Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable’s Kentucky-bred Bright Future made his Grade 1 debut a winning one, fending off fellow Kentucky-bred Proxy to win the 105th running of the $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) at Saratoga on Saturday, Sept. 2. In winning the 10-furlong event, a “Win and You’re In” for the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), Bright Future secured his berth in the Nov. 4 race at Santa Anita.

Pace-Stalking Trip

Trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by Javier Castellano, Bright Future tracked the early pace set by Warrior Johny. Bright Future advanced to within a half-length of Warrior Johny through six furlongs in 1:14.10.  As Warrior Johny gave way nearing the quarter-pole, Bright Future assumed command while Proxy tipped out into the three-path. The two rivals hit the wire together, with Bright Future prevailing over Proxy by a nose in 2:03.00.

“I had a lot of confidence after the way I rode the horse last time,” said Castellano. “He gave me the impression he was going to step up the ladder a little bit, the level. I had a lot of confidence because this is a good horse, and I thought he could do it. I had a beautiful trip, and a good post today. It worked out great.”

The win marked the fourth lifetime victory for Bright Future, who lifted his bankroll to $716,940 with the $550,000 winner’s share of the lucrative purse. His record now stands at 7-4-0-2. By Curlin, Bright Future is out of the graded stakes-placed Bellamy Road mare Sophia’s Song, who was also trained by Pletcher.  Bright Future was a $350,000 purchase at the 2020 Keeneland September Sale.

Future Plans

As for Bright Future’s next target, Pletcher indicated that he would likely train his charge up to the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Bright Future will attempt to become the first horse to sweep the Jockey Club Gold Cup and Breeders’ Cup Classic since his sire, Curlin, did it in 2007.

“I would think so,” Pletcher said of his plans for the Kentucky-bred. “I doubt we’d do anything in between. It was a good spot to try a Grade 1 and he delivered a big performance. In order to go the next one, he’s going to need to make another move forward. It appears be pretty wide open, the older horse division.”