17.00 Curragh, Mdn, €16,500, 2yo, 7fT
DIEGO VELAZQUEZ (IRE) (Frankel {GB}) is the 11th foal out of the renowned Sweepstake (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), who has provided Ballydoyle with the top-class Australia duo Broome (Ire) and Point Lonsdale (Ire), with the latter having won this on his debut two years ago. By the sire of the family's G1 Irish Derby runner-up Rostropovich (Ire), the April-foaled bay was the second-highest-priced lot at the Book 1 Sale at 2.4million gns and Ryan Moore is in Kildare for the ride on what could easily be one of Aidan O'Brien's 2024 Classic prospects. In the maiden in which Lope Y Fernandez (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) earned TDN Rising Star status in 2020 and in which Crypto Force (GB) (Time Test {GB}) beat a luckless Auguste Rodin (Ire) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) last year, another to add intrigue is the Niarchos Family's Huxley (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), a Donnacha O'Brien-trained half-brother to Cloth Of Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}).

17.30 Curragh, Cond, €23,000, 2yo, 6fT
ALABAMA (IRE) (No Nay Never) is back after a break, having finished third at Cork in April as Ballydoyle's first juvenile runner of 2023. A half-brother to the G1 Phoenix S. and G2 Norfolk S.-winning sire Sioux Nation by No Nay Never's sire Scat Daddy, the January-foaled bay is joined by the stable's The Liffey (Ire) (No Nay Never), a half-brother to the Listed Dee S. winner San Antonio (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) out of the G1 Irish Oaks and G1 Pretty Polly S. runner-up Rain Goddess (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}).

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The redoubtable 7-year-old is a seasoned world traveller for Aidan O'Brien. His previous five starts had come in Ireland, France, America, Hong Kong, and Qatar, but this was Broome's first appearance at Meydan, where he was tested over the the two-mile trip for only the second time. He lacked no resolve when, under a typically shrewdly-judged ride from the maestro Ryan Moore, he steadily reeled in Siskany (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}), who had taken up the running as his fellow Godolphin campaigner Global Storm (Ire) (Night Of Thunder {Ire}) relinquished pole position, leaving Quickthorn (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) and Subjectivist (GB) (Teofilo {GB}) in contention as the field turned for home. 

Setting a new course record of 3:16.83, Broome crossed the line just a neck in front of the Charlie Appleby-trained favourite Siskany. The 2021 Dubai Gold Cup winner Subjectivist, who was making only his second start for Charlie Johnston following an absence of more than 600 days, held on gamely for third having once again been keen in the earlier stages. Ardakan (GB) (Reliable Man {GB}) ran home well late to take fourth for Marco Botti.

With O'Brien on duty at the Curragh as the turf season got underway in Ireland, Broome's part-owner MV Magnier was at Meydan and said, “Aidan, in fairness to him, was very confident that he would get the trip and Mr Matsushima thankfully thought it was a good idea to bring him to Dubai. He's been all over the world now and he's a very genuine horse. He's been to every dance and we're lucky to have him.”

Of the Coolmore team's association with Matsushima, he added, “Hanako [Varian] and Patrick Barbe introduced us a few years ago and we've had a few horses together now. It's been very lucky; we're very honoured to have horses with him.”

Having ridden a Group 1 double in Australia last weekend, Moore continued to demonstrate his world-class credentials with an early victory on what he described as “one of the biggest nights of the year, no doubt about it.”

He continued, “It's always a pleasure to come here and it's hard to ride a winner.”

Moore added of his mount, who has now triumphed in seven group races, “He's a Group 1 winner and he has high-class form. The pace was strong and we just had to wait for a bit of room at the top of the straight. He puts his head down and he gave me everything. It's just a pleasure to ride a horse like him.

“He's done a lot of racing and he always runs his race but you're never quite sure until they come up here and do it, but he's such a brave horse and he always gives his best.”

