Tag Archive for: Breeders’ Cup Festival

Is the Classic ‘mission impossible’ for Europeans. Not quite

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City Of Troy faces the formidable task of taking on America’s finest at their own game on dirt in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, but past history shows it is not quite mission impossible.

Ahead of this year’s Del Mar showpiece, we take a look back at other European raiders who have performed with distinction:

Arcangues 1993

Andre Fabre’s charge was the longest-priced winner in Breeders’ Cup history when springing a 133-1 surprise at Santa Anita. The horse had been beaten out of sight back home in France on Arc day, but this time came from way back to master leading US hope Bertrando by two lengths. Jockey Jerry Bailey joked: “I couldn’t understand the instructions the trainer gave me in the paddock and I don’t even know how to pronounce the horse’s name, but sometimes a horse runs best when he is ridden by someone who has never been on him before.”

Giant’s Causeway 2000

Aidan O’Brien’s son of Storm Cat travelled to Churchill Downs on the back of an incredible campaign which had brought five Group One victories and earned him the ‘Iron Horse’ nickname. Mick Kinane looked to be perfectly positioned when stalking Tiznow turning for home and mounted a strong challenge down the stretch, possibly even drawing level at one stage. However, for a change, he came off second best in a titanic tussle as Tiznow found the extra reserves required to get home by a neck.

Sakhee 2001

Tiznow proved Europe’s nemesis again as he shaded Saeed bin Suroor’s runaway Juddmonte International and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner by a nose. Frankie Dettori settled Sakhee in sixth, just behind O’Brien’s Galileo, but made smooth progress around the final bend at Belmont Park to loom up ominously on the outside. He briefly went past Tiznow to hit the front but the latter rallied courageously once more and was ahead when it mattered. The race took place just six weeks after the nearby New York terrorist attacks, with commentator Tom Durkin crying out the iconic line: “Tiznow wins it for America!”

Raven’s Pass 2008

John Gosden’s three-year-old created history at Santa Anita by becoming the first horse trained in Britain to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic, although this renewal was run over a controversial synthetic dirt surface. Defending champion Curlin made an early bid for home turning into the straight but Frankie Dettori was always tracking the favourite. Ballydoyle’s Henrythenavigator emerged as a serious threat in the final furlong but Raven’s Pass showed real class to win going away. Dettori was at his brilliant best that day and said: “When I pressed the button I was hoping he would go to the end and he did. What a good racehorse he is.”

Declaration Of War 2013

Declaration Of War had won the Queen Anne and Juddmonte International before going close in the Classic
Declaration Of War had won the Queen Anne and Juddmonte International before going close in the Classic (Anna Gowthorpe/PA)

Fresh from a break after winning the Juddmonte International, the four-year-old Ballydoyle inmate was sent off as the third favourite, with O’Brien’s son Joseph in the saddle. They were handily placed on the heels of the leaders rounding the final turn and Declaration Of War responded well to strong pressure down the stretch. Unfortunately, Mucho Macho Man had seized a decisive advantage and just held on to beat the fast-finishing Will Take Charge by a nose, with the Irish raider a head further back in third at the line.

Toast Of New York 2014

Horse Racing – Southwell Racecourse
Toast of New York (right) in a racecourse gallop at Southwell (Simon Cooper/PA).

Jamie Osborne’s charge came agonisingly close to doubling Britain’s tally when foiled by the narrowest of margins as Bayern made all the running to score at Santa Anita. Trying dirt for the first time, Jamie Spencer tracked the winner throughout the race and looked to be getting on terms in the final few strides, but the line came just in time for Bayern, who won by a nose. A stewards’ inquiry was quickly called after the race, but the placings remained unaltered. Osborne said: “He has run his heart out and nearly pulled off the impossible.”



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Ramatuelle ruled out of Breeders’ Cup Mile bid

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French star Ramatuelle has been withdrawn from the Breeders’ Cup Mile on veterinary advice.

Christopher Head’s filly, who is part-owned by NBA Hall of Famer Tony Parker, was last seen storming to victory in the Prix de la Foret at ParisLongchamp.

Connections had been confident of a bold bid at Del Mar after being handed an inside draw but have now been forced to scratch the three-year-old.

A statement issued on behalf of Ramatuelle’s connections posted on X said: “We are deeply disappointed that Ramatuelle has been withdrawn from the Breeders’ Cup, especially with the anticipation surrounding her as a leading contender in this prestigious event.

“She has been moving beautifully all week at Del Mar and is in peak physical condition, making today’s outcome understandably frustrating for our team.”

It added: “We have immense respect for the Breeders’ Cup’s rigorous protocols and the dedicated veterinary team, whose responsibility to protect equine athletes is essential to our sport.

“Although Ramatuelle’s PET Scan report stated ‘no definitive major concern for breakdown was identified’, it showed signs of bone remodelling.

“While this is common in three-year-olds, it prompted the decision to proceed with an abundance of caution and withdraw her from the race.”

Head was quoted as saying: “Ramatuelle arrived in good order, she’s been training well, and she’s been eating up every day.

“This is obviously a disappointment and a bit of a shock for all of us, but at the end of the day, she’s healthy and well, and that’s what really matters.

“There will be more Breeders’ Cups for the stable, and we’ll look forward to those opportunities.”



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Yahagi has every faith Forever Young is ready for Classic battle

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Japanese expectations for Forever Young in the Breeders’ Cup Classic have been raised by the opinion of trainer Yoshito Yahagi that he has arrived in California on the back of a perfect preparation.

A winner of both the Saudi and UAE Derbys earlier in the year, the son of Real Steel was agonisingly denied in the Kentucky Derby in May, finishing third in a three-way photo finish behind Kenny McPeek’s Mystik Dan and fellow Classic contender, Chad Brown’s Sierra Leone.

