The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf is the final race on the opening day of the Breeders’ Cup meeting held at Del Mar this year. On UK time, this race occurs in the early hours of Saturday morning at 12.25 am, but there is plenty of British and Irish interest in a contest in which Aidan O’Brien is chasing a fourth successive victory. GG tipster Joe Napier has previewed the contest, giving his verdict.
#AD 18+ New cust: Deposit £10+ in 7 days & bet on sports. Min odds apply. Reward = 4 x £10 Free Bets (2 x £10 Bet Builders & 2 x £10 Sports Bet). Valid 7 days. Free bets not valid on eSports and non-UK/IE horse racing. 18+. T&Cs apply.
British & Irish Runners
Three members of the 14-strong Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf field will represent British and Irish yards, but there is a clear standout among that trio. That horse is Gstaad, seeking to give trainer Aidan O’Brien a remarkable fourth straight win in this race.
A son of Starspangledbanner, he made a sensational start to his racing career, beating subsequent Group 1 winning stablemate True Love on debut before powering away for a three-length success in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. However, the latter half of his campaign has been frustrating at the top level, at which he ahs registered three successive runner-up finishes.
The first over 6f in the Prix Morny at Deauville can be explained away by him getting going too late, though he has found a British-trained opponent too good in both the National Stakes at the Curragh and the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket. Nevertheless, he is knocking at the door, should stay 1m fine, though the big question mark here is how Christophe Soumillon can navigate stall 14. That represents a significant obstacle.
Ardisia does not have it much easier from stall 10. Hugo Palmer’s charge has progressed all season, especially after having been gelded over the summer. He had won two of his first five starts, but has won three times since August, including competitive nurseries at Goodwood and Ayr, then a Listed race at Redcar. His second at Ascot on Champions Day is his standout run though, albeit his stamina for 1m is unproven and his recent wins have come with some cut in the ground, which is not the American way.
The wildcard for the visitors is Joseph O’Brien’s North Coast. Both of his wins in five starts have come by wide margins of 5½ lengths or more from the front. However, when unable to have his way on the lead, he has struggled, and he was nearly ten lengths behind Gstaad in the National Stakes. Up against some home team rivals who will be lightning quick from the gates, he is unlikely to boss this, though stall 6 is easily the best gate among the travelling band.
#AD 18+ New cust: Deposit £10+ in 7 days & bet on sports. Min odds apply. Reward = 4 x £10 Free Bets (2 x £10 Bet Builders & 2 x £10 Sports Bet). Valid 7 days. Free bets not valid on eSports and non-UK/IE horse racing. 18+. T&Cs apply.
The Home Team – Who is the best of the Americans?
Wesley Ward is familiar for his Ascot raids and sprinters, but his Outfielder steps up in distance to 1m here. A plum draw in stall 3 could easily see him gain an early advantage, but he is not bred for this trip and it feels likely he may fade late on. British jockey David Egan is across for the ride on the Amo Racing-owned individual, so may save some petrol, thought is unlikely to be enough.
The unbeaten pair of Bottas and Hey Nay Nay have been granted the worst draws alongside Gstaad in 12 and 13 respectively. The latter won from the front last time which may be an issue, though is a proven stayer of this trip, while the latter may have to do even better to win this than he did the Group 2 he claimed at Belmont despite trouble in running.
It is possible bigger danger lie in wait further down the betting. Stark Contrast and Street Beast arrive after imposing wins; the latter makes particular appeal having won by seven lengths and gaining a draw in stall 2. However, almost certainly more talented is Argos, who ended recent British dominance in the Group 1 Summer Stakes at Woodbine for Riley Mott, doing so from a midfield position after breaking well. That should ensure stall 9 is little issue and he looks one of Gstaad’s primary barriers.
All of the remainder arrive off defeats, with neither Turf Star or Gordon Pass convincing last time, while all of Heeere’s Johnny, Third Beer and Let’s Be Frank have form to overturn against more fancied rivals.
Verdict
Christophe Soumillon is a great jockey, but whether he possesses Ryan Moore’s diplomas in escapology are debatable, so Gstaad looks to have it tough from stall 14. Aidan O’Brien’s record in this race is phenomenal, so he is still strongly respected, but the home team, while absent of a superstar, do have a strong hand headed by ARGOS, winner of Woodbine’s Group 1 Summer Stakes and a very likely player here too. Outfielder has the best draw of the fancied runners, but does not convince as a stayer of 1m, so Street Beast might do best of the rest, while the other visitors in Ardisia and North Coast look to have plenty on their plates.
- Argos
- Gstaad
- Street Beast
#AD 18+ New cust: Deposit £10+ in 7 days & bet on sports. Min odds apply. Reward = 4 x £10 Free Bets (2 x £10 Bet Builders & 2 x £10 Sports Bet). Valid 7 days. Free bets not valid on eSports and non-UK/IE horse racing. 18+. T&Cs apply.
Looking For More Racing Info? Check Out Our Racecards & Top Tips Sections
Make sure you’re following us on all our social media platforms to keep up to date with all the latest horse racing news and the best tips.