Are you a racing fan in the Saratoga area looking to fill your final weekend before the Breeders' Cup? There are a number of racing-related events taking place this weekend:

Saturday: Countdown to the Breeders' Cup preview panel, 2 p.m.

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will hold one of its popular audience-driven preview panels in the Hall of Fame gallery, featuring discussion of various Breeders' Cup races, complete with video highlights. Admission is free and attendees can pick up copies of the Daily Racing Form, Thoroughbred Times and Blood Horse. The three panelists are Capital OTB's Mark Cusano and Jeanne Wood, along with yours truly. Cusano, a six-time leading handicapper at Saratoga, has produced and co-hosted (with Saratogian columnist Michael Veitch) the weekly Capital OTB program "Down The Stretch" since 1992. He handicaps the Saratoga meet for the Gazette and is the racing analyst for WGY Radio. Wood has been a program host and handicapper at Capital OTB since 1998, hosting programs such as Horses n' Courses and Saratoga Newsdesk.

Saturday: Open house at Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division, 12-3 p.m.

While this event at the first satellite farm for the Kentucky-based thoroughbred retirement organization Old Friends is held weekly, it might be wise to take advantage of some of the last pleasant weather we'll see in the area. The farm is home to New York-bred millionaire and Travers winner Thunder Rumble; Travers and Whitney winner Will's Way; Hopeful winner Crusader Sword; America's lovable loser Zippy Chippy; multiple graded winner Watchem Smokey; and six others. Fans have the opportunity to meet the horses up-close and hear their stories. Stick around until the close of the open house at 3 and you'll even get the chance to watch a young racehorse (the only non-retiree on the property) in the early stages of training with a local trainer. Old Friends is a 501(c)(3), so while admission and tours are free, donations are welcomed. The farm is located at 483 Sand Hill Road in Greenfield Center.

Saturday and Sunday: Stallion open house at McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds, 12-3 p.m. both days

Multiple Eclipse Award-winning breeder Adena Springs announced several weeks ago that it would move five stallions to this Saratoga farm. The upgraded stud roster now includes Breeders' Cup Classic winner Alphabet Soup; Belmont winner Touch Gold; Santa Anita Derby winner Tiago, a half-brother to Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo; Silent Name, the best son of champion Sunday Silence to stand in the United States; and the Grade I-placed Harlem Rocker. Take this chance to see perhaps the deepest group of stallions ever assembled on one New York farm up close.

Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver, who started and ended his career at Saratoga, has been retired to stud at WinStar Farm.

After finishing 10th of 11 in the Travers Stakes on Aug. 28, his third unplaced effort in a row following the Derby, the son of Maria's Mon underwent a head-to-toe veterinary examination as a precaution. The scan revealed bruising of his cannon bones, sending him to the sidelines. After further evaluating the injury and the potential for a return, the WinStar team, which campaigned the colt as a homebred, made the decision to retire him.

"The final decision to retire Super Saver was a difficult one that may not be popular with fans but should be very popular with our breeders," WinStar Vice President and Racing Manager Elliott Walden said in a release. "The bone bruising ... which limited his performance during the latter half of this year should subside with time. However, it created a slight risk that he would not return to the form he showed as a two year old and through the Kentucky Derby."

Super Saver made his career debut at Saratoga on Aug. 22, 2009, finishing second in a maiden special weight. He went on to break his maiden at second asking at Belmont. After running fourth in the Champagne, he finished the year with a victory in the Kentucky Jockey Club, winning in stakes-record time and displaying affinity for the Churchill Downs track.

The colt rounded into form as a 3-year-old by finishing third in the Tampa Bay Derby and then second in the Arkansas Derby. Three weeks later, under a patented rail-skimming ride by Calvin Bore, Super Saver splashed home in the mud to score a 2 1/2 length win in the Kentucky Derby. It was the first Derby win for WinStar and also the first for leading trainer Todd Pletcher, ending an 0-for-24 skid.

"I've dreamt of winning the Kentucky Derby since I was six years old," Pletcher said. "Super Saver was my fastest 2-year-old last year and his stakes-record performance in the (Kentucky) Jockey Club told me he was a Derby horse. I just had to harness that speed and get him ready. Thank God it happened just that way."

Super Saver's bid to become the first Triple Crown winner since 1978 ended when he was eighth in the Preakness, a finish Pletcher attributed to the grind of Triple Crown season. The colt was freshened for a summer campaign, but finished fourth in the Haskell and then 10th in the Travers in what would be his final career start.

Super Saver finished 10-3-2-1 with earnings of $1,889,766. A stud fee has not been announced.

Updates on a busy weekend of preparations with the Breeders' Cup now less than two weeks away. Several of the major contenders turned in their final serious works on Saturday and Sunday.

Classic: In his final major move before the Breeders' Cup, Quality Road, a three-time Grade I winner this year, worked five furlongs in 1:01.62 at Belmont Sunday morning. Going in company with the Brazilian-bred Group I winner Jeune-Turc, the 4-year-old son of Elusive Quality finished two lengths in front while getting his last quarter in :24.60. He galloped out in 1:14.48 and 1:28. Since Quality Road has never won at the Classic distance of a mile and a quarter, trainer Todd Pletcher has focused on building fitness and stamina, giving his Classic hope five-furlong works followed by brisk gallop-outs. The winner of the Donn, Met Mile and Woodward this year will leave Belmont by van Tuesday afternoon and arrive at Churchill Downs early Wednesday. The Classic will be his final career start, as a deal is already in place for him to stand at Lane's End in 2011. ... Three Classic hopefuls worked Sunday morning in Kentucky. That group was headed up by Blame, who zipped five furlongs in :58.70 in company at Keeneland. He galloped out six furlongs in a very brisk 1:11.68 - just a shade off the fastest official work at that distance. Blame, winner of the Stephen Foster and Whitney, will van to Churchill Downs this week and have one last easy breeze there Saturday. ... Down the road at Churchill Downs, Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Haynesfield breezed six furlongs in 1:13.60 in company with graded winner Kensei. The reigning New York-bred Horse of the Year will be making his first start outside of his home state in the Classic. ... Japanese invader Espoir City got his first work in at Churchill Downs, going a slow six furlongs in 1:18.20. ... On Saturday, trainer Dale Romans sent out both of his 3-year-old Classic hopefuls for works at Churchill Downs. First Dude went six furlongs in 1:15. Although looking for just his second win, he's been second or third in the Blue Grass, Preakness, Belmont, Haskell and Travers. Paddy O'Prado went five furlongs in 1:01. After finishing third over a sloppy Churchill track in the Kentucky Derby, he won three straight turf stakes, including the Grade I Secretariat, this summer. Saratoga native Tammy Fox was aboard for both works. ... In another Saratoga connection to the Classic, trainer Nick Zito sent both of his Classic hopefuls out over the Oklahoma Training Track on Saturday morning. Belmont and Travers runner-up Fly Down got a half in :48.42, while Pennsylvania Derby winner Morning Line went in :48.44

