Jack Christopher , the 9-5 favorite on the morning line for the Nov. 5 TVG Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1), will be scratched from the race, according to Breeders’ Cup.
The organization issued a tweet Nov. 4 adding Jack Christopher to a list of contenders that will no longer compete in this weekend’s Breeders’ Cup World Championships, and Bradley Weisbord—racing manager for co-owner Jim Bakke—confirmed the news via Twitter. Weisbord said the 2-year-old son of Munnings had an issue with a left shin.
Trainer Chad Brown did not return calls seeking comment Thursday evening.
Jack Christopher, who entered the Breeders’ Cup off a sparkling victory in the Oct. 2 Champagne Stakes (G1), galloped Thursday morning at Del Mar. Weisbord indicated Jack Christopher, campaigned by Bakke, Gerald Isbister, Coolmore Stud, and Peter Brant, ought to go on to run subsequent 12 months.
An ideal 2-for-2, Jack Christopher final breezed Oct. 29 at Belmont Park, clocking 5 furlongs on the principle observe in a bullet 1:00 4/5.
Jose Ortiz was to trip.
Jack Christopher might be nice (L Shin). Gutted for the possession group led by the Bakke household, Liz Crow, Chad Brown’s total workforce and Jose Ortiz. After an undefeated 2yo season, and an ideal month of preparation, everyone knows how exhausting it’s to change into a champion. See you in 2022. pic.twitter.com/P2dx8CXaZ3
— Bradley Weisbord (@BradWeisbord) November 5, 2021
Jack Christopher turned the second main contender from Brown’s secure withdrawn from consideration Thursday after his Nov. 6 Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T) runner Domestic Spending developed inflammation in his left leg and was declared out of his race. Klaravich Stables’ Domestic Spending had been the 4-1 second choice in the 1 1/2-mile contest behind defending champion Tarnawa at 9-5.
“I came in this morning, and unfortunately (Domestic Spending) has some inflammation in his left leg,” Brown reported Thursday morning at the track. “He is sound. But it’s just changed. He’s never had anything. I feel more comfortable sending him to Kentucky to get him evaluated; err on the side of caution.
“It’s very disappointing. I just can’t take any chances. I don’t have any time to work with to potentially get him in there looking in mint condition like he always is. I won’t run him if he’s anything less than that.”
Domestic Spending trains Nov. 2 at Del Mar
LNJ Foxwoods’ United , the top grass horse in California over the past two years and a 20-1 outsider for the Turf, was also withdrawn due to inflammation, Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella said.
United gallops Nov. 1 at Del Mar
“(He) has had a little bit of filling over a suspensory. So we scanned it. It was clean, and I thought it was fine. I gave him a strong gallop today, and it actually showed a little more swelling,” Mandella said. “So we can’t take a chance, and we’ll just take him out.”
The Domestic Spending and United defections cleared the way for alternates Bolshoi Ballet and Channel Maker , last year’s champion older turf male, to join the field. Channel Maker’s addition adds more speed to the race.
HRRN first reported the United scratch, Daily Racing Form the withdrawal of Domestic Spending, via social media.
Bombard , another one of Mandella’s entries, the first alternate for the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1T) for owners Ramona and Perry Bass II, Adele Dilschneider, and Waddell Hancock II, also won’t run even if a spot opens up. He is out with a bruised heel, the trainer said.
In a tweet, LNJ Foxwoods’ Jaime Roth said the timing of United’s setback is difficult.
“(I’m) devastated most for United and the Mandella barn but also for my family and his fans and supporters,” Roth said. “I can confidently say United was going to fire a huge race. His last work (a mile in 1:37 1/5) was phenomenal, one of the best of his career.
“Trying my best to be positive and focus on the amazing racing moments we’ve been lucky enough to enjoy. Love you big boy, you’ll be back soon.”
LNJ Foxwoods also has Mandella-trained Dogtag in the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T).
“Hopefully Dogtag can run a huge race for him,” Roth tweeted.
