Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships Newsletter

By Jim Gluckson/BREEDERS’ CUP —-

This is the eighth of 10 weekly news releases focusing on the horses and races leading to the 35th Breeders’ Cup World Championships on Friday, November 2 and Saturday, November 3 at Churchill Downs. For more information, please visit www.breederscup.com. The Breeders’ Cup will be televised live on NBC and NBCSN. You can follow all the contenders’ activity leading up to the Breeders’ Cup with Equibase’s free “Road to the Breeders’ Cup” Virtual Stable notification service

Keeneland Leads the Way on Record-Setting Challenge Weekend

The Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series reaches its highest peak to date this weekend with a record 18 automatic qualifiers for racing’s World Championships Nov. 2-3 at Churchill Downs’ in Louisville, Kentucky. Some 63 miles to the East in Lexington, Keeneland kicks off its Fall Stars Weekend with nine Challenge races, while Belmont Park in Elmont, New York offers four and Santa Anita in Arcadia, California counters with two. Toss in a trio at Longchamp in Paris and the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series is undoubtedly a world-wide extravaganza, with all roads leading to Louisville.

There will be live NBC broadcasts of the “Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In – Presented by America’s Best Racing” this Saturday, Oct. 6 (4:30-6 p.m. ET) and on Sunday, Oct. 7 (4:30 p.m. ET) from Keeneland.

While Keeneland opens its doors Friday and hosts a pair of Challenge races, it’s Saturday and the featured “Win and You’re In” Shadwell Turf Mile (GI), which will award an automatic starting berth into the Breeders’ Cup Mile, that takes center stage and anchors a card that features three other “Win and You’re In” races; the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (GI, Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Juvenile), First Lady (GI, Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf) and Thoroughbred Club of America (GII, Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint).

The $1 million Shadwell Turf Mile has long been an important springboard to the Breeders’ Cup Mile and this year figures no different, with a deep and competitive field lining up, with Terry Hamilton’s HEART TO HEART looking to improve on his second-place finish in last year’s race. The 7-year-old son of 2007 Breeders’ Cup Turf winner English Channel won the Gulfstream Park Turf Championship (GI) in February and the course and distance Maker’s 46 Mile (GI) in April for trainer Brian Lynch but will need to rebound from a last-of-6 run in Saratoga’s Fourstardave (GI) August 11. Heart to Heart is 15-for-37 lifetime, which includes a 10th-place finish in the Mile last year at Del Mar.

Owner-trainer Wesley Ward’s BOUND FOR NOWHERE won the local Shakertown (GII) sprinting in April and stretched out to win the Tourist Mile at Kentucky Downs September 1. The 4-year-old son of The Factor is 5-for-8 lifetime and showed he’s Grade I caliber when third in the Diamond Jubilee (GI) at Royal Ascot in June. Shadwell Stable’s homebred ALMANAAR (GB) will be a big threat on the cutback for trainer Chad Brown, as he was second in the “Win and You’re In” Arlington Million (GI), an automatic qualifier for the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf, while graded stakes winners MR. MISUNDERSTOOD, QURBAAN, SYNCRONY and VOODOO SONG will also attract support. FORGE, NEXT SHARES and
ZULU ALPHA are also expected for the “Win and You’re In” Shadwell Turf Mile.

Mind Control winning the Hopeful at Saratoga; Photo by RobertSimmons/Eclipse Sportswire

Deep Breeders’ Futurity Leads the Way on Shadwell Mile Undercard

The $500,000 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity offers an important two-turn prep for the Juvenile and it’s no surprise the 1 1/16-mile test is expected to attract a full field of 14, with Walking L Thoroughbreds’ CAIRO CAT potentially going favored. The 2-year-old son of Cairo Prince already qualified for the Juvenile when he won Churchill Downs’ “Win and You’re In” Iroquois (GIII) September 15 for trainer Kenny McPeek, while getting some two-turn experience too. Cairo Cat is 2-for-3 lifetime but has yet to lose on dirt, as he broke his maiden in his first try over the main track at Saratoga in August.

Red Oak Stable and Madaket Stable’s MIND CONTROL upset Saratoga’s Hopeful (GI) September 3 for trainer Greg Sacco and figures to be a major place player on the stretchout. The son of Stay Thirsty is 2-for-3 lifetime and has improved as the distances have increased, suggesting he’ll be up to what is his stiffest test to date. Trainer Chad Brown will ship in a pair of impressive New York debut winners in LOOKING AT BIKINIS and STANDARD DEVIATION, while SOMEBEJAY is also expected in for trainer Todd Pletcher. Maiden winners BLOCKBUSTER, BORRACHO, DABO, FLUMINENSE, HIGH REGARD, JAIS’S SOLITUDE, MARQUEE PRINCE, MOONSTER and STAGE LEFT could also run in the “Win and You’re In” Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity.

The $400,000 First Lady, a one-mile sister race to the Shadwell, will be dominated by a Brown trio; Michael Dubb and Madaket Stable’s A RAVING BEAUTY, Martin Schwartz’s OFF LIMITS (IRE) and Peter Brant’s QUIDURA (GB). The former, a 5-year-old daughter of Mastercraftsman (IRE) won Belmont Park’s Just A Game (GI) in June but was just fourth to Quidura, a 5-year-old daughter of Dubawi (IRE) in Saratoga’s Ballston Spa August 25. Off Limits, a 6-year-old daughter of Mastercraftsman, won the Matriarch (GI) in November at Del Mar but is 0-for-4 this year, including a fifth in the Ballston Spa.

CROWN WALK, who won the Chloe (GIII) at Chantilly in July, DONA BRUJA (ARG), who won the Endeavor (GIII) at Tampa Bay Downs in February and LA SARDANE, who won Belmont’s Intercontinental (GIII) in June, are also expected for the “Win and You’re In” First Lady, as are ONE LIZ, PSYCHO SISTER, with VALADORNA possible.

The $250,000 Thoroughbred Club of America, run at six furlongs, is expected to be led by Alan Klein and Philip Lebherz’s MISS SUNSET, who won the CERF September 3 at Del Mar for trainer Jeff Bonde. The 4-year-old daughter of Into Mischief invaded last year to win the local Raven Run (GII) and did the same this April, when she was second, beaten a nose, in the Madison (GI). Miss Sunset is 10-for-18 lifetime and has yet to miss the board in six starts this year.

Bill Heiligbrodt’s MIA MISCHIEF should prove a stiff danger for trainer Steve Asmussen. The 3-year-old daughter of Into Mischief won the Eight Belles (GII) at Churchill Downs in May and was second in both the Test (GI) and Prioress (GII) in her last two starts are Saratoga. Grade stakes winners Chalon, CURLIN’S APPROVAL, HAPPY Like a Fool, Rich Mommy are also pointing to the “Win and You’re In” Thoroughbred Club of America, as are AWESTRUCK and Torrent

Alcibiades, Phoenix Once Again Kick off Opening Day

The 2-year-old fillies headline Friday’s Opening Day action in the $400,000 “Win and You’re In” Darley Alcibiades (GI) at 1 1/16 miles, with an automatic starting berth into the Tito’s Handmade Vodka Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies on the line. Trainer Kenny McPeek has been looking forward to getting two turns with Three Chimneys Farm and Fern Circle Stable’s RESTLESS RIDER. The daughter of Distorted Humor is 2-for-3 lifetime and won Churchill Downs’ Debutante in June before finishing second in Saratoga’s September 1 “Win and You’re In” Spinaway (GI), another automatic qualifier for the Juvenile Fillies.

Donamaire Farm’s INTO TROUBLE made it 2-for-2 with a win over the Polytrack in Arlington Park’s Arlington-Washington Lassie September 8 for trainer Ben Colebrook. The daughter of Into Mischief broke her maiden on the main track at Ellis Park in August and has a stalking/closing style that should appreciate two turns. Saratoga’s Schuylerville (GIII) winner CATHERINETHEGREAT, a disappointing ninth in the Spinaway for trainer Mark Casse, will try Restless Rider again, while BELLA CIAO, BIZWHACKS, CHAMPAGNE ANYONE, CHOCOLATE KISSES, LADY TNT, LIGHTSCAMERAACTION, MALOCCHIO, OXY LADY, REFLECT and SOMEWHERE are also expected for the “Win and You’re In” Darley Alcibiades.

Sprinters take their shot at a berth into the TwinSpires Breeders’ Cup Sprint in the $250,000 “Win and You’re In” Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix (GII). Run at six furlongs, the Phoenix is likely to draw the smallest field of all the automatic qualifiers, but it also has three of the division’s best runners, in Katherine Ball’s LIMOUSINE LIBERAL, Robert Baron’s PROMISES FULFILLED and Bob LaPenta and Head of Plains Partner’s defending champion WHITMORE. Limousine Liberal, a 6-year-old son of Successful Appeal, already qualified for the Sprint when he won the Belmont Sprint Championship (GII) in July for trainer Ben Colebrook and enters off a third-place finish to Whitmore, who earned an automatic starting berth into the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile when he won Saratoga’s “Win and You’re In” Forego (GI) August 25 for trainer Ron Moquette. The 5-year-old son of 2003 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Pleasantly Perfect was eighth in last year’s Sprint at Del Mar but has been one of the top one-turn horses in the country the past two years. Promises Fulfilled will face older horses for the first time but the 3-year-old son of Shackleford seems the horse to beat for trainer Dale Romans off sharp Saratoga sprint wins in the Amsterdam (GIII) in July and Allen Jerkens (GI) August 25.

