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. Updates with odds and post positions will be published following the draw on Monday, Oct. 30.
Geaux Rocket Ride has what you like to see in a 3-year-old prepping for the Classic: a strong resume and a solid distance pedigree. Lightly raced after sitting out the Triple Crown series, he gives the impression he’s ready to peak on the first Saturday in November.
His connections are among the most accomplished figures in the history of the sport. His trainer, 72-year-old Richard Mandella, and his rider, 58-year-old Mike Smith, are Hall of Famers with 36 Breeders’ Cup wins between them. “Big Money Mike” has a record 27, including four Classics. Big-race jitters? Not a chance.
There was buzz about this colt after he dominated his debut in January and ran second in the San Felipe (G2). A minor illness kept him out of the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and knocked him off the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail. He returned June 4 by winning the Affirmed Stakes at Santa Anita, which set him up for his best race yet, an upset of Derby winner Mage in the Haskell (G1) on July 22 at Monmouth Park. On Sept. 2 at Del Mar, Geaux Rocket Ride ran big again but fell a neck short of wire-to-wire winner Arabian Knight in the Pacific Classic (G1).
All nine of Mandella’s Breeders’ Cup wins have come at his Santa Anita base. He was asked if this year’s site gives Geaux Rocket Ride a homefield advantage.
“It does if you’re fast enough,” Mandella said. “We think he’s fast enough, and so far he’s passed every test.”
Betting advice: Geaux Rocket Ride has never run a bad one in five career races. He was surging late when second in the 1¼-mile Pacific Classic, so the BC Classic distance suits him, and he finished ahead of seven older horses that day at Del Mar. He’s 2-for-3 at Santa Anita. He doesn’t need the lead but has excellent tactical speed. He’ll be a decent price, and you should use him on your tickets. A serious win contender.
Post position: TBD
Odds: TBD
Jockey: Mike Smith
Trainer: Richard Mandella
Owner: Pin Oak Stud (Jim and Dana Bernhard)
Biggest Win: Haskell Stakes (G1), Monmouth Park, July 22
Age: 3
Career record: 5-3-2-0
Career earnings: $980,200
Top Equibase speed figure: 111
Pedigree: Candy Ride-Beyond Grace, by Uncle Mo
Color: Bay
Running style: Stalker
Notes: Twenty years ago, on Breeders’ Cup Saturday at Santa Anita, Mandella ruled, sweeping the Juvenile Fillies, Juvenile, Turf and Classic. After the Turf, Mandella, known for his dry wit, said, “I’m having a very good day.” A race later, after 14-1 shot Pleasantly Perfect surged late to take the Classic, race caller Tom Durkin ad-libbed, “Man oh Mandella, what a day!” … His best horse was four-time Eclipse Award winner Beholder, one of only two horses to win three Breeders’ Cup races. Her undefeated daughter Tamara is a major contender for Mandella in the Juvenile Fillies … Wondering about his Classic runner’s name? Owners Jim and Dana Bernhard are from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, home of LSU, whose fans’ battle cry is “Geaux Tigers!”
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.
