Beach Patrol raises Breeders' Cup profile

Beach Patrol’s five-length victory in Saturday’s Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic may elevate him from fringe player to major contender in the $4 million Breeders’ Cup Turf at Del Mar on Nov. 4.

In his first try at the distance, Beach Patrol showed he could handle 1 1/2 miles, the same distances as the BC Turf. His previous biggest victories had come at the 1 1/4 mile distance in both the Grade 1 Arlington Million in August and Grade 1 Secretariat last year.

“He proved he can stay a mile and a half,” trainer Chad Brown said Sunday. “The way he motored away, it could prove to be his best distance.”

Beach Patrol earned a career-best 109 Beyer Speed Figure for the Joe Hirsch. He may be joined in the Breeders’ Cup by stablemate Fanciful Angel, who got up by a nose for second over Oscar Performance in the Joe Hirsch. Fanciful Angel was also second to Beach Patrol in the Arlington Million. The Hirsch was his first start for Brown.

“If he continues to improve more from this race up until the Breeders’ Cup, I’m inclined to maybe give him a shot,” Brown said.

Fanciful Angel was a bit headstrong early on in the Joe Hirsch and Brown credited jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. with getting him settled enough to come with a run.

“It’s something we can work on a little further,” Brown said. “I’m happy he stayed the trip as did Beach Patrol.”

Trainer Brian Lynch said a decision on Oscar Performance’s participation in the Breeders’ Cup Turf will be decided later. Lynch said that Oscar Performance would ship to Keeneland on Tuesday with several of his horses who will be running at that meet. Lynch said he will train Oscar Performance for a few weeks before sitting down with owners Jerry and John Amerman to make a decision. Lynch did say that Oscar Performance would not be considered for the Breeders’ Cup Mile.