×
Bet Now

Bettor’s Delight: Full Field of 14 Likely for Breeders’ Cup Classic

For the first time in five years, the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) is likely to have a full field of 14 of the world’s top horses, making this 40th edition one of the most compelling for horseplayers.

The last time the 1 ¼-mile was contested with a packed starting gate was in 2018 at Churchill Downs when Accelerate held off 30-1 longshot Gunnevera and won by a length.

Although Accelerate was the 5-2 favorite, a $2 exacta wager brought home $261.60. With 14-1 Thunder Show finishing third, a $1 trifecta returned a hefty $1,613.10.

The Classic is the grand finale of the two-day, $31 million Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita on Nov. 3-4.

Arcangelo, the Belmont Stakes (G1) and Travers (G1) winner who finished atop the BC Classic final rankings this week have adapted well to Santa Anita since arriving from New York on Sept. 27, according to trainer Jena Antonucci.

Breeder’s Cup 2023: Top Contenders and Pre-Entry Process Revealed

White Abarrio,ridden by Irad Ortiz, Jr., wins the Longines Breeders Cup Classic

Monday Breeze Highlights: White Abarrio Impresses in 5-Furlong Workout at Santa Anita

On Monday (Oct. 9), White Abarrio worked 5 furlongs at fog-shrouded Santa Anita at 1:00.20 with trainer Rick Dutrow, Jr., in from New York for the breeze.

“He did his business,” Chip Dutrow, Rick’s brother and assistant, said. “He does everything so easy. Just a very smart, classy horse. We thought he nailed it.”

Also, Geaux Rocket Ride went to the track under Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith but there was no official time due to the fog. Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella said the work was 6 furlongs.

“We’d liked to have seen it,” Mandella said. “I saw him come through the finish line, that was it. He worked six furlongs. Mike rode him and said he went well. We’ll go with that.”

On Oct. 7, Mage, who finished last in the Travers, worked 5 furlongs in 1:03 at the Thoroughbred Training Center in Lexington, Kentucky. If he’s in good form, assistant trainer Gustavo Delgado, Jr. said the plan is to ship to Santa Anita on Oct. 30.

“If he’s running, it’ll be entirely him telling us and giving us all the right signs that he’s fine and good to go for a race like the Classic. He doesn’t owe us anything.”

Saudi Crown, yet another 3-year-old and winner of the Pennsylvania Derby (G1), is being pointed to the Classic, although trainer Brad Cox says the BC Dirt Mile (G1) is a possibility.

 

Proudly featured on:

Follow

US Racing