Classic Draw Brings Smiles for South American Connections

All six South American-bred runners set to compete during the Breeders’ Cup series drew starting positions right where their teams wanted, adding optimism to the region’s strong representation

Sarawak Rim Impresses in Her Final Monday Breeze / BREEDERS' CUP

Por Diego H. Mitagstein (Special correspondent for Turf Diario at Del Mar)

DEL MAR, California.- When Sarawak Rim (Remote)’s name came up during Monday’s post position draw for the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) and the number 2 appeared on screen, Ignacio Correas (h.) turned to Ezequiel Valle, and both broke into wide smiles.

Across the table, Juan Saldivia—who shares the Argentine trainer’s long friendship and professional respect—stood and asked: “Do you like it?” “Of course,” Correas replied with a grin. “It’s better than 13.” The relaxed exchange summed up the atmosphere at the elegant ceremony held in the Del Mar paddock, now decked out in Breeders’ Cup purple.

The dream of running one of the series’ signature races with the mare who bade farewell to Argentine fans by winning the Gran Premio Criadores (G1) at Palermo is now within touching distance. With the stars aligning and her preparation unfolding smoothly, the goal is simple: to run her race and represent her country with pride.

Realistically, expectations are tempered—there was limited time to acclimate, no prep race, and the Distaff is as deep as ever. Still, within Stud Los Melli, Haras Firmamento, and the Correas-Valle partnership, quiet optimism remains. Sarawak Rim has adapted beautifully, looks fit and content, and, above all, seems mentally ready for the challenge.

That impression was confirmed Monday morning when she turned in a sharp half-mile breeze in :48 4/5 over the main track, guided by exercise rider Geovanny Vences.

“She’s been surprising me ever since she arrived in my barn back in July,” Correas said afterward. “Did she impress me again this morning? Oh, yes—she was a gem. A perfect work. I don’t know what others saw, but to me, she looked sensational.”

Sarawak Rim will face 12 rivals in Saturday’s Distaff, representing a powerful lineup, but her connections couldn’t be happier with her condition and draw.

Elsewhere, other South American hopes also found favorable gates in the draw. The Dirt Mile (G1, 1600m) will feature two southern-bred runners: Full Serrano (Full Mast), the defending champion from Argentina, and Touch of Destiny (Midshipman), who will make history as the first Uruguayan-bred ever to compete in the Breeders’ Cup.

With Joel Rosario back aboard, Full Serrano will break from post 6, ideally placed to settle and stalk the early speed, while the gray Touch of Destiny drew post 9 in a field of 10.

Chile, meanwhile, will field a pair of formidable contenders. Richi (Practical Joke), one of the nation’s top racemares, will start from post 9 in the Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) under Luis Sáez for Bob Baffert, while Gran Oriente (Classic Empire) drew post 6 for a deep and competitive renewal of the Mile (G1), with Héctor Berríos taking the reins.

Rounding out the South American squad, La Kika (Badge of Silver) from Peru will break from post 10 in the Filly & Mare Turf (G1) with Mirco Demuro up—facing one of the strongest fields of the weekend.

With the draw complete, the focus now shifts to final tactics and race-day strategy. The South American contingent—diverse in style, proven in quality, and united by pride—heads into Breeders’ Cup 2025 ready to uphold the region’s legacy on racing’s grandest stage.