Tag: Just F Y I

Thursday’s Breeders’ Cup Report: Locked and Loaded for the Weekend

ARCADIA, CA – The imposing Bill Mott-trained duo of Just F Y I (Justify) (Juvenile Fillies) and champion Elite Power (Curlin) (Sprint) immediately caught the eye as the curtain was lifted at Santa Anita with a spectacular sunrise beneath the San Gabriel mountains on Breeders' Cup eve.

Japanese superstar Songline (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}), the 5-2 morning-line favorite for the Mile, began her marathon training session, while the horse to catch in the Dirt equivalent 'Rising Star' Zozos (Munnings) left the pony raring to go.

John Gosden, represented by potential race favorites for the Filly & Mare Turf and Turf with the brilliant duo of Inspiral (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Mostahdaf (Ire) (Frankel {GB}), made his way through the less congested apron as the lively 'Breakfast at the Breeders' Cup' crowd packed into the legendary Clockers' Corner viewing area at the top of the stretch.

Aidan O'Brien, also in town from the other side of the pond, will be loaded for the Championships as well. Standouts from his arsenal include: River Tiber (Ire) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Unquestionable (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) for the Juvenile Turf; Warm Heart (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the F/M Turf; and, of course, the G1 Epsom Derby winner Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the Turf.

Royal Ascot last out G2 Queen Mary S. heroine Crimson Advocate (Nyquist), one of three entered for former Wayne Lukas assistant George Weaver in the Juvenile Turf Sprint, made a nice impression while sporting a white bridle as she gets ready to face off versus the boys from her rail draw.

Speaking of white bridles and former Lukas assistants, the Todd Pletcher-trained 'Rising Star' Locked (Gun Runner) has also stood out in the mornings during training hours this week. The blaze-faced chestnut is the 7-2 morning-line favorite for a fantastic renewal of Friday's Juvenile. Co-owner Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners will also be well-represented by unbeaten Candied (Candy Ride {Arg}) in the Juvenile Fillies.

Locked | Sherackatthetrack

After assembling a highlight reel of morning breezes since his game win in this summer's GI Pacific Classic–do yourself a favor and head to XBTV's fantastic website if you haven't already done so yet–Classic horse to beat 'Rising Star' Arabian Knight (Uncle Mo) was feeling mighty good during a light gallop while giving his exercise rider a workout of his own just two days out from the $6-million main event.

Stacked with nine Breeders' Cup runners, including Classic duo Dreamlike (Gun Runner) and Bright Future (Curlin) and Turf standout Up to the Mark (Not This Time), owner Mike Repole was in good form as always while making the rounds with jockey, err, daughter Gioia, who was sporting a pair of the family's blue-and-orange silks.

Shirl's Speight (Speightstown), a rallying second at 55-1 in last year's Mile, couldn't be looking any better in the flesh at the age of six as he seeks to go one better. Could he be sitting on another big effort at a price?

Shirl's Speight | Sherackatthetrack

'Rising Star' Tamara (Bolt d'Oro) made her way through the purpled-out paddock as training hours began to wind down. The daughter of Beholder's many admirers in attendance included her trainer Richard Mandella as well as a big Spendthrift Farm crew, led by owners Eric and Tamara Hughes Gustavson, and Ned Toffey and Mark Toothaker.

 

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Breeders’ Cup Monday Bulletin: Locals, International Challengers On Track

GI Breeders' Cup Classic contender Arabian Knight (Uncle Mo) was first onto the main track Monday morning when he worked a bullet five furlongs in :59 flat, will walk at the barn Tuesday, and then is planned to return to the track Wednesday.

“He's healthy, he's working well. There have been no hiccups,” Baffert said. “He's ready. I know this is going to be a tough race, but if he brings his 'A' game, I don't really care who's running against us. That's my focus with him.”

The colt made an auspicious debut at Keeneland during the 2022 Breeders' Cup under card. The seven-length romp and a subsequent resounding victory at Oaklawn Park put him squarely in the Kentucky Derby discussions until he was sidelined for half a year. He returned to the races in the GI Haskell S., finishing third in an effort Baffert says showed Arabian Knight had some growing up to do:

“The race was a disaster,” Baffert said of his runner's effort in which he relinquished the lead late. “He was too fresh and wouldn't rate on the lead. I think it showed his immaturity. But despite the outcome, we did learn from it.”

Two months later, he won the GI Pacific Classic over the extended 10-furlong distance and prevailed in a hard-fought contest:

“That was a good race,” he recalled. “I thought Arabian Knight might get beat from the quarter-pole home, but he really dug it. Now he's finally getting into form where we're going to see the best of him.”

Baffert added: “We always thought of him as a top-class horse. You could see that as a yearling, which is why he cost us a pretty penny [$250,000 at KEESEP; $2.3 million 2-year-old at OBSAPR in 2022].”

GI Belmont S. winner Arcangelo (Arrogate) walked the shedrow for the second day in a row Monday after having a shoe removed Saturday afternoon.

