Latest European leg of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge: Win and You’re In, offering a guaranteed fees-paid berth in the Juvenile Turf Sprint at Keeneland on November 4
The powerful combination of Richard Fahey and Christophe Soumillon team up once again in Sunday’s Prix Morny at Deauville when Norfolk Stakes winner The Ridler bids to repeat their success a year ago with Perfect Power, who had won the same race at Royal Ascot.
A ‘Win And You’re In’ race for the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Keeneland in November, the G1 contest has attracted only a small field, but all five runners are all well worth their place in such a prestigious event.
Aidan O’Brien saddles Blackbeard and The Antarctic, who were first and second in the G2 Prix Robert Papin at Chantilly last month, while Richard Hannon runs Persian Force. Although he is one of the season’s top sprinting juveniles, he was beaten a whopping seven lengths by the O’Brien-trained Little Big Bear in a G1 at The Curragh earlier this month.
The nearest thing to a French-trained runner in a race the host country has won just once in the last 10 years is Amy Murphy-trained Manhattan Jungle, runner-up to The Antarctic last time. Newmarket-based Murphy ran a satellite yard just outside Chantilly through the first half of the season, when the filly won at Chantilly, Lyon-Parilly and Deauville.
Top contenders
Persian Force (Richard Hannon/James Doyle) – was scoring for the third time when landing G2 July Stakes at Newmarket; second on both other starts, and no obvious excuse when hammered seven lengths by Little Big Bear in G1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh last time.
The Ridler (Richard Fahey/Christophe Soumillon) – 50-1 winner of G2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, a race which was also won by the stable’s Perfect Power before his win here 12 months ago.
The Antarctic (Aidan O/Brien/Ioritz Mendizabal) – full-brother to the outstanding 5f performer Battaash; beat Manhattan Jungle over course and distance in G3 Prix de Cabourg, a recognised stepping stone to this event; no match for stablemate Blackbeard, who he meets again, in G2 Prix Robert Papin at Chantilly the time before.
Blackbeard (Aidan O’Brien/Ryan Moore) – classy No Nay Never colt who was scoring for fourth time in six starts when beating stablemate and subsequent G3 winner The Antarctic by three lengths in G2 Prix Robert Papin at Chantilly last time.
Manhattan Jungle (Amy Murphy/Tony Piccone) – won her first three races in France, all over 5f, but beaten since in G2 at Royal Ascot and G3 at Deauville, in latter race beaten a length by The Antarctic over this course and distance.
Shall we talk about it?
Richard Hannon, trainer of Persian Force: “He ran a good race in Ireland and came back in good shape. I didn't think there was a two-year-old that could beat him seven lengths, but there we are."
Steve Bradley, owner of The Ridler:"It’s Deauville instead of York for the Gimcrack as it saves him carrying a penalty. The Ridler is a big, physical beast and he's had time off to give him a chance to develop. He does bits of work with Perfect Power; he's a good work horse."
Aidan O’Brien, trainer of Blackbeard:"We're delighted with Blackbeard. Even though he was still babyish (in the Papin, Ioritz (Mendizabal) was very impressed with him. He said that he was professional and won easily. With every run he's getting there – he's definitely progressing."
Aidan O’Brien, trainer of The Antarctic: “He's coming as well but probably isn't really there yet. He's still progressing."
Amy Murphy, trainer of Manhattan Jungle: “I thought she ran a blinder last time. I think she’s versatile and just as happy over five or six – she has the speed for five, but has now shown she stays every bit at six, she ran through the line at Deauville no problem. The Breeders’ Cup would absolutely be a long-term aim.”
Graham Dench’s verdict
A tight little race, but it can pay to go along with THE RIDLER, a powerfully built colt who caused a fair bit of trouble by hanging left at Royal Ascot but looks the sort to improve again significantly over this additional furlong. Blackbeard looks the main danger.
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