LEXINGTON, KY — With University of Kentucky men's basketball head coach John Calipari pulling the pills, unbeaten superstar Flightline (Tapit) drew post four for Saturday's GI Breeders' Cup Classic to a round of applause during Monday's Rood & Riddle Post Position Draw held at the home of the Wildcats at Rupp Arena in downtown Lexington.
The 3-5 morning-line favorite will meet seven rivals in the $6-million centerpiece at Keeneland, including the talented Life Is Good (Into Mischief) (post two) and top 3-year-olds Epicenter (Not This Time) (post six), Taiba (Gun Runner) (post one) and Rich Strike (Keen Ice) (post eight).
“Good draw,” trainer John Sadler said of the runaway GI Pacific Classic winner. “We would've been happy with any draw. We think at 1 1/4 miles you have a good run into the turn to get your position. So, for him, it's just fine.”
Seven returning or former Breeders' Cup winners were entered for the two-day Championships: Aloha West (Hard Spun) (Sprint), Ce Ce (Elusive Quality) (F/M Sprint), Echo Zulu (Gun Runner) (F/M Sprint), Golden Pal (Uncle Mo) (Turf Sprint), Life Is Good (Classic), Modern Games (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) (Mile); and Order of Australia (Ire) (Australia {GB}) (Mile).
The GI Breeders' Cup Distaff will be one of the more highly anticipated races of the weekend, led by the Todd Pletcher-trained duo of champion Malathaat (Curlin) and leading 3-year-old filly Nest (Curlin). The latter was tabbed as the 9-5 morning-line favorite.
“We're blessed to have both of them,” Pletcher said. “It's a contentious field. There are some other really good fillies in there. It's certainly not a match race between the stablemates.”
Champion sprinter Jackie's Warrior (Maclean's Music), a disappointing sixth as the favorite in last year's GI Breeders' Cup Sprint, is the clear cut one to beat in Saturday's renewal. The Sprint lost one of its major players with the defection of star 3-year-old Jack Christopher (Munnings). Expected to go off as the favorite in last year's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile, he was scratched by the track veterinarians the day prior to the race.
“It was a difficult decision, but it's my understanding that the veterinary teams in charge of clearing horses to participate are likely to scratch the horse on or before race day primarily based on the way he moves,” trainer Chad Brown told Daily Racing Form.
Morning-line favorites for Championship Saturday's races: Goodnight Olive (Ghostzapper) (F/M Sprint) (3-1); Golden Pal (Turf Sprint) (2-1); Cody's Wish (Curlin) (Dirt Mile) (5-2); Nashwa (GB) (Frankel {GB}) (F/M Turf) (5-2); Jackie's Warrior (Sprint) (4-5); Modern Games (Ire) (Mile) (7-2); Nest (Distaff) (9-5); Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) (Turf) (3-1); and Flightline (Classic) (3-5).
Morning-line favorites on the 'Future Stars Friday' program: The Platinum Queen (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}) (Juvenile Turf Sprint) (7-2); Chocolate Gelato (Practical Joke) (Juvenile Fillies) (7-2); Meditate (Ire) (No Nay Never) (Juvenile Fillies Turf) (4-1); Cave Rock (Arrogate) (Juvenile) (4-5); and Silver Knott (GB) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) (Juvenile Turf) (3-1).
The Breeders' Cup will be televised live domestically on NBC, Peacock, USA Network, and FanDuel TV.
Unbeaten sensation and guaranteed GI Breeders' Cup Classic favorite Flightline (Tapit) put in his final prep for the World Championships at Keeneland Saturday. The 'TDN Rising Star' covered five furlongs solo in 1:00.60 (4/62) shortly after 7:30 a.m. under assistant trainer Juan Leyva.
“I told Juan to go in a minute and change and out [seven-eighths] in 1:26, and that's what he did,” trainer John Sadler said. “Juan's a great work rider. It was not about going fast today, just getting around there happy today.”
Flightline arrived at Keeneland Sunday from his Santa Anita home base.
“He's had a good week and gotten settled in, and the track is a little similar to Del Mar,” Sadler said, noting that Flightline's schedule for next week will include returning to the track to jog Monday, gallop Tuesday through Friday and not go to the track the morning of the Classic.
Life Is Good Tops Pletcher Workers
Classic contender and 'TDN Rising Star' Life Is Good (Into Mischief) worked five furlongs in 1:00.60 on his own at Keeneland Saturday with fractions of :12, :24.60, :49, 1:00.60 then out six furlongs in 1:13.20, seven-eighths in 1:25.80 and the mile in 1:39.80.
