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Five For Forever Young As Favorite In Breeders’ Cup Classic

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Susumu Fujita’s Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) will look to become just the second horse in the 43-year history of the GI Breeders’ Cup Classic to record multiple victories and the Yoshito Yahagi trainee will jump from gate five with Ryusei Sakai up against seven classy rivals.

What the Classic may lack in numbers, it makes up for in intrigue.

Forever Young, who has averaged better than $2 million in each of his 16 times he’s taken to a racetrack, was made the 2-1 favorite to win the $7-million feature. Like he did when third to Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) in 2024 and again when turning the tables on that close familial relation at Del Mar last year, the bay turned in a successful prep, this time away from Japan, as he ran out a 3 1/4-length winner of a Sovereignty (Into Mischief)-free GI Jockey Club Gold Cup at the shiny new Belmont Park Sept. 18.

For his part, Sovereignty gets his chance to put pay to the bad taste from last year when he was unfortunately withdrawn from the Classic early in the week. After returning to something approaching his best in the GI Whitney Stakes in August, the homebred was forced to miss the Gold Cup due to a minor setback. He was in one of those proverbial ‘everything needs to go right’ positions over the last six weeks, but that it has, and the reigning Horse of the Year will once again have Junior Alvarado in the irons from the two as the 5-2 second choice.

Trainer Bill Mott, who won the Classic in 1995 with Cigar and again in 2011 with Drosselmeyer, confirmed Monday morning that ‘TDN Rising Star’ presented by Hagyard Knightsbridge (Nyquist) had been green-lighted by the Godolphin braintrust to take his spot in the Classic. Though he would have been a clear-cut favorite had he remained in the GI Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, connections are happy to take their chances with a very formidable duo. When last seen, Knightsbridge was an overwhelming winner of the GI Pacific Classic, his first attempt over the mile and a quarter.

“I’m fine with it,” said Mott. “I think it’s a great opportunity to have two horses in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. We vacillated over separating them. We always like to have a chance to win two races, but I think they both fit and they both deserve their spot in the Classic.

“Sovereignty is coming up to this very good right now, he had a good work over the racetrack. Both horses we have are doing well, and knock on wood, hopefully everything remains good until Saturday. They have different running styles and are not going to hinder each other.”

Sovereignty (left) | Sarah Andrew

For the first time in a race of any variety since 1991, two winners of the GI Kentucky Derby face off. ‘TDN Rising Star’ Golden Tempo (Curlin) takes on his elders for the first time and will break from gate three with Jose Ortiz, looking to improve on a better-than-it-looked third in the GI DraftKings Travers Stakes at Saratoga Aug. 29. Prior to that, the homebred took out the GI Belmont Stakes at 10 furlongs and he is giving trainer Cherie DeVaux all the right signs coming into the Classic.

“Ultra-confident,” DeVaux said after safely negotiating the steps up into the ring in the Keeneland sales pavilion. “Obviously we understand that he has to do some progressing, but he hasn’t done much wrong. He’s on the same trajectory with how he looks and how he trains, so we’re pretty confident he’s going to put in a top effort.”

Napoleon Solo (Liam’s Map) was victorious in the middle jewel of the Triple Crown in the GI Preakness Stakes and was just beaten into second in the GI Haskell Stakes and the Travers. He, too, had an option for the Dirt Mile, but opts for the more shark-infested waters of the Classic.

The grey has drawn widest in the field of eight and will have some speed underneath him in the form of Magnitude (Not This Time), who claimed the scalp of Forever Young in this year’s G1 Dubai World Cup. He tacked on a smart tally in the GI Stephen Foster Stakes in his next appearance, but was below his best behind Sovereignty in the GI Whitney Stakes. He is likely to be ridden forward by Flavien Prat, who takes over for Ortiz.

The Puma (Essential Quality), fourth in the Haskell and again in the Travers, put it all together last time with a visually impressive victory over the Dirt Mile-bound ‘Rising Star’ Further Ado (Gun Runner) in the GI Pennsylvania Derby. His connections made their intentions known earlier this week, and The Puma could be coming at them late if the pace is on.

