Northern Afleet’s Barolo punched his ticket to the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) with a victory in the Grande Premio Brasil (G1) at Hipodromo Da Gavea in Rio de Janeiro Sunday, June 21.

In an electrifying stretch drive and under vigorous urging from prominent jockey Waldomiro Blandi, Barolo prevailed over Sao Paulo classic winner Concilium to earn a trip to Keeneland for the Oct. 31 Breeders’ Cup.

Fourth in two-thirds of the Rio de Janeiro Triple Crown last season, Barolo entered off an unplaced finish in the Grande Premio Sao Paulo (G1) on May 3. The Grande Premio Brasil captured by U.S. import Bal A Bali (Brz) last year, earned potential $100,000 towards Breeders’ Cup entry and travel expenses.

Owned by his Brazilian-based breeder, Haras Santa Rita da Serra, 4-year-old Barolo is 4-3-4 in 18 lifetime starts. He completed the 2,400 meters on the yielding turf in 2:34.48.

Barolo is the 11th Grade or Group 1 winner by Northern Afleet, who is the only North American sire standing for under $10,000 to sire a Grade 1 winner in six of the last seven years.