Breeders’ Cup Roundup: Oct. 30, 2023
Cody's Wish winning the Vosburgh (G2) at Aqueduct (Photo by Coglianese Photos)
October 30th, 2023
Each week, J. Keeler Johnson reviews the latest news and results on the road to the 2023 Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita.
Pre-entries attract 205 horses
Breeders’ Cup pre-entries were released last Wednesday with 205 horses in the mix, including 59 horses based overseas. Here are 10 observations and takeaways from the pre-entries.
Arcangelo, Arabian Knight, White Abarrio post fast workouts for Classic
Pacific Classic (G1) winner Arabian Knight, one of the favorites for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), wrapped up his preparations for the $6 million race with a swift five-furlong workout in :59 on Monday at Santa Anita.
Three days earlier, Whitney (G1) winner White Abarrio impressed in a five-furlong workout at Santa Anita, traveling the distance in :59.80.
Belmont (G1) and Travers (G1) hero Arcangelo wrapped up his preparations earliest of all, clocking half a mile in :47.40 at Santa Anita last Wednesday.
.@BeemieAwards discusses the beginning of @BreedersCup week as well as all the noise, hype, and touts we're all going to see and hear over the course of the next several days in his Monday Morning Message.https://t.co/QgVIlKY8gG
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) October 30, 2023
Mage, Geaux Rocket Ride out of Classic
The Classic lost a couple of potential starters last week. 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mage will miss the race due to a fever, while Geaux Rocket Ride suffered an injury during training and underwent surgery.
Cody’s Wish wraps up Dirt Mile preparations
Fan favorite and 2022 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) winner Cody’s Wish is training sharply in advance of the 2023 Dirt Mile. He recently arrived at Santa Anita and completed his pre-race preparations with half a mile in :47.20.
Paddington passes on Mile
European star Paddington had been considered for a final start in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1), but will skip the race and head for retirement after coming down with a temperature and respiratory infection.
King of Steel opts for Turf
Fresh off a win in the prestigious Champion (G1) at Ascot in England just two weeks before Breeders’ Cup Saturday, King of Steel is taking aim at the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1). The talented three-year-old had been pre-entered in both the Turf and the Classic.
Final entries, post positions set for Monday
Final entries for the Breeders’ Cup will be released on Monday, with post positions scheduled to be drawn starting at 7:30 p.m. ET. The draw will be livestreamed on Breeders’ Cup social media channels.
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