T O Password (Jpn) (Copano Rickey {Jpn}) draws the rail as he swings for the fences in the Classic over the Dirt Mile, where his chances appeared much more favorable. A creditable fifth to Mystik Dan (Goldencents) in the 2024 Derby, the bay was a latest third to 2025 Derby also-ran Luxor Cafe (American Pharoah) in the G3 Elm Stakes at Sapporo in early August.

Previous Winners Line Up For Turf Races

The four races to be held on the grass on Saturday have attracted previous winners of the respective event, including a pair of defending champions.

Ethical Diamond (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}) caused the boilover to stop all boilovers at Del Mar last fall, coming with a barnstorming stretch rally to run past the three-peat seeking and recently retired Rebel’s Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) for legendary jumps trainer Willie Mullins. The 6-year-old took the G3 Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown in August and suggested that he arrives here in top form with a strong runner-up effort to the Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions-bound Tiffany (Ire) (Farhh {GB}) in the GII Kentucky Turf Cup Sept. 5.

The Euro challenge is fortified by G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe third and ‘TDN Rising Star’ presented by Hagyard Diamond Necklace (Ire) (St Mark’s Basilica {Fr}), while just four domestic middle-distance gallopers contest the turf, headed by Minaret Station (Instilled Regard) and ‘TDN Rising Star’ presented by Hagyard Far Bridge (English Channel), first and second, respectively, in the GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Belmont Oct. 1.

Godolphin, trainer Charlie Appleby and jockey William Buick have won the GI Breeders’ Cup Mile four out of the last five years and ‘TDN Rising Star’ presented by Hagyard Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) can extend that remarkable streak on Saturday in defense of his title against the filly True Love (Ire) (No Nay Never), who beat the boys in the oft-productive G1 Prix de la Foret at ParisLongchamp Oct. 4. Rhetorical (Not This Time), fourth after leading late last year, and runner-up Formidable Man (City of Light) are among America’s top hopes.

Notable Speech prevailed in the Mile at Del Mar | Horsephotos

Juddmonte’s Blue Bolt (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) has been absolutely dominant over a mile against her peers this season, with victories in four consecutive Group 1 events, and she’d have been a handful for Notable Speech had they gone in that direction. Instead, she stretches out to 9 1/2 furlongs for the GI Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf and although her pedigree doesn’t exactly scream distance, these horses routinely stay this sort of trip. The connections of G1 Coronation Stakes heroine Precise (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) will hope the trip sees out Blue Bolt, whom they have finished behind three times. Top-level scorers Gimme A Nother (SAf) (Gimmethegreenlight {Aus}) and Kathynmarissa (American Pharoah) are among the best stateside chances.

Starlust (Ire) (Zoustar {Aus}) took a rough-and-tumble renewal of the GI Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar in 2024 and is back from a stint at stud to try this once more against defending champion ‘TDN Rising Star’ presented by Hagyard Shisospicy (Mitole), who figures to be part of a wicked early pace with speed types occupying the inside gates. Bacio (Maclean’s Music) will be the idea of the favorite in many circles after shipping to York to take the G1 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes, while Keeneland Championship Sale offering Miss Yechance (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), a latest winner of the G1 Prix de l’Abbaye, will need to work out a trip from the 14.

Other BC Dirt Races Could Be On the Chalky Side

The next-richest of Saturday’s races to be contested over the main track are the $2-million GI Breeders’ Cup Distaff and GI Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

The Distaff has lured a field of eight and on paper, D J Stable’s Nitrogen (Medaglia d’Oro) will be a strong choice to go one better than her performance at Del Mar last year. A very game runner-up behind Sovereignty in the Whitney, she made light work of the GII Beldame Stakes last time and is strictly the one to beat. Fully Subscribed (Tiz the Law) looks a different proposition than the one that finished a dozen lengths behind Nitrogen in the GI Ogden Phipps Stakes and goes out for the Chad Brown barn which has finished second three times in the Distaff, but is still looking for its first win.