Ladies Classic: Pletcher sent his two Ladies Classic contenders out for separate works on Saturday morning at Belmont. Beldame winner Life At Ten, once beaten this year, went five furlongs in 1:02.44, getting her final three eighths in :35.74. Stablemate Malibu Prayer, winner of the Ruffian, went five furlongs in 1:01.80. ... Persistently, who upset Rachel Alexandra in the Personal Ensign, went four furlongs in :49.71 at Belmont Sunday. ... Spinster winner Acoma went five furlongs in 1:01.60 at Churchill. ... The consistent Seeking The Title went five furlongs in 1:01.60 Saturday at Churchill.

Turf: Epsom Derby and Arc de Triomphe winner Workforce will indeed make the trip to America for the Breeders' Cup, adding major intrigue to this year's foreign contingent. The English-bred 3-year-old turned in a sharp work on Saturday at Newmarket that confirmed his connections' decision. The colt is 5-3-1-0 lifetime and has earned over $4.3 million ... Winchester, a two-time Grade I winner at Belmont this year, worked five furlongs in 1:03.94 over the track's turf course on Sunday. He did it in company with Christophe Clement-trained stablemate Gio Ponti, who is possible for the Classic or Mile. The pair leaves for Kentucky Nov. 2.

Filly and Mare Turf: Japanese hopeful Red Desire went four furlongs in :47.98 over the Belmont main track Saturday. In her first work since finishing third in the Flower Bowl, she got her last quarter in :23.25 while galloping out in 1:00.74. She will leave for Kentucky on Monday morning. ... Hot Cha Cha breezed five furlongs in a minute flat Saturday at Keeneland.

Mile: The brilliant mare Proviso, winner of four consecutive Grade I events, breezed five furlongs in 1:02.40 over the Keeneland turf Saturday morning. She was the only one to work over the course that morning, so there aren't other times to compare hers to; however, the dogs were up on the course, resulting in greater distance traveled and a slower time. She finished strongly down the lane. ... Gio Ponti, winner of the Shadwell Mile in his last start, worked five furlongs in 1:03.58 Sunday morning over the Belmont turf, a shade ahead of stablemate Winchester, who will go in the Turf. The reigning Eclipse champion older male and turf male, Gio Ponti was second in last year's Classic. His connections haven't decided on the Classic or Mile for the colt this year, but it's interesting that Sunday's work came on the turf. Gio Ponti and Winchester leave for Kentucky on Nov. 2.

Dirt Mile: Godolphin hopefuls Gayego and Vineyard Haven both worked Sunday at Belmont. Gayego, who was fourth in last year's Sprint, got five furlongs in 1:00.18. Vineyard Haven, a multiple Grade I winner who will be supplemented to the Breeders' Cup, got five furlongs in 1:01.18. ... Hurricane Ike went six furlongs in 1:12.40 in company at Churchill Downs Saturday with Calvin Borel up. The 3-year-old won the Derby Trial over the Breeders' Cup distance and surface this spring. ... Hollywood Gold Cup winner Awesome Gem, who will be cross-entered in the Dirt Mile and Marathon, worked six furlongs in 1:13.20 at Hollywood Saturday.

Sprint: Defending champion Dancing In Silks will not run in this year's Sprint after all, after trainer Carla Gaines said she was displeased with the way he's worked recently. ... True North winner Bribon, who will likely be supplemented to the Sprint, went five furlongs in 1:00.94 at Belmont Sunday. ... The globetrotting Kinsale King, who will be cross-entered in the Sprint and Turf Sprint, worked a brisk half in :46.60 at Hollywood on Saturday, the second-best at the distance. ... Big Drama, twice second in Grade I sprints this summer at Saratoga, went six furlongs in 1:14.37 Saturday morning at Calder. He accomplished the move in company with Grade II winner Duke of Mischief, over a track that was playing slow. The 4-year-old will work again at Calder next weekend before shipping to Kentucky Oct. 31 or Nov. 2. ... Triple Bend winner EZ's Gentleman will also pass on the Sprint after trainer Bob Baffert wasn't happy with his final work.

Filly and Mare Sprint: Acorn and Test winner Champagne d'Oro went a snappy five furlongs in :59.60 with Miguel Mena up Saturday morning at Churchill Downs. ... Gallant Bloom winner My Jen went in :47.60 in company Saturday at Churchill. ... Cutting back in distance for this race will be Switch. Most recently second to Zenyatta in the Lady's Secret, she breezed five furlongs in 1:00.20 at Churchill Downs. ... Sara Louise, who will make her second start of the year in the Breeders' Cup, went four furlongs in :49.01 Saturday at Belmont. ... Gabby's Golden Gal, unraced since winning the Grade I Santa Monica in January, was confirmed for the Breeders' Cup by Baffert. The filly covered six furlongs in a snappy 1:12.80 Saturday morning at Hollywood. ... Moontune Missy went six furlongs in 1:11.69 at Keeneland while being outfinished by a younger stablemate. ... Rinterval went four furlongs in :49.40 Saturday at Churchill.

Turf Sprint: Mechanicville native Chad Brown sent potential favorite Silver Timber out to work an easy four furlongs in :49.40 over Keeneland's main track Saturday morning. The 7-year-old gelding holds a course record at Churchill Downs. ... Female turf sprinter Rose Catherine, winner of five of her six starts this year, worked five furlongs in 1:04.07. ... Chamberlain Bridge breezed a half in :49.40 at Churchill.

