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| Staff Writer |
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Senor Buscador, the winner of the Feb. 24 Gr.1 Saudi Cup and third-place finisher in the Gr.1 Dubai World Cup (G1), is gearing up for a crucial year-end goal: the Breeders' Cup Classic. Currently in serious training at San Luis Rey Training Center in Southern California, the 6YO son of Mineshaft continues to show promise. On June 12, he recorded his second three-furlong breeze in :36 2/5, following a three-eighths work timed at :39 on May 30.
Trainer Todd Fincher, who oversees Senor Buscador for owner and breeder Joey Peacock Jr., mentioned that an initial target could be Del Mar's Gr.2 San Diego Handicap, a race he won last year.
"We would like to aim for the San Diego, but it might be pressing it a bit too close. We'll have to take it day by day," Fincher told BloodHorse on June 13. "Our primary goal is the Breeders' Cup Classic. It would be ideal to have him run in two or three races before that, with two being the minimum. If he's ready for the San Diego, perhaps we can squeeze in three."
After giving Senor Buscador a one-month break, Fincher noted they are gradually building up his training regimen. "The first workout was just a leg stretcher. He came back yesterday with a solid three-eighths."
Senor Buscador has been managing his return to training seamlessly, particularly after the extensive international travel earlier this year. Fincher, who also has horses at Ruidoso Downs in New Mexico and uses San Luis Rey as his base for racing at Santa Anita Park, noted the horse's resilience.
"He handled the travel and the back-to-back races exceptionally well," Fincher reported. "Given his busy schedule, we decided to give him a brief rest—now we're back in full swing."
Discussing their hopes for Senor Buscador’s form, Fincher said, "We hope he can return to his peak condition. Many horses struggle to regain form after racing in the Middle East, but we’re optimistic he won’t face those issues."
Before his travels to Saudi Arabia and Dubai, Senor Buscador finished second in the Gr.1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes. With a career record of 7 wins, 2 second-place finishes, and 3 third-place finishes from 19 starts, the Kentucky-bred has earned over $12.6 million, placing him ninth on the all-time leading earners list.
Last year, 42 Breeders’ Cup Challenge winners competed in the World Championships at Santa Anita Park and eight won their respective divisional races which was ultimately won by White Abarrio. There will be eight automatic berths awarded for the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic. 6YO Peptide Nile (JPN) became the first horse to qualify this year for the marquee race when he won the Gr.1 February Stakes at Tokyo Racecourse in Japan.
As the year progresses, all eyes are on Senor Buscador as he works toward the Breeders' Cup Classic.