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Home , Awesome Again, Awesome Again Stakes, Maximum Security (horse), McKinzie (horse), Qualify (horse), Summertime Oaks

September 25, 2019 Contact: Jim Gluckson, Breeders’ Cup, 212-230-9512

Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships Newsletter

Advisory: This is the sixth of nine weekly news releases focusing on the horses and races leading to the 36th Breeders’ Cup World Championships on Friday, November 1 and Saturday, November 2 at Santa Anita. For more information, please visit www.breederscup.com. The Breeders’ Cup will be televised live on NBC and NBCSN. You can follow all the contenders’ activity leading up to the Breeders’ Cup with Equibase’s free “Road to the Breeders’ Cup” Virtual Stable notification service.

McKinzie leads Saturday’s “Win and You’re In” Stakes Eclipse Sportswire photo

Challenge Races Runneth Over at Santa Anita’s Opening Weekend, and at Belmont’s Championship Meet as Final ‘Cup Preps Loom

The first of two action packed Breeders’ Cup Challenge weekends is highlighted by Opening Weekend at in Arcadia, California and in Elmont, New York, as a combined seven “Win and You’re In” races for the Breeders’ Cup will be run, including the last two for the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic: the Awesome Again (G1) and Club Gold Cup (G1). The Challenge Series goes worldwide as well, with in running a pair of races, while Nakayama Race Course in Japan adds one Sunday to close out a weekend that will see 10 races qualify runners for the Breeders’ Cup.

The Awesome Again will air live on NBCSN from 6:30-8:30 P.M. ET and the broadcast will also feature highlights of the Gold Cup, among other Challenge races. Saturday’s telecast is a part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In – Presented by America’s Best Racing.”

Santa Anita’s autumn meet takes on added significance this year as all the local preps will be run over the same course, and many over the same distance, as their respective Breeders‘ Cup races later this fall. A shakeup of its stakes schedule sees four grade 1 Challenge races spread out over the first two days of the meet, with the highlight, Saturday’s “Win and You’re In” Awesome Again, featuring divisional leader MCKINZIE, set to anchor the card and offer the last-of-seven automatic starting berths into the Classic.

Any talk of major players in this year’s Classic starts with Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman, McKinzie, who already qualified for the race when he won Saratoga’s “Win and You’re In” Whitney (G1) in August and will loom a very short-priced favorite in the $300,000 1 1/8-mile Awesome Again for trainer . The 4-year-old son of 2006 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner has been atop the handicap division for much of the year and also has been top rated for the past 16 weeks in the Breeders’ Cup Classic Rankings (see News and Notes below). McKinzie, who is 7-for-12 lifetime and 2-for-5 this year, also won the (G2) at in May and will look to use the Awesome Again as a springboard to the Classic, a race he a disappointing 12th in last year at Churchill Downs.

The biggest threat could come from Hronis Racing’s HIGHER POWER, who already earned a berth into the Classic when he won Del Mar’s Aug. 17 “Win and You’re In” TVG Pacific Classic (G1) for trainer John Sadler. The 4-year-old son of Medaglia d’Oro was a relative unknown entering Del Mar’s signature race but won off by 5 ¼ lengths in a breakthrough effort to move his lifetime mark to 5-for-13. Higher Power added blinkers three starts ago and is 3-2-1-0 since the equipment change and has a dangerous blend of speed and stamina. DRAFT PICK, a distant second in the Pacific Classic, and multiple graded stakes winner SEEKING THE SOUL, a disappointing seventh behind Higher Power, are the confirmed starters in the “Win and You’re In” Awesome Again.

Saturday will also include the “Win and You’re In” Rodeo Drive, which will award an automatic starting berth into the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup & Mare Turf, and the 1 ¼-mile race will be led by All Schlaich Stables, Gatto Racing, George Todaro’s, and trainer ’s win machine and defending champion VASILIKA. The 5-year-old daughter of Skipshot has won 13-of-16 since being claimed for $40,000 in February 2018, including eight graded stakes. Vasilika is 18-for-34 lifetime and won the local Gamely (G1) in May.

Slam Dunk Racing or Medallion Racing’s BEAU RECALL (IRE) has been in top form all year for trainer Brad Cox, as the 5-year-old daughter of Sire Prancealot (IRE) won the Distaff Mile (G2) at Churchill Downs in May and the Yellow Ribbon at Del Mar Aug. 3. Juddmonte Farm’s homebred JULIET FOXTROT (GB) and Ken Baca’s TOINETTE, who ran second and third, respectively, in the Mabee, are expected to try Vasilika again. The former, a 4-year-old daughter of Dansili (GB) won the Modesty (G3) at Arlington Park in July for Cox, while the latter, a 4-year-old daughter of Scat Daddy, won the local Autumn Miss (G3) last October for trainer Neil Drysdale. MEAL TICKET, PANTSONFIRE (IRE), and PAVED could also see action in the “Win and You’re In” Rodeo Drive.

Eight Rings Tops Stakes Photo by Eclipse Sportswire

Baffert Holds All the Aces in Friday’s Juveniles Qualifiers

Friday the $300,000 American Pharoah and $300,000 Chandelier, “Win and You’re In” races for the TVG Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile , respectively, will offer 2-year-olds a chance at a track and distance two-turn run in preparation for the Breeders’ Cup, and it’s no surprise to see trainer Bob Baffert hold a heavy hand in both races, as he figures to start two solid favorites. The 1 1/16-mile American Pharoah gives SF Racing, Starlight Racing, and Madaket Stable’s EIGHT RINGS a chance to make amends after he tossed his jockey soon after the start of the Del Mar Futurity (G1) Sept. 2. The son of Empire Maker was 1-2 in the race off a 6 ¼-length debut win at Del Mar in Aug. but ducked in soon after the start and threw his jockey. Eight Rings has worked twice since, and the betting public is expected to be in a very forgiving mood.

