Repent Still Breeders' Cup Bound, Says McPeek

Trainer Ken McPeek said Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I) favorite Repent came out of Saturday's big race in good order, making the colt's seventh-place finish even more puzzling.

Repent, who likes to come from off the pace, was very close early while contesting the pace along the rail down the backstretch. He tired after his early efforts, beaten 10 ¼ lengths.

"I think he got confused by the mile and a quarter chute and making the lead so early," McPeek said. "The whole thing was kind of weird. I've had beaten favorites before, but none more mysterious than that.

"He came out of the gate so aggressive. Edgar (Prado) said he asked him away from the gate. I didn't tell [Prado] to change anything from the last start. When he made the lead on the rail and didn't see anything in front of him, he just pulled himself up."

Despite the colt's misfortunes Saturday, McPeek said that effort is unlikely to cost him a spot in the Breeders' Cup Classic (gr. I).

"As long as he's doing well, we'll run him," McPeek said. "You just have to throw that race out. I don't know what else to do."