Win and You're In: Breeders' Cup Challenge Series Update
The Breeders' Cup Challenge Series presented by America's Best Racing comprises some of the greatest contests from around the globe. The “purple” and “white” honors each winner with an automatic bid and free entry fees into the Breeders' Cup World Championships. As they like to say … “Win and You’re In” …
At HorseRacing.net/us, we will be reporting on those that earn their spot in early November. Not only will we have you covered with all the selections, but our crack analysis team will offer juicy long shots, along with all the stories from Del Mar! Stay tuned …
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Saturday …
Race 10: 6F (Dirt), Bing Crosby Stakes, (G1) Purse $300k, 3+
“Win and You’re In” … Dr. Schivel, Dirt Sprint (G1)
If there is a budding “horse-for-the-course” at Del Mar, then it might be Mark Glatt’s Dr. Schivel. Last year, the then 2-yr-old colt was impressive in the Del Mar Futurity (G1). After a barn switch then a long layoff, he returned to training, going off as the second choice in the Bing Crosby (G1). Up against a seasoned, deserving favorite like Peter Miller’s C Z Rocket might be interpreted as daunting. But Glatt had him ready to fire, and though Flavien Prat had to contend from the back of the pack at the break, he had his runner wound up tight at the top of the lane. Charging down it, Dr. Schivel ran on nicely to the wire, and surged ahead when given the opportunity. It was a “signature” score, and he punched his ticket to return to Del Mar in the November. The BC Dirt Sprint is shaping up to be yet another highlight, and Glatt’s son of Violence may see C Z Rocket again. That would make for yet another memory, in the shortest event for the “purple and white.”
and on Sunday …
Race 9: 1 1/16th (Dirt), Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (G1), Purse $300k, F&M 3+
“Win and You’re In” … Shedaresthedevil, Distaff (G1)
Trainer Brad Cox sent his accomplished 4-yr-old out to Del Mar for the Grade 1 Clement L. Hirsch. After a couple of scratches, she took on a field of 4. A speed duel was destined to materialize, especially with so much power up front. Shedaresthedevil, ridden by Florent Geroux, tracked leader Venetian Harbor from the beginning, and was not going to let Richard Baltas’ speedster get away. Ranging up around turn-2, Geroux let her go, and she won easily … going away. Now, she looks poised for a rematch with Letruska, her dreaded rival, and possibly a bevy of other runners like Swiss Skydiver. The BC Distaff (G1) is shaping up to be one of the best-looking races on Day 2 of the event.
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It’s the Breeders’ Cup … as the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club once again hosts! Enjoy …