EVA Test, Ten Post Hampers Retiring Stars

- Dylan Thomas is out of the Japan Cup after Japanese officials were not satisfied with the results of testing for the equine viral arteritis (EVA). The non-negative test is apparently the result of his being vaccinated against the disease at the Breeders' Cup. Ireland's Independent reports that Aidan O'Brien was "mystified."

"Dylan Thomas was vaccinated for EVA at the Breeders' Cup in Monmouth, New Jersey...

"This is a standard procedure for all stallions going to stud as it is in the best interest of the stallion and mare owner.

"Many of our stallions in the past have entered Japan with the EVA vaccination before entering stud.

However, Ballydoyle seems determined to race the horse once more before his retirement, and the Dec 9 Vase at Sha Tin in Hong Kong is the likely spot. "We hope that the Japanese Racing Association (JRA) will release him in time to run."

Dylan Thomas has already received Horse of the Year honors at Europe's Cartier Awards, and his future at stud is assured. So why do they want to run him again? Could it be merely - gasp - the sporting aspect that they don't want him to go out on the sour note that was the Breeders' Cup Turf?

- Donato Hanover drew horribly for Saturday's final of the Breeders' Crown 3 yo trot final at the Meadowlands; he's stuck out in the ten hole, yuck. Arch Madness, who defeated the Hambo champ in the elimination, thus breaking his 19 race winning streak, had his choice by virtue of that win, and took the two hole (after the other elim winner nabbed the rail).

"It might be tougher from the 10 hole, but it's just a starting spot," trainer Steve Elliott said. "Hopefully, he'll get away mid-pack and get a trip. All his life the horse has loved chasing horses down." [Canadian Press]

The Breeders' Crown will be Donato Hanover's final race before he goes off to stud at Hanover Farm, where he'll stand for $20,000.

Donato Hanover...has been valued at more than $10 million with all 120 of his shares now sold for $85,000 according to co-owner David Scharf of New York. [Harness Edge]