Check out Sierra Leone’s previous performances, jockey, coach, 8-1 morning-line odds and full evaluation heading into the Breeders’ Cup Traditional.
There are few gambles extra ill-advised than laying out $2.3 million for a yearling thoroughbred. The possibilities of getting your a refund are minimal. In opposition to all odds, Sierra Leone made it appear to be the deal of the century.
Not solely has the son of scorching sire Gun Runner surpassed his public sale value by greater than $4.7 million, he might additionally multiply it exponentially as a stallion at Ashford Stud. His last race would be the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Traditional (G1) on the observe the place he gained it final 12 months, Del Mar Racetrack. An encore would increase his earnings above $10.6 million, about $8.3 million greater than he price on the August 2022 Saratoga sale.
“He is the very best I’ve ever educated, and that claims lots as a result of I’ve educated some nice horses,” stated Chad Brown, who’s had 14 Eclipse Award champions. “To be an actual basic, high-level horse that is having success in among the hardest races on the earth simply places him in one other league.”
Sierra Leone by no means has completed worse than third in 13 begins. About all of the deep nearer lacks is tactical pace, which places him on the mercy of the tempo and relegated him to second or third in seven of his final 9 begins. Sizzling fractions in final 12 months’s Traditional — :44.96 half mile, 1:09.44 for six furlongs — supplied an ideal setup for his best-ever efficiency. He hasn’t approached that stage as a 4-year-old in a 1-for-4 marketing campaign blotted by losses at odds of 3-10, 2-1 and even cash.
You’ll be able to by no means underestimate Sierra Leone or be absolutely assured in a colt who’s failed the final 5 occasions he is been the betting favourite. Will his profession finale be grand or one final near-miss?
Breeders’ Cup Traditional Betting and Horse Data
In case you suppose the fractions will likely be fast sufficient to arrange Sierra Leone’s late transfer (enter Brown pacesetter Opposite Considering at 50-1), guess him to win and on high in exotics. In case you suppose the tempo will likely be reasonable, then Sierra Leone may be in “too little, too late” mode and run second or third, as he is achieved eight occasions.
Contender Data Card
- Publish place: 7
- Odds: 8-1
- Jockey: Flavien Prat
- Coach: Chad Brown
- Homeowners: Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg, and Brook T. Smith
- Age: 4
- Profession report: 13 begins – 5 wins, 5 seconds, 3 thirds
- Profession earnings: $7,006,200
- Final race: Jockey Membership Gold Cup (G1), Aug. 31, 2nd
- High Equibase pace determine: 117
- Pedigree: Gun Runner-Heavenly Love, by Malibu Moon
- Shade: Darkish bay
- Operating fashion: Deep nearer
Notes: Sierra Leone breezed 4 furlongs in: 48.74 on Oct. 25 over the Saratoga coaching observe earlier than being shipped to Del Mar. Brown, who’s sure to finish up within the Corridor of Fame, has 19 Breeders’ Cup victories, tied with Bob Baffert and one behind co-leaders Aidan O’Brien and the late D. Wayne Lukas. Brown’s first Breeders’ Cup victory got here in 2008 with Maram within the Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1).
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