Formerly an underachiever on dirt, C R K Stable’s Exaulted has become an overachiever since switching to turf. His transformation reached a new level in Monday’s Shoemaker Mile (G1) at Santa Anita.

Monday’s $500,000 Shoemaker Mile (G1), the first Breeders’ Cup Challenge event staged at a U.S. track this year, has added significance: it’s also held at the 2023 Breeders’ Cup host site, Santa Anita.

Count Again dethroned Smooth Like Strait in the Shoemaker Mile (G1) at Santa Anita, earning a free ticket to the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1).

After the Hollywood Gold Cup (G1), Santa Anita’s Grade 1 action on Memorial Day shifts to turf for the Shoemaker Mile (G1), a “Win and You’re In” for the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1), and the Gamely (G1) for turf distaffers.

After a few tough beats at the top level, Smooth Like Strait finally won a deserved Grade 1 trophy in Monday’s $300,500 Shoemaker Mile (G1) at Santa Anita. In the process, the Michael McCarthy trainee secured a free ticket to the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) at Del Mar Nov. 6.