Classic Promises a Spectacle of Speed, Power, and Prestige
Unparalleled Prestige: A Race Beyond Compare
The racing world is abuzz with anticipation as the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Classic gallops back into our hearts and headlines in 2023. This year promises to be a seismic spectacle, a convergence of power, speed, and unrivaled athleticism as the finest thoroughbreds from around the globe gather at the iconic venue for the race of the year. The Breeders’ Cup Classic has long been the crowning jewel of the horse racing calendar, a race that transcends the boundaries of sport, capturing the imaginations of enthusiasts and casual fans alike. As we approach the 40th edition of this illustrious event, the sense of history and prestige is palpable. This is not just a race; it’s a tradition, a showcase of the sheer magnificence of these equine athletes and the indomitable spirit of competition. With a purse that befits its status, the Breeders’ Cup Classic attracts the best of the best, creating an elite field that promises an edge-of-the-seat experience for all who witness it.
Get Ready to Witness History
As the thoroughbreds thunder down the track at Santa Anita, the world will be watching. The 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic is not just a race; it’s a spectacle, a celebration of the raw power and elegance of these magnificent athletes. Join us as we witness history unfold on Novenmber 4th, as the finest horses on the planet vie for glory in the race that defines a year and crowns a champion. Get ready for the Breeders’ Cup Classic—the pinnacle of racing excellence.
The Contenders: A Clash of Titans
The roster of contenders for the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Classic is nothing short of a who’s who in the world of thoroughbred racing. From seasoned champions seeking to add another jewel to their crown to emerging stars ready to etch their names in the annals of history, the lineup promises a clash of titans. Will we witness another dominate performance from a past champion, or will a new hero emerge from the fray? The unpredictability is part of what makes the Breeders’ Cup Classic a must-watch event, where every stride is a step toward immortality.
Arcangelo
Career Stats: 6-4-1-0 Earnings: $1,754,900
Sire: Arrogate / Dam: Modeling
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Trainer: Jena Antonucci
Owner: Blue Rose Farm
Notes: Broke his maiden in March at Gulfstream Park before losing his 1st two career starts. Wins three straight stakes races, Peter Pan (G3) by a head, 1 1/2 length victory in the Belmont Stakes (G1), and the Travers (G1) beating Derby winner Mage, Preakness winner National Treasure and 2-year old champion Forte. Jena Antonucci the first female trainer to win a Triple Crown race.
Proxy
Career Stats: 19-6-7-2 Earnings: $2,224,970
Sire: Tapit / Dam: Panty Raid
Jockey: Joel Rosario
Trainer: Michael Stidham
Owner: Godolphin
Notes: Has one career start at Santa Anita, where this year’s Classic takes place. He finished second only losing by a neck on March 4th going 1 1/4 miles in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1). He has finished first or second 13 times in his career. Monmouth Cup (G3) won by 2 1/2 lengths. His last start at Saratoga at 1 1/4 miles distance came in second by a nose, losing to Bright Future who plans on running in the Classic as well.
Practical Move
Career Stats: 8-5-1-2 Earnings: $923,200
Sire: Practical Joke / Dam: Ack Naughty
Jockey: Ramon Vazquez
Trainer: Tim Yakteen
Owner: Leslie A. Amestoy, Pierre J. Amestoy and Roger K Beasley
Notes: A top Derby prospect at the start of the 2023 season. Out with a minor illness since May 6th. October 6th returned to the track at Santa Anita going 1 mile distance, winning by 4 lengths. Four lifetime starts at Santa Anita winning all four times, twice at 1 mile, San Felipe (G2) winner at 1 1/16 miles, and Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner at 1 1/8 mile. Tim Yakteen former assistant trainer to Bob Baffert.
Saudi Crown
Career Stats: 5-3-2-0 Earnings: $817,085
Sire: Always Dreaming / Dam: New Narration
Jockey: Florent Geroux
Trainer: Brad Cox
Owner: FMQ Stables
Notes: The speed of the race with his front running style. Won the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) going wire-to-wire but in sloppy track conditions. Trainer Brad Cox won the 2021 Classic with Knicks Go, who had the same running style. Won his first to career starts, the second an allowance race at Churchill Downs winning by 6 1/2 lengths. Lost by a nose to Fort Bragg in the Dwyer (G3). Lost to Forte by a nose in the Jim Dandy (G1).
