Rich Strike schools in the Keeneland paddock in preparation for the Breeders’ Cup (Coady Photography)
Churchill Downs Press Release
LOUISVILLE, Ky.— It’s been eight years since both the winners of the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve (Grade I) and Longines Kentucky Oaks (GI) have run in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI) and Distaff (GI), respectively, but, with less than one week out from the World Championship event at Keeneland, this year’s winners Rich Strike and Secret Oath are on target to break that streak.
The last duo of Derby and Oaks winners to run in that same year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic and Distaff were California Chrome, who finished third in the Classic to Bayern and Untapable, who won the Distaff.
Red-TR Racing’s Rich Strike, the 81-1 upset winner of the $3 million Kentucky Derby, has already arrived at Keeneland to prepare for the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic. Briland Farm’s $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks heroine Secret Oath trained at 5:30 a.m. Sunday morning at Churchill Downs under the watchful eye of her trainer D. Wayne Lukas. She’s pre-entered for the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff (GI) and is scheduled to have her final work Monday.
Secret Oath is scheduled to face last year’s Kentucky Oaks winner Malathaat in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Other Kentucky Oaks alumni that are scheduled to run in the Breeders’ Cup include Echo Zulu (Filly and Mare Sprint) and Nest (Distaff). Runners that previously competed in the Kentucky Derby that are pre-entered in the Breeders’ Cup are Cyberknife (Dirt Mile), Epicenter (Classic), Long Range Toddy (Sprint), O Besos (Sprint) and Taiba (Classic).
A simulcast of the 10-race “Future Stars Friday” card from Keeneland will begin at 11:55 a.m. and the Breeders’ Cup will cover Races 6-10 (3-5:40 p.m.). Championship Saturday’s 12-race program at Keeneland will commence at 10:30 a.m. with the Breeders’ Cup on Races 3-11 (Breeders’ Cup starts at 11:50 p.m.). It will culminate with the $6 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic (GI) at 5:40 p.m.
Simulcast wagering on the Breeders’ Cup will be available in the ITW area on the second floor of the Clubhouse, as well as select dining spaces. Guests who attend Churchill Downs on Friday will be able to advance wager on the entire Championship Saturday program from Keeneland. There is no advance wagering on-track Thursday for the Championship Friday program.
Simulcast gates at Churchill Downs will open at 11:30 a.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday.