Fringe stakes types DALMORE, DISTINCTIVE B and HEARTWOOD are expected to complete the lineup for the “Win and You’re In” Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix

Blue Prize, Spinster Stakes; Coady Photography

Spinster, Pair of Juvenile Stakes Offer Sunday Qualifiers

Sunday’s featured $500,000 “Win and You’re In” Juddmonte Spinster (GI) will offer an automatic starting berth into the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff and the 1 1/8-mile race will likely lure a compact field, with Merriebelle Stable’s BLUE PRIZE (ARG), leading the way. The 5-year-old daughter of Pure Prize already qualified for the Distaff when she won Churchill Downs’ “Win and You’re In” Fleur de Lis (GII) in June for trainer Ignacio Correas and confirmed her affinity for the surface when she won the Locust Grove (GIII) September 15. Blue Prize is 6-for-15 lifetime and seems a better mare than the one who was third in the Spinster last year.

Gainesway Stable, Harold Lerner, Andrew Rosen and Magdalena Racing’s ESKIMO KISSES rates as the “now” horse for trainer Kenny McPeek, as the 3-year-old daughter of To Honor and Serve aired by 6 ½ lengths in Saratoga’s Alabama (GI) August 18 but will take on older horses for the first time. TALK VEUVE TO ME, fourth at 2-1 in the Alabama, figures to like the cutback in distance, while FUHRIOUSLY KISSED, PACIFIC WIND and SKEPTIC are also pointing to the “Win and You’re In” Juddmonte Spinster.

The $200,000 “Win and You’re In” Dixiana Bourbon (GIII) will award an automatic starting berth into the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. Run at 1 1/16 miles, the Bourbon will likely draw an overflow field, with Bloom Racing Stable’s HENLEY’S JOY leading the way for trainer Mike Maker. The 2-year-old son of Kitten’s Joy is 2-for-2, including a win in the Kentucky Downs Juvenile September 1.

Godolphin’s ART DU VAL (GB), a debut winner at Sandown August 1 for trainer Charlie Appleby is expected to invade from Europe, while Calumet Farm’s TRACKSMITH was second, just beaten a head, behind Henley’s Joy at Kentucky Downs for trainer Joe Sharp. ALL AMERICAN HERO, BLOCKBUSTER, GINS AND TINS, LIFE MISSION, MR WRENCH IT, and SALVATOR MUNDI are also expected for the “Win and You’re In” Dixiana Bourbon.

An automatic starting berth into the newly minted Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint will be on the line in the $200,000 Indian Summer at five and a half furlongs. A large field is expected, with trainer Wesley Ward’s duo of Hat Creek Racing’s CHELSEA CLOISTERS and Breeze Easy’s SHANG SHANG SHANG expected to attract plenty of the support. The former, a 2-year-old daughter of First Samurai, was second in Saratoga’s Bolton Landing August 15, while the latter, a daughter of 2012 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Shanghai Bobby, was last seen winning the Norfolk (GII) at Royal Ascot June 21.

NITROUS, third in Saratoga’s Hopeful (GI) September 3 for trainer Steve Asmussen is expected to try turf for the first time, while BLAME THE FROG, EGOLI, PERFECT ANSWER and STRIKE SILVER are also likely for the “Win and You’re In” Indian Summer.

Juvenile, Filly & Mare Turf Bids on the Line at Belmont

Belmont Park continues with its pivotal Breeders’ Cup preps and will host a quartet of automatic qualifiers, with Saturday’s $500,000 “Win and You’re In” Champagne (GI) getting things started. Run at a one-turn mile, the Champagne is expected to draw an exciting group of impressive maiden winners, though Michael Dubb and Bethlehem Stable’s CALL PAUL will rate an experience edge for trainer Jason Servis off his win in the Saratoga Special (GII) August 12. The 2-year-old son of Friesan Fire won his debut at Delaware Park in July and will need to improve to make it 3-for-3, as several of his less experienced rivals appear to have a world talent.

Whispering Oaks Farm’s SIR TRUEBADOUR won Churchill Downs’ Bashford Manor (GIII) in July for trainer Steve Asmussen and will get back to the main track after running sixth in Saratoga’s Bolton Landing on the turf August 17. Trainer Chad Brown will start a pair, in Stonestreet Stable’s AURELIUS MAXIMUS, who broke his maiden locally September 9 in his second lifetime start, while Seth Klarman’s COMPLEXITY was arguably the most impressive Saratoga debut winner, as he won off by 4 ¼ lengths September 3. Fellow sharp Saratoga maiden winners ACHILLES WARRIOR, CASA CREED, CLASSY JOHN, CODE OF HONOR and ENDORSED are also pointing to the “Win and You’re In” Champagne, as is 15 ¾-length Gulfstream Park maiden winner TROPHY CHASER.

Sunday’s $500,000 “Win and You’re In” Flower Bowl (GI) at 1 ¼ miles will award an automatic starting berth into the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. Brown once again have a major player with Dubb and Bethlehem Stable’s FOURSTAR CROOK, last seen running second to stablemate and divisional leader Sistercharlie in another Filly & Mare Turf “Win and You’re In,” Arlington Park’s Beverly D. (GI) August 11. The 6-year-old daughter of Freud won the local New York (GII) over Sistercharlie in June and is 11-for-18 lifetime.

Godolphin’s homebred LADY MONTDORE is 2-for-2 in the US for trainer Tom Albertrani, including Saratoga’s Glens Falls (GII) September 1, and the 4-year-old daughter of Medaglia d’Oro has turned into a new horse after a 1-for-5 start in Europe. DANCELAND, ONTHEMOONAGAIN, and SAVANNAH BELLE are also expected for the “Win and You’re In” Flower Bowl, while HOLY HELENA and TRICKY ESCAPE are possible.

The $400,000 “Win and You’re In” Frizette will anchor Sunday’s card and award an automatic starting berth into the Tito’s Handmade Vodka Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies and the 1-mile tilt will be led by Fortune Farm’s SUE’S FORTUNE, who made it 2-for-2 when she won Saratoga’s Adirondack (GII) August 11 for trainer Jeremiah Englehart. The 2-year-old New York-bred daughter of Jump Start won on debut locally in July before rising in class at the Spa.

LNJ Foxwoods’ COVFEFE looks like a future star for trainer Brad Cox, as the daughter of Into Mischief won her September 16 debut at Churchill Downs by 9 ¼ lengths, while JAYHAWK won the White Clay Creek August 22 at Delaware Park for trainer john Servis. BRUCIA LA TERRA, CASSIES DREAMER,
GRACEFUL PRINCESS and NONNA MADELINE are also pointing to the “Win and You’re In” Frizette.

Sunday’s supporting $150,000 Futurity (GIII), run at six furlongs on the turf, will award an automatic starting berth into the new Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint and will draw a big field looking to establish credentials for Churchill. BACKTOHISROOTS, BIZZEE CHANNEL, CREDIT SWAP, DULL KNIFE, INVIGOROUS, JOYFUL HEART, MALIBU MISCHIEF, NEVERLAND ROCK, REAL MONEY, SWAMP RAT and VETERANS BEACH are all expected in what is shaping up as a wide-open race.

Sprinters Set to Shine at Santa Anita

Santa Anita gets in on the “Win and You’re In” action Saturday with the $300,000 Santa Anita Sprint Championship (GI), which award an automatic starting berth into the TwinSpires Breeders’ Cup Sprint and the $100,000 Speakeasy, with a berth into the inaugural Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint on the line.

The six-furlong Sprint Championship will have a small field, with Agave Racing Stable’s RANSOM THE MOON leading the way for trainer Phil D’Amato. The 6-year-old son of Malibu Moon already earned a Sprint berth when he won Del Mar’s “Win and You’re In” Bing Crosby (GI) July 28 and will look to better his fourth-place run in last year’s Sprint Championship. Ransom the Moon is 6-for-24 lifetime, which includes a fifth-place finish in last year’s Sprint at Del Mar.

Rockingham Ranch and David Bernsen’s ROY H won the Sprint at Del Mar last year for trainer Peter Miller, though his form this year has not been as sharp. The 6-year-old son of More Than Ready won the local Palos Verdes (GII) in February before running third in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (GI) at Meydan in March then was second as the beaten favorite in the Bing Crosby. Roy H is 7-for-20 lifetime and figures a tougher challenge off that comeback run. Del Mar optional-claiming winner HORSE GREEDY is the only other confirmed starter for the “Win and You’re In” Santa Anita Sprint Championship, while stakes winner
EDWARDS GOING LEFT is possible.

The Speakeasy, run at five furlongs, is a “Win and You’re In” for the new Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. The race will likely have a large field of unproven 2-year-olds still trying to find their niche. Hronis Racing’s CANDURA, a sharp winner on debut sprinting over the Del Mar turf August 22 for trainer John Sadler, may be the one to beat from a field that could also include ALLEVA, ITS GONNA HURT, LUCK’S ROYAL FLASH, OWNING, PRINCIPE CARLO, SHARK, SPARKY VILLE and WHOOPING JAY.

Enable Eyes Repeat as Arc Day Returns to Longchamp With a Trio of Challenge Races

The historic $5.973 million Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (GI) returns to Longchamp outside of Paris after a two-year absence and headlines a card that has seven Group I races and a trio of “Win and You’re In” automatic qualifiers for the Breeders’ Cup. While the Arc is undoubtedly the featured attraction, the three automatic Breeders’ Cup qualifiers—the $597,345 Prix de l’Opera Longines (GI), which will award a starting berth into the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, the $477,836 Prix de Jean Luc Lagardere (GI, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf), and the $477,836 Prix de Marcel Boussacs (GI, Breeders’ Juvenile Fillies Turf), provide a sturdy anchor for the most anticipated day of racing on the European calendar.

Juddmonte Farm’s homebred and superstar filly ENABLE (GB) is the clearly the main attraction, as she looks to become the eighth back-to-back winner of Europe’s most famous race. The 4-year-old daughter of Nathaniel (IRE) reached the heights of immortality last year for trainer John Gosden as she won six straight starts—by a combined 23 ¾ lengths—after losing her first start of the year. Enable tasted defeat for the first and only time in April 2017 in her seasonal debut in a conditioned stakes at Newbury then went on to blitz her competition, which included romping group I wins in the Epsom Oaks, Darley Irish Oaks at The Curragh, “Win and You’re In” King George VI and Queen Elizabeth at Ascot, Darley Yorkshire Oaks at York and finally in Chantilly’s historic Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe to end her season in October. Enable, who is 8-or-9 lifetime, returned from a minor injury this spring to win the September (GIII) September 8 at Kempton and is trading as odds-on in what could be a 24-horse Arc field after the early entry stage.

