Away cleanly from stall nine, Peptide Nile raced prominently through the early stages as the hulking Don Frankie (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn})–a son of dual Grade I-winning juvenile filly Weemissfrankie (Sunriver)–led from 29-10 second favorite Wilson Tesoro (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}). Tracking four wide on the turn while traveling well within himself, Peptide Nile was held together into the long straight and went up to challenge Don Frankie for the lead about five off the inside with a bit more than 200 metres to travel. Wilson Tesoro was still plugging away between the two of them, but Peptide Nile proved not for catching from there and scored comfortably in the finish. Gaia Force (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) ran home gamely for second in his first go on the dirt, while Sekifu (Jpn) (Henny Hughes) came from well back to win a photo for third. Wilson Tesoro faded to eighth, while the unexposed Omega Guiness (Jpn) (Logotype {Jpn}) beat just two home as the 21-10 chalk.

“The pace was tough, but he ran a great race,” said jockey Yusuke Fujioka, winning his second Group 1 on the JRA. “We were able to sit in a better position than expected, but I didn't imagine he would take over the lead that early and that easily. The wire seemed very far today. His last start didn't turn out as hoped, but as long as he's able to run in good rhythm as he did today, I'm sure we can look forward to solid performances in the future.”

Pedigree Notes:

A member of the third-last crop of the outstanding King Kamehameha, Peptide Nile is one of 100 of his black-type winners and became the 68th to strike at group level. He is a 15th elite-level winner for King Kamehameha and fourth of those on the dirt, joining Hokko Tarumae (Jpn), Chuwa Wizard (Jpn) and Jun Light Bolt (Jpn).

Queen Olive has a 3-year-old filly by King Kamehameha's G1 Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby)-winning son Rey de Oro (Jpn) and a yearling colt by top dirt sire Sinister Minister. She is due to Drefong this term.

Sunday, Tokyo, Japan
FEBRUARY S.-G1, ¥233,160,000, Tokyo, 2-18, 4yo/up, 1600m, 1:35.70, ft.
1–PEPTIDE NILE (JPN), 128, h, 6, by King Kamehameha (Jpn)
1st Dam: Queen Olive (Jpn), by Manhattan Cafe (Jpn)
2nd Dam: Olive Branch (Jpn), by Machiavellian
3rd Dam: Sopranino, by Theatrical (Ire)
1ST GROUP WIN, 1ST GROUP 1 WIN. O-Kazuhiko Numakawa; B-Kineusu Farm; T-Hidenori Take; J-Yusuke Fujioka; ¥123,612,000. Lifetime Record: 20-8-1-1, ¥262,596,000. Werk Nick Rating: A+++ *Triple Plus*. Click for the eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree or the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Gaia Force (Jpn), 128, h, 5, Kitasan Black (Jpn)–Natale (Jpn), by Kurofune. 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK-TYPE. (¥30,000,000 Wlg '19 JRHAJUL). O-KR Japan; B-Oiwake Farm; T-Haruki Saugiyama; J-Yoshihito Nagaoka; ¥49,032,000.
3–Sekifu (Jpn), 128, h, 5, Henny Hughes–Siyabona, by Kingmambo. 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK-TYPE. O-Akira Nakatsuji; B-Bamboo Farm; T-Koshiro Take; J-Yutaka Take; ¥30,516,000.
Margins: 1 1/4, NK, NO. Odds: 37.00, 12.00, 47.20.
Also Ran: Tagano Beauty (Jpn), King's Sword (Jpn), Red le Zele (Jpn), Mick Fire (Jpn), Wilson Tesoro (Jpn), Don Frankie (Jpn), Alpha Mom (Jpn), Igniter (Jpn), Dura Erede (Jpn), Speedy Kick (Jpn), Omega Guiness (Jpn), Karate (Jpn), Champagne Color (Jpn). Click for the JRA chart.

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A traditional $1 Pick 6 with a player-friendly 15% takeout, the Keeneland/Santa Anita Breeders' Cup Challenge Pick 6 will include the following Breeders' Cup “Win & You're In” Challenge Race qualifiers and be offered in this order:

Thoroughbred Club of America (KEE)–4:12 p.m. ET

Claiborne Breeders' Futurity (KEE)–5:14 p.m. ET

Coolmore Turf (KEE)–5:45 p.m. ET

American Pharoah S. (SA)

Chandelier S. (SA )

Rodeo Drive S. (SA)

“We are excited to offer a compelling bet for the horseplayer,” said Nate Newby, Santa Anita Senior Vice President and General Manager. “It's going to be a can't-miss sequence combining Breeders' Cup Challenge Races at both Keeneland and Santa Anita with a player-friendly 15% takeout.”

Players are advised that the Keeneland/Santa Anita Breeders' Cup Challenge Pick 6 will be listed as a separate wager/track on all tote and ADW platforms as:  Keeneland Santa Anita Pick 6 (KEE/SAP Pick 6).

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One race prior to the Queen's Plate, Mrs. S. Viljoen's 4-year-old filly Captain's Ransom (SAF) defeated Chansonette (SAF) by a head in the 1 1/8-mile Cartier Paddock Stakes (G1), and gained a free starting position into the US$2 million Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1).

Now in its 15th season, the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series is an international series of stakes races whose winners receive automatic starting positions and fees paid into a corresponding race in the Breeders' Cup World Championships, which is scheduled to be held this year at the Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky on Nov. 4-5.

Off slowly in the 11-horse field, Jet Dark, 10-1, saved ground along the rail towards the rear of the field behind Kommetdieding, last year's Vodacom Durban July (G1) winner. Both runners gained steadily into the final turn with Kommetdieding moving to challenge front runner Seeking the Stars (SAF) to his outside at the 200 meter mark. At that point, though, Jet Dark found another gear, surging past Kommetdieding to the front and charging home an easy winner. Kommetdieding held on for second over the fast-closing third choice Rainbow Bridge (SAF), with Seeking the Stars finishing fourth.

In registering his sixth win in 11 starts, Jet Dark, a son of Trippi out of Night Jet (SAF) by Jet Master (SAF), completed the mile in 1:36.56 over a course listed as good. Jet Dark has now won three Group 1 races. In addition to last year's Queen's Plate triumph, he also won the HKJC World Pool Champions Cup in July at Greyville. Jet Dark, bred by Drackenstein Stud, came into today's race off a fourth-place finish in the WSB Prive Greenpoint Stakes (G2) at Kenilworth on Dec. 4.