There are some stern challengers, however, as Agnew Schneider’s COLLUSION ILLUSION is 2-for-2 for trainer Mark Glatt, including Del Mar’s Aug. 10 Best Pal (G2), and the son of Twirling Candy has a two- turn pedigree, while Rockingham Ranch’s NUCKY won the Futurity at 35-1 for trainer Peter Miller and the former $50,000 claimer and son of 2004 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner will get a chance to prove that upset was no fluke and add to his 2-for-5 career record.

SHOPLIFTED, second in Saratoga’s Sept. 2 Hopeful (G1) for trainer Steve Asmussen, ships in, while AMERICAN THEOREM won on debut Aug. 31 for trainer George Papaprodromou and EXPRESS TRAIN broke his maiden in his second start at Del Mar by 14 ¼ lengths going two turns Aug. 28 for trainer . DEFENSE WINS, FORE LEFT, and STORM THE COURT are also entered in the “Win and You’re In” American Pharoah.

Baffert will start an even more imposing favorite in the American Pharoah’s sister race, the Chandelier, as Baoma Corp’s BAST could be a low as 1-5 off her scintillating maiden win in the Del Mar Debutante (G1) Aug. 31. The daughter of 2010 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile winner Uncle Mo was second on debut at Del Mar 20 days prior to the Debutante but picked the right day to break through, and has a pedigree that suggests added ground and a second turn will be well within her wheelhouse. Bast was purchased for $500,000 at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Yearling sale and a win in the Chandelier would clearly stamp her as the one to beat in the Juvenile Fillies.

Bast’s imposing presence kept entries light, with just five willing to oppose her, led by KMN Racing’s BEEN STUDYING HER, a California-bred daughter of Fast Anna who is 2-for-2 for trainer Doug O’Neill, including the restricted Generous Portion at Del Mar Aug. 28. BUYER’S REMORSE, COMICAL, K P DREAMING, and LEUCOTHEA are also entered for the “Win and You’re In” Chandelier.

Sunday’s 1 1/16-mile “Win and You’re In” (G2), with a berth into the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff on the line, is expected to lure the top four finishers out of another Distaff “Win and You’re In,” Del Mar’s July 28 Clement L. Hirsch (G1). Paul and Karen Eggert’s homebred OLLIE’S CANDY posted a mild surprise for trainer John Sadler and the 4-year-old daughter of (ARG) seems like the “now” horse, as the Hirsch was her first dirt start since she won the Summertime Oaks (G2) at Santa Anita in June 2018. Overall Ollie’s Candy is 4-for-8 lifetime and a win would stamp her as the ’s best threat to divisional leader .

SECRET SPICE, LA FORCE, and PARADISE WOODS, 2-3-4 in the Hirsch, respectively, are all expected back and have their merits. The former won the local Beholder Mile (G1) and lost nothing in defeat when she came up a neck short, while La Force won the track and distance Santa Maria (G2) in June, and the

latter won the local Santa Margarita (G2) by 10 ½ lengths in April.

Runhappy Winner Code of Honor goes for the Jockey Club Gold Cup Eclipse Sportswire photo

Belmont Kicks into High Gear with Gold Cup, Vosburgh

Belmont’s Fall Championship Meet will flex its muscles over the next two weeks, as a total of six Breeders’ Cup Challenge Races will be run, with Saturday’s $750,000 “Win and You’re In” Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) the most prestigious. The 1 ¼-mile Gold Cup is the sixth-of-seven automatic qualifiers for the Breeders’ Cup Classic and will offer a pair of talented 3-year-olds — CODE OF HONOR and — an opportunity to see where they stack up with the East Coast’s older handicap horses.

Will Farish’s homebred Code of Honor kickstarted a potential late-season push for a divisional championship when he won Saratoga’s Aug. 24 Travers (G1) for trainer Shug McGaughey. The son of Noble Mission (GB) won Gulfstream Park’s Fountain of Youth (G2) in March then was third (moved up to second) in the . Code of Honor is 4-for-8 lifetime and a win in the Gold Cup, coupled with a good showing in the Classic, could be enough to wrestle a 3-year-old championship away from pro-tem leader , who could miss the remainder of the year after a colon issue.

Juddmonte Farm’s homebred Tacitus is the horse who would be king if you ask his legion of backers, as he has endured plenty of trouble during his 2019 campaign and has been second in three straight, including in the Travers. The son of Tapit won the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) and Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct this winter for trainer Bill Mott before running second in both the Belmont in June and Saratoga’s Jim Dandy (G2) in July and is 3-for-8 lifetime.

The older horses are led by Centennial Farm’s PRESERVATIONIST, who enters off a win in Saratoga’s Woodward (G1) Aug. 31 for trainer Jimmy Jerkens. The 6-year-old son of Arch won over the track and the distance in the Suburban (G2) in July, and is 6-for-10 lifetime. St. Elias Stable and Mike Repole’s won the Gold Cup at Santa Anita (G2) at 1 ¼ miles in May for trainer , and the 4- year-old son of 2007 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner passed on the Woodward to await this longer spot. YOSHIDA (JPN), third in the Woodward, and graded stakes winner TENFOLD, are also expected for the “Win and You’re In” Jockey Club Gold Cup.

The “Win and You’re In” $300,000 Vosburgh (G1) marks the first start for Raymond Mamone’s IMPERIAL HINT since he set a Saratoga track record in winning Saratoga’s Alfred G. Vanderbilt (G1) July 27 for trainer Luis Carvajal. The 6-year-old son of Imperialism broke a three-race losing streak in the Vanderbilt, which included a third as the favorite in the Sprint last year at Santa Anita, but he has proven on several occasions his best race makes him almost unbeatable. Imperial Hint, who won last year’s Vosburgh, is 13-for-22 lifetime, but has run just three times this year, including a third-place finish in the Dubai Golden Shaheen (G1) in March at Meydan. The light schedule, and his path to Santa Anita and the Sprint, is all by design.