Only two other potential Arc runners are listed at under 12-1 among European punters, with Sunderland Holdings’ 3-year-old filly SEA OF CLASS (IRE) being given the biggest chance for an upset at 4-1. The daughter of Sea The Stars (IRE) is 4-for-5 lifetime for trainer William Haggas and earned a berth into the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf when she won the “Win and You’re In” Darley Yorkshire Oaks (GI) August 23 at York. Gestut Ammerland and Newsells Park’s WALDGEIST (GB) is also attracting plenty of support for trainer Andre Fabre, as the 4-year-old son of Galileo (IRE) won the local prep, the Prix Foy (GI) September 16, and is 6-for-13 lifetime.

The rest of the potential Arc field is long on talent but lacks the credentials Enable, let alone Sea of Class and Waldgeist, with Coolmore and trainer Aidan O’Brien starting a potential five-pack, that is led by Grade I winner KEW GARDENS (IRE), and also includes CAPRI (IRE), FOREVER TOGETHER (IRE), HUNTING HORN (IRE), MAGICAL (IRE), and NELSON (IRE). Godolphin could start defending Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf winner TALISMANIC (GB), though he is a robust 40-1 at this point, as well as CLOTH OF STARS (IRE), while CRACKSMAN (GB) would offer some additional star power, though he’s questionable to run at this point, as the ground may not suit him.

The field for the Prix de l’Opera is still taking shape, with Godolphin’s WILD ILLUISON (GB) leading the way for trainer Charlie Appleby. The 3-year-old daughter of Dubawi (IRE) enters off a win in the Nassau (GI) at Glorious Goodwood August 2 and is 3-for-7 lifetime. Barnane Stud’s URBAN FOX (GB) also rates a major player, as the 4-year-old daughter of Foxwedge (AUS) was second in the Darley Prix Jean Romanet (GI) August 19 at Deauville for Haggas and is 5-for-20 lifetime. Coolmore and O’Brien could start several, including MAGIC WAND (IRE), while LADY FRANKEL (GB) is also a potential starter for Fabre.

The Lagardere is expected to feature BROOME (IRE), who is on the upswing for Coolmore and O’Brien after running second in another automatic qualifier for the Juvenile Turf, the “Win and You’re In” KPMG Juvenile (GII) at Leopardstown September 15. The 2-year-old son of Australia (GB) is 1-for-4 lifetime and figures a leading contender off that improved run. Ecurie Jean-Louis Bouchard’s ANODOR (FR) is undefeated and untested in two wins for trainer Freddie Head and the son of Anodin (IRE) gets some bonus points as he won the local prep, the Prix des Chenes (GIII) September 9.

The Marcel Boussacs figures to be there for the taking, with Coolmore and O’Brien’s PINK DOGWOOD (IRE) garnering plenty of attention off a breakthrough win at Gowan September 22. The 2-year-old daughter of Camelot (GB) is bred to get better with more experience and distance and showed that when she stretched out to a mile to secure her first career win from three starts.

***

News and Notes

Cookie Dough Eyes Juvenile Fillies Off Gulfstream Win

Arindel homebred COOKIE DOUGH earned a steep rise in class and a shot at the Tito’s Handmade Vodka Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies when she rolled home to an easy 7 ½-length win in Saturday’s My Dear Girl at Gulfstream Park. The 2-year-old daughter of Brethren made it two in a row for trainer Stanley Gold, as she entered off a win in the local Susan’s Girl by 6 ½ lengths, in what was her first career win. Cookie Dough is now 2-for-5 lifetime and will follow a path that worked for Arindel’s Blonde Bomber, who was third in last year’s Juvenile Fillies at Del Mar for Gold.

“We’re going to the Breeders’ Cup,” Arindel’s Brian Cohen said. “Last year, we took a shot and we got a piece of it, so we’ll try again”

Mott Stars Elate, Hofburg to Miss Breeders’ Cup

Trainer Bill Mott said this past week that Adele Dilschneider and Claiborne Farm’s star homebred 4-year-old filly ELATE and Juddmonte Farm’s talented 3-year-old HOFBURG will be forced to miss the Breeders’ Cup. The former, a 4-year-old daughter of Medaglia d’Oro who was fourth in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff last year at Del Mar, was being pointed to either the Distaff or Classic this year at Churchill but developed a splint bone injury in her right foreleg and has been forced to miss training time, while the latter, a 3-year-old son of Tapit, was a disappointing and well-beaten third in the Pennsylvania Derby (GI) September 22 at Parx Racing and will bypass the Classic after such a poor performance.

Hunt Freshening Up for Mile Bid

Michael House’s HUNT (IRE), who earned an automatic berth into the Breeders’ Cup Mile when he won Santa Anita’s “Win and You’re In” Shoemaker Mile (GI) in May, will train up to the race. Trainer Phil D’Amato, who had toyed with running the 6-year-old son of Dark Angel (IRE) in the City of Hope (GII) October 6 at Santa Anita, will instead bypass the race, as he has shown a penchant for running well fresh. Hunt is a four-time graded stakes winner and 9-for-29 lifetime. He has not run since finishing sixth in the Del Mar Mile (GII) August 19.
“He ran his best race fresh,” D’Amato said. “I’m going to take a shot like that and train up to the Breeders’ Cup. I’m going to have him on his toes and run his best race off the bench.”
***

COUNTOWN TO THE BREEDERS’ CUP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

A listing of the upcoming major stakes races this weekend:

BREEDERS’ CUP CLASSIC

October 8 – $100,000 British Columbia Premiers (GIII) at Hastings Race Course. Run at 1 1/8 miles for 3yos & up.

LONGINES BREEDERS’ CUP DISTAFF

October 6 – $400,000 Beldame (GI) at Belmont Park. Run at 1 1/8 miles for fillies & mares.

October 7 – $500,000 Juddmonte Spinster (GI) at Keeneland. Run at 1 1/8 miles for fillies & mares.

October 8 – $100,000 Ballerina (GIII) at Hastings Race Course. Run at 1 1/8 miles for fillies & mares.

BREEDERS’ CUP MILE

October 6 – $1 million Shadwell Turf Mile (GI) at Keeneland. Run at 1-mile on the turf for 3yos & up.

October 6 – $200,000 City of Hope (GII) at Santa Anita. Run at 1-mile on the turf for 3yos & up.

October 7 – $418,142 Qatar Prix de la Foret (GI) at Longchamp. Run at seven furlongs on the turf for 3yos & up.

LONGINES BREEDERS’ CUP TURF

October 6 – $500,000 Hill Prince (GII) at Belmont Park. Run at 1 1/8 miles on the turf for 3yos.

October 7 – $5.973 million Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (GI) at Longchamp. Run at 1 ½ miles on the turf for 3yos & up.

October 8 – $200,000 Knickerbocker (GII) at Belmont Park. Run at 1 1/8 miles on the turf for 3yos & up.

MAKER’S MARK BREEDERS’ CUP FILLY & MARE TURF

October 6 – $400,000 First Lady (GI) at Keeneland. Run at 1-mile on the turf for fillies & mares.

October 6 – $337,500 Sun Chariot (GI) at Newmarket. Run at 1-mile on the turf for fillies & mares.

October 7 – $597,345 Prix de l’Opera Longines (GI) at Longchamp. Run at 1 ¼ miles on the turf for fillies & mares.

October 7 – $500,000 Flower Bowl (GI) at Belmont Park. Run at 1 ¼ miles on the turf for fillies & mares.

TWINSPIRES BREEDERS’ CUP SPRINT

October 5 – $250,000 Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix (GII) at Keeneland. Run at six furlongs for 3yos & up.

October 6 – $300,000 Santa Anita Sprint Championship (GI) at Santa Anita. Run at six furlongs for 3yos & up.

BREEDERS’ CUP FILLY & MARE SPRINT

October 6 – $250,000 Thoroughbred Club of America (GII) at Keeneland. Run at six and a half furlongs for fillies & mares.

October 7 – $100,000 L.A. Woman (GIII) at Santa Anita. Run at six and a half furlongs for fillies & mares.

SENTIENT JET BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE

October 6 – $500,000 Champagne (GI) at Belmont Park Run at 1-mile for 2yos.

October 6 – $500,000 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (GI) at Keeneland. Run at 1 1/16 miles for 2yos.

TITO’S HANDMADE VODKA BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE FILLIES

October 5 – $400,000 Darley Alcibiades (GI) at Keeneland. Run at 1 1/16 miles for 2yo fillies.

October 7 – $400,000 Frizette (GI) at Belmont Park. Run at 1-mile for 2yo fillies.

BREEDERS’ CUP TURF SPRINT

October 6 – $200,000 Woodford (GII) at Keeneland. Run at five and a half furlongs on the turf for 3yos & up.

October 7 – $418,142 Prix de l’Abbaye (GI) at Longchamp. Run at five furlongs on the turf for 3yos & up.

BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE TURF

October 6 – $125,000 Mazarine (GIII) at Woodbine. Run at 1 1/16 miles for 2yos.

October 7 – $477,836 Prix de Jean Luc Lagardere (GI) at Longchamp. Run at 1-mile on the turf for 2yos.

October 7 – $250,000 Dixiana Bourbon (GII) at Keeneland. Run at 1 1/16 miles on the turf for 2yos.

BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE FILLIES TURF

October 7 – $477,836 Prix de Marcel Boussacs (GI) at Longchamp. Run at 1-mile on the turf for 2yo fillies.

BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE TURF SPRINT

October 7 – $150,000 Futurity (GIII) at Belmont Park. Run at six furlongs on the turf for 2yos.

October 8 – $150,000 Matron (GIII) at Belmont Park. Run at six furlongs on the turf for 2yo fillies.

Accelerate; Casey Phillips/Eclipse Sportswire Photo

MAJOR STAKES RECAP September 29-30

A review of the major global races in the corresponding Breeders’ Cup divisions from last week. Winning jockeys’ names are in parenthesis in each recap. The top Breeders’ Cup Points’ leaders and Breeders’ Cup Challenge winners by division are listed at the end of each section. Breeders’ Cup Point earners are limited to horses who finish first, second or third in Graded Stakes races. Horses based outside of the U.S., and Canada who have not won a Breeders’ Cup Challenge race, are selected into World Championships races by the Breeders’ Cup Racing Directors/Secretaries Panel at the Pre-Entry stage, Oct. 22. An asterisk in the points section denotes a foreign contender. A complete Breeders’ Cup Points list is available at: https://members.breederscup.com/championships/pointsleaderboard.aspx

Race: $750,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup (G), 3yos & up, 1 ¼ miles
BREEDERS’ CUP CHALLENGE RACE
Track: Belmont Park
Finishing Order: 1 – DISCREET LOVER, 2 – THUNDER SNOW (IRE), 3 – MENDELSSOHN
Margins: Neck, 1 ¾, 2 ½
Also ran: CARLINO, DIVERSIFY, GRONKOWSKI, UNO MAS MODELO, PATCH
Winning
Connections: Owner/Trainer: Uriah St Lewis; Jockey: Manny Franco.
Time: 1:59.99 (fast)

Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Classic – Owner/trainer Uriah St. Lewis’ DISCREET LOVER (Manny Franco) took advantage of a wild pace and posted a seismic 45-1 upset to earn an automatic starting berth into the Breeders’ Cup Classic by a neck over THUNDER SNOW (IRE) in Belmont Park’s $750,000 “Win and You’re In” Jockey Club Gold Cup (GI). The 5-year-old son of Repent has been a working-class hero of sorts over the past two years, as he entered with 22 starts and four wins for over $675,000 but had never come remotely close to winning a race like the Gold Cup, Discreet Lover, who won Aqueduct’s Excelsior (GIII) in April for his only win on the year before the Gold Cup, is now 7-for-44 lifetime and is expected to move on to Churchill Downs, though he was placed on the vet list after the Gold Cup after appearing to be in a bit of distress, meaning he will have to work a half-mile in 52 seconds or earlier than 10 days from his previous race. Discreet Lover endured the same set of circumstances after running fourth in Belmont’s “Win and You’re In” Met Mile (GI), an automatic qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile in June, but rebounded in fine fettle to finish third in the Suburban (GII) in July behind heavy Gold Cup favorite DIVERSIFY. Regardless, St. Lewis said he’ll take it slow with Discreet Lover, though the Classic is the obvious goal. “I want to go 100 percent (to the Classic),” St. Lewis said. “But I got to make sure the horse is good before I worry about me. I want him to feel good and come out of it good, and if everything is good, we go from there.” Godolphin’s homebred THUNDER SNOW (IRE) showed his 5 ¾-length wire-to-wire win over West Coast in the Dubai World Cup (GI) at Meydan in March was no fluke and that he could come from off the pace as well, which stamps the 4-year-old son of Helmet (AUS) as a major Classic contender for trainer Saeed bin Suroor, who indicated the Gold Cup was the perfect prep. “We’ll take him to the Breeders’ Cup Classic now. That was the target for him really,” Suroor said. “I think he ran a nice race, this is what where we established for him early to the Breeders’ Cup Classic, but he needed this race.” Coolmore’s MENDELSSOHN ran by far the most impressive race, as he chased the insanely hot pace set by Diversify, put that rival away easily in midstretch and still only lost by 1 ¾ lengths for trainer Aidan O’Brien. The 3-year-old son of Scat Daddy has had a hit-or-miss campaign but has shown on his best day that he can run with anyone, as was evidenced by his 18 ½-length win in the UAE Derby (GII) on the World Cup undercard and the Classic has been his goal since he returned to the states after running last-of-20 in the Kentucky Derby. The obvious disappointment was Lauren Evens and Ralph Evans’ Diversify, a 5-year-old son of Bellamy Road who was the clear leader of the East Coast handicap division off romping wins in the local Suburban and Saratoga’s August 4 “Win and You’re In” Whitney (GI), in which he earned an automatic starting berth into the Classic. Diversify appeared to come out of the race in good order and Evans indicated he’ll talk with trainer Rick Violette in the coming days and decide on whether or not to head to Churchill for the Classic. Video: Jockey Club Gold Cup

Race: $400,000 Oklahoma Derby (GIII), 3yos, 1 1/8 miles
Track: Remington Park
Finishing Order: 1 – LONE SAILOR, 2 – BELIEVE IN ROYALTY, 3 – DIAMOND KING
Margins: Neck, 10 ½, neck
Also ran: COMBATANT, SEA FOAM, FIRST MONDAYS, WOODERSON, EISENSTAEDT, RETIREMENT FUND, LIONITE, LIMATION
Winning
Connections: Owner: GMB Racing; Trainer: Tom Amoss; Jockey: James Graham
Time: 1:49.97 (fast)

Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Classic – GMB Racing’s LONE SAILOR (James Graham) closed late to win Remington Park’s $400,000 Oklahoma Derby (GIII) by a nose over BELIEVE IN ROYALTY. The 3-year-old son of Majestic Warrior has knocked heads with some of the best of his generation this year for trainer Tom Amoss, running eighth in the Kentucky Derby and fifth in the Preakness behind Triple Crown hero Justify, as well as third to Good Magic in Monmouth Park’s “Win and You’re In” Haskell (GI), an automatic qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Lone Sailor, who entered off a second-place finish in the Super Derby (GIII) at Louisiana Downs September 2, improved to 2-for-14 lifetime and could be a candidate for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. Video: Oklahoma Derby

Race: $300,000 Awesome Again (GI), 3yos & up, 1 1/8 miles
BREEDERS’ CUP CHALLENGE RACE
Track: Santa Anita
Finishing Order: 1 – ACCEELRATE, 2 – WEST COAST, 3 – ISOTHERM
Margins: 2 ¼, ½, 2 ¾
Also ran: PRIME ATTRACTION, THE LIEUTENANT, SHADES OF VICTORY
Winning
Connections: Owner: Hronis Racing; Trainer: John Sadler; Jockey: Joel Rosario.
Time: 1:50.38 (fast)

Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Classic – Hronis Racing’s ACCELERATE (Joel Rosario) confirmed his status as the favorite for the Breeders’ Cup Classic with a workmanlike 2 ¼-length win over a comebacking WEST COAST in Santa Anita’s $300,000 “Win and You’re In” Awesome Again (GI). John Sadler trained the winner, a 5-year-old son of Lookin At Lucky who had already secured a berth into the Classic when he won Del Mar’s “Win and You’re In” TVG Pacific Classic (GI) by a seismic 12 ½ length August 18, which completed a sweep in California’s three Grade I races for handicap runners. Accelerate won the Santa Anita Handicap in March and Gold Cup at Santa Anita in June to go along with the local San Pasqual (GII) in February and is now 9-for-21 lifetime, which includes a ninth-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile last year at Del Mar. His lone loss this year was a second-place finish in the Oaklawn Handicap (GII) in April. Sadler indicated Accelerate will work at Santa Anita October 13, 20 and 27 before shipping to Churchill Downs after his final work. Gary and Mary West’s West Coast, third in the Classic last year at Del Mar for trainer Bob Baffert, was game in defeat in what was his first start since running second in the Dubai World Cup (GI) at Meydan in March. The 4-year-old son of Flatter, who was voted Champion 3-year-old last year off wins in the Travers (GI) at Saratoga and Pennsylvania Derby (GI) at Parx Racing, was second to Horse of the Year Gun Runner in his seasonal debut in the Pegasus World Cup (GI) at Gulfstream Park in January and was a late addition to the Awesome Again field, as Baffert elected to use the race as a prep for the Classic, as opposed to training West Coast, who is 6-for-12 lifetime, up to the race. Part one of that plan seemed to have him confident after the race. “At least now I’ve got a chance to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic with a race under his belt,” Baffert said. Matthew Schera’s ISOTHERM ran well to be third while beaten less than 3 lengths and the 5-year-old son of Lonhro (AUS) could cut back in this year’s Dirt Mile for trainer Phil D’Amato. Video: Awesome Again Stakes

Mind Your Biscuits; Coady Photography

Race: $200,000 Lukas Classic (GIII), 3yos & up 1 1/8 miles
Track: Churchill Downs
Finishing Order: 1 – MIND YOUR BISCUITS, 2 – TOAST OF NEW YORK, 3 – HONORABLE DUTY
Margins: 4 ¾, head, 1 ¾
Also ran: FLOWERS FOR LISA, RATED R SUPERSTAR, REMEMBERING RITA, TERM OF ART, BREAKING LUCKY
Winning
Connections: Owner: Shadai Farm, Head of Plains Partners & Chad Summers; Trainer: Summers; Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione.
Time: 1:48.64 (fast)

Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Classic – Shadai Farm, Head of Plains Partners and trainer Chad Summers’ MIND YOUR BISCUITS (Tyler Gaffalione) gave his connections a bevy of Breeders’ Cup options with a dominant 4 ¾-length win over TOAST OF NEW YORK in Churchill Downs’ $200,000 Lukas Classic (GIII). The 5-year-old son of Posse has been one of the best one-turn horses in the country the past several seasons, winning the Dubai Golden Shaheen (GI) at Meydan in 2017 and 2018, but won his first two-turn race in the Lukas Classic, which Summers was using as a potential stepping-stone to the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Mind Your Biscuits entered off second-place finishes in Belmont Park’s “Win and You’re In” Met Mile (GI), an automatic qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile in June, and Saratoga’s August 4 “Win and You’re In” Whitney (GI), a Classic qualifier, and has now won 8-of-24 career starts. Summers indicated he could run Mind Your Biscuits in any of three Breeders’ Cup races; the Classic, Dirt Mile, or TwinSpires Sprint. “I’m still going to consider him for all three races,” Summers said “I just want to keep my options open. The owners and I will come up with a plan but we are in a spot right now that we don’t have a “Win and You’re In” entry for the Classic. That’s going to cost $150,000 to enter the race. While we’ve won a lot of money with the horse, it’s still a big chunk of change. I think we can definitely get the distance for the Classic; we proved that last night. We’re just going to have to wait and see.” Al Shaqab Racing’s Toast of New York—the same Toast of New York who was second in the 2014 Classic at Santa Anita—ran well in defeat in what was his first start since running last-of-12 in the Pegasus World Cup (GI) at Gulfstream Park January 27 for trainer Jamie Osborne. The 7-year-old son of Thewayyouare missed three years of racing after his Classic run but returned to win a conditioned stakes at Lingfield in December and is eyeing another Classic tilt later this fall.

