Breeders' Cup Classic possible for Axelrod under new ownership

Phoenix Thoroughbreds has purchased a majority interest in multiple Grade 3 winner Axelrod from Slam Dunk Racing for an undisclosed price, trainer Michael McCarthy confirmed Tuesday, with the 2018 Breeders’ Cup a potential target for the 3-year-old colt.

“Nick Cosato, who is the principle owner in Slam Dunk Racing, came to me and said that there was an offer on the table after the Pennsylvania Derby,” McCarthy said. “He said nothing was set in stone yet, he was playing his hand close to the vest and said ‘I’ll keep you in the loop.’ 

“Sure enough, in about three or four days’ time, the deal was done and all the specifics hammered out, and Phoenix Thoroughbreds ended up buying basically a 90 percent interest in him.”

Axelrod was runner-up to McKinzie in the Sept. 22 Pennsylvania Derby (G1). He is now under consideration for the Breeders’ Cup Classic Nov. 3 at Churchill Downs. Another option is the Clark Handicap (G1) run Nov. 23 at the same track. 

McCarthy said future races will be discussed with Tom Ludt, the racing manager for Phoenix Thoroughbreds’ U.S. operation, and “all options are on the table.” The Southern California-based trainer will keep Axelrod in his stable and expects the colt will return to race at 4.

A return to the work tab is expected next weekend.

“The horse is obviously lightly raced and is just now starting to get good,” McCarthy said. “This time of year, quite a few good horses get retired after the Breeders’ Cup and he’ll be fresh legs and a year older and mature, so I would imagine a 4-year-old campaign is definitely in the cards.”

Prior to the Pennsylvania Derby, Axelrod won the Smarty Jones (G3), a local prep at Parx, and the Indiana Derby (G3). The Florida-bred son of Warrior’s Reward was purchased for $25,000 by Slam Dunk Racing at the 2016 OBS Winter Mixed Sale. He now touts earnings of $732,925 and a 10:4-2-1 record.

McCarthy said it's nice for both he and Slam Dunk Racing to be involved with Phoenix Thoroughbreds, a Dubai-based group that competes at the highest levels in racing. This year in the U.S., Phoenix campaigned Gronkowski to a runner-up finish behind Justify in the Belmont Stakes, and Grade 1 winner Dream Tree returned to win the Prioress Stakes (G2) at Saratoga last month.

“Obviously it attracts a new client into Michael McCarthy Racing,” McCarthy said of the new partnership, “and Slam Dunk Racing is able to take the money off the table and play the game at multiple levels, so it’s a wonderful deal for everybody.”