Horse racing‘s biggest night of felicitations is drawing closer on January 25. The best thoroughbreds in the country will covet the 2023 Eclipse Awards. It will be proof of their domineering excellence on the turf. The National Turf Writers and Broadcasters, Daily Racing Form, and National Thoroughbred Racing Association have cherry-picked the American Horse of the Year trophy contenders. One nominated candidate is the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic winner.

The Rick Dutrow, Jr. trainee White Abarrio staged a marvelous coup in November by winning the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic. Still expecting another shot at a podium finish in Saudi Arabia, White Abarrio stands at the crossroads of glory and uncertainty.

White Abarrio targets the Saudi Cup

In February, the King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Saudi Arabia will host the most incredible horse racing legends. Among the pack will be C2 Racing Stable and La Milagrosa Stable’s White Abarrio. However, the legendary equine athlete will face an old foe in the run toward the $20-million check. Derma Sotogake, whom White Abarrio had outpaced to carry off the winner title at the Breeders’ Cup finale, is eager to rehash the past on foreign soil. With an unyielding thirst for dominance, White Abarrio is poised to extend his prowess over the nine-furlong course. Since winning the Breeders’ Cup Classic, the horse racing champion has stayed at Santa Anita Park. In an exclusive report to NYRA from the trainer, Dutrow, Jr., White Abarrio “is doing great – fantastic. Not a straw in his path.”

The horse racing paragon has been producing unbelievable results in its outings. Now a mainstay at Santa Anita, White Abarrio began its 2023 campaign in the Grade 1 Whitney. After winning the 6 1/4-length race at Saratoga Race Course, the magnificent beast has shown no signs of slowing down. Above all, the five-year-old grey colt has earned the trust of his trainer with its latest achievements.

A trainer’s confidence

White Abarrio has been thriving since his Breeders’ Cup victory. Rick Dutrow, Jr. could not hide his pride as he praised the horse. He said, “He’s so beautiful, and his body is all filled out. He takes your breath away. Even a regular person looking at him says, ‘What a beautiful horse.’ He carries himself like that, and he’s just great, man. He’s on it.”

Read More: Equestrian World’s Renowned Horse White Abarrio Eyes Victory in $6M Breeders’ Cup Classic

About his chances of winning the Horse of the Year award on January 25, Dutrow Jr. does not doubt White Abarrio’s chances. His “last two starts” have specially set up the horse racing trainer in the hope of good news.

Watch this story: Equestrian World Abuzz as $2.5M-Worth Horse Readies for Training After Spectacular Win