October, 2020 | Horse Racing Free Tips

Royal Ascot Winner The Lir Jet To Step Up In Trip, Give Michael Bell First Breeders’ Cup Runner

Winner of the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, The Lir Jet will be aimed at the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland on Nov. 6, reports the Racing Post. The 2-year-old son of Prince of Lir has only competed over six furlongs this year, but trainer Michael Bell announced that connections plan to run him over the 1 1/16-mile trip at Keeneland due to his strong finish when fifth last out in the G1 Middle Park Stakes.

It will be Bell's first Breeders' Cup runner.

“In all his races his last furlong has been his best, which suggests he's worth a try over further,” Bell told racingpost.com. “His pedigree doesn't say he will definitely stay, but his style of racing suggests he might, especially going around a two-turn mile like they have at Keeneland.”

Owned by Qatar Racing Ltd., The Lir Jet is out of the Green Desert mare Paper Dreams. He was a $9,775 yearling at Goffs, and owns a record of two wins and two seconds from five starts for earnings of $116,914. Other top finishes this year include a second in the G2 Prix Robert Patin at Chantilly and a second in the G1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.

Breeders’ Cup Unveils Official Artwork For 2020 World Championships At Keeneland

Breeders' Cup unveiled Wednesday the official artwork for the 2020 Breeders' Cup World Championships, scheduled to be held at the historic Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky., on Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 7. Renowned equestrian artist Peter Howell has created two original paintings that capture the energy and excitement of the World Championships at Keeneland.

The artwork will be featured on promotional materials for the 2020 Breeders' Cup, including the Official Track Program covers which will be available online this year.

Born in Caernarfon, North Wales, Howell is an artist best known for depicting equestrian scenes in his paintings. Introduced to horse racing at the age of eight, Howell spent his youth surrounded by horses in the stables of British trainer George Lambton in Newmarket, England. After completing his studies, Howell pursued a career in horse racing, and his surroundings frequently inspired him to create artworks of racehorses and racecourses. In the 1960s, Howell began to explore art more deeply and studied the works of French impressionists, eventually wholly devoting himself to painting in 1969. His works have been exhibited in New York City, London, Saratoga and Newmarket, and his artistic talents have been highlighted by BBC, Architectural Digest and The Sunday Times.

“We are delighted to be featuring two great works from Peter Howell at the 2020 Breeders' Cup World Championships,” said Drew Fleming, Breeders' Cup President and CEO. “With an illustrious body of work and a deep connection to the world of horse racing, Peter was the perfect candidate to bring the spirit of Breeders' Cup at Keeneland to life and celebrate the beauty and pageantry of our event.”

“As a lifelong lover of horse racing, I am honored to collaborate with the Breeders' Cup, one of the world's most distinguished Thoroughbred racing events,” said Howell. “I was deeply inspired by the vibrant energy of the Breeders' Cup and the classic elegance of Keeneland, and I hope I was able to capture and share the essence of this year's event through my artwork.”

The original Howell paintings featured on the Breeders' Cup Friday and Saturday program covers will be on display at the 8^th Annual Sporting Art Auction on Sunday, Nov. 22 in Lexington. The artwork will be available online and at the following locations prior to the auction: the Keeneland Sales Pavilion, Dudley's restaurant and the Cross Gate Gallery.

To learn more about the 2020 Breeders' Cup World Championships, please visit BreedersCup.com. Breeders' Cup is also committed to alleviating the impacts of the health crisis on the horse racing community and other industry stakeholders in need. To learn more about Breeders' Cup's ongoing support of the community and to contribute to the organization's COVID-19 relief efforts, please visit BreedersCup.com/Donate.

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Rachel Martell Promoted To Operations Manager At Equine Analysis Systems

Equine Analysis Systems is pleased to announce the promotion of Rachel Martell to Operations Manager.

In this role, Ms. Martell will help maximize day-to-day efficiency in all aspects of operations and improve organizational processes. A familiar face to many consignors and farm managers in the industry, she will continue in her managerial roles in the technical department and maintain a presence at the major sales.

Equine Analysis President and Founder Dr. David Lambert states: “Rachel joined our team in 2015 and has grown to exceed all reasonable expectations. Her ambition and undeniable work ethic are valued assets to us all at Equine Analysis.”

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Rachel grew up surrounded by sport horses. She moved to Lexington, Ky. to attend the University of Kentucky where she developed an interest in racing. While attending school, Rachel took an internship position with Equine Analysis, assisting with both technical and office tasks. Upon graduation, she earned a full time position with the company as a veterinary assistant. Quickly recognized as valuable member of the team, Rachel was promoted to Senior Technician in 2019, helping coordinate farm visits, training new staff, and streamlining technical procedures.

Equine Analysis Systems has been a longstanding mainstay for clients in the racing industry and a strong presence at every sale. The company utilizes forty years of proven science to predict performance in the modern thoroughbred racehorse. Over the years, the company has identified top horses Tapit, Gun Runner, Covfefe and many more for clients. More about Equine Analysis Systems can be found at www.equineanalysis.com

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Robby Albarado, Luis Saez Tied In Jockey Of The Week Voting

With two extraordinary riding performances during the week of Sept. 28 thru Oct. 4, the Jockey of the Week panel of judges could not separate the riding achievements of veteran Robby Albarado and Luis Saez. The two riders tied for votes creating two Jockeys of the Week for the first time. The panel is comprised of racing industry experts. This award is for jockeys who are members of the Jockeys' Guild, the organization which represents more than 950 active riders in the United States as well as retired and permanently disabled jockeys.

Robby Albarado's riding skills were on full display in the Grade 1 Preakness Stakes aboard the filly Swiss Skydiver. The filly was the beneficiary of a quick decision by Albarado that helped propel her to the lead leaving the backstretch. From there she fought off a seemingly relentless challenge from Kentucky Derby winner Authentic.

Commenting on his ride, Albarado said: “I had an opportunity, a split second to take advantage of the rail because Johnny (Velazquez on Authentic) was sitting off the fence there. I made a conscience decision on the backside. Do I make the move now or do I wait to see if they come to me?”

Albarado made the move and into the history books. Swiss Skydiver became just the 6th filly to win the 1-3/16-mile classic race for 3-year-olds.

“It was a genius move by Robby coming up the fence,” said Ken McPeek, the trainer of Swiss Skydiver.

Fall Stars Weekend at Keeneland featured 10 graded stakes and Luis Saez won five for four different trainers. His wins included the Grade 1 Darley Alcibiades aboard Simply Ravishing for Ken McPeek, and the Grade 1 Claiborne Breeders' Futurity with Essential Quality for Brad Cox. Saez became the 10th jockey to sweep the Alcibiades and Breeders' Futurity in the same year. His other stakes wins included the Grade 1 Juddmonte Spinster with Valiance for Todd Pletcher, the Grade 2 Woodford Stakes Presented by TVG on Leinster for Rusty Arnold and the Grade 2 Bourbon Stakes with Mutasaabeq for Todd Pletcher.

Saez's weekly stats were 22-9-3-3 for a win percentage of 41 percent, an in-the-money percentage of 68 percent, and total purses of $1,182,436 for leading money-earner honors.

Albarado and Saez out-polled fellow riders Junior Alvarado who won four stakes at Belmont Park, three of which were graded, Daniel Centeno with two stakes wins at Pimlico and Jose L. Ortiz with three graded stakes wins at Belmont Park.

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