"We try to space his races out throughout the year because he really gives his all on the track," Carvajal said. "With a horse like him, you can't run him back every four weeks. Coming from his race in Dubai, Mr. Mamone and I came up with a plan to get back to the Breeders' Cup. It started with the Vanderbilt and that was such a phenomenal performance he's come up out of the race great and continued to flourish."

The presence of Imperial Hint is expected to keep the Vosburgh field on the short side, with Mr. Amore Stable’s FIRENZE FIRE expected to offer the biggest threat for trainer Jason Servis. The 4-year-old son of Poseidon’s Warrior is 3-for-4 locally and enters off a second-place finish to superstar sprinter in Saratoga’s Aug. 24 Forego (G1), a “Win and You’re In” for the Big Ass Fan Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. BON RAISON, BROWN BUCKEYE, and WONDERFUL LIGHT could also run in the “Win and You’re In” Vosburgh.

Saturday Belmont will also host the $300,000 Beldame (G2), which will mark Bloom Racing, Madaket Stable, and Joe Allen’s MIDNIGHT BISOU’S final prep for a start in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff, or possibly even in the Classic. The 4-year-old daughter of two-time Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Midnight Lute is undefeated in six starts this year for trainer Steve Asmussen and has already won a pair of grade 1 “Win and You’re In” qualifiers for the Distaff in the local Ogden Phipps in June and Saratoga’s Personal Ensign Aug. 24. Midnight Bisou, who is 11-for-17 lifetime, is odds-on to be Champion Older Female, as she’s defeated her main rival Elate three times this year, and has long been considered the favorite for the Distaff, a race she finished third in last year at Churchill Downs, but her connections indicated a start in the Classic could be a remote possibility, as a good run would enhance her Horse of the Year candidacy.

Rockfel, Royal Lodge Offer Juvenile Turf Bids

The “Win and You’re In” action gets underway Friday at Newmarket, with the seven-furlong $128,000 Shadwell (GII), which will award automatic starting berth into the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, and is followed by Saturday’s 1-mile $160,000 Juddmonte Royal Lodge (GII), with a berth into the Breeders’ Juvenile Turf up for grabs.

The Rockfel drew a dozen 2-year-old fillies, with Nasser Bin Hamad Al Khalifa’s DAAHYEH (GB) trading as a stiff favorite among European punters. The daughter of Bated Breath (GB) was second in another “Win and You’re In” for the Juvenile Fillies Turf, The Curragh’s Moyglare Stud (G1) Sept.15, and is 2-for-4 lifetime for trainer Roger Varian.

The Coolmore conglomerate of Michael Tabor, Mrs. John Magnier, and Derrick Smith and trainer Aidan O’Brien have a pair entered, with BLISSFUL (IRE) being the most fancied off her win in the listed Ingabelle at Leopardstown Sept. 14, while maiden winner TANGO (IRE) is also entered. CLOAK OF SPIRITS (IRE), FESTIVAL DAY (GB), SOUL SEACH (IRE), and UNDER THE STARS (IRE) are all being supported at under 10-1, while ALABAMA WHITMAN (GB), ALASH ORDA (GB), HOT TOUCH (GB), and VIVIDLY (GB) are also entered for the “Win and You’re In” Shadwell Rockfel.

The Royal Lodge has 16 entered, but it’s Qatar Racing Limited’s KOMEKO as the decided favorite off his second-place finish in the Solario (G3) at Sandown Aug. 31. The son of Kitten’s Joy won on debut at Sandown in July for trainer Andrew Balding and was just a nose behind odds-on favorite Positive (GB) while facing winners for the first time in the Solario.

Coolmore and O’Brien could start as many as eight, with ARMORY (IRE) attracting the most support off his win in The Futurity (G2) at The Curragh in August and most recently his second to potential superstar and likely champion Pinatubo (IRE) in the Vincent O’Brien National (G1) Sept. 15 at The Curragh, while ARTHUR’S KINGDOM (IRE), IBERIA (IRE), INNISFREE (IRE), LOUISIANA (IRE), PERSIA (IRE), ROYAL DORNOCH (IRE), and YEAR OF THE TIGER (IRE) are also entered for Europe’s most prolific trainer. HIGHLAND CHIEF (IRE) and MILITARY MARCH (GB) are both garnering upset support, while PERSUASION (IRE), PLYEDRIVER (GB), ROPEY GUEST (GB), SOUND OF CANNONS (GB), and SURF DANCER (IRE) are also entered for the “Win and You’re In” Juddmonte Royal Lodge.

Turf Sprint Bid Offered at Nakayama

Sunday’s prestigious $2.178 million “Win and You’re In” Sprinters Stakes (GI) at Nakayama Racecourse is expected to draw an overflow field, with a berth into the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint up for grabs. Run at about six furlongs on the turf, the Sprinters Stakes could include Danox Co. Ltd.’s DANON SMASH (JPN), who won the Keenland Cup (G3) at Sapporo Aug. 25 for trainer Takayuki Yasuda. DIRNDL (JPN), FANTASIST (JPN), MOZU SUPERFLARE, MR. MELODY, SEIUN KOSEI (JPN), and TOWER OF LONDON (JPN) could also start and warrant consideration in the “Win and You’re In” Sprinters Stakes.

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News and Notes

Covfefe, prepping for the Filly & Mare Sprint, takes the Dogwood at Churchill Downs Courtesy of Coady Photography

Covfefe Dominates at Churchill in Filly & Mare Sprint Prep

LNJ Foxwoods’ COVFEFE stakes her claim as the horse to beat in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint with an easy tune-up win in Saturday’s $125,000 Dogwood at Churchill Downs by 8 lengths, while covering seven furlongs a 1:20.51 to just miss the track record. The 3-year-old daughter of Into Mischief has been a gem of consistency for trainer Brad Cox, winning 5-or-7 career starts, including Saratoga’s Test (G1) Aug. 3, and a trip to Santa Anita continues the plan Cox mapped out after the Test.

“At the beginning of the year, the Test was always the goal,” Cox said. “After we accomplished that goal, we set our sights on the Breeders’ Cup and how to get there. We figured the Dogwood was the best place to get her ready since it is in our own backyard and we didn’t have to ship anywhere. I think she’s ready for the Breeders’ Cup after that.”

