Full Serrano prepares for his third Breeders’ Cup appearance and keeps the Argentine dream alive

Hronis Racing, owner of the son of Full Mast, confirmed to Turf Diario that the 2024 Dirt Mile winner is being prepared for a return to competition at Keeneland. His recent third-place finish in the Pacific Classic fuels expectations for another major performance

By Diego H. Mitagstein

Argentina and South America have plenty of reason to be optimistic about being represented once again at the upcoming Breeders’ Cup, set to take place at the end of this month at Keeneland. And the horse tasked with keeping that hope alive is a familiar name: Full Serrano, the outstanding son of Full Mast who made history in 2024 by capturing the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) at Del Mar, and who is now aiming to compete for a third consecutive season at the flagship international meeting on the American calendar.

The news was confirmed to Turf Diario by Hronis Racing, owners of the Argentine-bred horse, who is currently being prepared by John Sadler with the intention of returning to the prestigious event, provided his progress in the coming weeks meets expectations.

At 7 years old, Full Serrano continues to compete at the highest level, and his most recent outing was a commanding demonstration that he remains fully effective. In the Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar, contested over 2000 meters, he finished third behind Knightsbridge (Nyquist), after maintaining an intense early duel for the lead with the Godolphinrepresentative. In fact, he held second place until very close to the wire, when Original Sin (Curlin) managed to edge him out.

Far from marking a step back, that performance confirmed that the horse bred by Haras Gran Muñeca still has plenty to offer against the top racehorses in the country.

His 2026 campaign had kicked off with another highly commendable performance, finishing third in the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1) at Gulfstream Park, behind Skippylongstocking (Exaggerator) and the now-retired White Abarrio (Race Day). That afternoon, he was once again a key protagonist early on, contesting the pace with Disco Time (Not This Time) and battling gamely until the final strides.

Subsequently, in the Oaklawn Mile Stakes (G2), a disastrous break compromised his chances, forcing him to settle for fourth place in a result that failed to fully reflect his abilities.

Now, with Keeneland on the horizon, Sadler has been stepping up his preparation at Santa Anita. On October 2, Full Serrano worked 1000 meters in a crisp 1:00 flat, following a prior breeze of 800 meters in an excellent 46.60 seconds—setting the fastest time of the morning among 26 horses timed at that distance.

These are encouraging signs for a horse who knows exactly what it takes to compete on the Breeders’ Cup stage. In 2024, he achieved ultimate glory by winning the Dirt Mile, while in 2025, after overcoming an injury that disrupted his build-up, he returned to the same event and finished fifth—an equally commendable effort given the circumstances.

His overall record also speaks to his class and consistency. Full Serrano boasts 7 wins from 23 starts, 3 of which have come since his arrival in the United States, with career earnings standing at US$1,365,000.

Of course, the challenge that awaits him at Keeneland will be formidable. Prospective entrants for the Dirt Mileinclude high-caliber names such as Forged Steel (Vekoma), Further Ado (Gun Runner), the 3-year-old Napoleón Solo (Liam's Map), Bishops Bay (Uncle Mo), alongside Japanese contenders Lord Fons (Lord Kanaloa) and T.O. Password (Copano Rickey).

There is also a possibility of a rematch with Knightsbridge, though his final destination will depend on decisions made by Godolphin regarding their premier contenders. One option under consideration is sending Sovereignty (Into Mischief) to the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), while pointing Knightsbridge to the Dirt Mile, though plans remain fluid.

In any case, the presence of the Argentine contender would add significant allure to a race shaping up to gather a formidable field.

For Full Serrano, it would also represent the chance to write another unique chapter in his career. It is rare for a South American horse to maintain the form required to compete at such a demanding international meeting across three consecutive seasons—even more so after overcoming physical setbacks and already reaching the pinnacle of the sport.

Final confirmation will depend on everything continuing to move forward smoothly. But the intentions of his owners are clear, his training reports are promising, and his recent form gives plenty of reason for high expectations.

Full Serrano has already delivered one of Argentina's greatest international triumphs in recent memory. Now, from Santa Anita, he prepares for another journey packed with ambition heading toward Keeneland. And if all goes according to plan, the white and sky-blue flag will once again have a representative on the world's biggest stage.