Full Serrano Battles to Courageous Second in the Goodwood Cup at Santa Anita

After setting a demanding pace, the Argentine star could not hold off the colt Nevada Beach in the stretch; the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) now looks like his likely target

Nevada Beach (left) Proves Superior to Full Serrano / BENOIT PHOTO

ARCADIA, California (Special for Turf Diario).- Argentine turf once again thrilled with the performance of Full Serrano, who gave his all Saturday at Santa Anita Park in the Goodwood Cup Stakes (G1), falling with honor to the rising colt Nevada Beach (Omaha Beach) and leaving the impression that his path now leads to defending his title in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1).

The Hronis Racing runner, trained by John Sadler, broke from the outside post and, true to his style, went straight to the front under Juan J. Hernández. He quickly had to withstand pressure from stablemate Privman (Justify), whom he neutralized coming off the first turn, completing the opening quarter in 23.58 seconds.

On the backstretch, Full Serrano eased slightly, hitting the half-mile in 47.86, but the respite was brief. Midway through the second turn, Nevada Beach, under Mike Smith, closed in, setting up a head-to-head duel that carried through the stretch, keeping the crowd on edge.

Displaying tremendous courage, the Argentine colt fought every step of the way. He held his ground inside, but in the final 200 meters, Nevada Beach’s drive proved decisive, pulling away to win by 1 1/2 lengths. Full Serrano crossed second, 3 1/2 lengths ahead of Privman, once again showcasing his class and heart.

“My horse is really very good and he tried his best. He traveled comfortably and responded when I asked him. When the other came outside, he made the effort to fight back, but we just came up a bit short,” Hernández said proudly, once again highlighting Full Serrano’s nobility and determination at the highest level.

On the other side, the victory was a relief for Bob Baffert, who had been carefully managing Nevada Beach as a key horse in his barn:

“It’s like getting the band back together. We’ve always been very excited about this horse, despite some setbacks. Today he showed what he’s made of. I knew he’d be facing Full Serrano, and I have a lot of respect for him. They were running hard, and as they straightened for home, I thought, ‘This is where you find out what they’re really made of.’ He held firm, and Mike Smith rode a perfect race. I have a great team helping me prepare them. This win is special because sometimes you’re put against the ropes, and winning like this is exciting. I really appreciate it, especially when it’s unexpected. Also, Mike knew Omaha Beach, his sire, very well, and I think he’ll be a great stallion. We’re thrilled,” Baffert said on the podium.

The Goodwood Cup confirmed Nevada Beach’s rising level, following his Los Alamitos Derby (L) win, and secured him a direct berth to the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), as the race was part of the Challenge Series – Win and You’re In. But it also reaffirmed that Full Serrano retains the qualities that made him a standout in 2024, when he thrilled fans with his Dirt Mile (G1) triumph.

All signs point to the Full Mast colt, bred by Haras Gran Muñeca, setting his sights once more on the world stage, aiming to replicate his feat and bring another major triumph to Argentine turf. With performances like Saturday’s Goodwood, there is no doubt he will remain a major contender, proudly defending the Argentine blue-and-white flag.