Breeders' Cup contender Axelrod 'thinks he can do anything'

Trainer Michael McCarthy brought five Breeders’ Cup hopefuls to Churchill Downs Tuesday from his Southern California base, and Saturday morning produced the first works.

Breezing in company over a track labeled muddy, Classic-bound Axelrod and Juvenile Fillies contender Vibrance covered a half-mile in :48.40. Fractions on the work were :12.20, 24.20, :36.20 and :48.40 with both going out five furlongs and Axelrod six furlongs in 1:14.60; Vibrance in 1:14.80, according to Churchill Downs Clocker John Nichols.

“I just wanted them to stretch their legs,” McCarthy said. “Conditions were not ideal weather wise but I knew they would do a good job with the track. I was more than pleased with the works.”

Phoenix Thoroughbreds and Slam Dunk Racing’s Axelrod comes into the Classic off a runner-up finish to Classic rival McKinzie in the Pennsylvania Derby (G1). Jose Ortiz was aboard for the work Saturday with Joe Bravo having the call for the Classic.

Axelrod has produced a record of 4-2-2-0 since venturing into graded-stakes company.

“The Indiana Derby was his breakthrough,” McCarthy said, tracing the colt’s improvement to maturity. “He has a lot of confidence now and thinks he can do anything. It was no disgrace losing to McKinzie, who is probably the best 3-year-old still running.”

Tyler Gaffalione was aboard Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Mr. and Mrs. Jim Daniell’s Vibrance, who finished second to Bellefina in the Chandelier (G1) in her most recent start. John Velazquez will have the Breeders’ Cup mount.

McCarthy’s three other Breeders’ Cup runners are Mr. and Mrs. William K. Warren Jr.’s City of Light (Dirt Mile), Madaket Stables’ Liam the Charmer (Turf) and Ciaglia Racing and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners’ Paved (Filly & Mare Turf).

City of Light also was pre-entered in the Classic but McCarthy said, “Barring anything crazy happening this week, he will go in the Dirt Mile. I will be very excited to lead him over there.”

McCarthy, whose barn at Santa Anita numbers 30, plans to work his three other runners Sunday, weather permitting.

City of Light would go at 7:30 during the special training period for Breeders’ Cup horses if conditions permit with Paved and Liam the Charmer going on the turf at 9:45.

“That’s the plan now,” McCarthy said. “We’ll see what it looks like in the morning.”