Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint: Nobals runs down pacesetters in upset score

ARCADIA, Calif. — Back in May, after Two Phil's ran a gallant second in the Kentucky Derby, trainer Larry Rivelli expected to be at Santa Anita for the Breeders' Cup.

An unfortunate injury following an easy win in the Ohio Derby sent Two Phil's to retirement, but Rivelli soldiered on, and Nobals gave the trainer his first Grade 1 victory after the 4-year-old gelding rallied to grab Saturday's Grade 1, $1 million Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint for 3-year-olds and upward at five furlongs.

Ridden by Gerardo Corrales, who also notched his first Grade 1 trophy, Nobals settled in midpack as the ultra-swift Live In The Dream outfooted Japan's Jasper Krone to the lead through a blazing opening split of 21.15 seconds.

Corrales might have won the race midway on the turn, as he dropped into pocket position behind the pacesetter. The rail opened and Corrales guided Nobals through after a half-mile in 43.77.

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They shot past a tired Live In The Dream, then Nobals showed some stones to outlast fast-charging Big Invasion after 55.15 over the firm ground.

“This has been a fantastic year for us,” Rivelli said. “It’s a shame about Two Phil’s, but when you have a number of horses and momentum going, and they write the right races, and everything starts working out, they call it like shooting fish in a barrel. We’ve had low lows, too, and it comes and goes.”

Nobals campaigned this year at locales such as Horseshoe Indianapolis and Colonial Downs.

“When I saw the nominations, I think you could have thrown a blanket over the whole field as far as who was better than one another,” Rivelli said.

After breaking from the inside post, Big Invasion was outsprinted, and he followed the winner all the way through the turn and into the stretch. He eased out for running room inside the final sixteenth, and finished well, beaten a neck for all the money.

Aesop’s Fables rallied hard on the far outside to grab third, a half-length behind the runner-up. Then came Live In The Dream, favored Motorious, Arzak, Beer Can Man, Tony Ann, Roses for Debra, Caravel, Gear Jockey, and Jasper Krone. Bradsell, One Timer, Lane Way, and Twilight Gleaming scratched.

Nobals (102 Beyer Speed Figure) returned $26 to win as the sixth choice in the wagering.

Defending winner Caravel might have run her last race. “She broke good, we established good position,” said trainer Tyler Gaffalione. “Coming around the bend, I felt really good. When we straightened up, she switched leads, fired on for a couple of strides, but that was all I had today. She tried hard.”

“We had a great trip, I loved the trip she was getting,” said Caravel’s trainer, Brad Cox. “She just didn’t punch the way we were accustomed to. She’s been around there a good few times, and it’s off to the sale. Very proud of her, she’s done a lot for us. A little sad it’s her last race, but she owes us nothing.”

Bred in Kentucky by Dr. John A. Chandler, Nobals sold for $3,500 as a yearling. He was purchased privately after a successful debut race by Patricias Hope, LLC, who also owned Two Phil’s.

Nobals has won 10 of 18 starts for lifetime earnings of $1,453,274. This year, he previously won the Grade 2 Turf Sprint at Churchill Downs, the William Garrett Handicap at Horseshoe Indianapolis, and the Da Hoss Stakes at Colonial.

As for Nobals, it’s off to Ocala and a well-deserved rest. Rivelli plans to bring Nobals back to the races in 2024 with a similar path to the Breeders’ Cup.

Rivelli gave a ton of credit to Corrales. “He’s got a big future, this kid, a really big future. Everybody knows it. The secret’s out now.”

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