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| Staff Writer |
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Subsanador, the impressive winner of the Gr.1 California Crown Stakes, has been ruled out of the Breeders' Cup Classic due to an ankle injury. The 5YO Argentine-bred, trained by Hall of Famer Richard Mandella, was discovered to have the setback at his Santa Anita Park base.
Case Clay, US adviser for Wathnan Racing, confirmed the news while providing updates on the operation's other Breeders' Cup contenders.
The injury comes as a blow to Wathnan Racing, owned by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar. Subsanador had been making waves since his acquisition from Stud Facundito following a runner-up finish in the Gr.1 Santa Anita Handicap in March.
The talented gelding quickly made his mark for his new connections, claiming the Gr.3 Philip J. Iselin Stakes at Monmouth Park before his thrilling head victory over National Treasure in the California Crown. This triumph marked Wathnan's first Group One success on American soil.
Clay revealed that Mandella had caught the injury in its early stages, saying: "Richard detected pressure in the ankle and we took some pictures. It's not bad, we caught it early, and he doesn't need surgery. He is gonna hand walk for 30 days and then turn him out."
While disappointed about missing the Breeders' Cup, Clay expressed optimism about Subsanador's future, stating: "After his rest the plan is to bring him back next year, so that's good."
Despite Subsanador's absence, Wathnan Racing still boasts a strong hand for the Breeders' Cup meeting. Cagliostro, winner of the Hanshin Stakes and third in the Gr.3 Ack Ack Stakes, is being aimed at the Dirt Mile. Trainer Cherie DeVaux reported a positive four-furlong workout at Keeneland, clocking :48 3/5.
The stable may have a second string to their Dirt Mile bow with Gr.3 Fred W. Hooper Stakes victor Tumbarumba. Trainer Brian Lynch is weighing up options between the Breeders' Cup and the Gr.2 Fayette Stakes.
Hit Show, triumphant in the Gr.2 Lukas Classic Stakes, is being pointed towards the Fayette Stakes on 26 October at Keeneland, according to trainer Brad Cox.
Wathnan's European division is also targeting Breeders' Cup glory, with two exciting prospects for the Juvenile Turf Sprint. Aesterius, successful in the Gr.2 Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster, and Shareholder, who claimed the Gr.2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, are both being primed for the five-furlong contest.
The Breeders' Cup Classic has a rich history of producing memorable performances. Previous winners include the legendary Tiznow, who claimed back-to-back victories in 2000 and 2001, and the mighty American Pharoah, who completed the 'Grand Slam' of American racing with his triumph in 2015.
While Subsanador's absence is undoubtedly a disappointment for connections, Wathnan Racing's diverse team of contenders ensures they remain a force to be reckoned with at this year's Breeders' Cup extravaganza.