Aidan "Oscar" O'Brien

[richiebee]

Looking at Keeneland\'s entries for Wednesday, I present for your consideration Charismatic Cat in race 8. Now trained by Steve Asmussen, Charismatic Cat raced in Ireland for Aidan O\'Brien as a 3YO in 2005.

According to TG, CC raced 3 times as a 3YO in May of 2005. According to DRF, CC then raced on June 9th, June 17th, June 22nd, June 25th, July 17th and July 28th. For his 4 June races, CC showed 2 wins, a second and a third. After winning on June 17 and June 22, CC came back on June 25th and was second, beaten  1/2 length in a 24 horse field. Brings back memories of Teriyaki Steak, an Oscar Barerra trainee who ran 5 times in 30 days, winning, I recall, 4 of those races.

Speaking of O\'Brien, his Dylan Thomas will attempt to become the first horse to win the Arc and the BC Turf Classic. Reading excellent articles by Alan Shuback (DRF) and Alan Mann (NTRA website), one learns that DT, who has won 3 of 4 lifetime tries at 1-1/2 miles,would not be disadvantaged by a firm turf. Shuback does question DT\'s efficacy on the sharp turn/ short straight Monmouth course (and don\'t forget the banked turns).

Given the fact that course configuration will be one of the biggest uncertainties regarding DT\'s chances in the BC Turf, I was mildly surprised that O\'Brien named Jon Murtagh to replace the suspended Kieren Fallon. I would think that DT\'s chances might be enhanced with an American rider who might be more comfortable negotiating a 3 turn 1-1/2 mile course.

Keeneland Comment: Excellent racing this fall. Of course the stakes program is top notch, but the overnight races have large fields and are run at a good variety of distances. The turf course is not being overused. In my opinion, the best quality racing to have been presented thus far this year.

[P.Eckhart]

This is the exception that proves the rule, for a career average in O\'Brien\'s hands would be about 3 races.

I should add this is not so much a reflection on O\'Brien as it is on his employers.