Tag Archive for: Santa Anita

Six of the best for Dettori at Santa Anita

/in /by

Frankie Dettori fell just short of producing an American version of his famous magnificent seven when riding six straight winners on the Santa Anita Derby card.

The Italian memorably won every race at Ascot back in September 1996, on a day which cost British bookmakers an estimated £40million.

Now based across the Atlantic after abandoning plans to retire last year, Dettori looked set to rewrite the record books when rattling off six consecutive victories on Saturday night, including a Santa Anita Oaks triumph.

Sadly, he could not add to his tally from four more rides but it was still a special occasion for the 53-year-old.

He stated: “I adore this place and to be able to say that I won six races on Derby day is beyond my wildest dreams.

“I don’t know how to put it into words. Is it real? Am I dreaming? Is this really happening? It’s incredible. I just don’t know what to say.”

After missing out on Danzingwith Maxine in the opening race, Dettori began his hot streak with maiden winner Ball Don’t Lie.

He then struck on Recinto Rompere in a claiming race before landing the $125,000 Evening Jewel Stakes with Roberta’s Love at big odds.

After that success, Dettori said: “I was surprised, she jumped like a rocket and within 50 yards we were clear of the field and at the rail. I thought if nobody hassled with me, I’d be very hard to catch and that was the case. We went right up to the line.

“I tried to just save as much ground as I could – the filly is ultra consistent and was very well prepared. There were some good fillies in the race, but she put up a good performance.”

Next up came another maiden winner in Kathynmarissa and Dettori then partnered Nothing Like You to victory in the $300,000 Grade Two Santa Anita Oaks.

She was regarded as trainer Bob Baffert’s second string behind odds-on favourite Kinza but swept past her stablemate entering the home straight and ultimately romped home by seven and a half lengths.

“The filly didn’t like the kick-back too much last time but I was lucky to get a decent break and could take up a decent position where I wasn’t getting any kick-back,” said Dettori.

“I was fully loaded at the quarter pole, I just needed a bit of room and she took off.

“What can you say about Bob Baffert, he’s a genius and just lets me do what I do best and we got the job done. We’ve got a good working relationship – he trains them and I ride them, so we’ll keep it that way.”

Baffert added on the Santa Anita website: “He’s just a phenom. He is world class and has brought his talent to every stage. He’s just that good.”

Dettori’s sixth straight success soon followed when Royal Charter, a former William Haggas inmate now trained by Leonard Powell, swept to victory on her American debut.

The veteran did not have a ride in race eight and then had to settle for third place on board Getthemoney in the Grade Three Monrovia Stakes.

A narrow second on the Baffert-trained favourite Imagination in the $750,000 Grade One Santa Anita Derby was the closest Dettori came to reaching seventh heaven again.

That blow was at least softened by losing out to compatriot Antonio Fresu, who dedicated his first Grade One victory in America to fellow Italian Stefano Cherchi, who tragically died from injuries suffered in a fall in Australia recently.

Dettori finished unplaced on Ottoman Prince, formerly handled by Sir Mark Prescott, and Last Call London as he came up one short of the track record of seven wins at a meeting, set by Laffit Pincay Jr back in March 1987.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

O’Brien disappointed after Breeders’ Cup contenders scratched

/in /by

Aidan O’Brien admitted his disappointment after River Tiber was ruled out of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita.

The Wootton Bassett colt was expected to be a major player in the mile contest after claiming third in the Middle Park Stakes on his most recent run, but River Tiber was scratched on vets’ advice just hours before his intended engagement.

Stablemate Bolshoi Ballet was also taken out of Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Turf and O’Brien was pragmatic in his response.

He told ITV Racing: “He (River Tiber) was being checked all week, he seemed OK and the vets have checked him this morning and weren’t happy with him, so that’s the way it is. Obviously that’s the rules and I suppose there’s no more to say about that.

“We’re visitors here and we’re very grateful to be here, rules are rules and they just weren’t happy with him today.

“Obviously they’re athletes and they don’t pull out the same way every day, like we don’t get out of bed every day the same, and he might have been slightly stiffer today than he was yesterday.

“When you’re training horses that does happen and every athlete in the world will tell you the same, it’s very fractional and I suppose it’s opinion. I suppose there was a different panel of vets checking them all week and just a different vet checked him this morning and he wasn’t happy, so that’s the way it was.

“Obviously when we came here we were happy to abide by whatever rules were going to be set in this state by the Breeders’ Cup.

“We’re disappointed for the lads (owners) really, they put a lot in but that’s that way it is.

“Whatever decision the authorities make in any sport, you just have to stand by it, you don’t always agree with it but somebody has to make the decision, sometimes it will fall for you, sometimes it won’t. With these horses today, it didn’t fall for us.”

Of River Tiber’s future plans, he added: “I’d say he’ll have a break – this obviously would have been his last run and he will be trained for the Classics next year.”

The Ballydoyle handler still won the Juvenile Turf, with Unquestionable taking the prize under Ryan Moore.

