October 31, 2024
SAN DIEGO — By Matthew Lomon
Off Home Turf
After posting Rafael Nadal-esque clay numbers on the turf, City of Troy – the highest rated turf horse in the world – will make his dirt debut Saturday in the FIFA World Cup of Thoroughbred racing, the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Del Mar.
Sporting a near perfect 6-0-0 line through seven starts around the UK circuit, four-time Group 1 champion City of Troy (5-2) eyes his most impressive feat yet.
To etch his name amongst Thoroughbred royalty, the Ryan Moore mount must outduel 13 of the world’s best dirt runners, including Fierceness (3-1), Forever Young (JPN) (6-1), and Sierra Leone (12-1).
Together, the trio is a combined 23: 14-3-4 with four Grade/Group 1 victories and over $8 million banked.
More, More, More
While not quite approaching ‘ESPN stat’ territory, Rebel’s Romance (IRE) can stamp his place in the record books by becoming the first horse to win the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1T) twice but in non-consecutive years.
The 2022 BC Turf champion has spent much of his storied career overseas (18 of 21 starts outside North America), but the 6-year-old with nearly $10 million in purse earnings to his name enters his stateside return in top form.
Rebel’s Romance, the 1 ½-mile contest’s 5-2 opening line favorite, previously captured the Preis von Europa (G1) in Germany – the very stakes he won before his 2022 Turf score.
Will history repeat itself again Saturday?
Take a Chance
The last 2-year-old to claim the Hopeful (G1), Champagne (G1), and $2 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) in the same season was Shanghai Bobby in 2012.
Some 12 years later, Chancer McPatrick can follow in his elder’s footsteps.
Off to a perfect 3-for-3 start to his young career, the tantalizing Chancer McPatrick (3-1) enters this year’s edition of the Juvenile slightly behind 5-2 opening line choice East Avenue.
That shouldn’t weigh too heavily on the Flavien Prat mount, who outdueled 3-5 favorite Ferocious to take the Hopeful at 4-1 on Sept. 2.
Pitted against a deep field of nine, which again includes Ferocious (6-1), Chancer McPatrick finds himself in an advantageous position on Friday.
Dynasty Team
Owner/breeder Godolphin, trainer Charles Appleby, and rider William Buick have reigned supreme over the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1T), conquering the previous three running’s with Master of the Seas (IRE), Modern Games (IRE), and Space Blues (IRE).
The dynamic trio plan to have their say for the fourth straight year with Notable Speech (GB) on Saturday.
No surprise entering as the 7-2 favorite, Notable Speech comes equipped with the ideal combination of pedigree, coaching, and results.
While the first two traits need no further explanation, the 3-year-old colt’s performance on the track requires recognition.
Sporting a stellar 5-0-0 line through seven starts, Noble Speech has already amassed more than $1.1 million in purse earnings.
If successful in keeping the streak alive, the UK star will add another $1,040,000 to the total.
Lost the Battle, But Not the War
The stage is set for 10-time graded stakes winner War Like Goddess to earn her first Breeders’ Cup trophy following three fruitless attempts on the grand stage.
Opening as the 5-2 choice in Saturday’s $2 million Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T), the Bill Mott trainee is in a comfortable position at the 1 3/8-mile distance.
That familiarity will play into War Like Goddess’ hand, especially as the 7-year-old mare aims to avenge past shortcomings at the Breeders’ Cup.
In 2023, War Like Goddess landed in seventh in the BC Turf. The year prior, she finished third, also in the Turf. In 2021, her first BC endeavor, the accomplished starter ran to a third in the Filly & Mare Turf.
Despite all that, the stars are aligning for the fourth time to be the charm.