The field is almost set for the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Santa Anita Park on Saturday (Nov. 4). The 1¼-mile Classic is the centerpiece of racing’s two-day, 14-race, $31 million championships. In the days leading up to the race, usracing.com will publish snapshots of the entries.
Missed the Cut, trained by John W. Sadler, exercises during morning workouts at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California on October 28, 2023 as horses prepare for the 2023 Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Scott Serio/Eclipse Sportswire/Breeders Cup
Breeders’ Cup Classic Contenders: MISSED THE CUT
Somehow, Missed the Cut made the cut to run in the richest race in North America.
Listed 18th on the list of pre-entries, this 4-year-old colt with a Grade 3 win in his last start has a spot in the 12-horse field and may go off as the longest shot of them all.
One of three horses listed at 30-1, Missed the Cut is 1-for-5 this year for trainer John Sadler, a guy you may recall trained 2022 Classic winner Flightline. Make no mistake, there are no similarities.
The son of Quality Road has been ridden by nine different riders and will have yet another new rider in Luis Saez, who was set to reunite with Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mage before the colt developed a slight fever Sunday and was not entered.
Missed the Cut began his racing career in England in turf races six times in seven 2022 starts. He had four wins, then ran once in Saudi Arabia before being relocated to California. He finished seventh in the San Digo Handicap and then fourth on turf in the Del Mar Handicap.
His win in the Tokyo City (G3) at Santa Anita on Oct. 1 convinced his connections a Classic try was worth it.
Breeders’ Cup Classic Odds and Post Positions
Betting advice: Not much advice other than a throwout.
Post position: 4
Odds: 30-1
Jockey: Luis Saez
Trainer: John Sadler
Owner: Bee Zee, Lanes End Racing, St. Elias Stables, Edward Babington, Edward Hudson, Lynne Hudson.
Biggest Win: Tokyo City Cup (G3), Santa Anita, Oct. 1
Age: 4
Career record: 11-5-1-0
Career earnings: $285,777
Top Equibase speed figure: 108
Pedigree: Quality Road-Beauly, by See the Stars
Color: Bay
Running style: Stalker
Notes: Sadler is a two-time Classic winner. Last year, Flightline, the 2-5 favorite, won by the record margin of 8 ¼ length; his other win came with Accelerate.