2021 Breeders’ Cup Classic Pre-entries
In the days leading up to the 38th Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar in California, usracing.com is publishing profiles on the horses in the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (Saturday, Nov. 6). The profiles will be updated following the post-position draw on Monday, Nov. 1.
By Margaret Ransom
Though lightly raced, Calvin Nguyen’s Idol has earned some significant credibility, winning the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) and placing in both the San Antonio Stakes (G2) and San Pasqual Stakes (G2) earlier in the year. After his Big ‘Cap victory, he spent seven months on the shelf for reasons his connections still haven’t figured out.
“After he won the Big ’Cap, he came out of a work a little funny,” trainer Richard Baltas said. “We did all the diagnostics, couldn’t find anything major wrong so we gave him 60 days off.”
In his return in the Awesome Again Stakes (G1) last month, he was a well-beaten sixth and finished 16 length behind the winner, Medina Spirit. Not deterred by the performance, Baltas has charged forward with his plans for the colt to run in the Breeders’ Cup.
“Idol came out of the race really good,” Baltas said. “I think the pace (in the Awesome Again) was kind of slow, but he looks good, he’s been galloping at Santa Anita, and I’ll probably breeze him before we ship to Del Mar.
Four-year-old Idol was bred in Kentucky by My Meadowview LLC and was a $375,000 Keeneland yearling in 2018.
2021 Breeders’ Cup Classic Profile: Idol
Post position: TBD
Odds: TBD
Jockey: Joe Bravo
Trainer: Richard Baltas
Owner: Calvin Nguyen
Career record: 7-3-2-1
Career earnings: $416,964
Top Equibase speed figure: 107
Pedigree: Curlin-Marion Ravenwood, by A.P. Indy
Color: Bay
Running style: Closer
Betting advice: This horse, who is a stone-cold closer, will benefit from the anticipated quick early pace in the Classic. While we can all be fairly certain there will be a quick track, the pace in front of this horse for him to close into will only help his chances.
Notes: Owner Calvin Nguyen has had one Breeders’ Cup starter, Freedom Crest, who was 13th in the 2001 Breeders’ Cup Classic… Trainer Richard Baltas has saddled 15 Breeders’ Cup runners but has yet to have a winner… Jockey Joe Bravo has one Breeders’ Cup winner, Blue Prize in the 2019 Distaff, from 21 mounts overall.