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| Staff Writer |
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Senor Buscador's story is one of unexpected triumph. Trained by Todd Fincher, a seasoned horseman with a deep-rooted racing pedigree, the horse rocketed to international fame with victories in the prestigious Gr.1 Saudi Cup and a close third-place finish in the iconic Gr.1 Dubai World Cup.
These races, renowned for their massive purses and elite competition, were a first for both Fincher and Senor Buscador, placing them on the global horseracing map.
"He's doing great," Fincher assured, "at Peacefield Farm in Temecula, California. He’s been turned out for a few weeks." Letting the horse dictate the pace of his return is key for Fincher. "We are going to let him tell us when he's ready."
Fincher's trip to the Middle East was a whirlwind, a stark contrast to his usual racing environment. "A great experience, something I've never experienced before," he described. "They treated us great. And it was, it was very good."
The sheer scale of Meydan racecourse left an impression. "It's a huge facility," Fincher remarked. "They've done an excellent job building it constructing it. It's just a massive place and very nice."
While the overall experience was positive, some things didn’t go according to plan he acknowledged. "So, everything we did, I think was good. The horse did everything he was asked. I had instructed the jockey (Junior Alvarado) to wait as long as they could but he just saw that Laurel River was way in front and tried to catch him which cost him second place. But that's just part of it,” said Fincher.
The Road Ahead: California Classics and a Breeders' Cup Dream
Senor Buscador's next race remains under wraps. "He's going to run in California," Fincher revealed, "But I don't know when or where he's going to show up." The prestigious Gr. 2 Pat O'Brien Stakes at Del Mar could be a potential destination, a track where Senor Buscador previously finished third, two years ago, behind this year's Dubai World Cup victor, Laurel River.
The ultimate goal, however, remains clear. "Absolutely," Fincher declared when asked about the Breeders' Cup. "We always hoped for that."
Senor Buscador's lineage is an intriguing mix. His dam, Rose's Desert, was previously bred with prominent sires like Ghostzapper and Curlin. However, the decision to mate her with Mineshaft proved to be a fortuitous one. His stamina for classic distances undoubtedly played a role in Senor Buscador's success.
Fincher's own background is steeped in the world of horseracing. He is well known throughout the Southwest, having trained over 1450 thoroughbred winners with earnings of more than US$54 million. In 2018 he saddled Runaway Ghost (Senor Buscador’s half-brother) to victory in the Gr.3 Sunland Derby.
Fincher grew up in the racing business. His father was a jockey, and he rode for over 25 years and his mother was a trainer as well. Fincher became a jockey when he was 16. He branched out into training at 26, once he realised, he couldn’t keep his weight down.
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Senor Buscador's story is far from over. Under Fincher's watchful eye, the horse is poised for continued success. Whether it's a return to the Middle East or a tilt at the Breeders' Cup, Senor Buscador's talent and Fincher's experience make him a force to be reckoned with on the world stage. While the future remains unwritten, one thing is certain: the world of horseracing has taken notice of this unlikely champion and the trainer who guided him to the global spotlight.