Columnist Ralph Siraco: Prep races begin to sort out 2001 Breeders’ Cup fields

Ralph Siraco

Monday, Oct. 1, 2001 | 10:01 a.m.

Ralph Siraco's horse racing column appears Monday in the Sun and his California selections appear Tuesday-Sunday. Reach him c/o Las Vegas Sun, 2275 Corporate Circle Drive, Suite 300, Henderson, NV 89074.

Twenty-seven days from today, the Breeders' Cup will be renewed for the 18th time. America's championship day at the races will be held at Belmont Park. It seems appropriate that horse racing's crowning day should be in a city that has showcased so many heroes since the tragic events of September 11.

Let's look at how the weekend's prep races affected each division of the Breeders' Cup:

Saturday's Ohio Derby was a pivotal race only for Macho Uno, who finished third. Trainer Joe Orseno may still give his Eclipse Award winner a shot at the big prize if he continues to train well.

A quality front-runner, Tranquility Lake was pressed on the lead and stayed stubbornly after Janet bested her through the home stretch. Bobby Frankel trainee The Seven Seas may have dropped out of the Filly & Mare Turf running after failing to menace.

Sunday's Clement L. Hirsch Memorial Turf Championship at Santa Anita was the final exam for Senure.

Beating White Heart in a thrilling finish, Senure should have punched his ticket to the Breeders' Cup.

Although owner John Toffan said Came Home is sound and walking fine, he was noncommittal about the Breeders' Cup.

"I don't know what the prognosis (for Came Home) is," he said, leading to speculation that an anticipated showdown with the Bob Baffert-trained Officer may be gone.

In their absence, the Godolphin Racing, Inc., entry of Essence of Dubai and Ibn Al Haitham finished first and second, respectively, to earn passage to New York.

At Arlington Park on Saturday, the Arlington-Washington Futurity was won by Northern California shipper Publication. Although his Chicago victory was solid, the horse's connections have no plans of going to the Breeders' Cup.

No prep races were scheduled for the MILE or SPRINT over the weekend.

Those will have a round of final preps this weekend at various venues around the country.