a mile on a good turf course Nov. 18.)

Trouble Maker: Broke last, trailed by more than 4 ½ lengths after a half-mile, advanced inside to third in stretch, altered course outside and finished second by 1 ¾ lengths at six furlongs on the turf Oct. 14 at Belmont Park. (Raced sixth more than 3 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, came wide from fifth into stretch and rallied to second at a mile on a good turf course Nov. 18.)

CALDER

Lady Lon: Bumped by winner at break, raced fourth more than a length behind after a half-mile, steadied behind rivals on far turn, angled out three wide for room in stretch and finished willingly in second by three-quarters of a length at a mile and 70 yards on Nov. 16.

Alex’s Notebook: Stumbled at start, raced sixth early, dropped to seventh more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, moved to fifth in stretch and closed fast to gain second by a neck at six furlongs on Nov. 4.

King Anthony: Raced more than 1 ½ lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, advanced four wide on the turn, rallied in stretch to make up nearly two lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface on Oct. 26.

Cozzi Capital: Raced more than 3 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, rallied outside leaders for the drive, gained the lead in deep stretch and won by a half-length at 1 1/8 miles on a yielding turf course on Oct. 13. (Dueled for lead along inside a head behind after a half-mile, outmoved into far turn, angled out for drive, dropped to fourth in stretch, came again and regained second by 1 ¼ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Nov. 11)

Ed the Boxer: Trailed by 18 ½ lengths after a half-mile, advanced from eighth to sixth in stretch, closed well to make up more than 3 ½ lengths and gained second by a half-length at a mile on Sept. 1.

CHURCHILL DOWNS

Men’s Club: Raced six lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, allowed to fall back inside to eighth, came out 10 wide for drive, advanced to third in stretch, made up 3 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at 1 1/16 miles on Nov. 16.

World Emissary: Raced 11th more than 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, circled horses 12 wide into the lane, rallied from sixth to make up six lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on Nov. 10; ran final quarter in 23 3/5.

Storming Marine: Raced more than five lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, clipped heels with runner-up, made up nearly two lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a nose and a head at 1 1/8 miles on the turf Nov. 2. (Raced two lengths behind in third after a half-mile, angled four wide into the lane, wore down leader in stretch under strong handling and prevailed by a neck at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course Nov. 16; returned $10.40 on the front end.)

Dixie Decision: Raced more than 9 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, advanced between horses more than three wide to fifth in stretch and rallied to gain second by a nose at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course on Oct. 28.

Court Vision: Raced three lengths back in fourth after a half-mile, advanced when asked to third in stretch and drew clear by 1 ¾ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on Oct. 6 at Keeneland. (Settled two wide in hand more than 4 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, fanned more than six wide for the drive, closed determinedly in stretch from fifth to make up 4 ½ lengths and won by a half-length on Oct. 27.)

Silver Lord: Raced sixth early, blocked along backstretch, dropped to seventh 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, steadied off heels of rival in middle of turn, swung out four wide in upper stretch, closed fast from fifth to make up two lengths and gained second by 1 ¾ lengths at six furlongs on Oct. 27 at Retama Park. (Forced pace four wide early, led by a half-length after a half-mile and held sway under urging winning by 1 ¼ lengths at 6 ½ furlongs on Nov. 18; returned $31.80 on the front end.),

HAWTHORNE

Rally Catcher: Steadied inside early, trailed by seven lengths after a half-mile, advance wide to seventh in stretch, made up more than 3 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a nose and two lengths at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Nov. 14.

Winter Trail: Broke last from outside post, moved from 11th to ninth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, closed with a rush from fourth in stretch to make up nearly 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on Nov. 4.

Don Nico: Trailed early, moved to ninth more than 10 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced six wide to sixth in stretch, rallied to make up more than five lengths and finished second by 2 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on Oct. 28; ran final quarter in 24 3/5. (Raced two lengths behind in third after a half-mile, pressed pace into stretch, but failed to sustain bid and finished third beaten three-quarters of a length for second at a mile and 70 yards on Nov. 8.)