O’Brien’s runners were not the only horses scratched, with the Jessica Harrington-trained Givemethebeatboys taken out of the Juvenile Turf Sprint.

The handler admitted the experience could make her think twice about bringing horses to the fixture in the future.

She said: “He has not had a single issue all week – he has been examined at least three times a day, he has been out on the track, he has galloped, he’s done stalls, there are vets on the gallops.

“He went out this morning as usual, did a little trot to come back in and the vets came to have a look at him and they decided he was not entirely level on his off fore.

“I don’t agree with them – I see where they trot our horses up is not a level place, you trot on some mats and then you’re on sand.

“It would definitely (deter me from bringing horses back). I brought out what I thought was a very sound horse, I know they have to be careful but being careful or over the top are two different things.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Hard To Justify digs deep for Santa Anita glory

/in /by

Hard To Justify was a tough winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf for Flavien Prat and Chad Brown.

The bay came into the race with two races and two victories under her belt and showed a great will to win when when surrounded by horses during the turn for home.

She put her head down in the home straight and pushed through in the middle to retain her unbeaten record.

European trainers provided plenty of interest in the mile contest with Simon and Ed Crisford’s Carla’s Way well fancied after her Rockfel Stakes win, with Aidan O’Brien fielding Content and his son Donnacha sending his Cheveley Park winner Porta Fortuna.

It was the last-named filly who fared best of the raiders, with jockey Oisin Murphy going for a run up the inside rail in the straight before eventually having to settle for second.

Murphy felt the race had not gone in his mount’s favour and said: “I was unhappy with the pace. They went very steady and I would have liked to find more space down the inner where it got a bit congested.”

Porta Fortuna (right) won the Cheveley Park but fell short in America
Porta Fortuna (right) won the Cheveley Park but fell short in America (Tim Goode/PA)

Content finished with a flourish in fourth having been sat near the rear of the field, but Carla’s Way was unplaced after racing on the outside of the pack and dropping away in the straight.

James Doyle rode Carla’s Way and thought the filly failed to produce her best effort.

He said: “She jumped like her usual self but was keen all the way down the back. On the bend she lugged out and I feel we can draw a line through it.”

Brown was winning the race for a sixth time and Hard To Justify’s owner Brian Wise was full of praise for the trainer.

He said: “Chad Brown was one of the people that spotted her at the Keeneland Sale. She just started improving and never did anything wrong.

“Chad always thought she wanted a distance but as she showed today she has a great heart. She met a ton of trouble, but pulled away.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Big Evs powers home for Juvenile Turf Sprint title

/in /by

Big Evs did connections proud as he swept to success in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Santa Anita.

Mick Appleby’s colt broke well and ran prominently throughout, trailing Crimson Advocate around the bend having started as the favourite under Tom Marquand.

From there the duo pulled away to seal victory for the British in the first Grade One event of the meeting.

Beaten on his debut at Redcar in May, the son of Blue Point got off the mark in the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot before adding the Molecomb Stakes at Goodwood and the Flying Childers at Doncaster, with his only disappointing effort coming against older horses in the Nunthorpe.

While he was unable to take up his usual front-running position, Big Evs poured it on in the straight, with the Adrian Murray-trained Valiant Force trying to chase him down in the last of the five furlongs.

However, the Irish raider could not quite catch Big Evs, with the Frankie Dettori-ridden Starlust staying on late to take third place and complete a clean sweep of the places for the European challengers.

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

Marquand said: “It wasn’t quite the style he showed us at home, but he chugged along and he was learning with every stride round the bend.

“I knew Crimson Advocate was inside me and I thought she broke my heart at Ascot (when she beat Marquand’s mount Relief Rally by a nose in the Queen Mary) and she might do it again.

“It wasn’t the smoothest, but I always felt there were some gears left.”

Like Marquand, Appleby, who is based in Rutland, was securing his first Breeders’ Cup success and it was also a first victory at the highest level for the trainer.

He admitted he had his sights set on Breeders’ Cup glory following Big Evs’ Goodwood win at the beginning of August.

He said: “Everything went perfectly to plan and I still can’t believe it.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet. When he came off the bend, he kicked again. It’s such a massive achievement for our small yard and the whole team.

“This was the aim since he won at Goodwood but I think he’ll have a break now.”

Owner Paul Teasdale was full of emotion following the victory of Big Evs, who is named after his late friend.

He explained: “My great friend Paul Evans died of lung cancer a year ago and his nickname was Big Evs.

“When I bought this horse in March, I was looking for something that could do well in memory of Paul and the rest is history.

“I wasn’t sure where our horse was early but when he came round the bend, I could see he still had plenty left.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Dream moment has arrived for all connected with Nunthorpe hero

/in /by

Adam West has left no stone unturned in his quest to ensure Live In The Dream plays a starring role in their once-in-a-lifetime shot at Breeders’ Cup glory.

The Epsom-based trainer of course shares his name with the actor most famous for portraying Batman and it is perhaps fitting that Live In The Dream’s blockbuster rise to the top of the sprinting tree reaches its climax a stones throw away from Hollywood in Santa Anita.

