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Bob Baffert's Newgate headlines a busy morning of final preparations at Santa Anita Park, delivering a bullet five-furlong workout in :58 4/5 ahead of the US$7 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar. The Into Mischief colt, winner of the Gr.1 Santa Anita Handicap in March, is seeking redemption after a disappointing run in Dubai and a close third in the Gr.1 California Crown last month.
At Del Mar, Bill Mott's Whitney Stakes victor Arthur's Ride completed his final serious work, covering four furlongs in :49 under assistant trainer Neil Poznansky. The Tapit colt, who disappointed in the Gr.1 Jockey Club Gold Cup, showed his typical laid-back demeanour working solo.
"He can be very lazy by himself," said Mott. "Usually, if we want a good work, we will work him in company. When he is by himself, he is not going to do any more than you ask him to do."
Doug O'Neill's Pacific Classic winner Mixto impressed onlookers with a five-furlong move in 1:00 2/5 under Kyle Frey, leading a busy morning for the stable that saw 27 horses work.
Adding international intrigue, Charlie Appleby's exceptional 3YO Notable Speech has touched down in California, seeking to complete a remarkable fourth consecutive Mile victory for the yard. The Dubawi colt, rated 122, follows in the hoofprints of Space Blues (2021), Modern Games (2022), and Master of The Seas (2023).
Appleby, maintaining a remarkable 50% strike rate at the championships, remains confident: "If he ticks all the boxes this week and gets a good draw, he's going to be dangerous. He's probably one of the most high-profile horses to ever turn up at a Breeders' Cup Mile."
The remaining European contingent arrived Saturday evening, settling into the quarantine barn by 7:30 p.m. local time. Aidan O'Brien's powerful team led the arrivals, with connections reporting minimal weight loss during transit. The visitors will clear quarantine Monday afternoon before taking to the track on Tuesday.
Frost At Dawn, targeting the Gr.1 Filly & Mare Sprint, was first to sample the main track, whilst Soprano delivered a smooth three-furlong turf workout in :39 3/5 under Charles Eddery.
"Soprano has done everything right since landing in Del Mar," Eddery said. "She felt in good shape this morning and I'm very happy with her."
The human interest story centres on owners Leslie and Larry Sarf, whose star Far Bridge contests the US$5 million Turf. The English Channel colt has already secured two Grade One victories this term, following in his sire's hoofprints towards Breeders' Cup glory.
Previous Turf winners include the mighty Enable (2018), who also claimed two Prix de l'Arc de Triomphes, whilst Highland Reel (2016) added King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes glory to his resume.