In the Cartier Paddock Stakes, the 2-1 favored Captain's Ransom, trained by Justin Snaith and ridden by Richard Fourie, came from far back against 10 rivals and battled to the front inside the final 100 meters. Fending off the challenge of 3-1 second choice Chansonette along the rail and the fast closing Marina (SAF) in between them, Captain's Ransom hit the wire a short head in front. Chansonette held off Marina by a head to claim the runner-up position.

Earning the free berth into the Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, Captain's Ransom, a 4-year-old filly by Captain Al (SAF) out of the Red Ransom mare Cinnas Ransom (GB), won her ninth race in 11 starts. She finished the 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.43. The win was also her third Group 1 triumph, having taken the Majora Stakes last May and the World Sports Betting Cape Fillies Guineas in 2020. Captain's Ransom had two 7-furlong victories prior to today's race, first winning the Diana Stakes (G3) at Durbanville on Oct. 2, and then the Dec. 4 Amy Miller Memorial Pinnacle Stakes at Kenilworth.

As a part of the benefits of the Challenge series, the Breeders' Cup will pay the pre-entry and entry fees for Jet Dark and Captain's Ransom to start in the Fan Duel Breeders' Cup Mile and the Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, respectively. Breeders' Cup will also provide a US$40,000 travel allowance for all starters based outside of North America to compete in the Championships. The Challenge winner must be nominated to the Breeders' Cup program by the pre-entry deadline of Oct. 24 to receive the rewards.

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Both races will be televised live on TVG, with approximate post time for the Cartier Paddock Stakes scheduled at 8:35 a.m. ET.

Now in its 15th season, the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series is an international series of stakes races whose winners receive automatic starting positions and fees paid into a corresponding race in the Breeders' Cup World Championships, which is scheduled to be held this year at the Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky on Nov. 4-5.

As a part of the benefits of the Challenge series, the Breeders' Cup will pay the pre-entry and entry fees for the winners of Saturday's races to start in the World Championships. Breeders' Cup will also provide a US$40,000 travel allowance for all starters based outside of North America to compete in the Championships. The Challenge winner must be nominated to the Breeders' Cup program by the pre-entry deadline of Oct. 24 to receive the rewards.

Jet Dark, trained by Justin Snaith, slipped up the rail in the final furlong to win last year's L'Ormarins Queen's Plate at 12-1, defeating Rainbow Bridge (SAF) by three-quarters of a length. Since then, the son of Trippi has made three starts, which includes a victory on July 31 in the 1 1/8-mile HKJC World Pool Champions Cup (G1) at Greyville, and a recent fourth-place finish in the WSB Prive Greenpoint Stakes (G2) at Kenilworth on Dec. 4. Richard Fourie has the mount, breaking from post 5.

Mr. and Mrs. M.L.P. Rattray's 7-year-old gelding Rainbow Bridge has won 11 of 25 starts, including five Group 1 victories. Trained by Richard Sands, Rainbow Bridge reeled off three straight wins following his defeat in last year's Queen's Plate. He captured the Cape Town Met Stakes (G1) at Kenilworth three weeks later, and then scored two wins at Greyville, first taking the Independent on Saturday Drill Hall Stakes (G2) by 2 lengths and the Group 1 Hollywood Bets Gold Challenge. However, the streak ended with an eighth-place finish in the prestigious 1 3/8-mile Vodacom Durban July (G1) on July 3 at Greyville.

The first two finishers from the Durban July – Kommetdieding (SAF) and Linebacker (SAF) – have both been entered in the Queen's Plate. Nicknamed the “Cape Comet,” 4-year-old Kommetdieding, owned by Ashwin Reynolds and trained by the father-daughter duo of Henry Crawford and Michele Rix, broke from the outside post 18 in the Durban July and steadily worked his way to the front, passing Linebacker in the last 50 yards to prevail by a half-length at 10-1. He completed his 3-year-old campaign with four wins in six starts. In his first start this season, Kommetdieding finished a troubled third behind Warrior (SAF) in the Cape Mile on Nov. 6 at Kenilworth. Kommetdieding will be ridden by Gavin Lerena from post three.

Two-time Group 1 winner Linebacker, trained by Vaughn Marshall and ridden from post three by Craig Zackey, has finished first or second in nine of his 10 starts, with his Group 1 scores coming back-to-back in the Jonsson Workware Cape Derby last February and in the 1 ¼-mile Daily News 2000 in May, prior to his runner-up finish in the Durban July. Linebacker prepped for the Queen's Plate with a third-place finish in the Green Point Stakes, won by stablemate Seeking the Stars (SAF).

Also trained by Marshall, the 4-year-old old Seeking the Stars has won his last two races, taking the Matchem Stakes (G3) at Durbanville on Oct. 2, before his half-length triumph in the Green Point. Bernard Fayd'Herbe will ride, breaking from post four.

Captain's Ransom Faces She's a Keeper in Cartier Paddock Stakes

Eleven fillies and mares are scheduled to go to the post in the Cartier Paddock Stakes, led by Captain's Ransom and Missing U Syndicate's 5-year-old She's a Keeper (SAF). A very consistent eight-time winner in 10 starts, Captain's Ransom, trained by Justin Snaith, comes into Saturday's race off two 7-furlong victories, first winning the Diana Stakes (G3) at Durbanville on Oct. 2, and then the Dec. 4 Amy Miller Memorial Pinnacle Stakes by three-quarters of a length over Princess Calla (SAF), with She's a Keeper finishing third. Captain's Ransom also gained her second career Group 1-win last January when she captured the 1-mile Majorca Stakes by 3 ¼ lengths at Kenilworth. Richard Fourie has the mount, breaking from post four.

She's a Keeper, a six-time winner for trainer Gareth Van Zyl, was the odds-on favorite in her first six starts, and registered five victories, culminating with a 1-length triumph in the World Sports Betting 1900 (G2) at Greyville. She was next entered in the Vodacom Durban July against males, but was wide throughout, finishing 10th of 18 starters. She's a Keeper rebounded in her next effort, though, winning the Kuda Gold Bracelet (G2) at Greyville on July 31. In her most recent start, She's a Keeper finished third, beaten 2 lengths in the Pinnacle Stakes. Starting from post eight, She's a Keeper will be ridden by Bernard Fayd'Herbe.