“He is a superior work horse,” trainer Todd Pletcher said. “Today was typical of what we have seen his whole career.”
Pletcher is confident his charge will get the 10-furlong distance this time after a failed effort in the G1 Dubai World Cup.
“He is hard to pull up at the end [of his workouts],” the conditioner said. “We are eager to run on a real track not like in Dubai, which was really deep that night. I think that played against him.”
Pletcher's other Classic pre-entrant Happy Saver (Super Saver) had what the trainer called a “spirited gallop” in lieu of a timed breeze.
“We let him two-minute clip the whole way around,” Pletcher said. “We are going to do similar to what we did before the [GI Met Mile]: just one breeze two weeks out. He tends to run better when he is fresh. He'll have a few more strong gallops. He won't breeze again.”
Also working this morning on the main track for Pletcher were GI Breeders' Cup Distaff runners Nest (Curlin) and Malathaat (Curlin). In company with recent maiden winner Inventing (Union Rags), Nest worked a half-mile in :50.40. Malathaat worked a half-mile in :49.60 with the 3-year-old maiden Old Point (Curlin).
Working on the grass together were GI Shadwell Mile winner Annapolis GI (Mile) and GII Pilgrim S. victor Major Dude (GI Juvenile Turf), who were timed in :50.40 for a half-mile.
Charlie Puts in Final Classic Prep
Gutsy GII Lukas Classic winner Hot Rod Charlie (Oxbow) also had his final breeze ahead of the BC Classic Saturday in Lexington, going six panels in company in 1:12.80.
“He looked good and I got him in 1:12 4/5,” trainer Doug O'Neill said.
Other O'Neill BC workers included Awake At Midnyte (Nyquist) (5f, 1:01.20, Distaff), Slow Down Andy (Nyquist) (5f, 1:00.40, GI Dirt Mile), Vegas Magic (Good Magic) (5f, 1:02.20, GI Juvenile Fillies) and Sharp Aza Tack (Sharp Azteca) (5f, 1:01 on the training track, GI Juvenile Turf Sprint).
Brown Breezes BC Contingent
Jack Christopher | Coady
Trainer Chad Brown sent out a dozen of his Breeders' Cup pre-entrants, with seven working on the dirt and five on the turf at Keeneland Saturday.
Working a half-mile on the dirt were MGISW Jack Christopher (Munnings) (:48.60, GI Sprint or Dirt Mile), Goodnight Olive (Ghostzapper) (:47.80, GI Filly and Mare Sprint), Blazing Sevens (Good Magic) (:47.20, GI Juvenile) and working in company I'm Very Busy (Cloud Computing) and Oxymore (Astern {Aus}) (:49.60 Juvenile Turf).
Working five furlongs on the dirt were Search Results (Flatter) (1:01.20, Distaff) and Pipeline (Speightstown) (1:01, Dirt Mile).
On the turf, which was rated as good, were Regal Glory (Animal Kingdom) (4f, :49.80, Mile) in company with Rougir (Fr) (Territories {Ire}) (4f, :49.80, GI Filly and Mare Turf), In Italian (GB) (4f, :50.80, Filly and Mare Turf) and Virginia Joy (Ger) (Soldier Hollow {GB}) (5f, 1:02.60, Filly and Mare Turf) in company with Domestic Spending (GB) (Kingman {GB}) (5f, 1:02.60, Mile).
“We did great,” a beaming Brown said following the works.
Other Keeneland BC Workers Saturday
On the main track were Kimari (Munnings) (5f, 1:01.40, Sprint or Filly and Mare Sprint) and Chi Town Lady (Verrazano) (5f, 1:01.80, Filly and Mare Sprint) in company for Wesley Ward; Willy Boi (Uncaptured) (4f, :49.20, Sprint) for trainer Jorge Delgado and Simplification (Not This Time) (5f, 1:00.40, Dirt Mile) for Antonio Sano.
Working on the turf course were Reckoning Force (Air Force Blue) (4f, :50.40, Juvenile Turf) and Cazadero (Street Sense) (4f, :50.40, Turf Sprint) for Brendan Walsh; Arrest Me Red (Pioneerof the Nile) (5f, 1:03.60, Turf Sprint) and Campanelle (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}) (5f, 1:03.80, Turf Sprint) for Wesley Ward; Private Creed (Jimmy Creed) (3f, :39, Juvenile Turf Sprint) for Steve Asmussen; Tyler's Tribe (Sharp Azteca) (3f, :38.20, Juvenile Turf Sprint) for Tim Martin and Caravel (Mizzen Mast) (4f, :51, Turf Sprint) for Brad Cox.