Juvenile: Pletcher sent Mike Repole's duo of Uncle Mo and Stay Thirsty out for works Sunday at Belmont. Uncle Mo, who is 2-for-2 lifetime in dominant fashion, turned in his first breeze since winning the Champagne, going four furlongs in :49.89. Stay Thirsty, runner-up in the Hopeful, worked five furlongs in 1:01.25 in company. ... Rogue Romance, who could switch to the main track in the Juvenile for trainer Ken McPeek, worked five furlongs in a bullet :58.40 Saturday at Keeneland.

Juvenile Fillies: Spinaway winner R Heat Lightning breezed a half in :48.06 Saturday at Belmont. She got her final quarter in :23.72 and galloped out strongly in 1:00.64. ... Frizette winner AZ Warrior worked a brilliant five furlongs in :58 flat Saturday at Hollywood, the best of 55 at the distance. ... Debutante winner Tell A Kelly breezed five furlongs in 1:00.80 at Churchill Saturday with Borel up.

Juvenile Turf: Pilgrim winner Air Support breezed four furlongs in :48.42 over the main track Sunday at Belmont. ... Stakeswinner Pluck went five furlongs in 1:01.20 in company at Churchill. ... With Anticipation winner and Pilgrim runner-up Soldat, in company with a Grade III winning stablemate, breezed four furlongs in :48.72 at Belmont Saturday.

New York celebrates its own today with the annual New York Showcase Day at Belmont Park.

The seven stakes, worth nearly $1 million, drew over 100 entries including also-eligibles. The highlight of the day is the Empire Classic, which, despite a few notable defections, drew a competitive field. Defending race champion Haynesfield, following his open-company wins in the Suburban and Jockey Club Gold Cup, is heading to the Breeders' Cup Classic in two weeks; on Friday, the hard-knocking Naughty New Yorker was withdrawn and retired following an injury. That leaves a field of 10 runners, a competitive mix of sophomores and veterans who have combined to make 148 career starts and earn over $3.3 million.

The 35th running of the nine-furlong event is headed up by Giant Moon (trained by Rick Schosberg, ridden by Edgar Prado, post 10, 6-1 morning line). Lightly raced due to a number of setbacks that Schosberg has patiently guided him through, the 5-year-old son of Giant's Causeway is now enjoying an outstanding season. He's been first or second in four starts this year, with the lone exception coming against open graded company. Giant Moon will be looking for his second win on a Showcase Day, having won the Sleepy Hollow for 2-year-olds in 2007.

Giant Moon edged fellow Empire Classic runner Icabad Crane (Graham Motion, Rajiv Maragh, post 5, 8-1) to win the Evan Shipman this summer at Saratoga. After competing against open company early in their careers - running in a number of Triple Crown preps and finishing eighth and third, respectively, in the 2008 Preakness - Giant Moon and Icabad Crane have developed into two of the best older statebreds running today.

These veterans face a deep group of 3-year-olds headed up by Friend Or Foe (John Kimmel, Alex Solis, post 4, 3-1). The colt won his first three career starts, including the Mike Lee at Belmont, the first leg of the Big Apple Triple. Rather than continuing on with the series, he stepped out into statebred company, finishing a creditable fourth in the Jim Dandy and sixth with an eventful trip in the Travers.

Ibboyee (Todd Pletcher, Johnny Velazquez, post 2, 7-2) won the second leg of the Big Apple Triple, the New York Derby, before Stormy's Majesty (Dom Galluscio, Jose Lezcano, post 9, 4-1) edged him in the final leg, the Albany at Saratoga.

Another familiar face in the Empire Classic is Ruffino (Jim Bond, Mike Luzzi, post 3, 20-1). He's still seeking his first win of 2010 but was second in this race last year behind Haynesfield.

The Mohawk, at nine furlongs on the turf, is an intriguing showdown between Ashley T. Cole winner Uncle T Seven (Kimmel, Ramon Dominguez, post 10, 2-1), West Point winner Straight Story (Alan Goldberg, Javier Castellano, post 2, 7-5), and Pocket Cowboys (Scott Schwartz, Edgar Prado, post 3, 5-1), who was runner-up in both of those events.

Driven By Success (Pletcher, Velazquez, post 3, 9-5) drops back down to face statebred sprinters in the Hudson after running fifth in the Grade I Vosburgh.

The program also features the Iroquois for female sprinters; the Ticonderoga for females on the turf; and the Sleepy Hollow and the Maid Of The Mist for 2-year-olds.

For live updates from Showcase Day, follow The Pink Sheet on Twitter; you can also follow Teresa Genaro of Brooklyn Backstretch, a freelance racing writer for the Saratogian.

Updates on contenders for racing's championship event, the Breeders' Cup, which is now just 14 days away.

Classic: Defending champion Zenyatta turned in her second to last work in advance of her title defense on Friday morning at Hollywood Park, going seven furlongs in 1:27.20 under regular rider Mike Smith. Trainer John Shirreffs devised a tag-team for the work in order to keep the big mare focused throughout. The maiden Sarbonne broke off for the work just ahead of Zenyatta on the backstretch; regular workmate El Vino, also a maiden joined the pair near the half-mile pole and continued on to the wire with Zenyatta. The big mare, who had hear ears pricked most of the way, turned in splits of :38 4/5, :50 4/5, 1:03 1/5 and 1:15 1/5 - meaning she got her last quarter mile in :24 and her final furlong in :21. Shirreffs was pleased with the work and reiterated the plan to have Zenyatta work once more in California on Oct. 30 before flying to Kentucky Nov. 2. ... Monmouth Cup winner Etched is still possible for the Classic. The 5-year-old son of 2001 Distaff winner Unbridled Elaine is 7-for-9 lifetime and has won both his starts this year.