HOLLYWOOD PARK

Dr Zaentz: Chased pace between rivals in eighth more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, moved outside leaving turn, swung five wide into stretch, rallied from sixth to make by three lengths and finished second by two lengths at six furlongs on Nov. 11; ran final quarter in 24 1/5.

Dirty Dish Mitch: Squeezed at start, raced ninth more than nine lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up four wide to third in stretch, drifted in but made up two lengths and finished second beaten a length at seven furlongs on Nov. 10.

LAUREL PARK

Double or Quits: Raced inside more than 6 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, swung four wide leaving turn, rallied from fourth to make up more than 4 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a nose at seven furlongs on Nov. 17.

Brokerage House: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, eased out in mid-stretch and closed with a rush to make up nearly 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Nov. 3.

Baseball Diamond: Broke next to last from outside, moved to ninth more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced seven wide to seventh in stretch, rallied to make up 3 ¾ lengths and gained second by a nose at six furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface Oct. 24.

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Showerstosunshine: Bumped leaving gate, saved ground racing ninth more than 9 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, split foes in stretch, rallied from eighth to make up more than 4 ¼ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at seven furlongs Nov. 17.

Do My Thing: Raced ninth early, dropped to 10th more than eight lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out leaving turn, advanced to seventh in stretch, closed well to make up 5 ¼ lengths and gained second by a head at six furlongs on Oct. 22.

White Russian: Raced more than five lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, launched drive leaving turn from fourth, made up more than 2 ¾ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Oct. 9.

RETAMA PARK

Go Leroy Go: Broke in air, trailed, raced seventh more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced on turn to fourth in stretch and rallied inside to gain second by a head at six furlongs on Sept. 21. (Raced sixth more than 5 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, rallied in stretch to make up 1 ¾ lengths and finished third beaten three-quarters of a length for second at 5 ½ furlongs on Oct. 19.)

TURF PARADISE

Zawinner: Raced 10th more than six lengths behind after a half-mile, came wide for drive, made up more than 4 ½ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at six furlongs on Nov. 18.

Trae Genius: Raced fourth more than two lengths behind after a half-mile, dropped to fifth when steadied and blocked on far turn, eased out for drive and finished a game second beaten a head at a mile Nov. 11.

By BookMaker Racebook

It’s a Sound Idea to Learn How to Wager

An older lady recently overheard me discussing wagering strategy and politely inquired: “I wonder if you could answer a question for me – what’s the difference between a Pick 3 and a trifecta?”

“Do you go to the races often?” I asked.

“Only for the big ones,” she replied, touching the brim of her hat.

So I explained: In order to cash a Pick 3 ticket you must have the winner in each leg while in order to win a trifecta your horses must finish 1-2-3 in the same race.

Then I got to thinking – there are quite a few people who don’t know about all the exotic wagers that have been introduced since the daily double was the lone type of bet outside win, place and show when I became a racing fan.

I often bump into infrequent horseplayers that lack the basic knowledge about wagering. In addition, many don’t know the essentials of handicapping and rely on lucky numbers or family names.

I recall an elderly woman asking her daughter several years ago why two horses were favored over her selection. She replied, “I don’t know.”

I couldn’t help volunteering the answer: “The track is sloppy and the pedigrees of the other two horses indicate they’ll run better on an off track than your daughter’s pick”

Both runners did.

“Not everybody knows that,” the daughter said. “That’s really valuable information.”

Nowadays that’s untrue. Such information is available at racing websites and in publications, which offer past performances showing what thoroughbreds have done on wet, sloppy and muddy surfaces.

I remember an older man wondering about exactas: “How many horses do you play?”

“As many you want,” I explained. “But two must run first and second.”

He explained the procedure to his wife and they bet the last race on the program that Saturday at Gulfstream Park. I also played, boxing the 2-5-9. The winning exacta was 2-5.

The man asked if he’d won, showing me two tickets: 2-7 and 5-9.

“You would have,” I replied, “if you had boxed all four on the same ticket.”

A $1 box of 2-5-7-9 would have cost $12.

Here are a couple of other questions I recently answered:

What is a trifecta and a superfecta?

You can win a trifecta in various ways. First, you can box three horses for $1 and it makes no difference in what running order they hit the board. It costs $24 to box four horses. Remember that any $2 exotic bet costs double.

