 |
|
| Staff Writer |
 |
Elite Power has a proven track record in the US$2 million Breeders' Cup Sprint (Gr.1). Now, his connections have high hopes that this 5YO son of the two-time Horse of the Year Curlin can achieve success once again.
Elite Power from Juddmonte is a top contender in the upcoming 6-furlong dash for 3YO and up at Santa Anita Park. Last November, he won the Sprint by 1 1/4 lengths and was awarded the Eclipse Award for champion sprinter after winning five of six starts that season.
Elite Power will be making his first start of the year at the Sprint since his eight-race winning streak ended when he placed second in the 26th Aug. Forego Stakes (Gr.1) at Saratoga Race Course.
Until then, Elite Power had been unbeatable, starting with his maiden win in his fourth try at Churchill Downs in June of his 3YO season. However, Gunite, who Elite Power had defeated by a head in the Alfred G. Vanderbilt (Gr.1) earlier in the Saratoga meet, won the Forego by 1 3/4 lengths.
Elite Power had won four of six starts at the Sprint distance, and his trainer, Hall of Famer Bill Mott, recognizes that he is likely to be the favorite to defend his title. Nevertheless, Mott isn't presuming anything and hasn't reserved a spot on his mantel for the trophy yet.
“Horses show up in the Breeders’ Cup that you didn’t know existed,” Mott said. “You look up and you’ll say, ‘Holy (cow), where did they come from?’ There are races you are in where it looks like you are the best horse on paper and you think you ought to win. These races are so tough that you are no cinch to win no matter who you are.”
The son of Curlin is aiming to join the exclusive club of horses that have won the Sprint in consecutive years, a feat accomplished only by Roy H (2017-18) and Midnight Lute (2007-08).
Trainer Mott is optimistic about his training since the Forego and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. will be at the reins. Simply reaching the Breeders' Cup is a victory in itself for the connections, who must navigate a challenging path to qualify.
“Really, there is probably not as much pressure in the Breeders’ Cup as there is in a lot of other races,” Mott said. “All these races are so difficult, you are just lucky to show up. We have been beaten in Breeders’ Cup races before and, sometimes, because you know the races are so competitive going in, you are not as disappointed if you get beat. It is absolutely a win to get there. You have to have a great season to get there.”
A rivalry that started earlier this year in Saudi Arabia between Elite Power and Gunite has continued throughout the summer at Saratoga Race Course. Now, it is heading to Santa Anita Park for its final showdown. On 4th November, these two high-class older horses will meet again in the US$2 million Breeders' Cup Sprint (Gr.1), a thrilling six-furlong contest that will be their fourth and final meeting.
Juddmonte's Elite Power, the reigning champion older male sprinter and last year's Breeders' Cup Sprint winner, will retire to stud at Juddmonte in Central Kentucky after the Breeders' Cup. Among the entries, last-out graded stakes winners Dr. Schivel, The Chosen Vron, and Hoist the Gold will compete against probable favourites Elite Power and Gunite.
Both horses have won three times this year, including once each at the Group One level.
"He really stepped it up, kind of dictated things his way, but he was in control," said Gunite's regular jockey, Tyler Gaffalione. "Honestly, I think if we go around again, (Elite Power) doesn't get by."
"I don't have any lack of confidence in him," Mott said in an interview with reporters that was recorded by Jennie Rees, publicist for the Kentucky Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. "I mean, look, it's a horse race. They got to go over there and do it, have a good trip. I have no reason to believe he is not as good as he was last year."