Siena Farm and WinStar Farm's grade 1 winner Mullikin will train up to the $2 million Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) at Del Mar Nov. 2, according to trainer Rodolphe Brisset.
The 4-year-old Violence dark bay or brown colt is 4-for-4 this year, including his biggest score to date last out in the seven-furlong Forego Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course Aug. 24. There, Mullikin easily bested his six rivals, leading at each point of call en route to a 5 3/4-length victory in a final time of 1:21.75.
Mullikin had his first breeze back Sept. 19, covering a half-mile in :49 at Keeneland.
"He's doing very good. We are just going to go straight to the Breeders' Cup," said Brisset. "I wanted to take my time and see how he was doing and if he needed an extra week before breezing. Looking at the past couple of winners, there's been a couple of different approaches in the last couple of years.
"I decided we are going straight. It may be the best plan."
Also victorious sprinting this summer at the Spa for Brisset was World Record, who won the 6 1/2-furlong Amsterdam Stakes (G2) in July ahead of an off-the-board finish in the seven-furlong H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes (G1) Aug. 24.
The sophomore Gun Runner bay, also campaigned by Siena Farm and WinStar Farm, has worked back twice since the Jerkens, including five-eighths in 1:00 2/5 at Keeneland Sept. 15.
"I haven't mapped out anything official yet. He is doing really good," said Brisset. "We are going week by week after the Amsterdam when he came back in four weeks and he likely may have bounced a little for me, but I'm very happy with what I'm seeing in the last two works."
Brisset said a possible long-term goal is the Malibu Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita Park, traditionally contested at seven furlongs in late December for sophomores.
"I'm keeping one eye on the Malibu. So I may work something backwards from there," Brisset said.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
