In the days leading up to the 41st Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar in California, usracing.com is publishing profiles of the horses in the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on Saturday, Nov. 2. Profiles will be updated following the post-position draw on Monday, Oct. 28.
2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic Contender Profile: MIXTO
Let’s give Mixto his due: Both of his victories in 14 career starts came at Del Mar.
But that’s about it for this 4-year-old who could be the longest shot in the Classic field. He won the Pacific Classic (G1) against a weak field at odds of 22-1, and jockey Kyle Frey, who was aboard for the first time, will be competing in his first Breeders’ Cup.
Mixto and jockey Kyle Frey, outside, overpower Full Serrano (Reylu Gutierrez), inside, to win the Grade I,$1,000,000 FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic, Saturday, August 31, 2024 at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, Del Mar CA.
© BENOIT PHOTO
Will the Pacific Classic longshot winner pick up a Breeders’ Cup Classic win?
After breaking his maiden at the end of his 3-year-old season last November (he had been 0-for-6, Mixto then went 0-for-6 again although he ran in five graded stakes that included a runner-up finish in the 2023 San Antonio (G3) at Santa Anita.
With his upset in the 1 ¼-mile Pacific Classic, Mixto earned an automatic berth in the Classic, so why not give it a try when it’s just down the freeway?
On Sunday, the son of Good Magic worked 5 furlongs in 1:00.40 at Del Mar.
“I thought he worked well and with the Breeders’ Cup here it made more sense to have his final work at Del Mar instead of Santa Anita,’’ trainer Doug O’Neill said.
Betting advice: Did not beat a strong field in Pacific Classic and has two wins from 14 starts, both at Del Mar. Nonetheless, toss.
Odds: TBD
Jockey: Kyle Frey
Trainer: Doug O’Neill
Owner: Calumet Farm
Career record: 14-2-2-4
Career earnings: $716,316
Age: 4
Last race: Pacific Classic (1st), Del Mar, Aug. 31
Top Equibase speed figure: 108
Pedigree: Good Magic-Musical Mystery, by Concerto
Color: Chestnut
Running style: Stalker
Notes: O’Neill’s best Classic result from seven prior starters is fourth with Hot Rod Charlie in 2021 … Mixto’s overall record at Del Mar is two wins in six starts; he’s 0-for-7 at Santa Anita and has second-place finish in the Pleasanton Mile Stakes.