Domestic Spending, United Scratched From BC Turf

The Nov. 6 Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) lost two leading American participants Nov. 4 when Domestic Spending  and United  were announced by their trainers as scratched from the $4 million race due to physical setbacks.

Klaravich Stables' Domestic Spending had been the 4-1 second-favorite in the 1 1/2-mile contest behind defending champion Tarnawa  at 9-5. The LNJ Foxwoods-owned United , the top grass horse in California over the past two years, was a 20-1 outsider.

"I came in this morning, and unfortunately (Domestic Spending) has some inflammation in his left leg," said trainer Chad Brown. "He is sound. But it's just changed. He's never had anything. I feel more comfortable sending him to Kentucky to get him evaluated; err on the side of caution.

"It's very disappointing. I just can't take any chances. I don't have any time to work with to potentially get him in there looking in mint condition like he always is. I won't run him if he's anything less than that."

United is also out with inflammation, Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella said.

"(He) has had a little bit of filling over a suspensory. So we scanned it. It was clean, and I thought it was fine. I gave him a strong gallop today, and it actually showed a little more swelling," Mandella said. "So we can't take a chance, and we'll just take him out."

The Domestic Spending and United defections have cleared the way for alternates Bolshoi Ballet  and Channel Maker , last year's champion older turf male, to join the field. Channel Maker's addition adds more speed to the race.

HRRN first reported the United scratch, Daily Racing Form the withdrawal of Domestic Spending, via social media.

Bombard , another one of Mandella's entries, the first alternate for the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T) for owners Ramona and Perry Bass II, Adele Dilschneider, and Waddell Hancock II, also won't run even if a spot opens up. He is out with a bruised heel, the trainer said. 

In a tweet, LNJ Foxwoods' Jaime Roth said the timing of United's setback is difficult.

"(I'm) devastated most for United and the Mandella barn but also for my family and his fans and supporters," Roth said. "I can confidently say United was going to fire a huge race. His last work (a mile in 1:37 1/5) was phenomenal, one of the best of his career.

"Trying my best to be positive and focus on the amazing racing moments we've been lucky enough to enjoy. Love you big boy, you'll be back soon."

LNJ Foxwoods also has Mandella-trained Dogtag  in the Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T).

"Hopefully Dogtag can run a huge race for him," Roth tweeted.