Owned by the charismatic Steve and Jolene de’Lemos, the four-year-old started the season with a pair of victories in the handicap ranks before his stock slowly rose throughout the season.

Placed efforts in both the Palace House Stakes and Temple Stakes served notice of Live In The Dream’s potential, but he announced himself as a star of the sprinting ranks with a thrilling all-the-way victory in the Nunthorpe at York – incredibly the first time his handler had saddled a runner in Group One company.

That Knavesmire rout secured Live In The Dream’s ticket to the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint and having shown all the right signs during an exploratory visit to Keeneland, the thriving gelding now has the burden of being the big-race favourite for a contest won just the once by a British raider.

“We’re very happy and we’ve come here at the perfect time to get the best of the atmosphere,” said West.

“I think the ground and the track are so important to our horse. In the Palace House it was too stiff and five and a half furlongs at Keeneland didn’t suit him either, but this is ideal. He is all five – one yard further and that’s it! York was always going to be his best chance at home.

“The pressure is on now, I’d rather we were 28-1, but it’s justified given his form. If we were to have any chance it is here.”

Live In The Draw will break from stall five, with defending champion and one of the big dangers Caravel not far away in three.

It is a spot West is delighted to be in as he attempts to put the historic training centre of Epsom back on the world map.

He added: “They have done so well with the track and we were blessed with a cracking draw, with Caravel two down from us who can give us a lead. I didn’t want to be out wide or stuck on the rail.

“Caravel is so tenacious; she’s been brought into this race well. Credit is due, she’s looking like she’s about to hit her best form, so she’s respected with her speed and the way she runs. If we end up going head-to-head with her it could be a real ding-dong battle.

“Epsom has done its time and hopefully we can now focus on getting good horses back there. I hope he can show on Saturday that the job can be done.”

Also happy with Live In The Dream’s position in stall five is his big-race jockey Sean Kirrane who has become an integral part of the story.

Having also tasted Group One glory for the first time at York in the summer he has played a key role in preparing the son of Prince Of Lir for his moment in the Californian sun and is backing his charge to hit the right note when the bell sounds and the gates ping open.

Kirrane said: “I suppose you are in a position where if you do miss half a beat you are able to recover and not get swamped early on booting in from a wide draw. That is one of the positives about being drawn a bit further off the fence.

“The horse shouldn’t miss the kick, he was electric out of the stalls at Keeneland. It was something I didn’t expect, I thought he might be half a step slower away than the American horses but he was right on terms with them and then ultimately a lot quicker than them in the early part of the race.

Jockey Sean Kirrane celebrates on Live In The Dream after winning the Nunthorpe Stakes
Jockey Sean Kirrane celebrates on Live In The Dream after winning the Nunthorpe Stakes (Simon Marper/PA)

“We expect him to do the same again and we’re very happy with the draw. There are some useful horses drawn inside him, the likes of Caravel, and he has to get away on terms with them and the Japanese horse outside looks very fast. But we’re happy and the horse goes there in great form.”

The European challenge was dented when Royal Ascot hero Bradsell was scratched from the contest on Wednesday evening, but joining Live In The Dream in the line-up is Aidan O’Brien’s Aesop’s Fables fresh from a welcome return to form in the Prix de l’Abbaye.

The Ballydoyle hopeful was beaten a length in third behind Highfield Princess at ParisLongchamp and the mount of Ryan Moore will once again be wearing the blinkers which sparked him into life in the French capital.

“The time Ryan rode him before the Abbaye he said this guy is stuck in second gear and not doing a stroke, he’s just cruising along,” said O’Brien.

Aesop's Fables represents Aidan O'Brien at Santa Anita
Aesop’s Fables represents Aidan O’Brien at Santa Anita (Donall Farmer/PA)

“We put the blinkers on him at home and Seamus (Heffernan) jumped him out of the stalls in blinkers and said he felt a totally different horse. That’s why the blinkers are on him.

“Ryan felt in France that if he had challenged the winner earlier he might have finished even closer and it was a huge run out of him and probably back to the best of his two-year-old form or even above it.

“We’re looking forward to it, he’s drawn out a little bit, but there’s speed on his inside so he will slot in and see what will happen.”

Joining the defending champion Caravel at the heart of the American challenge is Live In The Dream’s Woodford Stakes conqueror Arzak who represents Michael Trombetta, while Philip D’Amato’s Motorious is interesting having improved significantly on what he achieved in Britain when trained by Stuart Williams.

Christophe Clement is double-handed with Roses For Debra and Royal Ascot also ran Big Invasion, with Hideyuki Mori’s Jasper Krone adding a further international flavour to the contest having made the trip over from Japan.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

River Tiber out of Juvenile Turf

/in /by

Unquestionable leads Aidan O’Brien’s search for back-to-back victories in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita with ante-post favourite River Tiber scratched on the morning of the race.

The one-mile contest brings the opening night of Breeders’ Cup action to a close, with the Ballydoyle handler winning the race for a record-extending fifth time with Victoria Road at Keeneland 12 months ago.