Scabbard to Point to Juvenile

Joe Sutton’s homebred SCABBARD, most recently second to potential superstar Dennis’ Moment in Churchill Downs’ Iroquois (G3), a “Win and You’re In” for the TVG Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, will make his next start in that race, according to trainer Eddie Kenneally. The 2-year-old son of More Than Ready won on debut at Churchill in June and was second in the Saratoga Special (G2) in August before finishing 1 ¾ lengths behind in the Iroquois. Scabbard closed from sixth after steadying at the half-mile pole, in what was his first start at two turns.

“We’re definitely going to target the Breeders’ Cup after that,” Kenneally said. “We’re very proud of his effort that day to overcome adversity as he did after encountering trouble in the turn and to close ground as much as he did. He definitely passed the two-turn test and I think he’ll fit very well in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.”

Decorated Invader Primed for Juvenile Turf

West Point , William Freeman, and William Sandbrook’s DECORATED INVADER, who earned an automatic starting berth into the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf when he won Woodbine’s Sept. 15 “Win and You’re In” Summer Stakes (G1) was confirmed for the race last week by trainer Christophe Clement. The 2-year-old son of Declaration of War broke his maiden at Saratoga Aug. 10 and easily bridged the gap to grade 1 stakes company with a sharp 1 ¾-length win at Woodbine and looms a major contender at Santa Anita. Decorated Invader is 2-for-3 lifetime and will do the majority of his training in New York before shipping to California.

"Decorated Invader is a nice horse. He's always trained like a nice 2-year-old," Clement said. "It's very exciting to see him keep getting better. He was impressive the other day. Obviously, we are thinking about the Breeders' Cup. We'll bring him back at Belmont and train him and go from there."

Elate winning the Fleur de Lis Photo by Eclipse Sportswire

McKinzie Tops Classic Rankings, while Elate enters the Top 10

McKinzie retains the No. 1 position in the latest Breeders’ Cup Classic Rankings, while Claiborne Farm’s and Adele Dilschneider’s 5-year-old homebred Elate enters the Rankings for the first time at No. 7.

Breeders’ Cup Classic Rankings Top 10 – Sept. 24, 2019 * Rank Horse Total Votes First Place Votes Previous Week

1 McKinzie 260 26 1 2 Code of Honor 202 0 3 3 Preservationist 187 0 4 4 Yoshida (JPN) 148 0 6 5 Higher Power 142 1 7 6 Vino Rosso 104 0 8 7 Elate 90 0 14 8 Seeking the Soul 70 0 13 9 Tacitus 62 0 11 10 Maximum Security 46 0 5

The Breeders’ Cup Classic Rankings, a weekly rating of the top 10 horses in contention for the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Santa Anita Park, Nov. 2, are determined by a panel of leading racing media, horseplayers and members of the Breeders’ Cup Racing Directors/Secretaries Panel. Rankings are announced each week through Oct. 15 and can be on the Breeders’ Cup website along with the list of voting members.

In the Breeders’ Cup Classic Rankings, each voter ranks horses by assigning their allotted votes on a 10- 9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 system in descending order.

*Note – The Breeders’ Cup Classic Rankings have no official bearing on qualification or selection into the Breeders’ Cup Classic. ***

COUNTDOWN TO THE BREEDERS’ CUP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

A listing of the upcoming major stakes races this weekend:

BREEDERS’ CUP CLASSIC

September 28 – $750,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) at Belmont Park. Run at 1 ¼ miles for 3yos & up.

September 28 -- $300,000 Awesome Again (G1) at Santa Anita. Run at 1 1/8 miles for 3yos & up.

September 28 – $250,000 Lukas Classic (G3) at Churchill Downs. Run at 1 1/8 miles for 3yos & up.

September 28 – $125,000 Durham Cup (G3) at Woodbine. Run at 1 1/8 miles for 3yos & up.

September 28 – $125,000 Ontario Derby (G3) at Woodbine. Run at 1 1/8 miles for 3yos.

September 29 – $400,000 Oklahoma Derby (G3) at Remington Park. Run at 1 1/8 miles for 3yos.

September 29 – $100,000 British Columbia Premiers (G3) at Hastings Racecourse. Run at 1 3/16 miles at 1 3/8 miles for 3yos & up.

LONGINES BREEDERS’ CUP DISTAFF

September 28 – $300,000 Beldame (G2) at Belmont Park. Run at 1 1/8 miles for fillies & mares.

September 28 – Ballerina (G3) at Hastings Race Course. Run at 1 1/8 miles for fillies & mares.

September 29 – $200,000 Zenyatta (G2) at Santa Anita. Run at 1 1/16 miles for fillies & mares.

September 29 – $200,000 Remington Park Oaks (G3) at Remington Park. Run at 1 1/16 miles for 3yo fillies.

LONGINES BREEDERS’ CUP TURF

September 28 – $200,000 John Henry Turf Championship (G1) at Santa Anita. Run at 1 ¼ miles on the turf for 3yos & up.

MAKER’S MARK BREEDERS’ CUP FILLY & MARE TURF

September 28 – $300,000 Rodeo Drive (G1) at Santa Anita. Run at 1 ¼ miles on the turf for fillies & mares.

BREEDERS’ CUP SPRINT

September 28 – $300,000 Vosburgh (G1) at Belmont Park. Run at six furlongs for 3yos & up.

TVG BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE

September 27 – $300,000 American Pharoah (G1) at Santa Anita. Run at 1 1/16 miles for 2yos.

BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE FILLIES

September 27 – $300,000 Chandelier (G1) at Santa Anita. Run at 1 1/16 miles for 2yo fillies.

BIG ASS FANS BREEDERS’ CUP DIRT MILE

September 28 – $150,000 Ack Ack (G3) at Churchill Downs. Run at one mile for 3yos & up.

