Trainer MARK CASSE, who has won more stakes races at Woodbine in a single season than any other trainer, has his Breeders’ Cup World Championships contingent ready to head to where the turf meets the surf at Del Mar Racetrack. Casse has a seven-strong team penciled in for the races to be held on Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2 at the San Diego County racetrack.
Among them is Ontario-bred ASHLEY’S ARCHER, who ‘won’ the $251,000 Cup & Saucer Stakes at Woodbine on Oct. 6 only to be disqualified and placed fifth. The son of Karakontie (Jpn) – Certainly Special by Distorted Humor is heading for the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf on Nov. 1.
Bred by Jayson Horner and co-owned by him and his daughter Courtney along with Gary Barber, Ashley’s Archer won his maiden in his second start when he stretched out to run on the grass. He won the Cup & Saucer with jockey Sofia Vives by a scant nose over Scorching, but was deemed guilty of causing interference in deep stretch. Scorching was placed first.
“Archie was the best horse in the Cup and Saucer and one of the most talented two-year-olds on the grounds,” said Horner, president and CEO of CanDeal. “It was unfortunate that the colt, who was eventually moved up, shifted out and caused the chain reaction. Team Casse has been doing a great job with Archie, and it’s exciting to think he may have a chance to race against the best in the world. “
Horner raced Ashley’s Archer’s classic-winning half brother Coltimus Prime, who won the Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie.
Casse has five juveniles scheduled to be pre-entered by Monday for races at the Breeders’ Cup. Unfortunately, Grade 1 Natalma winner AND ONE MORE TIME is out for the season and won’t be making the trip.
However, the Casse fillies ran 1-2-3 in the Natalma, so D.J. Stables’ pair of VIXEN and NITROGEN will be entered in the Juvenile Filly Turf.
Joining Ashley’s Archer in the Juvenile Turf will be DREAM ON, also owned by D.J. Stable. The son of Not This Time was third in the Grade 1 Summer Stakes.
MI BAGO, winner of the 5 furlong Algonquin Stakes at Woodbine, will be entered in the Juvenile Turf Sprint and LE CARA, winner of the PocahontasStakes (G2) at Churchill Downs will be entered in the Juvenile Fillies.
And Casse’s big gun for the 2024 Breeders’ Cup is WIN FOR THE MONEY, the upset winner of the Woodbine Mile (G1) for Live Oak Plantation. The son of Ontario sire Mohaymen will be entered in the Mile.
Mark Casse Breeders’ Cup Team
(pre-entries due Noon Pacific Oct. 21, announced Oct. 23)
Vixen – D.J. Stable, Juvenile Fillies Turf
Nitrogen – D.J. Stable, Juvenile Fillies Turf
Dream On – D.J. Stable, Juvenile Turf
Mi Bago – Gary Barber, Juvenile Turf Sprint
Ashley’s Archer – Gary Barber and Archer Racing LLC, Juvenile Turf
Win for the Money – Live Oak Plantation, Mile
La Cara – Tracy Farmer, Juvenile Fillies
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