Jockey Club Gold Cup runner-up Effinex targets Breeders' Cup Classic
Tri-Bone Stable's Effinex exited his runner-up finish in Saturday's Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup in good shape, according to Dr. Russell Cohen, the horse's breeder and manager of his family's racing stable.
"He came back really great," said Dr. Cohen Sunday morning on the backside at Belmont Park. "He's so good, he could run back today."
Dr. Cohen reiterated that the 5-year-old son of Mineshaft will be pointed toward to the Grade 1, $6 million Breeders' Cup Classic on November 5 at Santa Anita Park, adding that travel plans to Southern California are currently being discussed with trainer Jimmy Jerkens and his assistant Kent Sweezey.
"I'd like to be on the first plane out but I've got to speak to Jimmy and Kent, they've got Shaman's Ghost going out too," he said. "I'd rather go sooner than later. The horse doesn't care where he goes or how he goes. Plane, train, taxi, Uber - he doesn't care."
Another decision still left to be made for the Classic, Dr. Cohen noted, is the choice of rider should Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith maintain his commitment on Grade 1 Travers winner Arrogate. Smith has been aboard Effinex for seven of the horse's last eight starts, including victories in the Grade 1 Clark last fall, and the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap and Grade 2 Suburban Handicap earlier this year.
Having picked up $200,000 for his second in the Gold Cup, Effinex has moved closer to becoming the highest-earning New York-bred of all time. With nearly $3.248 million in career earnings from 26 starts, Effinex currently stands just shy of Funny Cide's record of $3.529 million - a mark Dr. Cohen is confident will be reached in a matter of time.
"As long as he comes back healthy and sound, all in one piece, we get to play again," said Dr. Cohen. "He's a game sucker. He's game every time he runs. He's an owner's dream because he's a Saturday afternoon horse - and every Saturday afternoon. They don't make them like that anymore. He's a veterinary-not-required horse."
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Melissa Cohen, assistant to trainer Rick Violette, Jr. for more than 12 years, was awarded the Thoroughbred Industry Employee Award for Leadership in Racing, presented by Godolphin, last Friday in Lexington, Ky.
Recognized for her role in a managerial position with exceptional leadership qualities in motivating, mentoring and supporting co-workers, Cohen was unknowingly nominated for the award by Violette during the Saratoga meet and was thankful for the honor.
"I started on the track when I was in Canada at Fort Erie and met Rick in Florida and been on from there," Cohen said. "There's so many people out there who deserve it, so for me to be picked from the many people who also could have been chosen is very exciting."
Cohen hopes that the TIEA awards, in its inaugural year in the U.S., will offer dedicated racetrack employees a chance to be recognized for their hard work and experience.
"I hope it becomes bigger and more recognized," added Cohen. "Hopefully, more people will be able to experience the same thing I got to. It's amazing."
Source: NYRA Communications