The Awesome Again Stakes

Santa Anita the host of this year’s Breeders’ Cup opens Friday. On Saturday they run The Awesome Again which has served as a prep and prelude to the Breeders’ Cup Classic. While it may be true a few horses are heading into The Classic fresh this year, The Awesome Again is an interesting race and horses coming out of it going into The Breeders’ Cup Classic will have the benefit of a recent start over the track. For some, that can be viewed as an edge, others may not think so. Personally, I believe it is good to be on the grounds early, but going inn fresh is fine for the right trainer.

Senor Buscador comes from off the pace and is cutting back to a mile and an eighth from the mile and a quarter he ran in The Pacific Classic. He should be running late but I doubt fast enough to get him the win.

Defunded ran subpar in The Pacific Classic and he really didn’t look as good in his workouts to me as he had prior. If he bounces back to his top level, he can surely contend for the win, but he looks like he might be tailing off a tad.

Slow Down Andy is honest and fast but seems to usually be in against at least one or two better than him. I like the pace set up for him here and I think he is a contender for the win.

Skinner appears overrated to me. He keeps promising a big race that has yet to come. I say prove it at this point. Obviously, John Shirreffs is keeping the faith. I’m not if I ever had it at all.

Bye Bye Bobby is much improved, but I am not sold he is up to this task.

Celestial Moon is intriguing. His one start out west was an improvement and while not good enough to win a race like this he does appear to be going in the right direction. I think he can go forward again, and he should be in the catbird seat most of the way around. The bigger the odds the more I like him.

National Treasure is somewhat of a surprise entry. He has had some trouble with the better three-year-olds in his last two after taking The Preakness. The cut back in distance is dangerous and anything from this barn must be considered.

Piroli looks in a bit over his head.

Stilleto Boy was eased in The Pacific Classic but comes back here. He is capable on his best and that last race will help his price, but I’d need a reason to believe he is turning things around Saturday.

I have heard it said when you think a horse 20-1 or better can win you almost have to bet them. I’ll take a stab with Celestial Moon who I fully realize must move up considerably and run faster than he ever has while facing tougher horses than he ever has. I see the potential and possibility of that happening, so I’ll take the stab.

For info on the best Breeders’ Cup seminar on the planet have a LOOK HERE

Enjoy the races and win the photos!