Classic Division

TWICE OVER
Owner: Juddmonte Farms, Inc.
Trainer: Henry Cecil
Pedigree: B.c.,4, by, Observatory – Double Crossed, by Caerleon

Positives: Twice Over enters the Breeders’ Cup Classic following three successive wins in England, including a 14-1 surprise in a scorching edition of the 10-furlong Champions Stakes-Group 1 at Newmarket October 17. He was second in that same race in 2008 and as a 3-year-old defeated 2008 Classic winner Raven’s Pass at Newmarket in an early season Group 3 event. Twice Over also finished third to Henrythenavigator and Raven’s Pass in the 2008 St. James’s Palace at Royal Ascot and has finished in money in 12 of 15 career starts, mostly against top class European competition. Both of his grand sires and both of his grand dams were American-bred, and while he has never performed over an all-weather surface, he has American-styled tactical speed to be placed wherever necessary.

Concerns: The BC Classic wasn’t under consideration until his Champions Stakes upset, understandable considering that he was outclassed by Sea the Stars, Rip Van Winkle, and Conduit when seventh (beaten 17 lengths) in Coral Eclipse Stakes in July, though he has not lost in three starts since. His victory at Newmarket required an extremely hard, grueling effort only three weeks before the Classic, so what effect, if any, that race has on his condition remains to be seen.

Bottom Line: Twice Over is a good horse, make no mistake about it, and he’s being quoted at 9-1 for the Classic on some British books, compared to the 8-1 that is being offered on Summer Bird and the 12-1 that is available for Mastercraftsman. So, those that know him the best consider this Henry Cecil-trained colt to be a legitimate player. In the money in 12 of 15 career starts and earning a career top 123 Racing Post Rating in his most recent outing, Twice Over would likely need the performance of his life to win, but a minor award is certainly not out of the question.