The primary version of the California Crown Stakes (G1), the brand new title of the previous Superior Once more/Goodwood Stakes, definitely has a discipline to match its boosted purse.
And, as a Breeders’ Cup Problem race to the Basic (G1), it figures to supply some solutions forward of that 1 1/4 mile check in 5 weeks at Del Mar.
Contested because the Superior Once more from 2012 via final 12 months, the California Crown now incorporates a $1 million purse—up from $300,000 in 2023—as Santa Anita Park makes an attempt to construct a signature race day. It figures to supply some Breeders’ Cup solutions, particularly among the many high Southern California-based runners being thought of for the Basic.
Returned to his route racing in Saturday’s 1 1/8-mile check, Saudi Cup (G1) winner Senor Buscador will look to take a step ahead from his fourth-place end within the seven-furlong Pat O’Brien Stakes (G1) Aug. 24 at Del Mar. It is a logical development as that earlier effort marked the primary begin for the 6-year-old son of Mineshaft since he completed third within the Dubai World Cup (G1) March 30 at Meydan.
The connections of Metropolitan Handicap (G1) winner Nationwide Treasure might be on the lookout for hints Saturday as they attempt to determine between a begin within the Breeders’ Cup Filth Mile (G1) or Basic for the 4-year-old son of High quality Highway , who additionally boasts a traditional victory—final 12 months’s Preakness Stakes (G1) at 1 3/16 miles.
Nationwide Treasure is conditioned by four-time Breeders’ Cup Basic winner Bob Baffert, who additionally will ship out two-time grade 1-winning 3-year-old Muth . Muth was sidelined after his two-length victory within the Arkansas Derby (G1) in March however the son of Good Magic returned with a two-length rating within the Shared Perception Stakes Sept. 1 at Del Mar.
Within the anticipated discipline of seven, Baffert additionally has entered this 12 months’s Santa Anita Handicap (G1) winner Newgate for his first begin since an off-the-board end within the Dubai World Cup.
Japan’s Basic Trio
Whereas it wasn’t a Problem race, two Japan-based horses pointing for the Breeders’ Cup Basic (G1) prepped Sept. 25 for the 1 1/4-mile race whereas a 3rd, Kentucky Derby (G1)-placed Perpetually Younger , is predicted to prep this week.
American followers already are aware of Derma Sotogake , who completed second in final 12 months’s Breeders’ Cup Basic, and 2023 Dubai World Cup (G1) winner Ushba Tesoro , who completed fifth in final 12 months’s Breeders’ Cup Basic. Whereas neither gained Wednesday’s 1,800-meter (about 1 1/8-mile) Nippon TV Hai at Funabashi Racecourse, they did sufficient to supply optimism for his or her connections within the race aftermath.
Whereas loose-on-the-lead William Barows claimed victory, Ushba Tesoro made up greater than 10 lengths late to complete second by a size. Derma Sotogake completed fifth. For each, the race was the primary begin for the reason that March 30 Dubai World Cup (G1), so a prep was so as.
In accordance with our correspondent Bob Kieckhefer, Ushba Tesoro’s rider Yuga Kawada expressed confidence in the best way his horse ran and perception he’ll transfer ahead within the Basic whereas Derma Sotogake’s rider Christophe Lemaire famous that his horse prefers the grime tracks in America.
Kentucky Derby third-place finisher Perpetually Younger is scheduled for a Breeders’ Cup prep within the Japan Filth Basic Oct. 2 at Oi Racecourse.
Small World
Additionally this week, outstanding Japanese proprietor Masaaki Matsushima, who has at occasions partnered with Coolmore-affiliated homeowners, visited 2023 Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T) winner Auguste Rodin at Ballydoyle. Matsushima and Japanese using legend Yutaka Take, who has competed in eight Breeders’ Cup races, had been guided by 18-time Breeders’ Cup-winning coach Aidan O’Brien.
Auguste Rodin is being pointed to the Nov. 24 Japan Cup (G1).
Masaaki Matsushima (center) and Yutaka Take (proper) pictured with coach Aidan O’Brien whereas visiting his 6-time group 1 winner Auguste Rodin at Ballydoyle
