Ted Noffey, the Prince Already Dreaming of the Triple Crown

The son of Into Mischief kept his unbeaten record intact with a commanding victory in the GI Breeders’ Cup Juvenileat Del Mar, securing the title of Champion 2-Year-Old Colt

Ted Noffey, Class That Stands Up to Any Challenge / BREEDERS' CUP

By Diego H. Mitagstein (Special Correspondent for Turf Diario at Del Mar, California)

DEL MAR, California — With the authority of a colt destined for greatness, Ted Noffey confirmed his status as the standout of his generation on Friday, dominating the GI FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile—the marquee event of Future Stars Friday—to secure not only leadership among America’s 2-year-olds, but also early favoritism for next year’s Triple Crown trail.

Racing in the colors of Spendthrift Farm, the son of Into Mischief and Streak of Luck (Old Fashioned) displayed poise, power, and maturity beyond his years. Under a confident ride from John Velázquez and the expert conditioning of Todd Pletcher, he turned back a determined bid from Mr. A.P. (American Pharoah) to prove that his favoritism was no accident. Covering the 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.25 over a fast track, the colt registered his third Grade 1 victory from just four starts.

The anticipated duel between the two undefeated colts—Ted Noffey and Brant (Gun Runner)—unfolded right from the break. Brant set sharp early fractions of :23.46, :46.99, and 1:10.82, with the favorite never more than a length away. Turning for home, Velázquez gave his mount the cue, and Ted Noffey surged alongside before edging clear with authority in the final furlong.

Mr. A.P. rallied strongly to take second, while Brant fought on gamely to save third over Litmus Test (Nyquist).

The victory pushed Ted Noffey’s career earnings to $1,658,763, reinforcing his place among the most exciting Kentucky-breds of his crop.

“Everything went according to plan,” said a pleased Todd Pletcher, who recorded his 16th Breeders’ Cup victory and fifth in the Juvenile. “We knew Brant would make him work, but once they hooked up, Tedresponded again. He’s got a huge heart.”

For Velázquez—who notched his 22nd Breeders’ Cup win, including three in this very race, all with Pletcher—the performance was another display of class and composure.

“He made it look easy,” the Hall of Famer said. “I let him settle, and when he lost focus for a stride in the stretch, he picked it right back up and finished strong. He’s such a smart colt, and he just loves to compete.”

At Del Mar, the future began to take shape. And if Friday’s performance is any indication, Ted Noffey isn’t just the best 2-year-old in America—he’s a natural candidate to become the next great star of North American racing.