That is his only reverse to date and a return to America has been on the cards ever since, tuning up for his Del Mar mission when thriving on home soil in the Japan Dirt Classic at the beginning of October.

Forever Young is one of three Japanese contenders in a truly international Classic, with Yahagi having happy memories of the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar, winning both the Filly & Mare Turf with Loves Only You and the Distaff with the Oisin Murphy-ridden Marche Lorraine in 2021.

Speaking through an interpreter on Thursday, Yahagi – who also numbers the Saudi Cup and Dubai Turf on his list of international achievements, courtesy of Panthalassa – said: “I am very pleased with his condition and think he’s coming into the race off a perfect preparation.

“It’s opposite to what happened earlier in the year when he went to Saudi and then Dubai ahead of the Kentucky Derby. I think that was too much, but the way he has settled in here at Del Mar is very encouraging.

“I don’t know how he will handle the kickback which he will probably experience as he is a horse that gets stronger as the race progresses.”



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Joseph O’Brien expecting Classic show from ‘right type’ Troy

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Joseph O’Brien feels City Of Troy is the “right type” for the Breeders’ Cup Classic as he gears up to witness what “could be one of the races of the year” at Del Mar on Saturday.

Aidan O’Brien’s son has seen plenty of Breeders’ Cups down the years, not only as a supportive son to his father, but also as his jockey and in more recent years, a contemporary in the training ranks.

The younger O’Brien knows exactly how it feels to experience the challenge of the Breeders’ Cup Classic having partnered Declaration Of War to finish a narrow third to Mucho Macho Man for team Ballydoyle in 2013.

City Of Troy looked on great terms with himself at Del Mar on Wednesday
City Of Troy looked on great terms with himself at Del Mar on Wednesday (Neil Morrice/PA)

With no runners at the Breeders’ Cup this year, Joseph O’Brien is at Del Mar simply in hope of seeing history made, as the all-conquering son of Justify bids to end his father’s long quest to land the $7million contest.

“I think City Of Troy is the right type for the race, he’s got a ton of speed and a high cruising speed,” said O’Brien.

“As you know, there’s only one way to find out if they will adapt to the dirt or not and that is to run on it. I think he has the attributes though that would suggest he could be one of those that can adapt and take to it.

“I think it will be a fantastic race with some of the best dirt horses in America and top turf horses in Europe taking each other on and it could be one of the races of the year.”

Some of the biggest moments in O’Brien’s racing life have come at the Breeders’ Cup, winning the Turf aboard St Nicholas Abbey in 2011 and saddling Iridessa to strike at Santa Anita in 2019 after hanging up his riding boots.

Declaration Of War and Joseph O'Brien in action
Declaration Of War and Joseph O’Brien in action (Anna Gowthorpe/PA)

Despite his best efforts, he was unable to break his father’s Classic losing streak when coming within a quarter of a length of glory in California 11 years ago.

Other than Mick Kinane’s agonising neck defeat aboard Giant’s Causeway at Churchill Downs in 2000, that is the closest in terms of distance that Aidan O’Brien has come to Classic glory.

“It was a fantastic run and I was very proud of the horse,” continued Joseph.

“It was frustrating to be beaten by the fine margin we were, but it was a great run from a very tough horse.

“Riding on dirt was great and it helped I had a very good horse. The race went very smoothly and he almost won, so it was a fantastic experience and felt special to go as close as we did.”

Oratorio and Kieren Fallon in action
Oratorio and Kieren Fallon in action (Mark Lees/PA)

Another rider to participate in the Classic aboard an O’Brien hopeful is the legendary Kieren Fallon, who finished down the field aboard Oratorio at Belmont in 2005.

The six-time champion believes that although City Of Troy is arguably the best horse in the race with the best trainer and jockey on his side, it is the challenge of dirt that could ultimately prove the colt’s downfall.

“He will have to be handy and they are going to hassle him – you know what the Americans are like, it’s speed, speed, speed,” said Fallon.

“It’s going to be difficult and we’ve hardly won it before, Raven’s Pass was on the synthetics which is a totally different ball game.

“I know City Of Troy has gone round Southwell with some stablemates but that is only a drop in the ocean compared to what he will face around Del Mar.

Kieren Fallon sees Ryan Moore and Aidan O'Brien as positives to City Of Troy's Classic bid
Kieren Fallon sees Ryan Moore and Aidan O’Brien as positives to City Of Troy’s Classic bid (Mike Egerton/PA)

“He’s by far the best horse in the race and he has the best jockey in the world on him – and of course Aidan O’Brien is his trainer – but it will be difficult and I wouldn’t be rushing to back him.

“He will never have faced anything like this in his life and if he gets back five, six, seven deep and with all the speed on the outside then it will be difficult. If he gets back too far I can’t see him facing the kickback because it’s wet dirt and he will be backing off.”

He went on: “I remember riding Hold That Tiger at Santa Anita on the dirt and he was by far the best horse in the race. He flew home to finish third but he just wouldn’t face the kickback, it’s very hard to face.

“City Of Troy is by Justify and that will be a little help, but other than that I think it will be tough. It would be great to see and I hope it happens, but I would be afraid to have a few quid on him myself.”

One team who have tasted Classic glory in the past – albeit on the Pro-Ride surface – is John Gosden and Frankie Dettori, who combined with the aforementioned Raven’s Pass to take home the trophy at Santa Anita in 2008.