Mr. M.J.A Ferreira's 4-year-old Princess Calla has finished second in her last four starts for trainer Adam Marcus. A 4-year-old daughter of Flower Alley, Princess Calla completed last season with a heartbreaking defeat by a nose in the Group 1 Jonsson Workwear Garden Province Stakes at Greyville on July 3. A winner twice in 10 starts, Princess Calla will be ridden by Anton Marcus from post five.

Mauritzfontein, and Messrs. M.W. Bass, F. Green and Re Byn's 4-year-old Marina (SAF), trained by Candice Bass-Robinson, has won four of five starts, with all four wins coming at Kenilworth. A chestnut mare by Silvano (GER), Marina's only defeat in that stretch was a fourth-place finish in the Diana Stakes. She won two starts after that, taking the Computaform Online Pinnacle Stakes and the Victress Stakes (G3) on Dec. 18. Marina, eight of 13 lifetime, will be ridden by Aldo Domeyer from post three.

Following her “Win and You're In” victory in the 2021 Cartier Paddock Stakes, Queen Supreme (IRE) was sent to the U.S. later in the year to compete in the Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar.

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The Breeders' Cup Challenge Series is an international series of stakes races whose winners receive automatic starting positions and fees paid into a corresponding race of the 2022 Breeders' Cup World Championships, which is scheduled to be held on Nov. 4-5 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Kentucky.

The Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini-Internacional, South America's most prestigious race, is the first Breeders' Cup Challenge Series race of the 2022 season.

Francisco Pérez Werthein's 4-year-old Cool Day (ARG), a son of John F Kennedy (IRE), won the 2020 Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini-Internacional by a half-length over favored Pinball Wizard (ARG) in a thrilling stretch drive in just his fourth start. It was also the sixth victory in the race for trainer Alfredo Gaitan Dassie. Cool Day was sidelined with an injury for the next 10 months, but returned on Oct. 30 at San Isidro to win the 1 ½-mile Gran Premio Copa–Alfredo Lalor (G1) by 2 ½ lengths. Cool Day will be ridden by Eduardo Ortega Pavon from post 17.

Haras El Angel De Venecia's 7-year-old Village King (ARG) has been a stakes winner in both Argentina and in the United States. Trained by Carly Etchechoury, Village King, a bay son of Campanologist out of the Pleasant Tap mare Villard, has won eight times in 20 starts. Following a third-place finish in the 2017 Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini, Village King was sent to the U.S. where he made his next eight starts for trainer Todd Pletcher, highlighted by a win in the 2018 Red Smith Stakes at Aqueduct. After an eighth-place finish in the Man o' War (G1) at Belmont Park in May 2019, Village King was returned to Argentina and won his first race on more familiar ground, taking the 1 ½-mile Progreso (G2) at San Isidro.

Following a second-place finish in the Copa De Oro, Village King finished third in last year's Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini, just slightly more than a half-length behind Cool Day. He continued his solid form into 2021, reeling off three consecutive turf victories at San Isidro, taking the Miguel Alfredo Martinez de Hoz (G1), the Porteno (G3) and the 25 de May–Copa Dr. Enrique de Hoz (G1). The streak ended Oct. 24 in the Longines Gran Premio Latinoamericano (G1) on dirt at Maronas Nacional Racecourse in Uruguay, where he finished fourth, 6 ¼ lengths behind Aero Trem (BRZ). Martin Valle has the mount, breaking from post nine.

Mirinaque, an internationally campaigned 5-year-old, owned and trained by Maria Cristina Munoz, won four races on dirt during his 2019-20 season as a 3-year-old, including the Group 1 Nacional at Palermo. He finished second, just three-quarters of a length behind Nao Da Mais (BRZ) in the 2019 Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini and also finished second in the Gran Premio Latinoamericano. Those performances earned him the Argentine Champion 3-year-old and Horse of the Year titles.

He was sent to the U.S. in 2020, but did not win any of his five starts there. He finished fifth in the TVG Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar, and his best result was a runner-up placing in the Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance on the Saturday Breeders' Cup undercard at Keeneland. This year, after a seventh-place finish in the Red Sea Turf Handicap at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Saudi Arabia, Mirinaque was sent back to Argentina, and in June finished second in the Gran Premio 25 De Mayo–Copa Dr. Enrique Olivera (G1). He finished fifth in the Gran Premio Latinoamericano as the 3-1 second choice, and in his most recent start on Nov. 19, finished second in the 1 ½-mile Dardo Rocha Internacional (G1) on dirt at La Plata in Argentina. Mirinaque will be ridden by Gustavo Calvente from post five.

Las Monjitas Polo's 3-year-old Vespaciano (ARG), by Daniel Boone (BRZ), has won three of his four career starts, all at San Isidro. Trained by Carlos Daniel Etchechoury, Vespaciano broke his maiden on May 8 in a 7-furlong race, and won again at 7 furlongs on June 16 in the listed Clasico Manuel Anasagasti. He stepped up in class to the Group 1 Gran Premio Dos Mil Guineas on Aug. 7 at 1 mile, and came from last to first to win it by 4 lengths. Vespaciano suffered his first defeat in his most recent start, the 1 ¼-mile Gran Premio Jockey Club (G1) on Oct. 16. Sent off as the 2-1 favorite, Vespaciano took the lead passing the half-mile pole and battled hard down the stretch before finishing third behind Zodiacal (ARG). Vespaciano will be ridden from post three by Adrian Giannetti.

Elegante De 9's Sandino Ruler (ARG) has won three of his last four starts on dirt after an unsuccessful North American campaign in which he went winless in six starts. Trained by Juan Saldivia, Sandino Ruler, a 6-year-old son of Roman Ruler, won three consecutive races at Palermo, first taking the 1 1/8-mile Invierno Stakes on July 5. He won his next two starts, capturing the Peru Stakes (G2) on July 26 and then the 1 ¼-mile Italia Stakes (G3) on Sept. 26. His streak was stopped, however, when he finished eighth at the 5-1 third choice in the Gran Premio Latinoamericano. Juan Noriega has the mount, starting from post one.