If you love a single horse, you can key that selection for $1 on top of three others for $6. Your top choice must win, but any of the others can finish second or third to collect. The key pick over four others runs $12.

A superfecta bet requires picking four horses that finish 1-2-3-4. The $1 box of four runs $24. The same bet with five jumps to $120 because there are 120 combinations.

The $1 key wager singling one horse over three others runs $6 while one over four horses jumps to $24.

“What do you look for to NOT bet on a horse?”

First, you must tackle a specific day’s racing card one contest at a time. I like the advice of one handicapper: Each race is a different puzzle so act accordingly.

Most horseplayers develop their own formula to determine the outcome of any race. My toolbox usually includes the horse’s form, his or her speed, the runner’s preferred racing surface and distance, class of the race and jockey-trainer combo’s success.

By BookMaker Racebook

AQUEDUCT

No Parole: Raced more than seven lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, rallied four wide into stretch, finished well outside from fifth, made up 5 ¼ lengths and ran second beaten 1 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on a good surface Nov. 10; covered final quarter in 23 flat.

Kick Up Your Heels: Raced seventh more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced inside to third in the stretch, finished well to make up 3 ½ lengths and ran second beaten a half-length at a mile on the turf Nov. 2.

Bethpage Black: Raced more than 17 ½ lengths behind in 10th after a half-mile, checked inside on far turn, dropped to 11th after six furlongs, rallied along rail to fifth in stretch, made up more than five lengths and finished third beaten a length at 1 1/16 miles on a yielding turf course Oct. 26.

CALDER

Alex’s Notebook: Stumbled at start, raced sixth early, dropped to seventh more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, moved to fifth in stretch and closed fast to gain second by a neck at six furlongs on Nov. 4.

King Anthony: Raced more than 1 ½ lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, advanced four wide on the turn, rallied in stretch to make up nearly two lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface on Oct. 26.

Cozzi Capital: Raced more than 3 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, rallied outside leaders for the drive, gained the lead in deep stretch and won by a half-length at 1 1/8 miles on a yielding turf course on Oct. 13. (Dueled for lead along inside a head behind after a half-mile, outmoved into far turn, angled out for drive, dropped to fourth in stretch, came again and regained second by 1 ¼ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Nov. 11)

Mr Guska: Bumped and checked between rivals at break, trailed by more than six lengths after three-eights of a mile, closed well from sixth in stretch to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a length and a neck at five furlongs on the turf Sept. 16.

Ed the Boxer: Trailed by 18 ½ lengths after a half-mile, advanced from eighth to sixth in stretch, closed well to make up more than 3 ½ lengths and gained second by a half-length at a mile on Sept. 1.

CHURCHILL DOWNS

World Emissary: Raced 11th more than 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, circled horses 12 wide into the lane, rallied from sixth to make up six lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on Nov. 10; ran final quarter in 23 3/5.

Storming Marine: Raced more than five lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, clipped heels with runner-up, made up nearly two lengths in stretch and finished third beaten a nose and a head at 1 1/8 miles on the turf Nov. 2.

Dixie Decision: Raced more than 9 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, advanced between horses more than three wide to fifth in stretch and rallied to gain second by a nose at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course on Oct. 28.

Court Vision: Raced three lengths back in fourth after a half-mile, advanced when asked to third in stretch and drew clear by 1 ¾ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on Oct. 6 at Keeneland. (Settled two wide in hand more than 4 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, fanned more than six wide for the drive, closed determinedly in stretch from fifth to make up 4 ½ lengths and won by a half-length on Oct. 27.)

DELAWARE PARK

Saint Bonaventure: Broke last, race third early, dropped to fifth 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied outside from fourth in stretch, made up nearly four lengths and finished second beaten a neck at a mile on a wet fast surface Sept. 22. (Raced fourth more than 4 ½ links behind after a half-mile, launched rally inside leaving far turn, checked on heels of rival in upper stretch, ran down leader in final sixteenth of a mile and won by a neck at a mile on Oct. 17.)