Joining Unquestionable in O’Brien’ quest for victory number six, is Dundalk Listed winner Mountain Bear who will also face the starter in California.

Trainer Aidan O’Brien will saddle three in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf
Trainer Aidan O’Brien will saddle three in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (Mike Egerton/PA)

The former is yet to get his head in front in Group company, but arrives on the American west coast on the back of a commendable effort when finishing an honourable second to Rosallion in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at ParisLongchamp.

Speaking during Breakfast at the Breeders’ Cup on Thursday, O’Brien said of Unquestionable: “Ryan was delighted with him in France and said the split just came a little bit too early for him and he had to go early.

“Obviously when the split came he had to go and he would have just preferred to wait a little bit longer. He ran a very good race.

“We always felt a mile would be well within his compass and he’s in very good form and has a nice draw as well.”

The O’Brien duo are the sole European representation in a race the raiders have dominated since its inception, but there is a strong cast of American challengers lining up to take their chance.

Todd Pletcher struck in 2010 and will saddle the hat-trick-seeking Agate Road, while Michael McCarthy’s Endlessly is unbeaten in three and has track-and-trip form to his name.

Christophe Clement’s Carson’s Run accounted for My Boy Prince in the Grade One Summer Stakes at Woodbine, while the latter is joined by Can Group from Hall Of Fame handler Mark Casse’s well-respected stable.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Big Evs and Mick Appleby ready for big day in California

/in /by

Big Evs will carry British hopes on his broad shoulders when he attempts to blast his way to a famous victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Santa Anita.

Mick Appleby’s youngster has been one of the season’s star juveniles and will attempt to bring his stellar season to a fitting end in the shadows of the San Gabriel Mountains on Friday.

The Royal Ascot scorer will be his trainer’s first runner at the showpiece event and after his one disappointment this season in the Nunthorpe, the son of Blue Point was back to his brilliant best when blazing a trail in the Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster.

The Rutland-based handler is thrilled to be in California with his star performer, who he believes has proven he is more than capable of handling top talent.

“I’ve never really had the right ammo in the two-year-old division, but I think with this horse I’ve proved I can do it,” said Appleby.

“After Goodwood we thought about coming here and as to his blip in the Nunthorpe it came just two weeks after a hard race in soft ground and we put a line through it. In hindsight we shouldn’t have run at York, it was way too soon.

“Doncaster was a most impressive win and if he reproduces it he will take a lot of beating.”

Tom Marquand was in the saddle when registering a breathtaking all-the-way success on Town Moor in September and will once again be aboard the speedy youngster whose blistering starts have been a hallmark of his campaign.

“He absolutely flew out of the gate this morning and should be as good at it as any of the Americans,” said Appleby.

“My main concern is going round a bend, but Tom breezed him yesterday and said he coped with it really well. The ground will ride on the quick side which is fine for us.”

American trainer George Weaver saddles a three-strong hand in opposition, with Royal Ascot heroine Crimson Advocate the headline attraction alongside stablemates No Nay Mets and Amidst Waves.

The Queen Mary winner will be a first runner at the Breeders’ Cup for Qatar-based Wathnan Racing and she will appear for the first time in their increasingly-familiar silks when stepping out in the hands of John Velazquez.

“We’re excited and it will be an exciting day,” said Case Clay, Wathnan’s racing adviser in the USA.

“This is the Breeders’ Cup so it will be very tough competition. We’re just hoping for a nice clean break and the nice thing about the turf sprint is it is just get out and go – once the gates open it is going to be just that.

“We’re really happy to have John Velazquez on board, especially with his great experience at Ascot, and that is reassuring. We are just very excited.

“Olly Tait (senior Wathnan representative) has given me instruction to look for quality and she is the first purchase and hopefully there will be some more.”

Others from the home team to watch for include John Saddler’s Slider who claimed the Speakeasy Stakes over track and trip last month and Steven Asmussen’s Committee Of One, who accounted for Weaver’s Amidst Waves in the Indian Summer Stakes.

Asmussen said: “It was a breakthrough race last time. Obviously, at five-eighths on the turf (in stall 12), you need to get lucky with the trip. He’s a horse that likes to come from a little off of it, so hopefully a good trip will open up.”

There is a strong Irish challenge which features shock Royal Ascot winner Valiant Force, a first runner for Adrian Murray at the end-of-season spectacular, while the hat-trick-seeking Tiger Belle is just a second runner at the meeting for Adrian McGuinness.

Jessica Harrington’s Middle Park fourth Givemethebeatboys and Aidan O’Brien’s Cherry Blossom are the others making the trip from Ireland, while Frankie Dettori will get the leg-up aboard Ralph Beckett’s Starlust.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Carla’s Way primed for Porta Fortuna showdown

/in /by

Ed Crisford is confident Carla’s Way will be “bang there at the finish” in Friday’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita.

The daughter of Starspangledbanner proved her class with victory in the Group Two Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket in late September, since when she has been kept fresh for her trip to California.

