Win and You're In: Breeders' Cup Challenge Series Update: SPA's Flower Bowl/Gold Cup
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 by waiving the $150k in entry fees, plus it provides a $10k nomination award and $10k travel allowance for horses stabled outside of California to 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, September 4 @Saratoga …
Race 11: Turf, 1 3/8ths, Flower Bowl S. (G1), $600k, F&M 4+
“Win and You’re In” … War Like Goddess, BC Maker's Mark Filly & Mare Turf (G1), $2 Million
HOF trainer Bill Mott might have the best turf horse in all of North America right now. On Saturday afternoon at Saratoga Race Course in the Grade 1 Flower Bowl, she dominated 5 other contenders by doing what she does best ... settling, then making a powerful statement with a furlong left to go. With Julien Leparoux riding her once again, she proved she can game with the best in the division at these middle distance contests. Out of major turf sire, English Channel, the 4-yr-old filly cemented her place among the American contingent that is bound for Del Mar and the Breeders' Cup.
What makes her so efficient is Leparoux can place her anywhere mid-pack, and as long as she has the opportunity to get clear, her turn-of-foot can be absolutely crushing to those who think they have a secure lead. Punching her ticket to the Filly & Mare Turf (G1) also means that she is sure to meet up with some of Europe, and possibly Japan's finest grass routers at this distance. How will she hold up against them? That is a question that will be interesting to debate between now and then. Stay tuned ...
Already In: Queen Supreme (IRE), Gran Alegria (JPN), Reina de Mollendo (ARG), Snowfall (JPN) ...
Races Left: Sept. 11, Coolmore America "Justify" Matron Stakes @Leopardstown; Oct. 2, Rodeo Drive Stakes @Santa Anita Park; Oct 3. Prix de 'Opera Longines @Longchamp; Oct. 9, First Lady @Keeneland ...
Race 12: Dirt, 1 1/4, Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1), $1 Million, 3+
“Win and You’re In” … Max Player, BC Classic (G1), $6 Million
Few runners can notch multiple Challenge Series races in the same year, it is that difficult. However, on Saturday afternoon at Saratoga in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1), Steve Asmussen's talented colt out of Honor Code bested a good field. It was his 2nd ticket earned to the Breeders' Cup ... more specifically, the Classic. Not much was mentioned over the course of the past week about the 4-yr-old in the GC ... his rivals were the talk of the town. Still, you cannot count out North America's all-time leading trainer, and once again, Asmussen's presence will be felt in the Classic Division. Down the stretch in The SPA GC (G1), he showed drive and determination, plus breakaway speed, as Ricardo Santana celebrated the victory going away at the wire. After this victory, he certainly deserves to be considered more than just a "contender" for the Classic. At this point, he does not have the notoriety that Cox's Knicks Go and Essential Quality possess, but that does not mean he cannot win a race such as this one. His preparation will be key moving forward. Asmussen, we know, is up for it ...
Already In: Cafe Pharoah, Maxfield, Max Player, Mandaloun, Knicks Go, Mishriff (IRE), Tripoli ...
Races Left: Oct. 2nd, Awesome Again Stakes @SA
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It’s the Breeders’ Cup … as the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club once again hosts! Enjoy …