Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. could barely hide his emotion as he kissed White Abarrio’s grey neck after morning exercise this week. Just two weeks removed from a chaotic run in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga, Joseph confirmed Thursday that his Pegasus World Cup star will bypass the Breeders’ Cup Classic and instead target the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) at Del Mar on November 1.
“It wasn’t the trip we wanted at Saratoga,” Joseph said, recalling the opening strides of the Gold Cup when White Abarrio was knocked sideways, jockey Edgard Zayas lost an iron, and Irad Ortiz Jr. was catapulted from Mindframe onto White Abarrio’s back. “But he’s proven himself at a mile and a quarter already. Winning the Mile would add another dimension to his legacy.”
A Shift in Plans for White Abarrio
The decision marks a change of course for the 6-year-old son of Race Day, who famously stormed home in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita. Since returning to Gulfstream Park, his longtime base, White Abarrio is expected to breeze next week before ramping up toward Del Mar.
A winner of four Grade 1 races, including January’s $3 million Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream, White Abarrio brings both resilience and versatility. While Saratoga left scars, his connections believe the shorter test of the Mile will prove a softer landing.
Joseph’s Strong Hand for the Princess Rooney
Joseph will not be short of firepower this weekend either. He sends out three contenders, including stable newcomer Ultimate Authority, in Saturday’s $200,000 Princess Rooney (G3), a Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” event.
Ultimate Authority, recently transferred to Joseph’s barn, has been impressing at Palm Meadows with sharp drills, including a ‘bullet’ three-furlong breeze on August 29. The Practical Joke filly cuts back to seven furlongs for the first time. “She’s trained very good in her last couple works,” Joseph said. “It’s a chance worth taking.”
Stablemates Haulin Ice and Claret Beret add depth to the lineup. Haulin Ice, who lost little in defeat while giving away weight in the Sheer Drama Stakes, returns to a more favorable impost. Claret Beret, meanwhile, seeks to rebound after a flat effort in Saratoga’s Ballerina (G1).
Rainbow 6 Returns with Fresh Jackpot
Gulfstream Park’s ever-popular 20-cent Rainbow 6 begins anew Friday, following last week’s mandatory payout that rewarded multiple winners with $8,569. The new sequence spans races 4–9, highlighted by the return of veteran rider Joe Bravo, who has been sidelined since June with a hand injury. He climbs aboard Rashid in a $35,000 claimer on turf.
The featured eighth race, a five-furlong Tapeta sprint, sees Sticky McShnickens installed as the 2-1 favorite. The versatile gelding cuts back in trip after placing third over a mile on turf.
White Abarrio Targets Breeders’ Cup Mile
With White Abarrio now aimed at the Breeders’ Cup Mile, Joseph balances proven champions and rising talents in a busy Gulfstream week. For the Florida trainer, it is a chance to heal old wounds and chase fresh glory under Del Mar’s November sun.
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