After a series of disappointing performances earlier this year, the 2023 Breeders' Cup Classic champion, White Abarrio, is set to make his long-awaited return to the racetrack next Friday at Gulfstream Park. The 5-year-old son of Race Day, who captured the prestigious 2022 Florida Derby (G1), will be looking to reclaim his status as one of the top thoroughbreds in the sport.

Primed for Redemption: White Abarrio's Comeback Bid

Reclaiming the Throne

White Abarrio's journey has been a rollercoaster ride, with the horse experiencing both triumph and setback. After winning the 2022 Florida Derby and the Breeders' Cup Classic, the talented thoroughbred was transferred to trainer Richard Dutrow Jr.'s stable, where he struggled to replicate his previous success. His 10th-place finish in the Saudi Cup (G1) and a fifth-place result in the Metropolitan Handicap (G1) at Saratoga left his connections and fans alike yearning for a return to form.Now, under the guidance of his original trainer, Saffie Joseph Jr., White Abarrio is poised to make a statement. The champ has been diligently preparing for his comeback, with seven breezes at both Saratoga and Gulfstream Park, indicating that he is primed and ready to reclaim his rightful place among the sport's elite.

The Homecoming

Returning to the familiar surroundings of Gulfstream Park, where he captured the 2022 Florida Derby, White Abarrio will face a field of five rivals in a seven-furlong optional-claiming allowance race. This race serves as a crucial stepping stone for the champion, as he looks to regain his confidence and momentum before potentially tackling bigger challenges down the line.Joseph, who has been instrumental in White Abarrio's development, expressed his excitement and cautious optimism about the horse's return. "Obviously, we're glad to have him back. He's a top-class horse. Those are the kind of horses you want to train," the trainer said. "He's coming off a couple of disappointing runs, but hopefully, he'll rebound."

A Formidable Contender

Owned by the powerhouse partnership of C2 Racing Stable, Prince Faisal bin Khaled bin Abdulaziz al-Saud, and Antonio Pagnano, White Abarrio has the pedigree and connections to make a significant impact in the sport. His previous accomplishments, including the 2023 Whitney (G1) at Saratoga and the Breeders' Cup Classic, have cemented his status as a true champion.Irad Ortiz Jr., a perennial champion at Gulfstream Park, has been entrusted with the ride aboard White Abarth, further bolstering the horse's chances of success. Ortiz's expertise and familiarity with the track could prove invaluable as White Abarth looks to make a triumphant return to the winner's circle.

A Stacked Field

While White Abarth will undoubtedly be the center of attention, the field for the race 7 feature at Gulfstream Park is not without its own formidable contenders. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. will also be represented by Mish, a stakes-winning 4-year-old son of Field Commission, who will be looking to make his own mark.The field also includes Anthony Margotta-trained Flying Liam, who registered back-to-back wins at Gulfstream last season, Carlos David-trained Gatsby, a stakes-winning son of Brethren, and Carlos Rondon-Mora-trained Vladislav, all of whom will be vying for the top spot.With a talented and diverse field, the stage is set for an exciting and unpredictable race, where White Abarth will have to showcase his true champion's mettle to emerge victorious.