By Steve Sherack
LEXINGTON, KY – With Keeneland's illuminated grandstand apron already beginning to fill up, Breeders' Cup weekend's main attraction Flightline (Tapit) once again kickstarted training hours with another spirited 1 1/4-mile gallop just after 6 a.m.
After having a quarter crack patched on Wednesday, fellow Classic runner and future Airdie stallion Happy Saver (Super Saver) returned to the track for light training shortly thereafter.
The Steve Asmussen-trained duo of Gunite (Gun Runner) (Dirt Mile) and champion sprinter Jackie's Warrior (Maclean's Music) made a big impression beneath the lights as temperatures hovered in the mid-40s.
Virginia Joy (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}), one of three entered for Chad Brown in the Filly & Mare Turf, was on her toes nicely while entering.
The unbeaten Florida-bred and Eclipse private purchase Atomically (Girvin) stood patiently while taking in the action alongside a stable pony. Fellow Juvenile Fillies runner Chop Chop (City of Light) emerged from the fog at the top of the stretch and continued on with a good-looking gallop.
Epicenter (Not This Time) continues to give off all the right vibes ahead of Saturday's $6-million centerpiece.
Forte (Violence) (Juvenile) and Chocolate Gelato (Practical Joke) (Juvenile Fillies), both out for training in Todd Pletcher's 7 a.m. set, could kickstart a huge weekend for owner Mike Repole on the 'Future Stars Friday' card. ICYMI, click here for more on Repole's 'Dream Season.'
The stars continued to roll out following the break, and so did the fog, right on cue for the 8:07 a.m. sunrise.
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert was spotted in the stands as his unbeaten Juvenile morning-line favorite Cave Rock (Arrogate) (Juvenile) and Classic contender Taiba (Gun Runner) were trackside.
It could be a Breeders' Cup to remember for leading sire and 2007 Classic winner Curlin, who will be very well-represented at this year's Championships. Is there a more magnificent-looking duo to watch train than his Dirt Mile morning-line favorite Cody's Wish and last year's champion 3-year-old filly Malathaat?
The mighty Curlin is also the sire of fellow Distaff standouts Nest and Clairiere; Elite Power (Sprint); Raging Sea (Juvenile Fillies); and Obligatory (F/M Sprint).
Godolphin and Charlie Appleby look poised for another big showing this weekend after last year's three-win performance at Del Mar.
Returning Juvenile Turf winner and Mile morning-line favorite Modern Games (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and imposing Turf duo Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}) and Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) all seemed to be enjoying the brisk conditions as the fog finally began to lift as training hours approached the wire.
Pair of Early Scratches Announced…
Hot Peppers (Khozan) has been scratched from the Filly & Mare Sprint and Informative (Bodemeister) has been scratched from the Dirt Mile, according to the Breeders' Cup racing office per the veterinarians.
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
