Jazil Ruled Out of Breeders' Cup Contention

Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner Jazil won't run in the Breeders' Cup Classic -Powered by Dodge (gr. I) at Churchill Downs next month, with the goal now the Dubai World Cup (UAE-I) next year. Jazil recently returned to training after recovering from a bruised bone in his right hind leg.
"He's galloping every day, doing great; and we hope to work him in the near future," trainer Kiaran McLaughlin said Tuesday during a conference call.
The BC Classic, though, is out.
"It's too close to try the Breeders' Cup," McLaughlin said five days after declaring top older horse Invasor out of Saturday's Jockey Club Gold Cup (gr. I) at Belmont Park due to a slight fever.
Jazil, owned by Sheikh Hamdan's Shadwell Stable, finished fourth in the Preakness (gr. I) before winning the Belmont on June 10 in his last race. After injuring his right cannon bone in mid-July, Jazil missed the Travers Stakes (gr. I).
"I was in Lexington last month with Sheikh Hamdan, and he told me `don't get in a hurry. Don't push him. Let him tell you when he's ready'," McLaughlin said. "I think the Dubai World Cup (March 24) would be a very important goal for both Invasor and Jazil. And one of them, or both of them, will point that way."
Invasor also is owned by Shadwell Stable.
Without Invasor in the Jockey Club Gold Cup, Preakness and Travers winner Bernardini will likely be the overwhelming favorite in what is shaping up as a small field.
Among others under consideration for the prep for the BC Classic on Nov. 4 are European-based Dylan Thomas, Andromeda's Hero, and Sun King.