Uni, Beau Recall connections weigh Breeders' Cup options

Robert LaPenta, Michael Dubb, Head of Plains Partners and Bethlehem Stables’ Uni, who on Saturday became the first repeat winner of Keeneland's $350,000 First Lady (G1) for fillies and mares, and stablemate Newspaperofrecord, who finished third, were both doing well Sunday morning at trainer Chad Brown’s barn.

With the victory, the Eclipse Award-winning grass mare of 2019 earned a berth in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf to be run at Keeneland at 1 3/16 miles. Another option for Uni would be defending her title against the boys in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Mile the same day.

Baldo Hernandez, assistant to Brown, said immediate travel plans are to be determined.

The mile against the boys also is an option for First Lady runner-up Beau Recall, according to trainer Brad Cox.

“She’s just tough. That was a big effort yesterday,” Cox said. “It is hard to believe she hasn’t won a Grade 1. She beat Uni in the Just a Game and has beaten Newspaperofrecord twice, and one of those is a champion and the other also a Breeders’ Cup winner.”

Beau Recall is scheduled to ship back to Cox’s main base at Churchill Downs today. Cox said he would talk with owners Nick Cosato of Slam Dunk Racing and Phillip Shelton of Medallion Racing concerning a possible run in the Mile.