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| Staff Writer |
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Racing enthusiasts are in for a treat as Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and Breeders' Cup Limited unveil a mouth-watering undercard programme for the 2024 Breeders' Cup World Championships. With eight races boasting purses and awards exceeding US$1.5 million, the stage is set for two days of scintillating action on November 1-2.
Kicking off the festivities, Future Stars Friday promises a quintet of thrilling contests. Headlining the day is the US$200,000 Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes, a one-mile turf test for two-year-olds. Equally enticing is the US$200,000 Senator Ken Maddy Stakes, a five-furlong turf sprint for fillies and mares.
California-breds take centre stage on the main track with the US$175,000 Golden State Juvenile Fillies and the US$175,000 Golden State Juvenile, both run over seven furlongs. These races have historically unearthed some of the Golden State's finest equine talents, with previous winners going on to claim stakes success across the country.
As the tension builds towards the World Championships races, Saturday's undercard features three high-quality contests. The Gr.3 Bayakoa Stakes, worth US$200,000, sees fillies and mares aged three and up battling it out over a mile on the main track. This race, named after the Hall of Fame mare who won back-to-back Breeders' Cup Distaff titles in 1989 and 1990, has been a stepping stone to stardom for many.
Turf specialists will have their moment in the US$300,000 Gr.3 Goldikova Stakes presented by Yaamava' Resort & Casino. Run over a mile, this contest for fillies and mares pays homage to the legendary Goldikova, who captured an unprecedented three consecutive Breeders' Cup Mile titles from 2008-2010.
With over US$1.5 million up for grabs across the undercard races, connections are eyeing a slice of the lucrative pie. Adding to the allure, travel incentives are being dangled to attract top-class contenders from far and wide.
Drew Fleming, President and CEO of the Breeders' Cup, is buzzing with anticipation: "We're thrilled to present such a strong undercard program to complement our World Championships races. These additional stakes provide more opportunities for horses to compete at the highest level during our sport's most prestigious two days of racing."
Owners and trainers of undercard participants are in for a treat, with premium benefits including race day seating and parking. It's not just about the horses; the human connections are being well looked after too.
In keeping with the World Championships races, all eight undercard contests will be run medication-free, ensuring a level playing field and prioritising equine welfare.
The clock is ticking for connections eyeing these prizes, with nominations for all undercard stakes closing on October 24 at the Del Mar racing office. As the anticipation builds, fans and punters alike are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the final race order and post times, set to be revealed on October 23.
With its blend of established performers and rising stars, the 2024 Breeders' Cup undercard at Del Mar is shaping up to be a racing spectacle in its own right. As the turf meets the surf in sunny California, the stage is set for two days of unforgettable equine action.