Ted Noffey Delays His Return as the Dwyer Stakes Emerges as an Option

The champion 2-year-old will not compete this Saturday at Keeneland as originally planned. Todd Pletcher preferred to exercise caution following his latest workout at Saratoga, with plans to evaluate another work before deciding on his next target

SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (Special for Turf Diario).— The long-awaited return of Ted Noffey to the racetrack will have to wait a little longer. Last season's Champion 2-Year-Old Colt in the United States was scheduled to make his comeback this Saturday in the Perryville Stakes at Keeneland, but trainer Todd Pletcher ultimately chose not to enter him, reportedly unsatisfied with his final workout.

The son of Into Mischief, who races for Spendthrift Farm, worked 1000 meters in 1m01s93/100 on October 10 at Saratoga. Although the breeze was intended as his final tune-up for a racing return, it failed to fully convince Pletcher, who opted to afford him additional time.

The decision extends a layoff that dates back to January, when bone bruising was detected, forcing a pause in his sophomore campaign.

Since then, connections have pursued a deliberate recovery program designed to bring him back to peak form.

Ned Toffey, general manager and director of operations at Spendthrift Farm, confirmed the colt will record another official breeze this coming weekend at Saratoga.

Depending on the outcome of that workout, connections may consider the Dwyer Stakes, a $200,000 event for 3-year-olds over 1600 meters scheduled for November 7 at Belmont.

“We have a couple of options, including the Dwyer,” Toffey explained, stopping short of committing to a firm comeback date.

This measured approach is understandable given the colt's caliber and the high expectations surrounding his remarkable juvenile campaign.

Ted Noffey went undefeated in four starts, claiming three G1 victories to establish himself as the undisputed leader of his crop.

His stellar campaign featured triumphs in the Hopeful Stakes (G1), the Claiborne Breeders' Futurity (G1), and the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1), a sequence that earned him the Eclipse Award as Champion 2-Year-Old Male.

With such credentials, his name naturally figured among the top classic prospects for his 3-year-old season. However, physical setbacks identified early in the year completely reshaped those original plans.

Ted Noffey resumed official workouts in early August and has since logged nine timed breezes, demonstrating that his connections remain steadily committed to his return.

Skipping the Perryville does not necessarily signal a major setback, but it confirms that Pletcher will not rush his star.

For now, all eyes will be on his upcoming breeze at Saratoga. Should he satisfy expectations, the Dwyer could well serve as the stage for his reemergence.

The objective is no longer about making up for lost time, but about ensuring Ted Noffey returns at the level that made him an undefeated champion. And to achieve that, Spendthrift and the Pletcher stable are prepared to wait as long as necessary.