Calm Monday at Del Mar as Classic Contenders Fine-Tune Final Preparations

The contenders for the meeting’s marquee event stretched their legs with light exercise on Monday, just five days out from the big showdown

Todd Pletcher’s Triple Threat Set for the Classic / BREEDERS' CUP

By Diego H. Mitagstein

DEL MAR, California (From an special correspondent).- Less than a week out from the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), the leading contenders eased into the final stretch of preparation Monday morning at Del Mar, turning in light gallops and keeping the mood relaxed. It was a quiet, uneventful dawn on the Southern California coast—an ideal scene for trainers to let their stars stretch their legs, take in the track, and fine-tune their condition ahead of the season’s ultimate test.

Todd Pletcher’s formidable trio—Antiquarian (Preservationist), Fierceness (City of Light), and Mindframe (Constitution)—were among the earliest to appear on track, just before 6 a.m.

“All three shipped in from Saratoga with no issues and are settling in really well to the West Coast climate and surroundings,” said Pletcher, who looked pleased with their demeanor.

Antiquarian, piloted by Eddie Herrera, and Fierceness, under Danny Wright, each galloped a steady circuit, while Mindframe was accompanied by Irad Ortiz Jr., who will be aboard in the Classic.

Pletcher spoke proudly of his pair of recent winners.

“Antiquarian ran fantastic in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1). It was unfortunate the focus shifted to what happened with Mindframe, but he did everything right—sat in a good spot and finished with authority,” he said. “And Fierceness was just phenomenal in the Pacific Classic (G1). When it looked like he might lose everything early, he came back with tremendous determination. He’s an exceptional horse.”

On Mindframe, Pletcher explained the decision to come into the Classic without another prep.

“It was a tough situation—we lost our rider at the break, and we weren’t sure how much real effort he’d gotten. We decided it was best to train him straight up to the Breeders’ Cup. We think this gives him his best shot.”

Among the key rivals, Journalism (Curlin)—runner-up in the Pacific Classic—walked the shedrow for Michael McCarthy, recovering from Sunday’s light breeze.

“We learned a few things from that prep that we’ve adjusted heading into the Classic,” said Aron Wellmanof Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. “Having trained at Del Mar for nine weeks has been a big plus. He’s fresh, happy, and exactly where we want him.”

Japanese star Forever Young (Real Steel), a fan favorite across Asia, had a routine morning of trotting and cantering one circuit before visiting the paddock for a schooling session. His jockey Ryusei Sakai, freshly arrived from Japan, was all smiles:

“It’s my first time back on him since his last work at home, and he gave me a great feel. He’s in excellent form—I’ll give him a stronger breeze on Wednesday.”

At the John Shirreffs barn, Baeza (McKinzie)—the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) winner—continued his smooth progression with an easy trot and gallop. The colt’s dam, Puca, is already part of racing folklore, having produced Mage (Good Magic), winner of the 2023 Kentucky Derby, and Dornoch (Good Magic), this year’s Belmont Stakeshero.

“We’re living a dream,” said breeder and co-owner Robert Clay of Grandview Equine. “Puca keeps giving us incredible horses, and Baeza is in great shape. He’ll be facing one of the deepest Classic fields we’ve seen, but he’s ready.”

Soon after, Nevada Beach (Omaha Beach) emerged from Bob Baffert’s barn with Mike Smith aboard. The veteran duo will look for another big-race spark together.

“I think he’ll stay the mile and a quarter,” Baffert said with a grin. “But he’ll need a little magic—and Mike’s the man for that. He always shows up on the big days; there’s a reason he’s won more Breeders’ Cups than anyone.”

Rounding out the morning’s key players, Chad Brown’s powerhouse team, led by Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) and Contrary Thinking (Into Mischief), enjoyed an easy jog alongside the pony.

“Everything went smoothly,” Brown reported. “The horses shipped great, and the Del Mar crew has been terrific. We’ve got a strong group this year, and Sierra Leone’s doing everything right.”

The calm of Monday morning may be just the calm before the storm. With the best horses in the world now settled on the Pacific coast, Del Mar’s blend of surf, sand, and spectacle is ready to host what promises to be one of the most thrilling renewals in Breeders’ Cup Classic history.