Dirt Mile: Jim Dandy winner A Little Warm suffered condylar fractures to both front legs Friday during a routine gallop at Delaware Park; he's obviously out of the Breeders' Cup and most likely will be retired. The 3-year-old colt had surgery Friday at the New Bolton Center in Pennsylvania and is expected to recover well enough to be a stallion. The colt won the Spectacular Bid and was second in both the Hutcheson and Louisiana Derby this spring before missing the Derby due to insufficient earnings and the Preakness due to illness. He returned to win an allowance at Delaware before a Jim Dandy win that stamped him as the morning line favorite for the Travers. But he finished fifth in that race and most recently was third in the Pennsylvania Derby. ... Dakota Phone worked five furlongs in 1:01.20 Friday at Hollywood.

Sprint: Defending race champion Dancing In Silks won't be making the trip to Kentucky after all. Trainer Carla Gaines wasn't happy with the way the gelding was training, saying he "wasn't showing any interest" after going six furlongs in 1:13.20 Thursday morning.

Updates on contenders for the various Breeders' Cup events and other news, as racing's championship event is now just 15 days away.

Classic: Defending champion Zenyatta jogged and galloped at Hollywood Park on Wednesday and Thursday. The 6-year-old mare is scheduled to work Friday morning. The popular mare continues to draw attention and support from the masses; a crew from '60 Minutes' visited her on Thursday, for a special to air Breeders' Cup week, and Hollywood Park announced that it will provide a 40-foot banner for fans to sign wishing her luck in the Classic. ... A new face was added to the Classic fray as leading 3-year-old turf runner Paddy O'Prado was declared in for the race. The colt was third in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs over a sloppy track, then was unplaced in the Preakness before winning three straight graded events against fellow sophomores on the turf. Coming into the Breeders' Cup off a runner-up effort in the Turf Classic in his first try against older horses, he was considered possible for either the Turf or the Japan Cup later this year; but citing the prestige of the event, the huge purse and the residual stud value, his connections have decided to swing for the fences in the Classic. ... Japanese hopeful Espoir City jogged and galloped on the Churchill Downs track Thursday, his first feel for the surface. He is expected to work either Saturday or Sunday. ... West Point Thoroughbreds' Hollywood Gold Cup winner Awesome Gem will make his fourth appearance in the Breeders' Cup. ... Multiple Group I winner Rip Van Winkle has been retired to Coolmore Stud after suffering a minor physical setback. An also-ran in last year's Classic, he was considered possible for both the Classic and Mile this year. ... No decision has yet been made on whether last year's Classic runner-up Gio Ponti will contest the Classic or the Mile. Last year's champion older male and champion turf male has never won over a dirt track. ... Lookin At Lucky will arrive in Kentucky Nov. 2. The colt was a decent sixth after a horrendous trip in the Kentucky Derby, his only prior start over this track.

Sprint: Ancient Title runner-up Supreme Summit will be supplemented to the Sprint. ... Sadler says plans for 2009 Sprint third-place finisher Cost Of Freedom have not been finalized. ... Warrior's Reward worked four furlongs in :48.80 at Churchill Downs on Wednesday. ... Cash Refund worked five furlongs out of the gate in :58.80 at Keeneland.

Filly and Mare Sprint: Wayne Lukas trainee Tidal Pool, hoping to earn a berth in this race, worked a half in :48.80 at Churchill Downs Thursday.

Turf Sprint: Defending champion California Flag arrived at Churchill Downs early Thursday afternoon following a short van ride from Keeneland.

Mile: Two-time defending champion Goldikova will arrive Oct. 30 for her shot at an unprecedented third straight win. ... A few days after saying their horse would point for the Cal Cup Mile, the owners of The Usual Q.T. have changed course and decided to enter the Mile after all. The colt was most recently a solid second in the Woodbine Mile.

Dirt Mile: Forego winner Here Comes Ben breezed a strong six furlongs in 1:12.20 Thursday at Keeneland, galloping out in 1:24 flat. He will ship to Churchill Downs Nov. 3, the latest runners can arrive at the host track.

Juvenile: Hopeful winner Boys At Tosconova breezed a very easy six furlongs in 1:16.72 at Aqueduct on Wednesday. Each quarter of the work was faster than the last, as his splits were :28.07, :25.27 and :23.68. The son of Officer will have two more works at Aqueduct before shipping to Kentucky on Nov. 2. ... JB's Thunder, who is still on the fence for the Breeders' Cup, will work Friday morning at Keeneland.

Juvenile Fillies: Wayne Catalano, who has won the Juvenile Fillies twice in the last four Breeders' Cups, says he will pre-enter both Jordy Y and Honey Chile in this year's race. ... Izhelegal, a maiden who has twice finished fourth against Grade I company will also head to the Juvenile Fillies. ... Wonderlandbynight, who suffered her first career defeat when fourth in the Alcibiades, will pass on the Breeders' Cup.

Updates on contenders for the various Breeders' Cup events and other news, as racing's championship event is now just 17 days away.

Classic: Japan's Classic hopeful Espoir City has arrived at Churchill Downs. The 5-year-old son of Gold Allure left his home country early Monday, changed planes in Chicago, and arrived in Kentucky at about 3 a.m. Tuesday. Espoir City is a three-time Group I winner in Japan, including last year's Japan Cup Dirt, and sports a career record of 13-10-2-0. ... Two-time Pacific Classic and Goodwood winner Richard's Kid will not start in the Classic. Trainer Bob Baffert worked the 5-year-old six furlongs in 1:13 at Hollywood Tuesday morning, but was then informed by owner Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammed al-Maktoum that he'd like to race this horse in Dubai this winter instead, presumably with an eye on the Dubai World Cup next March. Richard's Kid will enter quarantine this week to prepare for the trip. ... Baffert will be represented in the Classic by leading 3-year-old Lookin At Lucky, who went five furlongs in 1:00 flat at Hollywood Tuesday morning. Going in company, he turned in a final quarter in a snappy :22.80 while finishing ahead of his workmate. ... Crown of Thorns, who finished second in last year's Sprint, is likely for the Dirt Mile, but trainer Richard Mandella said Monday he hasn't completely ruled out a tilt at the Classic.

Ladies Classic: La Troienne winner Unrivaled Belle breezed an easy four furlongs in :50.82 at Belmont Monday morning. It was her first work since finishing second in the Beldame.

