Hi all,
The racing this side of the Atlantic is moderate to say the least. So, I am off over to Keeneland and the Breeder Cup. Where it’s the juveniles who take centre stage today.
Breeders Cup – Keeneland
8:10 – Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf – 1m
Battleground won the Listed Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot and then got the job done in workmanlike style in the Group 2 Vintage Stakes at Goodwood. The form of the race isn’t strong but he’s open to more progress for the step up to a mile. Not seen for 101-days, missed his intended engagement in the Group 1 National Stakes due to coughing. Will have been trained for the race, trainer Aidan O’Brien seeks his 5th win in the race since 2010, and given his sire is War Front he should go on the forecast fast ground. Stall 9 could have been better but he’s a big player.
New Mandate has improved on his last three starts and last time won the Group 2 Royal Lodge Stakes at Newmarket. Was a shade keen at Newmarket and if he gets a bit of cover he could be capable of a better performance. No issues with the trip for the gelding and has a handy draw in stall 2.
Chad Brown saddled last years winner and he relies on Public Sector. The son of Kingman won a Saratoga maiden on his racecourse debut before finishing runner-up to one of today’s rivals Fire At Will in a Grade 2 at Belmont Park. Handy draw in stall 4 and he looks the sort to be suited by a strongly run race. A winner on firm ground he’s got decent each way claims.
Verdict: I’m expecting a big run from Battleground and Public Sector can get into the places.
1pt win – Battleground – 9/2 @ Coral & Ladbrokes
1pt each way – Public Sector – 11/1 @ Coral & Ladbrokes (both paying 4 places 1/5 odds)
9:30 – Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (Grade 1) – 1m
Plum Ali made it 3-3 when winning a Grade 2 at Pimlico 33-days ago. Looks open to more progress and has a good draw in stall 4. Looks the one to beat here.
Oodnadatta won a Leopardstown maiden on her racecourse debut before disappointing in a Group 3 at the same venue in August. Ran much better to finish third in the Group 1 Moyglare Stakes. The daughter of Australia is bred for middle distance so the step up to a mile should bring out more improvement in her. Each way claims if she doesn’t find this too much of a speed test.
Chad Brown has been the go-to trainer in this race in recent seasons and he goes in search of his 5th win in the race since 2014. He saddles Editor At Large. The daughter of Lope De Vega has just the two career starts, winning a Saratoga maiden, before finishing third behind Plum Ali at Belmont Park. Open to more improvement she should get the race run to suit but stall 14 will vert hatd to overcome.
Verdict: Plum Ali looks a Grade 1 filly in the making. I’m expecting a big run from Editor At Large but her berth in 14 is a concern. If she’s not run off her feet in the early stages then Oodnadatta can get into the money.
1pt win – Plum Ali – 6/1 @ Bet365
1pt each way – Oodnadatta – 12/1 @ Ladbrokes (paying 4 places 1/5 odds)
Cheers John