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| Staff Writer |
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After his third-place finish in the Dubai World Cup, Senor Buscador is set to enjoy some well-deserved time off before embarking on a summer and fall campaign.
Although his late surge secured him victory in the Saudi Cup against Ushba Tesoro in late February, it was Ushba Tesoro who outpaced him in the Dubai World Cup, relegating Senor Buscador to third place behind Laurel River. The narrow margin between second and third place in the US$12 million World Cup cost Senor Buscador approximately US$600,000.
“We’re very proud of him and a little disappointed he didn’t get second yesterday. He definitely wasn’t going to beat Laurel River,” trainer Todd Fincher said in a Sunday text message.
It's difficult to muster sympathy for Senor Buscador's team; the 6YO horse has already amassed over US$11 million in earnings for 2024, including his winnings from the Dubai and Saudi races, as well as his second-place finish in the Pegasus World Cup.
There's a possibility of another showdown between Senor Buscador and Ushba Tesoro at Del Mar in the Breeders' Cup Classic. Both camps have expressed interest in this long-term goal shortly after the World Cup. In the 2023 Classic, Senor Buscador finished seventh while Ushba Tesoro secured fifth place.
According to Fincher, once Senor Buscador clears USDA quarantine, he will head to Peacefield Farm in Temecula, Calif. The current plan is to provide him with a relatively short break before his next endeavor.
“Two or three races before the BC Classic would be ideal,” Fincher said.