Also of interest is Los Vikingos' 4-year-old Athelsta (URU) who will be making his first start in Argentina after nine races at Maronas in Uruguay. Trained by Facundo Santesteban, Athelsta has won six times, including his last five. A son of Midas Touch (GB) out of the More Than Ready mare Mas Que Lista, Athelsta won his two most recent races at 1 1/2 miles, and by a nose both times. On Oct. 3, Athelsta took the Gran Premio de Honor Stakes and followed up that score by taking the Clasico Carlos Pellegrini on Nov. 6. Athelsta will break from post 19 under jockey Fabian Hector.

As a part of the benefits of the Challenge series, the Breeders' Cup will pay the entry fees for the winner of the Gran Premio Carlos Pellegrini–Internacional to start in the 1 ½-mile Longines Breeders' Cup Turf. Breeders' Cup also will provide a $40,000 travel allowance for all starters based outside of North America to compete in the World Championships. The Challenge winner must be nominated to the Breeders' Cup program by the pre-entry deadline of Oct. 24, 2022, to receive the rewards.

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The John Deere Award, presented by Breeders' Cup Limited and NTRA Advantage, emphasizes the contributions of breeders to the Breeders' Cup program. The industry's breeders and nominators provide funding for the purses of the World Championships through the annual nominations of foals and stallions.

NTRA Advantage and John Deere will award a John Deere TS Gator Utility Vehicle to Godolphin.

The John Deere Award winner is determined by the breeder who received the highest number of first-place finishes in the 86 Breeders' Cup Challenge Series stakes races held in 10 countries, and in the 14 Breeders' Cup World Championships races (13 Grade 1 races and 1 Grade 2 race), which was held on Nov. 5-6 at Del Mar racetrack in Del Mar, Calif. Each Grade/Group 1 win was worth 10 points; Grade/Group 2 wins were worth six points; Grade/Group 3 wins were worth four points; and listed stakes wins were worth two points.

Godolphin-bred runners earned 68 points by breeding winners of three Breeders' Cup World Championships races and five Breeders' Cup Challenge Series races. Northern Farm, from Japan, finished second in the competition with 40 points, and St. George Stables finished third with 36 points.

In accumulating its 68 points, Godolphin's three Breeders' Cup Champions, all sired by Dubawi (IRE), led the way with Modern Games winning the $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1), Space Blues capturing the $2 million FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile presented by PDJF (G1), and Yibir taking the $4 million Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (G1). Prior to the World Championships, Godolphin began its march to the 2021 John Deere Award in June with a string of five Breeders' Cup Challenge Series victories. First, Maxfield won the Stephen Foster Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs, and one month later at Ascot, Adayar (IRE) won the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes (G1). In September, Godolphin garnered three Breeders' Cup Challenge races on one weekend. On Sept. 18 at Belmont Park, Yibir earned an automatic berth into the Longines Breeders' Cup Turf when he won the listed Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes. The following day at Woodbine, Godolphin collared two more “Win and You're In” races, taking the Natalma Stakes (G1) for 2-year-old fillies with Wild Beauty (GB) and the Summer Stakes (G1) for 2-year-olds with Albahr (GB).

“We congratulate Godolphin on their extraordinary group of progeny which led them to their fourth consecutive John Deere Award, and a record three wins by homebreds at the World Championships,” said Dora Delgado, Breeders' Cup Executive Vice President and Chief Racing Officer. “Godolphin's success is emblematic of their longtime commitment to international breeding and racing. We thank them and all participating breeders for their enormous support, which has been vital to the sustained growth of the Breeders' Cup program over the past 38 years.”

“We also thank John Deere and NTRA Advantage for joining us in placing the breeding community in the spotlight by sponsoring this award,” added Delgado.

“Godolphin is delighted to once again be the recipient of the Breeders' Cup/John Deere breeder award,” said Michael Banahan, Godolphin Director of Farm Operations. “The industry is indebted to John Deere for the sponsorship of the Breeders' Cup for many years and so grateful for their continued support. This award goes to all the Godolphin personnel that work incredibly hard behind the scenes to achieve the fantastic results we have had with our homebreds on the track this year.”

“On behalf of John Deere, congratulations to Godolphin as 'Outstanding Breeder of the Year' for the fourth consecutive year at the Breeders' Cup World Championships,” said Auston Till, Manager Partner Sales, John Deere Ag & Turf. “Like John Deere, Godolphin epitomizes excellence. Nowhere was that more apparent than at this year's World Championships, where Godolphin won three races on Thoroughbred racing's biggest stage! As we traditionally do each year, we are thrilled to award Godolphin a John Deere Gator Utility Vehicle for this outstanding accomplishment.”

Finishing second in the John Deere Award competition, Northern Farm led Japan's breakthrough at the 2021 Breeders' Cup with its progeny winning two races: Loves Only You (JPN) captured the $2 million Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) and Marche Lorraine (JPN) won the $2 million Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1). Northern Farm also bred Breeders' Cup Challenge Series winners Gran Alegria (JPN), who claimed the Victoria Mile (G1) at Tokyo Racecourse and Chrono Genesis (JPN), who won the Takarazuka Kinen (G1) at Hanshin.

The outstanding 5-year-old mare Letruska accounted for all 36 points accumulated by third-place finisher St. George Stables. Letruska won four Breeders' Cup Challenge Series races, taking in succession the Ogden Phipps Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park, the Fleur de Lis Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs, the Personal Ensign Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course, and the Juddmonte Spinster Stakes (G1) at Keeneland.

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The Breeders' Cup Challenge Series is an international series of 86 stakes races whose winners receive automatic starting positions and fees paid into a corresponding race of the Breeders' Cup World Championships, which will be held at Del Mar racetrack in Del Mar, California, on Nov. 5-6.

Heavyweights Go Head-to-Head in QIPCO Champion Stakes

Ten runners have been declared for a thrilling renewal of the 1 ¼-mile QIPCO Champion Stakes headed by multiple Group 1 winner Mishriff (IRE) and Cazoo Derby (G1) hero Adayar (IRE).

The John & Thady Gosden trained Mishriff, owned by Prince A A Faisal, was last seen winning the Juddmonte International Stakes (G1) at York on Aug. 18, a “Win and You're In” for the Longines Breeders' Cup Classic (G1). It was the 4-year-old's first domestic Group 1 success after winning the Saudi Cup (G1) and Longines Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) earlier this year.

