Breeders’ Cup: Midnight Bisou, Mitole Set for Big Day at Santa Anita
By Richard Rosenblatt
Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen has allowed assistant Scott Blasi to do most of the talking this week, but now it’s time for two of his star attractions, Midnight Bisou and Mitole, to step up and speak for themselves in their respective Breeders’ Cup races on Saturday at Santa Anita Park.
While the $6 million Classic (post time 5:44 p.m. PT) is the marquee event on Day 2 of the 36th Breeders’ Cup, Midnight Bisou attempts to complete an undefeated season in the $2 million BC Distaff a few races earlier (4 p.m. PT) and make her claim for Horse of the Year honors.
“Midnight Bisou galloped today,” Blasi said Friday. “Everything’s good to go.”
Mitole, meanwhile, looks to solidify his status as the nation’s top sprinter in the $2 million BC Sprint (2:36 p.m. PT).
Mitole just jogged today,” Blasi said. “He’s ready.”
Asmussen’s other starters Saturday are Engage (also in the Sprint) and Snapper Sinclair (Dirt Mile).
Midnight Bisou was the 6-5 morning-line favorite in what has been whittled down to a field of eight following two scratches – Landeskog earlier in the week, and Imperial Hint early Saturday. Imperial Hint was 4-1 on the morning-line.
Midnight Bisou, who will be ridden by Hall of Famer Mike Smith and leave from the No. 4 post, is 7-for-7 this season with three Grade 1 wins on her resume. Smith is looking for his sixth win in the Distaff. The 4-year-old filly was third in last years’ Distaff behind Monomoy Girl and Wow Cat.
Mitole
Wow Cat, trained by Chad Brown, is back again for another try. Other challengers include Blue Prize from Argentina, a 6-year-old mare who defeated BC Classic entrant Elate in the Spinster (G1) and Paradise Woods, winner of the Zenyatta (G1) in her most recent race for California-based trainer John Shirreffs.
Currently, Midnight Bisou is ranked No. 2 in the NTRA’s Top 10 poll, with Bricks and Mortar (5-0) at No. 1 going into the BC Turf.
Mitole takes a 5-for-6 record into the six-furlong Sprint. The 4-year-old colt will be ridden by Ricardo Santana Jr., and leave from the No. 4 post. Among his impressive wins: the Metropolitan Mile (G1) and the Forego (G1) in his most recent start.
| All odds are fixed odds prices. | |||
| PP | Horse | Fractional | American |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Paradise Woods | 5/1 | +500 |
| 2 | Ollie’s Candy | 15/1 | +1500 |
| 3 | Street Band | 10/1 | +1000 |
| 4 | Midnight Bisou | 6/5 | +120 |
| 5 | Dunbar Road | 6/1 | +600 |
| 6 | Wow Cat (CHI) | 15/1 | +1500 |
| 7 | Secret Spice | 10/1 | +1000 |
| 8 | La Force (GER) | 30/1 | +3000 |
| 9 | Serengeti Empress | 12/1 | +1200 |
| 10 | Mo See Cal | 30/1 | +3000 |
| 11 | Blue Prize (ARG) | 6/1 | +600 |
| All odds are fixed odds prices. | |||
| PP | Horse | Fractional | American |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Catalina Cruiser | 4/1 | +400 |
| 2 | Hog Creek Hustle | 20/1 | +2000 |
| 3 | Firenze Fire | 12/1 | +1200 |
| 4 | Mitole | 9/5 | +180 |
| 5 | Engage | 15/1 | +1500 |
| 6 | Shancelot | 4/1 | +400 |
| 7 | Whitmore | 15/1 | +1500 |
| 8 | Landeskog | 12/1 | +1200 |
| 9 | Imperial Hint | 4/1 | +400 |
| 10 | Matera Sky | 30/1 | +3000 |
Over the years while working at The Associated Press, Rich Rosenblatt became a familiar name to legions of the horse racing fans and industry insiders with his award-winning articles on horse racing and his stories from the backstretch.
In addition to being an astute observer of sports, Rosenblatt is the co-author of The All-American Chili Cookbook. His work has been seen in just about every publication in the world, including The New York Times, The Washington Post and Time Magazine.
