Michael Vick, Dog Fighting

U.S. football star Michael Vick pleaded guilty and publicly apologized on Monday for his role in a dogfighting case that will land him in jail and already has prompted his suspension from the sport.

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Student Council earned an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup Classic

Student Council earned an automatic berth in the Breeders' Cup Classic Oct. 27 at Monmouth Park as part of the new selection process for horse racing's richest day.

"We know he likes Polytrack," said trainer Vladimir Cerin after Student Council defeated the late-trying Awesome Gem by a half-length. He posted a winning time of 2:07 1/5, which is eight seconds off the Pacific Classic record set by Candy Ride on the old dirt track in 2003. This edition of the race was the first on Polytrack.

The main attraction was Lava Man, as the crowd turned out to see whether he could sweep Southern California's richest races — the Santa Anita Handicap (gr. I), the Hollywood Gold Cup (gr. I) and the 1 1/4-mile Pacific Classic — for the second year in a row. Lava Man never got a good feel for the track and the California-bred 6-year-old gelding finished a disappointing sixth place.

The winner, Student Council, paid $48.80, $31.80 and $20.60 and runner-up Awesome Gem, returned $12.40 and $8.20, completing a $355.29 exacta. Hello Sunday, one of two in the race for six-time Pacific Classic winner Bobby Frankel, was $9.40 to show.

Technorati tag(s): Breeders Cup Challenge

Djokovic wins Montreal Masters

NOVAK Djokovic described his victory against world No. 1 Roger Federer to win the Montreal Masters yesterday as the greatest of his career.

The third seed, who beat Andy Roddick and Rafael Nadal to reach the final, won 7-6 (7-2) 2-6 7-6 (7-2) to claim his second Masters Series title.

"It's an unbelievable win for me," Djokovic said.

Djokovic attacked Federer throughout, racing to a 3-0 lead and saving six set points at 6-5 before taking the opening-set tiebreak 7-2.

The Swiss hit back to level in the second set, thanks to two breaks, and recovered from 4-2 down in the third to force a deciding tiebreak.

However Djokovic kept his nerve, playing an almost flawless tiebreak to win it 7-2, sinking to his knees in jubilation when Federer's through-the-legs shot found the net on match point.

The 20-year-old, a semi-finalist at the French Open and at Wimbledon this year, will move up to No. 3 in the rankings and said he had shown he could hold his own against the very best.

Technorati tag(s): Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer

Rags to Riches, Preps for Breeders' Cup 2007

The daughter of A.P. Indy, went a half in :49.86 under an easy ride from Angel Cordero Jr. which was a pleasant sight for trainer Todd Pletcher and owners Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith. Rags to Riches missed her last two scheduled workouts at the end of July due to fever and for precautionary X-rays.

"I thought the work went very well," said trainer Todd Pletcher. "Obviously, we weren't looking for anything overly exciting, just wanted to give her a chance to stretch her legs. It went as expected. She's a tremendous athlete and mover; when you watch her train, she's so powerful from behind. She's not a fast work horse. The main thing we're trying to do is keep her happy."

Rags to Riches is still in consideration for the Alabama Stakes (gr. I) on August 18th at Saratoga but Pletcher said they are not committing to anything and will keep their options open.

"We have plenty of good options, and obviously we want to shoot for the race that sets her up best for the Breeders' Cup," he said. "We may wait for something to come along like the Ruffian or the Gazelle. I wouldn't be afraid to run her against older mares."

Rags to Riches has not raced since her win at the Belmont Stakes and is an early favorite in the Breeders' Cup.

Technorati tag(s): Breeders Cup

Barry Bonds 756th Home Run

San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds hit career home run No. 756 on Tuesday night, breaking the record Hank Aaron set in 1976 with the Milwaukee Brewers.

The game was stopped for a 10-minute ceremony in which Bonds thanked the Giants fans, his teammates, his family and his late father, former MLB star Bobby Bonds.

"I've got to thank my teammates for their support through all of this," Bonds said over the stadium's PA system. "You guys have been strong and have given me all the support in the world and I'll never forget it."

Bonds grew emotional when he mentioned his father, who died in August, 2003, from complications from lung cancer and a brain tumour at age 57.

Technorati tag: Barry Bonds

Lawyer Ron made to Breeders Cup Classic

LAWYER RON, WHITNEY HANDICAP (Gr1), July 28, 2007

Lawyer Ron first Breeders' Cup Challenge winner to qualify for Breeders' Cup Classic

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