Jockey Frankie Dettori (left) and John Gosden won the Classic together in 2008
Jockey Frankie Dettori (left) and John Gosden won the Classic together in 2008 (Tim Goode/PA)

That victory, when ironically getting the better of O’Brien’s Henrythenavigator, remains Europe’s most recent success in the Classic and the Clarehaven handler, who was once a California resident and knows the west coast tracks well, has offered the master of Ballydoyle his wisdom ahead of City Of Troy’s Del Mar date with destiny.

Gosden said: “I talked to Aidan after York. If you’re drawn on the inside you must break alertly and with a horse like him, if he got a clear run to the back, they probably wouldn’t catch him and he would outclass them.

“But our horses are not used to dirt hitting them in the face and that’s what they will be trying to avoid.”

Meanwhile, Dettori will be in opposition to the Derby winner aboard Bob Baffert’s Newgate in the Classic and although keeping his cards close to his chest, admits the Irish raider’s presence adds an extra dimension to the big race.

He said: “Nobody knows how City Of Troy will handle the track, but he’s bringing a lot of spice to the Classic this year.”



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Charlie Appleby launching dual assault on Juvenile Turf

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Charlie Appleby could be in possession of all the aces as Aomori City and Al Qudra go for Prevagen Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf glory in Del Mar.

The Moulton Paddocks handler has an exceptional record at the Breeders’ Cup with his first victory at the Stateside event coming in 2013 in this event with Outstrip.

He has since got his hands on the one-mile contest a further twice with Line Of Duty striking in 2018 and Modern Games landing the spoils the last time the Breeders’ Cup visited Del Mar in 2021.

Modern Games’ success had a dash of controversy as he was scratched in error by the stewards after an incident at the start, before being reinstated to run for ‘purse only’ purposes and excluded from the betting.

Charlie Appleby has a fantastic record at the Breeders' Cup
Charlie Appleby has a fantastic record at the Breeders’ Cup (Mike Egerton/PA)

Modern Games returned to some boos from disgruntled patrons then, but Appleby is hoping one of his crack pair can spark a joyous return to the California track’s winner’s circle this time around.

“Aomori City and Al Qudra are hard to split on what they have achieved in the Juvenile Turf,” he said.

“Aomori won the Vintage (Stakes at Goodwood) and ran creditably on slower ground in the National Stakes (at the Curragh). He’s neat, he’s sharp and he fits in very well.”

Aomori City is the choice of William Buick, leaving former Godolphin number two James Doyle to once again don the white cap aboard Al Qudra.

The son of No Nay Never will try to reverse Woodbine form with Andrew Balding’s Summer Stakes scorer New Century, but the colt was somewhat unfortunate in running during that Canadian Grade One, with Appleby also able to take comfort from his charge’s two previous defeats of the Qatar Racing-owned son of Kameko.

“Al Qudra was beaten by a nice horse in Canada, which I felt was like his first start (as he had not run since July),” continued Appleby.

“He’s drawn in four and we’re happy with that. He’s trained well.”

Another British handler with two contenders is Hugo Palmer, who has taken both The Waco Kid and Seagulls Eleven on a transatlantic mission following some likeable displays this term.

Seagulls Eleven not only sports the colours of Brighton football club but will also carry the hopes of some of their star players, with the likes of James Milner and Danny Welbeck amongst the colt’s ownership.

“Seagulls Eleven always showed us a little bit more at home and is a bit more highly tried, but he’s actually only the winner of a novice race, despite being third in the National Stakes and second in the Superlative,” said Palmer.

Seagulls Eleven has performed with credit this season
Seagulls Eleven has performed with credit this season (David Davies for The Jockey Club/PA)

“He showed such incredible gate speed in the National Stakes and he’s definitely better on faster ground. He just bogged down in the Dewhurst on soft ground (fourth) and was possibly on the unfavourable bit of the track.”

Meanwhile, The Waco Kid landed the Group Three Tattersalls Stakes at Newmarket when last seen and has built up plenty of experience this term.

“The Waco Kid has just improved all season and with every run has got better, which has been exciting,” continued Palmer.

“After his last run there were two Group Ones left in Europe and no Group Twos and if you add the value of the two Group Ones together and double it, you don’t get to the Breeders’ Cup (value), so it was relatively easy to persuade the owners to go to Del Mar.

“Both of the horses we brought out here I feel are crying out for the mile.”

Henri Matisse has won three times this season
Henri Matisse has won three times this season (Brian Lawless/PA)

This race has been won by Aidan O’Brien the last two years and it is Henri Matisse who is tasked with making it three in a row.

Deeply exciting when winning his first three, his form has somewhat tapered off of late, but that is not dissuading the master of Ballydoyle who is predicting a Stateside resurgence.

He said: “We think he’ll bounce back. The ground was a little bit soft in Longchamp and I put blinkers on him when I shouldn’t have.

“He was a little bit immature when he got to the front in the National Stakes and it was probably a kneejerk reaction to put blinkers on him that quick – I should have left them alone. He got tightened up early on at Longchamp and it frightened him a little bit, so I think it was more my fault than his.

“He came out of the race very well and that’s why we decided to come here – lovely ground and a flat track. We think it will do him good and we’ll learn a lot about him and he will learn a lot.

“He’s drawn wide, so I think Ryan will take his time on him, but he’s a horse who has shown he doesn’t mind coming from the back.”

Hopes of a European winner in the John Deere Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf appear to rest firmly on the Ballydoyle handler’s shoulders with O’Brien responsible for leading fancy Lake Victoria and able second string Heavens Gate.

The former arrives unbeaten and having proven her versatility by winning Group Ones at both six and seven furlongs of late, she now bids for a third straight success at the highest level – this time at a mile.

