Improbable 'Smooth' in Final Breeders' Cup Classic Work

WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, and SF Racing's Improbable  worked six furlongs in 1:11 2/5 Nov. 1 on a fast track at Santa Anita Park to complete his final major preparations before shipping to Keeneland for the Nov. 7 Longines Breeders' Cup Classic (G1). The work was the fastest of eight at the distance.

The 4-year-old City Zip colt is the likely favorite for the Classic after three straight grade 1 wins in the Hollywood Gold Cup, Whitney Stakes, and Awesome Again Stakes.

Improbable is one of three Classic contenders for trainer Bob Bafffert, who will also saddle Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1) winner Authentic and the 2019 champion 3-year-old colt Maximum Security .

"I think he went just as smooth as he always does. He's a beautiful-moving horse and left the pole relaxed," Baffert told TVG Sunday morning after Improbable's work. "That's the key to him this year. He's been very relaxed, he's matured, and he picked it up the further he went. I got him in :59 and change (for five furlongs) and out (six furlongs) in (1:11) and change and out (seven furlongs) in (1:24) and change without even any effort at all. The really good ones, they'll do that, just like Authentic.

"Coming into this race, he hasn't gone backwards. All you can go by is their class that they've had this year and if they're breezing like that, that means they haven't lost any conditioning or their fitness and they're looking great. I really don't have an excuse for him. I think he'll run a huge race."

Positive reactions from Trainer Bob Baffert on IMPROBABLE'S final work for the @BreedersCup Classic this morning @SantaAnitaPark saying to @ChristinaBlackr that he expects he'll run a huge race on Saturday @KeenelandRacing!

Breakfast at #BC20 this week on TVG!@WinStarFarm pic.twitter.com/QYIHYOcyf0

— TVG (@TVG) November 1, 2020

Baffert also sent out TVG Breeders' Cup Juvenile Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1) pre-entrant Classier for a Sunday morning work. The Empire Maker  colt traveled a half-mile in :48 3/5 at Santa Anita. Classier's lone start came Oct. 24 at the Southern California track. He was a 4 length winner and wired the nine-horse field racing 6 1/2 furlongs.

Classier is campagined by SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Golconda Stables, Siena Farm, and Robert Masterson.