HAWTHORNE

Winter Trail: Broke last from outside post, moved from 11th to ninth more than five lengths behind after a half-mile, closed with a rush from fourth in stretch to make up nearly 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a neck at six furlongs on Nov. 4.

Don Nico: Trailed early, moved to ninth more than 10 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced six wide to sixth in stretch, rallied to make up more than five lengths and finished second by 2 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on Oct. 28; ran final quarter in 24 3/5. (Raced two lengths behind in third after a half-mile, pressed pace into stretch, but failed to sustain bid and finished third beaten three-quarters of a length for second at a mile and 70 yards on Nov. 8.)

Jazzy Gallop: Raced more than 10 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, dropped to ninth after six furlongs, rallied five wide to third in stretch, made up nearly 3 ½ lengths and finished second nosed out at 1 1/8 miles on the turf Oct. 8. (Raced 10 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, saved ground into stretch and finished third at 1 1/8 miles on Oct. 26.)

HOLLYWOOD PARK

Dirty Dish Mitch: Squeezed at start, raced ninth more than nine lengths behind after a half-mile, moved up four wide to third in stretch, drifted in but made up two lengths and finished second beaten a length at seven furlongs on Nov. 10.

LAUREL PARK

Brokerage House: Raced fifth early, dropped to sixth more than 4 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, eased out in mid-stretch and closed with a rush to make up nearly 3 ½ lengths and finished second beaten a nose at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Nov. 3.

Baseball Diamond: Broke next to last from outside, moved to ninth more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced seven wide to seventh in stretch, rallied to make up 3 ¾ lengths and gained second by a nose at six furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface Oct. 24.

Gussie’s Secret: Broke awkwardly, trailed by 13 lengths after a half-mile, came wide into stretch, closed well from fifth to make up seven lengths and finished third beaten a half-length and a neck at seven furlongs on Sept. 13. (Broke 12th and last, trailed by more than 16 ½ lengths after a half-mile, advanced to 10th in stretch and gained third by a neck at a mile on Oct. 13.)

OAK TREE AT SANTA ANITA

Indian Sun: Broke slowly 11th and last, moved to 10th more than 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, came out four wide into stretch in eighth, closed willingly to make up more than 4 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at about 6 ½ furlongs on the turf Oct. 13. (Raced more than 4 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, rallied between horses from fourth in stretch and won by a length at about 6 ½ furlongs on the turf Nov. 4.)

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Do My Thing: Raced ninth early, dropped to 10th more than eight lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out leaving turn, advanced to seventh in stretch, closed well to make up 5 ¼ lengths and gained second by a head at six furlongs on Oct. 22.

White Russian: Raced more than five lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, launched drive leaving turn from fourth, made up more than 2 ¾ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten three-quarter of a length at six furlongs on Oct. 9.

RETAMA PARK

Silver Lord: Raced sixth early, blocked along backstretch, dropped to seventh 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, steadied off heels of rival in middle of turn, swung out four wide in upper stretch, closed fast from fifth to make up two lengths and gained second by 1 ¾ lengths at six furlongs on Oct. 27.

Go Leroy Go: Broke in air, trailed, raced seventh more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced on turn to fourth in stretch and rallied inside to gain second by a head at six furlongs on Sept. 21. (Raced sixth more than 5 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, rallied in stretch to make up 1 ¾ lengths and finished third beaten three-quarters of a length for second at 5 ½ furlongs on Oct. 19.)

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AQUEDUCT

Bethpage Black: Raced more than 17 ½ lengths behind in 10th after a half-mile, checked inside on far turn, dropped to 11th after six furlongs, rallied along rail to fifth in stretch, made up more than five lengths and finished third beaten a length at 1 1/16 miles on a yielding turf course Oct. 26.

BELMONT PARK

Rewrite: Broke alertly, taken back to fifth, raced 3 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, blocked in upper stretch, steadied in traffic during drive and finished a game second by a neck at a mile on the turf Sept. 29; ran final half in 46 2/5. (Raced eighth more than six lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced four wide approaching stretch and prevailed after long drive by a neck at 1 1/8 miles on the turf Oct. 20.)