Turf: Arc winner Workforce is still highly possible for the Turf following an outstanding work over the weekend. A final decision will be made after he works again this coming Saturday. The 3-year-old is already booked for the trip to Kentucky just in case. ... Manhattan and Turf Classic winner Winchester worked a half in :51.76 over the Belmont turf on Monday. He'll work twice more before shipping to Kentucky Nov. 2. ... Arlington Million winner Debussy, third in the Champion Stakes on Saturday, will make a return trip to America for the Turf. ... Canadian International fourth-place winner Al Khali, a stakeswinner at both Belmont and Saratoga, shipped to Churchill Downs on Monday to prepare for a possible start in the Turf.

Filly and Mare Turf: A familiar face at Saratoga this summer, Miss Keller, is still headed to the Breeders' Cup after her runner-up effort in the E.P. Taylor Saturday over her home course. Miss Keller won the De La Rose and was third in the Ballston Spa this summer.

Sprint: The classy sprinter Riley Tucker worked five furlongs in 1:03.60 Monday morning at Churchill Downs. ... Atta Boy Roy, winner of the Churchill Downs Handicap over the Sprint course, will turn in his penultimate work this Friday or Saturday. Calvin Borel will be aboard and has the call for the Breeders' Cup. ... The globetrotting Kinsale King was shipped from his training base at Hollywood Park to the Big Fresno Fair on Saturday to get in a work over a dirt track. With trainer Carl O'Callaghan aboard, he went five furlongs in a brisk :59 flat. Kinsale King, a Grade II winner in California earlier this year, won the Group I Dubai Golden Shaheen in March, but is unraced since finishing unplaced in the Group I July Cup at Newmarket. ... Last year's Sprint winner Dancing In Silks will indeed return to defend his title.

Filly and Mare Sprint: Trainer Bob Baffert hasn't yet committed to the Breeders' Cup for his multiple Grade I winner Gabby's Golden Gal. The filly turned in the latest in a series of solid works on Sunday, going six furlongs in 1:12.80 at Hollywood. However, she hasn't run since winning the Santa Monica in January.

Mile: Bill Mott confirmed that Proviso, winner of four straight Grade Is, will take on the boys in the Mile, rather than stretching out to a distance she might not prefer in the Filly and Mare Turf. Proviso became the first female to win the Kilroe Mile earlier this year. ... Woodbine Mile runner-up The Usual Q.T. will skip the Breeders' Cup and instead start in the California Cup Mile a week earlier, with an eye on the Citation Handicap in late November.

Dirt Mile: Steve Asmussen sent out Thiskyhasnolimit to go five furlongs in 1:01, third best of 44 at the distance, at Churchill. The colt won the Iroquois last fall over the track.

Juvenile: Saratoga maiden winner Astrology worked five furlongs in 1:01.80 at Churchill Downs, 11th best of 44 at the distance, on Monday. ... Impressive Belmont maiden winner To Honor And Serve will skip the Juvenile and instead start in the Nashua at Aqueduct. ... JP's Gusto, who had a four-race stakes win streak snapped when he was second in the Norfolk, worked six furlongs in 1:13 at Hollywood on Tuesday.

Juvenile Fillies Turf: Miss Grillo winner Winter Memories worked four furlongs over the turf at Belmont in :51.02. Regular rider Jose Lezcano was aboard for the move and will retain the mount for the Breeders' Cup, where the filly is likely to be favored. Trainer Jimmy Toner says he'll likely get Winter Memories to Kentucky in time to get some training in at Churchill Downs.

Marathon: Jamaica winner Prince Will I Am will give former Todd Pletcher assistant Michelle Nihei her first Breeders' Cup starter. The 3-year-old could go in either the Marathon or the Turf, with Nihei mentioning the Marathon as an attractive target because of the depth of the European contingent in the Turf. Nihei got her first graded victory as a trainer when Prince Will I Am upset the Jamaica. ... A.U. Miner breezed five furlongs in 1:01.40 Tuesday morning at Churchill Downs. Borel has the mount in the Marathon. ... Trainer Carla Gaines confirmed that Temple City, winner of the Cougar II Handicap this summer, will go in the Marathon.

Zenyatta's fan club added another member on Sunday, as NFL player Terrell Owens stopped by to visit the unbeaten champion.

The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver was in California for the weekend as his team had a bye week, and visited the big mare at Hollywood Park on Sunday.

According to a Hollywood press release, Owens could relate when he was told that Zenyatta is highly competitive on the track, but very relaxed around the barn.

"So she's like me, kind off the field, but someone who shows a lot of passion on it," he said. "She's a beautiful horse. She is a big girl."

Owens is hoping that some of Zenyatta's other attributes will run off on him as well.

"She's 19-0, hoping she brings me luck [for] the rest of the season!" he wrote on his Twitter page.

Owens is well known for his frequent use of Twitter - he was recently hit with a $5,000 fine for tweeting too close to last week's game against Tampa Bay. He didn't disappoint his followers on Sunday, posting several photos of himself with Zenyatta, as well as with jockey Mike Smith.

This isn't the first time Owens has made a point of checking out one of racing's stars. He posted photos earlier this year when he stopped at Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky to visit Derby winner Big Brown.

Zenyatta will attempt to go 20-0 when she defends her title in the Breeders' Cup Classic on Nov. 6. Last year, she became the first female to win the race.

It was one busy weekend. Updates on contenders for the various Breeders' Cup events and other news, as racing's championship event is now just 19 days away.

