Obataye's sixth win in 10 starts

Haras Rio Iguassu's 3-year-old Obataye clinched his first Group 1 victory by winning the 1 1/2-mile Grande Premio Brasil (G1) on June 23 at Hipodromo Da Gavea. This triumph secured him an automatic entry and paid fees for the $5 million Breeders' Cup Turf (G1T) as part of the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series: Win and You're In.

Trained by Antonio Oldoni and ridden by Joao Moreira, Obataye achieved his sixth win in 10 starts. The son of Courtier and Crimson Tide mare Surfi'n Usa completed the race in 2:29.18 on a course rated good to soft. The race, the 92nd edition of the Grande Premio Brasil, is Brazil's most prestigious horse race.

The 16-horse field saw Olympic Kremlin take the early lead, with Underpants, the 5-1 second choice, close behind. Obataye, starting at 6-1 odds, was initially in ninth place along the backstretch. As the field rounded the far turn, Moreira guided Obataye five paths off the rail, engaging Olympic Kremlin, To Sir With Love, and Underpants in a fierce battle in the final quarter mile.

Obataye surged ahead, winning by 1 1/4 lengths over To Sir With Love and the Olympic Kremlin. Online finished strongly in fourth place. Kenlova, Brazil's champion 3-year-old filly of 2023, finished tenth as the 3-1 favourite.

Before this race, Obataye had narrowly missed victory by a nose to Kenlova in the May 19 Sao Paulo (G1). He had previously secured three consecutive Group 3 wins in Brazil.

With his victory, Obataye's entry fees for the Breeders' Cup Turf will be covered by the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series. Additionally, a travel allowance is provided for all starters based outside North America to compete in the World Championships. The Challenge winner must be nominated to the Breeders' Cup program by the pre-entry deadline of October 21 to receive these benefits.

Obataye joins El Encinal, winner of the Gran Premio Internacional Carlos Pellegrini (G1), and Auguste Rodin, who won the Prince of Wales's Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot, as the first three horses guaranteed berths in this year's Breeders' Cup Turf.