BREEDERS’ CUP TURF SPRINT

September 27 – $200,000 Eddie D. (G2) at Santa Anita. Run at five furlongs on the turf for 3yos & up.

September 29 – $2.178 million Sprinters Stakes (G1) at Nakayama. Run at about six furlongs on the turf for 3yos & up.

BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE TURF

September 28 -- $200,000 Pilgrim (G2) at Belmont Park. Run at 1 1/16 miles on the turf for 2yos.

BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE FILLIES TURF

September 29 – Miss Grillo (G2) at Belmont Park. Run at 1 1/16 miles on the turf for 2yo fillies.

BREEDERS’ CUP JUVENILE TURF SPRINT

September 28 – $352,000 Juddmonte Middle Park (G1) at Newmarket. Run at six furlongs on the turf for 2yos.

September 28 – $352,000 Juddmonte Cheveley Park (G1) at Newmarket. Run at six furlongs on the turf for 2yo fillies.

***

Wizardry at Parx in Eclipse Sportswire photo

MAJOR STAKES RECAP September 20-21

A review of the major global races in the corresponding Breeders’ Cup divisions from last week. Winning jockeys’ names are in parenthesis in each recap. The top Breeders’ Cup Points' leaders and Breeders’ Cup Challenge winners by division are listed at the end of each section. Breeders’ Cup Point earners are limited to horses who finish first, second or third in Graded Stakes races. Horses based outside of the U.S., who have not won a Breeders’ Cup Challenge race, are selected into World Championships races by the Breeders’ Cup Racing Directors/Secretaries Panel at the Pre-Entry stage, Oct. 21. An asterisk in the points section denotes a foreign contender. A complete Breeders’ Cup Points list is available at:https://members.breederscup.com/championships/pointsleaderboard.aspx

Race: $1 million Pennsylvania Derby (G1), 3yos, 1 1/8 miles Track: Parx Racing Finishing Order: 1 – MATH WIZARD, 2 – MR. MONEY, 3 – Margins: Neck, 1, nose Also ran: , SPUN TO RUN, SHANGHAI SUPERFLY Winning Owner: John Fanelli, Collarmele Vitelli Stable, Bassett Connections: Stable, Ioannis Zoumas, Wynwood Thoroughbreds and Saffie Joseph; Trainer: Joseph; Jockey: Irad Ortiz. Time: 1:50.94 (fast)

Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Classic – John Fanelli, Collarmele Vitelli Stable, Bassett Stable, Ioannis, Zoumas, Wynwood Thoroughbreds and trainer Saffie Joseph’s MATH WIZARD (Irad Ortiz) pulled off a 31-1 shocker when he was up in time for a nose victory over MR. MONEY in the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby (G1). The 3-year-old son of Algorithms has come a long way since running in a $16,000 maiden-claimer behind divisional leader Maximum Security in December at Gulfstream Park and being claimed by his new connections out of a win there for $25,000 in January. Math Wizard entered off consecutive comfortable defeats to Mr. Money, including a sixth, some 11 ¾ length behind, in the

West Virginia Derby (G3) at Mountaineer Park Aug. 3 but turned the tables on him at Parx, in a race that opened up with the late defection of divisional leader Maximum Security due to a colon issue earlier in the week. Math Wizard is now 3-for-13 lifetime and the feel-good story could continue at Santa Anita later this fall, especially with majority-owner Fanelli willing to roll the dice. “Once I give him the positive reports, that’s where he probably wants to go (to the Breeders’ Cup Classic,” Joseph said. “We probably won’t decide for a little while, see how the horse is, what kind of energy he has, but if all the signs are right, definitely John’s game. He likes to take chances.” Both Bret Calhoun, the trainer of Allied Racing Stable’s Mr. Money, who saw a four-race graded stakes winning streak snapped, and Mark Casse, the trainer of ’s Preakness winner WAR OF WILL, who finished third, indicated the Classic will be under discussion in the coming weeks. The disappointment of the race was WinStar Farm, SF Racing, and China Horse Club International’s favored IMPROBABLE, who again had issues at the start and lost key position, and was a non-threatening fourth for trainer Bob Baffert. Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgX4la6tPJQ

Breeders’ Cup Classic – Breeders’ Cup Challenge (BCC) Winners and Points Leaders

Points Horse Trainer Owner BCC Higher Power John W. Sadler Hronis Racing LLC Winner BCC McKinzie Bob Baffert Michael E. Pegram , Karl Watson , Paul Weitman Winner BCC Seeking the Dallas Stewart Charles E. Fipke Winner Soul 44 Midnight Bisou Steven M. Asmussen Bloom Racing Stable LLC, Madaket Stables LLC,

Allen Racing LLC 32 Tacitus William I. Mott Juddmonte Farms, Inc. 30 Code of Honor Claude R. W. S. Farish McGaughey III 26 Elate William I. Mott Claiborne Farm; Adele Dilschneider 16 Preservationist James A. Jerkens Centennial Farms 14 Vino Rosso Todd A. Pletcher Repole Stable, St. Elias Stable LLC 13 Math Wizard Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. John Fanelli , Collarmele Vitelli Stables LLC, Bassett Stables, Ioannis Zoumas , Wynwood Thoroughreds, Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. 10 Yoshida (JPN) William I. Mott WinStar Farm, LLC, Head of Plains Partners LLC,

China Horse Club, SF Racing 8 Draft Pick Peter A. Eurton CRK Stable, LLC 0 Gunnevera Antonio Sano Margoth

Street Band and jockey Sophie Doyle play a winning tune in the Cotillion Eclipse Sportswire photo

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Race: $1 million Cotillon (G1), 3yo fillies, 1 1/16 miles BREEDERS’ CUP CHALLENGE RACE Track: Parx Racing Finishing Order: 1 – STREET BAND, 2 – GUARANA, 3 – HOROLOGIST Margins: 2 ¼, 3 ¾, 3 ¼ Also ran: BELLAFINA, SWEET SAMI D, SERENGETI EMPRESS, JAYWALK, AFLEET DESTINY, JELTRIN, SHE MAKES ME SMILE, COLLEGEVILLE GIRL Winning Owner: Ray Francis & Larry & Cindy Jones; Trainer: L. Jones; Jockey: Connections: Sophie Doyle. Time: 1:44.20 (fast)

