Hopefuls for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships were on the work tab Oct. 24 at Keeneland and Santa Anita Park, including Euroears, who scorched five furlongs in :56 3/5 at the Southern California racetrack.
Euroears, being pointed to the Nov. 5 Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I) at Churchill Downs, was one of several Bob Baffert trainees on the Santa Anita work tab. His time was the fastest of 42 works at the distance on the main dirt track.
Baffert’s Game On Dude (grade I Breeders’ Cup Classic Nov. 5) worked five-eighths of a mile in :58.60, second-fastest at the distance, while the filly Plum Pretty (grade I Breeders’ Cup Ladies’ Classic Nov. 4) went six furlongs in 1:12 2/5, second-fastest of nine works.
At Keeneland, Turallure breezed five furlongs in :59.80 on the turf around the dogs in his final work before the Nov. 5 TVG Breeders’ Cup Mile (gr. IT). Turallure won the Ricoh Woodbine Mile (Can-IT) in his last start.
“He’s pretty good right now,” trainer Charles Lopresti said. “I think that’s about all he’s going to have. We might get a little strong three-eighths in before he ships or something on the Polytrack, but no more on the turf.”
Never Retreat, winner of the First Lady Stakes (gr. IT) on opening day of the Keeneland fall meet, breezed four furlongs around the dogs in :49 4/5 in preparation for a potential start in a World Championships event.
“She’s on top of her game right now,” said trainer Neil Pessin, who oversees the mare for trainer Chris Block. “She’s good, so we’re just leaving our options open.”
Pessin said Never Retreat could race in the Emirates Airline Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (gr. IT) at 1 3/8 miles Nov. 4 or the Mile.