‘TDN Rising Star’ presented by Hagyard Englishman (Maxfield) will be the clear-cut choice as he faces older horses in the Sprint, but he’ll have to be at his very best from barrier 13 in the field of 13. Dark Saffron (Flameaway) won the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen for the second year running in late March and is the first UAE-based runner to come across for the Breeders’ Cup. Contention runs deep with Grade I winners Hymn (McKinzie) and Listenupshance (Shancelot) among the competition.

Englishman | Sarah Andrew

The GI Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint is first up on Saturday, and in the form of ‘TDN Rising Star’ Ways and Means (Practical Joke), the seven-furlong affair also looks to have a prohibitive favorite. There will be those willing to take her on, reasoning that she is a horse that clearly delivers her best at Saratoga, and Grade I winner R Disaster (Awesome Slew), defending champ Splendora (Audible) and Kilwin (Twirling Candy) are capable foes if the chalk stubs her toe.

The GI Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile might just be the most appealing race on the program from a pari-mutuel perspective. The defection of Knightsbridge and the Monday addition of ‘TDN Rising Star’ presented by Hagyard Further Ado (Gun Runner)–a Grade I winner at Keeneland–opens things up a bit.

The Spendthrift colt may have to be asked early from the rail and the pace appears to be very much on, setting things up for the sweepers. Coal Battle (Coal Front) has been solid without winning, but may get the Dirt Mile run to suit and Owen Almighty (Speightstown) is not impossible if patient tactics are put into play by Brian Lynch.

Future Stars Friday To Provide Classic Clues

While ‘TDN Rising Star’ presented by Hagyard U. S. S. Valor (War of Will) stays in the Shug McGaughey barn this weekend, a field of eight juvenile colts is set to contest the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

Bob Baffert has saddled six winners of the Juvenile and looks set to tack on another with ‘TDN Rising Star’ presented by Hagyard Hughes (Into Mischief) looming the one they all have to beat after dominating the GI American Pharoah Stakes with a race-fastest 100 Beyer. Stablemate Salahudin (Uncle Mo) is three-for-three, including a hard-fought win in the GIII Iroquois Stakes, while ‘TDN Rising Stars’ American History (Constitution) and Coach Pope (Tapit) meet again after running 1-2 in the GI Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity over course and distance Oct. 3.

American History got the better of fellow ‘Rising Star’ Coach Pope in the Breeders’ Futurity | Coady Media

In the fillies’ equivalent, GI Darley Alcibiades Stakes victress Emphatic (Nyquist) will vie for favoritism with ‘TDN Rising Star’ presented by Hagyard Miss Monica (Early Voting), who won the GI Del Mar Debutante looking a filly that wants every bit of a trip like the one she gets here.

Gstaad (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) overcame the 14 hole to take out last year’s GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf and G2 Coventry Stakes hero Great Barrier Reef (Ire) (No Nay Never) will need another masterclass from Ryan Moore if he is to repeat the dose. It is noteworthy that Moore rode Hit It a Bomb (War Front) to win the 2015 Juvenile Turf at Keeneland from just this side of the burgoo vendors.

Not quite as awkwardly drawn in nine in the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf is ‘TDN Rising Star’ presented by Hagyard Sun Goddess (Ire) (Sioux Nation), whose current five-race tear includes the G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes in yielding Curragh ground and the G1 Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket 13 days hence. Fellow ‘Rising Star’ Curracloe (Baaeed {GB}) exits a facile success in the G3 Darley Fillies Stakes at the Curragh and has a low gate to her advantage. Domestic Agenda (American Pharoah) and Vanta (Greatest Honour), each an undefeated graded winner, fly the flag for the U.S.

Who wins the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint is anybody’s guess, but favoritism could fall to the filly Libertango (Ire) (No Nay Never), winner of York’s G2 Lowther Stakes Aug. 20 ahead of a runner-up effort to Sun Goddess in the Cheveley Park. Flavien Prat takes the call for George Boughey from gate three. Primetime Emmy (Aus) (Extreme Choice {Aus}) won the G3 Prix Eclipse at Chantilly Sept. 19 and races 48 hours after going through the Keeneland Championship Sale.

