Arzak and Up to the Mark both rate solid chances to add to what has already been an excellent 2023 for Not This Time when the duo go postward in the Breeders’ Cup Saturday at Santa Anita.
Both will be running in turf races, Arzak in the $1 million Turf Sprint (G1), and Up to the Mark in the $4 million Turf (G1).
Arzak is in the outside post in the field of 12 that will go five furlongs. Five-year-old Arzak, owned by Sonata Stable, brings a two-race winning streak into Saturday’s 10th race. His most recent win came in the Woodford S. (G2), where he registered a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 101. Arzak was bred by John Oxley and sold for $575,000 at the 2020 OBS 2-year-olds in Training sale.
Up to the Mark is part of a stellar international field of 13 in Saturday’s 8th race. The 4-year-old colt has been spectacular all year, with five wins in six races. His last three races, the Turf Mile (G1), Manhattan (G1) and Turf Classic (G1), all produced victories for the Repole Stable and St. Elias Stable LLC runner. Overall, Up to the Mark has earned $1,831,050, making him the second-leading lifetime earner for his sire. Up to the Mark was bred by Ramspring Farm and sold for $450,000 at the 2020 Keeneland September Yearling sale.
With more than $10.8 million in progeny earnings to date this year, Not This Time is in the top-10 on the General Sire list and leads the Fourth-Crop list by a wide margin. Taylor Made recently announced his 2024 fee at $150,000 S&N.
