Bullards Alley will start in Breeders' Cup turf
RACE REPLAY IS NOT AVAILABLE
ARCADIA, Calif. – Bullards Alley, the runaway winner of the Grade 1 Canadian International at Woodbine last Sunday, is a confirmed starter in the $4 million Breeders’ Cup Turf at Del Mar on Nov. 4.
Trainer Tim Glyshaw said the decision was made Wednesday evening after consulting with owners Wayne Spalding and Faron McCubbins.
“He ran so well in his last race, or we wouldn’t be considering it,” Glyshaw said. “The owners have had horses for 12 years, and they can own horses for 30 years and not have this opportunity.”
A 5-year-old gelding, Bullards Alley has won 6 of 35 starts and earned $841,989. The Canadian International is by far his most prestigious win. Bullards Alley pulled clear in the final half-mile to win by 10 3/4 lengths as a 42-1 outsider.
The Canadian International was Bullards Alley’s first win in 10 starts this year. He was fifth in the American St. Leger Stakes at Arlington Park in August after a troubled trip. In that turf race at 1 11/16 miles, Bullards Alley had to check when early leader Applicator ducked out with five furlongs remaining.
“In the St. Leger, I thought he’d win that race,” Glyshaw said.
“That horse made a right-hand turn in front of him.”
Glyshaw said he received offers to race Bullards Alley in the Japan Cup in late November and in Hong Kong in December, but that he would pass because those circuits conduct racing without the anti-bleeder medication Lasix.
“I believe he needs Lasix and I don’t want to do that to the horse,” he said. “I hope to have one in the future that can run without. That’s a chance of a lifetime to go over there.”
The field for the BC Turf is expected to be led by the English Group 1 winner Ulysses and the New York-based Grade 1 winner Beach Patrol. Ulysses was removed from consideration for the Group 1 Champion Stakes at Ascot, England, on Saturday in favor of the BC Turf.