Carla’s Way is part of a strong European contingent that also includes Donnacha O’Brien’s Cheveley Park Stakes heroine Porta Fortuna and Aidan O’Brien’s Content – and Crisford, who trains in partnership with his father, Simon, believes their filly has plenty in her favour.

Carla’s Way winning the Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket
Carla’s Way winning the Rockfel Stakes at Newmarket (Tim Goode/PA)

He said: “It’s a really good race and Donnacha’s filly is a very good filly who has won a Group One, but Carla’s Way also brings sort of Group One form into the race having beaten the first and second in the Fillies’ Mile (Ylang Ylang and Shuwari).

“She will suit this track and a two-turn mile extremely well. We just didn’t want to run her on a straight mile on soft ground in the Fillies’ Mile so we opted to come here and we thought it would suit her down to the ground – she can just ping off that quick ground.

“Her draw (stall nine) isn’t too bad and you have options from there at least. I always thought five to 10 is where I wanted to be so it is OK.

“She is in really good form and has taken to Santa Anita extremely well. She’s been on the track in a morning and for a two-year-old it can be quite a lot going to a new place and seeing all the horses training on the track there, but she is just loving it and is like an old pro.

“She’s taken everything in her stride, I couldn’t be happier with her and I think she goes in with a favourite’s chance. Hopefully she gets a clean trip and I’m sure she will be bang there at the finish.”

Porta Fortuna has won four of her six starts, with her Cheveley Park success preceded by Group Three triumphs at Naas and in the Albany Stakes at Royal Ascot.

She has not yet won beyond six furlongs and tackles a mile for the first time, but O’Brien is happy to roll the dice.

“She’s been fantastic for us and has had a great year,” he said.

“She’s in great form and seems to have travelled over well. We are not sure if we will stay the mile, but she will handle the ground and the track should be fine so we are excited.

Donnacha O'Brien trains Porta Fortuna
Donnacha O’Brien trains Porta Fortuna (Damien Eagers/PA)

“Ever since the day the owners bought her after her maiden this has been sort of a long-term plan. Obviously you can never expect to be at the Breeders’ Cup, but if she turned out to be good enough this was always the plan and thankfully she has.

“We’re just keeping her safe and happy and healthy until the race and hopefully we get a bit of luck on the day.”

O’Brien senior saddled Meditate to claim victory in last year’s renewal and will be hoping Content can raise her game following a surprise Group Three win at the Curragh four weeks ago.

Leading contenders for the home team include Cherie DeVaux’s She Feels Pretty and Hard To Justify, who looks to provide her trainer Chad Brown with a fifth win in the last 11 runnings.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Fev Rover ready to challenge Inspiral for Cup title

/in /by

A familiar name could prove the biggest threat to Inspiral in the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, as Fev Rover attempts to exert her recent dominance in North America at Santa Anita.

A winner of the Star Stakes and a Deauville Group Two when trained by Richard Fahey, the daughter of Gutaifan also placed in the 2021 edition of the 1000 Guineas during her time racing in Britain.

Sold to Tracy Farmer for 695,000 guineas at the end of that year, Fev Rover joined Mark Casse and the mare has improved with age, culminating in some stellar displays this season.

Having kicked off her five-year-old campaign with victory in Woodbine’s Nassau Stakes, she added Grade One triumphs in both the Beverly D Stakes and when accounting for Charlie Appleby’s With The Moonlight in the E.P Taylor Stakes and now finds herself as short as 7-1 with some British bookmakers for Breeders’ Cup glory.

Casse of course is no stranger to beating the Europeans on turf having saddled Tepin to strike at Royal Ascot in 2016 and the Hall Of Fame handler believes Fev Rover has all the right qualities to thrive around the tight turns of the famous California venue.

“I think Fev Rover has a big chance and she is training well,” said Casse.

“It looks like a real international race and obviously it is not going to be easy, but she is doing well and as far as things in North America go, she has kind of stamped herself as one of the better turf horses, that’s for sure.

Mark Casse (third right) after winning the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot
Mark Casse (third right) after winning the Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot (David Davies/PA)

“Her race at Saratoga was very good in the Diana (Stakes) and of course she won Beverley D. Both of those were around similar type turns and one thing about her, and I think it is one of the reasons why she is pretty good, is she is very versatile.

“If there is no speed she can go to the lead and if there is speed she can sit off them. She kind of makes her own race which is nice, she is not dependant on others.”

Fev Rover’s fine season could not only see her provide her decorated handler with a seventh victory at the Breeders’ Cup, but has also put the mare in prime position to be named Canadian Horse of the Year.

That is an accolade Casse feels would be fully justified having seen the mare mature into the full package this term.

“Looking at everyone’s accomplishments, as of today, she would be the favourite for horse of the year,” added the trainer.

“The only thing would be if one of the Canadian horses won at the Breeders’ Cup, that might hurt her chances.

“She has really grown up. Her physique and everything changed a lot from four to five and she’s a really stout filly now. She has just got really good and her behaviour is much better. She could misbehave some times but as she’s got older, she has got a little smarter about that.”

