5th-TAM, $17,000, Msw, 3yo, f, 1mT, 1:40 4/5, fm.
+DIRECT LINE (f, 3, Tiznow--Irene's Talkin, by At the Threshold), a $500,000 KEESEP yearling, was given a 7-1 chance to earn her diploma at first asking. The last of 10 to exit the stalls, the half to Adieu (El Corredor), GISW, $907,934, began to rally five wide on the turn for home and came charging down the lane to record a neck victory over 4-1 Soft Music (Action This Day). Long Lake (Distorted Humor), the 7-2 choice, completed the trifecta. The victress is also a half to Speak Wisely (Smart Strike), SW, $161,399. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, $10,200. Click for the brisnet.com chart. 
O-G Watts Humphrey Jr & St George Farm Racing LLC. B-Glencrest Farm LLC (KY). T-Vicki Oliver.

B. Wayne Hughes, citing a desire to focus on other business interests, has resigned his position on the Breeders' Cup Board of Directors, according to a release from the Breeders' Cup. "Since I began serving on the Breeders' Cup Board in 2006, we have undergone a series of changes and innovations, and I am proud to have played a role in helping chart a new course for the organization," Hughes said. Founder and chairman of Public Storage, Hughes is owner of Spendthrift Farm. "We will miss Wayne's passion for our industry, his business acumen and candor, and we are very grateful for his service to the Breeders' Cup," said Breeders' Cup Chairman William S. Farish, Jr. Hughes's term expires in June. The Breeders' Cup Board will choose someone from the Breeders' Cup Members and Trustees to complete the term on Jan. 20.

   Analyst Bill Oppenheim culls a list of 242 unproven sires in search of potential diamonds in the rough.

5th-FGX, $42,000, Msw, 3yo, f, 1m (off turf), 1:39, sy.
FLYING SPUR (f, 3, Giant's Causeway--Lakeway {MGISW, $965,330}, by Seattle Slew) was fifth in an off-the-turf event at Belmont Sept. 10 before closing to be fourth going a sixteenth longer on the grass there Oct. 12. Second after another closing finish at the Big A Nov. 2, the chestnut was given a 6-1 chance here. Settled in a stalking second early, Flying Spur took over at the head of the stretch and drew clear to score by 2 1/4 lengths over More of the Best (Langfuhr). The homebred is a half to Sluice (Seeking The Gold), SW, $202,453. Video, sponsored by Taylor Made. Lifetime Record: 4-1-1-0, $38,558. 
O/B-Mike G Rutherford (KY). T-William I Mott.