For the connections of basic winner Nationwide Treasure, there figures to be some touring this summer time – by some means.
The 2023 Preakness Stakes victor shot to the highest of the NTRA High 10 Ballot by a decisive 6 ¼-length romp within the prestigious Hill ‘n’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap June 8 at Saratoga Race Course, and the place he begins subsequent may present a glimpse into the long run, particularly the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
The Bob Baffert-trained son of High quality Street has come out of the Met Mile in high-quality form and has both the Aug. 3 Whitney Stakes at Saratoga or the Aug. 31 FanDuel Racing Pacific Basic Stakes at Del Mar as the highest objects on a yet-to-be-finalized journey agenda.
“Bob needs to maintain all his choices open for Nationwide Treasure. The subsequent begin might be something from the Whitney to the Pacific Basic,” mentioned Tom Ryan of SF Racing and SF Bloodstock, the managing associate of the 4-year-old’s overflow possession group. Ryan added that the Sept. 28 California Crown at Santa Anita Park is also an possibility. “All I can say is that he’s come again nice from the Metropolitan Handicap, the place he confirmed everybody he’s high class. The best way he pulled away was very spectacular. He demolished the sector. When he’s on high of his recreation like that, he’s a really harmful horse.”
Whereas a number of elements will enter into the choice, topped by Baffert’s view on how Nationwide Treasure is coaching on the time, the selection between the Whitney and the Pacific Basic may present some perception as to plans for the Breeders’ Cup.
A yr in the past, the Met Mile winner misplaced by a nostril to Horse of the 12 months Cody’s Want within the Large Ass Followers Breeders’ Cup Grime Mile, enhancing the 4-year-old’s inventory as a premier miler.
As Nationwide Treasure has gained the 1 3/16-mile Preakness and the 1 1/8-mile Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes Offered by Baccarat in January, the 1 1/8-mile Whitney would certainly be inside his scope.
But with Nationwide Treasure in California and the Longines Breeders’ Cup Basic set to be contested at Del Mar at a 1 ¼-mile distance, the Pacific Basic, which can be a mile-and-a-quarter race, may present a gown rehearsal for the Basic.
“We all know he’s not restricted to a mile. The query is, will we stretch him out? He’s versatile sufficient to run within the Basic,” Ryan mentioned. “Bob will decide when issues develop into clearer. He’s a wholesome, sound horse and we have now a lot of choices. Both Bob’s going to e-book a airplane for him and he’ll head east for his subsequent begin or I’ll e-book a airplane and head west to see him.
“Both means, to run in three Breeders’ Cups can be a particular accomplishment. You don’t get that too usually nowadays, particularly with a mud horse. We’re very happy with the coaching job Bob and his workers have executed with him. “
With Nationwide Treasure set to hitch the stallion roster at Spendthrift Farm after he concludes his racing profession on the finish of the yr, Ryan mentioned the Met Mile added a fair larger dose of glitter to an already spectacular résumé.
“You must love the pedigree. He’s out of a Medaglia d’Oro mare (Treasure) and he has develop into such an amazing affect. Nationwide Treasure is bred by Peter Blum out of an amazing sire, and I’m excited for Spendthrift Farm and everybody who’s linked with him to have such a top quality son of High quality Street go to stud subsequent yr,” Ryan mentioned.
Nationwide Treasure, a $5.3 million earner and three-time Grade 1 winner, is owned by a partnership of SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Robert Masterson, Stonestreet Stables, Jay Schoenfarber, Waves Edge Capital, and Catherine Donovan that has been dubbed “The Avengers.” He was purchased for $500,000 from the Bridie Harrison consignment at The Saratoga Sale, Fasig-Tipton’s New York sale of most well-liked yearlings.
Whereas Nationwide Treasure’s victory was euphoric, the connections took a intestine punch when Grade 1 winner Prince of Monaco ran for the primary time in seven months on June 8 at Saratoga and was bumped at first and pinched again, giving freely 4 lengths to the sector, earlier than he rallied huge and settled for second by a half-length to the New Jersey-bred Guide ‘em Danno within the Woody Stephens Stakes Offered by Mohegan Solar.
The seven-furlong Woody Stephens was the 3-year-old’s first begin for the reason that son of Speightstown completed fifth within the Nov. 3 FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Offered by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance.
“It was heartbreaking that he acquired twisted up at first after which ran huge. It’s a messy chart of the race once you learn what occurred to him. However he confirmed us he’s high class. Anybody who noticed that race is aware of that,” Ryan mentioned.
Ryan mentioned Prince of Monaco is again with Baffert in California and is predicted to return to Saratoga for the Aug. 24 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes.
Final yr’s Del Mar Futurity winner was purchased for $950,000 from the Summerfield consignment at The Saratoga Sale. He was bred by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings.
“It’s a boutique sale at Saratoga. There’s at all times high quality there,” Ryan mentioned. “It’s nice when you may convey folks like Bob Baffert and Donato Lanni and John Moynihan collectively and we’re all placing our vitality towards looking for fine quality yearlings.”
Prince of Monaco is owned by just about the identical group as Nationwide Treasure, with Dianne Bashor changing Schoenfarber and Ryan having a solo share.
