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
The expected favorite will be facing a bunch of fellow 3-year-olds, including Kentucky Derby winner (G1) Mage, Pacific Classic (G1) winner Arabian Knight, and Haskell (G1) winner Geaux Rocket Ride. Six other 3-year-olds are considered possible starters, including Forte, the 2-year-old champion, winner of the Jim Dandy (G2), and fourth in the Travers in his most recent starts. A quarter-crack has hampered his training.
The older probables include Whitney (G1) winner White Abarrio and Woodward (G2) winner Zandon, a pair of 4-year-olds, and the Jockey Cup Gold Cup (G1) winner and runner-up, 4-year-old Bright Future and 5-year-old Proxy.
Also expected to be entered are two Japan-based horses, 3-year-old Derma Sotogake (UAE Derby winner, sixth in the Kentucky Derby) and 6-year-old Ushba Tesoro (Dubai World Cup winner).
There’s still some time before pre-entries are taken on Oct. 23, with the public announcement on Oct. 25. There’s a two-step entry process
The first is the pre-entry phase when horses can be pre-entered in as many as two races for which they are eligible. If more than a maximum of 14 horses are entered in the Classic, there are several factors to decide who’s in and who’s out.
Breeder’s Cup Classic Contenders’ Road to the Race
A 14-horse field would include the first seven horses to get in through “Win and You’re In’’ races, or who have garnered the most points in graded stakes races. The next seven would be selected by a panel of racing directors/secretaries.
There were eight BC Classic “Win and You’re In’’ races: four of those winners are Classic-bound, Arabian Knight, Geaux Rocket Ride, White Abarrio, and Bright Future. Four are unlikely: Mosthadaf, West Will Power, Lemon Pop, and Slow Down Andy.
During this week, several contenders posted workouts as the countdown is on.
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.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
