Led by Full Serrano, six South American runners are set to take part in the Breeders’ Cup

Also representing the region are fellow Argentine Sarawak Rim, Chileans Gran Oriente and Richi, Peruvian La Kika, and Uruguayan Touch of Destiny, all entered Wednesday to join the star-studded championship series

Full Serrano will look to defend his title in the Dirt Mile / BREEDERS' CUP

By Diego H. Mitagstein

It will once again be time to dream for South American racing, as the continent readies its hopes for next week’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships, the most prestigious series of races on the planet. For the second consecutive season—and fourth time overall—the global showcase will be staged at the stunning Del Mar Thoroughbred Clubin Southern California.

With entries confirmed Wednesday, six South American representatives—from Argentina, Peru, Chile, and Uruguay—will line up across the 14 Grade I events that make up the championship program, with Brazil the only nation missing from the lineup.

The mission will be as difficult as ever, nearly impossible in some cases, yet that does little to dim the enthusiasm and pride that come with being part of the spectacular event that, for over 40 years, has served as the grand finale to the international racing season.

Among stars such as Sovereignty (Into Mischief), Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) and Minnie Hauk (Galileo), the OSAF-recognized runner with the most realistic chance to shine is Full Serrano, who will seek to defend his title in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1)—the race that propelled him to stardom twelve months ago.

Bred in Argentina by Haras Gran Muñeca and racing for Hronis Racing, the son of Full Mast could face as many as a dozen rivals, including 2024 Juvenile hero Citizen Bull (Into Mischief), Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan(Goldencents), and 2023 Classic (G1) victor White Abarrio (Race Day), among others.

The Dirt Mile will actually feature a double South American presence, as Uruguay’s Touch of Destiny(Midshipman)—bred by Haras Phillipson—will make history as the first Uruguayan horse ever to compete in the Breeders’ Cup. Luis Cáceres will be aboard to complete the historic pairing.

Peruvian champion La Kika (Badge of Silver) is set for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1, 2200m). A multiple G1 winner at Monterrico, she will switch back to turf after a forgettable U.S. debut, having trailed the field in the Zenyatta Stakes (G1) on dirt at Santa Anita Park.

In the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1, 1600m, turf), Chilean star Gran Oriente (Classic Empire) will carry the continental flag after his victory in the Clásico Club Hípico de Santiago (G1).

Also hailing from Argentina, Sarawak Rim (Remote) is among the 14 likely runners for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1, 1800m, dirt)—a race with a proud Argentine history, previously won by Bayakoa (Consultant’s Bid, twice), Paseana (Ahmad) and Blue Prize (Pure Prize). The latter was trained by Ignacio Correas IV, who also conditions Sarawak Rim for JCB Stables; as announced earlier this week, she will be ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr.

Meanwhile, Chile’s Richi (Practical Joke), who has enjoyed a fine campaign in California, appears among the deep and talented lineup for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1, 1400m, dirt).

Notably, four of the South American entrants—Touch of Destiny, La Kika, Sarawak Rim, and Gran Oriente—qualified through the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In races held across the region, underscoring the ongoing strength and reach of the program.

A magnificent Breeders’ Cup lies ahead—brimming with international stars and a proud contingent from South America. It’s a reason to celebrate… and, above all, to dream.