The 2017 Breeders' Cup World Championships ended on Saturday with 9 races all with year-end championship implications. 37,692 fans packed Del Mar Thoroughbred Club just north of San Diego on a picture perfect day of sunny skies, minimal wind, and temperatures in the high 60's. Due to Del Mar's smaller capacity compared to other Breeders' Cup venues such as Santa Anita, ticket sales were capped at 37,500 each day. Saturday was not a good day to be a favorite as several big longshots came up winners.
Full results with several photos will be available for each race at the link below the pay-off chart.
The $6 million Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) features the best older horses going 1 1/4 miles on the main track. Defending champion and Pacific Classic (G1) runner-up Arrogate was the 2-1 favorite in the field of 11 over 5-2 Gun Runner, winner of the Woodward (G1), and 4-1 West Coast, winner of the Travers (G1). Gun Runner was sent to the lead by Florent Geroux and he set fractions of 22.50, 46.31, 1:10.50, and 1:35.03 while pressed by Collected and stalked by West Coast. Entering the lane, Collected moved up to challenge but Gun Runner turned him away, drawing off to win by 2 1/4 lengths in 2:01.29. It was another 1 1/4 length back to West Coast third, while Arrogate trailed throughout and failed to fire, finishing in a dead heat with 15-1 Gunnevera in 5th beatem 6 1/4 lengths.
Winning trainer Steve Asmussen said, "It's a good team and he's an incredible horse. Incredible horse. Everyone is part of the team and they did a phenomenal job. We did the right things at the right time and all that made it special. What an awesome feeling this is. Florent has the ultimate confidence in Gun Runner and he rode Gun Runner. It's all part of the process. We had discussed what
we'd see (in the race) through the day and I told him to ‘ride Gun Runner.' I'm the lucky trainer of the Horse of the Year."
The Breeders' Cup Classic
Purse: $6,000,000 Distance: 1 1/4 miles
Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show
5 Gun Runner Geroux 6.80 4.40 3.20
11 Collected Garcia 5.60 4.00
8 West Coast Castellano 3.60
Winning Time: 2:00.29
$1 Exacta 5-11 17.00
$1 Trifecta 5-11-8 64.50
$1 Superfecta 5-11-8-4 1,433.50
$1 Super High Five 5-11-8-4-1 2,435.90
$1 Super High Five 5-11-8-4-9 4,090.40
$2 Pick Six 5-8-5-6-1-5 388,423.60
The $4 million Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (G1) features older horses going 1 1/2 miles on the turf. Defending champion Highland Reel was the 7-5 favorite over 7-2 Beach Patrol, winner of the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1), and 11-1 Decorated Knight, winner of the Irish Champion Stakes (G1). 22-1 Oscar Performance set the pace of 23.69, 48.33, 1:12.86, 1:38.00, and 2:02.44 while pressed by Beach Patrol and stalked by Highland Reel. Into the lane, Beach Patrol gained a short lead but 14-1 Talismanic, 5th early under Mickael Barzalona, rallied on the outside to win by 1/2 a length in 2:26.19. It was a neck back to Highland Reel third.
Winning jockey Mickael Barzalona said, "Right I can't believe it. I am thrilled to have won my first Breeders' Cup race. I expected the horse to run well, but I'm not sure I thought I would win. Mr. (Andre) Fabre is a great trainer."
The $2 million Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) features 2-year-old colts and geldings going 1 1/16 miles on the main track. Del Mar Futurity (G1) and FrontRunner (G1) winner Bolt d'Oro was the 7-10 favorite in the field of 12 over 7-1 Free Drop Billy, winner of the Breeders Futurity (G1), and 8-1 U S Navy Flag, winner of the Dewhurst (G1). U S Navy Flag was quickest away through fractions of 22.83 and 46.75 while pressed by 10-1 Solomini and stalke by 33-1 The Tabulator. On the far turn Solomini gained the front through 3/4 in 1:12.04. However, 11-1 maiden Good Magic, 4th early, came through between horses to lead through 1 mile in 1:36.99. Kept to task by Jose Ortiz, Good Magic drew off to win by 4 1/4 lengths in 1:43.34. It was a length back from Solomini to favorite Bolt d'Oro third.
Winning jockey Jose Ortiz said, "It went the way (trainer) Chad (Brown) drew it up for me. He said, ‘Break good and leave. When you make your move, be ready to be on the outside.' Because he didn't like the way the track was playing inside, I waited and went to the outside. I had the opportunity to go inside but I stuck with the plan to go outside."