Countdown to the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff – Ray Francis, Cindy Jones, and trainer Larry Jones’ homebred STREET BAND (Sophie Doyle) upset 3-year-old filly divisional leader and favored GUARANA and earned an automatic starting berth into the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff with a 2 ¼- length win in Parx Racing’s $1 million “Win and You’re In” Cotillion (G1). The 3-year-old daughter of Istan entered off a third-place finish to another divisional heavyweight Dunbar Road in Saratoga’s Aug. 17 Alabama (G1) and improved on the form that saw her win the Indiana Oaks (G3) at Indiana Grand two- back. Street Band, who also won the Fair Ground Oaks (G2) in March, is now 5-for-12 lifetime and will head to Sana Anita on the upswing. Jones indicated Street Band will train at Churchill Downs before being shipped to California the week of the Distaff. Three Chimneys Farm’s homebred Guarana suffered her first defeat after three wins to start her career for trainer Chad Brown, including Belmont Park’s Acorn (G1) in June and Saratoga’s Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) in July. The daughter of 2004 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner Ghostzapper likely entered with a slight divisional lead over her stablemate Dunbar Road and lost nothing in defeat, and also figures for the Distaff. Kaleem Shah’s fourth-place finisher

BELLAFINA once again was unable to ship and reproduce her grade 1 California form going two turns against the best of the division and will likely cut back to one-turn for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, according to trainer Simon Callaghan. “I would guess we would go for the Breeders’ Cup (Filly & Mare Sprint),” Callaghan said. “I think she’s better around one turn.” Video: Cotillion Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff – Breeders’ Cup Challenge (BCC) Winners and Points Leaders Points Horse Trainer Owner BCC Winner Elate William I. Mott Claiborne Farm; Adele Dilschneider BCC Winner Midnight Bisou Steven M. Asmussen Bloom Racing Stable LLC, Madaket Stables LLC,

Allen Racing LLC BCC Winner Ollie's Candy John W. Sadler Paul and Karen Eggert BCC Winner Street Band J. Larry Jones Larry & Cindy Jones , Francis Ray 26 Guarana Chad C. Brown Three Chimneys Farm LLC 22 Secret Spice Richard Baltas Little Red Feather Racing 21 She's a Julie Steven M. Asmussen Whispering Oaks Farm, Team Hanley,

Bradley Thoroughbreds, Madaket Stables LLC 20 Dunbar Road Chad C. Brown White Birch Farm, Inc. 14 La Force (GER) Patrick Gallagher Roberta Williford , Ward Williford,

Charles (Chuck) Winner 14 Paradise Woods John A. Shirreffs Steven Sarkowsky & Pam and Martin J. Wygod 10 Blue Prize (ARG) Ignacio Correas Merriebelle Stable, LLC 6 Go Google Yourself Paul J. McGee Samantha Siegel 0 Vexatious Jack Sisterson Calumet Farm

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Race: $200,000 Baltimore/Washington International Turf Cup (G3), 3yos & up, one mile (turf) Track: Laurel Park Finishing Order: 1 – CARIBOU CLUB, 2 – FRONTIER MARKET, 3 – COLLUM ROAD Margins: Head, ½, neck Also ran: UP THE ANTE, JUST HOWARD, GLORIOUS EMPIRE (IRE), MACAGONE Winning Owner: Glen Hill Farm; Trainer: Tom Proctor; Jockey: Fergal Lynch. Connections: Time: 1:33.35 (firm)

Countdown to the TVG Breeders’ Cup Mile – Glen Hill Farm’s homebred CARIBOU CLUB (Fergal Lynch) held off the late run of FRONTIER MARKET by a head in Laurel Park’s $200,000 Baltimore/Washington International Turf Cup (G2). Tom Proctor trainer the winner, a 5-year-old son of City Zip who stepped up in class off a win in the West Virginia House of Delegates Speaker’s Cup Aug. 3 at Mountaineer Park. Caribou Club is now 9-for-21 lifetime, including a win in the New Year’s Day Joe Hernandez (G3) at Santa Anita, and could be in line for a return trip there for the TVG Breeder’s Cup Mile. Video: Baltimore-Washington International

TVG Breeders’ Cup Mile – Breeders’ Cup Challenge (BCC) Winners and Points Leaders

Points Horse Trainer Owner BCC Bolo Carla Gaines Golden Pegasus Racing Inc. Winner

BCC El Tormenta Gail Cox Sam-Son Farm Winner BCC Got Stormy Mark E. Casse Gary Barber , Southern Equine Partners, Winner LLC BCC Lord Glitters (FR) David O'Meara Elwick Stud Winner BCC Romanised (IRE) Ken Condon Robert Ng Winner 46 Bricks and Mortar Chad C. Brown Klaravich Stables Inc , William H. Lawrence 10 Bandua Jack Sisterson Calumet Farm 10 Raging Bull (FR) Chad C. Brown White Birch Farm, Inc. 10 Valid Point Chad C. Brown e Five Racing Thoroughbreds, Michael J. Ryan 6 Prince Earl Philip D'Amato Todd Marshall , Old Bones Racing Stable, LLC 0 Catholic Boy Jonathan Thomas Robert V. La Penta , Madaket Stables LLC,

Siena Farm, Twin Creeks Racing Stable LLC * Circus Maximus Aidan P. O'Brien Derrick Smith , Susan Magnier, (IRE) Michael Tabor , Flaxman Holdings Limited * Iridessa (IRE) Joseph O'Brien Mrs. C Regalado - Gonzalez * Line of Duty (IRE) Charlie Appleby Godolphin * Mr Melody Hideyuki Mori Tsuyoshi Ono * (GB) William John Roy & Gretchen Jackson Haggas * Space Traveller Richard A. Fahey Clipper Logistics (GB) * Suedois (FR) David O'Meara George Turner, Clipper Logistics