Lake Victoria is unbeaten
Lake Victoria is unbeaten (Mike Egerton/PA)

O’Brien continued: “She’s very good. What she’s done this year has been exceptional.

“Ryan thought she could run in the Fillies’ Mile but the lads decided that if she was to go over a mile this year, this would be lovely for her. It’s a lovely, flat track, she’s a filly with a lot of class, so we’re looking forward to seeing her run.”

On Heavens Gate, he added: “She’s been working well and her last piece of work was very good.

“I remember when Ryan rode her first time at Navan, he said she felt like a filly that wanted seven furlongs or a mile.

“We never went to seven until the last day and then she won that. She’s a big, hardy filly and I’m very happy with her and she could run a big race.”



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Wathnan juveniles all set for Breeders’ Cup battle

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Wathnan Racing launch a two-pronged assault on the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint on Friday, as their leading hope Aesterius continues his rivalry with Big Mojo at Del Mar.

The Emir of Qatar’s racing operation will be represented by both Archie Watson’s Aesterius and Karl Burke’s Shareholder, with retained rider James Doyle pinning his colours to the mast of the Watson runner when choosing between the pair.

The hardy son of Mehmas has won four of his six starts and arrives on an upward trajectory after landing the Flying Childers at Doncaster in September.

That race was won last year by Big Evs before storming to glory at Santa Anita, and connections are hopeful Aesterius’ natural speed and banked experience can come to the fore.

“James has decided to ride Aesterius, it was not an easy decision at all actually,” said Richard Brown, the owners’ racing adviser.

“Luckily we had William Buick ready to ride whichever James didn’t and he took quite a long time making his mind up, but he had to in the end and decided on Aesterius.

“He’s had more runs and is coming into it on the back of a couple of stakes wins and is a pretty streetwise character, he’s got a great temperament for travelling, he breaks well and can travel well up on the pace and he’s also very fast. This should be right up his alley, hopefully.

Shareholder will always have a special place in the Wathnan affections, with the Norfolk Stakes hero a part of their fabulous four-timer at Royal Ascot.

Things did not go to plan for the Spigot Lodge inmate when upped in trip for the Prix Morny but freshened up since, and with the screw tightened on a recent away day at Southwell, he is backed to showcase the ability that saw him thrive in his first two outings.

“We didn’t have the smoothest passage into the Prix Morny, just a few niggly things,” continued Brown.

Shareholder (left) winning at Royal Ascot
Shareholder (left) winning at Royal Ascot (John Walton/PA)

“The ground and the trip that day was wrong. I think five furlongs on rattling ground is exactly what he needs. He is very fast and will like the ground.

“It looks like a recovery mission on paper, but Karl and his team couldn’t be happier with the horse and the way he is training and I get the feeling Karl thinks he’s in the best shape he has had him in all year.

“They have both won juvenile Group Twos having been bought at the breeze-up sales and this has been the target for both of them, we’re excited about seeing them both run.”

Mick Appleby enjoyed one of the finest moments in his career when winning this race 12 months ago and now Big Mojo will attempt to provide the Rutland handler with a double in one of the Breeders’ Cup’s opening contests.

Like Big Evs, Big Mojo will carry the colours of Crystal Palace-supporting Paul Teasdale and he has plenty of history with big-race rival Aesterius having won the battle in the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood before going down by a neck in the rematch at Doncaster.

The duo will settle the scoreline in California, with Appleby buoyed by the way the son of Mohaather handled the bend in a pre-Breeders’ Cup gallop at Southwell.

“He’s ended up with a decent draw and hopefully he jumps well and can be up there just behind the leaders,” said Appleby.

“He worked well at Southwell and went round the bend really well. Tom (Marquand, jockey) was really happy with him and said he sort of switched onto the right lead coming round the bend, which is encouraging and he seemed to handle it well.

“He’s pretty quick and drawn three, I think that will be ideal for him. He’s in good order and I think he will go well.”

Aidan O’Brien saddles both Prix Morny scorer Whistlejacket (Ryan Moore) and the unexposed Ides Of March (Frankie Dettori), with Ger Lyons’ Flying Childers third Magnum Force and Adrian Murray’s Arizona Blaze other raiders from Ireland.

O’Brien said: “Whistlejacket is good, we’re happy. Ryan thought the last day (when second in the Middle Park Stakes) he maybe should have gone forward more urgently from the stalls and kept going, but he still ran well.

“We think he’s a quick horse and whether he finds it a little bit foreign, it’ll be very fast around here, but we think and hope he should run well.”

On Ides Of March, he added: “He’s a fast horse, we think he’s going to be a sprinter for next year. He probably doesn’t know as much about sprinting as Whistlejacket, but he’s going to learn a lot on Friday, so we think that will stand him in good stead for next year.”

Japan look to have a great chance of enhancing their Breeders’ Cup record with the unbeaten Ecoro Sieg, while the best of the home team could well be George Weaver’s Governor Sam who has won his last four.



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‘It will be great if he could win’ – Bin Suroor rooting for City Of Troy

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Saeed bin Suroor knows just how hard it is to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic and says City Of Troy will be a “real champion” if he can succeed in his quest to conquer the dirt at Del Mar.

Just like Aidan O’Brien, Bin Suroor has tried many times to get his hands on the showpiece event and similarly to the master of Ballydoyle, the Godolphin handler has come up short with some of the best he has ever trained.

Both have come closest to landing the prize in editions won by Tiznow, with O’Brien seeing Giant’s Causeway thwarted by a neck at Churchill Downs in 2000 and a year later it was Sakhee’s turn to fall agonisingly short as the Classic’s only dual winner held off Bin Suroor’s Arc hero by a nose.