White Abarrio
Career Stats: 14-6-1-3 Earnings: $1,826,350
Sire: Race Day / Dam: Catching Diamonds
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr
Trainer: Richard Dutrow Jr
Owner: C2 Racing Stable LLC and La Milagrosa Stable LLC
Notes: Won the Whitney (G1) at 1 1/8 miles by 6 1/4 lengths, setting a career high speed figure. In his other three starts in 2023. 3rd in the Met Mile. 1st in an allowance race at Gulfstream park. 8th in the Pegasus World Cup. Trainer Dutrow returned from a 10-year suspension, after previous trainer Saffie Joseph Jr was suspended from Churchill Downs. At 3-years old won the Holy Bull (G3) and the Florida Derby (G1).
Ushba Tesoro (Japan)
Career Stats: 30-10-1-5 Earnings: $9,540,345
Sire: Orfevre (Japan) / Dam: Millefeui Attach (Japan)
Jockey: Yuga Kawada
Trainer: Noboru Takagi
Owner: Ryotokuji Kenji Holdings Co Ltd
Notes: Major player in the 2023 Classic. In April of 2022 switch from turf to dirt and has won six of his last seven starts on the dirt. Was 3-22 on the turf before that switch. Won the 1 1/4 mile Dubai World Cup (G1) by 2 3/4 lengths. Won his last six consecutive starts. Won his last start at 1 1/8 miles in September by 2 1/2 lengths. This is one international horse who has a chance at a major upset.
Bright Future
Career Stats: 7-4-0-2 Earnings: $716,940
Sire: Curlin / Dam: Sophia’s Song
Jockey: Javier Castellano
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable
Notes: Rapidly improving horse. Trainer Todd Pletcher won the 2019 Classic at Santa Anita with Vino Rosso. Sire Curlin won the 2007 Classic. Won a allowance race at 1 1/8 miles at Saratoga. Won the 1 1/4 mile Jockey Cup Gold Cup (G1) at Saratoga by a nose over Proxy. It was his first career graded stakes win. Finished 8th in the 1 1/2 mile Brooklyn Stakes (G2).
The 2023 Breeders’ Cup Turf Beckons
Don’t Miss the Turf Triumph:
In 2023, the Breeders’ Cup Turf beckons, promising an unrivaled spectacle that transcends the boundaries of traditional turf racing. As the anticipation builds and the racing world turns its eyes toward this grand event, one thing is certain: the Breeders’ Cup Turf will once again prove why it is hailed as the pinnacle of equestrian excellence. Secure your place in the heart of the action and be part of a racing legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Unveiling a New Chapter
In the heart of horse racing’s grandeur and glory, there’s an event that stands as the epitome of equestrian excellence—the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Turf. Set to unfold like a magnificent tapestry at Santa Anita, this year’s installment promises to transcend expectations and redefine the boundaries of turf racing. The 2023 edition of the Breeders’ Cup Turf promises to be a spectacle of unprecedented proportions. With a Santa Anita providing a canvas for racing drama, attendees can anticipate an atmosphere charged with anticipation and excitement. Whether you’re a seasoned racing enthusiast or a first-time spectator, the allure of the Breeders’ Cup Turf lies in its ability to craft new narratives, unveil rising stars, and etch unforgettable moments into the collective memory of the horse racing community.
A Prestigious Gathering of Champions
The Breeders’ Cup Turf has long been hailed as the premier test of stamina, skill, and strategy on the grass. Renowned for attracting the most elite thoroughbreds from around the globe, this event is a showcase of the finest in turf racing. As the pounding hooves reverberate and the jockeys lean into the exhilarating turns, spectators are treated to a display of sheer speed, power, and grace that leaves them on the edge of their seats. What sets the Breeders’ Cup Turf apart is its ability to draw the most illustrious names in the world of horse racing. As the stars of the turf align, spectators can expect to witness a clash of titans, where champions from various continents vie for supremacy. The allure of the Breeders’ Cup Turf lies not just in the sheer competition but in the gathering of pedigrees that have etched their names in the annals of racing history.
War Like Goddess
Career Stats: 17-11-2-2 Earnings: $2,495,184
Sire: English Channel / Dam: Misty North
Jockey: Junior Alvardo
Trainer: Bill Mott
Owner: George Krikorian
Notes: A mare against the boys. Finished in the money in 15 of her 17 starts. Finished 3rd in the 2022 Breeders Cup Turf. Won her last start the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1) by 4 1/2 lengths going 1 1/2 miles beating the boys. In her first start of 2023 won the 1 1/2 miles Bewitch Stakes (G3). In her next two starts at 6th place finish in the 1 1/4 miles New York Stakes (G1), then 2nd in the 1 1/2 mile Glens Falls (G2).
