DEL MAR, CA – With trainer Peter Miller looking on–and sporting a hoodie from his two-win performance at the 2018 Championships at Churchill Downs–streaking GI Breeders' Cup Mile contender Mo Forza (Uncle Mo) took a stroll through the Del Mar paddock on a brisk and cloudy Wednesday morning just before 7 a.m.
Del Mar President and General Manager Joe Harper made his way to the well-attended WinStar and Fasig-Tipton Trackside Breakfast Marquee as GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies co-second choice Juju's Map (Liam's Map) galloped strongly with her neck arched.
The imposing Wesley Ward-trained duo of last year's GII Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf winner Golden Pal (Uncle Mo) and unbeaten filly Averly Jane (Midshipman), meanwhile, jogged the wrong way along the outer rail. Both speedsters are favored on the morning-line for their respective engagements in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint and Juvenile Turf Sprint.
With the turf course open for action just before 7:30 a.m., defending GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare victress Audarya (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}) and Breeders' Cup Mile morning-line favorite Space Blues (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) were among the headliners strutting their stuff.
Hot Rod Charlie (Oxbow) and legendary former Doug O'Neill-trained three-time GI Hollywood Gold Cup winner turned stable pony Lava Man exited the barn area at 7:55 a.m. as the main track was being harrowed during the break. Co-owner Bill Strauss was on hand to watch the GI Pennsylvania Derby winner prepare for his first attempt against older horses in Saturday's GI Breeders' Cup Classic.
Globetrotting reinsman Frankie Dettori, riding crop in hand, talked all things Breeders' Cup with TVG's Michelle Yu as the cloud cover and accompanying fog intensified with temperatures hovering in only the high 50s.
With the action fast and furious from here on out, there was no shortage of talent on display.
Looking to catch a closer glimpse at some of the Classic contenders? In addition to the aforementioned Hot Rod Charlie, fellow standout sophomores such as champion and GI Belmont S. winner Essential Quality (Tapit) and controversial GI Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit (Protonico) were also out during this window.
With Hall of Famer Bill Mott handling ponying duties once again, 4-year-old Art Collector (Bernardini) also looks to be heading into the main event in top form off a career-best win in the GI Woodward S. There were some anxious moments, however, as a loose horse shortened the Bruce Lunsford homebred's gallop some.
Trainer Aidan O'Brien looked on as his troops–including Love (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) (F/M Turf), Mother Earth (Ire) (Zoffany {Ire}) (Mile) and Japan (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) (Turf)–marched down the outer rail single file, much to the delight of media assembled on the clubhouse turn.
This was also a good time to see the leading GI Breeders' Cup Distaffers, headed by the last two GI Kentucky Oaks winners and a four-time Grade I winner this season.
There may not be a horse on the grounds that exudes more class or presence than the brilliant Malathaat (Curlin). What a treat to watch her train.
Fellow Oaks heroine Shedaresthedevil (Daredevil), last year Distaff third Dunbar Road (Quality Road) and Clairiere (Curlin) all filled the frame quite nicely as well.
And that aforementioned division leader with all those Grade I wins this year?
Letruska (Super Saver), wearing a red shadow roll, put an exclamation point on the morning, gliding down the Del Mar stretch during her 1 1/2-mile gallop shortly after 9:00 a.m.
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