Breeders’ Cup Classic plans for Auguste Rodin and the latest twist in the Bob Baffert controversy feature in our weekly digest of recent international racing news
Breeders’ Cup Classic in calculations for dual Derby winner Auguste Rodin
Ireland: Auguste Rodin, who completed a Derby double at The Curragh on Sunday [July 2], could have a switch to dirt for the Breeders’ Cup Classic as an end-of-season target.
The son of Deep Impact is set to run next in Ascot’s midsummer showpiece, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes on July 29, after which part-owner Michael Tabor identified the Juddmonte International {Aug 23].
“The Breeders’ Cup Classic is a shot to nothing – that’s a tough one – but certainly the Juddmonte is high on the agenda,” said Tabor, speaking to the Press Association.
Auguste Rodin claimed the Irish Derby by a length and a half at the head of a 1-2-3-4 for his trainer Aidan O’Brien, who was winning his 100th European Classic. O’Brien has won Ireland’s senior Classic 14 times, but this was a first victory for Ryan Moore, who reclaimed top spot on TRC Global Rankings for jockeys in the process. More here
Baffert ban at Churchill Downs extended through 2024
USA: Bob Baffert’s controversial Churchill Downs suspension, imposed the wake of Medina Spirit’s failed drug test after the 2021 Kentucky Derby, has been extended until the end of 2024.
A punchy press release on Monday [July 3] alleged that Baffert “continues to peddle a false narrative” over Medina Spirit. The legendary trainer is banned from all tracks operated by Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI).
The statement added the decision to extent the ban was "based on continued concerns regarding the threat to the safety and integrity of racing he poses to CDI-owned racetracks.”
Baffert responded on Twitter, saying he was “at a loss to understand” this latest move. “I have been open, honest, and forthcoming about these events,” added Baffert. More here
The Foxes heads to Belmont Derby
USA: Dante Stakes winner The Foxes (Andrew Balding/Oisin Murphy) brings top-class European Classic form to the Belmont Derby Invitational on Saturday [July 8] – but he will have to overcome the outside gate in an 11-runner field for the $750,000 contest.
The Foxes was last seen coming fifth behind Auguste Rodin in the Betfred Derby at Epsom. “He ran a good race in the Derby, but we felt he didn't get the mile and a half,” said Balding. “Obviously, the option to drop back to 10 furlongs was attractive.
The Foxes is joined by a compatriot in Godolphin’s Silver Knott (Charlie Appleby/Richie Mullen), while unbeaten G2 scorer Kalik looks best of the home team for trainer Chad Brown and in-form jockey Flavien Prat. More here
Oisin Murphy stands in for Dettori on Chaldean
France: Oisin Murphy will need an overnight flight back across the Atlantic after partnering The Foxes in New York as he has also come in for the ride on 2,000 Guineas winner Chaldean in the G1 Prix Jean Prat at Deauville on Sunday [July 9]. More here
The former champion jockey takes over from Frankie Dettori, who is suspended. William Buick stands in for Dettori on highly fancied Emily Upjohn in the Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown on Saturday [July 8]. Leading Eclipse fancy Anmaat was ruled out with a foot abscess. More here
Hong Kong star Romantic Warrior set for Cox Plate
Hong Kong: Trainer Danny Shum is planning a trip to Melbourne for the Ladbrokes Cox Plate [Oct 28] at Moonee Valley for HK Cup winner Romantic Warrior. James McDonald, unbeaten in three on the current world #8, is expected to ride.
“That’s the plan,” said Shum, speaking to the South China Morning Post. “Definitely the Cox Plate, but before the Cox Plate, we plan to run a lead-up race in Melbourne.” More here
The G1 Saratoga Derby [Aug 5] has been added to the list of ‘Win and you’re in’ qualifiers for the Cox Plate. More here
Death of Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Ray Selkrig, aged 93
Australia: Ray Selkrig, who has died at the age of 93, was a 35-time G1-winning rider best known for partnering Lord Fury to an all-the-way success in the Melbourne Cup of 1961.
Selkrig, who topped the Sydney jockeys’ premiership in 1958-59, rode more than 1,800 winners altogether, among them four winners of the AJC Derby, Australia’s premier race for three-year-olds. More here
Elsewhere in racing …
USA: Breeders’ Cup announces Top 20 moments from fan poll More here
USA: Five-win day for Flavien Prat on July 4 card at Belmont More here
USA: Saratoga events schedule released More here
GB: British Champions Series to sponsor autumn 2yo series More here
Ireland: Leopardstown launches ‘Dublin to Bahrain’ series More here
Hong Kong: Zoustar gelding tops HK International Sale More here
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