Bal a Bali to retire, not run Breeders' Cup Mile 2017

Trainer Richard Mandella told TVG on Friday morning that his Bal a Bali, a “Win and You’re In” contender for the 2017 Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar, is a no-go for the Nov. 4 race.

The 7-year-old veteran won the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile June 3 at Santa Anita Park but followed it up with less of an effort, running sixth in the Aug. 20 Del Mar Mile Handicap in his final start before the Breeders’ Cup.

Mandella told TVG that Bal a Bali will retire to Calumet Farm in Lexington, Ky. A son of Put In Back, the Brazilian-bred horse won 15 of his 26 starts and earned more than $1.2 million.

Bal a Bali overcame laminitis earlier in his career to become a multiple graded stakes winner.

"We've been very fortunate to get some very good races out of him," Mandella said, "but we couldn't get him quite to the level he needs to be for the Breeders' Cup, so we've called it off, and we're gonna send him home. He's been a great pleasure and a terrific horse."