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23m ago

Nevada Beach Upsets Goodwood to Clinch Breeders’ Cup Classic Berth for Baffert

The victory underscores Baffert’s push to translate long-term Grade 1 dominance into fresh Breeders’ Cup results after his return from suspension.

Nevada Beach and jockey Mike Smith iwn the Grade I $300,000 Goodwood Stakes Saturday, September 27, 2025 at Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, CA. (Benoit Photo)

Overview

  • Three-year-old Nevada Beach won the Grade 1 Goodwood at Santa Anita at 8-1, earning an automatic berth in the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar.
  • Mike Smith guided Nevada Beach to a 1½-length victory over heavy favorite Full Serrano in 1:48.43, saying he switched to “Plan B” midrace to seize a slow pace.
  • Bob Baffert scratched Gaming before the Goodwood, and his other runner Privman finished third as Nevada Beach delivered the trainer his ninth win in the race.
  • Baffert confirmed Seismic Beauty will go straight to the Breeders’ Cup Distaff after her Clement L. Hirsch win at Del Mar secured qualification.
  • Equibase lists Baffert as North America’s all-time Grade 1 wins leader with 260, while TRC’s Sept. 21 rankings place him fourth worldwide over the past three years.