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| Staff Writer |
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Rodolphe Brisset is plotting a direct course to the Breeders' Cup Sprint for his unbeaten star Mullikin, eschewing any preparatory outings as he aims for glory in the US$2 million contest at Del Mar on November 2.
The 4YO son of Violence has been in scintillating form this term, boasting a perfect four-from-four record. His crowning achievement came in his most recent outing, a dominant display in the Gr.1 Forego Stakes at Saratoga on August 24. The dark bay or brown colt led from pillar to post, leaving his six rivals trailing in his wake as he stormed to a 5 3/4-length victory in a swift time of 1:21.75 for the seven-furlong trip.
Mullikin, owned by the partnership of Siena Farm and WinStar Farm, has since returned to serious work, breezing a half-mile in 49 seconds at Keeneland on September 19.
Speaking on his charge's preparations, Brisset said: "He's doing very good. We are just going to go straight to the Breeders' Cup. I wanted to take my time and see how he was doing and if he needed an extra week before breezing. Looking at the past couple of winners, there's been a couple of different approaches in the last couple of years.
"I decided we are going straight. It may be the best plan."
The Breeders' Cup Sprint has a rich history of producing memorable performances. Previous winners include the likes of Runhappy, who followed up his 2015 victory with a triumph in the Gr.1 Malibu Stakes, and Roy H, who claimed back-to-back Sprint titles in 2017 and 2018.
Brisset's talented stable isn't a one-trick pony, with three-year-old World Record also making waves in the sprinting division. The son of Gun Runner claimed a notable success in the Gr.2 Amsterdam Stakes at Saratoga in July, before finishing out of the frame in the Gr.1 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes on August 24.
World Record has since returned to the work tab, most recently covering five furlongs in 1:00.40 at Keeneland on September 15.
Discussing future plans for the bay colt, Brisset revealed: "I haven't mapped out anything official yet. He is doing really good. We are going week by week after the Amsterdam when he came back in four weeks and he likely may have bounced a little for me, but I'm very happy with what I'm seeing in the last two works."
The handler added: "I'm keeping one eye on the Malibu. So I may work something backwards from there."
The Gr.1 Malibu Stakes, traditionally contested over seven furlongs at Santa Anita in late December, could prove an enticing year-end target for the talented sophomore.
With Mullikin primed for a tilt at Breeders' Cup glory and World Record potentially being aimed at the prestigious Malibu, Brisset's sprinting stars are set to light up the American racing scene in the coming months.