BC Friday Debrief: Ted Noffey ‘More Convincing’ Than Winning Margin Suggests

[Wandering Eyes]

'TDN Rising Star' presented by Hagyard Ted Noffey (Into Mischief) parceled up a championship freshman campaign with a stalk-and-pounce victory in Friday's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Del Mar, a win that is better than it might appear on paper in the eyes of his trainer Todd Pletcher.

“I thought he ran terrific,” said Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, striking at the Breeders' Cup for the 16th time. “The race unfolded kind of just as we had anticipated it would with [TDN Rising Star presented by Hagyard] Brant (Gun Runner) going to the lead. We got a good stalking position.

“The only part of the race where we had any concern was, I guess, just inside of the eighth pole. Johnny said that (Ted Noffey) kind of saw the shadow of the building and the footprints from the gate crew right in that area. He said he kind of put on the brakes and idled a bit until he crossed over the shadow. And, once he got into the fully shadowed area, he refocused and re-engaged and started to draw away again. Up to that point and after that, everything went exactly as we hoped.”

Pletcher was wearing a tie owned by his former boss and mentor D. Wayne Lukas that was given to him by Lukas's widow Laurie at the celebration of life for Lukas in August.

“I just felt like it would be appropriate to wear it on Breeders' Cup days, Wayne being the all-time winningest Breeders Cup trainer and with remarkable achievements in the Breeders Cup,” Pletcher said. “When you think about when his stable was at its strongest, back in the day, the Breeders' Cup was a one-day card and lot fewer opportunities than there are now.”

Pletcher indicated that the $650,000 Keeneland September yearling would ship to the conditioner's Florida base at Palm Beach Downs and would likely head in the direction of next year's GI Florida Derby.

O'Brien and Son Relishing Juvy Turf Spotlight

Both Aidan O'Brien and his son Donnacha were in a celebratory mood following Friday's victories in the GI Juvenile Turf races, for the elder O'Brien a record-breaking 21st success at the championships, while Donnacha was earning Breeders' Cup laurels for the first time in his training career.

Gstaad (GB) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) could not have been more impressive in taking the colts' and geldings' division of the Juvenile turf, overcoming a slow break and wide trip before prevailing under Christophe Soumillon.

“He's come out the race in good form,” O'Brien said. “It was a great day and a very good performance. From his draw (post 14) it was difficult task but he won well and one we can look forward to next season.”

Balantina (Ire) (Ten Sovereigns {Ire}) stormed up the fence to cause a 20-1 upset in the Juvenile Fillies Turf to the thrill of her connections.

“It was an incredible day,” the junior O'Brien said. “It was very special to get our first Breeders' Cup win. Balantina seems healthy and happy today. I'm thankful that the owners are going to let me take her home (to Ireland). We're looking forward to an exciting year ahead with her.”

Super Corredora Likely Done For Season

Super Corredora (Gun Runner), who was given an aggressive ride by Hector Berrios and took them all the way to score at 9-1 in the GI NetJets Breeders' Cp Juvenile Fillies, gave trainer John Sadler his first victory in the race, but has in all likelihood made the final appearance of her 2-year-old season.

“It was very exciting,” Sadler said, adding that the filly would return to Santa Anita on Sunday to undergo a 'full evaluation.'

“I'm not ruling anything out, but this was probably her last race of the year,” Sadler said. “She ran back in three weeks this time. We're excited for next year. She's well suited for the distance races.”

Cy Fair A First BC Winner For Weaver, Not This Time

Cy Fair (Not This Time) beat the boys in Friday's GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, giving her trainer George Weaver his first victory at the championships while also becoming the first Breeders' Cup scorer for Taylor Made stallion Not This Time.

“She came out well, and obviously we're proud of her performance,” Weaver said Saturday morning. “It's a big thing for the team.

“I felt very comfortable once I saw where she was going into the far turn,” the conditioner added. “She was in a great spot and it looked like he had a lot of horse. I was feeling good most of the way.”

With nothing else to play for in the balance of 2025, Cy Fair is likely to be spelled.

“I would imagine she'd get a little break,” said Weaver. “I don't think there's a lot of importance in front of us as far as races in the United  States anyways. She went to the 2-year-old sale and never missed a beat (since then). We'll probably give her a break–not that she needs one, but it's probably a good time to fit one in.”

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