Written by TDN America
Cover image courtesy of Del Mar Racetrack
Numbers have been released for the 2024 Breeders' Cup World Championships, with total all-sources, global common pool handle for the two-day event at US$179,218,631 (AU$273 million), marking a 1.7 per cent bettering of the 2023 total handle. The 41st running of the Breeders' Cup was held over November 1-2 at Del Mar, while the 2023 event was held at Santa Anita.
The 2024 handle was the third-highest in Breeders' Cup history since the event went to two days in 2007. Only the 2022 event at Keeneland (with US$189,060,373 {AU$288 million} in handle) and the 2021 event at Del Mar (with US$182,908,409 {AU$277 million}) in handle have topped it.
Sierra Leone wins the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic
By Steve Sherack, TDN America
Owner: Peter M. Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook T. Smith
Breeder: Debby M Oxley
Trainer: Chad Brown
Sierra Leone (USA) (Gun Runner {USA}), a painful second in the GI Kentucky Derby and a frustrating, beaten favourite in three subsequent efforts at Saratoga this summer, emulated his leading young sire with a victory on the biggest stage of them all in Saturday's GI Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar.
The GI Blue Grass S. winner took advantage of a lightning-fast pace up front, picked off his rivals with an eye-catching, sweeping move on the final turn and outbattled favoured Fierceness (USA) (City of Light {USA}) to deliver a 1.5l victory at odds of 6-1 in the US$7 million centre piece. It was another 1.25l back to Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) in third.
Sierra Leone, a US$2.3 million (AU$3.5 million) Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Yearling sale topper and future Coolmore stallion, is campaigned in partnership by the powerhouse line-up of Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook T. Smith.
“I am so proud and happy for the horse,” trainer Chad Brown said after saddling his 19th career winner at the World Championships and his first in the Classic. “He's come up short a few times and had some excuses. He's been so consistent and is such an honest horse. One of the best I've ever had. It's such a great ownership group. Everyone is just so patient. I thought we took a tough beat in the (Kentucky) Derby, but we did it with class and respect and went back to the drawing board and worked on getting him straight. My team deserves a lot of credit along the way for working with this horse.”
Brant added, “Yeah, this is a great day, a great day. Of course, Chad always loved this horse. He always had faith in him. He's a horse that I hope we see him run as a 4-year-old because he's the kind of horse we want to look at racing in these big races.”
Derma Sotogake (Jpn) (Mind Your Biscuits {USA}) led the field of 14 through impossible early fractions of :22.43 and :44.96 with GI Travers S. winner Fierceness just waiting to pounce in second. Sierra Leone, meanwhile, was always traveling nicely beneath Flavien Prat near the back of the pack.
Fierceness took control on the far turn, but Sierra Leone, beaten by that rival in his last two starts, finishing second in the GII Jim Dandy S. and third in the Travers, was ready to turn the tables. Sierra Leone had a full head of steam on the far outside as Fierceness turned them in. Fierceness battled on gamely down the stretch–don't forget how close he sat to that scorching early pace–but the long-striding Sierra Leone was just too much and edged clear late to get the money. Sierra Leone has now won four of his nine starts.
Prat, also aboard horse-of-a-lifetime Flightline (USA) in the 2022 Classic at Keeneland, was riding his sixth career winner at the Championships. “Obviously the pace was good and we found ourselves in a good spot,” Prat said. “I was able to stay outside and the whole way around it felt like I was gaining ground on the leaders. Actually, I was a bit worried that I got there too soon, but once I got the lead, I asked him to make his move and that was it.”
The G1 Epsom Derby winner City of Troy (USA) (Justify {USA}) never made any impact and was eighth as the 7-2 second choice. “He lost it at the start and obviously I didn't have him prepared to come out quick enough,” said trainer Aiden O’Brien. “He missed it and left Ryan (Moore) with no chance really, the race was over at the start. He's been an incredible horse and it's so sporting of the lads to let us have a go at this race. It's been a pleasure and a privilege to have him, and we'll look forward to having his foals.”
Cit Of Troy (USA) | Image courtesy of Coolmore
Sierra Leone becomes the second Breeders' Cup winner for leading young sire and 2017 Classic winner Gun Runner (USA). Gun Runner was also represented by the gone-to-soon Echo Zulu (USA), who capped her unbeaten championship season with a memorable win in the 2021 Juvenile Fillies, also held at Del Mar.
Sierra Leone is one of 10 Grade I winners worldwide for Gun Runner. The 9-year-old broodmare Heavenly Love (USA) (Malibu Moon {USA}), a homebred for Debby Oxley and winner of the GI Darley Alcibiades S., has also produced the unraced 2-year-old colt Domestic Policy (USA) (Nyquist {USA}) (US$250,000 (AU$381,000) Fasig-Tipton October yearling purchase by Mike Ryan, agent) and a Gun Runner filly of this year. She was bred back to Nyquist. This is also the same female family as Kentucky Derby and Classic third-place finisher Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}).