Bin Suroor has also seen the top-class pair of Swain and Thunder Snow hit the frame in the 10-furlong event and feels those defeats prove not only how difficult the Classic is to win, but also how good City Of Troy will need to be to triumph in California.

He said: “City Of Troy is a star and what he has done in Europe is amazing. I think everyone is looking forward to seeing him run in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

“The quality of racing at the Breeders’ Cup is different class, the cream rises to the top and the quality of horses that head there from Europe and America to run in those races is amazing – if City Of Troy wins he will be a real champion.

“Sakhee, Swain and Thunder Snow all ran there and got beat and it shows you how tough this race is to win.”

Bin Suroor has won countless races on the dirt over the years and, although Sakhee was testing his credentials on dirt for the first time in his own Classic bid, the majority of his string would be proven on the surface before heading into uncharted territory.

Thunder Snow is another to tackle the Classic for Bin Suroor
Thunder Snow is another to tackle the Classic for Bin Suroor (John Walton/PA)

However, the four-time champion trainer has been impressed by what he has seen from the exceptional turf performer of his generation and is keen to see how City Of Troy will fare when the son of Justify tackles dirt for the very first time in his Stateside swansong.

“I’ve won the Dubai World Cup nine times and the majority of times these are turf horses, but you have to give them a chance,” explained Bin Suroor.

“Myself, I would run them in Group races on dirt before running in the big races and then you would know if they handle the dirt or not, but looking at City Of Troy’s pedigree he will be fine.

“His breeding is like a dirt horse, but his runs on turf have been brilliant. He is class on turf, but his breeding shows he could handle the dirt.

City Of Troy will bid for Breeders' Cup Classic glory at Del Mar
City Of Troy will bid for Breeders’ Cup Classic glory at Del Mar (John Walton/PA)

“For most horses you have to try them on dirt and see how they handle it, but for the majority of class horses they will handle it – if they are good enough, they can also do it in the dirt.”

If City Of Troy was to prosper in the Classic, then he will not only join an elite band of horses able to showcase their best on a variety of surfaces, but also cement his legacy as one of racing’s very best.

“Not always do you get horses who can run so well on both surfaces, maybe only a few like Thunder Snow who won the Dubai World Cup on the dirt and two Group Ones on turf in France,” explained Bin Suroor.

“Thunder Snow finished third at the Breeders’ Cup and it is always very tough racing, especially the Classic. People are looking forward to seeing how City Of Troy will do and it will be great if he could win.”



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Dettori and Gosden reunited with Emily Upjohn at Del Mar

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Frankie Dettori was delighted to be reunited with Emily Upjohn at Del Mar on Wednesday and insisted it is “all systems go” ahead of the Breeders’ Cup Turf on Saturday.

The Italian steered John and Thady Gosden’s mare to two Group One victories before relocating to America, including her most recent triumph in last year’s Coronation Cup at Epsom.

Kieran Shoemark has been in the saddle for a series of consistent placed efforts this season, with Emily Upjohn chasing home subsequent Arc first and second Bluestocking and Aventure in the Prix Vermeille.

But Dettori’s vast experience of American racing prompted his Breeders’ Cup recall and the pair were back together again for a workout.

Emily Upjohn cantering under Frankie Dettori
Emily Upjohn cantering under Frankie Dettori (Neil Morrice/PA)

The 53-year-old said: “It’s a new challenge for me out here and I’m really enjoying it. It’s gone better than I thought, while being over 50 in America is well accepted – look at Mike Smith, he’s 58 and still going strong.

“My filly has been round Epsom and John decided to keep her going and she’s been super consistent.

“She’s had a good look around on the turf today and we’ll probably do a little bit more tomorrow and try to inject some speed into her, but she was very relaxed, that’s the good thing.

“Just looking at the new scenery for this morning was the most important thing.

“Today was just a very routine canter round – tomorrow, like I said, we’ll get her to go a bit faster, to get her leads correctly, use her left and her right, as you need to do on these tight tracks.

“But she seems in a good place with her mind and that’s the most important thing really at this stage.

“It’s nice to be back on her, we won a couple of Grade Ones together, just got pipped in the Oaks, she’s a super filly, she comes there with good credentials and she’s very honest in every race she has run in.

“It’s all systems go for Saturday, she’s travelled well and is in a good place.”

John Gosden said: “It’s great to be back in our old hunting ground. She had a leisurely look at the track this morning and will do a bit more tomorrow.

“The ground went against her a couple of times this year. There was a lot of rain in Ireland but she ran well in the Vermeille when it was soft.

Frankie Dettori was reunited with Emily Upjohn on Wednesday
Frankie Dettori was reunited with Emily Upjohn on Wednesday (Neil Morrice/PA)

“This is a very tight track with a very short straight but her first ever run was at Wolverhampton, so we know she can handle it, and I think she has a decent draw (stall two).

“The pace of the race is important. If they are walking, you want to be handy, while if they are trapping, you can sit on her, she’s versatile like that.

“Frankie is in very good form and enjoys it here. He was finding the day-to-day stuff in England too much. Jockeys don’t ride every day here and it’s not like the UK, where the workload on jockeys is much too hard.

“They can’t sweat (use saunas) at the races anymore and I feel they have a very tough time of it. It’s a much better lifestyle if you can get the rides out here.”

Reflecting on the decision to go up against the boys rather than stick with her own sex in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, Gosden added: “This filly needs every inch of a mile and a half.

“The starting stalls are not too close to the home bend and her form going into the race is solid.

“There’s a good Japanese horse in the field and good horses from Ireland, but you have to play to your strengths and she’s a five-year-old filly getting 3lb.

“It’s the configuration of this track and the distance of the race that convinced us that we needed to be going for the Turf.”