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Race: $200,000 Noble Damsel (G3), fillies & mares, one mile (turf) Track: Belmont Park Finishing Order: 1 – SIGNIFICANT FORM, 2 – STELLA DI CAMELOT (IRE), 3 – VALEDICTORIAN Margins: 2 ¾, 3 ½, ½ Also ran: BELAVAIS, CAPLA TEMPRESS (IRE), BETTY F (GB) Winning Owner: Stephanie Seymour Brant; Trainer: Chad Brown; Jockey: John Connections: Valezquez. Time: 1:33.48 (firm)

Countdown to the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf – Stephanie Seymour Brant’s SIGNIFICANT FORM (John Velazquez) won her second consecutive graded stakes with an easy 2 ¾- length win over her Chad Brown-trained stablemate STELLA DI CAMELOT (IRE) in Belmont Park’s $200,000 Noble Damsel (G3). The 4-year-old daughter of Creative Cause entered off a win in Saratoga’s Aug. 24 Ballston Spa (G2) and improved to 5-for-12 lifetime. Significant Form also won the local Intercontinental (G3) in June and looks like a leading candidate for the Matriarch (G1) at Del Mar December 1. Video: Noble Damsel

Maker’s Mark Filly & Mare Turf – Breeders’ Cup Challenge Winners and Points Leaders

Points Horse Trainer Owner

BCC Iridessa (IRE) Joseph O'Brien Mrs. C Regalado - Gonzalez Winner BCC Sistercharlie (IRE) Chad C. Brown White Birch Farm, Inc. Winner 34 Vasilika Jerry Hollendorfer All Schlaich Stables LLC, Jerry Hollendorfer, Gatto Racing LLC, George Todaro 22 Cambier Parc Chad C. Brown OXO Equine LLC 18 Beau Recall (IRE) Brad Cox Nick Cosato , Medallion Racing 16 Magic Wand (IRE) Aidan P. O'Brien Michael Tabor , Mrs. John Magnier,

Derrick Smith 15 Santa Monica Chad C. Brown R Unicorn Stable (GB) 6 Mrs. Sippy H. Graham Motion Andrew Stone * Deirdre (JPN) Mitsuru Hashida Toji Morita * Edisa Alain De Royer- H.H. Aga Khan Studs Dupre * Star Catcher (GB) John H.M. Gosden Anthony E. Oppenheimer * Veracious (GB) Sir Michael R. Stoute Cheveley Park Stud Ltd.

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Race: $300,000 Gallant Bob (G2), 3yos, six furlongs Track: Parx Racing Finishing Order: 1 – KING JACK, 2 – LANDESKOG, 3 – TROPHY CHASER Margins: 1 ½, 12, 1 ¼ Also ran: STRONG WILL, BULLETIN, WAR BRIDLE, WAR TOSCIN Winning Owner: Michael Stinson; Trainer: Jerry Hollendorfer; Jockey: Joel Connections: Rosario. Time: 1:08.89 (fast)

Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint – Michael Stinson’s KING JACK () pressed the pace and kicked clear late for a 1 ½-length win over LANDESKOG in Parx Racing’s $300,000 Gallant Bob (G2). Jerry Hollendorfer trained the winner, a 3-year-old son of Jimmy Creed who bounced back from his first career defeat when second to Improbable in the at Del Mar Aug. 25. King Jack broke his maiden at Santa Anita in June and won an optional-claimer at Del Mar in July and is now 2-for-3 lifetime. Hollendorfer indicated he’ll give the Breeders’ Cup Sprint serious consideration in the coming weeks. Video: Gallant Bob

Race: $250,000 Frank J. DeFrancis Dash (G3), 3yos & up, six furlongs Track: Laurel Park Finishing Order: 1 – KILLYBEGS CAPTAIN, 2 – ALTISIMMO, 3 – HE HATE ME Margins: ¾, 3 ¾, 2 Also ran: NEW YOURK CENTRAL, BON RAISON, OLD TIME REVIVAL Winning Owner: Curragh Stable; Trainer: John Terranova; Jockey: Eric Cancel. Connections: Time: 1:08.10 (fast)

Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint – Curragh Stable’s KILLYBEGS CAPTAIN (Eric Cancel) caught ALTISSIMO late and pulled clear for a three-quarters of a length win in Laurel Park’s $250,000 Frank J. DeFrancis Dash (G3). The 5-year-old son of Mizzen Mast won his first career graded stakes for trainer John Terranova and added to a resume that also includes the Pelican at Tampa Bay Downs in February. Killybegs Captain the DeFrancis off a third-place finish to divisional leader Mitole in

Saratoga’s Aug. 24 Forego (G1), a “Win and You’re In” for the Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. Killybegs Captain is now 6-for-24 lifetime and could be a longshot candidate for either the Dirt Mile or Breeders’ Cup Sprint. Video: Frank J. De Francis Memorial

Breeders’ Cup Sprint – Breeders’ Cup Challenge (BCC) Winners and Points Leaders

Points Horse Trainer Owner BCC Winner Cistron John W. Sadler Hronis Racing LLC BCC Winner Promises Fulfilled Dale L. Romans Robert J. Baron 38 Mitole Steven M. Asmussen Heiligbrodt Racing Stable 10 Imperial Hint Luis Carvajal Jr. Raymond Mamone 10 Shancelot Jorge Navarro Gelfenstein Farm 6 Desert Law Carla Gaines Harris Farms 6 Roy H Peter Miller Rockingham Ranch, David A. Bernsen * Matera Sky Hideaki Fujiwara Green Fields Co. Ltd. * Mr Melody Hideyuki Mori Tsuyoshi Ono

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Come Dancing steps lively in the Gallant Bloom Adam Coglianese/NYRA Photo

