Algiers to Miss Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile Due to Minor Foot Issue

In a surprising turn of events, Algiers, the Dubai World Cup runner-up and one of the leading contenders for the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile race, has been forced to withdraw due to a minor foot issue. The announcement was made through trainers Simon and Ed Crisford’s Gainsborough Thoroughbreds social media account.

This setback came as a disappointment for fans and pundits alike as Algiers was considered second favorite behind last year’s winner Cody’s Wish. However, it seems that fate had other plans as Algiers will now be missing out on competing in this highly-anticipated race.

The statement from Gainsborough Thoroughbreds read: “Unfortunately Algiers won’t be able to run in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. He is going to have to miss a few days of training due to a minor foot issue. He will now be prepared for a winter campaign in Dubai.”

Meanwhile, another top contender for the race, three-year-old Practical Move, tragically passed away on Tuesday after suffering from a suspected heart attack during exercise at Santa Anita track.

In an interview held at Santa Anita on Wednesday morning, Ed Crisford expressed his frustration over losing Algiers from the race but remained optimistic about their chances with Carla’s Way in the Juvenile Fillies Turf event.

Crisford said:

“It’s really annoying to have lost Algiers from his race; he had bruising on his right front leg. It doesn’t look serious.”

Despite the setback, the Crisford team still has hope with Carla’s Way. Crisford added, “Carla’s is in good order. She has options from her draw of nine and I believe she has a winning chance. We bring top Group form to the table. If she performs as well as she did in the Rockfel, she will be a strong contender.”