By Steve Sherack
ARCADIA, CA – The lightning-fast Shancelot (Shanghai Bobby) (Sprint) bounced off the track feeling mighty good at daybreak as trainer Jorge Navarro watched from along the rail on another spectacular morning at Santa Anita ahead of this weekend's Breeders' Cup.
Shekky Shebaz (Cape Blanco {Ire}) (Turf Sprint) checked out his surroundings for a bit–can you blame him?–while parked along the outer rail on the far turn as the sun began to emerge beneath the jaw-dropping San Gabriel Mountains. For a horse that was running for just a $25,000 tag in late July, he couldn't be looking any better ahead of the biggest race of his career.
Noose, err, Scabbard (More Than Ready) (Juvenile) jogged by while accompanied with a stable pony as Our Country (Constitution) (Juvenile Turf) turned in another good-looking gallop.
The globe-trotting reinsman Frankie Dettori and his multi-colored helmet cover were a familiar sight ahead of the Championships as Fanny Logan (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) (F/M Turf) led out the European contingent as well as last out GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic S. winner Arklow (Arch) (Turf) for a spin over the turf course at 7:30 a.m.
Hall of Famer Mike Smith and his big-money smile made an appearance aboard Hog Creek Hustle (Overanalyze) (Sprint) as the main track was back open for business about a half hour later.
The Southern California sun certainly agrees with the chestnut coat of Vino Rosso (Curlin) (Classic), who has had a very nice bounce in his step.
The blaze-faced El Tormenta (Stormy Atlantic) (Mile) and Mrs. Sippy (Blame) (Filly & Mare Turf) both made their presence felt galloping while the 3-year-old with the highest, two-turn Beyer Speed Figure of the season–there's a very good chance it's not who you're thinking–exited the track. The sophomore in question is Spun to Run (Hard Spun) (Dirt Mile), who earned a gaudy 110 rating in the one-mile M.P. Ballezzi Appreciation Mile S. at Parx Oct. 12.
Owendale (Into Mischief) (Classic) filled the frame nicely while heading off as photographers lined the rail in front of the packed Breakfast Marquee.
'TDN Rising Star' Dennis' Moment (Tiznow) (Juvenile) continues to be the talk of Clockers' Corner and that doesn't appear to be stopping any time soon based on his training all week.
'TDN Rising Star' Improbable (City Zip) (Dirt Mile), another who has been getting plenty of backstretch buzz, was striding out nicely during his late-morning gallop.
Whether she gets the proper pace set up or not, Uni (GB) (More Than Ready) (Mile) continues to give off all the right vibes during her trips to the track as well.
Fan favorite Imperial Hint (Imperialism), aka the Little Rocket, was a complete handful for his rider ahead of his third swing at the Sprint.
'TDN Rising Star' Paradise Woods (Union Rags) (Distaff) got a nice pat on the neck for a job well done as training hours began to wind down Wednesday.
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