Goldencents to Try Turf in Shadwell

Goldencents, winner of the Santa Anita Derby and the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile last year, is scheduled to make his turf debut in the Shadwell Mile at Churchill Downs on Oct. 4.

 

“We like the timing and the distance,” trainer Doug O’Neill said in explaining the reason for the move to grass after a 16-race campaign on dirt and synthetic, including a 4 ¼-length score in the Grade II Pat O’Brien at seven furlongs on Del Mar’s Polytrack Aug. 24.

 

“He acts like he’ll run on anything, so we thought we’d give it a try,” O’Neill said. “If all goes well we’ll probably come back in the Dirt Mile (Oct. 31), but if he were to run a Wise Dan-type of performance (in the Shadwell), then you never know.

 

“But the Shadwell is a great fit on our calendar. It works out well and the horse is doing great. We know he likes to travel, so we’re going to try it and see what happens.”

 

The Breeders’ Cup would be Goldencents’ last race. The 4-year-old Into Mischief colt owned by W.C. Racing is headed for stud at Spendthrift Farm in Kentucky after that where he will stand for $12,500.

 

Source: Santa Anita Communications