Trainer Jena Antonucci oversaw Belmont Stakes (G1) and Travers Stakes (G1) winner Arcangelo as he posted his first breeze at Santa Anita Park Oct. 5. Under regular exercise rider Robert Mallari, Arcangelo clocked five furlongs in 1:02 1/5 on a fast main track.
“I was happy,” Antonucci said. “It was our first work over the track, and I didn’t need to see a 58 (seconds) and change work. I wanted to see him get across it. Robert asked him to come home. He’s getting hold of the surface well. Robert loves how he feels on it.”
Work of the Day from @santaanitapark—Arcangelo worked 5 Furlongs in 1:02.20 on October 5th, 2023, for trainer @jenaantonucci. pic.twitter.com/2Haa5m3uSk
— XBTV (@WatchXBTV) October 5, 2023
Blue Rose Farm’s Arcangelo arrived at Santa Anita the evening of Sept. 27 after stabling in New York since the spring.
Antonucci, who came out to California for the breeze, said she wanted the son of Arrogate to have plenty of time at the track where the Breeders’ Cup will be held Nov. 3-4. Arcangelo is one of the top contenders for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).
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At Saratoga Race Course, the Todd Pletcher-trained Bright Future also tuned up Thursday for the $6 million Classic. The Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable-owned Curlin colt breezed five furlongs in 1:03 over the Oklahoma Training Track.
He won the Sept. 2 Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) at Saratoga, giving him a paid, automatic berth into the 1 1/4-mile Classic with the race part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In.