Hot Rod Charlie works ahead of 'contentious' Breeders' Cup start

Santa Anita Communications
Photo: Bill Denver/EQUI-PHOTO

Hot Rod Charlie worked six furlongs at Santa Anita Saturday in 1:14 as he prepares for the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar on Nov. 6.

With Mike Smith filling in for regular rider Flavien Prat, who was winning the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) at Keenland Saturday by five lengths aboard Shantisara, the 3-year-old son of Oxbow has two more major breezes in store.

“We were happy,” said trainer Doug O’Neill, who won two races at Santa Anita Saturday to take a 9-6 lead over runners-up Peter Miller and Bob Baffert. “He cooled out good. If all goes well and he stays injury-free, we’re two works away. He’ll have one at Santa Anita and one at Del Mar.

“I’m a little biased because I’m part of the race, but I think it’s coming up as one of the most contentious Classics in a while.

“It’s a wide-open race with tons of contenders.”

Pacific Classic winner Tripoli, also working for the Classic, went five furlongs Sunday at Santa Anita in 1:01 for John Sadler.

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