Breeders’ Cup officials confirmed Saturday that two major contenders have withdrawn from the GI Filly & Mare Sprint, significantly altering the race’s competitive landscape.
Sweet Azteca (Sharp Azteca) and ‘TDN Rising Star’ Tamara (Bolt d’Oro) will not compete in the prestigious race where they were expected to be major factors. Sweet Azteca had been installed as the 2-1 morning line favorite for trainer Richard Baltas, while Tamara was listed at 7-2 odds for trainer Richard Mandella.
The news was first reported by Daily Racing Form reporter David Grening via social media. No reasons were provided for either withdrawal.
The scratches dramatically reshape the betting market for the Filly & Mare Sprint, removing the two shortest-priced entrants from the field.
In addition to these high-profile withdrawals, longshot Atsila (Ire) (Phoenix of Spain {Ire}) has also been scratched from the GI Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf. The filly had been listed at 20-1 on the morning line.
These late changes come just hours before post time, forcing handicappers to reconsider their selections and wagering strategies for both championship races.
The Breeders’ Cup World Championships continue through the weekend at Del Mar, featuring the sport’s elite horses competing for purses totaling $31 million across 14 championship races.