Breeders’ Cup Classic – Breeders’ Cup Challenge (BCC) Winners and Points Leaders

Points Horse Trainer Owner
BCC Winner Accelerate John W. Sadler Hronis Racing LLC
BCC Winner Discreet Lover Uriah St. Lewis Uriah St. Lewis
BCC Winner Diversify Richard Violette Jr. Ralph Evans; Lauren Evans
BCC Winner Pavel Doug F. O’Neill Reddam Racing, LLC
22 Bravazo D. Wayne Lukas Calumet Farm
18 McKinzie Bob Baffert Michael E. Pegram, Karl Watson, Paul Weitman
12 Catholic Boy Jonathan Thomas Robert V. La Penta, Madaket Stables LLC, Siena Farm,
Twin Creeks Racing Stable LLC,
12 Mind Your Biscuits Chad Summers Shadai Farm, J Stables LLC, Head of Plains Partners LLC,
M. Scott Summers, Daniel Summers, Chad Summers,
Michael E. Kisber
12 West Coast Bob Baffert Gary & Mary West
11 Mendelssohn Aidan P. O’Brien Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor
10 Yoshida (JPN) William I. Mott WinStar Farm, LLC, Head of Plains Partners LLC,
China Horse Club, SF Racing
10 Gunnevera Antonio Sano Margoth
6 Thunder Snow (IRE) Saeed bin Suroor Godolphin
4 Seeking the Soul Dallas Stewart Charles E. Fipke
0 Collected Bob Baffert Speedway Stables LLC
* Roaring Lion John H.M. Gosden Qatar Racing Limited
* Toast of New York Jamie Osborne Al Shaqab Racing

***

Race: $300,000 Zenyatta (GI), fillies & mares, 1 1/16 miles
BREEDERS’ CUP CHALLENGE RACE
Track: Santa Anita
Finishing Order: 1 – VALE DORI (ARG), 2 – LA FORCE (GER), 3 – SHENANDOAH QUEEN
Margins: ¾, 1 ¼, 2/14
Also ran: LEEMONA, ABEL TASMAN, FOOL’S PARADISE
Winning
Connections: Owner: Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum; Trainer: Bob Baffert; Jockey: Joe Talamo.
Time: 1:44.88 (fast)

Countdown to the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff – Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa al Maktoum’s VALE DORI (ARG) (Joe Talamo) upset her heavily favored stablemate ABEL TASMAN and earned an automatic starting berth into the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff with a three quarters of a length win over LA FORCE (GER) in Santa Anita’s $300,000 “Win and You’re In” Zenyatta (GI). Bob Baffert trained the winner, a 6-year-old daughter of Asiatic Boy (ARG) who was one of the best female dirt runners in the country in 2017 but found her form again after six straight losses. Vale Dori won five straight graded stakes from the winter of 2016 through the spring of 2017, including the local Santa Margarita, and was second, beaten neck both times, to divisional leader Stellar Wind in a pair of Grade I’s last spring and summer before seeing her form fall of drastically after she returned from a layoff and ran fifth in the local Adoration (GIII) in May. She entered off a distant second in Del Mar’s Tranquility Lake August 24 but improved to 10-for-21 and will make her final career start in the Distaff. Charles Winner and Ward and Roberta Williford’s LA FORCE (GER), who was second to the since-retired divisional leader Unique Bella in the local Beholder Mile (GI) in June and Del Mar’s July 29 Clement Hirsch (GI), a “Win and You’re In” that was also a Distaff qualifier, was once again game in defeat while coming up just short. The 4-year-old daughter of Power (GB) is just 2-for-22 lifetime and has yet to win a stakes but is clearly in good form for trainer Paddy Gallagher and figures to move on to the Distaff. The obvious disappointment in the Zenyatta was China Horse Club and Clear Sky Farm’s divisional leader Abel Tasman, who entered off back-to-back wins in “Win and You’re In” qualifiers for the Distaff, Belmont Park’s Ogden Phipps (GI) in June and Saratoga’s Personal Ensign (GI) August 25, but was a listless fifth at 1-9. The 4-year-old daughter of Quality Road was second in last year’s Distaff at Del Mar and is 8-for-15 lifetime, but was flat in the Zenyatta. Baffert indicated afterwards he’ll do some bloodwork tests on Abel Tasman to see if anything was amiss, before committing to the Distaff. Video:Zenyatta Stakes

Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff – Breeders’ Cup Challenge Winners (BCC) and Points Leaders

Points Horse Trainer Owner
BCC Winner Abel Tasman Bob Baffert China Horse Club, Clearsky Farms
BCC Winner Blue Prize (ARG) Ignacio Correas Merriebelle Stable, LLC
BCC Winner Vale Dori (ARG) Bob Baffert Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum
52 Monomoy Girl Brad Cox Michael Dubb, Monomoy Stables LLC,
The Elkstone Group, LLC,
Bethlehem Stables
50 Midnight Bisou Steven M. Asmussen Bloom Racing Stable LLC, Madaket Stables LLC,
Allen Racing LLC
20 Eskimo Kisses Kenneth G. McPeek Gainesway Stable, Harold Lerner, Andrew Rosen,
Nehoc Stables, Magdalena Racing
20 La Force (GER) Patrick Gallagher Roberta Williford, Ward Williford, Charles (Chuck) Winner
18 Ivy Bell Todd A. Pletcher China Horse Club, Madaket Stables LLC,
Mathis Stable LLC
16 Farrell Wayne M. Catalano Coffee Pot Stables
16 Mopotism Doug F. O’Neill Reddam Racing, LLC
16 Wonder Gadot Mark E. Casse Gary Barber
14 She’s a Julie Steven M. Asmussen Whispering Oaks Farm, Team Hanley,
Bradley Thoroughbreds, Madaket Stables LLC
14 Talk Veuve to Me Rodolphe Brisset Team Valor LLC, Rodolphe Brisset, Stephen McKay
12 Chocolate Martini Thomas M. Amoss Double Doors Racing, LLC
12 Coach Rocks Dale L. Romans Roddy J. Valente, RAP Racing,
West Point Thoroughbreds, Inc.

***

Race: $500,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (GI), 3yos & up, 1 ½ miles (turf)
BREEDERS’ CUP CHALLENGE RACE
Track: Belmont Park
Finishing Order: 1 – CHANNEL MAKER, 2 – ROBERT BRUCE, 3 – SADLER’S JOY
Margins: 4 ½, 5 ½, 2 ½
Also ran: HIGHLAND SKY, TEODORO (IRE), CARRICK, SPRING QUALITY
Winning
Connections: Owner: Wachtel Stable & Gary Barber; Trainer: Bill Mott; Jockey: Jose Ortiz.
Time: 2:30.73 (soft)

Countdown to the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf – Wachtel Stable and Gary Barber’s CHANNEL MAKER (Jose Ortiz took advantage of a paceless race and earned an automatic starting berth into the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf with a 4 ½-length wire-to-wire win over heavily favored ROBERT BRUCE in Belmont Park’s $500,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (GI). Bill Mott trained the winner, a 4-year-old son of 2007 Breeders’ Cup Turf winner English Channel who built on a second-place finish in another “Win and You’re In” for this year’s Turf, Saratoga’s Sword Dancer (GI) August 25. Channel Maker was just 1-for-9 last year but has elevated his game of late, as he entered the Sword Dancer off a dead-heat win in Saratoga’s Bowling Green (GII) July 28. He’s now 4-for-20 lifetime and has his trainer looking forward to a trip to Churchill Downs and the Turf. “I don’t see any reason we wouldn’t (go to the Breeders’ Cup) at this point. I don’t know, he may go back up to Saratoga and then we’ll try to get to Churchill a couple weeks beforehand.” Convento Viejo’s homebred Robert Bruce lost for just the second time in 10 career starts but ran well in defeat while seeing his late run compromised by the soft pace. The 4-year-old son of Fast Company (IRE) had already earned a Turf bid when he won the Arlington Million (GI) August 11 for trainer Chad Brown and figures a leading contender. Woodslane Farm’s homebred SADLER’S JOY delivered his customary late run to be third and could also head to the Turf, a race he finished fourth in last year at Del Mar for trainer Tom Albertrani. Video: Joe Hirsch Turf Classic

Race: $200,000 John Henry Turf Championship (GII), 3yos & up, 1 ¼ miles (turf)
Track: Santa Anita
Finishing Order: 1 – LIAM THE CHARMER, 2 – ASHLEYLUVSSUGAR, 3 – YA GOTTA WANNA
Margins: ½, 1, head
Also ran: ANN ARBOR EDDIE, SECRETARY AT WAR, RITZY A.P.
Winning
Connections: Owner: Madaket Stable Trainer: Mike McCarthy; Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione.
Time: 1:58.01 (firm)