Classic: Two of the Classic favorites, Blame and Quality Road, appeared on the worktab Sunday morning. At Keeneland, Blame went four furlongs in :47.60 over the Polytrack, his first work since finishing second in the Jockey Club Gold Cup. The 4-year-old son of Arch posted splits of :11 4/5, :24 1/5, :35 4/5 and galloped out in 1:00 1/5. His four furlong work was the fifth-fastest of 27 at the distance. Blame, winner of the Whitney over Quality Road, will ship down the road to Churchill Downs on Oct. 27 before his final work on Oct. 31. The colt won last fall’s Clark and this year’s Stephen Foster at Churchill. Meanwhile at Belmont, Quality Road breezed six furlongs in company in 1:13.46, the latest in a series of moves designed to build up his stamina and fitness before looking for his first win at 10 furlongs in the Classic. The colt, winner of the Donn, Met Mile and Woodward this year, arrives in Kentucky Oct. 26. … Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Haynesfield breezed five furlongs in 1:02.20 at Churchill Downs Sunday morning. Clockers caught the New York-bred hope going his last quarter in :23 4/5. … First Dude, five times Grade I-placed this year against the best of his generation, breezed five furlongs in 1:00.20 Saturday morning at Churchill Downs. Saratoga native Tammy Fox was aboard for the work. … Hollywood Gold Cup winner Awesome Gem worked a half in :48.40 Saturday at Hollywood. He’ll work again next week before trainer Craig Dollase and owners West Point Thoroughbreds decide whether to start in the Classic. … Pacific Classic and Goodwood winner Richard’s Kid will retain Alonso Quinonez in the irons for the Classic. The jockey was aboard for the first time in the Goodwood. … Monmouth Cup winner Etched has been described as possible but unlikely for the Classic by trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, who is leery about wheeling him back in a major race just four weeks after his win. The 5-year-old son of 2001 Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner Unbridled Elaine has made just nine lifetime starts, but has seven wins. … Juddmonte’s Twice Over, who finished third in the Classic last year, won’t be making a return trip. The English-bred won the Group I Champion Stakes on Saturday for the second straight year, but afterward, his connections said they’re skipping the Breeders’ Cup to focus on next spring’s Dubai World Cup.

Ladies Classic: Leading 3-year-old Blind Luck worked five furlongs in 1:01.20 at Hollywood Park on Sunday in preparation for her first start against older horses in the Ladies Classic. The filly won the Kentucky Oaks over the Churchill Downs strip last spring. … Switch worked a bullet half in :47, best of 40 on the day, at Churchill Downs. The 3-year-old defeated Blind Luck in the Hollywood Oaks in June and most recently was second to Zenyatta in the Lady’s Secret. … Beldame winner Life At Ten and Ruffian winner Malibu Prayer each worked at Belmont Saturday for trainer Todd Pletcher. Life At Ten went four furlongs in :49.90, her first work since scoring her second Grade I in the Beldame. Malibu Prayer, most recently second in the Molly Pitcher, went five furlongs in 1:01.26. … Kentucky Oaks runner-up Evening Jewel could still be headed to the Ladies Classic after finishing third in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup on the Keeneland turf Saturday. … Spinster winner Acoma will run once more after all, as trainer David Carroll says his mare will start in the Ladies Classic. Her connections had considered retiring her, but changed her mind after she upset the Spinster at 23-1.

Turf: The 3-year-old Joshua Tree won the Canadian International Saturday at Woodbine to thrust his name into Breeders' Cup contention. ... Trainer Aidan O'Brien has said that Fame and Glory, most recently fifth in the Prix de i'Arc de Triomphe, had such a hard race he could be done for the season. Should Fame and Glory not contest the Turf, O'Brien could send Irish Derby and Irish Champion winner Cape Blanco.

Filly and Mare Turf: Trainer John Shirreffs won’t yet commit to the Breeders’ Cup for Harmonious, who dominated the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland on Saturday. The filly has made her last three starts against Grade I company, winning the American Oaks, finishing second to Evening Jewel in the Del Mar Oaks and winning the QEII. … Reggane, winner of the EP Taylor Saturday at Woodbine in her North American debut, is being considered for either the Filly and Mare Turf or the Mile.

Mile: The sale of 3-year-old Sidney’s Candy to an undisclosed owner has been completed, and the colt will remain with trainer John Sadler to continue pointing for the Mile. The colt set a course record in his first start on turf, the La Jolla Handicap, in August, but will go into the Breeders’ Cup off a long layoff; he was scratched from the Oak Tree Mile as the sale was pending.

Dirt Mile: Godolphin worked its pair of Dirt Mile contenders, Grade I winners Vineyard Haven and Gayego, on Sunday at Belmont. Vineyard Haven, who will be supplemented to the Breeders’ Cup, worked five furlongs in 1:01.90. Gayego, fourth in last year’s Sprint, went in 1:00.56. … 2009 Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird worked five furlongs in 1:01.20 Sunday morning at Churchill Downs. In company with stakes winner Be Fair, the gelding ticked off splits of :11 3/5, :23 1/5 and :35 while finishing several lengths in front. Mine That Bird is still looking for his first win since the Derby, but returns to the scene of his greatest triumph. … San Diego Handicap winner Dakota Phone worked a half in :49.20 Saturday at Hollywood. … Jim Dandy winner A Little Warm could be headed to the Dirt Mile. ... Bribon, who is under consideration for both the Dirt Mile and the Sprint, worked five furlongs in 1:00.46 Sunday at Belmont. He won the Met Mile in 2009.

Juvenile: Hopeful runner-up Stay Thirsty breezed five furlongs in 1:00.27 Sunday morning at Belmont.

Juvenile Fillies: Oak Leaf upset winner Rigoletta has been ruled out of the Juvenile Fillies with a splint injury that will sideline her the rest of this fall. … Debutante winner and Oak Leaf runner-up Tell A Kelly breezed four furlongs in :48.60 Saturday morning at Churchill Downs. The work, her first over a dirt track, was the second fastest on the morning. … Awesome Feather remained unbeaten in five starts by winning the My Dear Girl on Saturday to sweep her division of the Florida Stallion Series. She’s now stepping up in class in the Breeders’ Cup.

Juvenile Turf: Stakes winner Pluck went five furlongs in 1:02 at Churchill Downs Sunday morning. … Acaffella, a stakes winner on the turf at Golden Gate, is out of the Breeders’ Cup after suffering a hairline fracture of a cannon bone. The colt underwent surgery last week and is expected to return to training next year.

Filly and Mare Sprint: Gallant Bloom winner My Jen worked a half in :48 flat, the fastest of the morning, Saturday at Churchill Downs. ... Godolphin's Sara Louise, third in the Gallant Bloom in her 2010 debut, went four furlongs in :48.15 Sunday at Belmont. ... Secret Gypsy, winner of the Honorable Miss this summer at Saratoga, worked a half in :47.80 Sunday at Churchill.