BC Workers at Churchill Downs
MGISW Cyberknife (Gun Runner) put in his final work for the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile at Churchill Downs Saturday, covering five furlongs in :59 flat. With regular rider Florent Geroux in the saddle, Cyberknife started his work about two lengths behind stablemate Forza Di Oro (Speightstown) and finished even at the completion of his work.
“With a week out from the Breeders' Cup it was the right move we wanted to see,” trainer Brad Cox said. “Both of these horses are really good work horses and I think matching up Cyberknife with him he'd get a lot out of his work. We ended up choosing to run in the Dirt Mile instead of the [GI Breeders' Cup] Classic because we thought it would be the most likely race he could win. The Classic came up a very deep field and even though Cyberknife is going to cut back in distance we feel he can handle the two-turn mile at Keeneland.”
Cox also worked GI Breeders' Cup F/M Sprint contender Lady Rocket (Tale of the Cat). She went five furlongs in 1:00.60 outside 3-year-old filly Girl With a Dream (Practial Joke). Cyberknife and Lady Rocket, along with Cox juveniles Chop Chop (City of Light) and Verifying (Justify), are scheduled to ship to Keeneland Monday.
Also on the Churchill worktab Saturday was GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint runner Casa Creed (Jimmy Creed), who went a half-mile in :47.80 outside of a stablemate.
Taiba Has Final Classic Work at Santa Anita
GI Runhappy Santa Anita Derby winner Taiba (Gun Runner) had his final major workout for the Breeders' Cup Classic Saturday, going six furlongs at Santa Anita this morning in 1:13 flat under Juan Ochoa in company with Messier (Empire Maker), who was also clocked in 1:13.
“He went well,” trainer Bob Baffert said. “He's not a great work horse, so he went with Messier. I was happy with it. He'll ship tonight for Kentucky].”
It might feel a touch trite to repeat it, but the timeworn observation is such for a reason: the stallion market is one packed to the brim with tough customers and salty competition. And it turns out, both literally and metaphorically as evidenced by the recently released Report of Mares Bred. Breeders gravitate to quality and are more frequently turning to tried-and-true sources to find it, or are becoming more demanding of first-year sires before taking the chance.
In an economy where connections are forced to steadily tighten their belts, it's not an unreasonable nor unforeseen response to current trends to ask for more before opening a wallet. Many owners/syndicates with stallions outside of Kentucky usually find themselves among their stallion's chief supporters until the first crop runners make their first impressions.
An example of this would be the case of Ocala Stud's Battalion Runner (Unbridled's Song) and his son, Rudder's Men. Unveiled last Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Belmont The Big A meet for breeder–and sire owner–St. Elias Stable, the dark bay was hard to miss as he sailed through a brisk :22.53 opening quarter while under wraps, and sprinting home to an easy 4 1/4-length score. With the effort, he became Battalion Runner's third winner after Lady Runner and Lightnin Runner. The latter carried her sire's banner into the winner's enclosure Sept. 17 in Charles Town's Rachel's Turn S., his first black-type horse. Not a bad feat for any sire to have his first winner also turn out his first stakes victory, no matter the track.
Battalion Runner's first crop tally? A grand total of nine foals.
“We foaled, raised, and trained Rudder's Men,” said Ocala Stud's general manager David O'Farrell. “He's a runner. When we shipped him up to Todd Pletcher, we all felt that [Rudder's Men] would have to be the one to help carry the load and really give Battalion Runner a chance to come on the scene. We thought he would be better suited running in Florida as a state-bred by a Florida sire, but Todd realized when he got him up there that the horse could run in open company in New York and that's what he did.”
A part of a still-growing legacy from Tamboz (Tapit), Battalion Runner claims a host of accomplished siblings. One of which being a more recent, and easily recognizable name, in GI Preakness-placed Creative Minister (Creative Cause); starting his career at Gulfstream Park before finding himself on the national stage in just his fourth career start.
And it's not just his immediate family, either. Battalion Runner's dam is a full-sister to Tapizar, whose determination en route to victory in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile–by some genetic magic–was passed on to his offspring. None were more famous than the fabulous Monomoy Girl, who accumulated quite a career crowned by victories in the GI Longines Kentucky Oaks and dual GI Longines Breeders' Cup Distaffs. Tapizar tragically passed away in a stall accident a few weeks before he was scheduled to travel to Japan to begin his 2021 season at Yushun Stallion Station.