Mostahdaf (Ireland)
Career Stats: 16-10-2-0 Earnings: $3,000,193
Sire: Frankel (GB) / Dam: Handassa (GB)
Jockey: Lanfranco Dettori
Trainer: John & Thady Gosden
Owner: Shadwell Estate Company Ltd
Notes: Trained in England, has competed on the international stage with much success in 2023. In his first start of the season won the 1 5/16 mile Neom Turf Cup (G3) by 7 lengths. 4th place finish in the 1 1/2 mile Dubai Sheema Classic (G1). Won the 1 1/4 mile Prince of Wales (G1) by 4 lengths during the Royal Ascot meet. His last start a 1 length victory in the Juddmonte International (G1) at 1 5/16 miles.
Up to the Mark
Career Stats: 11-6-0-2 Earnings: $1,831,650
Sire: Not This Time / Dam: Belle’s Finale
Jockey: Jose Ortiz
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Owner: Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable
Notes: Started on the dirt but has switch to turf, and won 4 of it’s last 5 starts on the turf. Started 2023 with a turf allowance win at 1 mile by 4 lengths. Came back and won again on the turf by 1 1/4 lengths at 1 1/16 miles. 3rd place finish in the 1 mile Maker’s Mark Mile (G1). Won his first turf graded stakes victory in Turf Classic (G1) at 1 1/8 miles, and won by 3 3/4 lengths. Won the 1 1/4 mile Manhattan Stakes (G1) by 2 3/4 lengths. After a four month layoff on October 7th won the Coolmore Turf Mile (G1) By a nose over Master of The Seas.
Bolshoi Ballet (Ireland)
Career Stats: 17-5-1-3 Earnings: $1,333,959
Sire: Galileo (IRE) / Dam: Alta Anna (IRE)
Jockey: John Velazquez
Trainer: Aidan O’Brien
Owner: Mrs. John Westerberg, Magnier, Michael B. Tabor and Derrick Smith
Notes: Won the Sword Dancer Stakes (G1) at 1 1/2 miles by 4 1/2 lengths. In 2021 finished 6th in the Breeders Cup Turf (G1) at Del Mar. He began the season finishing third in the Vintage Crop Stakes on April 22 and then was third again, beaten only by a neck, in the Al Rayyan Stakes (G3) on May 20. In June, he finished second by 1 ¼ lengths in the Wolferton Stakes in a field of 16 at Ascot before finishing sixth of 10 behind Hukum (IRE) over the same course in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes (G1) on July 29.
Get Smokin
Career Stats: 27-6-7-2 Earnings: $1,667,857
Sire: Get Stormy / Dam: Hookah Lady
Jockey: Fernando De La Cruz
Trainer: Mark Casse
Owner: Ironhorse Racing Stable LLC, BlackRidge Stables LLC, T-N-T Equine Holdings LLC and Saratoga Seven Racing Partners LLC
Notes: Although Get Smokin in the past has been a miler. His connections tried him at the 1 ½-mile distance for the first time, and it proved to be a good idea as he beat his competition in the Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes (G2) at Kentucky Downs. Get Smokin went straight to the lead and never looked back, beating Spooky Channel by 1 ¾ lengths. Get Smokin finished second in the Wise Dan Stakes (G2). Finished second in the Arlington Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs, which are both held at 1 1/16 miles.
Auguste Rodin (Ireland)
Career Stats: 9-6-1-0 Earnings: $2,878,538
Sire: Deep Impact (JPN) / Dam: Rhododendron (IRE)
Jockey: Ryan Moore
Trainer: Aidan P. O’Brien
Owner: M Tabor/D Smith/Mrs.J Magnier/Westerberg
Notes: Has won 4 of his last 6 grade 1 starts in Europe. Named after the French sculptor who gave the world The Thinker. In June, Auguste Rodin returned ito form in the Betfred Derby (G1) at Epsom, and he ran to hopes as he defeated King Of Steel by a half-length. Auguste Rodin then became a dual Derby winner in his next start when he defeated Adelaide River (IRE) by 1 ½ lengths in the July 2 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (G1) at the Curragh. He is the first horse since Harzand (IRE) in 2016 to complete the English/Irish Derby double. Auguste Rodin in his last start the Sept. 9 Irish Champion Stakes (G1) at Leopardstown, which he won by a half-length over Luxembourg (IRE).
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