After the Arc weekend action, here’s our snap update on overseas running plans for Keeneland on November 4-5
Breeders’ Cup talk has been in the air after any number of major European races in the last couple of weeks – and nowhere more so than last weekend at ParisLongchamp, where there were five ‘Win and You’re In’ races on the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe card.
In the event, hugely popular Arc winner Alpinista looks set to contest the Japan Cup instead, while news from the Far East suggests star miler Songline will be staying at home after a training setback.
However, while there is still plenty of time to chop and change, a number of high-profile European contenders are set to throw their hats into the Keeneland ring on November 4-5. So here’s where we stand:
YES
Highfield Princess John Quinn GB
Rags-to-riches sprint mare has improved out of all recognition in 2022, notching a G1 hat-trick in three countries with wins in France, Britain and Ireland. Earned fees-paid berth in Flying Five at the Curragh and inked in for the Turf Sprint, though trainer not afraid to run her in the F&M Sprint on dirt if the turf at Keeneland is too firm.
Kinross Ralph Beckett GB
“We'll probably go to the Breeders’ Cup Mile – I've always fancied that for him,” said Ralph Beckett after easy win under regular partner Frankie Dettori in seven-furlong Prix de la Foret.
Lezoo Ralph Beckett GB
Trainer feels she won’t get a mile and mentioned BC Juvenile Turf Sprint after victory in G1 Cheveley Park Stakes, more usually a major pointer to the following year’s 1000 Guineas.
Modern Games Charlie Appleby GB
Last year’s Juvenile Turf winner has had another successful campaign and looked a major player in the Mile with a wide-margin victory in the Woodbine Mile.
Place Du Carrousel Andre Fabre FR
Stepped up on previous form with shock win over Nashwa in Prix de l’Opera. “The Breeders’ Cup could be an option,” said master trainer Fabre, who hasn’t had a BC runner since 2018.
The Platinum Queen Richard Fahey GB
Flying filly beat elders in G1 Prix de l’Abbaye (first two-year-old winner since 1978) overcoming very soft ground to earn guaranteed fees-paid BC spot via annual ‘Win and You’re In’ Challenge series. Trainer keen to run back against own age group in Juvenile Turf Sprint.
MAYBE
Blackbeard Aidan O’Brien IRE
Quirky son of No Nay Never has already run eight times, landing a smooth victory in G1 Middle Park last time out. “Because he has so much personality, it probably suits him to be busy,” said O’Brien. “We'll take every day as it comes, but the lads are thinking about the Breeders' Cup.” Juvenile Turf Sprint most likely option.
Blue Rose Cen Christopher Head FR
Promoted to joint favourite for Juvenile Fillies Turf at Keeneland after an emphatic win in Prix Marcel Boussac, a challenge now being considered by young trainer Christopher Head, the son of legendary trainer and jockey Freddy.
Commissioning John & Thady Gosden GB
Rockfel Stakes winner puts her unbeaten record on the line in the G1 Fillies’ Mile on October 7 but Juvenile Fillies Turf also under consideration afterwards.
Nashwa John & Thady Gosden GB
Brave bid to make all in the Opera on testing ground so nearly succeeded under Hollie Doyle, but no decision on her future. Opera third Above The Curve could go for the Filly & Mare Turf, according to Joseph O’Brien.
Persian Force Richard Hannon GB
Juvenile Turf under consideration for G2 winner who was third behind dual G1 winner Blackbeard in Middle Park at Newmarket on most recent start.
NO
Alpinista Sir Mark Prescott GB
BC was mentioned in dispatches after Arc triumph but connections now much more minded to chase huge double bonus in Japan Cup on mare’s final start before retirement. Last year's Arc winner Torquator Tasso has been retired after coming third on Sunday; fifth-placed Grand Glory also goes for the Japan Cup.
Luxembourg Aidan O’Brien IRE
Campaign is over for Irish Champion Stakes winner after he pulled a muscle early in the Arc and finished lame. Will return as four-year-old in 2023.
Pyledriver William Muir/Chris Grassick GB
Earned a start in the BC Turf by winning the King George but missed Arc through minor injury. Connections favour Japan Cup or a return to Hong Kong (second in last year’s HK Vase).
Saffron Beach Jane Chapple-Hyam GB
Plans to head to the BC before she is sold are now on hold after she produced a dirty scope after finishing down the field in the Sun Chariot Stakes.
Songline Toru Hayashi JPN
Winner of the G1 Yasuda Kinen. a ‘Win and You’re In’ race for the Mile, was being prepared for the trip but now in doubt with swollen epiglottis.
Vadeni Jean-Claude Rouget FR
Arc runner-up Vadeni, winner of both Prix du Jockey Club and Eclipse Stakes, is set to race on at four but won’t be seen again this year.
• Visit the Breeders' Cup website
Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe: French master Andre Fabre’s record eight winners ranked
Sir Mark Prescott: educated, erudite, refreshingly eccentric – and eyeing Arc success with Alpinista
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