The Filly & Mare Turf last went to a North American-trained contender in 2018 and joining John and Thady Gosden’s Inspiral for the journey across the Atlantic is Aidan O’Brien’s Yorkshire Oaks and Prix Vermeille heroine Warm Heart along with the Joseph O’Brien-trained Lumiere Rock and State Occasion for Ralph Beckett.

Inspiral is favourite for the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Santa Anita
Inspiral is favourite for the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Santa Anita (David Davies/PA)

Casse is predicting that fearsome contingent of raiders – as well as Japanese candidate Win Marilyn – to once again present a stern challenge, but the experienced handler prefers to concentrate solely on the prospects of Fev Rover and seeing her pony to post in the best possible shape.

“I’m worried about six or seven of them! I’m sure the Euros will be tough, they always are,” he said when asked about the opposition.

“But in all honesty though, I kind of just worry about my own horse. There is nothing I can do about the competition so I don’t fret about it. I figure it is what it is and we have to try to beat them.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Caravel on course for Sprint defence at Santa Anita

/in /by

American sprint star Caravel is fully primed ahead of the defence of her Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint title at Santa Anita next weekend.

Brad Cox’s daughter of Mizzen Mast was a somewhat shock winner of the five-furlong event at Keeneland 12 months ago, pinging the gates and never looking back in the hands of Tyler Gaffalione, as she came home half a length clear of Kevin Ryan’s Emaraaty Ana.

However, she has since proved that victory was no fluke and asserted herself as one of America’s top turf sprinters when bringing up a fabulous five-timer in the Jaipur Stakes at Belmont in the summer.

A subsequent defeat on soft ground at Saratoga has done little to dent the Caravel team’s confidence and their charge was only denied by a neck in her Breeders’ Cup tune-up in the Franklin Stakes.

“She seems to be in great nick and the news from America is we are all systems go,” said David Redvers, racing manager for Qatar Racing – who own the mare in conjunction with Marc Detampel and Madaket Stables LLC.

“You never know for sure whether she is going to be at the same level as last year, but we are all certainly hoping so. It’s thrilling to have a horse at that level who is going to defend her crown.

“We made the mistake of running her at Saratoga in that horrible heavy turf, so you just have to put a line through that. Otherwise she has been in great nick.”

Last year Caravel held off the cream of British sprinting with raiders filling the second, third and fourth spots and there are some more familiar names lying in wait for the US-trained speedster this time.

Royal Ascot scorer Bradsell and Adam West’s shock Nunthorpe winner Live In The Dream are at the front of the queue of challengers this time around, but connections feel Caravel has nothing to fear if able to replicate her form from last year’s Breeders’ Cup and in the early part of 2023.

“If she can run to the level of form she ran to last year, you would be very hopeful that it wouldn’t matter what she comes across,” added Redvers.

“The big question is, we don’t know if she has the same level of pace as she did last year. But she is one of Sheikh Fahad’s favourites and she’s certainly giving us all something to look forward to.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Paddington retired after setback rules out trip to Santa Anita

/in /by

Plans to run Paddington in the Breeders’ Cup Mile have been dashed and the multiple Group One winner has been retired.

Despite disappointing in testing ground at Ascot on British Champions Day, the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt was an intended runner at Santa Anita next weekend.

However, Coolmore announced on Friday that due to an “elevated temperature and a respiratory infection” the decision had been taken to miss the meeting and the son of Siyouni has run his last race.

Paddington won his first six races this season, progressing from a handicap to winning four Group Ones including the St James’s Palace Stakes and Coral-Eclipse.

“To do what he did takes a very special horse,” said O’Brien.

Paddington beat Emily Upjohn in the Eclipse
Paddington beat Emily Upjohn in the Eclipse (PA)

“In terms of his attitude and determination he was very similar to Giant’s Causeway but Paddington was a much quicker horse.

“He had great tactical speed but could quicken off it. He’s an unbelievable specimen who stands over an incredible amount of ground. He got physically stronger and heavier from race to race which is a very unusual thing in a thoroughbred.”

Auguste Rodin, though, is firmly on course for what is shaping up to be a top-class edition of the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

The dual Derby and Irish Champion Stakes winner has enjoyed a break since his victory at Leopardstown, with O’Brien reporting the Deep Impact colt in good heart ahead of his date at Santa Anita on Saturday week.

The mile-and-a-half contest is also the destination for Juddmonte International winner Mostahdaf, as well as Champion Stakes victor King Of Steel.

Speaking on a Breeders’ Cup teleconference on Wednesday evening, O’Brien said: “We’re very happy with him, everything has gone well. He’s had a nice long lead up into this race and it’s a race we always thought would really suit since the last day.

Auguste Rodin (left) beat King Of Steel at Epsom
Auguste Rodin (left) beat King Of Steel at Epsom (David Davies/PA)

“Obviously Leopardstown is a flat, left-handed track and we thought and hoped it would set him up nicely for the Breeders’ Cup given we’ve had our eye on it all year. Hopefully everything goes well for the next few days.”