Turf Sprint: Among the handful of fillies likely to contest the Turf Sprint will be five-time stakeswinner Unzip Me, winner of the Ken Maddy at Hollywood on Sept. 30. ... Another female in the race will be Rose Catherine, who breezed four furlongs in :48.27 Sunday at Belmont.

Marathon: Clement Hirsch Turf Championship runner-up Where's The Remote worked a half in :50 flat Saturday at Hollywood.

Updates on contenders for the various Breeders' Cup events and other news, as racing's championship event is now just 22 days away.

Classic: Defending Classic champion Zenyatta breezed an easy five furlongs in 1:02.60 at her home base, Hollywood Park, this morning. Regular jockey Mike Smith was aboard for the move, her first since winning the Lady's Secret on Oct. 2 and the first of three planned works leading up to the Classic. The mare ticked off fractions of :25.80, :38.40 and :51.20. She got her final furlong in :11.40 and finished well ahead of workmate El Vino, who clocked in 1:03.20. ... Oklahoma Derby winner Pleasant Prince won't make his next start in the Classic after all, as owner Ken Ramsey has decided it isn't financially sensible to supplement the 3-year-old at a cost of $450,000.

Juvenile: Hopeful winner Boys At Tosconova worked a brilliant six furlongs in 1:10.90 at Aqueduct on Thursday morning, the best of five at the distance. With regular rider Ramon Dominguez in the irons, the Officer colt went each quarter faster than the prior one and finished ahead of older workmate Laysh Laysh Laysh (1:11.30). The colt galloped out seven furlongs in 1:24.44. He'll ship to Kentucky on Nov. 2. ... Norfolk winner Jaycito worked an easy half in :50.60 at Hollywood, the first of three works before leaving for Kentucky on Oct. 31.

Mile: Woodbine Mile winner Court Vision worked six furlongs over the Aqueduct turf in 1:23.03. While the time is extremely slow for six furlongs, the cones were set up well off the rail on the course, meaning workers traveled much farther than the prescribed distance.

Updates on contenders for the various Breeders' Cup events and other news, as racing's championship event is now just 23 days away.

Classic: Trainer John Shirreffs has outlined his plans for the defending Classic champion, unbeaten Zenyatta. The mare will work three times at Hollywood Park, with the first of those planned works coming tomorrow morning. That will mark Zenyatta's first return to the worktab since winning the Lady's Secret for the third consecutive year, running her record to 19-0. She will work again Oct. 22 and Oct. 30. Zenyatta is booked on a Tex-Sutton charter flight to Kentucky on Nov. 2. ... Lookin At Lucky worked a strong half in :48.40 in company at Hollywood, getting his final three furlongs in :35.60. It was the first work for the 3-year-old since winning the Indiana Derby. ... Bob Baffert sent his other Classic contender, Richard's Kid, out to go a half in :48.20. Richard's Kid has won the Pacific Classic and Goodwood each of the last two years. ... Although prior to the Monmouth Cup, trainer Derek Ryan said Musket Man would have to win that race to move on to the Classic, he's now changed course and says he will send the 4-year-old to the big race. Musket Man, a millionaire, has just one win from six starts this year, but has never missed the board in his career and this year has fallen short against the likes of Quality Road and Blame. The colt won last year's Illinois Derby and was third in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. He'll work twice at Monmouth before shipping to Kentucky Oct. 31.

Mile: The Racing Post confirmed that the multiple Group I winner Paco Boy will renew his rivalry with two-time defending champion Goldikova in the Mile. It will be his final start.

Sprint: Trainer Charles Lopresti confirmed that he'll point Wise Dan, winner of the Phoenix last Friday at Keeneland, to the Sprint. That means Here Comes Ben, with whom Lopresti won his first Grade I in the Forego this summer at Saratoga, will head to the Dirt Mile. ... Phoenix third-place finisher Warrior's Reward is likely to go in the Sprint.

Juvenile: Norfolk winner Jaycito will ship from California to Kentucky on Oct. 31.

In quite a shot in the arm for New York breeding, multiple Eclipse Award-winning breeder Adena Springs announced it will move five of its stallions from its branches in Kentucky and Canada to McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds.

The move indicates that breeders are optimistic about the long-term health of the industry in New York. Dermot Carty, Adena's director of sales, cited improved purses in New York as a reason for the move, with VLTs hopefully operating at Aqueduct by early next year.

"Naturally, the slots initiative in the state of New York is very compelling," he said. "The prospect of improved purses as well as stallion and breeder’s awards was a strong motivation for Adena Springs Farm to support the New York State program with our stallions."

The stallions are:

Touch Gold, who denied Silver Charm the Triple Crown by taking the Belmont Stakes in 1997; he also continued on to win the Haskell that summer. As a stallion, Touch Gold has been represented by 29 stakes winners, including Composure, runner-up in the 2002 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies who returned to be a Grade I winner at three; 2004 Forego winner Midas Eyes; 2008 West Virginia Derby winner Ready Set; and multiple graded winner Sugar Swirl.

Alphabet Soup, who defeated two-time Horse of the Year Cigar in the 1996 Breeders' Cup Classic. He's the sire of 29 stakes winners, including 2004 Dubai Golden Shaheen winner and millionaire Our New Recruit; and the Grade I winner Alphabet Kisses. Alphabet Soup will be joining another of his most successful foals in Saratoga County, as the graded winner Watchem Smokey is a retiree at Old Friends at Cabin Creek: The Bobby Frankel Division in nearby Greenfield Center.

Silent Name, a Grade II winner in America and a stakeswinner in France. He'll be one of the few sources of Sunday Silence blood in North America; the 1989 Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Classic winner stood his entire career in Japan. Silent Name's first foals are yearlings.

Tiago, the 2007 Santa Anita Derby winner and third-place finisher in the Belmont. He's a half-brother to 2005 Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo. Tiago entered stud this year, meaning his first foals will arrive next spring.

