Hunt may pursue shorter distances in 2018

ARCADIA, Calif. – The upset win by Hunt in Monday’s Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile at Santa Anita is likely to alter goals for the 7-year-old gelding for the rest of the year.

With the win, Hunt earned an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Mile at Churchill Downs on Nov. 3, a race that is expected to become a goal rather than stakes at longer distances. Last year, Hunt won the Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap at 1 3/8 miles and was later 13th in the BC Turf at 1 1/2 miles at Del Mar.

“We may switch gears this year,” trainer Phil D’Amato said.

After Monday’s race, D’Amato said he will target the Grade 2 Eddie Read Stakes at 1 1/8 miles on turf at Del Mar on July 22 for Hunt’s next start.

“He likes the Del Mar turf course,” he said. “The Eddie Read is the most logical spot.”

Owned by Michael House, Hunt won three Grade 2 races at Del Mar last year. In November, he won the Grade 2 Seabiscuit Handicap at 1 1/16 miles. The $401,035 Shoemaker Mile was Hunt’s first start since the Seabiscuit.

A five-time stakes winner, Hunt has won 9 of 27 starts and earned $908,764.