Following their victories in graded stakes races on Saturday, trainers expect both Cabo Spirit and Sorrento Sky to head to the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland in six weeks, with Atitlan also a possible contender, according to Sunday morning statements.
Cabo Spirit, trained by George Papaprodromou, led throughout the Grade 2 City of Hope Mile and narrowly held off the favorite, El Potente, to win by a head with Mike Smith aboard. This victory earned Cabo Spirit a fees-paid spot in the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Mile (Grade 1) on October 31, as part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge series. Papaprodromou shared that Cabo Spirit is doing well and they will monitor his condition over the next few days, but he expects to proceed to the Breeders’ Cup. The 7-year-old gelding by Pioneerof the Nile was making his 45th start and claimed his sixth graded stakes victory—the first since December’s Grade 3 San Gabriel Stakes at Santa Anita. Cabo Spirit has previously competed at the Breeders’ Cup, finishing 12th in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Turf after winning the Grade 2 John Henry Turf Championship.
Sorrento Sky, conditioned by Phil D’Amato, earned his second consecutive Grade 2 triumph by coming from behind under jockey Umberto Rispoli to win the Eddie D Stakes, run at about 6½ furlongs on the hillside turf. His earlier win in the Grade 2 Green Flash Sprint at Del Mar, which granted automatic entry into the Turf Sprint (Grade 1) at the Breeders’ Cup, was the first since he was gelded before the Del Mar meet—a change D’Amato credited for the horse’s recent surge in form. D’Amato confirmed Sorrento Sky came out of the race in excellent shape and, if his progress continues, plans to target the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. The Irish-bred 5-year-old by Prince of Lir raced twice at age two in Ireland before joining D’Amato’s stable, and holds a record of 6 wins, 4 seconds, and 6 thirds from 22 starts, earning $542,918.
Atitlan, trained by Richard Mandella, posted a decisive 2¼-length win with Rispoli riding in the Grade 2 John Henry Turf Championship. This marked his first stakes victory since May 2025’s Grade 2 Charles Whittingham Stakes at Santa Anita, which he won under the late trainer John Shirreffs. Mandella indicated that Atitlan might move on to the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Turf, commenting, “I thought it was a really good race. We’re going to look at it.” The 5-year-old War Front colt now has a record of 5-1-4 from 15 starts and has earned $648,000 for owner John M.B. O’Connor.
Pre-entries for the Breeders’ Cup close on October 19.
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Fan Take: This update is thrilling for horse racing fans as it highlights three strong contenders potentially shaping the elite fields at this year’s Breeders’ Cup. Their appearances could deliver compelling matchups and memorable moments, adding to the sport’s excitement and prestige on a grand stage.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
