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| Staff Writer |
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The Breeders' Cup is fast approaching, and three top contenders—Big Evs, Big Mojo, and Shareholder—are making their final preparations for the prestigious meeting at Del Mar. With victories and strong performances behind them, their respective trainers are fine-tuning these horses for the world-class competition.
Having thrilled fans with his stunning performance in last year's Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Santa Anita, Big Evs is gearing up for another crack at the Breeders' Cup. Under the guidance of trainer Mick Appleby, the 4YO colt worked impressively at Southwell, with just a handful of spectators present on a crisp, clear morning. Tom Marquand partnered him in the workout, where he galloped alongside stablemate Blind Beggar.
Appleby was pleased with the workout, noting that Big Evs is showing signs of maturity. "Tom said he's getting a bit lazy, he knows he's good, so he just does as much as he wants to do. But he needed that workout because we'd freshened him up since his last run."
Despite a few mixed results this season, Big Evs has proven his quality, with standout performances like his third-place finish in the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot and a win in the King George Stakes at Goodwood. A disappointing eighth-place in the Gr.1 Nunthorpe Stakes at York was attributed to adverse conditions. Appleby added, "The ground, the draw—everything went against him at York. But he’s still as good, if not better, than last year. It would be great to go back to America and win again."
Another exciting contender from Appleby’s yard, Big Mojo, will aim to replicate his stablemate’s success in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint on November 1. Like Big Evs, Big Mojo showcased his speed by winning the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood earlier this year. He further proved his potential with a narrow second in the Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster, only beaten by Aesterius.
During his recent Southwell workout, Big Mojo left stablemate Lipsink trailing behind, showing his readiness for the upcoming challenge. Appleby was especially pleased with how the colt handled the bend, a key factor for races in the US. "He went round the bend really well, changed his legs, and got onto the right lead," Appleby noted. "He's got a lot of natural speed. I'd imagine he'll probably be a six-furlong horse next year, but this race should be perfect for him."
Marquand, who also rode Big Mojo during the gallop, shared his enthusiasm, stating, "He went round like a motorbike. It’s very different in America, but he’s had that experience now, and he felt good for it."
Trained by Karl Burke for Wathnan Racing, Shareholder also has his sights set on the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. The colt secured his spot with a commanding victory in the "Win And You’re In" Gr.2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, solidifying his credentials for the Del Mar showpiece. However, a below-par performance in the Gr.1 Prix Morny at Deauville, where he finished last, leaves some question marks.
James Doyle, Shareholder’s regular jockey, partnered the colt for a key workout alongside two stablemates. Doyle reported positively on Shareholder's progress, saying, "It was his first gallop around a turn, and he handled it well. He’s in good order, and that was a nice piece of work for him."
However, Doyle faces a tough decision for the Breeders' Cup, as he also rides Aesterius, the Flying Childers Stakes winner. Reflecting on the choice, Doyle said, "It’s not an easy decision, but a nice one to have. They’ve both had gallops round a bend—Aesterius went to Kempton—and I couldn’t be happier with them."
The Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint has seen some exceptional winners in recent years. Notably, Golden Pal, trained by Wesley Ward, triumphed in 2020 and went on to win the Gr.1 Nunthorpe Stakes the following year. Similarly, Four Wheel Drive, also from Ward’s stable, took the title in 2019, later adding the Gr.2 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint to his accolades.
This year's competition promises to be just as fierce, with horses like Big Evs, Big Mojo, and Shareholder all vying to etch their names in the Breeders’ Cup history books.
With only weeks to go until the Breeders' Cup, the final workouts and preparations are now critical. For Mick Appleby, Karl Burke, and their teams, fine-tuning their horses’ form is essential as they aim to conquer the international stage in California. Whether it’s Big Evs defending his title, Big Mojo stepping into the spotlight, or Shareholder seeking redemption, these runners are sure to bring excitement to Del Mar.