Thorpedo Anna best of the Classic fillies
By Jill Williams, TDN America
Owner: Brookdale Racing Inc, Mark Edwards Et Al
Breeder: Judy Hicks
Trainer: Kenneth McPeek
Is 3-year-old filly Thorpedo Anna (USA) (Fast Anna {USA}) the 2024 Horse of the Year? That will undoubtedly be the most-asked question in racing from now until the Eclipse Awards in late January.
In a year where Thorpedo Anna's name has seemingly never been far from any racing conversation, the brilliant 3-year-old filly showed why she absolutely should be in heavy consideration for Horse of the Year honours with a sublime victory in Saturday's GI Breeders' Cup Distaff at Del Mar. The race was hers to lose and the task made considerably less complex with the withdrawal the week prior of reigning Distaff winner Idiomatic (USA) (Curlin {USA}) and the vet scratch Saturday morning of unbeaten Japanese invader Awesome Result (USA) (Justify {USA}), but that wasn't Thorpedo Anna's fault and she just kept on doing what she's been doing all year, proving herself the best of all female rivals.
“She's the best filly in the country this year,” said regular rider Brian Hernandez, Jr. “We wanted to ride her accordingly. The biggest question is just make sure she stood up in the gates, left there in good order. When she did that, it made my job so much easier. What I have to do after that fact is stay out of her way, stay on her back more than anything.”
That precisely what Hernandez did. With the ease that comes from knowing one is on the best horse, Hernandez guided the Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, Judy B. Hicks, and Magdalena Racing runner immediately to the front. While usually in the first flight of runners, the dark bay hasn't been on the lead since the GI Kentucky Oaks. Thorpedo Anna did it effortlessly Saturday, ears flicking back and forth, as GI Personal Ensign S. winner Raging Sea (USA) (Curlin {USA}) stuck like glue to her outside flank. Traveling comfortably, the 2-5 choice set :23.81 and :47.99 fractions, then simply pulled clear in the stretch to put both daylight on the field and an exclamation point on her inevitable crowning at the 3-year-old filly champion. Hernandez raised his crop in a quick salute at the wire, then brought the star filly to the winner's circle accompanied to voluble cheers from the crowd.
Thorpedo Anna got the Distaff's nine furlongs in 1:49.10. Raging Sea held second, while Candied (USA) (Candy Ride {Arg}), who has now finished on the board in four straight Grade I races, was up for third.
“(Thorpedo Anna) keeps it rolling, doesn't she? It was workmanlike,” said trainer Kenny McPeek. “She just went out there and did her thing. There wasn't a whole lot that was complicated about it. I didn't have too many doubts. Just didn't want anything silly to happen. Just let her do her thing and Brian [Hernandez] did great. She just does everything so easily.”
It was the first Breeders' Cup win for McPeek, who came into the 2024 Breeders' Cup weekend 0-37. Of course, six months ago, McPeek hadn't won a GI Kentucky Derby or an Oaks either and those turned out pretty well. In addition to Thorpedo Anna winning the Oaks for McPeek, Mystic Dan (USA) (Goldencents {USA}) won the Derby. Hernandez, who won his first Breeders' Cup in 2012 with Fort Larned (USA) in the Classic, has been aboard for each of the big wins.
“This is a humbling business; it's not something that you can ever expect,” said McPeek regarding his first Breeders' Cup victory. “I was actually proud of a lot of seconds and thirds I have had in the Breeders' Cup because we have done it in many ways with modest money. We are pretty much outspent by a lot of players, but we run well. That's all you can do.”
Thorpedo Anna closed her juvenile campaign in 2023 with a runner-up finish in the GII Golden Rod S. She kicked off her sophomore season with another daylight win in the Mar. 30 GII Fantasy S., then romped with authority in the Oaks, the GI Acorn S., and the GI CCA Oaks. Despite all the elite-level victories, her best race may have been her only loss of 2024, when she faced the boys in the GI Travers S., running last year's champion 2-year-old colt Fierceness (USA) (City of Light {USA}) to a head and earning a sensational 111 Beyer Speed Figure, co-tops for the year going into Saturday. Fierceness would go on to finish second in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic later on Saturday's card with Sierra Leone (USA) (Gun Runner {USA}), third in the Travers behind Thorpedo Anna, winning the Classic.
While neither Fierceness nor Sierra Leone ran between the Travers and Breeders' Cup, Thorpedo Anna added a GI Cotillion S. win Sept. 21. It wasn't her top performance and her winning neck margin raised plenty of questions, but it was still a win and her Distaff coronation likely silenced any straggling doubters. Thorpedo Anna's record now stands at eight victories and two seconds from 10 lifetime starts.
McPeek confirmed the plan is to race Thorpedo Anna next year at four. “We have every intention to run her next year. She is a filly that likes to do it and, hopefully, we'll entertain a lot of people with her in 2025. Anytime you run a horse like her, it's emotional.”