Trouble Maker: Raced fourth early, dropped to fifth more than 3 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, lost ground to sixth entering stretch, caught in traffic, rallied when clear making up 1 ½ lengths and finished well in fourth beaten a head, a half-length and a neck at six furlongs on the inner turf course Sept. 20; ran final quarter in 22 1/5. (Broke last, trailed by more than 4 ½ lengths after a half-mile, advanced inside to third in stretch, altered course outside and finished second by 1 ¾ lengths at six furlongs on the turf Oct. 14.)

Spurred: Broke next to last, raced sixth more than 12 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, dropped to seventh after six furlongs, came wide for the drive, worked way through traffic in stretch from fifth, struck by rival jockey’s whip, made up four lengths and finished third beaten a nose and a head at 1 1/8 miles on the inner turf course Sept. 16; ran final three furlongs in 35 2/5. (Raced seventh more than three lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied four wide on far turn and finished second beaten a neck at 1 1/8 miles on the inner turf Oct. 20.)

CALDER

King Anthony: Raced more than 1 ½ lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, advanced four wide on the turn, rallied in stretch to make up nearly two lengths and finished second beaten a neck at 5 ½ furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface on Oct. 26.

All Hail Stormy: Broke last awkwardly, raced six lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, angled wide for stretch run, rallied to make up more than three lengths and finished second by 1 ½ lengths at five furlongs on a sealed sloppy surfaces Oct. 13.

Cozzi Capital: Broke 11th from post 9, taken up after bumping with rival on first turn causing jockey to briefly lose left iron, raced more than 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, saved ground entering far turn, steadied, swung out for stretch run and rallied from fifth to gain third by two lengths at 7 ½ furlongs on a good turf course on Sept. 29. (Raced more than 3 ½ lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, rallied outside leaders for the drive, gained the lead in deep stretch and won by a half-length at 1 1/8 miles on a yielding turf course on Oct. 13.)

Mr Guska: Bumped and checked between rivals at break, trailed by more than six lengths after three-eights of a mile, closed well from sixth in stretch to make up more than 2 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a length and a neck at five furlongs on the turf Sept. 16.

Ed the Boxer: Trailed by 18 ½ lengths after a half-mile, advanced from eighth to sixth in stretch, closed well to make up more than 3 ½ lengths and gained second by a half-length at a mile on Sept. 1.

CHURCHILL DOWNS

Dixie Decision: Raced more than 9 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, advanced between horses more than three wide to fifth in stretch and rallied to gain second by a nose at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course on Oct. 28.

Dixie Decision: Raced more than 9 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, advanced between horse more than three wide to fifth in stretch and rallied to gain second by a nose at 1 1/16 miles on a good turf course on Oct. 28.

Court Vision: Raced three lengths back in fourth after a half-mile, advanced when asked to third in stretch and drew clear by 1 ¾ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on Oct. 6 at Keeneland. (Settled two wide in hand more than 4 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, fanned more than six wide for the drive, closed determinedly in stretch from fifth to make up 4 ½ lengths and won by a half-length on Oct. 27.)

DELAWARE PARK

Saint Bonaventure: Broke last, race third early, dropped to fifth 2 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, rallied outside from fourth in stretch, made up nearly four lengths and finished second beaten a neck at a mile on a wet fast surface Sept. 22. (Raced fourth more than 4 ½ links behind after a half-mile, launched rally inside leaving far turn, checked on heels of rival in upper stretch, ran down leader in final sixteenth of a mile and won by a neck at a mile on Oct. 17.)

HAWTHORNE

Don Nico: Trailed early, moved to ninth more than 10 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced six wide to sixth in stretch, rallied to make up more than five lengths and finished second by 2 ¼ lengths at six furlongs on Oct. 28; ran final quarter in 24 3/5.

Jazzy Gallop: Raced more than 10 ½ lengths behind in eighth after a half-mile, dropped to ninth after six furlongs, rallied five wide to third in stretch, made up nearly 3 ½ lengths and finished second nosed out at 1 1/8 miles on the turf Oct. 8. (Raced 10 ½ lengths behind in seventh after a half-mile, saved ground into stretch and finished third at 1 1/8 miles on Oct. 26.)

