Yeats in the BC Marathon? · 15.09.09

Both the Thoroughbred Times and the Irish Times are reporting that Irish super-stayer Yeats might be entered in the Breeders’ Cup Marathon.

Earlier this year Yeats won the Ascot Gold Cup for an unprecedented fourth straight time, and Saturday’s Irish St. Leger at the Curragh was originally intended as the 8-year-old’s last race before being retired to stud. However, the course proved deep and tiring, and the champion stayer, who prefers firmer going, finished last in the eight-horse field. After being given a clean bill of health after the race, Yeats’ connections decided that he deserved another chance to go out on a winning note. According to trainer Aidan O’Brien, his options include the Prix du Cadran at Longchamp (4 October), and the Breeders’ Cup Marathon (7 November).

As the world’s top-rated stayer, Yeats would add credibility to the Marathon, which in its inaugural running last year attracted only second-string Europeans and (let’s be honest here) North American horses lacking the turn-of-foot to compete in the BC Classic or Turf. Grass form figures to translate well to Santa Anita’s synthetic surface, and Yeats’ connections will not be the only Europeans looking to take advantage of this. Ironically, however, the Marathon’s 1 3/4 miles might be a bit short for his tastes — especially considering the 2 1/2 miles of the Gold Cup and the Prix du Cadran.

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What do you think?

  1. This guy would do two things: 1) win easily on that Pro-ride joke of a track surface, and 2) give great credibility to this fledgling race. But would it be LONG enough for him?

    As they used to say about Princequillo: If the distance is long enough no one could beat him.

    I also hear that those wanting to have Sea the Stars come to Anita are praying for rain at the Arc, for he would surely not be at his best on a soft course and missing that option, might head to Arcadia.

    — Dr. Timothy Yatcak · Sep 16, 01:50 PM · #

  2. I’d like to see Yeats run, sure. You’d THINK the Pro-Ride would play to his turf form. Don’t know it until he proves it.

    My one hope would be that, if he was entered, it didn’t scare off others and reduce numbers in the field. I suppose that could happen, even in a Breeders’ Cup race.

    — Glenn Craven · Sep 16, 09:43 PM · #

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