The Pizza Man to Shadwell Mile, Japan Cup

Midwest Thoroughbreds homebred The Pizza Man (English Channel), last seen winning the GI Arlington Million Aug. 15, will prep for the Oct. 31 GI Breeders’ Cup Turf over the same course in Keeneland’s GI Shadwell Turf Mile Oct. 3, and is also being pointed to the G1 Japan Cup at Tokyo Racecourse Nov. 29. “He’s doing great and came out of the Million in awesome shape,” Midwest principal Richard Papiese said. “We had a few options of places to take him for a final Breeders’ Cup prep, but we decided on the Shadwell Mile because we believe it is what is best for the horse.” Papiese continued, “There are a few reasons to go to Keeneland. First, I think he will benefit from a race over the course. I also like the idea of shortening him up beforehand, as he may have to be laying closer in order to win on the big day.” Papiese added, “We thought about going to Laurel for the [GII] Commonwealth Cup [Sept. 19], but we believe he will get a lot more out of the Shadwell than going anywhere else. We always love supporting Laurel and we hope to race there with him in the future. It’s more about the set-up and running against the best horses. He’s also not the greatest shipper and this was best for him in that regard. We feel like it will prepare him perfectly for two consecutive mile and a half races afterward, especially with shipping to Japan and doing so early. Everything will hopefully go well between now and then.” Midwest and trainer Richard Brueggemann will also run defending GI Breeders’ Cup Sprint winner Work All Week (City Zip) in the GIII Phoenix S. at Keeneland Oct. 2.