The Ballydoyle handler will be well represented in California, with Cherry Blossom and Pearls And Rubies in the Juvenile Turf Sprint, Content (Juvenile Fillies Turf), Johannes Brahms (Juvenile/Juvenile Turf), Mountain Bear (Juvenile Turf), River Tiber (Juvenile Turf), Unquestionable (Juvenile Turf), Warm Heart (Filly & Mare Turf), Bolshoi Ballet (Turf), Broome (Turf) and Aesop’s Fables (Turf Sprint) all nominated.

Another who will not be travelling is 1000 Guineas fancy Opera Singer, winner of the Prix Marcel Boussac.

“Opera Singer had a busy enough season here,” explained O’Brien.

“After her last piece of work she worked very well but was a little bit quiet after it. The season was long here. We just felt to be fair to her, with a few to next year, it was the best thing to do not to ask her to travel.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Auguste Rodin and Paddington primed for action in California

/in /by

Auguste Rodin is firmly on course for what is shaping up to be a top-class edition of the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

The dual Derby and Irish Champion Stakes winner has enjoyed a break since his victory at Leopardstown, with Aidan O’Brien reporting the Deep Impact colt in good heart ahead of his date at Santa Anita on Saturday week.

The mile-and-a-half contest is also the destination for Juddmonte International winner Mostahdaf, as well as Champion Stakes victor King Of Steel.

Speaking on a Breeders’ Cup teleconference, O’Brien said: “We’re very happy with him, everything has gone well. He’s had a nice long lead up into this race and it’s a race we always thought would really suit since the last day.

Auguste Rodin (left) beat King Of Steel at Epsom
Auguste Rodin (left) beat King Of Steel at Epsom (David Davies/PA)

“Obviously Leopardstown is a flat, left-handed track and we thought and hoped it would set him up nicely for the Breeders’ Cup given we’ve had our eye on it all year. Hopefully everything goes well for the next few days.”

Despite disappointing in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot on Champions Day, Paddington, a multiple Group One winner this season, is heading for the Mile.

“Paddington has had a very busy season, he turned up time after time and he wasn’t having a big break between them but he kept producing in all the top races,” said O’Brien.

Paddington beat Emily Upjohn in the Eclipse
Paddington beat Emily Upjohn in the Eclipse (Andrew Matthews/PA)

“He went from the Irish Guineas and on from there. The last day at Ascot he was just a bit fresh and ran too keen in very deep, heavy ground and Ryan (Moore) just looked after him so it was one of those races you could put a line through.

“He seems to have come out of the race very well, he’s fast, he’s tough he’s hardy and tactical as well so we’re looking forward to him.”

The Ballydoyle handler will be well represented in California, with Cherry Blossom and Pearls And Rubies in the Juvenile Turf Sprint, Content (Juvenile Fillies Turf), Johannes Brahms (Juvenile/Juvenile Turf), Mountain Bear (Juvenile Turf), River Tiber (Juvenile Turf), Unquestionable (Juvenile Turf), Warm Heart (Filly & Mare Turf), Bolshoi Ballet (Turf), Broome (Turf) and Aesop’s Fables (Turf Sprint) all nominated.

One who will not be travelling, however, is 1000 Guineas fancy Opera Singer, winner of the Prix Marcel Boussac.

“Opera Singer had a busy enough season here,” explained O’Brien.

“After her last piece of work she worked very well but was a little bit quiet after it. The season was long here. We just felt to be fair to her, with a few to next year, it was the best thing to do not to ask her to travel.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Murray delighted to be California dreaming with Amo pair

/in /by

It will be a dream come true for Adrian Murray when he gives William Buick the leg-up aboard Royal Ascot hero Valiant Force at the Breeders’ Cup.

The youngster became the first winner at the Royal meeting for Kia Joorabchian’s Amo Racing operation when landing a shock 150-1 victory in the Norfolk Stakes earlier in the summer, and has already earnt a special place in both his trainer and owner’s affections.

Although well held in the Prix Morny last time, the speedy son of Malibu Moon will now attempt to add further riches when he drops back in trip for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Santa Anita.

“It’s a dream now come true and I’m delighted with the horse,” said Murray.

“He will have his conditions. He wants fast ground and hopefully he will put up a good show – he’s in good form, he’s very well in himself.

“There’s a lot of things that can go wrong, but we’re excited about him anyway and it’s great to be going over with a nice horse.

“It looks like William Buick is going to take the ride.”

Murray will also saddle Valiant Force’s stablemate Cuban Thunder during the opening night of Breeders’ Cup action in California.

The son of Profitable has been highly tried since winning impressively at York earlier in the season and was last seen finishing third in Listed company on the all-weather at Dundalk.

He will now encounter dirt for the first time as he lines up over an extended mile in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

“It will be a new adventure for him and hopefully he will do himself good,” added Murray.

“If he ran to his best, you would be hoping he could run into a place or hopefully even better. He’s entitled to go over.”

