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| Sumita Pawar |
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Richard Dutrow's Breeder's Cup Classic winner, White Abarrio, recently returned to the Santa Anita track for his first workout since his impressive November victory there. The 4YO put in a solid performance, clocking in at 1:04.6 over five furlongs. With a strong mid-late career surge, White Abarrio is testing the waters and maintaining his exceptional form. However, his next race is still up in the air, with Dutrow and his team considering the January 27 Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream. Though they are still listing him as a "possible" for that race, they are primarily focused on the Saudi Cup on February 2 in Riyadh and/or the Dubai World Cup at Meydan on 30th March.
Dutrow could cherry-pick his way through what we might call the Dead-of-Winter Triple Crown, with the opportunity to participate in three very rich purses. It's an enviable position to be in, considering the challenges of the winter races in Florida and the Middle East, but with the massive purses on offer, there's no shortage of competitors.
White Abarrio's Breeders' Cup Classic victory marked a turning point for the horse's career, proving that he still had room to grow and improve. After a lackluster performance in 2022, he clocked a steady and impressive resurgence in 2023.
The Pegasus World Cup, Saudi Cup, and Dubai World Cup are all challenging races in their own right. While the Pegasus has established itself as a meaningful event on the American calendar, the Saudi and Dubai meetings provide a global path that sharpens the competition. With the Japanese owners and trainers joining the fray, these races are quickly becoming more renowned and lucrative for athletes.
Dutrow is excited about the future, calling 2024 "fun" after winning the Breeders' Cup Classic. White Abarrio and his team are looking forward to what's to come.