Co-owner Hicks bred Thorpedo Anna in Kentucky out of the unraced Sanford Robertson-bred mare Sataves (USA), a daughter of Coolmore's Uncle Mo (USA), who has 23 stakes winners as a broodmare sire. Sataves traces directly to 1974 Broodmare of the Year Cosmah (USA) and has a 2-year-old colt named McAfee (USA) (Cloud Computing {USA}), who debuted Friday at Churchill Downs with a 3.25length maiden special weight victory for trainer Dick Dutrow. Hicks stayed in for a piece of McAfee after selling him at the 2023 Keeneland September sale for US$40,000 (AU$61,000), the same price Thorpedo Anna brought a year earlier at Fasig-Tipton October. Hicks still has Sataves's March 15-foaled Known Agenda (USA) filly and named her After the Storm (USA). The mare was bred back to Gun Runner.
Thorpedo Anna is the sole graded winner from 14 black-type winners for the late Fast Anna (USA), who was second in the 2014 GI King's Bishop S. The Medaglia d'Oro (USA) stallion passed away from laminitis at Three Chimneys in 2021 just days after Thorpedo Anna was born.
Zoustar son wins G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint
By Steve Sherack, TDN America
Owner: Mrs Fitri Hay
Breeder: Branton Court Stud Llp
Trainer: Ralph Beckett
Mrs. Fitri Hay's 3-year-old colt Starlust (GB) (Zoustar), a longshot third in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Santa Anita last year, added to a dream run for trainer Ralph Beckett and jockey Rossa Ryan with a 33-1 upset in an eventful renewal of the GI Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar. He took his record to six wins and six placings from 18 starts.
With the rail-drawn, 4-year-old filly Believing (Ire) (Mehmas {Ire}) a late scratch after flipping in the gate and delaying the start by a good 10 minutes, 4-5 favourite and world-record setter Cogburn (USA) (Not This Time {USA}) wasn't off to the sharpest of beginnings, but quickly rocketed clear beneath Irad Ortiz, Jr. on the far turn while Starlust continued to trail in 11th.
Cogburn turned for home under very confident handling and looked well on his way after zipping through fractions of 21.59s and 43.72s, but began to tire inside the final furlong.
Starlust, meanwhile, made eye-catching progress along the inside in the stretch. He was steered out and appeared to bother Isivunguvungu (SAf) (What a Winter {SAf}) close to home and was across the wire first in a wild finish. Starlust was a neck better than horse-for-course Motorious (GB) (Muhaarar {GB}). It was another nose back to Ag Bullet (USA) (Twirling Candy {USA}) in third. Cogburn tired to fifth. A stewards' inquiry involving the stretch run took place, but the result was allowed to stand after a lengthy discussion.
Ryan and Beckett also teamed to win last month's the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with Bluestocking (GB) (Camelot {GB}). Starlust is Beckett's second Breeders' Cup winner. He also trained Muhannak (Ire) to a win in the discontinued Marathon in 2008. It is the first Breeders' Cup winner for Ryan.
“The reality is that when you're in it, it's very hard to enjoy it,” Beckett said of his Arc-Breeders' Cup double. “I think probably we will enjoy it at the end of the year. And we're nearly done now. We have a week's left of runners and then there's November and December and that's when I'll really (enjoy it). But, absolutely it has been a year like no other.”
Starlust made nine subsequent starts this season following his fantastic effort at last year's Championships, including a pair of wins at York and a close third-place finish in the G1 Nunthorpe S. August 23. He was ninth over soft going in the G1 Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp Longines last time October 6.
“He's a really tough horse, not had a break all year,” Beckett said. “He had a tough trip in the l'Abbaye last time, but today he was very good. Rossa Ryan gets better by the month. It's his third or fourth year with us and today he was at his very best. The way he rode Bluestocking in the Arc was very different to today and I'm very proud of what he's achieved. What a day!
“It was marvelous. I'm delighted for Jim and Fitri Hay, who put a lot in and this horse has been very well-managed by Alex Cole. He's danced every dance and we got our win today.”
Zoustar | Standing at Widden Stud
Starlust, a 55,000gns (AU$114,000) Tattersalls October yearling purchase by bloodstock agent Dermot Farrington, becomes the ninth top-level winner worldwide for Zoustar. Starlust is the second stakes winner for G3 Prix de Saint-Georges victrix Beyond Desire (GB) (Invincible Spirit {Ire}), whose four winners also include Listed winner Queen Of Desire (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}). This is the family of G2 Zipping Classic winner Beautiful Romance (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) and sire Mastercraftsman (Ire).
Moira wins G1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf on third attempt
By Heather Anderson, TDN America
Owner: X-Men Racing LLC, Madaket Stables LLC & SF Racing LLC
Breeder: Adena Springs
Trainer: Kevin Attard
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. That was the case for Canadian Horse of the Year Moira (Can) (Ghostzapper {USA}) as she took the lead in her third attempt in the GI Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, before driving home a half-length winner for her first Grade I tally at Del Mar Saturday. In so doing, the 5-1 shot held off the late rush of Godolphin's 13-5 favourite Cinderella's Dream (GB) (Shamardal {USA}), who nosed out Didia (Arg) (Orpen {USA}) for second. The final time for the 1 3/8-mile race was 2:14.95.
