Trigger Warning possible for Breeders' Cup; 'He's a trier'

Trigger Warning managed to hit the board at long odds again last out, running third as an 81-1 shot in the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby. Connections might see if he can do it again in the Breeders’ Cup.

Trainer Michael Rone said the 3-year-old Candy Ride colt is possible for the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile on Nov. 3 at Churchill Downs.

“It’s kind of a chess match right now for everybody,” Rone said. “We’re waiting to see which direction everybody’s going, whether it’s the Classic or the Dirt Mile. It’s still up in the air.”

It seems Trigger Warning wouldn’t have to face either horse that beat him in the Pennsylvania Derby — winner McKinzie and runner-up Axelrod — as those two size up as Classic contenders should they go in the championships. Unbeaten, lightly raced Catalina Cruiser is the expected heavy favorite in the Dirt Mile.

Rone had said going into the Sept. 22 Pennsylvania Derby he might back off on Trigger Warning, who’s campaigned by Brinley Enterprises, following that start.

“But he’s come back better than any other trip,” the trainer said.

For now, his charge is possible to become the former blacksmith Rone’s first Breeders’ Cup starter.

Before the Pennsylvania Derby, Trigger Warning was sixth in the Travers Stakes (G1) but Rone lamented a strategy to restrict the colt’s natural early speed. He’d entered having won a Presque Isle Downs stakes, then finished third in the Ohio Derby (G3) before caught late in the Indiana Derby (G3) after setting the pace.

Trigger Warning was sent early at Parx, where he paid $23.80 to show by defeating runners such as Hofburg, Bravazo and Instilled Regard, all runners in this year’s Kentucky Derby.

“We’re very grateful,” Rone said. “He’s a trier.”