Beholder scratched from Breeders’ Cup Classic; no showdown with Pharoah

The showdown that everyone had been waiting for -- Triple Crown winner American Pharoah and super mare Beholder -- won’t be happening Saturday in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland Racecourse.

Trainer Richard Mandella announced Thursday that Beholder was being scratched because of bleeding in her throat. It was discovered after her morning workout on Thursday and is in no way considered serious.

“After she galloped this morning we scoped her and found her to have bled,” Mandella said. “This was obviously due to the fever she had when she arrived. Knowing this, we feel it is too great a risk to start her in the Classic .... She’ll be fine, but if I put her under the stress of a race situation, it could cause some real damage.”

Everyone was waiting for the matchup of American Pharoah, the favorite, and first Triple crown winner in 37 years, and Beholder, the 3-1 second choice. Beholder got everyone’s attention with a spectacular performance in the Pacific Classic at Del Mar on Aug. 22.

Beholder was attempting to match the achievement of Zenyatta, who will remain the only mare to ever win the Classic.