The Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar is still a week away but the event is already down two probable favorites.
Idiomatic, the defending champion in the $2 million Distaff, was retired early Friday after she was “found to be lame,” according to a post on the website of her owner, Juddmonte Farm.
Hours later, Daily Racing Form reported National Treasure would not be entered in the $1 million Dirt Mile, a race in which he finished second last year. Trainer Bob Baffert told the DRF that last year’s Preakness Stakes winner has been dealing with foot issues since his last start four weeks ago and would not be ready in time for next Saturday’s Dirt Mile.
Baffert did not say whether National Treasure would be retired. The son of Quality Road has four wins in 15 lifetime starts, including two major races this year, the Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park in January and the Metropolitan Handicap in June at Saratoga. The 4-year-old has earned nearly $5.6 million.
National Treasure’s defection makes the Dirt Mile an even more wide-open race. The favorite could be Skippylongstocking, who was third in the race a year ago. Other potential contenders include Preakness winner Seize the Grey, Mufasa and Domestic Product.
The retirement of Idiomatic cost the Breeders’ Cup one of its most anticipated showdowns, with the 5-year-old mare expected to be tested by the 3-year-old Thorpedo Anna, who won the Kentucky Oaks and was second against males in the Travers.
According to the Juddmonte posting, “Idiotmatic was found to be lame this morning and an issue, that should heal readily, was identified in her left knee. Unfortunately, it will rule her out of running in the Breeders’ Cup and it has been decided to retire her to stud.”
Idiomatic, a daughter of two-time Horse of the Year Curlin, retires with 12 wins, three seconds and two thirds in 17 starts. Trained by Brad Cox, she earned more than $3.9 million.
Thorpedo Anna is now expected to be a strong favorite in the Distaff, which also includes Raging Sea – who edged Idiomatic in this year’s Personal Ensign at Saratoga – and Awesome Result, who is unbeaten in seven starts in Japan.
Entries for all 14 races will be finalized Monday with post positions drawn that afternoon at Del Mar.
