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| Staff Writer |
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Classic contender taking it easy at Saratoga Connections eyeing Eclipse Award honours Trainer reflects on colt's stellar campaign
Dual Group One winner Dornoch is being primed for a final hurrah in the US$6 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita on 2 November, with trainer Danny Gargan carefully orchestrating the colt's preparation for America's richest race.
The son of Good Magic has been enjoying a well-earned breather at Saratoga following his gutsy fourth in the Gr.1 Travers Stakes on 24 August. Gargan, speaking from his New York base, revealed the colt is now gearing up for his final assault on the track.
"He's doing good, and we gave him some time off and are just starting back," Gargan said. "He'll work three times before the Classic. He's not a horse you have to train a ton and we're just giving him some time to get over it. It's a tough campaign to go through the Derby, Belmont, Haskell, Travers...he'll stay here (at Saratoga) to train."
Dornoch's Classic tilt will mark the culmination of a stellar three-year-old campaign that saw him capture both the Gr.1 Belmont Stakes and Gr.1 Haskell Stakes. The colt's achievements have thrust him firmly into the Eclipse Award picture, alongside Travers victor Fierceness and recent Pennsylvania Derby hero Seize the Grey.
The Breeders' Cup Classic boasts an illustrious list of previous winners, including the likes of Cigar (1995), who went on to land the Dubai World Cup, and the brilliant Ghostzapper (2004), who retired with a near-perfect record. More recently, Gun Runner (2017) followed up his Classic triumph with victory in the Pegasus World Cup.
Gargan is acutely aware of the bittersweet nature of Dornoch's impending retirement to Spendthrift Farm, where he will embark on his stud career. The trainer's affection for his charge was evident as he reflected on their journey together.
"(Dornoch is) a sweet, beautiful horse, and it's going to be sad because he's retiring, but if everything goes well, he'll be a good sire," Gargan said. "He's bred to be one."
Owned by a high-powered partnership comprising West Paces Racing, R. A. Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding, Two Eight Racing, and Pine Racing Stables, Dornoch has already amassed over US$2 million in prize money. A Classic victory would not only cement his place among the elite of his generation but also significantly boost his appeal as a stallion prospect.
As Dornoch's connections dream of Breeders' Cup glory, Gargan is keenly aware of the delicate balancing act required to bring a horse to peak form for such a prestigious target. The trainer's measured approach, allowing his stable star ample time to recover from his exertions, speaks volumes about his faith in the colt's natural ability.
With the Classic looming large on the horizon, all eyes will be on Saratoga in the coming weeks as Dornoch steps up his preparation for his date with destiny at Santa Anita. For Gargan and his team, the countdown to America's richest race is well and truly on.