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In today’s email:

• Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: Sierra Leone's Comeback Too Strong for Fierceness

• Breeders' Cup Distaff Recap: Thorpedo Anna Dominates with Commanding Win

• Breeders' Cup Turf Recap: Rebel's Romance Repeats Triumph

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BREEDERS CUP NEWS

Breeders' Cup Classic Recap: Sierra Leone's Comeback Too Strong for Fierceness

DEL MAR, Calif. – Trainer Chad Brown once had high hopes that Sierra Leone would deliver his first Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, or Travers win. Yet, after a series of close finishes, Brown shifted his focus to the Breeders’ Cup Classic, hoping for redemption.

On a warm fall day in Southern California, Sierra Leone delivered a powerful performance, overpowering Fierceness in the final strides to claim victory in the $7 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar. Fierceness, who set a blazing pace, held on for second, finishing 1 1/4 lengths ahead of Forever Young. The top three finishers were all 3-year-olds, though City of Troy, the European turf star, couldn’t adapt to the dirt surface and ended up eighth.

This was Brown’s 19th Breeders' Cup victory, and his first in the Classic—the richest race in the U.S. Sierra Leone, who had previously claimed wins in the Risen Star and Blue Grass Stakes, had narrowly missed winning the Kentucky Derby, Belmont, and Travers. Brown shared, “After so many close calls this season, this victory makes up for all those missed opportunities.”

Brown attributed the win to three main factors: Sierra Leone’s preference for tracks other than Saratoga, his ability to come from behind in fast-paced races, and the favorable outside draw in post 11.

Under jockey Flavien Prat, Sierra Leone was positioned 11th early on, trailing by 13 lengths at the half-mile mark. By the five-furlong point, he began to gain ground, taking advantage of the rapid pace set by Derma Sotogake, who was closely pursued by Fierceness.

Fierceness, the 5-2 favorite ridden by John Velazquez, surged ahead as they approached the final stretch but couldn’t withstand Sierra Leone’s closing run. Sierra Leone took the lead near the eighth pole and held off Fierceness to secure the win. Prat noted, “I worried I might have taken the lead too soon, but once I asked him, he delivered.”

Owned by Coolmore partners, Sierra Leone, a son of Gun Runner, completed the 1 1/4 miles in 2:00.78, earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 112 and paying $15.80 as the fourth betting choice.

Fierceness ran a strong race despite the intense pace. Velazquez mentioned, “When he felt the pressure from the horses outside the gate, he grabbed the bit, and I knew we’d be in for a tough ride.” Trainer Todd Pletcher shared similar concerns, noting, “He was running hard early, and I wondered how much more he could give. His fight for second was admirable.”

Forever Young, who had finished third in the Kentucky Derby, raced close to the leaders but struggled to stay with them in the end. Trainer Yoshito Yahagi stated, “He gave his all, but the pace was a bit too quick for him.”

City of Troy, heavily anticipated as a top competitor, couldn’t get involved after a slow start. Trainer Aidan O’Brien reflected, “He didn’t break as sharply as we’d prepared for, and that gave Ryan [Moore] little chance.”

Sierra Leone’s consistent performances throughout the year, without any races where he faltered badly, could make him a frontrunner for 3-year-old Champion Male over Fierceness, who had a 15th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby. Brown said, “Our horse has been steady all season, while [Fierceness] has had some off days. In my view, Sierra Leone deserves the title.”

For Horse of the Year, Brown acknowledged Thorpedo Anna, who claimed her fifth Grade 1 win in the Distaff earlier that day, as a likely candidate. “She’s had an amazing season and would be deserving of the title,” Brown remarked.

Breeders' Cup Distaff Recap: Thorpedo Anna Dominates with Commanding Win

DEL MAR, Calif. – Thorpedo Anna, a hardworking and resilient filly, capped an exceptional season with a decisive gate-to-wire victory in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff on Saturday at Del Mar. Known for her consistency and tenacity, she delivered yet again as the favorite, meeting high expectations.

Thorpedo Anna, who paid $2.80, took control early. Under jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., she set a measured pace and pulled away to win by 2 1/2 lengths over Raging Sea, with Candied in third. The Distaff field was thinned by the absences of 2023 winner Idiomatic, multiple Grade 1 winner Adare Manor, and Japan’s undefeated Awesome Result, who was scratched just before race day.

This win marked a milestone for trainer Kenny McPeek, earning his first Breeders' Cup victory at the end of an unforgettable year. McPeek and Hernandez had already celebrated victories in the Kentucky Derby with Mystik Dan and the Kentucky Oaks with Thorpedo Anna. In 2024, Thorpedo Anna raced seven times, winning six. “She just loves her work,” McPeek said. “She’s a real trooper, always shows up for every race. I think that makes the job easier.”

Hernandez, who has partnered with Thorpedo Anna in all 10 of her starts (eight wins and two seconds), said the key was getting her out smoothly and into a comfortable rhythm. “Once she settled in, my job was to stay out of her way,” Hernandez remarked.

