Columnist Ralph Siraco: Breeders’ Cup road rocky

Ralph Siraco

Monday, Nov. 3, 1997 | 8:36 a.m.

OH, WHAT A DIFFERENCE a year makes. Or, in the case of this year's Breeders' Cup -- days, hours and minutes.

We are now just five days from Breeders' Cup XIV and hours away from the entry deadline for thoroughbred racing's championship day.

And it couldn't come a moment too soon.

This year's $11 million showdown at Hollywood Park is losing Cup stars as fast as soap stars from its famous Southern California namesake city.

The latest Cup casualty came on Sunday when trainer Ron Ellis informed that stable star Twice The Vice will not compete in the Distaff due to an injury. This comes on the heels of last week's Classic defections of Formal Gold and Gentlemen.

By the time the first of the seven Cup series races goes at 10:55 a.m. Saturday, it could be renamed Breeders' Survival Cup XIV.

Ten of the 94 pre-entered this year return from the 82 who participated at Woodbine Racecourse in Breeders' Cup XIII, and only Jewel Princess stands to defend her title of '96.

But if you think those are Breeders' Cup bare-bones stats, what about the dozens who have hit the potholes on the road long before this?

Since Breeders' Cup XIII, at least 45 of racing's household names have faded from this year's Cup as fast as a fat bankroll at a craps game with a new pair of dice.

The attrition list of this year's championship is truly a "Field of Breeders' Cup Dreams."

Just look at what might have been:

BREEDERS' CUP CLASSIC: Of the 13 who raced last year, only Taiki Blizzard from Japan is listed as a secondary preference for the race. Finishing a dismal last at Woodbine, his connections will likely point this guy to the Mile. Boston Harbor, who won last year's Juvenile, packed it in early this year with retirement after an injury preparing for the Triple Crown. Spring classic stars Silver Charm, who won the Derby and Preakness, Captain Bodgit and Free House, along with early sophomore star Pulpit, won't make the show. Other sophomores that will miss the $4 million race are Acceptable and Accelerator, who both showed promise earlier this year. Of the '96 Classic starters that were heading for a repeat showing, defending champ Alphabet Soup, second-placed Louis Quatorze and fourth-placed Mt. Sassafras are no-shows. Additionally, the aforementioned Formal Gold (fifth), Will's Way (seventh), Atticus (eighth), who earlier this year set a world's mile grass record at Santa Anita, and Dramatic Gold (ninth). Dare And Go (11th), who snapped the great Cigar's win streak at 16, and Editor's Note (12th) have also retired. Trainer Richard Mandella's MGM Classic victors Siphon (Santa Anita Handicap) and Gentlemen (Hollywood Gold Cup and Pacific Classic) are 11th-hour injury sideliners as well as Benchmark.

BREEDERS' CUP DISTAFF: While Jewel Princess and Clear Mandate return and Sharp Cat and Ministers Melody join from the Juvenile Fillies of last year, this year's defections make their task exceedingly easier. Sophomore stars Blushing K.D. (retired) and Glitter Woman, who dominated their division earlier in the year, are sorely missed. Last year's Distaff favorite, Different, hung it up after Del Mar and Run Up The Colors, Hallo America and Tommiesue's Delight also have hit the sidelines. Fabulously Fast fizzled after Saratoga and promising Relaxing Rhythm joins Twice The Vice on the no-show list.

BREEDERS' CUP TURF: The recent defections of top grass marathon runners have left this race in the hands of last year's runner-up Singspiel. Multi-stakes-winning American entrants Influent and Marlin join Rainbow Dancer and Desert King as the latest to hit the Cup skids -- all of whom were legitimate contenders to the Turf. Additionally, from last year's renewal, Windsharp (fifth) and Talloires (sixth) were injured early in the year at Santa Anita and retired. The connections of Sandpit decided on a Japan Cup invasion instead of a Breeders' Cup supplement. France's best, Arc de Triomphe victor Peintre Celebe is freshening for next season and passed the $2 million showdown.

BREEDERS' CUP SPRINT: Although this race is still oversubscribed, there were four defections that would have added to the mix. Speedy Smoke Glaken would have ensured a hell-bent-for-leather pace if not for an injury-induced retirement. Lakota Brave, who finished fifth last year, and Capote Belle (seventh) as well as Langfur (eighth) also miss this year's edition.

BREEDERS' CUP MILE: Last year's runner-up Spinning World and sixth-placed Helmsman are the only two of 14 for repeat tries. Defending champ Da Hoss is gone and Isitingood, who set a mile world's record on the Santa Anita turf earlier in the year, would have added to this year's contest.

BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE: This division, which usually contributes to deletions, stays relatively intact. However, three promising youngsters suffered from track woes and will miss their coming-out party. Rodeo, who impressed with a sizzler maiden-breaker at Belmont, Old Topper, who would have provided a late rally, and Team Lukas' K.O. Punch, who was punched out at Belmont recently, stay in the barn. Although not injured, Lil's Lad and Old Trieste pass for Triple Crown aspirations.

BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE FILLIES: Although there is only one defection in this division, it is a major one. The unbeaten Silver Maiden will not compete because of a virus that may have cost her a chance for the filly title.

The Breeders' Cup is truly racing's championship day. And just as true is the demanding road to that championship.