Mott Considers Another Middle East Trip for Casa Creed
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Photo: Skip Dickstein
Casa Creed wins the 2023 Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga Race Course
Casa Creed resumed breezing Jan. 3 in preparation for a potential trip back to Saudi Arabia for the 1351 Turf Sprint (G2) on Saudi Cup Day Feb. 24. The newly turned 8-year-old worked three furlongs in :37 3/5 on dirt at Payson Park Training Center in South Florida.
A four-time grade 1 winner, Casa Creed has experienced most of his success in New York but has traveled for several lucrative races, including the past four Breeders' Cup editions.
His best performance in the Breeders' Cup came in his last start, in which he was third beaten a half-length by Master of The Seas in the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1T) at Santa Anita Park. Afterward, he was turned out for the rest of November.
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"In December, we got him started back up and now we've stepped it up a bit, put him on a breeze schedule," Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott said.
The son of Jimmy Creed began his last two seasons in the same race, finishing second in 2022 and 2023.
"Short term, he's been nominated back for the race at Saudi again," Mott said. "He's been over there a couple times. As long as he continues to look good and do well, we're moving in that direction."
A first- or second-place finish in the $2 million, about 6 1/2-furlong dash would push Casa Creed over the $3 million mark for owners LRE Racing and JEH Racing Stable.
-Byron King contributed to this report.