Owned by X-Men Racing–the brainchild of Canadian Donato Lanni–Madaket Stables, LLC and SF Racing, LLC, the 5-year-old mare is trained by fellow Canadian Kevin Attard, who also saddled Saturday's pacesetter Full Count Felicia (USA) (War Front {USA}).
Moira stalked in sixth one off the fence behind splits of :25.38, :49.84 and 1:1:15.08. She then picked up to sit third on the backstretch as Full Count Felicia served up easy fractions while shadowed by Sunset Glory (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}). The Canadian champ was less than two lengths from the vanguard on the final bend and loomed ominously. Cinderella's Dream remained glued to the rail in midfield and William Buick had yet to make a move.
Surging up to challenge Full Count Felicia, Moira subdued that foe in a matter of strides and kicked for the line, as Didia was unwinding from out in the middle of the course and Cinderella's Dream was finally weaving her way up the inside. Beautiful Love (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) was also in contention with less than 200 meters to travel. At the wire, it was close, but Moira had enough cushion for the victory. Beautiful Love was a half-length fourth.
Attard, who was winning his first Breeders' Cup race, said, “It's so rewarding to finally see her get that Grade I. It was nice to see her put it all together today and show everybody that she is a true champion. When she won the Queen's Plate, I was floored with it, a dream come true.
“She's always been a horse that kind of throws you some curve balls. She was a lot more relaxed, a lot more settled (on Saturday). The connections here to support me and give me faith and confidence for me to train her and keep her throughout her career has meant a lot to me, my career, my family. She's obviously going to a sale–I'm going to miss her.”
Added Prat, who was winning his seventh Breeders' Cup affair and first Filly & Mare Turf, “She broke well and I was able to get myself close to the rail going into the first turn. I decided to get out and get myself closer and try to get the jump on everybody and it worked out.”
SF Bloodstock's Tom Ryan said, “Donato wanted to keep this filly in training, bought her (last year). We started out together, myself, Donato. I called him to see if he would help buy me some Derby horses. The first horse he bought us was Authentic, and he won the Derby. And Donato wanted to put together a team to buy a Queen's Plate horse. The first one he bought is Moira.”
Said Lanni, “My idea was to buy a Canadian-bred filly and win the White Oaks. I wanted to put together a bunch of my friends, Canadian friends of mine, I've known Kevin for 25 years. Tom and Saul (McHugh) are my dear friends. They love the game, love the action.”
Bred by Adena Springs in Ontario, the 2022 dual Canadian Classic winner sold for US$150,000 (AU$229,000) as a Keeneland September yearling from the Hidden Brook draft to X-Men Racing. Last November she was one of the highlights of the Fasig-Tipton Night Of Stars when selling to DM Racing Ventures for US$3 million (AU$4.6 million). She was offered by Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa.
Moira was a debut winner in the 2021 Princess Elizabeth S., before placing in the GIII Mazarine S. to finish off her juvenile year. After a stakes win to start 2022, the filly delivered the Woodbine Oaks by 10.75 lengths, before adding the Queen's Plate. Second, but disqualified and placed eighth in the GI E.P. Taylor S. at Woodbine, she ended her year with a fifth at Keeneland in the Filly & Mare Turf. Her earlier efforts were good enough to see her named the 2022 Canadian Horse of the Year and Champion 3-Year-Old Filly.
Although she only won the GII Canadian S. in 2023, Moira placed in a quintet of graded races, including thirds in the E.P. Taylor and Santa Anita's Filly & Mare Turf last October. After she went through the Fasig-Tipton ring in Lexington, she has been campaigned more sparingly in 2024, but was a close second in the GI Diana S. at Saratoga in July. She secured a victory in the GII Beverly D S. at Colonial Downs a month later, but failed to catch Full Count Felicia in the E.P. Taylor in September.
Moira is set to head back to sell again at the Fasig-Tipton Night of Stars as hip 293 on Nov. 4. She will be consigned by John Sikura's Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa. She is the winner of seven of her 17 starts.
American Horse of the Year and GI Breeders' Cup Classic hero Ghostzapper stood through 2020 at Adena Springs in Kentucky before moving to Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa for the 2021 breeding season. He will cover his finale season at Adena Springs Farm in Canada next year. At stud, he has left 104 stakes winners internationally, 58 of them at graded level. Moira is his 16th Grade I winner. His earlier Breeders' Cup winners have all been with fillies–champion and two-time GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint heroine Goodnight Olive (USA) in 2022/2023, and 2014 F&M Sprint victress Judy The Beauty (USA).
Moira is a half-sister to stakes winner Jungle Cry (USA) (Animal Kingdom {USA}). Her stakes winning dam, Devine Aida (USA) (Unbridled’s Song {USA}) was picked up by Adena Springs for US$120,000 (AU$183,000) out of the OBS June Sale, and she would go on to be third in the GII Mrs. Revere S. Hidden Brook, agent for Farview, purchased Devine Aida for US$400,000 (AU$610,000) out of the 2020 Keeneland November Sale carrying a full-sibling to Moira. She was covered by Forte (USA) for 2025. Second dam Passion (USA) (Came Home {USA}) was a Grade III winner, while farther back in the pedigree is GII Hollywood Oaks heroine Kumari Continent (USA) (Kris S. {USA}), second in the GI Santa Anita Oaks.