The post Five For Forever Young As Favorite In Breeders’ Cup Classic appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Legendary Washington Trainer Howard Belvoir Passes Away

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Trainer Howard Belvoir, for six decades a fixture in horse racing in the Pacific Northwest, died Oct. 23 from heart failure at the age of 82, according to a post on the Emerald Downs website.

Based mainly in Washington, but having also done stints in California, Oregon and British Columbia, Belvoir won 2,192 races in a career dating back to 1963, per Equibase stats, and included his induction into the Washington Racing Hall of Fame.

Born in Iola, Kansas, and raised in Payette, Idaho, Belvoir honed his skills under the tutelage of trainers Roy and Troy Taylor before taking out his license.

“Racing is in my blood,” Belvoir said in 2018. “Once you get in you, you can never get it out of you.”

Belvoir ranks third in the history of Emerald Downs by wins (830), second in earnings ($9,514,704) and sixth in stakes wins (49).

Belvoir bred and trained Washington Horse of the Year Wasserman to victory in the GIII Longacres Mile Handicap in 2008 and won the marquee race on the calendar on two other occasions with Assessment (2009) and fan-favorite Barkley (2018).

The Emerald Downs race office honored Belvoir with its 2010 Martin Durkan Award for sportsmanship and excellence on and off the track, and in 2013 Belvoir was recognized with the state’s top racing honor by being voted into the Washington Racing Hall of Fame. In his acceptance speech, Belvoir recognized owners, assistant trainers, exercise riders, grooms and hotwalkers for making it all possible.

“I’ve been fortunate and lucky to have a lot of good horses, but you’re only as good as your help,” he said. “That’s the truth.”

Belvoir is survived by longtime partner Vicki Potter and sons Heath, Clay and Vann, the latter a former Emerald Downs riding champion and currently a trainer in California.

Per Belvoir’s request, no services are planned. The family plans to honor him with a race at Emerald Downs in the 2027 season.

The post Legendary Washington Trainer Howard Belvoir Passes Away appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Five For Forever Young As Favorite In Breeders’ Cup Classic

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Susumu Fujita’s Forever Young (Jpn) (Real Steel {Jpn}) will look to become just the second horse in the 43-year history of the GI Breeders’ Cup Classic to record multiple victories and the Yoshito Yahagi trainee will jump from gate five with Ryusei Sakai up against seven classy rivals.

What the Classic may lack in numbers, it makes up for in intrigue.

Forever Young, who has averaged better than $2 million in each of his 16 times he’s taken to a racetrack, was made the 2-1 favorite to win the $7-million feature. Like he did when third to Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) in 2024 and again when turning the tables on that close familial relation at Del Mar last year, the bay turned in a successful prep, this time away from Japan, as he ran out a 3 1/4-length winner of a Sovereignty (Into Mischief)-free GI Jockey Club Gold Cup at the shiny new Belmont Park Sept. 18.

For his part, Sovereignty gets his chance to put pay to the bad taste from last year when he was unfortunately withdrawn from the Classic early in the week. After returning to something approaching his best in the GI Whitney Stakes in August, the homebred was forced to miss the Gold Cup due to a minor setback. He was in one of those proverbial ‘everything needs to go right’ positions over the last six weeks, but that it has, and the reigning Horse of the Year will once again have Junior Alvarado in the irons from the two as the 5-2 second choice.

Trainer Bill Mott, who won the Classic in 1995 with Cigar and again in 2011 with Drosselmeyer, confirmed Monday morning that ‘TDN Rising Star’ presented by Hagyard Knightsbridge (Nyquist) had been green-lighted by the Godolphin braintrust to take his spot in the Classic. Though he would have been a clear-cut favorite had he remained in the GI Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, connections are happy to take their chances with a very formidable duo. When last seen, Knightsbridge was an overwhelming winner of the GI Pacific Classic, his first attempt over the mile and a quarter.

“I’m fine with it,” said Mott. “I think it’s a great opportunity to have two horses in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. We vacillated over separating them. We always like to have a chance to win two races, but I think they both fit and they both deserve their spot in the Classic.

“Sovereignty is coming up to this very good right now, he had a good work over the racetrack. Both horses we have are doing well, and knock on wood, hopefully everything remains good until Saturday. They have different running styles and are not going to hinder each other.”