The $2 million Breeders' Cup Mile (G1) is for older horses going 1 mile on the turf. Woodbine Mile (G1) winner World Approval was the 5-2 favorite in the full field of 14 over 7-2 Ribchester, 2nd in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1), and 8-1 Suedois, winner of the Shadwell Turf Mile (G1). 23-1 Midnight Storm set the pace of 22.30, 45.65, and 1:10.04 while pressed by 16-1 Heart to Heart and stalked by 27-1 Home of the Brave. Entering the lane Heart to Heart briefly led through 7f in 1:22.36 but faded after World Approval, 5th early under John Velazquez, closed late to win going away by 1 1/4 lengths over 13-1 Lancaster Bomber in 1:34.55. It was a head back to 19-1 Blackjackcat third.
Winning trainer Mark Casse said, "I was a little concerned early on because there was so much speed. But, this horse came into this race in just great order and he was ready. Norman (Casse, son and assistant) and his team deserve so much credit for getting him to this point. This is quite a way to cap our last Breeders' Cup together (now that Norman is going out on his own). Maybe now we'll be running in Breeders' Cups against each other. And, it means so much to win this race for Mrs. (Charlotte) Weber. I am so proud to train horses for her and to win this race for her. This is all really very special."
The $1.5 million TwinSpires Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) is for top older sprinters going 6 furlongs. Defending champion and Forego (G1) winner Drefong was the 7-5 favorite in the field of 10 over 4-1 Imperial Hint, winner of the Smile Sprint (G1), and 5-1 Roy H, winner of the Santa Anita Sprint Championship (G1). 8-1 Takaful was quickest away through a quarter in 21.82 before Imperial Hint took over through a half in 44.61 while pressed by Roy H. Imperial Hint led to mid-stretch through 5f in 56.56 but Roy H outfinished him late to win by a length in 1:08.61. It was another 2 lengths back to 9-1 Mind Your Biscuits third, while Drefong was 6th.
Winning trainer Peter Miller said, "This is amazing. Two Breeders' Cup wins in one day. The race shaped up the way we thought it would. We saw a lot of speed in there and we figured he could sit third or fourth and make his big run. He did it just the way we drew it up."
The Breeders' Cup Sprint
Purse: $1,500,000 Distance: 6 furlongs
Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show
8 Roy H Desormeaux 11.80 5.00 3.60
10 Imperial Hint Castellano 5.20 4.00
6 Mind Your Biscuits Rosario 4.40
Winning Time: 1:08.61
$1 Exacta 8-10 25.80
$1 Trifecta 8-10-6 168.80
$1 Superfecta 8-10-6-3 1,095.40
The $2 million Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf (G1) features older fillies and mares going 1 1/8 miles on the turf. Ballston Spa (G2) winner Lady Eli was the 3-2 favorite over 11-2 Rhododendron, winner of the Prix de l'Opera (G1), and 11-1 Wuheida, 4th in the Prix de l'Opera (G1). 38-1 Zipessa led the field out of the chute and around the clubhouse turn through fractions of 23.86, 47.50, and 1:11.42 while stalked by 19-1 Avenge and Wuheida. Entering the stretch jockey William Buick sent Wuheida to lead through 1 mile in 1:35.87. Wuheida easily held off late-running Rhododendron by a length in 1:47.91. It was another 3/4 length back to 11-1 Cambodia third, while Lady Eli was 7th.
Winning jockey William Buick said, "She is incredibly professional. She has lots of ability and the trip really suited her. I was happy with her position throughout the race and she quickened down the straight really well." Trainer Charlie Appleby added, "She deserves this. This ground suited her."
The Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf
Purse: $2,000,000 Distance: 1 1/4 miles turf
Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show
5 Wuheida Buick 24.40 12.40 8.60
14 Rhododendron Moore 9.40 6.80
6 Cambodia Van Dyke 6.80
Winning Time: 1:47.91
$1 Exacta 5-14 86.70
$1 Trifecta 5-14-6 1,058.40
$1 Superfecta 5-14-6-7 8,635.90
The $1 million Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint (G1) features older fillies and mares sprinting 7 furlongs on the main track. L.A. Woman Stakes (G3) winner Unique Bella was the 11-10 favorite in the full field of 14 over 6-1 Skye Diamonds, winner of the Rancho Bernardo (G3) and 8-1 Finley'sluckycharm, winner of the Thoroughbred Club of America (G2) at Keeneland. Mike Smith sent Skye Diamonds to the front exiting the chute through fractions of 21.84 and 44.35 while pressed by 87-1 Princess Karen and stalked by 19-1 Finest City. Entering the lane Unique Bella tired as 18-1 Ami's Mesa, 7th early, moved up to gain a short lead through 3/4 in 1:09.56. Bar of Gold, 12th early under Irad Ortiz Jr., came out wide for room and caught Ami's Mesa at the line for the win by a nose in 1:22.63. It was a length back to 20-1 Carina Mia third, while Unique Bella was 7th.