Appeal With Zeal: Raced fourth early, dropped to fifth more than four lengths behind after a half-mile, steadied in upper stretch, rallied through traffic from fifth to second, made up more than four lengths and finished second beaten a nose at six furlongs on Aug. 29 at Arlington Park; ran final quarter in 24 4/5. (Raced third early, dropped to sixth more than two lengths back, wore down rivals entering stretch and drew off by 1 ½ lengths at six furlongs on Sept. 21.)

LAUREL PARK

Baseball Diamond: Broke next to last from outside, moved to ninth more than seven lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced seven wide to seventh in stretch, rallied to make up 3 ¾ lengths and gained second by a nose at six furlongs on a sealed sloppy surface Oct. 24.

Carl’s Start: Raced 3 ½ lengths behind in fifth after three-eighths of a mile, rallied inside rivals in stretch, made up five lengths and finished second beaten a half-length at 5 ½ furlongs on Sept. 29.

Shankara: Broke last from the outside No. 13 post, raced 11th more than 10 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced to eighth extremely wide in stretch, made up more than 6 ½ lengths and finished third beaten a nose and 1 ½ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Sept. 29.

Gussie’s Secret: Broke awkwardly, trailed by 13 lengths after a half-mile, came wide into stretch, closed well from fifth to make up seven lengths and finished third beaten a half-length and a neck at seven furlongs on Sept. 13. (Broke 12th and last, trailed by more than 16 ½ lengths after a half-mile, advanced to 10th in stretch and gained third by a neck at a mile on Oct. 13.)

LOUISIANA DOWNS

Invading Deputy: Raced five wide into first turn as fog clouds view and finished second beaten 1 ¼ lengths in rainy conditions on a sloppy surface at a mile and 70 yards on Sept. 2. (Raced sixth more than 3 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, advanced three wide turning for home and drew clear by 4 ½ lengths at a mile and 70 yards on Sept. 29.)

OAK TREE AT SANTA ANITA

Designer Breed: Trailed by more than a dozen lengths after a half-mile, came out mid-stretch in 10th, closed well to make up more than six lengths and finished second beaten a length at 6 ½ furlongs on Oct. 27.

Indian Sun: Broke slowly 11th and last, moved to 10th more than 10 lengths behind after a half-mile, came out four wide into the stretch in eighth, closed willingly to make up more than 4 ¾ lengths and finished second beaten three-quarters of a length at about 6 ½ furlongs on the turf Oct. 13.

Tent: Broke last, raced 10th more than 5 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, swung six wide to seventh in stretch, finished well to make up more than three lengths and ran third beaten a neck and a nose at a mile on the turf Sept. 29; ran final quarter in 23 2/5.

PHILADELPHIA PARK

Do My Thing: Raced ninth early, dropped to 10th more than eight lengths behind after a half-mile, angled out leaving turn, advanced to seventh in stretch, closed well to make up 5 ¼ lengths and gained second by a head at six furlongs on Oct. 22.

White Russian: Raced more than five lengths behind in fifth after a half-mile, launched drive leaving turn from fourth, made up more than 2 ¾ lengths in stretch and finished second beaten three-quarter of a length at six furlongs on Oct. 9.

Dolphin Star: Raced 4 ½ lengths behind in sixth after a half-mile, dropped to ninth after six furlongs, closed fast to make up more than five lengths in stretch and finished second beaten a nose at 1 1/8 miles on the turf Sept. 25.

RETAMA PARK

Silver Lord: Raced sixth early, blocked along backstretch, dropped to seventh 7 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, steadied off heels of rival in middle of turn, swung out four wide in upper stretch, closed fast from fifth to make up two lengths and gained second by 1 ¾ lengths at six furlongs on Oct. 27.

Go Leroy Go: Broke in air, trailed, raced seventh more than 6 ½ lengths behind after a half-mile, advanced on turn to fourth in stretch and rallied inside to gain second by a head at six furlongs on Sept. 21. (Raced sixth more than 5 ½ lengths behind after three-eighths of a mile, rallied in stretch to make up 1 ¾ lengths and finished third beaten three-quarters of a length for second at 5 ½ furlongs on Oct. 19.)

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