Rebel's Romance does the double in G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf
By Alan Carasso, TDN America
Owner: Godolphin
Breeder: Godolphin
Trainer: Charlie Appleby
From Qatar to Dubai to Hong Kong, back to Britain and then across to Germany. By any metric, it had already been a massive season for Godolphin's hearty globetrotter Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), and it got that little bit better Saturday afternoon, as his best battling qualities were on full display in just staving off a gallant effort from Rousham Park (Jpn) (Harbinger {GB})–the lesser-preferred of the two Sunday Racing-owned horses–to win the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf for the second time in three seasons. Shahryar (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) rounded out the trifecta for the second straight year.
“A horse like this, he's a superstar, he really is,” said trainer Charlie Appleby, winning his 11th Breeders' Cup race, having saddled Yibir (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) to the victory in the 2021 Turf at Del Mar. “You watch him run around there and you really feel it. You want him to win.
“I'm just delighted for him and to win back to back Del Mars so we know he likes it here. For the mileage he's done and the competition that he's been campaigning at, that level for the time he has it takes a lot of guts.”
Alertly away from his wide draw, the handsome dark bay settled in about fourth position in the early exchanges as longshot Cabo Spirit (USA) (Pioneerof the Nile {USA}) kicked on with it, but Buick clicked up Rebel's Romance on the turn, asking him to improve into a pace-pressing position entering the stretch for the first time. Far Bridge (USA) (English Channel {USA}), America's best chance for the Turf, enjoyed the run of the race as he tugged his way along from third.
There was no significant change in plot passing the stands first time around, as Cabo Spirit still had the 19-10 favorite glued to his outside, with Far Bridge in the box seat and Shahryar and Rousham Park midpack and last, respectively. Past the halfway point in an easy 1:13.82, Cabo Spirit turned them into the backstretch as Rebel's Romance was held together, jockey William Buick waiting for the right time to cut the ribbons. That cue came at the five-sixteenths, and Rebel's Romance readily wrested command traveling strongly into the lane. Rousham Park looped rivals in the clear and had aim on Rebel's Romance, close with monster strides and just missed, with Buick all out on the eventual winner. Shahryar, who lacked a clean run in last year's Turf, was again snookered behind Luxembourg (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) and Gold Phoenix (Ire) (Belardo {Ire}) in the lane and finished well once steered off heels to complete the Japanese 2-3 finish.
“He's just a legend of a horse who is all class and heart,” said Buick. “We had a good run around and he stuck his head down to the line.”
Rebel's Romance becomes the third to win the 12-furlong feature on multiple occasions, joining Conduit (Ire) and High Chaparral (Ire), but the first of that trio to do it in non-consecutive tries. Buick has now visited the Breeders' Cup winner's circle nine times–five of those in the three runnings at Del Mar–and the legendary Dubawi (Ire) was being represented by his eighth winner of a Breeders' Cup race.
And he's not done yet. Rebel's Romance is tentatively pencilled in for the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase on December 8. And they'll have him to beat one more time.
Sheikh Mohammed's operation purchased Rebel's Romance's second dam Short Skirt (USA), a half-sister to the multiple group-winning and multiple Group 1-placed Whitewater Affair (GB) (Machiavellian {USA}), for 1.4 million guineas (AU$2.9 million) at the 2006 Tattersalls December Mares sale, and among her four other winners was G3 Nad Al Sheba Trophy winner Volcanic Sky (GB) (Street Cry {Ire}), while her unraced daughter Rose Law (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) produced Godolphin's Japanese Listed winner and Group 3-placed Due Process (GB) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}).
There is more Japanese black-type in the third dam, as Whitewater Affair accounted for multiple Japanese champion/Group 1 and poignant G1 Dubai World Cup hero Victoire Pisa (Jpn) (Neo Universe {Jpn}), as well as Group 1-winning miler Asakusa Den'en (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}).
Rebel's Romance's G1 Jebel Hatta-winning half-brother is Measured Time (GB) (Frankel {GB}), who won the GI Manhattan S. at Saratoga on June 8 and was just touched off by Far Bridge in the GI Sword Dancer Invitational S. on August 24.
Unfortunately European shipper Jayarebe (Fr) (Zoffany {Ire}) died following the running of Saturday's GI Breeders' Cup Turf, added TDN America writer Bill Finley. The 3-year-old finished the race, but collapsed during the gallop out. According to a statement put out by the Breeders' Cup, Jayarebe suffered what appears to have been a cardiac event. He was immediately attended to by a team of veterinary experts led by Dr. Brent Cassady, but unfortunately passed away. His jockey, Sean Levey, was uninjured.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to Jayarebe's connections and the many fans whose lives he touched,” read the statement.
MyRacehorse wins G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint with Straight No Chaser
By J.N. Campbell, TDN America
Owner: Mr Racehorse
Breeder: John Eaton & Steve Laymon
Trainer: Dan Blacker
The rowdy MyRacehorse contingent, chanting their horse's name in unison, flooded the Del Mar winner's circle as they celebrated a signature score by Straight No Chaser (USA) (Speightster {USA}) in the GI Breeders' Cup Sprint at Del Mar on Saturday.
