Preview: Breeders' Cup Turf 2020 ( Horses, Racecard, 2019 Video)
With six talented Europeans and no Horse of the Year - Bricks and Mortar in the field, the American starters will be hard-pressed to retain the hard-won Breeders' Cup Turf crown. Let us look at each horse to ponder on his or her strengths and weaknesses.
Arklow: Brad Cox-trained Arklow finished 8th last year in the BC Turf @SA. He has the rating and striking ability from off the pace with a talented jockey like Geroux to do his 5-path sweep if needed
Magical: Aidan O’Brien and the connections were ready to send her into retirement…then they countered and changed their minds. She rides into the Breeders’ Cup for the first time in 2 years. Along with a high rating the top-class mare will be directed by Ryan Moore.
Tarnawa: Dermot Weld’s Tarnawa bested two very solid fields of Gr.1 company, and before that, a Gr.3 that included Jessica Harrington’s graceful filly, Cayenne Pepper. Her power resides in her closing ability, and with her regular rider, Christophe Soumillon aboard, she has a big chance to match wits with Magical and Mogul. The distance should not be an issue since this filly can handle 1 ¼ to 1 ½ mile competitions. Weld might be looking at one of the best he has ever trained. Hopefully, she can position herself in a good position to strike.
Mehdaayih: John Gosden trained Mehdaayih is nowhere in the same class as Enable. Maybe Rosario can work some magic and trump this field but it looks to be a very difficult task.
Donjah: Trainer Henk Grewe brings in this German runner who had a major win in the Gr.1 Preis von Europa (G1) in Koln. Regular rider, Clement Lecoeuvre flies into Central Kentucky to ride this one.
Lord North: The Royal Ascot winner seems to be slipping after that impressive win in the Prince of Wales. Perhaps Frankie Dettori can make a difference to the 4-yr-old gelding's performance.
United: Flavien Prat and Richard Mandella team to try and crack the BC Turf. Although he has some quality Gr.2 experience, its questionable whether he has the ability to game with these Europeans. Turf racing is their province, after all.
Red King: Red King, for Phil D’Amato, has been terribly good over the last 3 races he has run but perhaps doesn't have the right form to go toe-to-toe with the likes of Magical.
Channel Maker: Like Red King, Channel Maker is also a son of Pletcher’s greatest turf horse. He draws in right next to his half-brother. His early speed could help him steal the win under Manny Franco.
Mogul: O’Brien has an ace up his sleeve in Mogul, who is a dangerous router drawn to the outside. If this son of the great Galileo (IRE) rises to his true potential, it could be his race for the taking over Magical and Tarnawa.
Grade: A-
Here is the full Runner list 2020
And we hope you will enjoy taking a second look at last year's race (Race Video 2019) which was won by Zulu Alpha