Harlem Rocker, winner of the Prince of Wales, middle jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown, in 2008. He will be standing his first season at stud next year.

"In all of my 45 years in the New York industry there has never been a group of Grade 1 horses assembled the likes of these," Joe McMahon said. "This is a grand opportunity for breeders to qualify their foals for what will arguably be the best purses and awards available anywhere in the United States. We are very excited to have North America’s eight-time leading breeder entrust us with their accomplished stallions."

McMahon will host a fall open house and stallion show Oct. 30 and 31. Stud fees will be announced at a later date.

Updates on contenders for the various Breeders' Cup events and other news, as racing's championship event is now just 24 days away. Entries will be drawn three weeks from today.

Classic: The latest hopeful to enter the fray is Pleasant Prince, who scored an easy win in Sunday's Oklahoma Derby. The 3-year-old, who also won the Ohio Derby earlier this summer, was second to Ice Box in the Florida Derby earlier this year, but has beed badly beaten in his other two Grade I tries. ... Trainer Dale Romans said First Dude will work on Saturday at Churchill Downs in preparation for the Classic. The 3-year-old is still looking for just his second career victory, but has seven straight placings against some of the best of his generation in graded company - with six of those in Grade I events. ... Japan's Espoir City had a six-race win streak snapped Monday when he finished second in the Nambu Hai Mile Championship, his first race since May 5. Despite the loss, he remains on target for an assault on the Classic; he went into quarantine on Tuesday in preparation to ship on Oct. 18. ... The unbeaten Zenyatta will have two works before her Classic defense, with the first coming either Oct. 14 or 15. Both works will come in California, as the mare will arrive in Kentucky the week of the race. The Breeders' Cup has launched a promotional website, www.Zenyatta2010.com, to provide daily updates on the popular mare as she nears her bid for her 20th consecutive victory. ... Quality Road breezed five furlongs in 1:01.06 at Belmont on Sunday morning. The three-time Grade I winner this year will make his final career start in the Classic, as a deal was inked over the weekend for him to stand at Lane's End Farm next spring.

Turf: Romans said Paddy O'Prado, second against older horses in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Belmont on Oct 2, may work this Saturday; however, he could also give the son of El Prado another week off to have a fresher horse for the Turf. ... Behkabad, who was a troubled fourth in Europe's most important race, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, is the latest to join the strong foreign contingent heading to the Turf, his connections announced Tuesday. The participation of Arc winner Workforce is still up in the air, with his connections saying a decision will likely be made after this weekend.

Juvenile Fillies: Despite the strong hand he held in stakes for 2-year-old fillies this fall, trainer Todd Pletcher says he'll be represented by just one runner, R Heat Lightning, in the Juvenile Fillies. The Spinaway winner was a troubled second in the Frizette on Saturday. ... Frizette winner A Z Warrior arrived back in California on Monday, where she'll train for the next three weeks before heading to Churchill Downs the week of the Breeders' Cup. ... Calvin Borel has picked up the mount on Debutante winner and Oak Leaf runner-up Tell A Kelly for the race.

Filly and Mare Sprint: Although she's a multiple graded winner on the turf and will start in this weekend's Queen Elizabeth II on the Keeneland lawn, trainer Jim Cassidy says his star filly Evening Jewel will most likely cut back and run on the main track in the Filly and Mare Sprint. The Ladies Classic is another option for the filly, who was runner-up by just a nose in the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs. A final decision will come after the QEII.

A stall stands empty, but a lot of memories remain as Rachel Alexandra left Saratoga for the last time on Tuesday afternoon.

The 2009 Horse of the Year, whose retirement was announced last week, left trainer Steve Asmussen's barn at the Oklahoma Training Track at about 1:30 p.m., boarding a van bound for Churchill Downs in Louisville, where she'll arrive in the wee hours of tomorrow morning. Assistant trainer Scott Blasi, who has been by the filly's side nearly every day since she joined the Asmussen barn in May 2009, followed the van in his pickup.

The 4-year-old filly will be let down at Asmussen's barn at Churchill Downs for a few weeks before taking a short van ride to majority owner Jess Jackson's Stonestreet Farm in Lexington, which figures to be her permanent home as a broodmare.

Rachel Alexandra will be bred next spring to Curlin, Jackson's 2007-08 Horse of the Year, who stands stud at Lane's End Farm in Versailles, just outside of Lexington.

Before the Breeders' Cup, there's Super Saturday. Nine Grade I races - five at Belmont, four at Oak Tree at Hollywood - will be run today in various divisions, along with a handful of meaningful Grade II stakes. Major championship contenders Zenyatta, Blame, Paddy O'Prado, Lookin At Lucky, Blind Luck and others will be in action.

Check out our preview of today's racing and while you're there, make sure to vote in our poll and predict if Zenyatta can remain unbeaten.

If you're watching from home, there are plenty of ways to keep up with the action. For live updates and inside info from Belmont today, follow the Pink Sheet on Twitter, and also follow the feed of our New York correspondent Teresa Genaro.

You can catch the races live locally on the OTB network (channel 12) and on simulcast at Saratoga Raceway. ESPN Classic will cover the Oak Tree at Hollywood program from 6:30-8 p.m. EST, with ESPN breaking in to show Zenyatta's run in the Lady's Secret at 7:15 p.m., between college football games.

Trying to keep it all straight? Listed below are the EST post times for today's major races, in chronological order:

3:23 p.m.: The Grade I Vosburgh at Belmont

3:59 p.m.: The Grade I Flower Bowl at Belmont

4:35 p.m.: The Grade I Beldame at Belmont

4:58 p.m.: The Grade II Cotillion at Philadelphia

5:11 p.m.: The Grade I Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational at Belmont

5:26 p.m.: The Grade II Indiana Oaks at Hoosier

5:48 p.m.: The Grade I Jockey Club Gold Cup at Belmont

6:02 p.m.: The Grade II Indiana Derby at Hoosier

6:39 p.m.: The Grade I Norfolk at Hollywood

7:15 p.m.: The Grade I Lady's Secret at Hollywood

7:50 p.m.: The Grade I Yellow Ribbon at Hollywood

8:20 p.m.: The Grade I Goodwood at Hollywood