Straight No Chaser began his career under trainer Dan Blacker's care over two years ago. As a 3-year-old that summer at Del Mar the bay debuted a winner while sprinting over the grass. Though he was well-beaten over course and distance against optional claimers that September, Straight No Chaser cleared that level at Santa Anita on the main track the next month.
Well-beaten in the GI Malibu S. in Arcadia late in the year, the Fasig-Tipton Midlantic grad was third in the GIII Palos Verdes early in 2023 and then won impressively by a 7.25length margin facing optional claimers at Oaklawn in April. The speedster turned heads by taking home the GIII Maryland Sprint S. on the Preakness undercard.
Shutdown for a year while Blacker served out a suspension, the MyRacehorse investment started his 5-year-old campaign in the shedrow of Juan Landeros where he finished off the board in the GIII Runhappy S. at Aqueduct this past May. Back with his original conditioner and off a four-month break, the bay captured the GII Santa Anita Sprint Championship S. on September 29.
Straight No Chaser arrived at Del Mar and was backed as the 6-1 shot here. The 5-year-old tracked up the backstretch from third pacesetter Federal Judge (USA) (Army Mule {USA}). Around the far turn, the Blacker trainee got into gear and started to make his run at the leaders, which included Bentornato (USA) (Valiant Minister {USA}). Fully-loaded down the lane, Straight No Chaser found his best stride and won by half a length over Bentornato. Mullikin (USA) (Violence {USA}) was up for third. Straight No Chaser took his record to six wins from 10 starts.
“He's just a really talented horse,” said trainer Dan Blacker, who collected his first win in a Breeders' Cup race. “I'm just really thankful to MyRacehorse for having me. They've been such great patient owners. It means a lot to me, obviously, but it's the horse. Ultimately, he's just a really talented horse. All the other horses see in the race are great, super talented horse, too, I'm just lucky to have the best one today.”
Straight No Chaser's sire, who sadly passed away in 2022, lays claim to his first Grade I winner. This was Speightster's second Breeders' Cup starter and first winner at the World Championships for the gone-too-soon stallion. Dam Margarita Friday (USA) (Johannesburg {USA}), a winner of 1200 metres has also produced Listed Gulfstream Park West Juvenile Filly Turf S. winner Hangover Saturday (USA) (Pomeroy {USA}). Straight No Chaser's extended female family includes dual champion sprinter and Grade 1 winner Housebuster (USA) (Mt. Livermore {USA}).
Upset win by Soul Of An Angel in G1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint
By Stefanie Grimm, TDN America
Owner: C Two Racing Stable & Agave Racing Stable
Breeder: Westbrook Stables Llc
Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr
Whomever gave Soul Of An Angel (USA) (Atreides {USA}) a Red Bull before Saturday's GI Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, go cash your ticket. The 5-year-old mare sprouted wings down the Del Mar stretch to open Breeders' Cup action with a 19-1 upset win for trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. and the ownership group of C2 Racing Stable, Agave Racing Stable and Ken Reimer.
The most experienced runner in the field by far (her 40 starts are more than double anyone else), Soul Of An Angel has been quietly knocking on the door all season since joining the Saffie Joseph, Jr. barn in early May. In five starts, all in graded stakes company, she's had only one off the board finish when fifth behind Randomized (USA) (Nyquist {USA}) in the GI Ogden Phipps S. at Saratoga. Supporters of scratched Distaff runner Idiomatic (USA) (Curlin {USA}) will remember Soul Of An Angel giving their champion everything she could handle in the GIII Molly Pitcher S. in July while coming just a neck short. She was third in the GI Personal Ensign S. to Raging Sea (USA) (Curlin {USA}) and Idiomatic before cutting back to seven furlongs in a victorious effort in the GIII Princess Rooney S. at Gulfstream Park on September 21.
With Drayden Van Dyke aboard (he also got the leg up for the first time at Gulfstream), Soul Of An Angel spotted the field what seemed a surely insurmountable distance at the break. So far back in fact that by the time the field had connected up to the main track, she was barely in the camera shot as a three-pronged battle raged up front led by Society (USA) (Gun Runner {USA}) with Juddmonte runners Pleasant (USA) (Munnings {USA}) and Scylla (USA) (Tapit {USA}) on either side of her. Van Dyke never looked in a rush as the opening fractions went up in :21.94 and :44.22 and, with three furlongs to run and still several lengths to make up even to get in touch with the field, switched his filly to the outside and really began to let her roll. Finally in the conversation as the leaders swung off the far turn, Soul Of An Angel just kept finding as a four-wide calvary charge unfolded to her inside. A wide open affair at the sixteenth marker, the longshot had the best final jumps and just prevailed ahead of Society and Pleasant in a driving photo finish to give trainer Saffie Joseph, Jr. his first Breeders' Cup winner and Van Dyke his second (he also won aboard Stormy Liberal (USA) in the 2018 Turf Sprint).