Winning trainer John Kimmel said, "We knew it was in there somewhere. She pulled it out at the right moment. She's brushed on greatness a few times, and she's gotten better as the years have gone on. She is getting to the end of her career and here we are. I've always liked horses cutting back in distance, especially in a sprint, and a seven-eighths sprint. I've won the Test a couple of times with that tactic. She showed up today, and Irad gave her a great trip."
The Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint
Purse: $1,000,000 Distance: 7 furlongs
Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show330
5 Bar of Gold Ortiz Jr. 135.40 44.20 21.60
14 Ami's Mesa Contreras 16.20 11.00
1 Carina Mia Castellano 11.00
Winning Time: 1:22.63
$1 Exacta 5-14 1,030.20
$1 Trifecta 5-14-1 13,853.50
$1 Superfecta 5-14-1-12 176,369.50
The $1 million Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1) features older horses sprinting 5 furlongs around one turn. King's Stand (G1) winner and Nunthorpe (G2) runner-up Lady Aurelia was the 9-10 favorite over 5-1 Disco Partner, winner of the Belmont Turf Sprint, and 6-1 Marsha, 2nd in the Prix de l'Abbaye de Longchamp. 11-1 Pure Sensation was quickest away through fractions of 21.98 and 44.57 while pressed by 14-1 Richard's Boy and stalked by 29-1 Bucchero. Pure Sensation led to the 1/8 pole but tired while 30-1 Stormy Liberal, 6th early, rallied to win by a head over Richard's Boy in 56.12. It was 1/2 a length back to Disco Partner third.
Winning jockey Joel Rosario said, "He broke well. I asked him a little to get my spot. They were going very fast in front. But I listened to Peter (Miller, trainer). He said to stay inside and save some ground then make my run. I did that and it worked out perfect. He really was there for me. He did all the work."
The Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint
Purse: $1,000,000 Distance: 5 furlongs turf
Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show
4 Stormy Liberal Rosario 62.40 26.60 15.60
7 Richard's Boy Prat 13.00 7.40
1 Disco Partner Ortiz Jr. 4.60
Winning Time: :56.12
$1 Exacta 4-7 277.50
$1 Trifecta 4-7-1 1,320.40
$1 Superfecta 4-7-1-11 20,311.40
Kicking off the Championship races on Saturday was the $2 million 14 Hands Winery Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1), featuring the best 2-year-old fillies going 1 1/16 miles on the main track. Del Mar Debutante (G1) and Chandelier (G1) winner Moonshine Memories was the 5-2 favorite in the field of 13 over 7-2 Heavenly Love, winner of the Alcibiades (G1), and 5-1 Separationofpowers, winner of the Frizette (G1). Moonshine Memories led through fractions of 22.79 and 46.72 while pressed by 8-1 Alluring Star and stalked by Separationofpowers. On the far turn Alluring Star took over through 3/4 in 1:11.38 and soon opened up a 2 legth lead through 1 mile in 1:38.80. However 17-1 Caledonia Road, 8th early under Mike Smith, circled the field into the lane and rallied to win going away by 3 1/4 lengths in 1:45.05. It was a neck back to 30-1 Blonde Bomber third.
Winning jockey Mike Smith said, "She was dynamite. She was much more forwardly placed than I expected her to be, to be honest. She was up there intent on getting into the game and running good. She was in a good rhythm, breathing well. I gave her a breather from the 1/2 mile pole to the 3 1/2 because she kind of wanted one. When I stepped on the accelerator again, she jumped back on it and I knew I was going to be live from that point on."
The 14 Hands Winery Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies
Purse: $2,000,000 Distance: 1 1/16 miles
Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show
12 Caledonia Road Smith 36.60 15.40 9.80
9 Alluring Star Talamo 10.40 7.20
5 Blonde Bomber Lezcano 15.20
Winning Time: 1:45.05
$1 Exacta 12-9 196.80
$1 Trifecta 12-9-5 4,579.90
$1 Superfecta 12-9-5-13 29,371.00
Kicking off the 12-race card on Saturday at the early post of 10:10am, a field of 14 older fillies and mares contested the $200,000 Goldikova Stakes (G3) at 1 mile on the turf. 49-1 Malibu Stacy set the pace of 23.47, 48.11, and 1:11.89 while pressed by 13-1 Sassy Little Lila and stalked by 20-1 Hillhouse High. Turning for home, jockey John Velazquez sent 3-1 favorite Kitten's Roar to the front through 7f in 1:23.70 and she drew off to win by 2 1/4 lengths over 22-1 Thundering Sky in 1:35.18. It was a nose back to 3-1 second choice On Leave third.
