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Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher expressed his satisfaction with Bright Future's performance as he secured a narrow victory over Proxy in the prestigious A$1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup Group one at Saratoga Race Course on 2nd September. Pletcher confidently stated that the 4YO colt, sired by Curlin, had emerged from the race in excellent condition and displayed no signs of distress.
"He looks excellent and came out of the race well," said Pletcher. "Happy guy."
Bright Future solidified his status among the elite older horses with an impressive victory in the highly regarded Jockey Club Gold Cup. Accompanied by the legendary jockey Javier Castellano, Bright Future showcased his exceptional abilities by staying just one length behind the frontrunner, Warrior Johny.
As the race progressed, Bright Future seized the opportunity and surged ahead to take the lead at the one-mile mark. However, his triumph was far from secure, as the post-time favorite, Proxy, launched a formidable challenge in the middle of the homestretch.
"He got the trip we were hoping to get in a good stalking position and a good rhythm," said Pletcher, who won his second Jockey Club Gold Cup after taking the 2020 edition with Happy Saver. "He had to fight to the wire—I was happy (he got) his nose down just in time."
Bright Future's Determination Shines Through: A Remarkable Victory At Saratoga
Pletcher mentioned that he was not taken aback by the immense determination displayed by Bright Future. The horse had previously achieved a remarkable victory in a nine-furlong optional claimer at the Spa, winning by a convincing margin of 4 3/4 lengths. This impressive performance came after a disappointing finish in the 12-furlong Brooklyn Stakes in June, where Bright Future was unable to secure a position on the board.
"He's always been competitive and he's essentially run well in all of his races except the Brooklyn," said Pletcher. "That (the Brooklyn) was kind of a trip that he was always kind of bottled up and never really able to get into a comfortable rhythm, which seems to be a key component to having any success in those type of races. Aside from that, he's always been very competitive."
Bright Future clinched a "Win and You're In" spot for the Breeders' Cup Classic Group one on 4th November at Santa Anita Park after his victory. The charismatic colt, who is likely to face his stablemate Forte, will train up to the Classic.
Trainer Todd Pletcher believes that Bright Future belongs in the mix of top older horses and that he's improving at the right time. Meanwhile, Trainer Michael Stidham expressed pride in Godolphin homebred Proxy, who launched a strong stretch drive to come up a nose shy of victory in the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
Proxy has added to a consistent record during his 5YO season and has victories in the Oaklawn Handicap group two and the Gr.3 Monmouth Cup.
Stidham said that Proxy's performance was worthy enough to try the Breeders' Cup Classic and that the mile and a quarter distance suits him. Stidham and Godolphin have teamed up to campaign a number of group stakes winners, such as Mystic Guide and Proxy's older half-sister Micheline.