Connections will be hoping the son of Make Believe (GB) can reverse recent form with Godolphin's Adayar. The former coming out on top in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth QIPCO Stakes (G1) on Jul. 24 to secure his automatic position in the Longines Breeders' Cup Turf, with Mishriff 1 ¾-lenghts behind in second.

Adayar returns to the track after finishing fourth in the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) at ParisLongchamp last time out. The 3-year-old pleased connections with his work at home, encouraging Charlie Appleby to target a third Group 1 success with the son of Frankel (GB) this season.

Appleby said: “Adayar pleased us yesterday (Wednesday) in an easy piece of work and showed his well-being. He ticked all the boxes and had all his checks. After discussions with the team the intention is to run him at Ascot.

“We are looking forward to meeting Mishriff as he's the one we have to beat over a mile and a quarter, which is a trip we will be exploring next year as well.”

Adayar's participation could also prove pivotal to Godolphin stable jockey William Buick, who is bidding to win the British Flat Jockey's Championship for the first time. Buick is currently neck and neck with Oisin Murphy, with the Championship coming to an end at Ascot on Saturday afternoon.

Trainer William Haggas saddles three in the race, including defending QIPCO Champion Stakes champion Addeybb (IRE). Second in the Coral-Eclipse (G1) at Sandown on July 3, with Mishriff back in third, the 7-year-old gelding returns to Ascot. He is joined by stablemates Al Aasy (IRE) and Dubai Honour (IRE), who was supplemented for US$102,000. Other notable runners include Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) fifth Sealiway (FR) and Belmont Derby (G1) winner Bolshoi Ballet (IRE).

Palace Pier Aiming for More Group 1 Glory in QEII

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum' s Palace Pier (GB) and Shadwell's Baaeed (GB) are set to clash in the 1-mile Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (sponsored by QIPCO) (G1).

The John and Thady Gosden-trained Palace Pier has been beaten only once in his career, when third behind The Revenant (GB) in this race last year. The son of Kingman (GB) was back to his brilliant best this season, winning the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes (G1) at Newbury, the Queen Anne Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot and Prix du Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard Jacques le Marois (G1) at Deauville. The two latter victories securing his “Win And You're In” place in the Breeders' Cup FanDuel Mile.

Baaeed, trained by William Haggas and ridden by Jim Crowley, is unbeaten. The 3-year-old son of Sea The Stars (IRE) has won each of his five starts comfortably, starting his season in maiden company to winning the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp (G1) at ParisLongchamp in his last start.

His trainer William Haggas said: “He's extraordinary. I've been enormously impressed with what he's done in such a short space of time, but he has a big task in front of him. It's a hell of a race – probably the best mile race of the season. I don't want to undermine the horses that finished behind him at Longchamp, but I'm sure we didn't see him at his best. You'll see the best of him on Saturday.”

They are joined by the Andrew Balding-trained Alcohol Free (IRE), who was last seen at York finishing sixth in the Juddmonte International (G1), and QIPCO 1000 Guineas (G1) heroine Mother Earth (IRE), trained by Aidan O'Brien.

Other notable runners include Godolphin's Master of The Seas (IRE) and last year's winner The Revenant (GB).

As part of the benefits of the Challenge Series, Breeders' Cup will pay the entry fees for the winners to start in the Breeders' Cup World Championships. Breeders' Cup will also provide a travel allowance of US$40,000 for all starters based outside of North America to compete in the World Championships. The Challenge winner must be nominated to the Breeders' Cup program by the Championships' pre-entry deadline of Oct. 25 to receive the rewards.

The post Two Stakes On British Champions Day Join Breeders’ Cup ‘Win And You’re In’ Series appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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Races in this weekend's rundown are listed in chronological order (all times Eastern). Full previews, when available, can be found through the link for each race.

TVG will feature racing from Keeneland, Santa Anita, Gulfstream Park, Laurel Park, Woodbine and more. Fans can tune in on TVG, TVG2 and the Watch TVG app which is available on Amazon Fire, Roku and connected Apple TV devices. NBC Sports will also provide coverage of this weekend's “Win and Your In” races from Keeneland.

“America's Day at the Races” will be broadcasting live from Belmont Park on Friday, Oct. 8 on FS2 from 12:30 – 5:30 pm; on Saturday, Oct. 9 on FS2 from 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm; and on Sunday, Oct. 10 on FS2 from 12:30 – 1 pm., FS1 from 1:00-2:00 pm and on FS2 from 2:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Friday, October 8

5:10 PM ET – $250,000 Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix (Gr. 2-Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In”) at Keeneland on TVG and NBC Sports

Special Reserve is the 9-5 morning line favorite in a field of seven sprinters for the six-furlong Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In” Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Stakes (G2). The Kentucky-bred son of Midshipman is trained by Mike Maker and has won four of six 2021 starts.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/KEE100821USA8-EQB.html

5:45 PM ET – $400,000 Darley Alcibiades (Gr. 1-Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In”) at Keeneland on TVG and NBC Sports

Two-year-old fillies are in the spotlight in the Grade 1 Darley Alcibiades on the opening day of Keeneland's Fall Meet. A field of 12 is entered in the 1 1/16-mile main track Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In” qualifying race for the $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies. Maryland-bred Runup is two for two on dirt after finishing third in her Colonial Downs turf debut. The daughter of Eclipse Award Champion Sprinter Runhappy won the one-mile Sorority Stakes last out at Monmouth Park for trainer Laura Wohlers. Kentucky-bred Juju's Map, a daughter of Liam's Map who broke her maiden on September 3 at Ellis Park in her second career start, is the 5-2 morning line favorite for Eclipse Award-winning trainer Brad Cox.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/KEE100821USA9-EQB.html

Saturday, October 9

2:45 PM ET – $250,000 Vosburgh (Gr. 2-Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In”) at Belmont Park on FS2

Mr. Amore Stable's Firenze Fire will defend his Vosburgh title in Saturday's six furlongs event, a “Win and You're In” qualifier for the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Sprint on November 6 at Del Mar. The Florida-bred son of Poseidon's Warrior is trained by Kelly Breen. Baby Yoda, another Florida-bred, is the morning line favorite after his sharp Saratoga allowance win last out. The 3-year-old Prospective gelding stopped the clock in 1:14.33 for six and a half furlongs to mark his third win in four lifetime starts.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/BEL100921USA5-EQB.html

