Some of McCarthy's Breeders' Cup starters getting a rest
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Trainer Michael McCarthy did not win a Breeders’ Cup race this year, but his horses all fired. Journalism finished fourth in the Classic; Formidable Man finished second in the Mile; Stark Contrast finished second in the Juvenile Turf; and second-time starter Meaning finished fourth in the Juvenile Fillies.
Journalism was still stabled at Santa Anita as of midweek, but he will ship out soon for a winter vacation. McCarthy said the Metropolitan Handicap is his first main objective for 2026. Formidable Man also is getting a break.
“To me, [Formidable Man] was the most consistent turf horse in America this year,” McCarthy said. “With a little luck, he could be a multiple Grade 1 winner this year. He’s done for the year. I think we’ll wait until something in February or March.”
:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.
Formidable Man won 3 of 6 this year, including the Grade 1 Frank E. Kilroe Mile in March at Santa Anita and a pair of Grade 2 races at Del Mar.
Stark Contrast became the second straight horse to win the Grade 3 Zuma Beach at Santa Anita and then outrun his odds in the BC Juvenile Turf.
“I don’t think the Zuma Beach has gotten much respect,” McCarthy said. Based on the last two years, that could change.
Iron Man Cal won the Zuma Beach last year via disqualification, then finished second at 29-1 in the Juvenile Turf. Stark Contrast won the Zuma Beach this year and missed by less than a length at 58-1 in the Juvenile Turf.
McCarthy said Stark Contrast will sit out the Cecil B. DeMille this month at Del Mar and aim to the $100,000 Eddie Logan Stakes early in the Santa Anita winter meet.
Meaning finished fourth in the Juvenile Fillies, less than four lengths behind Super Corredora. McCarthy said Meaning “is back, she’s galloping, we’ll keep an eye on the Starlet and let her dictate where we go.”
The Grade 2 Starlet is Dec. 6 at Los Alamitos.
:: Want to learn more about handicapping and wagering? Check out DRF's Handicapping 101 and Wagering 101 pages.