Racing

Breeders’ Cup Hopefuls Mullikin, Kilwin Work

Two horses pre-entered in the Nov. 1-2 Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar each breezed a half-mile Friday morning over Keeneland’s fast main track.

For trainer Rodolphe Brisset, Forego (G1) winner Mullikin (Sprint) worked in :47.60 in company with Grade 2 World Record (:47.80.) (Click here for a video of the work.)

Keeneland clockers caught Mullikin in fractions of :24.40, :36.20, :47.60 and out 5 furlongs in 1:00.60.

“That is what we were looking for – nothing fancy,” Brisset said. “He did it very easily with his regular exercise rider (Pedro Alvarez). We are where we need to be.”

Winner of his past four races, including the John A. Nerud (G2) in July at the Belmont at the Big A meet, Mullikin is owned by Siena Farm and WinStar Farm.

Earlier on Friday, BBN Racing’s undefeated Kilwin (Juvenile Fillies Turf), winner of the $1 million Untapable at Kentucky Downs in September, covered a half-mile in :48.60 under exercise rider Karine Continaud. (Click here for a video of the work.)

“The work was fine,” trainer Rusty Arnold said. “Very smooth, no issues. Nice easy half. She did her major work last week (a half-mile on a fast dirt in :48.40). Today was just to keep her in good shape. We weren’t looking for anything spectacular, just a maintenance work.”

Arnold was pleased with how Bregman Family Racing’s Totally Justified (also Juvenile Fillies Turf) came out of her Thursday work.

“She galloped this morning,” Arnold said about the runner-up in Keeneland’s Jessamine (G2) Presented by Keeneland Sales. “She was so full of energy that we didn’t even give her a day off. She went back to the track and was happy.”

A week before Kilwin and Totally Justified compete in the Breeders’ Cup, Arnold said, “We have two fillies in good shape, and the rest is up to them.”

Also on Friday, Pandora’s Gift (IRE) (Filly and Mare Sprint/Turf Sprint), a multiple group/graded stakes-placed winner in England and the U.S., went for a strong gallop for owner-trainer Stuart Williams.

In her most recent race, Pandora’s Gift was third in Keeneland’s Franklin (G2) on Oct. 13.

Mullikin, Kilwin, Totally Justified and Pandora’s Gift are scheduled to depart Keeneland for Del Mar on Monday.

Post positions for all 14 World Championships races will be drawn Monday, Oct. 28 beginning at 7:15 ET at the Rood & Riddle Post Position Draw in the Paddock at Del Mar. The event will be broadcast live on FanDuel TV and streamed on the Breeders’ Cup website, Official Mobile App, and FacebookTwitter and YouTube channels.

On Wednesday, Oct. 30, a 25% interest in Kilwin and the entire ownership of Pandora’s Gift will be offered at Keeneland’s inaugural Championship Sale at Del Mar. Visit Championship.Keeneland.com for more information.