“The first quarter, I knew that's how she runs, but I thought she might be a little closer this time,” admitted Joseph, Jr. “Then I was a little concerned. Once they put up the first split I saw, she was into the bridle. It's a surreal moment. I hope everybody can get to enjoy, every trainer in the world, because it is special. I'm thankful for it.
“It's a special moment to get our first Breeders' Cup win, and for connections that have been so loyal to me, C2 Racing, Agave Racing. Just special. And for Drayden himself. Overall, the horse is the hero, and we're just part of the process and enjoy the ride. All glory to God. I'm thankful and I'm blessed in that way, just to experience this.”
Soul Of An Angel came into the race off a last start G3 Princess Rooney S. win, and took her record to six wins and 12 placings from 41 starts.
Stonestreet Farm's Atreides (USA), winner of the Monarchos S. by 17l, now sports a 100% strike rate with Breeders' Cup runners to winners as Soul Of An Angel is the first BC starter for the Oklahoma-based son of Medaglia d'Oro. Passed at the Fasig-Tipton October Yearling Sale, Soul Of An Angel is the first foal of unplaced mare Factor One (USA) (The Factor {USA}) who is a half-sister to GI Champagne S. winner Homeboykris (USA) (Roman Ruler {USA}).
More Than Ready’s More Than Looks wins G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile
By Alan Carasso, TDN America
Owner: Victory Racing Partners
Breeder: Hinkle Farms
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Victory Racing Partners' More Than Looks (USA) (More Than Ready {USA}) has spent a fair bit of the last 16 months in the shadow cast by his talented contemporary, Carl Spackler (Ire) (Lope de Vega {Ire}). In three previous head-to-head battles, the US$135,000 (AU$206,000) Keeneland September graduate had finished behind his rival each time, but the quirky dark bay managed to flip the script on one of racing's biggest stages, coming with a barnstorming rally–in particular in the final 100 yards–to win Saturday's GI FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile at Del Mar. More Than Looks now has five wins from 11 starts.
Top local chance Johannes (USA) (Nyquist {USA})) completed a rare U.S.-based exacta in a race typically dominated by European raiders, while Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) was no better than third as the favourite while attempting to give Godolphin a fourth straight winner of the race.
More Than Looks is the first Breeders' Cup winner for trainer Cherie DeVaux and the eighth for his much-missed sire, whose champion daughter Uni (GB) won the 2019 renewal up north at Santa Anita.
“I really don't know how to say it in words, this is really unbelievable,” the trainer told NBC's Nick Luck. “This is a horse we've had a lot of faith in from the beginning and things just haven't gone to plan.”
Recalling her 20 years as an assistant trainer, DeVaux invoked the memory of the Chuck Simon, who passed away on September 8 following a battle with cancer. Her voice breaking with understandable emotion, DeVaux said, “This means a whole lot to me. I was an unguided, young 20-something right out of college and he's the one that pulled me under his wing and gave me guidance. If he didn't give me the guidance, Lord knows where I'd be today.”
Though he had dropped his last two decisions to Carl Spackler in top-level company, those races brought just the right amount out of him in preparation for this major objective. More Than Looks was a highly creditable sixth from an impossible draw in last year's Mile at Santa Anita and made the first start of his 4-year-old season in the GI Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga on August 11. Fresh off the layoff, the dark bay was difficult to handle as he wanted to overrace, but he nevertheless attacked the line to be second, albeit soundly defeated. His final prep in the GI Coolmore Turf Mile at Keeneland on October 5 also did not go exactly to plan, as he broke slowly and was carried out into the first turn, but he bridged the bulk of a 7.25length deficit to miss by a length in second in another slow-paced event. The speed looked to be very much on at the seaside oval on Saturday, and More Than Looks proved equal to the task.
Away without incident this time around, More Than Looks was beaten for pace and was dropped out to the tail of the field by Jose Ortiz as Goliad (USA) (War Front {USA})) outsprinted Japanese longshots Ten Happy Rose (Jpn) (Epiphaneia {Jpn}) and Geoglyph (Jpn) (Drefong {USA})) to the front. Carl Spackler figured to be ridden forward from the outside draw and so it proved, but he was forced to race three deep, to the outside of Johannes and without the benefit of cover into the bend. Notable Speech raced on the back of Johannes in the two-wide line.
Goliad continued to take the Mile field along, going past the half-mile pole in :45.90, and all riders seemed content with their positions as they hit the far turn. Victoria Mile heroine Ten Happy Rose, the 58-1 longest shot in the field, poked her head in front of Goliad in upper stretch, but there was plenty taking place farther back in the field. Johannes made the first move, switching off the heels of Carl Spackler, while More Than Looks slipstreamed Notable Speech into the final couple of furlongs. While Carl Spackler could not quite finish off his race, Johannes came calling for the lead, going better than Notable Speech, but it was More Than Looks who charged home best of all despite trying to lay in on multiple occasions with time ticking away. Johannes lasted for second, rounding out the first American-based 1-2 in the Mile since Tourist (USA) (Tiznow {USA})) denied Tepin (USA) (Bernstein {USA}))'s title defence in 2016.