“He just walked today,” said trainer Jena Antonucci. “I wasn't able to get the shoe back on yet. He walked for about 45 minutes. There's no reason not to have an extra walk day on him. He's pretty fresh back there, so I probably won't be able to get many more walks on him. I'm happy with the direction it's going. Everything is going the right way.”

Japanese Runners Fine Tune

Japan's Classic contender Ushba Tesoro (Jpn) (Orfevre {Jpn}) had a routine warm-up and canter around the Santa Anita dirt track, but things were less than routine when he was schooling at the gate Monday morning. The G1 Dubai World Cup winner kicked out multiple times and was irritable with the gate crew.

“The gate is set lower than in Japan and he's such a big horse that the doors brushed against his hocks in an awkward manner, causing him to kick out,” explained the Breeders' Cup Japan representative Kate Hunter. “The vet checked him over and there are no issues. We will school him again on Wednesday after his breeze. For horses with similar issues, Santa Anita provides green mats that tie to the inside of the starting gate that we will use with him. They hug the hind-end and make it easier. We will now use that with all of our runners.”

Fellow Japanese hopeful Songline (Jpn) (Kizuna {Jpn}) (Mile) cantered two laps of the turf with the final half easing up.

Juveniles & Sophomore Sprinters Make Moves

In his final prep for the GI Qatar Racing Breeders' Cup Sprint, Speed Boat Beach (Bayern) worked four furlongs in :47 4/5 and will walk at the barn Tuesday. Back from a long freshening to only begin his 3-year-old year in September, the colt made a strong impression in that seasonal bow, battling for the lead throughout the six furlong contest before ultimately just missing by a head on the wire.

“I really liked his comeback race,” Baffert said. “Since that effort, he's trained really well. I've got the screws tightened on him now.”

Bill Mott, no stranger to a big day at the Breeders' Cup, sent out GI Frizette victress Just F Y I (Justify) to work four furlongs in :48 3/5 with assistant trainer Neil Pozansky in the irons. The Krikorian homebred will try to get her owner his first 'Cup victory in 11 starts via the GI NetJets Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies  alongside War Like Goddess' second tilt in the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf against the boys.

Of Just F Y I's work, Mott was very happy: “She went well. She had galloped really strong for two days in a row and I didn't want to work her off that. Neil was really happy with her and she looked great to me. He said she felt good and was responsive to whatever he wanted when she started the work.”

Unleash the Europeans

On the international front, the Saturday arrivals were released from quarantine Monday night and will be on track to train Tuesday morning. Live In The Dream (Ire) (Prince of Lir {Ire}), in prep for the Turf Sprint, had a strong canter on the grass over five furlongs. He continued to travel with great enthusiasm in the hands of regular work rider Shoshana Cooksley since arriving. His owners Steve and Jolene De'Lemos were trackside to watch their sprinter exercise.

Mawj (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}), also part of the Mile contingent, had a canter around the main track, gate schooled, and then walked in the gates before backing out in controlled fashion. The Godolphin team swapped riders to do the gate schooling with regular work rider Michael Greig hopping off for Matthew Lawson, who stood her in the gates.

“Mawj exercised very well this morning,” Greig said. “I'm really happy with her. She knows what she needs to do so I just leave it up to her.”

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Saturday Stakes Runners All Exit In Good Order

Up to the Mark (Not This Time) and Master of The Seas (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), who finished noses apart in Saturday's GI Coolmore Turf Mile, both exited the race in good order, according to their connections.

“He [Charlie Appleby] usually likes to let the dust settle a couple days after the race and then decide,” traveling lad Chris Connett said.

Following the race Saturday, Appleby indicated Master of The Seas could return to Europe Tuesday or Wednesday or possibly stay here if a Breeders' Cup run is in the cards.

Trainer Todd Pletcher is finalizing travel plans for his Breeders' Cup contingent that likely will include in addition to Up to the Mark, GI Darley Alcibiades winner Candied (Candy Ride {Arg}) along with GI Claiborne Breeders' Futurity winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Locked (Gun Runner).

Meanwhile, Baldo Hernandez, assistant to Chad Brown, reported the trainer's three runners from Saturday's GI First Lady S. exited the race in good order with immediate plans to be determined.

Brown did not commit to a next start for GI Champagne runner up General Partner (Speightstown).

“I want to see how he trains a little bit, and see if we want to try two turns now in the Breeders' Cup or wait until next year,” Brown said. “At some point I will try him two turns, he relaxes nicely. He gives me the feeling that he would be able to do it, but we'll have to see if he'll be in the Breeders' Cup or not.”

The Champagne winner, 'TDN Rising Star' Timberlake (Into Mischief), is likely bound for the Breeders' Cup.

“He came back really good,” said Dustin Dugas, assistant to Brad Cox. “He cooled out really good. He heads back to Kentucky today. I was very happy with the way he won and Florent was happy, too. He's just a cool dude. It seems like he's one that can stretch out for sure.”

Bill Mott's War Like Goddess (English Channel) and Just F Y I (Justify) both returned from their respective wins in good order.

