Mishriff wins BC Classic qualifier, but Gosden has other plans
Even though his connections have doubts about racing on the dirt in the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, Mishriff qualified for it with a turf win Wednesday. And it was not even close.
Already victorious in two of this year’s richest races, Mishriff (7-5 U.S., 9-4 U.K.) pulled away in the stretch to win by six lengths in the $1.375 million International Stakes (G1) at York, England.
Trained by John Gosden with his son Thady, the 4-year-old colt by Make Believe stalked the pace early in the 1 1/4-mile race. Jockey David Egan then shook the reins after turning into the half-mile homestretch. Mishriff seized the lead in the last three furlongs and was never challenged the rest of the way.
English Group 2 winner Alenquer (7-1, 8-1) was in second for most of the race and held his ground. European champion filly Love (5-2, 11-4) overcame a poor start and finished another half-length behind in third. Mohaafeth (6-1, 6-1), pacesetter Mac Swiney (16-1, 14-1), Alcohol Free (4-1, 9-2) and Juan Elcano (23-1, 40-1) finished fourth through seventh in that order.
The winning time without a run-up was 2:05.92, a stakes record for the race run around one left turn on ground that was rated good.
It was the first British Group 1 win for Mishriff, a Prince Faisal homebred who also has scores this year in the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) and $6 million Dubai Sheema Classic (G1). He came back in July to finish third in the Eclipse (G1) and second in the King George (G1) at Ascot.
Of the nine qualifying races for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, the International is the only one held in Europe and the only one that is run on turf. Even though Mishriff won the Saudi Cup on dirt, Gosden said in March that he did not expect to ship the colt to America.
“Having had a lot of success at Del Mar over the years, I do know that straight very well, and I always feel they should pick up the finishing wire and move it another 100 yards down,” Gosden told RTÉ. “It’s a very short straight and a different style of racing. This is a horse who enjoys the length of the straight. I don’t think it’s going to suit him.”
On Wednesday, Gosden reiterated his preferences for this fall, telling reporters at York, “I would be inclined to look towards the Arc and Champions Day.”
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe is a 1 1/2-mile race at ParisLongchamp on Oct. 3. The Champion Stakes at Ascot is 1 1/4 miles at Ascot on Oct. 16. The Breeders’ Cup Classic is Nov. 6.