Big Bane Theory may not be pointed to Breeders' Cup Mile

ARCADIA, Calif. – A win by Big Bane Theory in the Grade 2 City of Hope Stakes for turf milers at Santa Anita on Saturday may not result in an automatic appearance in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Mile on Nov. 1.

On Sunday, trainer Carla Gaines was non-committal about plans for Big Bane Theory, who won his first stakes in his 11th start. Aside from the BC Mile, another option is the $250,000 Seabiscuit Handicap over 1 1/16 miles on turf Nov. 28 at Del Mar, a race known as the Citation Handicap when run in past years at the now-closed Hollywood Park.

“If we don’t want to knock heads with the big guys, we have a few races that are a little easier,” Gaines said.

Big Bane Theory won the City of Hope Stakes by 1 1/2 lengths over Mr. Commons as the 5-2 favorite. The field did not include three of the top turf milers on the circuit – Obviously, Silentio, and Tom’s Tribute. They were held out of the race and will be trained up to the BC Mile.

The City of Hope Stakes was Big Bane Theory’s second start of the year, preceded by a second in the Harry Brubaker Stakes on the Polytrack synthetic surface at Del Mar in August. Owned by breeders Scott Gross and Mark Devereaux, Big Bane Theory has won four times and earned $330,640.