Race: $250,000 Gallant Bloom (G2), fillies & mares, six and a half furlongs Track: Belmont Park Finishing Order: 1 – COME DANCING, 2 – MINUT TO STARDOM, 3 – MAJESTIC REASON Margins: 3 ¼, 2 ¼, 4 Also ran: CARERRA CAT, JC’S SHOOTING STAR Winning Owner: Blue Devil Racing Stable; Trainer: Carlos Martin; Jockey: Javier Connections: Castellano. Time: 1:14.96 (fast)

Countdown to the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint – Blue Devil Racing Stable’s homebred COME DANCING () tuned up for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint with an easy 3 ¼-length win over MINUT TO STARDOM in Belmont Park’s $300,000 Gallant Bloom (G2). Carlos Martin trained the winner, a 5-year-old daughter of Malibu Moon who has been at the top of her division all year and qualified for Filly & Mare Sprint when she won Saratoga’s Aug. 24 “Win and You’re In” Ballerina (G1). Come Dancing, who is 8-for-13 lifetime, also won the Distaff (G3) at Aqueduct in April and Ruffian (G2) at Belmont Park in June and suffered her only defeat of the year when second to superstar filly Midnight Bisou in June in Belmont’s Ogden Phipps (G1), a “Win and You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Martin originally intended to train Come Dancing up to the Filly & Mare Sprint but decided to get one more prep, and is now eagerly looking forward to heading to Santa Anita, where he hopes to make amends and get a ‘Cup win, which eluded his father Jose and Gulch in 1987. "I initially had said some things right after her last race that I just was going to wait until the Breeders' Cup, but she was just doing so well. I did some research with the team and it was a perfect prep, timing-wise,” Martin said. "I was with my dad when he trained Groovy. Unfortunately, we got beat as the favorite in the 1987 Breeders' Cup Sprint. Those are some bittersweet memories in California. so hopefully we can make it right after all those years and get a Breeders' Cup win for the family." Video: Gallant Bloom

Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint – Breeders’ Cup Challenge (BCC) Winners and Points Leaders

Points Horse Trainer Owner BCC Winner Come Dancing Carlos Martin Blue Devil Racing Stable BCC Winner Stormy Embrace Kathleen O'Connell Matalona Thoroughbreds, LLC 26 Bellafina Simon Callaghan Kaleem Shah, Inc. 14 Covfefe Brad Cox LNJ Foxwoods 12 Danuska's My Girl Jerry Hollendorfer Bad Boy Racing LLC 10 Royal Charlotte Chad C. Brown First Row Partners 9 Dawn the Destroyer Kiaran P. McLaughlin Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC 6 Anonymity Richard E. Mandella LNJ Foxwoods 6 Chalon Arnaud Delacour Roy & Gretchen Jackson

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Race: $300,000 Kelso (G2), 3yos & up, one mile Track: Belmont Park Finishing Order: 1 – PAT ON THE BACK, 2 – PRINCE LUCKY, 3 – TRUE TIMBER Margins: ½, 3, ½ Also ran: TALE OF SILENCE, PLAINSMAN, MONANGAHELA Winning Owner: Harold Lerner, AWC Stable & Nehoc Stable; Trainer: Jeremiah Connections: Englehart; Jockey: Dylan Davis. Time: 1:33.97 (fast)

Countdown to the Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile – Harold Lerner, AWC Stable and Nehoc Stable’s PAT ON THE BACK (Dylan Davis) wore down favored PRINCE LUCKY by a half-length in Belmont Park’s $300,000 Kelso (G2). The 5-year-old son of Congrats won his first career graded stakes after winning a slew of New York-bred stakes over the past four seasons for trainer Kenny McPeek and current trainer Jeremiah Englehart. Pat On the Back has shown an affinity for Belmont, going 11-6-3-2 there, and is 9-for-26 lifetime, but could take his act on the road to Santa Anita for the Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile next. "I'm going to think about it this week. I'll have to speak with Jeremiah,” Lerner said. “We've never shipped this horse 3,000 miles. I think we'll talk about it. How far we get in the conversation I'm not sure, but it'll be an interesting conversation to have." Video: The Kelso

Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile – Breeders’ Cup Challenge (BCC) Winners and Points Leaders

Points Horse Trainer Owner BCC Catalina Cruiser John W. Sadler Hronis Racing LLC Winner BCC Mitole Steven M. Heiligbrodt Racing Stable Winner Asmussen 20 Cistron John W. Sadler Hronis Racing LLC 20 Hog Creek Vickie L. Foley Something Special Racing LLC Hustle 16 Mind Control Gregory D. Sacco Red Oak Stable, Madaket Stables LLC 16 Beach Richard E. Fox Hill Farms Inc. Mandella 10 Catholic Boy Jonathan Thomas Robert V. La Penta , Madaket Stables LLC, Siena Farm, Twin Creeks Racing Stable LLC 10 Promises Dale L. Romans Robert J. Baron Fulfilled 6 Air Strike Philip D'Amato Madaket Stables LLC, Nick Cosato, Michael Nentwig 6 Firenze Fire Jason Servis Mr. Amore Stable 6 Giant Peter A. Eurton Exline - Border Racing LLC, Gatto Racing LLC Expectations 2 True Timber Kiaran P. Calumet Farm McLaughlin 1 Snapper Sinclair Steven M. Bloom Racing Stable LLC Asmussen * Ambassadorial Jane Chapple- Jane Chapple-Hyam Hyam * Blue Chipper Kim Young Kwan Byeong-bu Choi

*** About Breeders’ Cup

The Breeders’ Cup administers the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, ’s year-end Championships. The Breeders’ Cup also administers the Breeders’ Cup Challenge qualifying series, which provides automatic starting positions into the Championships races. The 2019 Breeders’ Cup World Championships, consisting of 14 championship races (13 Grade 1 events and one Grade 2 race) with purses and awards totaling more than $30 million, will be held on November 1-2 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, Calif., and will be televised live by the NBC Sports Group. Breeders’ Cup press releases appear on the Breeders’ Cup website, www.breederscup.com. You can also follow the Breeders’ Cup on social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

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