BC Dirt Mile Upsetter Full Serrano Gearing Up for Return, 'Focus is Breeders' Cup'

Full Serrano (Arg) (Full Mast), unraced since springing a 13-1 upset in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile at Del Mar Nov. 2, is nearing a return.

“We're hoping we see him at Del Mar,” owner Kosta Hronis said. “If there's a race for him there that he fits in, that's what we're gonna shoot for. We'll see how he does and go from there. The focus is Breeders' Cup. If he can handle the Classic, that would be the ultimate goal.”

Full Serrano has posted four workouts for trainer John Sadler since returning to the worktab this summer, most recently breezing four furlongs in :48.40 (17/51) at Del Mar July 28.

“He just had some little issues that came up,” Hronis said. “Nothing big. Just for his own good we thought, 'it's probably the perfect time of the year to give him a nice break since our focus is Breeders' Cup. Let him get back and good and healthy.' He never left the barn. He didn't have to go any place. He's been under John's care the whole time.”

Kosta Hronis | Benoit Photo

A listed stakes winner and also graded stakes placed for former trainer Diego Pena in his native Argentina, Full Serrano made three starts on these shores last term. An optional claiming winner in his U.S. debut going a two-turn mile at Del Mar Aug. 3, the dark bay ran very well in defeat staying on for second while stretching to 1 1/4 miles in the GI FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic S. Aug. 31. He trained up to the Breeders' Cup after spiking a fever and missing an intended start in the GI California Crown at Santa Anita.

“John has a good relationship with those people there and (Full Serrano) became available,” Hronis said. “So, we jumped on him. He was modestly priced and we thought we'd take a chance with him. Turned out to be a really really good racehorse. He had a little tiny issue and missed the Awesome Again, so we decided to cut him back to the Mile for the Breeders' Cup. He did his job there and showed everybody he's a racehorse. We're probably back on that same pattern hoping to go to the Classic.”

Full Serrano wins the $1 Million @bigassfans #BreedersCup Dirt Mile! Congrats to all connections! #BC24 pic.twitter.com/bFDCtg3olx

— Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) November 3, 2024