Countdown to the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf – Madaket Stable’s LIAM THE CHARMER (Tyler Gaffalione) closed from last to run down pacesetting ASHLEYLUVSSUGAR by a half-length in Santa Anita’s $200,000 John Henry Turf Championship (GII). The 5-year-old son of Smart Strike won the first stakes of his career for trainer Mike McCarthy and improved to 2-for-2 on the year, as he entered off an optional claiming win at Del Mar August 16. Liam the Charmer was off-the-board in a quartet of graded stakes last year but has clearly improved this year and could be in line for a trip to Churchill Downs and the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf. “I’ll talk to everybody,” McCarthy said. “Maybe he bought himself a ticket to the Breeders’ Cup.” Video:John Henry Turf

Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf – Breeders’ Cup Challenge (BCC) Winners and Points Leaders

Points Horse Trainer Owner
BCC Winner Channel Maker William I. Mott Adam Wachtel, Gary Barber
BCC Winner Robert Bruce (CHI) Chad C. Brown Convento Viejo LLC
BCC Winner Glorious Empire (IRE) James Lawrence II Matthew Schera
BCC Winner La Extrana Dama (ARG) Ignacio Correas Haras de la Pomme Kentucky Inc.
BCC Winner Quarteto de Cordas (BRZ) Ian R. Wilkes Elite Performance Stable Pte Ltd
BCC Winner Roaring Lion John H.M. Gosden Qatar Racing Limited
24 Sadler’s Joy Thomas Albertrani Woodslane Farm
11 Carrick Thomas Morley Donegal Racing
8 Arklow Brad Cox Donegal Racing, Joseph Bulger, Peter Coneway
6 Liam the Charmer Michael W. McCarthy Madaket Stables LLC
* Crystal Ocean (GB) Sir Michael R. Stoute Sir Evelyn de Rothschild
* Enable (GB) John H.M. Gosden Juddmonte Farms Limited
* Talismanic (GB) Andre Fabre Godolphin

***

Race: $300,000 Rodeo Drive (GI), fillies & mares, 1 ¼ miles (turf)
BREEDERS’ CUP CHALLENGE RACE
Track: Santa Anita
Finishing Order: 1 – VASILIKA, 2 – PAVED, 3 – CAMBODIA
Margins: ½, ½, 2 ¼
Also ran: BEAU RECALL (IRE), AMBOSELI, SOPHIE P (GB), QUEEN BLOSSOM (IRE), TISBUTADREAM (IRE)
Winning
Connections: Owner: All Schlaich Stables, Jerry Hollendorfer, Gatto Racing & George Todaro; Trainer: Hollendorfer; Jockey: Flavien Prat.
Time: 1:59.04 (firm)

Countdown to the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf – All Schlaich Stables, Gatto Racing, George Todaro and trainer Jerry Hollendorfer’s VASILIKA (Flavien Prat) made it seven in a row and earned an automatic starting berth into the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf when she held off PAVED by a half-length in Santa Anita’s $300,000 “Win and You’re In” Rodeo Drive (GI). The 4-year-old daughter of Skipshot has proven quite a bargain since she was claimed by her current connections for $40,000 off a win at Santa Anita in February and commenced her tear after running second, beaten a neck, in her first start for her new barn in a local optional-claimer in March. Vasilika, who won her graded stakes debut in Del Mar’s John C. Mabee (GII) September 1, won for the 12th time from 26 lifetime starts and has clearly earned the right to run in the Filly & Mare Turf. “I think we’ll consider that strongly,” Hollendorfer said. “It’s kind of a no-brainer.” Eclipse Thoroughbred Partner’s Paved ran well in defeat while facing older horses for the first time and figures to move on to the Filly & Mare Turf for trainer Mike McCarthy, as does Winter Quarter Farm’s CAMBODIA, who was just a length back in third, the same spot she finished in last year’s Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar for trainer Tom Proctor.
Video: Rodeo Drive Stakes

Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf – Breeders’ Cup Challenge (BCC) Winners and Points Leaders

Points Horse Trainer Owner
BCC Winner Sistercharlie (IRE) Chad C. Brown Peter M. Brant
BCC Winner Vasilika Jerry Hollendorfer All Schlaich Stables LLC, Jerry Hollendorfer,
Gatto Racing LLC, George Todaro
BCC Winner Laurens (FR) Karl Burke John Dance
BCC Winner Sea of Class (IRE) William John Haggas Sunderland Holdings
24 Fourstar Crook Chad C. Brown Michael Dubb, Bethlehem Stables, Gary Aisquith
12 Santa Monica (GB) Chad C. Brown Mrs. John Magnier, Madaket Stables LLC,
D. P. Racing LLC
6 Lady Montdore Thomas Albertrani Godolphin Racing LLC
6 Quidura (GB) Chad C. Brown Peter M. Brant
4 Mom’s On Strike Joe Sharp Carl Moore Management LLC
* Coronet (GB) John H.M. Gosden Denford Stud Ltd.
* Eziyra (IRE) Dermot K. Weld H.H. Aga Khan Studs
* Kitesurf (GB) Andre Fabre Godolphin
* La Extrana Dama (ARG) Ignacio Correas Haras de la Pomme Kentucky Inc.
* Magic Wand (IRE) Aidan P. O’Brien Derrick Smith
* Wild Illusion (GB) Charlie Appleby Godolphin

***

Imperial Hint takes Vosburgh; Scott Serio/Eclipse Sportswire

Race: $350,000 Vosburgh (GI), 3yos & up, six furlongs
BREEDERS’ CUP CHALLENGE RACE
Track: Belmont Park
Finishing Order: 1 – IMPERIAL HINT, 2 – MR. CROW, 3 – SILVER RIDE
Margins: 1 ¼, 3 ¼, neck
Also ran: SIGHTFORSOREEYES, STILL KRZ, MANIACAL, FORGE
Winning
Connections: Owner: Ray Mamone; Trainer: Luis Carvajal; Jockey: Javier Castellano.
Time: 1:08.27 (fast)

Countdown to the TwinSpires Breeders’ Cup Sprint – Ray Mamone’s IMPERIAL HINT (Javier Castellano) earned an automatic starting berth into the TwinSpires Breeders’ Cup Sprint with a ridiculously easy 1 ¼-length win over MR. CROW in Belmont Park’s $350,000 “Win and You’re In” Vosburgh (GI). The 5-year-old son of Imperialism has risen to the top of the sprint division off three straight wins for trainer Luis Carvajal and appears to be only getting better, as he was geared down in the final sixteenth of a mile in the Vosburgh, which made the race look much more competitive than it was. Imperial Hint started his streak winning the True North (GII) at Belmont in June then won his first career Grade I in Saratoga’s Alfred G. Vanderbilt July 28. He’s now 12-for-18 and gives every indication he can one better his second-place finish in last year’s Sprint at Del Mar. “The Breeders’ Cup, it’s nice to be there and I’d be happy to go again, but we know we’re going to face better competition,” Carvajal said. “If he runs good, it’s a good thing, if he wins that would be amazing, but I think today was more pressure than the Breeders’ Cup.” KRA Stud Farm’s Mr. Crow, a well-beaten fourth in the Vanderbilt, closed to be a non-threatening second in an improved effort that could also send the 4-year-old son of 2012 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner Tapizar to the Sprint for trainer Ben Colebrook. Video: The Vosburgh

Twin Spires Breeders’ Cup Sprint – Breeders’ Cup Challenge (BCC) Winners and Points Leaders

Points Horse Trainer Owner
BCC Winner Imperial Hint Luis Carvajal Jr. Raymond Mamone
BCC Winner Limousine Liberal Ben Colebrook Katherine Ball
BCC Winner Ransom the Moon Philip D’Amato Agave Racing Stable, Jeffry Wilke
22 Promises Fulfilled Dale L. Romans Robert J. Baron
22 Whitmore Ron Moquett Southern Springs Stables, Robert V. La Penta,
Head of Plains Partners LLC
14 Firenze Fire Jason Servis Mr. Amore Stable
12 Roy H Peter Miller Rockingham Ranch, David A. Bernsen
10 Army Mule Todd A. Pletcher St. Elias Stable LLC
9 Seven Trumpets Dale L. Romans West Point Thoroughbreds, Inc.
4 X Y Jet Jorge Navarro Gary Hartunian, Gelfenstein Farm

***

Race: $300,000 American Pharoah (GI), 2yos, 1 1/16 miles
BREEDERS’ CUP CHALLENGE RACE
Track: Santa Anita
Finishing Order: 1 – GAME WINNER, 2 – GUNMETAL GRAY, 3 – ROWAYTON
Margins: 4 ½, 1, 3 ¼
Also ran: JEFE, SIGALERT
Winning
Connections: Owner: Gary & Mary West; Trainer: Bob Baffert; Jockey: Joel Rosario.
Time: 1:43.77 (fast)

Countdown to the Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Juvenile – Gary and Mary West’s GAME WINNER (Joel Rosario) remained undefeated and earned an automatic starting berth into the Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Juvenile with a 4 ½-length win over GUNMETAL GRAY in Santa Anita’s $300,000 “Win and You’re In” American Pharoah (GI). Bob Baffert trained the winner, a 2-year-old son of Candy Ride (ARG) who entered off a win in the Del Mar Futurity (GI) September 3 and showed no problem negotiating two turns for the first time. Game Winner, who broke his maiden at Del Mar in August, was a bargain $110,000 yearling purchase at the Keeneland September Sale and heads to Churchill Downs’ as arguably the horse to beat in the Juvenile. West Point Thoroughbreds’ and trainer Jerry Hollendorfer’s Gunmetal Gray closed nicely in his first start against winners and the son of Exchange Rate showed his romping two-turn maiden win at Del Mar August 22 was no fluke and figures to test Game Winner once again in Louisville. OXO Equine’s ROWAYTON, second in the Futurity for Hollendorfer, came up empty late after setting the early pace and finished third, putting his Juvenile status in jeopardy. Video: American Pharoah Stakes

Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Juvenile – Breeders’ Cup Challenge (BCC) Winners and Points Leaders

Points Horse Trainer Owner
BCC Winner Game Winner Bob Baffert Gary & Mary West
BCC Winner Cairo Cat Kenneth G. McPeek Walking L Thoroughbreds LLC
10 Mind Control Gregory D. Sacco Red Oak Stable, Madaket Stables LLC
6 Call Paul Jason Servis Michael Dubb, David Simon,
Bethlehem Stables
6 Gunmetal Gray Jerry Hollendorfer Jerry Hollendorfer, West Point Stables
6 Mucho William I. Mott Claiborne Farm; Adele Dilschneider
6 Tight Ten Steven M. Asmussen Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC
4 Sombeyay Todd A. Pletcher Starlight Racing Stable
4 Sparky Ville Jeffrey L. Bonde Del Secco DCS, Inc.
2 Strike Silver Mark E. Casse John C. Oxley
1 Whiskey Echo Steven M. Asmussen Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC, Willis D. Horton

***

Race: $300,000 Chandelier (GI), 2yo fillies, 1 1/16 miles
BREEDERS’ CUP RACE
Track: Santa Anita
Finishing Order: 1 – BELLAFINA, 2 – VIBRANCE, 3 – BRILL
Margins: 6 ½, 4 ½, 6 ½
Also ran: DER LU, DEL MAR MAY
Winning
Connections: Owner: Kaleem Shah; Trainer: Simon Callaghan; Jockey: Flavien Prat.
Time: 1:44.59 (fast)

Countdown to the Tito’s Handmade Vodka Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies – Kaleem Shah’s BELLAFINA Flavien Prat) left little doubt who the best 2-year-old filly in California is and earned an automatic starting berth into the Tito’s Handmade Vodka Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies with a dominant 6 ½-length win over VIBRANCE in Santa Anita’s $300,000 “Win and You’re In” Chandelier (GI). The daughter of Quality Road won her third straight stakes, to go with Del Mar’s Sorrento (GII) in August and Debutante (GI) September 5 Bellafina lost her debut at Los Alamitos Race Course in July but wasted no time heading straight into stakes company in the Sorrento and heads to Churchill Downs’ looking to cement a championship. “The timing is good; the filly is getting better. Physically, we’ve seen a bit of change,” Callaghan said. “I do believe she’s a very good filly. I believe the distance would be no problem.” Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Donna and Jim Daniell’s Vibrance was well clear of third in her first start against winners after an easy maiden win at Del Mar in her dirt debut August 29 for trainer Mike McCarthy and the daughter of Violence could also move on the Churchill. Video: The Chandelier

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies – Breeders’ Cup Challenge (BCC) Winners and Points Leaders
Points Horse Trainer Owner
BCC Winner Bellafina Simon Callaghan Kaleem Shah, Inc.
BCC Winner Sippican Harbor Gary Contessa Lee Pokoik
BCC Winner Serengeti Empress Thomas M. Amoss Joel Politi
6 Mother Mother Bob Baffert George Bolton, Barry Hall, Barry Lipman,
Mark Mathiesen, Andrew M. Molasky
6 Restless Rider Kenneth G. McPeek Fern Circle Stables, Three Chimneys Farm LLC
4 Splashy Kisses Doug F. O’Neill ERJ Racing, LLC, Dave Kenney
4 Virginia Eloise Todd A. Pletcher Teresa Viola Racing Stables
2 Lightscameraaction Kenneth G. McPeek Walking L Thoroughbreds LLC

***

Race: $100,000 Ack Ack (GIII), 3yos & up, 1-mile
Track: Churchill Downs
Finishing Order: 1 – SEEKING THE SOUL, 2 – NICE NOT NICE, 3 – GIANT EXPECTATIONS
Margins: 1 ¼, nose, head
Also ran: C Z ROCKET, AWESOME SLEW, WARRIOR’S CLUB
Winning
Connections: Owner: Chuck Fipke; Trainer: Dallas Stewart; Jockey: Brian Hernandez.
Time: 1:35.01 (fast)

Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile – Chuck Fipke’s homebred SEEKING THE SOUL (Brian Hernandez) tuned up for a potential Breeders’ Cup start try with a 1 ¼-length win over NICE NOT NICE in Churchill Downs’ $100,000 Ack Ack (GIII). Dallas Stewart trained the winner, a 5-year-old son of Perfect Soul (IRE) who cut back to one-turn for the first time in nine starts and picked up his first win since taking the local Clark (GI) last November Seeking the Soul, who entered off a disappointing 13th-place finish in Saratoga’s Woodward (GI) September 1, has now won 6-of-21 starts while posting a 3-for-8 local mark, which has Stewart eagerly looking ahead to the Breeders’ Cup. “We have our options open a bit between the Dirt Mile and the Classic,” Stewart said. “Mr. Fipke and I will get together to talk things over about where to head. Keene Ridge Racing’s Nice Not Nice ran a career-best and could wheel back in the Dirt Mile for trainer Buff Bradley, while Exline-Border Racing and Gatto Racing’s GIANT EXPECTATIONS, who was sixth in last year’s Dirt Mile at Del Mar for trainer Peter Miller, was a good third after breaking last and being floated 5-wide into the lane in his first start since running fourth to handicap superstar Accelerate in the Santa Anita Handicap (GI) in March, which suggests he could be sitting on a big run in this year’s Dirt Mile.

Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile – Breeders’ Cup Challenge (BCC) Winners and Points Leaders

Points Horse Trainer Owner
BCC Winner Whitmore Ron Moquett Southern Springs Stables, Robert V. La Penta,
Head of Plains Partners LLC
BCC Winner Catalina Cruiser John W. Sadler Hronis Racing LLC
26 City of Light Michael W. McCarthy Mr. and Mrs. William K. Warren, Jr.
22 Bravazo D. Wayne Lukas Calumet Farm
22 Promises Fulfilled Dale L. Romans Robert J. Baron
14 Firenze Fire Jason Servis Mr. Amore Stable
10 Army Mule Todd A. Pletcher St. Elias Stable LLC
7 Trigger Warning Michael Rone Brinley Enterprises LLC
6 Patternrecognition Chad C. Brown Klaravich Stables Inc, William H. Lawrence
4 Battle of Midway Jerry Hollendorfer Don Alberto Stable, WinStar Farm, LLC
4 Seeking the Soul Dallas Stewart Charles E. Fipke

***

Race: $2.116 million Sprinters Stakes (GI), 3yos & up, about six furlongs (turf)
BREEDERS’ CUP CHALLENGE RACE
Track: Nakayama Race Course
Finishing Order: 1 – FINE NEEDLE (JPN), 2 – LOVE KAMPF (JPN), 3 – RHEIN SPIRIT (JPN)
Margins: Neck, ½, neck
Also ran: DAIMEI PRINCESS (JPN), LET’S GO DONKI (JPN), ONCE IN A MOON (JPN), NAC VENUS (JPN), CAMPBELL JUNIOR (AUS), HIRUNO DEVARO (JPN), RED FALX (JPN), TEEHAF (JPN), SEIUN KOSEI (JPN), MOONQUAKE (JPN), ARES BAROWS (JPN), SNOW DRAGON (JPN), LUCKY BUBBLES (AUS)
Winning
Connections: Owner: Godolphin; Trainer: Yoshitata Takahashi; Jockey: Yuga Kawada.
Time: 1:08.30 (firm)

Countdown to the Breeders’ Turf Sprint – Godolphin’s homebred FINE NEEDLE (JPN) (Yuga Kawada) earned an automatic starting berth in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint with a neck win over LOVE KAMPF (JPN) in Nakayama Race Course’s $2.16 million “Win and You’re In” Sprinter Stakes (GI). The 5-year-old son of Admire Moon (JPN) has been Japan’s best sprinter this year for trainer Yoshitata Takahashi and added to a resume that also included the Takamatsunomiya Kinen (GI) at Chukyo in March, making him only the fifth horse ever to complete the elusive double of Japan’s two Grade I sprints in the same year. Fine Needle, who entered off a win in the Centaur (GII) at Hanshin September 9, is now 5-for-9 lifetime, and could make the trip to Churchill Downs later this fall. “There are no more Grade 1 sprints in Japan until March so he’ll have to race overseas,” said Harry Sweeney, Godolphin’s president in Japan. “The options are the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint or the Hong Kong Sprint. We’ll see how he comes out this race before making a decision.” Video: Sprinters Stakes

Race: $100,000 Eddie D. (GIII), 3yos & up, six and a half furlongs (turf)
Track: Santa Anita
Finishing Order: 1 – STORMY LIBERAL, 2 – CONQUEST TSUNAMI, 3 – CARIBOU CLUB
Margins: Head, ¾, ½
Also ran: LAW ABINDIN CITIZEN, KENJISSTORM, THREEFIVEINDIA, CISTRON, HE WILL, TOUCHING RAINBOWS
Winning
Connections: Owner: Rockingham Ranch & David Bernsen; Trainer: Peter Miller; Jockey: Drayden Van Dyke.
Time: 1:10.93 (firm)

Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint – Rockingham Ranch ad David Bernsen’s STORMY LIBERAL (Drayden Van Dyke) tuned up for a defense of his Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint title with a measured head win over CONQUEST TSUNAMI in anta Anita’s $100,000 Eddie D. (GIII). Peter Miller trained the winner, a 6-year-old son of Stormy Atlantic who won his third straight and has been one of the best turf sprinters in the country over the past two years. Stormy Liberal upset the Turf Sprint last year at Del Mar at 30-1 but validated that win with a close second in the Al Quoz Sprint (GI) on the Dubai World Cup undercard at Meydan in March and entered off a win in the Green Flash at Del Mar August 17. He’s now 11-for-29 lifetime and looks poised to have a big say in defending his Turf Sprint title. Gary Barber’s Conquest Tsunami ran huge to be second and looms a major Turf Sprint contender for trainer Peter Miller as the 6-year-old son of Stormy Atlantic beat Stormy Liberal in the Daytona (GIII) in February before finishing third in the Al Quoz. Glen Hill Farm’s CARIBOU CLUB was third, beaten less than a length, and Woodbine’s Connaught Cup (GII) winner also figures to move on to the Turf Sprint for trainer Tom Proctor. Video:Eddie D. Stakes

Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint – Breeders’ Cup Challenge (BCC) Winners and Points Leaders

Points Horse Trainer Owner
BCC Winner Disco Partner Christophe Clement Patricia Generazio
BCC Winner Havana Grey (GB) Karl Burke Global Racing Club, Elaine Burke
10 Belvoir Bay (GB) Peter Miller Team Valor International, Gary Barber
10 Conquest Tsunami Peter Miller Gary Barber
7 Pure Sensation Christophe Clement Patricia Generazio
6 Lady Alexandra H. Graham Motion Heider Family Stable, LLC
6 Stormy Liberal Peter Miller Rockingham Ranch
6 Vision Perfect Jason Servis Mr. Amore Stable
5 Bucchero Tim Glyshaw Ironhorse Racing Stable LLC
1 Rainbow Heir Jason Servis New Farm
* Blue Point (IRE) Charlie Appleby Godolphin
* Corinthia Knight (IRE) Archie Watson Ontoawinner 6
* El Astronaute (IRE) John Quinn Ross Harman Racing
* James Garfield (IRE) George Scott W.J. Gredley, T C O Gredley
* Pay Any Price Georgina Baxter Matties Racing Stable LLC, Averill Racing LLC
* Richard’s Boy Peter Miller Rockingham Ranch
* Sioux Nation Aidan P. O’Brien Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier,
Michael Tabor
***

Race: $371,250 Juddmonte Middle Park (GI), 2yos, six furlongs (turf)
Track: Newmarket
Finishing Order: 1 – TEN SOVEREIGNS (IRE), 2 – JASH (IRE), 3 – RUMBLE INTHEJUNGLE (IRE)
Margins: ½, 3 ½, ½
Also ran: MARIE’S DIAMOND (IRE), EMARAATY ANA (GB), LEGENDS OF WAR, SERGEI PROKOFIEV, SPACE TRAVELLER (GB)
Winning
Connections: Owner: Coolmore; Trainer: Aidan O’Brien; Jockey: Donnacha O’Brien.
Time: 1:10.04 (good)

Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf – Coolmore’s TEN SOVEREIGNS (IRE) (Donnacha O’Brien) held off a late run by JASH (IRE) to win Newmarket’s $371,250 Middle Park (GI) by a half-length. The 2-year-old son of No Nay Never remained unbeaten in three starts for trainer Aidan O’Brien and improved on the form that netter him the Tower (GIII) at The Curragh September 1. Ten Sovereigns won on debut at The Curragh just a week before the Tower and, after such a furious month to his freshman campaign, will be put away for the year with an eye towards next year’s European classics.
Video: Juddmonte Middle Park Stakes

Race: $200,000 Pilgrim (GIII), 2yos, 1 1/16 miles (turf)
Track: Belmont Park
Finishing Order: 1 – FORTY UNDER, 2 – SOMELIKEITHOTBROWN, 3 –SOCIAL PARANOIA
Margins: ¾, 2, 3 ½
Also ran: OPRY, SPIRIT ANIMAL, DASHING DAN, VINEYARD SOUND, RHYTHM WITH SOUL, OLE MOLE, PIPES
Winning
Connections: Owner: August Dawn Farm; Trainer: Jeremiah Englehart; Jockey: Manny Franco.
Time: 1:44.37 (yielding)

Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf – Bill Parcells’ August Dawn Farm’s FORTY UNDER (Manny Franco) pulled clear late for a three quarters of a length win over SOMELIKEITHOTBROWN in Belmont Park’s $200,000 Pilgrim (GIII). Jeremiah Englehart trained the winner, a 2-year-old son of 2010 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Uncle Mo who has turned into a new horse since being switched to the turf. Forty Under was ninth in his career debut on the dirt at Saratoga in August but broke his maiden in his turf debut there August 23 and looks like a leading candidate for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. “If everything goes well from here, I would definitely want the Breeders’ Cup to be his next start,” Englehart said. Skychai Racing and David Koenig’s Somelikeithotbrown ran big in defeat and backed up his second-place finish in Saratoga’s With Anticipation (GIII) August 29 for trainer Mike Maker and is another candidate for the Juvenile Turf. Cheyenne Stable’s heavily favored OPRY, who broke his maiden in the With Anticipation for trainer Todd Pletcher, struggled over the yielding ground and was a one-paced fourth, though he too could move on to the Juvenile Turf. Video: The Pilgrim

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf – Points Leaders

Points Horse Trainer Owner
6 War of Will Mark E. Casse Gary Barber
4 Forty Under Jeremiah C. Englehart August Dawn Farm
4 Opry Todd A. Pletcher Gaillardia LLC; Cheyenne Stables
4 Somelikeithotbrown Michael J. Maker Skychai Racing LLC, David Koenig
* The Black Album (FR) Jane Soubagne Team Valor LLC
* Broome (IRE) Aidan P. O’Brien Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier,
Michael Tabor
* Cardini Aidan P. O’Brien Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier,
Michael Tabor
* Felix The Poet (GB) Archie Watson The Rare Quality Partnership
* Henley’s Joy Michael J. Maker Bloom Racing Stable LLC
* Land Force (IRE) Aidan P. O’Brien Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier,
Michael Tabor

***

Race: $371,250 Juddmonte Cheveley Park (GI), 2yo fillies, six furlongs (turf)
Track: Newmarket
Finishing Order: 1 – FAIRYLAND (IRE), 2 – THE MACKEM BULLET (IRE), 3 – SO PERFECT
Margins: Neck, ½, 1
Also ran: PRETTY POLLYANNA (GB), GOSSAMER WINGS, LADY KAYA (IRE), QUEEN OF BERMUDA (IRE), ANGEL’S HIDEAWAY (IRE), COMEDY (IRE), SIGNORA CABELLO (IRE), NO WAY JOSE (IRE)
Winning
Connections: Owner: Mrs. Evie Stockwell, Michael Tabor & Derrick Smith; Trainer: Aidan O’Brien; Jockey: Donnacha O’Brien.
Time: 1:10.13 (good)

Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf – Mrs. Evie Stockwell, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith’s FAIRYLAND (IRE) held off the late run of THE MACKEM BULLET by a neck in Newmarket’s $371,250 Juddmonte Cheveley Park (GI). The 2-year-old daughter of Kodiac (GB) doubled up on a win in York’s Lother (GII) August 23 for trainer Aidan O’Brien and won for the fourth time in five starts, with her lone defeat coming when third in Royal Ascot’s Albany (GIII) in June. O’Brien indicated Fairyland is done for the year, but trainer Brian Ellison said Katsumi Yoshida’s The Mackem Bullet, a daughter of Society Rock (IRE) who also chased home Fairyland when second in the Lother, could pack her bags for Louisville. “We were beaten by a good filly, but (jockey) Oisin (Murphy) said she was crying out for a mile and she’ll probably go to the Breeders’ Cup (Juvenile Fillies Turf) for the mile race on grass now.”
Video: Cheveley Park Stakes

Race: $200,000 Miss Grillo (GIII), 2yo fillies, 1 1/16 miles (turf)
Track: Belmont Park
Finishing Order: 1 – NEWSPAPEROFRECORD (IRE), 2 – VARENKA, 3 – STELLAR AGENT
Margins: 6 ½, 1 ¾, ½
Also ran: DOGTAG, MISS TECHNICALITY, NO MORE FAST WOMEN, VIRGINIA ELOISE, KITTY’S LEGACY, DECORATED ACE
Winning
Connections: Owner: Klaravich Stable (Ron Lombardi); Trainer: Chad Brown; Jockey: Irad Ortiz.
Time: 1:11.27 (fast)

Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf – Seth Klarman’s NEWSPAPEROFRECORD (IRE) (Irad Ortiz) gave every indication she’s the horse to beat in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf with an easy 6 ½-length win over VARENKA in Belmont Park’s $200,000 Miss Grillo (GIII). Chad Brown trained the winner, a 2-year-old daughter of Lope de Vega (IRE) who entered off a similar romp in her August 19 debut at Saratoga, when she drew off by 6 ¾ lengths, and has yet to really be tested in either lifetime start. “Obviously, we’re going to run in the Breeders’ Cup, so hopefully she didn’t do much today,” Brown said. Video: Miss Grillo

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf – Breeders’ Cup Challenge (BCC) Winners and Points Leaders

Points Horse Trainer Owner
BCC Winner La Pelosa (IRE) Charlie Appleby Godolphin
BCC Winner Just Wonderful Aidan P. O’Brien Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier,
Michael Tabor
6 My Gal Betty Roger L. Attfield William Werner
6 Newspaperofrecord (IRE) Chad C. Brown Klaravich Stables Inc
* Beyond Reason (IRE) Charlie Appleby Godolphin
* Foxtrot Liv (GB) Paddy Twomey Martin S. Schwartz
* The Mackem Bullet (IRE) Brian Ellison Katsumi Yoshida
* So Perfect Aidan P. O’Brien Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier,
Michael Tabor
* Summering Thomas F. Proctor Glen Hill Farm

***

About Breeders’ Cup
The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Thoroughbred racing’s year-end Championships. The Breeders’ Cup also administers the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The 2018 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 races (13 Grade 1 events) with purses and awards totaling more than $30 million, will be held November 2-3 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky., and will be televised live by the NBC Sports Group. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website, www.breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.