Jayarebe winning at Royal Ascot
Jayarebe winning at Royal Ascot (David Davies/PA)

Among strong opposition to Emily Upjohn will be Brian Meehan’s Royal Ascot winner Jayarebe, who was last seen landing the Prix Dollar at the Arc meeting.

Meehan, who knows what it takes to win the Turf, having scored with Red Rocks (2006) and Dangerous Midge (2010), said: “Today was his first time on the track and there were moments when he was both high and relaxed.

“We deliberately got him out early when it wasn’t busy and he got to know his pony. The pony is strange to them initially and is a little bit of a challenge when he stays with them on the lead.

“We have 60 horses and trying to to play at the high level whenever we can. It’s a big testament to the yard that we have two runners and I think Kathmandu will go very well in the Goldikova (Stakes, on Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup undercard).

“She’s a beautiful filly and Group One class, it’s the right race for her.”



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Murphy has high hopes for Breeders’ Cup duo

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It is a case of quality rather than quantity for Oisin Murphy as he heads to Del Mar looking to strike with New Century and Beautiful Love at the Breeders’ Cup.

The Irishman has enjoyed a fine 2024, riding over 200 winners worldwide and recently being crowned British champion jockey for the fourth time.

He now has the chance to add to his sole Breeders’ Cup success, which came aboard Japan’s Marche Lorraine in the Distaff in 2021, with two high-quality mounts.

Murphy’s first taste of the California turf will be aboard New Century for Andrew Balding and Qatar Racing, with the son of connections’ Classic hero Kameko already a winner at the highest level this term.

Arriving at the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf in top form after winning his last two, he was last seen landing the Grade One Summer Stakes in August but will have to overcome a wide draw in stall 11 if he is to secure a hat-trick.

Murphy said: “I’m really looking forward to New Century. He has been perfect since he arrived here and hopefully we can have a smooth few days leading up to the race.

“He’s drawn 11 which is a little bit high, but he’s the morning line favourite and hopefully he can run very well.”

Oisin Murphy will ride for Charlie Appleby at the Breeders' Cup
Oisin Murphy will ride for Charlie Appleby at the Breeders’ Cup (Mike Egerton for the Jockey Club/PA)

Murphy will be seen in the royal blue of Godolphin on Saturday when he links up with Charlie Appleby’s Beautiful Love in the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.

The daughter of Siyouni has been part of the Moulton Paddock handler’s American satellite string this summer and that Stateside experience could prove a valuable asset.

“It’s great that Charlie Appleby has asked me to ride Beautiful Love and she obviously has plenty of experience in America now,” continued Murphy.

“She has some good form to her name and I’m looking forward to partnering her.”



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Murray aiming to make Breeders’ Cup mark

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Adrian Murray is optimistic both Arizona Blaze and Hill Road can outrun their odds at the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar on Friday.

Murray, who trains the duo for Kia Joorabchian’s Amo Racing, had an excellent first experience at the Stateside event 12 months ago when his Royal Ascot hero Valiant Force chased home Big Evs for an honourable second in the Juvenile Turf Sprint.

He is now back in California hoping to go one better in the same race with the battle-hardened Arizona Blaze, who is yet to finish to finish outside the top four in eight starts and scooped Group Three honours in May.

Arizona Blaze has been a consistent performer this term
Arizona Blaze has been a consistent performer this term (Damien Eagers/PA)

“We’re looking forward to it with two nice horses,” said Murray.

“Arizona Blaze is in great order. We’re very hopeful and he has plenty of experience under him. We’ve been delighted with him all through the year.

“It’s all guns blazing with him now and I think his experience has to be a big help to him. His last run was in Dundalk, where he had to handle the bend and he handled it very well.”

Murray will also try to get his hands on the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile as Hill Road tackles dirt on just the third start of his career.

A thoroughly impressive maiden winner at Leopardstown on debut, he was found wanting when immediately upped to Group One company in the National Stakes, but connections are hopeful the US-bred son of Quality Road can thrive on this new surface when taking on some of America’s best youngsters.

Murray continued: “He’s going on the dirt and we’re very happy with him. We’re looking forward to a big run from him.

“He’s handled the dirt very well (in the mornings) but he’s only had a hack round. Tuesday was his first morning over here but he took it well and is in great order.

“He’s full of class and the mile won’t be a problem to him.”



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Stevens backing Troy to conquer Classic rivals

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If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again. That is a mantra that ultimately worked for Gary Stevens in pursuit of the elusive Breeders’ Cup Classic victory he craved.

It took the Hall of Fame rider 15 attempts to get his hands on the Breeders’ Cup showpiece and he can fully empathise with Aidan O’Brien’s so far fruitless quest to end his own Classic hoodoo as he prepares to saddle the all-conquering City Of Troy at Del Mar.

Stevens had resigned himself to the fact the Classic would forever elude him after hanging up his saddle for a second time in 2005, with the 1993 defeat of Bertrando by French raider Arcangues epitomising the American’s fortunes in the 10-furlong event.

However, he would finally collect the final piece of his career jigsaw, heroically returning to the saddle in 2013 and going on to form a winning partnership with Kathy Ritvo’s Mucho Macho Man as the duo stormed to Classic victory at Santa Anita that same year.

“The Classic is a great race and going way, way back I was second on Bertrando, it was a race I had several seconds and a race I didn’t have on my mantlepiece at home, but so wanted,” said Stevens.

“I thought it just wasn’t meant to be when Andre Fabre’s Arcangues beat me at huge odds. I was coming through the stretch and I see a shadow and I’m thinking ‘who the heck could this be’ and being honest, I didn’t know what horse it was when he passed me except it was ridden by Jerry Bailey. I realised it was the French horse and Arcangues and I was thinking ‘oh my god’.

