Coolmore BC Plans

[Bob B]

Beethoven and Alfred Nobel - Juvenile
Viscount Nelson - Juvy Turf
Lillie Langtry - Juvy Filly Turf
Man of Iron - Marathon ????
Rip Van Winkle - Classic
Mastercraftsman - Classic

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/spo ... 44527.html

[PrivateSmiles]

That's all they're sending? Don't they usually have a flotilla or something like that?

[Bob B]

1998 - 1
1999 - 4
2000 - 2
2001 - 7
2002 - 7
2003 - 4
2004 - 5
2005 - 5
2006 - 4
2007 - 5
2008 - 10

Less than last year, but more than usual. Things could change and they may add or substract from this list.

[PrivateSmiles]

Tanks, Bob. I think my memory only goes back as far as last year.

[Bob B]

Mastercraftsman to go in Dirt Mile now according to Aidan...

http://www.sportinglife.com/racing/news ... Brien.html

This is really the telling sign of what Coolmore is all about. He surely would fit better in the Turf Mile and the purse is $2 million instead of $1 million. He would most likely be second choice behind Goldi, but it's clear their objective is to make him more appealing as a stallion prospect by trying to get a Grade 1 on the main track. Make no mistake, Coolmore is in the business of making stallions and they are very successful at it.

[Syncopate]

Beethoven and Alfred Nobel - Juvenile

So they're planning on either a symphony or an explosive performance ?

[Sluggo4171]

Beethoven and Alfred Nobel - Juvenile
Viscount Nelson - Juvy Turf
Lillie Langtry - Juvy Filly Turf
Man of Iron - Marathon ????
Rip Van Winkle - Classic
Mastercraftsman - Classic

http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/spo ... 44527.html

Curious as to your thoughts on Viscount Nelson .

[Bob B]

Curious as to your thoughts on Viscount Nelson .

My three paragraphs of thoughts just got lost in cyberspace. Second time that's happened to me on the new and improved forum, grrrrr.

He's extremely well bred being a half to Horatio Nelson, Red Rock Canyon and Kitty Matcham. HIs dam Imagine is by Sadler's Wells and won the Oaks and Irish 1000 Guineas. She was a 1/2 to Generous. Needless to say he's certainly bred to get a mile and beyond based on his dam and sire Giant's Causeway.

Based on that breeding he's never been shorter than 7 furlongs. He got started back in June on soft ground going down by 4 1/2 to future National Stakes (G1) winner Kingsfort, who was snapped up by Godolphin shortly thereafter. The next four including Viscount also won their next starts so it was a pretty hot maiden. Viscount broke his at a mile on yielding ground leading wire to wire staying on well in the last furlong when challenged. Next up was a listed stake where he beat 4 others at 7 1/2 on soft ground. He then was stepped up to G2 company in the Champagne at Doncaster on good to firm. He finished 2nd to Godolphin's Poet's Voice, who they thought highly of but could only manage a 4th of 5 next out in the Middle Park (G1) with BC entrant Radiohead finishing 2nd that day. Viscount did stay on in the 7 furlong race (youtube link below) and surely wants more ground based on his breeding.

As for BC day, you have to think he's going to be overbet based on his Coolmore connections. He's extremely well bred and does have the good form line with Kingsfort winning a G1. He handled good to firm at Doncaster in his last so the ground shouldn't be an issue at Santa Anita. However, he might find the mile a little sharp with some precocious fast 2 year olds entered. I think he would be more than a handful at a longer distance, but I doubt the odds will be playable. He's far from the top tier of the Coolmore pecking order as evidenced by his run in a listed stake prior to his Group 2 try. Part of that was the lack of Group races at a mile for 2 year olds in Europe, but it still seems he's not one of the favoured colts. Definitely a good horse, a better prospect for next year and thus I'd try to beat him unless he gets ignored for some reason at the windows.

Here's his Champagne run (mute recommended)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Pjd5Ws7z7E

[Sluggo4171]

Thanks Bob B...video helps a ton. Seems he is still a little immature and green. Clears up a ton for me though.