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| Staff Writer |
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The remarkable rise of Next continues as trainer Doug Cowans confirms his stable star will head to Del Mar for the Breeders' Cup World Championships, marking the trainer's first runner at the prestigious meeting.
The 6YO gelding by Not This Time emerged from his Oct 16 five-furlong breeze in prime condition at Turfway Park, with Cowans yet to decide between the US$7 million Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Classic or the US$5 million Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Turf.
Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, trainers John and Thady Gosden are preparing a formidable challenge with Emily Upjohn, whose recent third in the Gr.1 Prix Vermeille has been franked spectacularly by the subsequent Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe one-two, Bluestocking and Aventure.
The Gosdens will also send Running Lion, winner of the Gr.2 Duke of Cambridge Stakes at Royal Ascot, though Group One winner Friendly Soul will skip the meeting to focus on a 2025 campaign.
Since being claimed for US$62,500 in April 2022, Next has transformed into a dirt marathon specialist, winning nine of his last ten starts by an aggregate of 116¼ lengths. His achievements include setting a new Churchill Downs track record for 1½ miles.
The gelding's previous Breeders' Cup experience came in 2020, when he contested the Gr.1 Juvenile at Keeneland, in a field that included subsequent champions Essential Quality and Jackie's Warrior. He has since found his niche over longer distances, securing five graded stakes victories.
The Breeders' Cup Classic's honour roll includes luminaries such as American Pharoah, Authentic, and Flightline, whilst the Turf has been claimed by champions including Highland Reel, Enable, and In Love.
"Everything was in good order," Cowans said of Next's one-mile jog at Turfway Park. "He was pretty happy with himself and looked good."
Regarding Emily Upjohn, John Gosden noted: "We wanted Emily Upjohn to go to the Breeders' Cup fresh, so we decided to miss the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe with her, and she's had a nice break since the Vermeille. That form turned out to be 'the form', if you like, behind the subsequent Arc winner and runner-up, and we feel that Del Mar will play to her strengths. She enjoys quick ground, which you usually get at Del Mar, and we are looking forward to taking her out there."
Del Mar, hosting the championships for the first time since 2021, will welcome Next on Oct 28, following his final preparation at Turfway Park on Oct 24. The pre-entries for both the Classic and Turf will be announced on Oct 23, which will help Cowans finalise his decision.