Sovereignty (left) | Sarah Andrew

For the first time in a race of any variety since 1991, two winners of the GI Kentucky Derby face off. ‘TDN Rising Star’ Golden Tempo (Curlin) takes on his elders for the first time and will break from gate three with Jose Ortiz, looking to improve on a better-than-it-looked third in the GI DraftKings Travers Stakes at Saratoga Aug. 29. Prior to that, the homebred took out the GI Belmont Stakes at 10 furlongs and he is giving trainer Cherie DeVaux all the right signs coming into the Classic.

“Ultra-confident,” DeVaux said after safely negotiating the steps up into the ring in the Keeneland sales pavilion. “Obviously we understand that he has to do some progressing, but he hasn’t done much wrong. He’s on the same trajectory with how he looks and how he trains, so we’re pretty confident he’s going to put in a top effort.”

Napoleon Solo (Liam’s Map) was victorious in the middle jewel of the Triple Crown in the GI Preakness Stakes and was just beaten into second in the GI Haskell Stakes and the Travers. He, too, had an option for the Dirt Mile, but opts for the more shark-infested waters of the Classic.

The grey has drawn widest in the field of eight and will have some speed underneath him in the form of Magnitude (Not This Time), who claimed the scalp of Forever Young in this year’s G1 Dubai World Cup. He tacked on a smart tally in the GI Stephen Foster Stakes in his next appearance, but was below his best behind Sovereignty in the GI Whitney Stakes. He is likely to be ridden forward by Flavien Prat, who takes over for Ortiz.

The Puma (Essential Quality), fourth in the Haskell and again in the Travers, put it all together last time with a visually impressive victory over the Dirt Mile-bound ‘Rising Star’ Further Ado (Gun Runner) in the GI Pennsylvania Derby. His connections made their intentions known earlier this week, and The Puma could be coming at them late if the pace is on.

T O Password (Jpn) (Copano Rickey {Jpn}) draws the rail as he swings for the fences in the Classic over the Dirt Mile, where his chances appeared much more favorable. A creditable fifth to Mystik Dan (Goldencents) in the 2024 Derby, the bay was a latest third to 2025 Derby also-ran Luxor Cafe (American Pharoah) in the G3 Elm Stakes at Sapporo in early August.

Previous Winners Line Up For Turf Races

The four races to be held on the grass on Saturday have attracted previous winners of the respective event, including a pair of defending champions.

Ethical Diamond (Ire) (Awtaad {Ire}) caused the boilover to stop all boilovers at Del Mar last fall, coming with a barnstorming stretch rally to run past the three-peat seeking and recently retired Rebel’s Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) for legendary jumps trainer Willie Mullins. The 6-year-old took the G3 Ballyroan Stakes at Leopardstown in August and suggested that he arrives here in top form with a strong runner-up effort to the Tattersalls Sceptre Sessions-bound Tiffany (Ire) (Farhh {GB}) in the GII Kentucky Turf Cup Sept. 5.

The Euro challenge is fortified by G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe third and ‘TDN Rising Star’ presented by Hagyard Diamond Necklace (Ire) (St Mark’s Basilica {Fr}), while just four domestic middle-distance gallopers contest the turf, headed by Minaret Station (Instilled Regard) and ‘TDN Rising Star’ presented by Hagyard Far Bridge (English Channel), first and second, respectively, in the GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Belmont Oct. 1.

Godolphin, trainer Charlie Appleby and jockey William Buick have won the GI Breeders’ Cup Mile four out of the last five years and ‘TDN Rising Star’ presented by Hagyard Notable Speech (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) can extend that remarkable streak on Saturday in defense of his title against the filly True Love (Ire) (No Nay Never), who beat the boys in the oft-productive G1 Prix de la Foret at ParisLongchamp Oct. 4. Rhetorical (Not This Time), fourth after leading late last year, and runner-up Formidable Man (City of Light) are among America’s top hopes.

