Breeders' Cup Profile- Close | Retama Ruffian

The First Defense mare, Close Hatches, has more than exceeded her breeding with almost $2.75 millions in winnings. Her worst placing was a seventh in the Kentucky Oaks but bounced back to not finish worst than second after the classic event.

Close Hatches won her maiden her first time going at Gulfstream Park at seven furlongs on the dirt. At 1 1/16 mile, the mare won an allowance optional claiming under a hand ride. The allowance rocketed her into grade one company, where she beat Princess of Sylmar, the eventual Kentucky Oaks winner. Her first lost came in the one mile Gazelle Stakes.

On Oaks day Close Hatches had the outside post. She had the morning line odds of 6/1. She raced further back for the majority of the race but never fired. She was lucky she didn't get beat by Rose to Gold, who was battling with her down the backstretch.

First Defense won the Forego Handicap (7 furlongs) but could never place higher than second in any other graded stakes race. But you have to give him credit for his second in the King's Bishop Stakes as he lost to Hard Spun.

Close Hatches

Unbridled's Song won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (1 1/16 mile), Florida Derby (1 1/8 mile) and the Wood Memorial (1 1/8 mile), establishing himself as the eventual 7/2 favorite. But the colt came fifth on Derby morning after stalking in third before overtaking the pace setter, Honour and Glory. Half way down the backstretch though, the fairy tale came to an end as Grindstone and Cavoonier took over the field.  The Derby was the final grade one start for Unbridled's Song but not the final graded start. He came second in the Peter Pan (1 1/8 mile). The Kentucky Derby proved the colt was not a classic distance horse.

Close Hatches has two full sibilings, Belmont winner Empire Maker and Arlington Million winner Chester House.

Breeders' Cup Preview:
Close Hatches needs a good start so that she can settle in the 3rd/4th position. If Close Hatches were to win, here's how I see the race playing out: Belle Gallantey settles up near the front and takes over the pace setter half way through the race. Close Hatches thunders down the backstretch and takes over Belle Gallantey.