Move over Brad Pitt, this Breeders' Cup line-up is better than Ocean's Eleven and I have a big 15-2 tip in the Turf

The Irish Sun

03 November 2023

IF the cast of Ocean’s Eleven was impressive that’s nothing to the leading lights in the 2023 Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita.

A mouthwatering line-up under the sweltering California sun is headed by Derby hero Auguste Rodin and 1,000 Guineas heroine Mawj.

But boy, those playing the supporting roles are right up with the two main protagonists.

They include Juddmonte International winner Mostahdaf and from the same John Gosden stable Inspiral, a horse who has landed no less than five Group 1s for Cheveley Park Stud.

Throw in beastie King Of Steel, who only two weeks ago won the Champion Stakes, and Onesto, who flew home in third to Ace Impact in the Arc, then you have a European raiding party to wet any appetite.

But that’s not all.

For the US Cody’s Wish bids for another tear-jerking win in the Dirt Mile, while Elite Power is a sprinter to look at in awe.

I saw him in the barns here Thursday morning and the last time I saw a muscled backside like his was when Choisir came from Australia and conquered Royal Ascot.

My Breeders' Cup tips

6.30 Cody’s Wish7.10 Warm Heart7.50 Goodnight Olive8.30 Master of the Seas NAP ew9.10 Clairiere ew9.50 Onesto ew10.40 Ushba Tesoro11.25 Aesop’s Fables ew

11.59 Gunite ew

Of yes, and let’s throw in the Dubai World Cup smash and grabber for Japan Ushba Tesoro, who goes in the Classic against Arabian Knight who could make all the right headlines for Bob Baffert, a man under pressure despite being a Triple Crown celebrity.

Only the most cynical punter or hardened jumps fan with no appreciation of Flat class would not be excited.

I can tell you I am. I’m as pumped as a pumped up pumpkin.

Most of you reading this will be captivated with the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf, so let’s start there.

Auguste Rodin can easily win, with the Irish Champion Stakes hero surrounded by stable companions Bolshoi Ballet and Broome who both could set a gallop.

But it’s hard to tip Auguste Rodin even though he’s trained by the genius Aidan O’Brien, because his two flops in the 2,000 Guineas and King George stick in the mind.

Mostahdaf will stay and must go well while King of Steel has been looking a pretty picture in the morning sun.

That all said, it’s the Arc third ONESTO that interests me for Maxime Guyon.

The pair have a good draw to drop in and this trip holds no fears for the former Grand Prix de Paris winner.

He is the one horse I have seen who has already had his coat has been clipped but still looks good and I like French runners here as they all tend to have a useful late kick.

Inspiral and Frankie Dettori are up against O’Brien’s WARM HEART in the Grade 1 Filly & Mare Turf over ten furlongs.

Inspiral has been well supported and her stamina really should be no issue as a winner over a mile as a juvenile.

I’ve been split between backing In Italian, second to Tuesday last year, each-way or Warm Heart and I just feel the fact the latter can race close to the pace but is stamina laden will make the difference.

The Yorkshire Oaks and Vermeille winner is still improving.

The fairytale result would be Adam West’s Nunthorpe hero Live In The Dream taking the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint over 5f.

This is a very hard race for me to tip in as I so want West’s hero to do it for his small Epsom team and fabulous fun owners.

Let’s hope so . . . but, at the prices, Abbaye-third AESOP’S FABLES is the value.

The tip was miles behind Live In The Dream when last in the Nunthorpe but he was good in France and is lightly raced. He might just fly home from off the pace.

Mawj has every chance of making all in the Mile, but I’m going to rely on former Guineas runner-up MASTER OF THE SEAS even though he has a horrible draw in stall 14!

Happy-again Charlie Appleby banged in a Group 1 the other day at Doncaster and Master Of The Seas has been in good shape.

He won at Ascot and Woodbine before chasing home Breeders’ Cup leading US Turf hope Up To The Mark at Keeneland.

My tip tends to dwell at the stalls, so I’d say Will Buick will drop him out and ride for luck down the home straight.

He’ll hopefully finish with a rattle and has solid claims.

It really is a meeting to go Yeeehaaa over and over. Enjoy.