Trainer Casse Prepares Multiple Stars for Breeders' Cup Challenge
Trainer Mark Casse is diligently preparing his string of high-caliber thoroughbreds for the upcoming Breeders' Cup, with several notable entries poised to make an impact. Among them, Nitrogen, Measure, Classic Q, and Voyager are all set to challenge for top honors in their respective divisions. Casse's strategic planning and the horses' recent performances suggest a strong showing for his stable at the prestigious event.
Casse's Stable Gears Up for Breeders' Cup Showdown
In anticipation of the Breeders' Cup, celebrated trainer Mark Casse is fine-tuning the preparations for his formidable stable, with key contenders poised for significant races. On October 9, 2026, the racing world watched as Casse meticulously detailed his plans for several of his star athletes, each aiming for glory at Keeneland.
The spotlight is heavily on Nitrogen, a four-year-old bay mare by Medaglia d'Oro, who is slated for her third Breeders' Cup appearance in the Distaff on October 31. Owned and bred by D.J. Stable, Nitrogen has demonstrated exceptional form in her recent New York outings. Her spectacular 12 3/4-length victory in the Grade 1 Ogden Phipps at Saratoga, where she earned a career-best 113 Beyer Speed Figure, highlighted her dominance. She followed this with a runner-up finish against males in the Whitney and secured her final Breeders' Cup prep by leading gate-to-wire in the Beldame (G2) at Belmont Park. Casse noted that Nitrogen has since been shipped to Kentucky and is training well at Keeneland, expressing confidence in her ability to maintain her early speed, even amidst other pace contenders in the Distaff.
Another promising contender from Casse's barn is Measure, a three-year-old filly by Essential Quality, co-owned by Gary Barber, Bridlewood Farm, and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. This late-running filly has consistently placed in her last four starts, including three Grade 1 events. Her notable performances include a third in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), a narrow second in the Alabama (G1), and a third in the Cotillion (G1). Casse believes Measure will thrive over the mile and an eighth distance and will benefit greatly from a potentially fast pace in the Breeders' Cup Distaff.
Classic Q, a four-year-old grey filly owned by Gary Barber, Blue Crevalle Racing, and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, will target the Filly and Mare Turf. Initially considered for the Mile against males, Classic Q has shown excellent form this year with three wins from six starts, including Grade 1 victories in the Distaff Turf Mile and Just a Game, and a recent nose win in the First Lady at Keeneland. Casse expects her to be a front-runner in the mile and three-sixteenths race.
D.J. Stable's Voyager, a bay filly by Justify, is set for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. After strong showings on dirt, including a second in the Schuylerville, Voyager successfully transitioned to turf with a maiden win at Saratoga and a subsequent 1 1/4-length victory in the Natalma (G1) at Woodbine. Casse highlighted her versatility and the benefit of her two-turn experience at Saratoga for the one-mile Juvenile Fillies Turf.
In other stable news, Casse celebrated a winning debut for the seasoned international runner Facteur Cheval at Keeneland and secured another victory at the new Belmont Park with Ori. Facteur Cheval, a seven-year-old gelding with over $5.7 million in earnings and a Group 1 Dubai Turf win, will now point towards the River City (G3). Ori, a five-year-old mare recently claimed for $45,000, impressed with a dominant turf starter optional-claimer win and is likely headed for the Noble Damsel Stakes.
Casse also revealed plans for a significant winter presence in New York, intending to stable 40 to 50 horses there for the meet exclusively contested over Tapeta, utilizing horses with prior experience on such surfaces from Woodbine.
The upcoming Breeders' Cup promises to be an exhilarating showcase of talent, and Mark Casse's meticulous preparation and strategic placements of his equine athletes underscore his commitment to excellence. As these magnificent horses take to the track, their performances will undoubtedly captivate racing enthusiasts and perhaps even redefine their legacies within the sport.