“I knew I had enough speed leaving the gate, so as soon as I broke, I saw (William) Buick inside of me, so right away, that's the horse (Notable Speech) I wanted to follow,” said Ortiz, who won two of his previous five Breeders' Cup races at Del Mar in 2021. “I either wanted to follow him or Chili Flag or somebody that closes. But I wanted to follow William and it worked out perfect.”
More Than Looks becomes the 27th worldwide Grade I/Group 1 winner for the late More Than Ready, his 13th in the Northern Hemisphere. That number includes the aforementioned Uni and fellow Breeders' Cup winners Rushing Fall (USA) and dual BC winner Roy H (USA). Pluck (USA) (Juvenile Turf) and Regally Ready (USA) (Turf Sprint) won their races before they were elevated to Grade I status.
Hinkle Farms gave US$575,000 (AU$876,000) for the stakes-winning Ladies' Privilege (USA) (Harlan’s Holiday {USA}) carrying the colt that would become More Than Looks at the 2019 Keeneland November Sale. The mare is a full-sister to Takeover Target (USA), three times a winner at the graded level on the grass for Chad Brown, while More Than Looks's third dam produced Critical Eye (USA) (Dynaformer {USA})), victorious in the GI Hempstead Handicap and GI Gazelle Handicap on the main track.
Full Serrrano wins G1 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile
By Steve Sherack, TDN America
Owner: Hronis Racing LLC
Breeder: Stud Haras Gran Muneca S. A.
Trainer: John Sadler
With the sun setting on another Breeders' Cup weekend, it was a familiar sight with the dark green silks of Hronis Racing being carried home to victory in the finale. Full Serrano (Arg) (Full Mast {USA}), drawn on the inside in post three, stalked and pounced his way to a 1.5length victory over Post Time (USA) (Frosted {USA}) in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. It was another 2.25 lengths back to favoured Domestic Product (USA) (Practical Joke {USA}) in third.
Hronis and Sadler, of course, closed out the 2018 and 2022 Championships in style with wins by Accelerate (USA) and Flightline (USA) in in the GI Breeders' Cup Classic.
“We were quite nervous at the draw,” Sadler said. “We know you need a good draw, especially at Del Mar. This is one of my home tracks and I hold a lot of records here–most stakes wins, etc. When we were hanging out there at the draw and there were a couple posts left and one was the 14 and one was the three, I was thrilled to get the post three. From there on out, we got a really good ride from Joel (Rosario). He's my home boy. We've been together for a long time.”
Full Serrano, off at odds of 13-1, jumped well beneath Rosario and raced in the garden spot behind 77-1 longshot T O Saint Denis (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}) in second through fractions of 22.30s and 45.47s. He set his sights on the leader at the top of the stretch, set sail for home from there and was never seriously threatened by the runner-up, who rallied smartly from last of 13.
A Listed stakes winner last year in Argentina and graded placed there this January for former trainer Diego Pena, Full Serrano was purchased privately and made his first start for his new connections a winning one in a course-and-distance optional claimer at Del Mar on August 3. He finished a fantastic second and earned a 99 Beyer Speed Figure after setting a fast pace in the GI Pacific Classic going 1 1/4 miles at Del Mar last time on August 31. He was forced to sit out the GI California Crown at Santa Anita on September 28 after spiking a fever.
“This horse came to me and has done well since we've had him here,” Sadler said. “Unfortunately, he got a little sick when we went back to Santa Anita, so he didn't get a run in the prep. He might have been in the Classic, had he not got a little temperature. I'd like to, if it works well, run in the Pegasus and then look possibly at the Middle East for this horse.”
As for the private purchase of Full Serrano, Hronis added, “We're always in the market for the long dirt races here for the California circuit. We're always shopping. I don't really get to do the shopping. I just follow John around. I have the basket, he puts the stuff in, I go to the register. That's my involvement (laughter).” Full Serrano has won six of his 17 starts.
Full Mast (USA), who captured the 2014 G1 Grand Criterium at Longchamp as a homebred for Juddmonte, stands at Haras Gran Muñeca in Argentina. By Juddmonte's pensioned Mizzen Mast (USA), he is out of Juddmonte's Grade 1 winner Yashmak (USA) (Danzig {USA}), in turn a daughter of Juddmonte's 1997 Broodmare of the Year Slightly Dangerous (USA). Sire of 2023 Argentinean Champion 2-Year-Old Filly Tan Gritona (Arg), Full Mast has 11 black-type winners and five graded/group winners. Full Serrano, a member of his second crop, is his first stakes winner outside of South America.
The unraced Serra Do Mar (Arg), dam of Full Serrano, is a daughter of Jump Start (USA), who also sired her full-sister Seresta (Arg), the 2015 champion 2-year-old filly in Argentina and the dam of 2023 Japanese Group winner and three-time G1-placed Harper (Jpn) (Heart's Cry {Jpn}). Jump Start, who had shuttled to Argentina for five seasons, died in 2019 at age 20 in Pennsylvania due to complications from colitis. The A.P. Indy (USA) stallion has 32 stakes winners to date out of his daughters.
