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: SENOR BUSCADOR
He’s 1-for-5 at Del Mar, finished fourth and fifth in his last two races, but Senor Buscador is ready for another try in the Breeders’ Cup Classic G1).
And why not? After running seventh in the 2023 Classic followed by runner-up finishes in the Cigar Mile (G2) and the Pegasus World Cup (G1), it was off to the Middle East.
Senor Buscador. Benoit Photo.
Good call. Senor Buscador hit the jackpot for owners Joe Peacock, Sr., and son Joe, trainer Todd Fincher, and jockey Junior Alvarado. The 6-year-old won the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) by a head over Ushba Tesoro, then ran third in the $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1). Total earnings for the two races: $11.2 million.
Now that he’s back in the U.S., his last two races – fourth in the Pat O’Brien (G2) at Del Mar on Aug. 24, and fifth in the California Crown (G1) at Santa Anita on Sept. 28 – have not been promising.
On Friday (Oct. 25), the son of Mineshaft worked 6 furlongs in 1:12.00 at Del Mar. Fincher said he was disappointed with the effort in the California Crown, but obviously feels his horse can get back on a winning track.
2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic Odds and Post Positions: Senor Buscador
Betting advice: Hard to toss a $12 million earner, but we’re doing it. Can’t see him closing from far back against this field.
Post Position:5
Odds: 30-1
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Trainer: Todd Fincher
Owner: Peacock Racing Family Stable
Career record: 21-7-2-3
Career earnings: $12,731,427
Age: 6
Last race: California Crown (5th), Santa Aaita, Sept. 28
Top Equibase speed figure: 113
Pedigree: Mineshaft-Rose’s Desert, by Desert God
Color: Bay
Running style: Deep closer
Notes: Junior Alvarado was aboard for Senor Buscador’s sensational four-race run — Cigar Mile (2nd), Pegasus World Cup (2nd) Saudi Cup (1st), Dubai World Cup (3rd) but will be aboard Arthur’s Ride in the Classic. Joe Talamo, aboard for the last two starts, is taking time off from racing.