Wathnan Racing’s Leading Change, the Grade 1 Travers Stakes winner, will skip the Breeders’ Cup Classic and instead compete next in the Grade 2 Clark Stakes at Churchill Downs on November 27, according to the Daily Racing Form. Wathnan’s racing manager, Case Clay, told DRF that the Clark Stakes serves as a stepping stone toward races like the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park or the Grade 3 Louisiana Stakes at Fair Grounds in January, with the Grade 1 Dubai World Cup as the long-term target.
Clay explained, “Our priority is to carefully manage his career with the goal of seeing him excel as a four-year-old, ultimately aiming for the Breeders’ Cup Classic in 2027. This year, we want to avoid going head-to-head with the very talented older horses.”
Conditioned by trainer Brad Cox, Leading Change remains undefeated in three starts this year. The Gun Runner colt won his debut at Churchill Downs by 6 ½ lengths in June, narrowly took the Grade 3 Indiana Derby in his first two-turn race by a neck, and then scored a half-length victory in the 10-furlong Travers Stakes, besting Classic winners Golden Tempo and Napoleon Solo while ridden by jockey Manny Franco.
Leading Change was acquired for $800,000 during the 2024 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. He is a half-brother to 2020 Kentucky Oaks winner Shedaresthedevil (by Daredevil) and was bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm.
For further details, visit drf.com.
This report originally appeared in the News section of Paulick Report on September 14, 2026. You can add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source here.
Fan Take: This strategic decision to give Leading Change time to mature instead of pushing him into the Breeders’ Cup Classic this year shows a thoughtful approach to horse management that prioritizes long-term success. Fans should be excited because it hints at a rising star who could dominate major races for years, positively impacting the sport’s competitive landscape.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
