Sierra Leone Breezes Through Final Workout Before Breeders’ Cup Classic Defense

Reigning Breeders’ Cup Classic winner and TDN Rising Star Sierra Leone completed a half-mile workout in :49.08 Saturday at Saratoga’s Oklahoma training track as he prepares to defend his title in the $7-million race on November 1 at Del Mar.

The Chad Brown-trained 4-year-old worked alongside maiden Duration (Mitole) after the first renovation break on the fast track, positioning himself on the inside rail during the exercise.

“He worked super,” Brown said. “He has been very consistent with the way he’s been working. He’s been galloping out a strong three-quarters every week and I love the way he is moving.”

Sierra Leone (Gun Runner) edged his workmate by a neck at the wire before extending his advantage to several lengths during the gallop-out down the backside.

Brown noted the colt’s strong finishing ability has been consistent in recent works. “He’s been doing that every week actually: big, strong gallop-outs starting at the half-mile,” he said. “That is what I like for him and he is doing it as good as a horse could do it.”

The workout ranked 10th fastest of 44 at the distance on Saturday morning.

Brown also sent out another TDN Rising Star, Chancer McPatrick (McKinzie), for a solo half-mile breeze in :49.34 following the second renovation break. The colt is targeting the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile, also at Del Mar.

Sierra Leone will attempt to become the first horse since Tiznow (2000-2001) to win consecutive editions of the Breeders’ Cup Classic when he competes in two weeks.