“When I came out of retirement and was able to win it on Mucho Macho Man, it was finally meant to be.”

Stevens had already had a taste of the silver screen long before getting his own Hollywood moment aboard Mucho Macho Man, with the Idaho native receiving critical acclaim for his portrayal of jockey George Woolf in the 2003 movie Seabiscuit.

Gary Stevens had a long career in the saddle
Gary Stevens had a long career in the saddle (Fiona Hanson/PA)

However, Stevens predicts City Of Troy will be receiving the plaudits in California, with the 61-year-old confident the Irish raider is the “real deal” and ready to go where no O’Brien horse has gone before and end the Ballydoyle trainer’s long losing streak in the race.

“I’m really looking forward to this year’s Classic and I think that Aidan O’Brien is finally going to get his first Classic win,” said Stevens.

“I really think he has the right horse this time, he was unlucky with Giant’s Causeway and that was a great race against Tiznow and Mick (Kinane) had some troubles through the stretch with Giant’s Causeway losing his balance a bit.

“I’ve been following City Of Troy’s career closely and I loved what he did at Southwell. I know he was working with what was potentially a B team – if there is such a thing at Aidan O’Brien’s – but I loved the way they set it up with the fast pace and what Ryan (Moore) did.

City Of Troy and trainer Aidan O’Brien (left)
City Of Troy and trainer Aidan O’Brien (left) (Steven Paston for the Jockey Club/PA)

“I think he learned a hell of a lot during that gallop and over here on this side of the pond, a lot of people are sceptical but I think he is the real deal. I think he is going to enjoy the dirt surface with the way he moves and he can jump out well.

“We’ll know within the first half mile what the outcome is going to be I’m sure, and if he jumps well, he is forwardly placed. All the major work has been done and it’s just a case of him getting over and hoping everything goes well for him.

“It’s by far the race I’m most looking forward to this year, which it should be. It’s called the Classic for a reason.”



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Classic-bound City Of Troy gets first taste of Del Mar

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City Of Troy’s Breeders’ Cup Classic dream moved a step closer on Tuesday morning after he encountered the Del Mar dirt for the first time under the watchful eye of Aidan O’Brien.

Bar his 2000 Guineas blip, the son of American Triple Crown hero Justify has carried all before him this season, with victories in the Derby at Epsom, the Eclipse at Sandown and Juddmonte International at York cementing his status as the cream of the crop in Europe.

He faces an altogether different test on his swansong in California this weekend, as he bids to transfer his brilliant turf form to an alien surface against the best America has to offer, not to mention serious competition from Japan.

Following a period in quarantine, all eyes were on City Of Troy in the hands of his regular work rider Rachel Richardson, with the three-year-old sitting second in a string of 11 Ballydoyle inmates plus Donnacha O’Brien’s star filly Porta Fortuna.

While no serious questions were asked in a steady canter, O’Brien was pleased with how City Of Troy – who did appear to get a little warm on his neck – traversed the track in behind the Breeders’ Cup Turf-bound Luxembourg and is now counting down the days until his date with destiny on Saturday.

“City just did a gentle canter round. Everyone was very happy and I’m happy that the dream is alive,” he said.

“The boss (John Magnier) went and got Justify, which hatched the dream that we might get a horse that can do it on grass and dirt. He was an incredible Triple Crown winner and I feel City has a lot of his qualities.”

With his pride and joy seemingly well drawn in gate three, O’Brien has made no secret of the fact City Of Troy will be ridden more aggressively than ever before.

He added: “City will go forward and Ryan (Moore) will decide there and then (how to play it).

“We’ve looked under every stone and we’ve done everything we can. When he went to York he went forward and then he was even more forward (in a racecourse gallop) at Southwell. So we will see what happens, but it’s left to Ryan to make his own mind up.

“We know when the race happens it will be the fiercest that any thoroughbred can be tested in, and he’s a three-year-old.

“The Classics are the ultimate test of a three-year-old racing against his own age group, but this is the ultimate test at the end of the year after being trained very hard for Classics and then against older horses in a race run on a different surface and o a different continent.

“He will literally canter for four days out here and I suppose what gives us hope is we think he’s the best we’ve ever had and we have had horses that have run very well in the Breeders’ Cup Classic before.

“Obviously it’s a dream and one for which we must wait and see if it comes true.”



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Head has every reason to think Ramatuelle can add to family history

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Ramatuelle will attempt to uphold family honour and emulate the great French mare Goldikova when she seeks Breeders’ Cup Mile glory in California on Saturday.

Trained by Freddy Head for the Wertheimer brothers, Goldikova made the eight-furlong contest her own, winning it for three straight years between 2008-2010 and ending her glorious career with a valiant third in the race at Churchill Downs in 2011.

Now Head’s son, Christopher, will seek to relive the French glory days at the Breeders’ Cup with his own special filly, who having excited at two has performed with credit in a host of big races this term before storming to victory in Prix de la Foret when last seen.

Ramatuelle, who is part-owned by NBA Hall of Famer Tony Parker, faces off against 2000 Guineas hero Notable Speech in a blockbuster clash at Del Mar, as the great French hope bids to end Charlie Appleby’s winning run in the event.

She returns to a mile after her emphatic victory over seven furlongs at ParisLongchamp on Arc day, with her handler confident of a bold bid after being handed an inside draw.

Head, whose father also rode the magnificent dual Mile winner Miesque, said: “Everything is all right with Ramatuelle. Her number in the draw is pretty OK because she has that turn of foot that can gain her any position and it was evident when she won the Foret.

