Win and You're In: Breeders' Cup Challenge Series Update, The SPA/DMR

As the "Win and You're In" Breeders' Cup Challenge Series heats up, turfwriter J.N. Campbell will have regular updates about all those that punch their ticket to Del Mar come November ...

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 @Saratoga …

Race 7: Dirt, 7F, Ballerina H. (G1), $500k, F&M 3+

“Win and You’re In” … Gamine, BC F&M Sprint (G1), $1 Million

If you tried to beat the great Gamine #1, Bob Baffert's champ filly, then you came up empty. In the Grade 1 Ballerina S. at Saratoga, she wrestled the lead away from her competitors, fending off a charge from Estilo Talentoso #6, and got out nicely in front. Virtually unchallenged, she ran stoutly down the lane for the victory. Guided by regular jockey John Velazquez, she silenced the critics (including this 'capper), and seems poised to return to defend her title in the BC F&M Sprint. The daughter of Into Mischief's power seems undeniable ...

Already In: Ce Ce ...

Races Left: Oct. 9th Thoroughbred Club of America @KEE ...

Race 10: Dirt, 1 1/8th, Personal Ensign S. (G1), $600k, F&M 4+

“Win and You’re In” … Letruska, BC Longines Distaff (G1), $2 Million

The "Queen of the Racetrack" proved today in this race that she is the best horse in all of North America. Taking on a well-matched field, Letruska #6 catapulted to the front of the field. There she fixed her presence, on the engine ... where she feels most comfortable. The rest of the field tried their best to keep up, even looking at times that they were coming with a big run. In the end, it was Fausto Gutierrez's powerful daughter of Super Saver who once again pulled through in the end with Irad Ortiz aboard. In all 3 Challenge Series races she has entered this year, she has never disappointed ... winning them all in fine style. Now, the BC beckons ...

Already In: Blue Stripe (ARG), Letruska 2x, Shedaresthedevil ...

Races Left: Oct. 3rd Zenyatta Stakes @SA; Oct. 10th Juddmonte Spinster @KEE ...

Race 11: Turf, 1½, Sword Dancer S. (G1), $750k, 4+

“Win and You’re In” … Gufo, BC Turf (G1), $4 Million

The only turf race on the Challenge Series docket, this Saratoga distance test pitted a good group of routers against one another. As the race went off, it was a slowly progressing speed duel between Chad Brown's Tribhuvan #1 and Bill Mott's Channel Maker #4. About 4-5 lengths off the lead, it was Aidan O'Brien's Japan, and then Christophe Clement's Gufo #2 who vied for the lead late. It quickly became apparent that Ryan Moore, O'Brien's jockey, was hemmed in, as he tried to get free. In the meantime, it was Joel Rosario who guided Clement's charge to the lead. As Moore tried to play "catch me if you can," Moore just did not have enough in the end. Gufo #2, out of Declaration of War, sealed his passage to the BC Turf, where a tough field of European runners await.

Already In: Cool Day (ARG), Love (IRE), Chrono Genesis (JPN), Adayar (IRE) and Astronaut ...

Races Left: Sept. 11th Calumet Turf Cup @KD; Sept. 11th Irish Champion Stakes @Leopardstown; Sept. 18th Jockey Club Derby Invitational @BEL; Oct. 3rd L'Arc de Triomphe @Longchamp ...

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Saturday @The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club …

Race 10: Dirt, 7F, Pat O’Brien Stakes (G2), $200k, 3+

“Win and You’re In” … Ginobili, BC Big Ass Fans Dirt Mile (G1), $1 Million

The final BC "Win and You're In" contest of the day came to us from Del Mar in the form of this race ... the Pat O'Brien. From the start, it seemed like this race was going to be a match between John Sadler's Flagstaff #8 and Peter Miller's C Z Rocket #9. Immediately, right from the break, it was evident that Richard Baltas' Ginobili #1 had come to play. He rocketed to the lead, setting the pace, and taking his rider, Drayden Van Dyke, along for what ended up being a wire-to-wire victory. At the top of the lane, it was the 2 favorites who were trying to catch the leader ... to no avail. Now, he has staked his place to return to the starting gate at Del Mar, as they are set to host the 2021 Breeders' Cup. Welcome to the party, Ginobili #1.

Already In: Silver State ...

Races Left: None

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It’s the Breeders’ Cup … as the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club once again hosts! Enjoy …