Longchamp post positions could offer insight into Breeders’ Cup performances
Enable readies for the Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) at Churchill Downs (c) Rickelle Nelson/Horsephotos.com
by Dick Powell
Seven of the 14 Breeders’ Cup races this weekend at Churchill Downs will be run on the turf. Some have raced at Longchamp in France in their most recent starts and the configuration of that course is very post-position dependent. Horses who draw outside rarely get over to save ground and usually race extremely wide or have to drop way back.
Knowing that, how does that help you since post positions are not included in the past performances? That is where I, your humble servant, comes in.
Below are the horses who raced recently at Longchamp, their post position, field size and a comment or two.
JUVENILE TURF SPRINT
|
HORSE |
POST |
FIELD SIZE |
COMMENT |
|||
|
Soldier’s Call |
post 4 |
16 runners |
Straight five furlongs, not an issue |
JUVENILE FILLIES TURF
|
HORSE |
|
POST |
|
FIELD SIZE |
|
COMMENT |
|
Lily’s Candle |
|
post 5 |
|
8 runners |
|
Not an issue |
JUVENILE TURF
|
HORSE |
|
POST |
|
FIELD SIZE |
|
COMMENT |
|
The Black Album |
|
post 3 |
|
6 runners |
|
Perfectly drawn |
TURF SPRINT
|
HORSE |
|
POST |
|
FIELD SIZE |
|
COMMENT |
|
Lost Treasure |
|
post 7 |
|
16 runners |
|
Straight five furlongs, didn’t matter since he dwelt at the start |
|
Havana Grey |
|
post 1 |
|
16 runners |
|
Straight five furlongs |
FILLY & MARE TURF
|
HORSE |
|
POST |
|
FIELD SIZE |
|
COMMENT |
|
Wild Illusion |
|
post 5 |
|
15 runners |
|
Perfectly drawn |
|
Princess Yaiza |
|
post 3 |
|
6 runners |
|
Perfectly drawn |
|
Magic Wand |
|
post 9 |
|
15 runners |
|
Had to drop back and then rally for second |
|
Athena |
|
post 8 |
|
15 runners |
|
Middle post didn’t help since she dwelt at the start |
MILE
|
HORSE |
|
POST |
|
FIELD SIZE |
|
COMMENT |
|
One Master |
|
post 15 |
|
15 runners |
|
Remarkable wide rally gets up in time |
|
Polydream |
|
post 3 |
|
15 runners |
|
Brutal trip while stuck in traffic |
|
Expert Eye |
|
post 8 |
|
11 runners |
|
Quickly dropped back and got over to the rail |
|
Gustav Klimt |
|
post 2 |
|
15 runners |
|
Dropped back and raced in traffic |
TURF
|
HORSE |
|
POST |
|
FIELD SIZE |
|
COMMENT |
|
Talismanic |
|
post 8 |
|
19 runners |
|
Dropped back, no impact |
|
Enable |
|
post 6 |
|
19 runners |
|
Perfect trip, lasted |
|
Magical |
|
post 16 |
|
19 runners |
|
Dropped back to the rear, never recovered |
|
Waldgeist |
|
post 13 |
|
19 runners |
|
Dropped back to the rear, rallied furiously |
|
Hunting Horn |
|
post 12 |
|
19 runners |
|
Raced midpack, no impact |
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