Guarana out of the Breeders' Cup, to 'be back strong at 4'

Guarana, who figured to be one of the top betting choices in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, will bypass the Nov. 2 race at Santa Anita Park in favor of resting up for a 2020 campaign.

Doug Cauthen, vice chairman of owner and breeder Three Chimneys Farm, confirmed a Daily Racing Form report Sunday that the 3-year-old's no longer under championship consideration.

"We hope to give her a break and be back strong at 4," Cauthen said.

Guarana suffered her first defeat last out in Parx Racing's Cotillion (G1) but managed to stay on for second after chasing a hot pace. The winner that day, Street Band, will remain around two turns in the Distaff, while Guarana loomed a major threat cutting back to seven furlongs in the Breeders' Cup.

A daughter of Ghostzapper, the Chad Brown trainee opened her career 3-for-3, following up a dominant Keeneland debut on Aug. 19 by defeating Kentucky Oaks winner Serengeti Empress in the Acorn Stakes (G1), then scoring in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1).

Guarana last breezed Sept. 12, going a half mile in 47.45 seconds at Belmont Park. While it was a speedy work, Brown told Daily Racing Form reporter David Grening that, “This week in training out of her last work I just wasn’t happy the way she was moving behind. I’m going to err on the side of caution and make sure she’s all right.”

Guarana's absence from the Filly & Mare Sprint further strengthens the case of Covfefe and Come Dancing, who figure to vie for favoritism once wagering opens.