However, misfortune has a counter-balance as successes in the pedigree hail notably in the form of Olympio (Naskra), Fun House (Prized), and Cuvee (Carson City), who make appearances deep in Battalion Runner's female line; genetics which still enjoy a long-arching impact on the breed today.
Battalion Runner earns 'TDN Rising Star'-dom in 2016 | Lauren King
On the back of a workman's female family–even before the most recent additions–and as a son of the great Unbridled's Song, the stallion's eye-catching conformation helped him command a princely sum as a Keeneland September yearling in his day; bringing $700,000 from Crupi's New Castle. Racing for the partnership of Teresa Viola Racing Stables and St. Elias Stable, the striking grey overcame such an eventful second career start (winning by over eight lengths after playing bridesmaid on debut) that the effort attracted even the TDN to his side, awarding him the title of 'Rising Star'.
Battalion Runner would duel his way to a second, gutsy victory in his 3-year-old bow in 2017 before traveling north to the Big A for a start in the GII Wood Memorial. The defeated favorite that day by Irish War Cry (Curlin), and finishing ahead of names like Cloud Computing (Maclean's Music) and Mo Town (Uncle Mo), he'd run third three months later in the GIII Dwyer after his connections opted to bypass the GI Kentucky Derby. The winner that day was Practical Joke (Into Mischief).
Unknowingly, the GIII Smarty Jones S. at Parx, where he steadied to fifth, would end up being a career finale; the connections valiant, but ultimately unsuccessful, in their efforts to bring him back from injury.
Then came a curious initial phone call to O'Farrell.
“[St. Elias Stables'] Vinny [Viola] reached out to me at a time when breeding season was just about under way and said that they'd had Battalion Runner at Crupi's New Castle Farm. They were trying to bring him back, and he just wasn't able to do it.”
He admits that the timing was less than ideal: the stallion register had already been printed, many breeders had already committed their mares, they'd be behind the eight-ball on getting him advertised, and that was only the start.
“I told Vinny that I just didn't feel that we could do the job he'd expect. He was an awfully nice horse but as a non-stakes winner getting a late start, it would be very tough to get mares to the horse. With all the expenses of registering, advertising, and so on, I told him I didn't think [Battalion Runner] would generate enough to pay his way.”
O'Farrell says Viola understood the concerns and the uphill battle his stallion prospect was facing. Such was racing luck; it could be kind but it could also be cruel, and it seemed like Battalion Runner had just missed the favorable side. But like all good sportsmen in the industry, Viola refused to ignore his gut feeling and sometime later, the second call came in to O'Farrell with a counteroffer.
“He said 'You're going to think I'm crazy, but we still have this horse. I know it makes absolutely zero business sense, but would you stand the horse if I breed a few mares to him? I'll pay the registration fees; I just want to have a little fun with it. I believe in him, I just have a feeling.'…And I was all for it.”
Battalion Runner arrived to his new Florida home and the owner was good to his word, but in a way O'Farrell admitted he wasn't entirely expecting. There would be fillies, yes, but 12 claimed straight from the track as opposed to experienced broodmares. The second challenge to overcome would be the impending end to the season, and getting all covered by a stallion who had never jumped a mare before. It was a tall order, but remarkably, one Battalion Runner rose to. Of his first initial group, 11 caught and nine foals hit the ground; all late, but they were here.
“It was a very unconventional way to start, and market a stallion, but they're having fun with it. And they're being rewarded.”
For everything to navigate through, it might well end up an understatement. The sire currently sits at a 33% win and 11% stakes rate coupled with the fact that, of their eight combined starts, the offspring have won half of them. The chance to become the sire of a multiple stakes winner will come Saturday, Oct. 29 when Lightnin Runner goes to post in the Eleanor Casey Memorial S. at Charles Town. In many aspects, the grey stallion has thrown his hat into a familiar ring; one where Florida breeders carefully and patiently prove their 'eye' for horses is as good as any in the big markets.
Firenze Fire Savages Yaupon in GI Forego | Susie Raisher
As for Rudder's Men, it appears the cliché 'the sky is the limit' runs true. Much like his sire, the colt hails from an active female family. His young dam Unblemished (Speightstown) is a half-sister to the second-busiest stallion in North America; Spendthrift's Yaupon (Uncle Mo). That sibling-turned-sire won the infamous rendition of the GI Forego at Saratoga where rival Firenze Fire (Poseidon's Warrior) chose violence and took to savaging him over gracefully accepting defeat.