Trainer Adrian Murray has enjoyed a fine season
Trainer Adrian Murray has enjoyed a fine season (Brian Lawless/PA)

For Murray – who as well as enjoying Royal Ascot success in the summer, has also tasted Group One glory thanks to the exploits of Bucanero Fuerte – it will be the fulfilment of a lifetime ambition when he crosses the Atlantic for the end-of-season meeting for the first time since 2001, and the first time in a professional capacity.

“I’m really looking forward to it. I was at the Breeders’ Cup once way back at Belmont the year Galileo ran and I was only there as a spectator,” said Murray.

“I never dreamt I would be there as a trainer, we’ve had just an unbelievable year and it’s just got better and better.

“It’s brilliant and I can’t wait for it to happen. Hopefully it will be good weather over there and we can get a bit of sun on our backs.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Auguste Rodin and King Of Steel could clash again in California

/in /by

Auguste Rodin and his old rival King Of Steel could lock horns once again as both feature among the pre-entries for the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Santa Anita.

Aidan O’Brien’s colt came on top when they clashed at Epsom in the summer, wearing down Roger Varian’s charge deep inside the final furlong and was then much the best when claiming the Irish Champion Stakes in September.

King Of Steel finished well to be fourth on that occasion, and would head to California with confidence sky high having carried Frankie Dettori to a fairytale success on British Champions Day.

Plenty of familiar names could feature in the Turf, with Royal Ascot and Juddmonte International champion Mostahdaf set to represent John and Thady Gosden and Donnacha O’Brien’s Piz Badile joining Ballydoyle’s Bolshoi Ballet and Broome.

The Amo Racing-owned King Of Steel also has the Classic as a second preference, a race won last year by the all-conquering Flightline and this year could see a match-up between Belmont Stakes winner Arcangelo and Kentucky Derby hero Mage.

Paddington has been given the option of ending his stellar 2023 campaign in the Mile, where he could meet Saeed bin Suroor’s 1000 Guineas and recent Keeneland scorer Mawj.

She is one of two for Godolphin alongside Master Of The Seas who will bid to give Charlie Appleby his third straight success in the race.

High-class duo Inspiral and Warm Heart will lead the raiding contingent in the Filly & Mare Turf with both operating at the peak of their powers this season, while Simon and Ed Crisford’s Dubai World Cup runner-up Algiers is the sole British challenger in the Dirt Mile.

Brad Cox’s Caravel held off the British raiders in the Turf Sprint 12 months ago and has the likes of Adam West’s Nunthorpe hero Live In The Dream and King’s Stand Stakes winner Bradsell to take on this time.

Michael Appleby’s Big Evs will carry British hopes on the opening night of action when he looks to round off a brilliant juvenile campaign in the Juvenile Turf Sprint.



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns

Algiers headlining Santa Anita challenge for Crisfords

/in /by

The Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile is Algiers’ only option at Santa Anita on Saturday week, as Simon and Ed Crisford bank on the six-year-old’s pace coming to the fore in California.

The Shamardal gelding showcased his talent on dirt in Meydan earlier in the year, finishing second in the feature Dubai World Cup over a mile and a quarter in March.

A tilt at the Breeders’ Cup Classic over that trip had not been ruled out by connections, but they had always been favouring a drop back to a mile for their visit to America and have elected to go that route having been encouraged by Algiers’ imperious displays over similar distances in the Middle East.

“He just looked very effective over a mile and a mile-and-one at Meydan and he has a lot of speed,” explained Ed Crisford.

“I’m not saying he doesn’t stay the 10 furlongs, it’s just that we felt at Santa Anita a mile may play to his strengths more.”

Since his exploits in Dubai, Algiers was given a long summer break before tuning up for the Breeders’ Cup at Woodbine when second in the Durham Cup.

Having bounced out of that first taste of North American dirt well, he is now poised for one final piece of work in the hands of big-race jockey James Doyle before crossing the Atlantic once again.

“It was like a racecourse gallop to be honest, but he has come out of it super well,” reflected Crisford.

“He’s had that run now and has come out of it fresh and well and looks great. He is going to have a good gallop under James Doyle before he leaves and hopefully that will be him set for the race next weekend.

“James knows him and what he can do and what is under the bonnet. He rides the American tracks really well and it should be perfect.”

Joining Algiers for the trip Stateside is impressive Rockfel Stakes scorer Carla’s Way, who is a leading fancy for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf.

Carla’s Way was an impressive winner of the Rockfel Stakes
Carla’s Way was an impressive winner of the Rockfel Stakes (Tim Goode/PA)

The form of that race got a real boost when the second and third fought out the finish of the Fillies’ Mile and her training team believe she has all the attributes to be right in the mix in her first try at a mile.

“She is in good form and won well at Newmarket,” added Crisford.

“She can quicken off a quick pace which is what you need in America and that track should suit her well, a two-turn mile on quick ground.

“We opted not to go for the Fillies’ Mile because that mile at Newmarket on soft ground wouldn’t really be for her, but she’s got a lot of ability and is progressing with each run and looks like a filly who could be a lot of fun for the future.

“I’m sure she will run really well at Santa Anita.”



Try Tix for Better Tote Returns