Notable Speech prevailed in the Mile at Del Mar | Horsephotos

Juddmonte’s Blue Bolt (Ire) (Blue Point {Ire}) has been absolutely dominant over a mile against her peers this season, with victories in four consecutive Group 1 events, and she’d have been a handful for Notable Speech had they gone in that direction. Instead, she stretches out to 9 1/2 furlongs for the GI Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf and although her pedigree doesn’t exactly scream distance, these horses routinely stay this sort of trip. The connections of G1 Coronation Stakes heroine Precise (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) will hope the trip sees out Blue Bolt, whom they have finished behind three times. Top-level scorers Gimme A Nother (SAf) (Gimmethegreenlight {Aus}) and Kathynmarissa (American Pharoah) are among the best stateside chances.

Starlust (Ire) (Zoustar {Aus}) took a rough-and-tumble renewal of the GI Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar in 2024 and is back from a stint at stud to try this once more against defending champion ‘TDN Rising Star’ presented by Hagyard Shisospicy (Mitole), who figures to be part of a wicked early pace with speed types occupying the inside gates. Bacio (Maclean’s Music) will be the idea of the favorite in many circles after shipping to York to take the G1 Coolmore Nunthorpe Stakes, while Keeneland Championship Sale offering Miss Yechance (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}), a latest winner of the G1 Prix de l’Abbaye, will need to work out a trip from the 14.

Other BC Dirt Races Could Be On the Chalky Side

The next-richest of Saturday’s races to be contested over the main track are the $2-million GI Breeders’ Cup Distaff and GI Breeders’ Cup Sprint.

The Distaff has lured a field of eight and on paper, D J Stable’s Nitrogen (Medaglia d’Oro) will be a strong choice to go one better than her performance at Del Mar last year. A very game runner-up behind Sovereignty in the Whitney, she made light work of the GII Beldame Stakes last time and is strictly the one to beat. Fully Subscribed (Tiz the Law) looks a different proposition than the one that finished a dozen lengths behind Nitrogen in the GI Ogden Phipps Stakes and goes out for the Chad Brown barn which has finished second three times in the Distaff, but is still looking for its first win.

‘TDN Rising Star’ presented by Hagyard Englishman (Maxfield) will be the clear-cut choice as he faces older horses in the Sprint, but he’ll have to be at his very best from barrier 13 in the field of 13. Dark Saffron (Flameaway) won the G1 Dubai Golden Shaheen for the second year running in late March and is the first UAE-based runner to come across for the Breeders’ Cup. Contention runs deep with Grade I winners Hymn (McKinzie) and Listenupshance (Shancelot) among the competition.

Englishman | Sarah Andrew

The GI Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint is first up on Saturday, and in the form of ‘TDN Rising Star’ Ways and Means (Practical Joke), the seven-furlong affair also looks to have a prohibitive favorite. There will be those willing to take her on, reasoning that she is a horse that clearly delivers her best at Saratoga, and Grade I winner R Disaster (Awesome Slew), defending champ Splendora (Audible) and Kilwin (Twirling Candy) are capable foes if the chalk stubs her toe.

The GI Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile might just be the most appealing race on the program from a pari-mutuel perspective. The defection of Knightsbridge and the Monday addition of ‘TDN Rising Star’ presented by Hagyard Further Ado (Gun Runner)–a Grade I winner at Keeneland–opens things up a bit.

The Spendthrift colt may have to be asked early from the rail and the pace appears to be very much on, setting things up for the sweepers. Coal Battle (Coal Front) has been solid without winning, but may get the Dirt Mile run to suit and Owen Almighty (Speightstown) is not impossible if patient tactics are put into play by Brian Lynch.

Future Stars Friday To Provide Classic Clues

While ‘TDN Rising Star’ presented by Hagyard U. S. S. Valor (War of Will) stays in the Shug McGaughey barn this weekend, a field of eight juvenile colts is set to contest the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

Bob Baffert has saddled six winners of the Juvenile and looks set to tack on another with ‘TDN Rising Star’ presented by Hagyard Hughes (Into Mischief) looming the one they all have to beat after dominating the GI American Pharoah Stakes with a race-fastest 100 Beyer. Stablemate Salahudin (Uncle Mo) is three-for-three, including a hard-fought win in the GIII Iroquois Stakes, while ‘TDN Rising Stars’ American History (Constitution) and Coach Pope (Tapit) meet again after running 1-2 in the GI Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity over course and distance Oct. 3.

