Breeders' Cup 2009 Post Position Draw Well Attended

Cameras were clicking and flashing, and film crews were jockeying for position, as a throng of owners, trainers, riders and racing media gathered at this afternoon's post position draw for the 14 Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championship races.

John Shirreffs, Breeders' Cup post position draw 2009

Following the ceremonies, racing journalists descended on the connections of some of the top horses, including trainers Bob Baffert and John Shirreffs.

John "Mutton Chops" McCririck, Breeders' Cup post position draw 2009

I was not the least bit surprised to see renowned handicapper and general character, John "Mutton Chops" McCririck joining the reporters interviewing Baffert. McCririck was loudly extolling the virtues of the Pro-Ride surface both in Europe and here at Santa Anita.

Baffert has some of my favorites entered, including Always a Princess in the Juvenile Fillies, Zensational in the Sprint, and Lookin at Lucky in the Juvenile.

Bob Baffert speaks to the press, Breeders' Cup post position draw 2009

Shirreffs was covered up by eager racing writers trying to hear a few words about his superstar filly, Zenyatta, who drew post position 4 in the Classic. He was overheard to say that Zenyatta will run in the Classic in her own way -- making her usual run. It looks like there will be some pace in the race to help her along.