“I’m confident about her stamina and we know she’s very good between seven furlongs and a mile.”

Head, who saw Blue Rose Cen and Big Rock moved by their owners for this season, added: “It’s been a strange season for me between owners and trainer, but my owners are making it easy for me to be a good trainer.

“I look back at Goldikova who was so perfect in every way and I’m very proud to train for the Wertheimers.”



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Appleby hopeful Big Evs can overcome wide draw

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Mick Appleby is backing Big Evs to have the speed to counteract his unkind post position when his sprinting star bids for back-to-back victories at the Breeders’ Cup.

The son of Blue Point scorched to Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint success at Santa Anita 12 months ago and returns to California for the swansong of his career in Saturday’s Turf Sprint.

However, he has been drawn in stall 11 alongside Archie Watson’s Bradsell in 12 and Appleby feels he will have to use all of his key natural attributes if he is to achieve what would be a phenomenal double at the Stateside event.

Big Evs after his Santa Anita victory
Big Evs after his Santa Anita victory (PA)

Appleby told Sky Sports Racing: “We’d have preferred to be drawn four or five, but it is what is is and he has very good gate speed and hopefully he can get out quick and go forward.

“We have Bradsell on his outside, who is also very quick. It’s just how quick he can get out and across until he gets to the bend.

“I think Cogburn (Steven Asmussen’s favourite) is the main one to beat, but you can’t rule any of them out really and at this level they are all there trying to win and are very good horses. On the day you just need a lot of luck.

“We have had a few disappointments and I think the ground made the difference at York, but he’s in really good form, he’s really well in himself and he’s fresh – I think he’s a lot better when he’s fresh. I think he’s going there with a really live chance.”

Aesterius (left) and Big Mojo (right) will lock horns again at Del Mar
Aesterius (left) and Big Mojo (right) will lock horns again at Del Mar (Mike Egerton/PA)

Appleby will also saddle Big Mojo, who as well as sporting the same colours of Paul and Rachael Teasdale, will bid to follow in the footsteps of Big Evs and take home the Juvenile Turf Sprint trophy.

Like Big Evs, Big Mojo will be ridden by Tom Marquand and the Del Mar sprint shootout will be the rubber match of the colt’s rivalry with Wathnan Racing contender Aesterius, with the scoreline locked at one-all following their ding-dong battles on home soil this summer.

“I’m very happy with that draw and he’s got good gate speed,” continued Appleby.

“He’s a completely different horse to Big Evs and he doesn’t need to lead, but I’m very happy with stall three. Tom will just be able to get him out and sit behind the leaders.

“It’s going to be very hard and Aesterius is a very good horse who is going to be very difficult to beat. You never know around a bend and we gave Big Mojo a gallop at Southwell and he handled the bend really well, so I’m really hopeful.

“As soon as we got him and started working we knew we had something special. He was showing us similar signs to Big Evs the year before when he came to us. He’s a lot bigger than Big Evs and I think he will improve a lot as a three-year-old.

“It would be very nice if we were to get a double. But I think they both go there with live chances. They are fit and well and should both run their races, we just hope for a bit of luck in running.”



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Marquand gunning for more Breeders’ Cup glory

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Having conquered Santa Anita 12 months ago, Tom Marquand is looking to repeat his Breeders’ Cup heroics with a crack book of rides at Del Mar this time around.

It was Mick Appleby’s Big Evs that broke Marquand’s duck at the Stateside showpiece when storming to Juvenile Turf Sprint victory and the 26-year-old will again be aboard the fleet-footed son of Blue Point as he returns to California for the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint.

He will also partner Appleby’s Big Mojo when he bids to follow in Big Evs’ footsteps in the Juvenile Turf Sprint, and Hugo Palmer’s Tattersalls Stakes scorer The Waco Kid when he goes for Juvenile Turf on Friday.

However, his trump card could prove to be Porta Fortuna in the Breeders’ Cup Mile.

Marquand has built up a fine association with Donnacha O’Brien’s star filly this term, striking in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot and gaining more Group One honours together in Leopardstown’s Matron Stakes last month.

Just touched off at Santa Anita as a two-year-old, it would be the perfect way to round off Porta Fortuna’s season by correcting the record on the outskirts of San Diego.

“She went round Santa Anita great last year and was narrowly beaten and has been absolutely faultless since, it will be nice to be aboard,” said Marquand

Porta Fortuna winning at Royal Ascot
Porta Fortuna winning at Royal Ascot (John Walton/PA)

“The Breeders’ Cup is a hard place to find the right horses to go there and be successful and it is such a unique meeting.

“You have to have so much speed with your sprinters and especially with your juvenile sprinters, they are very fast. Luckily I held an ace card in Big Evs and hopefully this year goes similar.”

No stranger to success on the international stage thanks to his exploits in Australia, Marquand is eager to add to his Breeders’ Cup tally following his maiden win last year.

Someone who relishes the differing challenges racing overseas presents, he will head to Japan with his wife Hollie Doyle later in the year for a second stint in the Far East.

Big Evs struck Breeders' Cup gold
Big Evs struck Breeders’ Cup gold at Santa Anita (PA)

But first it is the excitement of the end-of-season world championships that provides Marquand with the opportunity to enhance his growing CV.

He added: “The Breeders’ Cup is tough racing and a tough place to go and win, but it’s also exciting and it’s an event you get a chance to look forward to as the build up is quite long compared to just a normal British big race day. It’s always an exciting week.

“I enjoy travelling and I like going abroad to different places and trying to adapt as fast as you can. I’ve been very lucky and fortunate enough to have big winners in most of the places I’ve gone. I’ll just keep going and keep trying to tick off big ones.”



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