Art Collector-Maxfield rematch likely in Breeders' Cup Classic
ELMONT, N.Y. - Art Collector and Maxfield, the 1-2 finishers from Saturday’s Grade 1 Woodward Stakes at Belmont Park, will go their separate ways for the short term, but plans call for them to meet again in the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 6 at Del Mar.
Art Collector, who scored a front-running, 1 1/2-length victory over Maxfield in the Woodward, on Sunday shipped to Saratoga, where trainer Bill Mott has most of his better horses stabled. He will continue to train in Saratoga before shipping to California, likely in time to get one work in over Del Mar’s surface.
Art Collector’s victory in the Woodward - his first career Grade 1 score - was his third straight since coming to Mott’s barn. All three wins have come at 1 1/8 miles, but Mott said he doesn’t have any reservations about the 1 1/4 miles of the Classic.
“He just seems game, keeps going,” Mott said Sunday. “I didn’t see him backing up. He hasn’t done it and granted I think they have to do it.”
Mott also acknowledged the Classic, which is expected to include Knicks Go, Maxfield, Essential Quality, Medina Spirit, and Hot Rod Charlie - among others - is a shaping up as a deep, quality field.
“You’re coming off a big race, now you’re running into the big boys,” Mott said. “He beat some of the big boys yesterday. If you’re going in a race like that you can’t be afraid of ruining your record. You go in and do your best and be willing to accept the outcome.”
Art Collector earned a career-best 107 Beyer Speed Figure for the Woodward victory.
Mott will likely need a new rider for Art Collector as Luis Saez, who has ridden him to three straight wins, is the regular rider of Essential Quality, who is also pointing to the Classic. Among the jockeys who are likely to be available is Irad Ortiz Jr.
Meanwhile, Maxfield was scheduled to ship back to Brendan Walsh’s stable at Churchill Downs at the beginning of the week. Walsh, via text, said Maxfield “looked great” Sunday morning. Though Maxfield finished second for the second straight race, Walsh was overall pleased with the performance.
“Every race is different. Hopefully on the big day we’re going to get the dynamic to suit us,” Walsh said. “I think we go ahead with the plan. We all want to win, but he hasn’t run a bad race.”