BC Turf may be among Bullards Alley's options

ETOBICOKE, Ontario – Grade 1 Canadian International Stakes winner Bullards Alley was on his way back Monday morning to trainer Tim Glyshaw’s base at Churchill Downs following his 10 3/4-length victory over Oscar Nominated on Sunday evening.

Bullards Alley got a 114 Beyer for the International, the highest Beyer on turf this year and the highest turf figure since 2008.

What’s next for the 5-year-old son of Flower Alley is a bit of an unknown. Glyshaw said following the race that he’d like to keep Bullards Alley at 1 1/2 miles on the turf if possible, but aside from the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Del Mar in just three weeks, options going that far are limited in the short term.

Glyshaw will have Grade 2 Woodford Stakes winner Bucchero heading to Del Mar for the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint, and it’s possible Bullards Alley could join him if he makes the field for the Turf.

“I have one going to the Breeders’ Cup – possibly another one,” Glyshaw said. “That would be a really quick turnaround.

“It has to be something at least a mile and a half. That’s what he runs. That’s what he excels in. That’s what sets him apart from other horses. Anything shorter than that and he’s usually not at the best of his game.”

With the win in the Canadian International, Bullards Alley has 13 qualification points toward the Breeders’ Cup Turf, which could be enough to get into the field. Other options coming up that will be run over shorter distances include Aqueduct’s Grade 3 Red Smith Handicap over 1 3/8 miles on turf on Nov. 11, and the Grade 3 River City Handicap over 1 1/8 miles at Churchill Downs on Nov. 23, a race he finished seventh in last year.

For now, Glyshaw is enjoying his run of success. Bucchero won the Woodford on Oct. 7, and just eight days later he won the International, recording his first Grade 1. Bullards Alley appears to have an affinity for Woodbine, having finished second in the Grade 3 Singspiel Stakes on July 2.

“I couldn’t be happier,” Glyshaw said. “It’s been quite a 10 days, that’s for sure.”