Report: Hong Kong Harry connections opt to skip Breeders' Cup

The connections of Hong Kong Harry will not nominate him to the Breeders' Cup Mile, Daily Racing Form reported Sunday, one day after he won the Grade 2 City of Hope Mile at Santa Anita.

Owners Scott Anastasi, Jimmy Ukegawa and Tony Valazza would have to pay a $200,000 supplemental nomination fee, according to the report, and $60,000 in pre-entry and entry fees.

Trainer Phil D'Amato told DRF that this is more than the owners are willing to pay and that Hong Kong Harry will be pointed instead to the Seabiscuit (G2) on Nov. 25 at Del Mar, which the 6-year-old gelding won last year. It was the third of three graded stakes he won last year.

This year, Hong Kong Harry started 0-for-3, finishing third in the Shoemaker Mile (G3) in his last start before the City of Hope Mile.

Bred in Ireland, Hong Kong Harry started his career there before coming to Santa Anita in spring 2022. He has a career record of 17: 10-2-2 and earnings of $775,097.