Goldikova Gallant in TVG Breeders’ Cup Mile Defeat

[jrstark]

Led by Wertheimer et Frere’s three-time Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Goldikova, the 2011 Breeders’ Cup featured eight defending or former Breeders’ Cup champions. The 6yo homebred mare posted the best result of the group when finishing third as the 1.30-1 favorite in her attempt to win a fourth straight Mile.

Repole Stables’ 3yo colt Uncle Mo, who won the 2010 Grey Goose Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Churchill Downs for trainer Todd Pletcher, finished 10th in this year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic, thwarting his attempt to become the first Juvenile winner to return to win the Classic.

Sagamore Farm’s Shared Account, a 46-1 upset winner of the 2010 Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, was denied a repeat bid in the 2011 edition of the race when finishing seventh, beaten 2 ½ lengths at 18.50-1 for trainer Graham Motion.

Juddmonte Farm’s Midday, winner of the 2009 Filly & Mare Turf and runner-up to Shared Account in the 2010 running of that race, opted for a start in the Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Turf this year in which the 5yo  mare finished sixth at 5.60-1.

Harold Queen’s Eclipse Award-winning sprinter Big Drama, who won the 2010 Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Sprint for trainer David Fawkes, finished seventh as the 3.40-1 second choice in the 2011 Sprint in just his third start of the year.

Carl Moore Management’s Chamberlain Bridge, winner of the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Churchill Downs, and Hi Card Ranch’s California Flag, who won the Turf Sprint down the hillside turf course at Santa Anita in 2009, both returned for the 2011 Turf Sprint. Chamberlain Bridge finished eighth at 10.70-1 after breaking from post 14, while California Flag finished 12th at 12.30-1.

E-Racing.Com and Kevin Jacobsen’s Eldaafer, whose 10.60-1 upset win in the 2010 Marathon allowed trainer Diane Alvarado to become the fourth female trainer to win a Breeders’ Cup race, finished sixth in the 2011 running at 12.80-1.