Winning jockey John Velazquez said, "Perfect trip; couldn't have been better. She ran well at the mile today, but I think she could readily go on. She could run a mile and an eighth and win too. When you win one like this, it's a very good consolation prize, though. Winning is always good."
A field of 7 California bred or sired 2-year-olds contested the $200,000 Golden State Juvenile Stakes at 7 furlongs on the main track. 8-5 favorite Bookies Luck went to the lead early through fractions of 22.30 and 45.24. Turning for home Bookies Luck continued to lead through 3/4 in 1:10.72, and was all out to hold off late-running 9-5 Smokem by a nose in 1:24.00. It was a long 4 1/2 lengths back to 12-1 Lucky Romano third.
Winning trainer Jeff Bonde said, "The outside post helped us a lot. This is a really deep track and you've got to have something left at the end. I think Kent (Desormeaux) did a really good job of rationing his speed and it was really close at the end."
The third race, run just before the Championship events, was the $200,000 Qatar Juvenile Turf Sprint for 2-year-olds going 5 furlongs on the turf. 39-1 Elizabeth Darcy set the pace of 22.34 and 45.51 while pressed by 6-1 Fairyland. In the lane, 14-1 Declarationofpeace, last early in 12th, rallied and outfinished 3-1 favorite Sound and Silence by a head in 57.23. It was 1/2 a length back to 19-1 Out of the Flames third.
Winning jockey Ryan Moore said, "We've always thought highly of this horse. He was having fun out there today. When he made the turn, he got going and we got there. This course is fine. You just need a good horse to win."
2017 Breeders' Cup Wrap Up - Records set, statistics, first-time winning jockeys and trainers, how previous winners finished, and more for the 34th running of the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar.
2017 Breeders' Cup Saturday - There were nine Breeders' Cup races on Saturday at Del Mar headlined by the Classic (G1) where Gun Runner won over Collected. Also on the card, Talismanic won the Turf (G1), World Approval won the Mile (G1), and Good Magic won the Juvenile (G1). Get the results, charts, and photos for all 12 stakes on the card. More photos: Classic - Turf - Juvenile - Mile - Sprint - F&M Turf - F&M Sprint - Turf Sprint - Juvenile Fillies
2017 Breeders' Cup Friday - There were four Breeders' Cup races on Friday at Del Mar headlined by the Distaff (G1) where Forever Unbridled held off Abel Tasman to win by a half length. Also on the card, Rushing Fall won the Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1), Battle of Midway won the Dirt Mile (G1), and Mendelssohn won the Juvenile Turf (G1). Get the results, charts, and photos for all 8 stakes on the card. More photos: Juvenile Turf -
Juvenile Fillies Turf - Dirt Mile - Distaff
2017 Breeders' Cup Entries - Entries closed Monday and post positions were drawn for the 13 Breeders' Cup Championship races on November 3 and 4 at Del Mar. The Classic will have a field of 11 with Gun Runner in post 5 the 9-5 favorite over Arrogate in post 1 at 2-1.
Breeders' Cup Weather - Check out the latest weather forecasts for the Breeders' Cup at Del Mar
Review: Crushing the Cup 2017 - by Jim Mazur and Peter Mallett. An invaluable tool for trying to unlock the mysteries of handicapping the Breeders' Cup races at Del Mar. Updated for 2017, this is their 26th anniversary edition and first for Del Mar.
2016 Breeders' Cup Saturday Results - The feature race was the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic won by Arrogate. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 9 races here.
2016 Breeders' Cup Friday Results - Friday was headlined by the $2 million Ladies Classic won by Beholder. Get the results, charts, and photos for all 4 races here.
Breeders' Cup History - Historical info, past results, and photos from previous runnings
The Breeders' Cup Championship Day - The official page for the Breeders' Cup championship races. Just about anything you need to know about it: results, video clips, and race calls for past years, and eventually nominations, entries, and results.
Free Prep Replays - for major prep races in the Breeders' Cup Challenge. The ones with camera logos have video available.
Breeders' Cup Postcards - Breeders' Cup theme virtual postcards to send your friends including many past winners
Breeders' Cup Supplemental Entries - The old official policy on supplemental entries plus all the supplemental entries and how they fared, mostly it was a losing proposition. There are no more supplements now, only late nominations making it impossible to track since the change.
