Caramel Swirl will miss Breeders' Cup after setback

Caramel Swirl, winner of two graded stakes this year, will miss the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint.

Trainer Bill Mott confirmed a Daily Racing Form report that the 5-year-old Godolphin homebred had tied up, or had muscle cramps, and then was dull in training this week.

He told DRF that she was better on Thursday but that "if you're not at the top of your game on Nov. 4, probably no sense going over to the paddock."

Michael Banahan, bloodstock director for Godolphin, also confirmed the report. "It's a tough game," he said in a text message.

DRF noted that Caramel Swirl was coming off two bullet, four-furlong works at Saratoga.

The Filly & Mare Sprint was undersubscribed, so no other horse will draw in. Caramel Swirl was 12-1 in futures Thursday at one international boomaker.

A 5-year-old daughter of Union Rags, Caramel Swirl won the Grade 2 Gallant Bloom in her latest start after the two who crossed the finish line ahead of her were disqualified. She also won the Vagrancy (G3) in May.

Between those starts, she was third in the Bed o' Roses (G2) and fourth in the Ballerina (G1).

She has a career record of 16: 6-4-3 and earnings of $779,950.