'All systems are go,' for Firenze Fire to Breeders' Cup Sprint

Kelly Breen will send the prize of his barn, Firenze Fire, to the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, his fourth appearance in the Breeders’ Cup. Breen said on Tuesday that the last-out winner of the Vosburgh Stakes (G2) at Belmont Park will enter the race barring unforeseen circumstances.

“As of right now all systems are go,” Breen said.

In his last race, the Vosburgh, going six-furlongs on the dirt at Belmont, Firenze Fire beat the favored Funny Guy, using a blast of speed down the stretch to get the victory. The field for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint looks strong, possibly including the likes of Met Mile (G1) winner Vekoma and Phoenix (G2) winner Diamond Oops.

However, Breen was optimistic about Firenze Fire’s chances in the race, which he finished fifth in last year.

“All good,” Breen said. “I think it’s a wide-open race. He’s a little versatile. He could be on the pace or off the pace.”

Though Firenze Fire has not appeared on the work tab since the Vosburgh, Breen said he came out of the race in great shape.

Breen said Firenze Fire will most likely be ridden by Jose Lezcano in the Breeders’ Cup. Lezcano piloted him to victory in the Vosburgh.

Elsewhere in his barn, Breen said there is a “small chance” he might target the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile for Pickin’ Time, who finished first in the Smoke Glacken Stakes at Monmouth Park his last time out.

However, Breen said the colt will have to be training extremely well for him to make such a move.

“Have to see who’s running,” Breen said. “How healthy he is, all that sort of stuff.”

The Breeders’ Cup is scheduled for Nov. 6-7 at Keeneland.