Breeders’ Cup still a possibility for Hard Not to Like

ELMONT, N.Y. – Trainer Christophe Clement still has no clue why Hard Not to Like ran so poorly in the Grade 1 Rodeo Drive at Santa Anita, and he isn’t sure where to run her next.

He was happy enough with her half-mile breeze on turf Sunday at Belmont Park to still leave open the option for a start in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf at Keeneland on Oct. 31.

“Let her breeze again next week just to confirm she’s doing well, and we’ll find a spot for her,” Clement said. “The Breeders’ Cup could be one of the spots. I just don’t want to make a mistake. I was so disappointed in her race in California.”

Hard Not to Like finished eighth as the favorite in the Rodeo Drive on Sept. 26. Before the Rodeo Drive, Hard Not to Like won the Grade 1 Diana at Saratoga and the Grade 1 Gamely at Santa Anita to put herself among the leaders of the filly-and-mare turf division.