Breeders Cup Classic (G1), powered by Dodge winner Invasor (Arg) came out of his one-length victory over 11-to-10 favorite Bernardini at Churchill Downs in good order, but no future plans for the four-year-old Candy Stripes colt have been solidified.
"Sheikh Hamdan wanted to sleep on it and didn't want to make any rash decisions," said Neal McLaughlin, assistant and brother to trainer Kiaran McLaughlin, who left Louisville on Saturday night. "But hopefully, being the sportsman that he is, he'll bring him back and maybe bring him to Dubai."
Invasor won his first six starts in Uruguay en route to earning Horse of the Year honors in that country in 2005-'06.He suffered his first career defeat in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates Derby (UAE-G2) on March 25 at Nad al Sheba racecourse.
Invasor could avenge that loss in the 2006 Dubai World Cup (UAE-G1), but for now the connections of the Classic winner will savor Saturday's triumph.
"Out feet haven't hit the ground yet," Neal McLaughlin said. "It hasn't sunk in yet. I just want to hit pause and enjoy it as long as we can."
The Classic was Invasor's fourth Grade 1 win in as many North American starts, and he solidified his status as the prohibitive favorite for Horse of the Year honors.
When he streaked past Travers (G1) and Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) Stakes winner Bernardini at the sixteenth pole, Invasor also struck a blow to that foe's chances for the prestigious award.
"[Bernardini is] a special horse. He's shown that this year. But yesterday we were better," Neal McLaughlin said. "Invasor's the kind of horse that needs a target to run at. When he had Bernardini to run at, it turned out great."—Mike Curry
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