Breeders' Cup: Mott happy with blinker move

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Trainer Bill Mott said he is pleased with the results he has seen from the experiment to put a one-cup blinker on Breeders' Cup Classic contender To Honor and Serve during training hours at Churchill Downs this past week.

“He’s so big and so strong, feeling good and up on the bridle when he gallops,” Mott explained after training hours on Friday. “As a result he’s much more aggressive and the rider has to take more hold, and that tends to make him cock his head and drift a little. I put the blinkers, which only has a cup over the outside eye, on him this week to help keep his head and body straight. And I thought he had a great day this morning.”

To Honor and Serve, winner of the Pennsylvania Derby in his last start, will not wear the blinkers during his final Breeders’ Cup work on Sunday.