Ushba Tesoro, Senor Buscador have Breeders' Cup Classic goal

Senor Buscador’s late surge carried him past Ushba Tesoro to win the Saudi Cup in late February, but on Saturday in the Dubai World Cup it was Ushba Tesoro’s stretch run that pushed him past Senor Buscador for second money, both horses well beaten by Laurel River.

It was a costly neck, the difference between place and show in the $12 million World Cup about $600,000.

“We’re very proud of him and a little disappointed he didn’t get second yesterday. He definitely wasn’t going to beat Laurel River,” trainer Todd Fincher said in a Sunday text message.

It’s hard to feel too bad for Senor Buscador’s connections: The 6-year-old horse after his Dubai paycheck already has earned more than $11 million in 2024, counting the Saudi purse and his second-place finish in the Pegasus World Cup.

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Senor Buscador and Ushba Tesoro could meet again at Del Mar in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. That is the long-range target for Ushba Tesoro, his connections said just after the World Cup, and for Senor Buscador. Senor Buscador finished seventh in the 2023 Classic, Ushba Tesoro fifth.

Fincher said Senor Buscador after clearing USDA quarantine would go to Peacefield Farm in Temecula, Calif. Plans call for a relatively short break.

“Two or three races before the BC Classic would be ideal,” Fincher said.

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