21:38 Del Mar

Saturday 6 November 2021

All17:1517:5018:2519:0519:4020:1920:5921:3822:2023:0023:4000:40

Race 8 - Qatar Racing Breeders' Cup Sprint (Grade 1)

Off time: 21:39 | Winning time: -

(1)

Following Sea²⁸

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: John Velazquez| T: Todd Pletcher| OR: 110| D

18/1

Very smart performer who won maiden in April, allowance race in June and Grade 2 Vosburgh Stakes on latter course (25/10, easily, by 4¾ lengths) in October. No surprise to see him in the mix.

Form: 311231

(2)

Jackie's Warrior⁴²

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: Joel Rosario| T: Steven Asmussen| OR: 114| D

8/13

High-class performer who has won 7 of his 10 career starts, latest in Grade 2 Gallant Bob Stakes at Parx in September (by 6¾ lengths from Pickin' Time, unchallenged). Looks the one they have to beat.

Form: 312111

(3)

C Z Rocket³⁵

Age: 7| Weight: 9-0| J: Florent Geroux| T: Peter Miller| OR: 113| D

22/1

Very smart gelding who reeled off 5 an impressive 5-timer when joining present stable last year. Regained the winning thread earler this year but likely to find a few too strong in this line up.

Form: 112323

(4)

Matera Sky⁸⁹

Age: 7| Weight: 9-0| J: Yuga Kawada| T: H Mori| OR: 105| D

66/1

Very smart horse who ran up to his best when second in Saudi Arabia earlier this year but his last couple efforts make him hard to warm to, latest when fifth in August. Others preferred.

Form: 102-205

(5)

Aloha West²⁹

Age: 4| Weight: 9-0| J: Jose Ortiz| T: Wayne Catalano| OR: 112| D

10/1

Smart performer who won maiden in February, allowance race in May, and optional claimers at Saratoga in August and September. Matched previous best when second in Grade 2 last time so place claims.

Form: 214112

(6)

Firenze Fire²⁸

Age: 6| Weight: 9-0| J: Tyler Gaffalione| T: Kelly Breen| OR: 115| BF| D

33/1

Enhanced fine record at Belmont when winning 5-runner Grade 2 Vosburgh Stakes (6f, 26/10) in June and similar form when second in Grade 1 Forego Stakes on penultimate start. Another in with claims.

Form: 112522

(7)

Lexitonian⁷⁰

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: Jose Lezcano| T: J Sisterson| OR: 83| D

33/1

Smart performer who won Grade 1 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap at Saratoga (by ½ length from Special Reserve) in July Well-held last of 8 in Forego Stakes last time so others preferred.

Form: 9-42618

(8)

Special Reserve²⁹

Age: 5| Weight: 9-0| J: Irad Ortiz Jr| T: Michael Maker| OR: 111| D

14/1

Smart performer whose won 5 of of his 7 starts this year, latterly the Grade 2 Phoenix Stakes at Keeneland (12/10, by neck from Aloha West) last month. Interesting contender.

Form: 121121

(9)

Dr. Schivel³⁵

Age: 3| Weight: 8-12| J: Flavien Prat| T: M Glatt| OR: 111| D

7/2

High-class performer who has won last 5 starts, latest being a career-best effort in Grade 2 Santa Anita Sprint Championship (18/10, easily, by 3¼ lengths from Flagstaff) last month. Major player.

Form: 211-111

Forecasts

Jackie's Warrior (8/13), Dr. Schivel (7/2), Aloha West (10/1), Special Reserve (14/1), Following Sea (18/1), C Z Rocket (22/1), Firenze Fire (33/1), Lexitonian (33/1), Matera Sky (66/1)

This can go to JACKIE'S WARRIOR, who matched the high-class level of his Grade 1 win at Saratoga in August when landing the hat-trick in good style last time. Steven Asmussen's charge gets the vote to add an illustrious Breeders' Cup success to his glittering CV. Dr. Schivel remains unbeaten at this trip so he's feared most chasing an impressive 6-timer, ahead of Special Reserve.