Breaking well, Thorpedo Anna took the lead with only light pressure from Raging Sea. She maintained a steady pace with fractions of 23.81 for the first quarter and 47.99 for the half-mile. By six furlongs in 1:12.01, it was clear she had dictated the race to her liking, ultimately covering 1 1/8 miles in 1:49.10 and earning a 100 Beyer Speed Figure.

Flavien Prat, aboard Raging Sea, was positioned close but couldn’t match Thorpedo Anna’s finishing kick. “I felt we were in a good spot,” Prat said, “but she just found another gear.”

Raging Sea, the second choice, finished 3 3/4 lengths ahead of Candied, who secured third after a ground-saving trip. Following them were Alice Verite, Sugar Fish, Che Evasora, and Honor D Lady.

Trainer Chad Brown, who plans to bring Raging Sea back next year at age five, speculated that a faster pace might have changed the outcome, especially given the scratches. “It would’ve been interesting to see her under more pressure,” Brown acknowledged, while also praising Thorpedo Anna for her consistency and resilience.

Thorpedo Anna’s path to the Distaff was not without challenges. During Breeders’ Cup week, she dealt with a cut on her hip and a hematoma, which led McPeek to skip her training on Monday and only jog her on Tuesday. “It was nerve-wracking, but she’s tough and handled it without a hitch,” McPeek said.

Her victories this season include the Grade 2 Fantasy and five Grade 1 races—the Kentucky Oaks, Acorn, Coaching Club American Oaks, Cotillion, and now the Distaff. Her sole loss was a close second against colts in the Travers.

Looking ahead, McPeek plans for Thorpedo Anna to return as a 4-year-old, provided she’s in top health. “She’s had an amazing season, and as long as she’s sound, we’re likely to bring her back,” he said.

Thorpedo Anna is co-owned by Mark Edwards, breeder Judy Hicks, Magdalena Racing, and Brookdale Racing. The daughter of Fast Anna has earned $3,843,663 from her 10 starts, with her only losses being runner-up finishes. Currently, she reigns supreme in the 3-year-old filly division.

Breeders' Cup Turf Recap: Rebel's Romance Repeats Triumph

DEL MAR, Calif. – Rebel’s Romance, the seasoned 6-year-old gelding, added another Breeders’ Cup Turf victory to his impressive record on Saturday at Del Mar. Returning to the spotlight after his 2022 win at Keeneland, Rebel’s Romance came into the race as a solid favorite in a competitive field of 13.

Under jockey William Buick, Rebel’s Romance raced strategically near the front, opening up a significant lead in the stretch and holding off a fast-closing Rousham Park by a neck. Buick praised his mount, saying, “He’s remarkable—always finds a way to win, which is a true mark of a great horse.”

Third place went to Shahryar, who closed from the back of the field, matching his third-place finish from the 2023 Breeders' Cup Turf at Santa Anita.

Tragically, the race saw the loss of Jayarebe, who experienced a fatal cardiac event after finishing seventh, according to a Breeders' Cup statement. Jayarebe had recently won the Group 2 Prix Dollar in Paris and entered the race as an 8-1 contender.

Rebel’s Romance completed the 1 1/2 miles in 2:26.07, marking his seventh Grade 1 or Group 1 win and the 12th stakes victory of his career, which began in 2020. He recorded a 106 Beyer Speed Figure and paid $5.80 as the winning bet.

Racing for Godolphin and trained by Charlie Appleby, Rebel’s Romance started from post 11, positioning himself fourth behind early leader Cabo Spirit. Buick made a decisive move as the field neared the stretch, positioning Rebel’s Romance to avoid potential traffic and ensuring a clear path forward. “We decided on a positive approach,” Buick explained. “I sensed the pace slowing, so I pushed forward. He settled nicely and found that perfect rhythm.”

Cabo Spirit set moderate fractions early on, but Rebel’s Romance gained control as they approached the final stretch, with Cabo Spirit ultimately fading. In the closing strides, Rebel’s Romance’s lead narrowed as Rousham Park surged forward at 22-1 odds, creating a thrilling finish.

Appleby noted the value of this late challenge, saying, “He needed that push from behind. When he felt the second horse, he kicked into gear. That’s what makes him special.”

Rousham Park, who has found success in Japan with four stakes wins, delivered his best performance outside his home country. Trainer Hiroyasa Tanaka shared that the race went as planned, with jockey Christophe Lemaire executing a well-calculated ride.

Shahryar finished fourth, followed by Gold Phoenix, Wingspan, Luxembourg, Jayarebe, Emily Upjohn, Far Bridge, There Goes Harvard, Grand Sonata, Cabo Spirit, and El Encinal.

Rebel’s Romance’s career earnings now exceed $11.7 million, with over $8.7 million earned this year alone. His 2024 season saw victories in Qatar, Dubai, Hong Kong, Germany, and now the U.S. The Irish-bred son of Dubawi will continue racing in 2025, with Appleby noting, “He’s a horse you can count on, always giving his best.”