Breeders' Cup expands "win-and-in" races

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - The Breeders' Cup is picking up the travel tab for the winners of the 68 ``win-and-in'' races for this fall's world championships at Churchill Downs.

Officials announced Wednesday the ``win-and-in'' series will feature 18 international races, including the first-ever challenge races in Argentina and Japan.

Also, the winners of the Haskell Invitational, the Hollywood Gold Cup and the Jockey Club Gold Cup will automatically qualify for the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic.

The Breeders' Cup will pay the entry fees of all Challenge winners starting in the championships and provide a travel allowance for the winning connections of all horses.

Owners and trainers coming from outside North America will receive $20,000 travel assistance while owners and trainers from North America will receive $10,000 in assistance.

Black Caviar became the first horse to automatically qualify for the Breeders' Cup with a win in the Darley TJ Smith Stakes on April 9 at Royal Randwick in Australia. He's now assured of a spot in the $1 million Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.

Sacred Choice also punched his ticket to the $2 million Breeders' Cup Mile with a win in the Doncaster Mile last weekend.

The 2011 Breeders' Cup will be held Nov. 4-5.