American History got the better of fellow ‘Rising Star’ Coach Pope in the Breeders’ Futurity | Coady Media

In the fillies’ equivalent, GI Darley Alcibiades Stakes victress Emphatic (Nyquist) will vie for favoritism with ‘TDN Rising Star’ presented by Hagyard Miss Monica (Early Voting), who won the GI Del Mar Debutante looking a filly that wants every bit of a trip like the one she gets here.

Gstaad (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) overcame the 14 hole to take out last year’s GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf and G2 Coventry Stakes hero Great Barrier Reef (Ire) (No Nay Never) will need another masterclass from Ryan Moore if he is to repeat the dose. It is noteworthy that Moore rode Hit It a Bomb (War Front) to win the 2015 Juvenile Turf at Keeneland from just this side of the burgoo vendors.

Not quite as awkwardly drawn in nine in the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf is ‘TDN Rising Star’ presented by Hagyard Sun Goddess (Ire) (Sioux Nation), whose current five-race tear includes the G1 Moyglare Stud Stakes in yielding Curragh ground and the G1 Cheveley Park Stakes at Newmarket 13 days hence. Fellow ‘Rising Star’ Curracloe (Baaeed {GB}) exits a facile success in the G3 Darley Fillies Stakes at the Curragh and has a low gate to her advantage. Domestic Agenda (American Pharoah) and Vanta (Greatest Honour), each an undefeated graded winner, fly the flag for the U.S.

Who wins the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint is anybody’s guess, but favoritism could fall to the filly Libertango (Ire) (No Nay Never), winner of York’s G2 Lowther Stakes Aug. 20 ahead of a runner-up effort to Sun Goddess in the Cheveley Park. Flavien Prat takes the call for George Boughey from gate three. Primetime Emmy (Aus) (Extreme Choice {Aus}) won the G3 Prix Eclipse at Chantilly Sept. 19 and races 48 hours after going through the Keeneland Championship Sale.

The post Five For Forever Young As Favorite In Breeders’ Cup Classic appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

Legendary Washington Trainer Howard Belvoir Passes Away

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Trainer Howard Belvoir, for six decades a fixture in horse racing in the Pacific Northwest, died Oct. 23 from heart failure at the age of 82, according to a post on the Emerald Downs website.

Based mainly in Washington, but having also done stints in California, Oregon and British Columbia, Belvoir won 2,192 races in a career dating back to 1963, per Equibase stats, and included his induction into the Washington Racing Hall of Fame.

Born in Iola, Kansas, and raised in Payette, Idaho, Belvoir honed his skills under the tutelage of trainers Roy and Troy Taylor before taking out his license.

“Racing is in my blood,” Belvoir said in 2018. “Once you get in you, you can never get it out of you.”

Belvoir ranks third in the history of Emerald Downs by wins (830), second in earnings ($9,514,704) and sixth in stakes wins (49).

Belvoir bred and trained Washington Horse of the Year Wasserman to victory in the GIII Longacres Mile Handicap in 2008 and won the marquee race on the calendar on two other occasions with Assessment (2009) and fan-favorite Barkley (2018).

The Emerald Downs race office honored Belvoir with its 2010 Martin Durkan Award for sportsmanship and excellence on and off the track, and in 2013 Belvoir was recognized with the state’s top racing honor by being voted into the Washington Racing Hall of Fame. In his acceptance speech, Belvoir recognized owners, assistant trainers, exercise riders, grooms and hotwalkers for making it all possible.

“I’ve been fortunate and lucky to have a lot of good horses, but you’re only as good as your help,” he said. “That’s the truth.”

Belvoir is survived by longtime partner Vicki Potter and sons Heath, Clay and Vann, the latter a former Emerald Downs riding champion and currently a trainer in California.

Per Belvoir’s request, no services are planned. The family plans to honor him with a race at Emerald Downs in the 2027 season.

The post Legendary Washington Trainer Howard Belvoir Passes Away appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.