Racing

Double "Love It" From Brisset For Breeders' Cup Hopefuls

Friday morning was work day for trainer Rodolphe Brisset, who sent out WinStar Farm’s Mullikin and Breffni Farm’s Royal Spa for 5-furlong works.

First at 7:30 a.m. was Mullikin, who worked the distance in company with Keeneland allowance winner Green Light in 1:00.20 over a fast track.

“Loved it,” Brisset said of Mullikin’s third work since finishing unplaced in the Forego (G1) at Saratoga on Aug. 23. “He’ll have two more works here before going to Del Mar.”

Mullikin will have a return trip to Del Mar for the 6-furlong Cygames Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), a race in which he finished third last year as the favorite.

Next at 9 a.m. was Royal Spa, who covered the distance in 1:00.80 in company with Queen Azteca.

“Loved it,” Brisset said of Royal Spa’s work, her second since winning the Locust Grove (G2) at Churchill Downs on Sept. 13. Royal Spa could race in the Nov. 1 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1).

Queen Azteca, now owned by Team Valor International, joined Brisset’s barn after finishing fifth in her U.S. debut in the Alabama (G1) Presented by Keeneland Sales at Saratoga on Aug. 16.

“We are planning on the Mother Goose (G2) or the Jockey Club Oaks (G3),” Brisset said of the UAE Oaks (G3) Presented by DP World winner in February. “One is on dirt and the other on grass. We’d like to run her one time before a break.”

The Mother Goose and the Jockey Club Oaks are both at Aqueduct. The 1⅛-mile, $300,000 Mother Goose is on the main track on Nov. 8, and the $350,000 Jockey Club Oaks at 1 3/8 miles is Nov. 15.