At Santa Anita, trainer Bob Baffert reported 'TDN Rising Star' Muth (Good Magic) and Wine Me Up (Vino Rosso), the one-two finishers in Saturday's GI American Pharoah for 2-year-olds, were both doing well Sunday morning. The same was said by Mark Glatt of Chatalas (Gun Runner), winner of Saturday's GII Chandelier at 1 1/16 miles for 2-year-old fillies.

Both Muth and Wine Me Up will both be pointed to the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile.

“I don't like to look too far ahead until I see them work back, but that's the plan for now,” Baffert said.

As for Chatalas: “She's in good shape,” Glatt said. “Things worked out for her yesterday. We always thought she'd be better at two turns, but I don't believe it until I see it. She proved what we thought.”

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‘Just’ on Fire: Just F Y I Rolls in Sloppy Frizette for Red-Hot Justify

Just F Y I (f, 2, Justify–Star Act, by Street Cry {Ire}), up in time by a head sprinting on debut at a well-backed 7-2 at the Spa Aug. 26, provided a rolling Grade I double for owner George Krikorian and Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott with a powerful performance in Saturday's 'Win and You're In' GI Frizette S. at a rainy Aqueduct Racetrack.

“[The track] was the big question and we didn't know,” Mott said after saddling his first Frizette winner since Confessional in 1998. “You don't know until you run them. We thought she was a nice filly and, in this day and age, I guess if you break your maiden impressively you're looking at going to a stakes race because there aren't many allowance races.”

As for a start in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Santa Anita, Mott added, “That would be the plan today. We'll wait and see how she comes back and go from there.”

The 9-2 chance found a perfect spot in an outside third through an opening quarter in :23.63 while navigating the one-turn mile over very sloppy going. The Krikorian homebred loomed boldly while four wide on the far turn, gained a narrow advantage at the top of the stretch and leveled off beautifully down the lane to win going away by 3 3/4 lengths over longshot Central Avenue (Street Sense). Life Talk (Gun Runner) was third. Favored Emery (More Than Ready), a runaway winner on debut in the Saratoga mud Aug. 30, was a disappointing fourth.

Krikorian and Mott were also represented one race earlier on the card by GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic S. winner War Like Goddess (English Channel).

“It's very special,” Mott said. “[Mr. Krikorian] has been a very good client and he sends me some horses that he thinks are going to be OK. I have a small group of horses for him, but they are all quite nice.”

Krikorian added, “It's very special. I couldn't be more pleased, I'm ecstatic.”

Pedigree Notes:

Triple Crown winner Justify, sire of last Sunday's G1 Qatar Prix Marcel Boussac Criterium des Pouliches heroine Opera Singer; Wednesday's GII Miss Grillo S. winner Hard to Justify; and Friday's GII Jessamine S. winner Buchu; is now responsible for four Grade I/Group 1 winners worldwide.

Out of a stakes-placed daughter of Krikorian's MGISW and savvy $35,000 FTKOCT yearling purchase Starrer (Dynaformer), Just F Y I hails from the female family of another accomplished set of fillies in MGISW Stellar Jayne (Wild Rush) and GISW Star Billing (Dynaformer).

This is also the family of GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf runner-up Uncle Benny (Declaration of War). Just F Y I's dam Star Act produced a 2023 full-sister to the victress and was bred to Life Is Good for 2024.

 

Saturday, Belmont The Big A
FRIZETTE S.-GI, $400,000, Belmont The Big A, 10-7, 2yo, f, 1m, 1:37.59, sy.
1–JUST F Y I, 120, f, 2, by Justify
                1st Dam: Star Act (SP, $147,605), by Street Cry (Ire)
                2nd Dam: Starrer, by Dynaformer
                3rd Dam: To the Hunt, by Relaunch
1ST BLACK TYPE WIN, 1ST GRADED STAKES WIN, 1ST GRADE I WIN. O/B-George Krikorian (KY); T-William I. Mott; J-Junior Alvarado. $220,000. Lifetime Record: 2-2-0-0, $277,750. Werk Nick Rating: C+. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Central Avenue, 120, f, 2, by Street Sense
                1st Dam: Centring (MGISP, $509,102), by A.P. Indy
                2nd Dam: Composure, by Touch Gold
                3rd Dam: Party Cited, by Alleged
1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE, 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. O/B-Godolphin (KY); T-Michael Stidham. $80,000.
3–Life Talk, 120, f, 2, by Gun Runner
                1st Dam: Touchy Feely, by Bernardini
                2nd Dam: Touched, by Touch Gold
                3rd Dam: Bay Barrister, by Miswaki
1ST BLACK TYPE, 1ST GRADED BLACK TYPE, 1ST G1 BLACK TYPE. ($160,000 Wlg '21 KEENOV; $335,000 Ylg '22 KEESEP). O-Repole Stable; B-Gun Runner Syndicate, Mulholland Springs LLC & Tom Grether Farms Inc. (KY); T-Todd A. Pletcher. $48,000.
Margins: 3 3/4, HF, 1. Odds: 4.80, 18.60, 1.90.
Also Ran: Emery, Irish Maxima, Princess Indy.
Click for the Equibase.com chart or the TJCIS.com PPs. VIDEO, sponsored by TVG.

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