Two who clinched berth aren't running

The $2 million Sprint had more "Win and You're In" races, five in all, than any other Breeders' Cup event. But of the five guaranteed spots, only three are expected to be taken when entries are drawn for the Sprint on Oct. 23.

Expected to take their guaranteed spots are Idiot Proof and Greg's Gold, first and second in Sunday's Grade 1 Ancient Title, along with Vosburgh winner Fabulous Strike.

Greg's Gold, an unlucky second in the Ancient Title, was already in the Sprint by virtue of his victory in the Pat O'Brien Handicap at Del Mar seven weeks earlier.

Off Duty, upset winner of Saturday's "Win and You're In" Phoenix Stakes at Keeneland, is highly unlikely to go on to the Breeders' Cup, trainer Lynn Whiting said Monday. Off Duty would have to be supplemented to the Sprint at a cost of $180,000.

"I haven't talked it over with the owners yet, but it is my vision that supplementing him would be cost prohibitive," said Whiting. "This horse has had a very good year and we would be giving it all back to run in the Breeders' Cup."

The fifth guaranteed spot in the Sprint belongs to Diabolical for his victory in the Grade 2 Alfred Vanderbilt Handicap this summer at Saratoga. Diabolical was subsequently sold to Darley Stables and retired for the year.

The Ancient Title and Phoenix were the final two major preps for the Sprint, which now appears likely to attract a field of 12 to14 starters.

Among those expected to join Idiot Proof, Greg's Gold, and Fabulous Strike in the starting gate are Midnight Lute, Smokey Stover, Kelly's Landing, Benny the Bull, Talent Search, Attila's Storm, Mach Ride, and the 3-year-old filly La Traviata.

Trainer Bill Spawr said a decision on whether to run Bordonaro in the Sprint for the second straight year probably would not be made for several days. Bordonaro finished a tiring fourth in the Ancient Title.

Trainer Nick Zito has expressed an interest in running his New York bred-Commentator in the Sprint.

Trainer Rick Violette said High Finance would run in the Sprint only if he cannot crack the lineup for the Dirt Mile.