3:15 PM ET – $150,000 Matron Stakes (Gr. 3T) at Belmont Park on FS2

Trainer Brad Cox sends out Bubble Rock, a daughter of More Than Ready, in the six-furlong Matron over the Belmont inner turf course. The Kentucky-bred filly broke her maiden in her second career start at Saratoga on September 3 and is listed as the morning line favorite. New York-bred Dufresne faces graded stakes company for the first time following a third-place finish in the listed Woodbine Cares Stakes last month for trainer Michael Trombetta.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/BEL100921USA6-EQB.html

3:40 PM ET – $200,000 Woodford Stakes (Gr. 2T) at Keeneland on TVG

Eight-year-old Extravagant Kid, an earner of more than $1.6 million, takes on six other turf sprinters in the 5 ½-furlong Woodford Stakes (G2T). The Florida-bred gelded son of Kiss the Kid won the Al Quoz Sprint (G1) over Meydan's turf course in March and followed that with a third in the King's Stand Stakes (G1) at Ascot. Trainer Brendan Walsh's charge was unplaced last out July 10 in the Darley July Cup (G1) at Newmarket. Fellow Florida-bred Golden Pal, the 3-year-old Uncle Mo son of graded stakes-winning turf sprinter Lady Shipman, is a leading contender and won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G2) over Keeneland's turf course last November.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Stakes&stkid=3270

3:47 PM ET – $500,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (Gr. 1T) at Belmont Park on FS2

Otter Bend Stables' Gufo, winner of the Grade 1 Resorts World Casino Sword Dancer on Travers Day at Saratoga heads the field in Joe Hirsch Turf Classic, named after the esteemed writer and columnist for Daily Racing Form. The Kentucky-bred son of Declaration of War won the Grade 1 Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes last October over this course for trainer Christophe Clement. Japan (GB), a 5-year-old son of Galileo (IRE) trained by Aiden O'Brien, finished second by a nose to Gufo in the aforementioned Sword Dancer in his first U.S. start.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/BEL100921USA7-EQB.html

4:12 PM ET – $250,000 Thoroughbred Club of America (Gr. 2-Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In”) at Keeneland on TVG and NBC Sports

Millionaire Bell's the One is a leading contender in the 6-furlong Grade 2 Thoroughbred Club of America, a Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In” qualifying race for the $1 million Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) that drew a compact six-horse field. Inthemidstofbiz looks to defend her title in the race she won as a 13-1 outsider last year.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/KEE100921USA7-EQB.html

4:44 PM ET – $400,000 First Lady (G1-Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In”) at Keeneland on TVG and NBC Sports

Thirteen fillies and mares are entered in the First Lady, a Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In” qualifying race for the $2 million Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1). Godolphin's Althiqa (GB), winner this year of three of four starts, enters the one-mile First Lady off consecutive Grade 1 wins for trainer Charles Appleby. Kentucky-bred Princess Grace has won each of her three 2021 starts, including the Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf Stakes (G3) most recently on September 11.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/KEE100921USA8-EQB.html

5:15 PM ET – $500,000 Claiborne Breeders' Futurity (Gr. 1-Breeders' Cup Win and You're In”) at Keeneland on TVG and NBC Sports

Thirteen 2-year-olds are scheduled to line up for the 108th running of the 1 1/16-mile Claiborne Breeders' Futurity, a Breeder's Cup “Win and You're In” qualifying race for the $2 million TVG Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1). Stellar Tap, a Kentucky-bred son of Tapit with two lifetime starts, was unplaced in Churchill Downs' Iroquois Stakes (G3) on September 18 after breaking his maiden going seven furlongs at Saratoga. Kevin's Folly, a Kentucky-bred Distorted Humor colt, won on debut at Saratoga and finished third in the Hopeful Stakes (G1) in his second career start on September 6.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/KEE100921USA9-EQB.html

5:46 PM ET – $750,000 Keeneland Turf Mile (G1-Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In”) at Keeneland on TVG and NBC Sports

Order of Australia (IRE) returns to the course where he was a 73-1 upset winner of last year's FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile (G1). The Aiden O'Brien-trained 4-year-old colt faces 12 others, including last year's winner Ivar (BRZ), in this Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In” qualifying race for the $2 million FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile (G1).

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/KEE100921USA10-EQB.html

Sunday, October 10

4:44 PM ET – $200,000 Indian Summer Stakes (“Breeders' Cup Win and You're In”) at Keeneland on TVG and NBC Sports

Ten two-year-old turf sprinters are entered in the 5 ½ furlong Indian Summer Stakes, a Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In” qualifying race for the $1 million Juvenile Turf Sprint (G2). Undefeated Averly Jane, a Kentucky-bred daughter of Midshipman, is one of two fillies in the field. The Wesley Ward trainee broke her maiden in her April debut on Keeneland's main track and has yet to run on the turf. In Saratoga's Skidmore Stakes, a race moved from the turf to dirt, Averly Jane led at every pole on her way to a 7 ¼ length score in her most recent start.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/KEE101021USA8-EQB.html

5:15 PM ET – $500,000 Juddmonte Spinster Stakes (Gr. 1-Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In”) at Keeneland on TVG and NBC Sports

Letruska, winner of four races in a row and six of her last seven, stands out in this 1 1/8 mile main track Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In” qualifying race for the $2 million Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff. Included in the 5-year-old mare's current winning streak are three Grade 1s. The Kentucky-bred daughter of Super Saver began her career with six consecutive wins in Mexico and now has won 16 of 21 lifetime starts. She is currently rated behind only Knicks Go on the NTRA Top Thoroughbred Poll and faces six others in the 66th running of this Grade 1. This is Letruska's first start at Keeneland.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/KEE101021USA9-EQB.html

5:46 PM ET – $200,000 Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes (Gr. 2-Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In”) at Keeneland on TVG and NBC Sports

A field of 14 is expected to start in the Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes (G2T), a Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In” qualifying race for the $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1). The 1 1/6 miles turf contest for 2-year-olds attracted 16 entries, including two also-eligibles. Tiz the Bomb, a Kentucky-bred Hit It A Bomb colt trained by Kenny McPeek, is a leading contender after taking the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile Stakes last out after breaking his maiden at Ellis Park by 14 ¼ lengths in his second career start. That one-mile dirt race was originally scheduled for the turf.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/KEE101021USA10-EQB.html

