Breeders' Cup Turf tips and runners guide to Santa Anita 9.50

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03 November 2023

Auguste Rodin faces a familiar foe in his bid to provide Aidan O’Brien with a record-extending seventh winner in the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

The three-year-old has already got the better of King Of Steel in the Epsom Derby and Irish Champion Stakes, and an advantageous draw – as well as a potential tow from stablemates Bolshoi Ballet and Broome – should boost his chances, although the Amo Racing runner comes here off the back of a maiden Group 1 success in last month’s Champion Stakes at Ascot.

Mostahdaf could spoil the party, however, as the Juddmonte International winner aims to finish his career with a third top-level victory in a row.

Onesto is another older European horse that brings high-class form to the table after placing third in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe last time out.

Up To The Mark appears to be the leading runner for the home team but this represents a significant hike in trip after beating Master Of The Seas over one mile last time out.

The latest Breeders’ Cup Turf odds are on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise Timeform’s guide to the runners as well as betting tips from the racing boffins can be found below.

Breeders’ Cup Turf verdict

Timeform: MOSTAHDAF hasn’t had a hard season and it’s hard to look past his claims given the races he’s won this year. Onesto hasn’t gone to the well too often either and a repeat of his last effort puts him bang in the mix. An on-song Auguste Rodin can chase them home.

*All prices are bang up to date with our snazzy widgets, while odds in copy are accurate at time of publishing but subject to change

Breeders’ Cup Turf runners and riders

The following horses have been declared for the Breeders’ Cup Turf 2023.

Shahryar

Trainer: Hideaki Fujiwara Jockey: Cristian Demuro Age: 5 Weight: 9st 0lbs Draw: 1

High-class horse who won a Japanese Derby 2 years ago Sheema Classic last season. Also a good second in Japan Cup but well held both starts this term.

***

Onesto

Trainer: Fabrice Chappet Jockey: Maxime Guyon Age: 4 Weight: 9st 0lbs Draw: 2

Won the Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp last year when also second in the Irish Champion. Seen just 3 times this term but better than ever when a fast-finishing third in Arc at Longchamp. Firmly in the mix on that form.

****

Gold Phoenix

Trainer: Philip d’Amato Jockey: Juan J. Hernandez Age: 5 Weight: 9st 0lbs Draw: 3

Grade 1 winner over 1m here in March and picked up a couple of Grade 2s at Del Mar (9f/11f). Only fifth in Grade 2 here last time, however, and was well held in this last year.

Bolshoi Ballet

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Jockey: John R. Velazquez Age: 5 Weight: 9st 0lbs Draw: 4

Belmont Derby winner in 2021 and first win since in Grade 1 at Saratoga in good style in August. Likely to find a few too strong here, however.

Auguste Rodin

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Jockey: Ryan Moore Age: 3 Weight: 8st 10lbs Draw: 7

Ran no sort of race in 2000 Guineas on return and again in King George at Ascot but won Derby at Epsom (by ½ length from King of Steel) and Irish Derby in between and firmly back on track when winning Irish Champion at Leopardstown. Big shout for yard that has won this a record 6 times.

****

Get Smokin

Trainer: Mark E. Casse Jockey: Non Runner Age: 6 Weight: 9st 0lbs Draw: 6

NON RUNNER.

Broome

Trainer: Aidan O’Brien Jockey: D. B. McMonagle Age: 7 Weight: 9st 0lbs Draw: 7

Won the Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan in March but has struggled since and easy to discard here. Headgear applied.

Up To The Mark

Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr Age: 4 Weight: 9st 0lbs Draw: 8

Much improved this year, completing hat-trick of Grade 1 wins in Turf Mile at Keeneland (off nearly 4 months, by short head from Master of The Seas, leading post). Stays 10f but this trip is an unknown.

***

Mostahdaf

Trainer: John & Thady Gosden Jockey: Jim Crowley Age: 5 Weight: 9st 0lbs Draw: 9

Finally confirmed himself the top-notcher he’d long looked when impressively landing the Prince of Wales at Royal Ascot and fully confirmed that improvement when controlling the Juddmonte at York (10.2f). 10f looks ideal but this easy 12f probably within reach.

*****

Adhamo

Trainer: Chad C. Brown Jockey: Flavien Prat Age: 5 Weight: 9st 0lbs Draw: 10

Won United Nations Stakes at Monmouth in 2022 and third in Arlington Million and Canadian International both starts this term but firmly up against it here.

King Of Steel

Trainer: Roger Varian Jockey: Frankie Dettori Age: 3 Weight: 8st 10lbs Draw: 11

Massive improvement on return when finding only Auguste Rodin too good in Derby, going clear but collared late. Confirmed himself a high-class colt since and made the breakthrough at this level when coming from last in Champion Stakes at Ascot 2 weeks ago. Big player if this doesn’t come too soon.

****

Balladeer

Trainer: George Papaprodromou Jockey: Victor Espinoza Age: 4 Weight: 9st 0lbs Draw: 12

Improved of late, winning allowance race here in June, optional claimer at Kentucky Downs in September and 8-runner Grade 2 John Henry Turf Championship Stakes here last month. This a massive ask, however.

War Like Goddess

Trainer: William I. Mott Jockey: Junior Alvarado Age: 6 Weight: 8st 11lbs Draw: 13

Very smart mare who looked as good as ever when winning 7-runner Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Aqueduct (12f, good, 95/100) 28 days ago by 2¾ lengths. Decent third in this last year but this looks a stronger renewal.