A $140,000 Keeneland September graduate–purchased by Crupi's New Castle–the mare is also a half to GII Del Mar Derby and GII Twilight Derby-placed Sawyer's Hill (Spring At Last), who enjoyed a fruitful career as a multiple winner in California. As one of the 12 claims by St. Elias Stable in 2019, she was picked up for $40,000 in a maiden claimer over the Belmont turf, a race in which she finished eighth after breaking through the gate and dumping her rider. For all the chaotic circumstances leading to his arrival, Unblemished's first foal is already showing a lot of promise and so to is the gut feeling Viola would not ignore.
“It's really a passion project of Vinny's. He raced and campaigned Battalion Runner…the horse is absolutely gorgeous. He's putting a lot of bone on his babies, and I wouldn't be surprised when he has more than one runner. If he gets the chances, he's one who could really make it,” said O'Farrell. “From what we've seen, the St. Elias weanling crop this year is exceptional. He's passing on his good looks, and if they run like anything close to what Rudder's Men is capable of, they're going to be in business for a long time.”
With unbeaten sensation Flightline (Tapit) leading the way, 205 horses, including 45 from overseas, and seven former or returning Breeders' Cup champions, have been pre-entered for the 39th Breeders' Cup World Championships at Keeneland Nov. 4 & 5. The Breeders' Cup will be televised live domestically on NBC, Peacock, USA Network, and FanDuel TV. Click here to view all of the 2022 Breeders' Cup World Championships Pre-Entered Fields.
Nine horses were pre-entered for the GI Breeders' Cup Classic. In addition to the record-setting GI Pacific Classic winner Flightline, the $6-million centerpiece has also attracted last term's GI Breeders' Cup Dirt hero Life Is Good (Into Mischief) as well as standout sophomores Epicenter (Not This Time), GI Kentucky Derby upsetter Rich Strike (Keen Ice) and Taiba (Gun Runner). Fellow 3-year-old Cyberknife (Gun Runner) has a first preference in the Dirt Mile.
“We're gonna be in with really great horses, this is what makes this so special. If you look at that field in the Breeders' Cup Classic, it's going to be a really dynamic race,” said Flightline's trainer John Sadler, who won the 2018 Classic with Accelerate.
The GI Breeders' Cup Distaff will feature a highly anticipated showdown between Todd Pletcher-trained heavyweights champion Malathaat (Curlin) and leading 3-year-old filly Nest (Curlin). Six additional fillies or mares have been pre-entered in the star-studded Distaff, including GI Kentucky Oaks heroine Secret Oath (Arrogate), MGISW Clairiere (Curlin) and runaway GI Cotillion S. winner Society (Gun Runner).
“We're super excited about the way both of them are coming up to it,” Pletcher said. “Two really top- class fillies. I kinda hate running the two of them against each other, but it's certainly what both of them deserve.”
Champion sprinter Jackie's Warrior (Maclean's Music), a disappointing sixth as the favorite in last year's GI Breeders' Cup Sprint, will take on the race's defending winner Aloha West (Hard Spun) once again while Golden Pal (Uncle Mo) will shoot for his third straight Breeders' Cup victory in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.
Defending GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint heroine Ce Ce (Elusive Quality) will be back to defend her title as well. Pre-entries for the F&M Sprint also include last year's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies heroine Echo Zulu (Gun Runner) and streaking GI Ballerina H. winner GoodnightOlive (Ghostzapper).
Talented MGISW sophomore Jack Christopher (Munnings), pre-entered in both the Sprint and Dirt Mile, has a first preference in the former. Cody's Wish (Curlin) and Laurel River (Into Mischief) will both stretch out to two turns for the Dirt Mile following eye-catching wins going seven furlongs in the GI Forego S. and GII Pat O'Brien S., respectively.
Classy 5-year-old mare War Like Goddess (English Channel) will take on males in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf, including a powerful one-two punch from Godolphin's German MG1SW Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) and GI Saratoga Derby Invitational S. winner Nations Pride (Ire) (Teofilo {Ire}); last year's Breeders' Cup Turf runner-up Broome (Ire) (Australia {GB}); and 2021 Saudi Cup winner Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}).
