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.