Columnist Ralph Siraco: Breeders' Cup countdown

EIGHT WEEKS from today, this space will relay accounts of the triumphs, victories, success stories, defeats, disappointments and drama of the 15th Breeders' Cup competition. The world of thoroughbred racing will celebrate its championship day on Nov. 7 at historic Churchill Downs race track in Louisville, Ky. Although the legendary track is home of America's most famous horse race, the Kentucky Derby, it will host the sport of kings centerpiece event for a record fourth time.

During the first 14 editions, 1,140 horses have answered the call in the seven-race series that traditionally decides the year-end titles in most categories of the sport's equine and human competition. Horses from both the northern and southern hemisphere converge for the chance at a place in racing history and a piece of the richest day of purse offerings.

So, as the big event day approaches, here is a two-month report card on the top movers and shakers anticipated to make hay on the big day:

BREEDERS' CUP CLASSIC -- We start with richest race of the series, for the handicap division, at the classic distance of 1 1/4 miles for $4 million. If this renewal represents a replay of Saturday's Grade I $500,000 Woodward Stakes at Belmont Park then it will go down as a classic Classic. Expected for this weekend's showdown in the big apple are four of the best handicap horses in training. Coronado's Quest is riding a five-race win streak with his most recent victory at Saratoga in the Travers Stakes.

The sophomore will take on the best older horses in Elmont, N.Y. with multi-Grade I winners Gentlemen, Free House and Skip Away in the line up. Gentlemen has tailed-off a bit from his victories in the Pimlico Special, Hollywood Gold Cup and Pacific Classic of last year, but has been training well at Belmont for a rematch with both Skip Away and Free House. The latter returns to the track where his last appearance, as a 3-year-old, was a third-place finish to Touch Gold in the 1997 Belmont Stakes. After a lengthy rest, Free House came back with smashing victories in the Bel Air at Hollywood Park and the recent Pacific Classic at Del Mar. He would have to be supplemented to the Breeders' Cup Classic and a Woodard win would go far in the decision to pay the piper for the privilege. Skip Away is in quest of the all-time money earning title, a record second Breeders' Cup Classic victory and a Horse of the Year trophy. A perfect 6-for-6 record this year makes him the leading candidate for that sweep and the Classic could be anti-climatic if he turns the trick in the Woodward. Other contenders this year include Belmont Stakes winner Victory Gallop, Touch Gold and stablemate Awesome Again, and the mysterious Silver Charm.

BREEDERS' CUP DISTAFF -- Offering twice the purse money from past runnings, this division could produce it's serious competition from late bloomers. Escena has been leading the ladies, but, the ever dangerous Sharp Cat has returned to the races with a decisive Del Mar victory and is pointing for this event. A trio of sophomore fillies may also have a say with Alabama winner Banshee Breeze, the consistent Keeper Hill and the impressive Tap to Music.

BREEDERS' CUP SPRINT -- This consistently over-subscribed event, which is the shortest of the series at 6-furlongs, has several contenders. Leading the speedsters is Kelly Kip, a multiple stakes winner at the trip, this one comes off his recent win in the A Phenomenon and will take the New York route to the bluegrass. Affirmed Success will try and turn the tables on the gun and if the track comes up sloppy this one may duplicate his recent score in the Forego. Tale of the Cat, Distorted Humor and the impressive, but yet untested, Kona Gold also sit on the fence.

BREEDERS' CUP MILE -- Traditionally the most difficult to handicap and testing trip on the championship card. Track configurations (tight turns) and the influx of foreign competition add to the puzzle. In addition, many turfers will cross-enter in the longer and more lucrative Turf. Proven American milers this year include Labeeb, Fantastic Fellow, Elusive Quality, Subordination and Ladies Din. Possible crossers include Hawksley Hill and the fillies Fiju, Maxzene and Memories of Silver.

BREEDERS' CUP TURF -- This 1 1/2 mile marathon is the longest Cup race, and like the Mile, European imports will make impact. Chief Bearhart is expected back to defend his 1997 victory, but, this year's field won't be the knockdown last year's was. Among the long green competition is Joyeux Danseur, who may opt for the Mile, River Bay, recent Del Mar Handicap winner Bonapartiste and the recent European invader Daylami who impressed with a victory in the Man 'O War at Belmont on Sunday. France's monster runner Swain is also scheduled to make the sojourn to the states for some hardboot hospitality.

BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE -- Many will not the winner of this freshman contest for next years's Kentucky Derby. But, a win under the twin spires in November hasn't produced a repeat the following spring so far. Past performances of the human connections is just as important as the equines. So there is no surprize that trainer D. Wayne Lukas has the class leader here with Yes It's True. The multi-stakes winner must carry his speed and is by Is It True who won the 1988 Juvenile at Churchill. Hopeful winner Lucky Roberto and the Bob Baffert-trained Del Mar Futurity winner Worldly Manner along with Tactical Cat are contenders.

BREEDERS' CUP JUVENILE FILLIES -- This division is as volatile as the sex it represents. At the moment Spinaway winner Things Change leads the pact with Del Mar Debutante victress Excellent Meeting topping the left coast contingent. Silverbulletday, Antahkarana and Extended Applause have earned mention as well.

But, with two months to go, anything can happen and the Spinaway winner's name says it all: Things Change.

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