1:57 PM ET – $150,000 Durham Cup Stakes (Gr. 3) at Woodbine on TVG

A compact field of five is entered in this 1 1/6 miles race over Woodbine's All Weather Track, including 2019 Belmont Stakes winner Sir Winston. The Kentucky-bred son of Awesome Again has earned over $1 million in his 16-race career and most recently won a Woodbine allowance race in his only start this year. Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse also entered Tap It to Win, a Florida-bred son of Tapit who exits a win in the Grade 3 Seagram Cup Stakes.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/WO101021CAN3-EQB.html

2:43 PM ET – $150,000 Futurity Stakes (Gr. 3T-Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In”) at Belmont Park on FS2

Eight 2-year-old turf sprinters, including two fillies, are entered in this 6-furlong Breeders' Cup “Win and You're In” qualifying event for the $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G2). Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher sends out Midnight Worker for his first turf start. The Kentucky-bred Outwork colt won his debut on the main track in a Saratoga maiden special weight and followed that with a third-place finish in Monmouth's Grade 3 Sapling Stakes, also on dirt. Chi Town Lady is two for two after taking Saratoga's Bolton Landing Stakes last out. The Verrazano filly is trained by Wesley Ward.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/BEL101021USA5-EQB.html

3:15 PM ET – $250,000 Beldame Stakes (Gr. 2) at Belmont Park on FS2

Multiple graded stakes winner Horologist takes on seven rivals to defend her title in the 1 1/8 mile Beldame for Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott. The New Jersey-bred daughter of Gemologist has two wins on the year, including an easy 8 ½ length score in Saratoga's Summer Colony Stakes. She won last year's Beldame as the longest shot in a 4-horse field that included this year's distaff sensation, Letruska.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/BEL101021USA6-EQB.html

4:21 PM ET – $150,000 Knickerbocker (Gr. 3T) at Belmont Park on FS2

Nine older horses face off in the 1 1/8 mile Knickerbocker over the Belmont inner turf course. Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher has two entries in En Wye Cee and No Word. The former is a Kentucky-bred son of Declaration of War that finished third in last year's Knickerbocker and has had just one start since, a third-place finish in a Saratoga turf allowance optional claiming event over the same distance. No Word, second in last year's Grade 1 Belmont Derby, exits a second place finish in the Bernard Baruch Handicap (G2) over the Saratoga turf.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/BEL101021USA8-EQB.html

5:09 PM ET – $150,000 Ontario Matron Stakes (Gr. 3) at Woodbine on TVG

Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse has three entered in the six-horse field, including Skygaze, a multiple-graded stakes-placed Kentucky-bred daughter of Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. In her most recent start, Skygaze won the Belle Mahone Stakes on Woodbine's All Weather Track for her second win in three 2021 starts. Crystal Glacier, by Curlin, rallied late to finish second to her stablemate in the Belle Mahone and could be the main threat.

Entries: https://www.equibase.com/static/entry/WO101021CAN9-EQB.html

The post Weekend Lineup: Keeneland’s Fall Stars Features Nine ‘Win And You’re In’ Races appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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The three programs mark the 10th, 11th, and 12th telecasts this year in the “Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In – presented by America's Best Racing” on NBC and NBCSN from some of North America's most iconic racetracks. The television series, which concludes on Wednesday, Oct. 13 at Keeneland with the JPMorgan Jessamine Stakes (G2) (NBCSN 4-5 p.m. ET), leads to the 38th Breeders' Cup World Championships at Del Mar racetrack in Del Mar, California, on Nov. 5-6, which will be shown live on NBC and NBCSN. The complete series TV schedule can be accessed here.

NBC Sports' coverage for all three telecasts feature commentary and discussion from its International Broadcast Center in Stamford, Conn., led by host Ahmed Fareed, analyst Randy Moss, and handicapper Matt Bernier. Reporters Britney Eurton and Nick Luck will be on-site at Keeneland.

A field of 12 has been entered for Friday's 1 1/16-mile Darley Alcibiades, for 2-year-old fillies, with the winner receiving an automatic berth into the $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1). The Albaugh Family Stables' Juju's Map is the 5-2 morning line favorite off her commanding 5 ½-length maiden victory at Ellis Park on Sept. 3. Trained by Brad Cox, Juju's Map will be ridden by Florent Geroux from post one. Breaking from the outside post 12 is Jim McIngvale's Runup. A daughter of 2015 Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) winner Runhappy, the Laura Wohlers-trained Runup won the Sorority Stakes (G3) at Monmouth Park on Sept. 6 for her second victory in three starts. Runup will be ridden by Joseph Ramos. Trainer Kenny McPeek has won the Alcibiades five times. On Friday, he sends out Milam Farm's Penny Saver, who broke her maiden by a widening 9 ½ lengths at Churchill Downs on Sept. 24. Brian Hernandez Jr. has the mount, breaking from post 10.

A “Win and You're In” berth in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) will be awarded to the winner of the $250,000 Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Stakes (G2), which will be run prior to the Darley Alcibiades. Paradise Farm Corp. and David Staudacher's Special Reserve, a winner of four races this year, leads the seven-horse field. Trained by Mike Maker and ridden from post six by Joel Rosario, Special Reserve finished second in Keeneland's Commonwealth Stakes (G3) in April, then won the Maryland Match Series Sprint Stakes (G3) at Pimlico, and the Iowa Sprint Stakes at Prairie Meadows, prior to finishing second in the Grade 1 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap at Saratoga on July 31. Griffon Farms and Michelle Lovell's homebred Just Might has won his last four races. Trained by Lovell, Just Might comes into the race off a frontrunning victory in the Louisville Thoroughbred Society Stakes at Churchill Downs on Sept. 18. Just Might will be ridden by Colby Hernandez from post four.

Saturday's card at Keeneland is headlined by the Keeneland Turf Mile, which drew an outstanding field of 13 bidding for an automatic starting position in the $2 million FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile Presented by PDJF (G1). Order of Australia returns to Keeneland where last year he came off the also-eligible list to win the FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile at 70-1. Trained by Aidan O'Brien for owners Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Anne Marie O'Brien, Order of Australia won the Romanised Minstrel Stakes (G2) at The Curragh in Ireland in July, and was second in the prestigious Prix de Moulin de Longchamp (G1) in his most recent start on Sept. 5. John Velazquez has the mount from post 10.

