Ted Noffey won the US$2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile by one length at Del Mar on Friday (Oct 31), stamping himself as the winter favourite for next year’s Kentucky Derby.
Ridden by John Velazquez, Ted Noffey ran 1 1/16 miles in 1:42.25 and paid US$3.60 to win for the second-shortest win payout in Juvenile history. It was Velazquez’s 22nd Cup win, second all-time among jockeys.
“I was very confident,” Velazquez said. “He made it very easy for me.”
Trainer Todd Pletcher earned his fifth Juvenile win, tying his mentor D Wayne Lucas, who died in June at age 89. Pletcher wore a tie given to him by Lukas’ widow, Laurie.
“He loved this event and it brings back some fond memories,” Pletcher said. “That’s what he was always dreaming about — juveniles and Derby horses.”
Ted Noffey is named for a misspelling of Spendthrift Farm general manager Ned Toffey. The Lexington, Kentucky, farm owns the 2-year-old colt. The victory increased his earnings to $1,658,763.
Mr A.P., a 21-1 shot, rallied for second. Brant was another 1 1/2 lengths back in third for trainer Bob Baffert, who owns a leading six wins in the Juvenile. Litmus Test, also trained by Baffert, was fourth.
The top five finishers earned qualifying points toward a spot in next year’s 20-horse Kentucky Derby field.
