Authentic gets historic BC Classic (G1) win

Authentic’s 2 1/4-length victory over Improbable gave Bob Baffert a 1-2 finish in Saturday’s $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Keeneland. 

The time of 1:59.19 for the 1 1/4-miles broke Baffert’s 2015 Classic winner American Pharaoh’s track record, and also gave Baffert a record fourth Classic winner.

Authentic is surely to be named 3-year-old champion and Horse of the Year candidate with wins in the Kentucky Derby (G1), Haskell Inv. (G1), San Felipe S. (G2) and Sham S. (G3) prior to Saturday’s triumph.

Authentic came away very well from the gate from post 9 and took the lead almost immediately, with Maximum Security his closest pursuer. They stayed 1-2 for six furlongs, when Improbable took up the second spot. Improbable got within a length with a quarter mile to run, but Authentic re-broke in the stretch to complete his record-setting trip.

“You know what, they were all training so well and he was training well,” Baffert said of his three runners. “I think Johnny [Velazquez] got to know [Authentic] a lot better and he’s just a quirky guy. But when I saw him out there, he’s catching up with these older horses. That’s what they do at this time of year, what a horse. He’s the real deal.” 

Authentic’s group of owners include Spendthrift Farm, MyRaceHorse Stable, Madaket Stables and Starlight Racing. The 3-year-old son of Into Mischief is in 6-2-0 in eight starts and has earned $6,191,200. 

“I’m just happy for (Spendthrift’s) Wayne Hughes and everybody,” Baffert said. “That was awesome.” 

Baffert’s previous Classic winners the aforementioned American Pharoah, Arrogate, and Bayern.