Columnist Ralph Siraco: Breeders’ Cup entry deadline approaching

Ralph Siraco

Monday, Oct. 15, 2001 | 11:46 a.m.

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

As Kenny Rogers says, "You got to know when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em," and today is the deadline for several horse owners to make that decision for this year's Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championship.

Pre-entries for the eight-race championship series at Belmont Park are now complete and the public announcement will be released on Wednesday.

Connections of any Breeders' Cup aspirant must declare their intentions to run and to ante up those entry fees for the October 27 event.

Most owners will pay the usual pre-entry fee -- one percent of the purse monies -- for the race they are entering. The fees range from $10,000 to $40,000 for the Breeders' Cup Classic.

That is provided their horse's sire is an eligible sire and said horse was nominated at time of foal. Otherwise, a supplementary fee must accompany the pre-entry -- a fee that ranges from 12 to 20 percent of the purse monies for the race.

Each year, owners of those non-nominated horses reach the "hold 'em or fold 'em" point, and each year some decide -- whether their horse has earned a right to the big show or not -- to pass on the stipend.

Just last year, 16 horses were supplemented to Breeders' Cup races at a total cost of $2,920,000, with only one victorious. That horse, whose owners shelled out a $360,000 supplemental fee, was Classic winner Tiznow. The California-bred not only parlayed the fee into a $2,728,440 payday, but also nailed down Horse Of The Year honors.

And each year, as sure as the Breeders' Cup itself, there are those who will be sitting on the sidelines as they watch those they have beaten carry off the trophy.

This year, another sweet 16 are waiting in the wings. Some owners have already stated their intentions to pass the Breeders' Cup and look to other spots. But, until Wednesday's announcements, a Derby fever for the Cup could produce some changes of heart.

Of those on this year's supplementary list, Lido Palace is the most accomplished who will pass Breeders' Cup. The South American import most recently won the Grade I Woodward Stakes over the Belmont Park oval. In order to become eligible for the $4 million Breeders' Cup Classic, owner John Amerman would have to sign a check for $800,000.

Amerman, who made his fortune with Mattel toys, doesn't see the 3-to-1 ratio as a solid business move. And that's if Lido Palace could repeat his Woodward form to beat the best in the division worldwide. Trainer Bobby Frankel, who will saddle one of the Classic favorites in Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Aptitude, is entertaining a trip to either Japan or Hong Kong for Lido Palace's next start. Either of those outings could yield as much yen as a Breeders' Cup victory.

Others who face supplementary fees include:

Also, Ibn Al Haitham at $90,000. This one is owned by Godolphin Racing, Inc., and has shown enough ability in recent outings to earn a berth. Although still a maiden, he finished a solid runner-up to stablemate Essence of Dubai in the Norfolk Stakes at Santa Anita. They both will take their best shots at Officer.

Also, Playing 'n Gold and Oak Leaf Stakes winner Tali'sluckybusride, each at $90,000, are declining; Joanies Bella's owners are undecided at a $200,000 fee.

All supplementary fees will be added to the purse monies in each of the Breeders' Cup races.