Ehalt and Pedulla: Dissecting Breeders’ Cup Classic and Distaff

Wedding Toast is Bob Ehalt's pick for the Breeders' Cup Distaff. (Photos by Eclipse Sportswire)
Bob Ehalt and Tom Pedulla became fast friends when they met on their first day at Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx, N.Y., in 1971. Bob soon introduced Tom to the joys of Thoroughbred racing.
They have endured some rough moments at the track, with Tom taking exception when Bob repeatedly smacks him on the back with a program as one of their horses launches an all-out drive. Much to Tom’s chagrin and the amusement of onlookers, Bob has been known to call for security as he proceeds to cash a $27 triple.
They have owned a number of horses together. They are often seen carrying on at the track as if they never left their teenage years.
Here is their take on the Breeders’ Cup Distaff and Classic:
BE: Well Thomas, I have to admit, while the contrarian spirit in me wants to latch on to a few juicy, double-digit winners, I’m going to be playing it close to the cuff. In the Distaff, I’m offering up a Wedding Toast for chalk players. There’s some speed in this race but she’s the speed of the speed and I’m hoping the Lezcano Factor and memories of the Travers will keep some of those other fleet-footed fillies off her flank. With some of her main rivals parked in outside posts, I can see her turning for home in front and if Wedding Toast can hold the closers off, I’ll be happy to say a few words in the press box.
TP: I am so disappointed. What a boring pick. Since when have you cared about chalk-eating chalk players such as myself? Where is your flair for the dramatic? I admit I groaned when Sheer Drama drew outside in post 14, but if any horse can overcome that, this 5-year-old mare can. She’s never been worse than second in seven starts this year. Although Joe Bravo will have to use her early, I am convinced she will be there late.
SHEER DRAMA

BE: Er, excuse me, sir. I’m here to pick winners. I can’t help it if people will heed my advice and flock to the betting windows to lower my selections to miniscule odds. Need I remind you that the last time we did this, I gave out the Arctic cold triple in the Belmont Stakes while you must have thought you were in Dubai picking Mubtaahij. Now, back to the matter at hand, must say I like the way I’m a Chatterbox seems to be maturing and advancing, and from the rail she can work out a nice trip under ‘Flo the Jock’ to complete the exacta.
TP: Sheer Drama will be all out to catch Wedding Toast, who will be no worse than second.
BE: I’m going to stick with a 3-year-old to round out the trifecta, largely because of the outside posts that Sheer Drama and Got Lucky landed. Curalina was second behind an under-wraps Wedding Toast in the Beldame. She should be close enough to put the exclamation point on the trifecta.
TP: I’m a Chatterbox shows how important a trainer can be. She has been a different horse since she entered the barn of Larry Jones, a conditioner who possesses an extraordinary touch with fillies and mares. I’m a Chatterbox is the latest example of his handiwork.
BE: The Classic took on a new complexion Thursday when Beholder was scratched but she was not going to be in my tickets anyway. For all the great runners in the Breeders’ Cup, there’s only one true superstar. American Pharoah’s task grew easier when Beholder withdrew from the race, and on Saturday we are going to see a smashing and completely fitting farewell performance by the beloved first Triple Crown winner in 37 years. There’s no sign of fatigue in him after what should have been a grueling campaign, so when they turn for home, he’s going to be in front and, unlike Saratoga, no one’s going to catch him. Serena Williams and Jordan Spieth couldn’t do it, but American Pharoah is going to put the finishing touches on a “Grand Slam.”
TP: I thought Beholder was the way to go here. Unfortunately, that option is gone. American Pharoah trained lights out at Santa Anita, looking every bit the Triple Crown champion that he is. I have to believe he will get loose on the lead because anyone who attempts to go with him will be toast. Once Pharoah is loose on the lead, the heart of a champion will take over. I must agree, there will be no catching him. When all is said and done, we will never forget that we saw the first Grand Slam. And it will be all the more special because we saw it together.
AMERICAN PHAROAH WINNING THE HASKELL

BE: Tom, we both know that a year ago 3-year-olds were the first five finishers under the wire in the BC Classic, and this year I can see them running 1-2 and maybe 1-2-3. Frosted truly impressed me with the way he bounced back and won the Pennsylvania Derby after Lezcano turned him into a sacrificial lamb in the Travers. Like American Pharoah, he’s managed to withstand the rigors of the Triple Crown and thrive as the year goes on. It take a special horse to do that, and I’m expecting a replay of the Belmont with American Pharoah and Frosted running 1-2. In fact, I’m betting on it.
TP: I am not. Keen Ice will add credibility to his Travers upset by placing second. He may be 2 for 11 lifetime, but recent performances indicate he will be a serious player after a third-place finish in the Belmont, a second in the Haskell and his memorable Travers score.
BE: Have to say, had a hard time focusing on a third horse, even when Beholder was in the field.  I’m going to give a slight edge to Honor Code, who has been training sensationally, over Keen Ice. Keen Ice had everything fall into place for him in the Travers and he will not be that lucky on Saturday. For sentimental reasons, as referenced above, I will also once again buy an American Pharoah-Frosted-Keen Ice trifecta ticket. Let’s just say our memories of this year’s Triple Crown are going to last for quite a while.
TP: I am giving Frosted the nod ahead of Honor Code even though I believe Honor Code is the better horse. As they say, pace makes the race. And there is simply not going to be enough pace in this Classic for Honor Code, who falls so far back he is in danger of landing in another area code, to get up in time.