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With his fourth Grade-2 win, accomplished October 2nd in the 1-1/4mile John Henry Turf Championship at Santa Anita, Ashleyluvssuger is being pointed into the direction of the $4 million Breeders’ Cup Longines Turf — over the same course yet two furlongs longer.
“You gotta think this horse is full of heart,” trainer Peter Eurton said in an interview with bloodhorse.com after the 5-year-old Game Plan gelding fought off two late closers and held on to win by a half length.
Read the entire article and watch the race replay here.
Regular rider Gary Stevens added: “I’m excited about the Breeders’ Cup. (Ashleyluvssugar) is stepping up in company, but he loves a mile and a half.” Provided all goes according to plan, the Hall of Famer will have the mount against the top European and American grass talent.
With a bankroll of $847,504, the California-bred gelding is now Game Plan’s leading earner, surpassing Grade-1-winner Mistical Plan ($816,790) who held the top spot since her retirement in 2010. Ashleyluvssugar is out of California Broodmare of the Year, Ashley’s Folly (Urgent Request), and is campaigned by breeder Sharon Alesia, Bran Jam Stable, and Ciaglia Racing.