Topics: Keeneland, Breeders' Cup Juvenile Filles Turf, Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, The Platinum Queen, Breeders' Cup
Graham Dench gives his analysis of the European challenge for the Breeders' Cup at Keeneland. Charlie Appleby has assembled a formidable team. Aidan O'Brien has saddled 162 runners, so his strike rate is just 8%. John Quinn’s rags-to-riches mare Highfield Princess is a potential star. The Platinum Queen is an experienced female rider. Order Of Australia was a 73-1 chance when leading home a Ballydoyle 1-2-3 in the Mile at the Keeneleland in 2020.
There are European-based trainers with more than one Breeders' Cup win.
The PLATINUM QUEEN is the star of the visitors. She is a G1 winner from older sprinters in testing conditions in Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp and chased home leading Turf Sprint fancy Highfield Princess in Nunthorpe at York. Hollie Doyle rides her both times.
Newmarket’s G1 Middle Park form is well represented through Persian Force (third) and Mischief Magic (fourth). Dramatised is a more likely winner. Lady Hollywood has solid form for up-and-coming trainer Alice Haynes.
Aidan O'Brien's JUVENILIAN FILLIES TURF has won 2 races from 14 starts. The last European winner here was back in 2013. Aidan O’Brien was second here with the unfancied Mother Earth two years ago.
Midnight Mile is another No Nay Never filly and a stable companion of The Platinum Queen. Basil Martini is drawn wide. Spirit Gal represents a small Irish stable unaccustomed to competing at this level. Manhattan Jungle has run well in Group races since winning three times in France.
JUVENILTY TURF is one of Europe's strongest events. Charlie Appleby has won three winners and a second from only four runners. SILVER KNOTT recently won the Autumn Stakes over a mile at Newmarket. Soft going was blamed for his defeat at Doncaster on his previous start.
Victoria Road has won three of his last seven races. Aidan O'Brien had options but relies on Victoria Road. Victoria road won a 1m1f G3 at Chantilly last time.