A wide-open GI Breeders' Cup Mile pre-entered field of 18 includes: GI Coolmore Turf Mile S. winner Annapolis (War Front); streaking MG1SW Kinross (GB) (Kingman {GB}); last year's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf winner Modern Games (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}); G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. upsetter Bayside Boy (Ire) (New Bay {GB}); cross-entered G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp heroine Dreamloper (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}); comebacking MGISW Domestic Spending (GB) (Kingman {GB}); 2020 Mile winner Order of Australia (Ire) (Australia {GB}); and last year's runner-up Smooth Like Strait (Midnight Lute).
Last out Chad Brown-trained GISWs In Italian (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and Rougir (Fr) (Territories {Ire}) and European invaders Above the Curve (American Pharoah), Nashwa (GB) (Frankel {GB}) and Tuesday (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) are among 15 pre-entered for the GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
Standouts on the 'Future Stars Friday' program include: GISWs Cave Rock (Arrogate), Forte (Violence) and Blazing Sevens (Good Magic) in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile; and the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies-bound Chocolate Gelato (Practical Joke), Wonder Wheel (Into Mischief) and And Tell Me Nolies (Arrogate).
Friday's featured GI Breeders' Juvenile Turf has drawn 18 pre-entries, including the streaking Californian Packsa Wahlop (Creative Cause), GII Pilgrim S. winner Major Dude (Bolt d'Oro), GII Bourbon S. winner Andthewinneris (Oscar Performance) and European invaders Cairo (Ire) (Quality Road), Silver Knott (GB) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) and Victoria Road (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}).
The GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf has 23 pre-entries, including GII Miss Grillo S. top three Pleasant Passage (More Than Ready), Free Look (Tapit) and Be Your Best (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}); GI Natalma S. upsetter Last Call (English Channel); GII JPMorgan Chase Jessamine S. winner Delight (Mendelssohn); and the Aidan O'Brien-trained Meditate (Ire) (No Nay Never).
Unbeaten Iowa-bred Tyler's Tribe (Sharp Azteca), pre-entered in both the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint and Juvenile, has a first preference in the former.
Headliners for the Juvenile Turf Sprint (26 pre-entries) include: G1SW The Platinum Queen (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), unbeaten Speed Boat Beach (Bayern) and Love Reigns (Ire) (U S Navy Flag), who could provide trainer Wesley Ward with a fourth straight win in the race. The Platinum Queen defeated older horses in the G1 Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines at ParisLongchamp.
“Once again we could not be more proud with the outstanding quality of horses from around the world that have been pre-entered for this year's World Championships for a spectacular two days of racing with our host track partner Keeneland,” said Drew Fleming, Breeders' Cup President and CEO. “We applaud the men and women across the globe who are preparing these magnificent Thoroughbreds for their ultimate tests of competition on Nov. 4-5. It is also important to recognize our breeders and nominators and their support and commitment in funding the purses and awards for the World Championships.”
Race Order and Wagering Menu Announced…
The official order of races and wagering menu for the 2022 Breeders' Cup were also announced Wednesday. There will be a total of 10 races (five Breeders' Cup races) on the first day of the Championships–“Future Stars Friday”–and 12 races on the Saturday program (nine Breeders' Cup races). The Friday program begins at 11:55 a.m. ET with five undercard races. Championship Saturday's first post is 10:30 a.m. ET and begins with two undercard races.
The 2022 wagering menu will include a Breeders' Cup All-Turf $3Pick 3 on Friday. The three races, in order, the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (Race 6), the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (Race 8), and the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (Race 10).
The Breeders' Cup All-Turf Pick 4 on Saturday is a $.50 minimum wager and will package four of the best turf races in the world together. The four races, in order, are the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (Race 4), Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (Race 6), Breeders' Cup Mile (Race 8), and the Breeders' Cup Turf (Race 10).
Championships Race Order (All Times Eastern)…
The first Championship race on “Future Stars Friday” will be the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (3:00 p.m.) followed by the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (3:40 p.m.), the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (4:20 p.m.), the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (5:00 p.m.) and the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (5:40 p.m.).
Championship Saturday begins with two undercard races followed by the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (11:50 a.m.), the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (12:29 p.m.), the Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (1:10 p.m.), the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (1:50 p.m.), the Breeders' Cup Sprint (2:30 p.m.), the Breeders' Cup Mile (3:10 p.m.), the Breeders' Cup Distaff (3:55 p.m.), the Breeders' Cup Turf (4:40 p.m.) and the Breeders' Cup Classic (5:40 p.m.).
