John Sadler: “If he responds the way we expect, it’ll just be a matter of choosing.”

Looking ahead to Full Serrano’s run in the Goodwood Cup Stakes, his trainer remains hopeful and appears leaning toward another try at the Dirt Mile, though the Classic has not been ruled out

Full Serrano Faces a Pivotal Race for His Future / BREEDERS' CUP

ARCADIA, California (Special for Turf Diario).- Argentine turf will once again be in the spotlight this Saturday at Santa Anita Park, as Full Serrano takes his place in the Goodwood Cup Stakes (G1), one of the weekend’s feature events and a Win and You’re In qualifier for the upcoming Breeders’ Cup.

The Full Mast colt, bred by Haras Gran Muñeca and racing in the colors of Hronis Racing, arrives off a significant challenge in his career: a layoff caused by an injury following his unforgettable triumph in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) and his earlier second in the Pacific Classic (G1).

“He had an issue, it needed attention, and we took care of it,” explained trainer John Sadler. “We gave him all the time he needed and were very cautious. We never felt the need to rush him.”

The original plan for Sadler and the Hronis team was to have him ready for a rematch in the Pacific Classic, but the timing didn’t work. “The moment was inconvenient; he wouldn’t have been fully ready. We preferred to wait—there was no need to take risks,” added the trainer.

The long-awaited return came on September 1 at Del Mar, in an allowance race where the bay impressed with authority, leading gate-to-wire and winning by more than seven lengths. It was a clear signal that he had regained last year’s form, ready for bigger challenges.

Confidence is high heading into the Goodwood. “He won easily in his comeback and has trained very well since. We’re really excited about what he can do on Saturday. If he responds as we expect, it’ll be a matter of choosing the right Breeders’ Cup spot. Probably the Dirt Mile, but the Classic hasn’t been ruled out. We’ll see how it all falls into place,” Sadler said.

At Santa Anita, Full Serrano’s biggest challenge will be First Mission (Street Sense), Godolphin’s entrant with a pedigree that also carries Argentine roots: he is a grandson of the notable Forty Marchanta (Roar), a champion who later became a prominent broodmare in the Northern Hemisphere.

With Juan Hernández confirmed in the saddle, Full Serrano will aim to take another step toward the top and position himself once again for the Breeders’ Cup, where last year he delivered one of the most unforgettable chapters for South American turf on U.S. soil.