Bonne Chance Farm and Stud R D I's Ivar (BRZ) is the defending Turf Mile Champion, winning the 2020 race at 14-1. Trained by Pablo Lobo, Ivar finished fourth in last year's FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile. In his lone start of 2021, Ivar finished sixth in the Old Forester Turf Classic (G1) at Churchill Downs on May 1. Joe Talamo has the mount, breaking from post six. Trainer Mike Maker has entered three runners, including Skychai Racing and Sand Dollar Stable's Somelikeithotbrown, who won the Dinner Party Stakes (G2) at Pimlico in May and has finished second in his last two starts, the Wise Dan (G2) at Churchill Downs and the WinStar Mint Million Stakes (G3) at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 6. Joe Ortiz will ride, breaking from post 13.

Saturday's co-feature is the Claiborne Breeders' Futurity for 2-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles, and the winner receives an invitation to the TVG Breeders' Cup Juvenile Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1). Among the 13 entered, Phoenix Thoroughbred's Double Thunder has won three times in four stats for trainer Todd Pletcher, including the Bashford Manor (G3) at Churchill Downs and the Sapling Stakes at Monmouth Park on Sept. 5. L and N Racing and Winchell Thoroughbreds' Stellar Tap broke his maiden at Saratoga on Aug. 7 and gave Steve Asmussen his 9,446th victory, setting the all-time mark for most wins by a trainer. Stellar Tap, ridden from post three by Ricardo Santana Jr., will try to improve upon his fifth-place finish as the even-money favorite in the “Win and You're In”' Iroquois Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs on Sept. 18.

St. George Stable's 5-year-old mare Letruska has had a sensational year, winning five of six races, and is expected to lead Sunday's Juddmonte Spinster Stakes, which is a “Win and You're In” for the Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1). Trained by Fausto Gutierrez, Letruska gained a free berth into the Breeders' Cup Distaff when she captured the Ogden Phipps Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park in June. She also captured two more Breeders' Cup Challenge races, taking the Fleur de Lis (G2) at Churchill Downs and the Personal Ensign (G1) at Saratoga. Juddmonte's Bonny South finished just a half-length behind Letruska in the Personal Ensign. The 4-year-old filly won Keeneland's Baird Doubledogdare Stakes (G3) in April.

Also on Sunday, the 1 1/16-mile Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes (G2) on turf will give the winner an automatic starting position into the $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1). Among the expected starters is Silverton Hill's Red Danger, who won the Global Tote Juvenile Sprint Stakes at Kentucky Downs on Sept. 9 for trainer Bryan Lynch, and Phoenix Thoroughbred's Tiz the Bomb, winner of the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile Stakes on Sept. 6 for trainer Kenny McPeek.

The post NBC Sports Plans Three Live Telecasts Of Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series Races appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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The Breeders' Cup Challenge Series consists of the best races from around the world and awards each winner an automatic and free entry into the Breeders' Cup World Championships slated for Nov. 5-6 at Del Mar.

This weekend's sequence kicks off Saturday at Belmont Park with the Grade 2, $250,000 Vosburgh [Race 5, 2:45 p.m. Eastern], a six-furlong test for 3-year-olds and up led by Big Sandy specialist Firenze Fire. The talented field of five includes the upwardly mobile Baby Yoda and versatile Following Sea vying for an all-expenses paid berth in the Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Sprint.

Action switches to Keeneland for the next two legs, beginning with the one-mile Grade 1 First Lady [Race 8, 4:44 p.m.] on the Haggin turf course. The Charles Appleby-trained Althiqa, who won the Grade 1 Just a Game at Belmont and the Grade 1 Diana at Saratoga earlier this summer, headlines a loaded field that features Chad Brown-trained entrants Viadera, Blowout, and Regal Glory competing for a berth in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf.

In Race 10 from Keeneland at 5:46 p.m. – the Grade 1 Keeneland Turf Mile [Breeders' Cup Mile] – the Aidan O'Brien-trained Order of Australia, returns to the course where he captured last year's Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Mile. A wide array of talented challengers include last year's Turf Mile winner Ivar; last-out Grade 3 Kentucky Downs Mint Million-winner Pixelate; and Grade 2 Bernard Baruch champ Tell Your Daddy.

The second half of the wager continues Sunday from Belmont with the Grade 3, $150,000 Futurity [Juvenile Turf Sprint], at six furlongs on turf for 2-year-olds in Race 5 at 2:43 p.m. Leading the way is filly Chi Town Lady, winner of the Bolton Landing for trainer Wesley Ward and the improving Midnight Worker, who makes his turf debut for Hall of Fame Todd Pletcher.

The sequence concludes with a pair of races from Keeneland, starting with the Grade 1 Spinster [Distaff] at nine furlongs for fillies and mares, slated as Race 9 at 5:15 p.m.

St. George Stable's Letruska has won her last four starts, including a last-out half-length score in the Grade 1 Personal Ensign on August 28 at Saratoga. Bonny South, runner-up in the Personal Ensign, and millionaire Dunbar Road are among the top contenders.

The 1 1/16-mile Grade 2 Bourbon [Juvenile Turf] brings the sequence to a close with Tiz the Bomb, last-out winner of the Kentucky Downs Juvenile Mile headlining an overflow field of juveniles in Race 10 at 5:46 p.m. Eastern.

The minimum bet for the multi-track, multi-race wager is $1 and will feature a low 15 percent takeout and mandatory payout of the net pool. Wagering on the Breeders' Cup Challenge Pick 6 is available on ADW platforms and at simulcast facilities across the country.

Free Equibase past performances for the Breeders' Cup Challenge Pick 6 sequence will be available for download. For more information, visit NYRABets.com.

Two-Day Breeders' Cup Challenge Pick 6 – October 9/10, 2021:

Leg A: October 9 – Belmont, Race 5 – G2 Vosburgh
Leg B: October 9 – Keeneland, Race 8 – G1 First Lady
Leg C: October 9 – Keeneland, Race 10 – G1 Turf Mile
Leg D: October 10 – Belmont, Race 5 – G3 Futurity
Leg E: October 10 – Keeneland, Race 9 – G1 Spinster
Leg F: October 10 – Keeneland, Race 10 – G2 Bourbon

The post NYRA Partners With Keeneland For Two-Day Breeders’ Cup Challenge Pick 6 appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.

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