Joel Rosario adds the classic to the juvenile

On Saturday, however, there was talk of the Classic, the flagship event, worth $ 6 million of the 14 races of the Breeders Cup held this weekend at Churchill Downs.

More coverage: Accelerate fights with a win in the Breeders Cup Classic

Replay: Breeders' 2018 Cup Classic: Look Again at Accelerate's Victory

The Rosario victory was the first victory of coach John Sadler in the Breeders' Cup after 41 previous attempts.

When asked if it was the best weekend of his career, Rosario – who won the 2013 Kentucky Derby with Orb – answered "probably, yes".

"I'm really happy for John," said Rosario. "When I was in California early, John gave me a lot of opportunities to be where I am today, I am very happy to have won the Breeders' Cup with him, the Classic. "

The relationship between Sadler and Rosario goes back a long time, leaving Sadler noted: "We have won a lot of great races together."

"He has always shown that he's a great talent, so I'm not surprised," said Sadler. "We won titles in California … and he continued to be an excellent jockey."

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Jockey Joel Rosario is congratulated after winning the Breeders' Cup classic aboard Accelerate. November 3, 2018. (Photo: By Pat McDonogh, Courier Journal)

Accelerate has been the big favorite in 5-on-2 bets, having won three Category 1 races this weekend. The most recent two were with Rosario, but the first – the Gold Cup at Santa Anita in May – was with former Accelerate jockey, Victor Espinoza.

"Victor did a great job with him this year," said Sadler. "Cry him, he's recovering in San Diego after a very bad spill."

More: Meet Accelerate: 5 Things To Know About The Breeders Champion Cup Classic

Rosario won the Accelerate victory in the Pacific Classic's 12 ½-way win in August and his ¼-length win at the Awesome Again Stakes in September.

Saturday's win was just a win over Gunnevera, who was in second place, but failed to narrow the gap as a group of tired horses – and jockeys – reached the finish line at Churchill Downs.

"He wants you to ride it," Sadler said of Accelerate. "He may be a little clever or a little lazy, so when he's in front, Joel has to continue to surpass him, which is why I thought that when Victor fell, Rosario would be better for him, because that he's so physical, he's one of the biggest physical game jockeys in the US right now, he's so strong and powerful, and it's a good choice for Accelerate. "

"I was still waiting to see the finish line," said the owner, Kosta Hronis. "He could not come fast enough."