Breeders' Cup Roundup: July 5, 2021

Independence Day weekend produced a trio of surprising results in the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, shaking up the racing landscape four months out from the Nov. 5-6 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar.

Let’s look back on the most important developments from racing’s Fourth of July celebration:

Max Player joins the game with Suburban upset

The 1 1/4-mile Suburban S. (G2) at Belmont Park was billed as a rematch between the undefeated Happy Saver and recent Dubai World Cup (G1) hero Mystic Guide, the top two finishers from the 2020 Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1).

But in the end, it was Max Player who sprung a surprise victory, securing a “Win and You’re In” berth to the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). The son of Honor Code has long shown talent; as a sophomore last season, he won the Withers S. (G3) and placed third in both the Belmont S. (G1) and Travers S. (G1).

However, Max Player elevated his game to a new level in the Suburban. Rebounding from off-the-board efforts in the Saudi Cup and Pimlico Special S. (G3), Max Player displayed improved tactical speed, settling in second place through splits of :23.72, :47.67, and 1:11.60.

Rounding the final turn, Max Player appeared beaten when Mystic Guide slipped through an opening along the rail to take command. But through the final quarter-mile, Max Player battled back tenaciously, surging to catch Mystic Guide by a neck in 2:01.95.

According to Trakus, Max Player ran 37 feet (4.625 lengths) farther than the ground-saving Mystic Guide, so his victory was arguably more decisive than it first appears. Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen appears to have gotten Max Player back on track, with the Breeders’ Cup Classic now looming as a viable long-term target for the improving four-year-