Pedigree Notes

A full-brother to the G2 Futurity S. and Chesham S. winner Point Lonsdale (Ire), Broome was bred by Denis Brosnan's Epona Bloodstock and sold through the breeder's Croom House Stud for 150,000gns at the Tattersalls December Yearling Sale. Now the earner of more than £2 million in prize-money, he has raced in seven different countries.

His dam Sweepstake (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), a Listed-winning and Group 3-placed juvenile, has produced four winners to date. Her current 3-year-old Saadiyat (Ire) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) was runner-up on her only start last season for Al Shira'aa Farms and holds entries for the French Classics. The 18-year-old mare has a 2-year-old colt by Frankel (GB) and was covered again by Australia last year. 

Brilliant from Broome!

He sweeps aside his rivals in the G2 Dubai Gold Cup sponsored by Al Tayer Motors under a fine ride from Ryan Moore for Aidan O'Brien#DWC23 | #RacingDubai | @Ballydoyle pic.twitter.com/g8hNHKOjR6

— Dubai Racing Club (@RacingDubai) March 25, 2023

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While he may have fallen just short of equaling the great Silent Witness (Aus)'s mark of 17 wins in a row when defeated in the G1 Stewards' Cup and G1 Citi Hong Kong Gold Cup last winter, he has since roared back and enters the three-peat attempt off a fast-finishing score over the pace-advantaged California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) in the G2 Jockey Club Mile Nov. 20. The latter, a €150,000 Goffs Orby acquisition for the connections of two-time Hong Kong Cup hero California Memory (Highest Honor {Fr}), was 3-5 to Golden Sixty's even-money in the Jockey Club Mile, and was given every conceivable chance by Zac Purton, only to be run down late. He faces the champ at level weights this time, but is the lone speed and must be caught.

A Japanese contingent headed by Schnell Meister (Ger) (Kingman {GB}) and Danon Scorpion (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}), winners of the last two runnings of the age-restricted G1 NHK Mile Cup, stand in his way, but the connections of Golden Sixty have every reason to approach the three-peat attempt with supreme confidence.

“He's okay after the last run and, at the moment, I just try to keep him happy,” said trainer Francis Lui. “He's healthy, happy and is character is just the same. To me, I think he is a special horse. You can see every time, he just wants to pass a horse in front of him.”

Stretch those legs GOLDEN SIXTY!

See firsthand the care @Vincenthocy gives his Hong Kong champion before heading out to work… @HKJC_Racing | #HKIR pic.twitter.com/s9vtNHHjfV

— World Horse Racing (@WHR) December 9, 2022

Japan Can Cap Magical Season at Sha Tin

Even by its lofty standards, the 2022 racing season has been a landmark one for Japanese gallopers that have been sent overseas.

It all got started at King Abdulaziz Racetrack in Riyadh on the last Saturday of February, when Team Japan posted four victories on the G1 Saudi Cup undercard. Four weeks later at sprawling Meydan Racecourse, they somehow managed to top that incredible feat when no fewer than five horses got their pictures taken. It may not have gone swimmingly at places like Royal Ascot and Goodwood over the late spring and summer, and the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe remains the impossible dream–for now, at least–but Japan has realistic chances in three of the four races Sunday afternoon, none more so than the day's most valuable prize, the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup.

Panthalassa (Jpn), whose sire Lord Kanaloa (Jpn) was a breathtaking two-time winner of the Sprint, was one of the aforementioned scorers in Dubai, dead-heating with Lord North (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the G1 Dubai Turf and he figures no worse than the second betting favourite Sunday.

The 5-year-old may have found the 11 furlongs of the G1 Takarazuka Kinen a task too tall in June, but he was exceptionally game in second in his two most recent efforts–both from the front–first behind Jack d'Or (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}) after a fight in the G2 Sapporo Kinen and when given a bold ride in the G1 Tenno Sho (Autumn), opening up by as many as 15 lengths before just failing to hold off the talented Equinox (Jpn) (Kitasan Black {Jpn}). Panthlassa will look to channel his inner A Shin Hikari (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}, all-the-way winner of the 2015 Cup, but Jack d'Or could be the fly in the ointment if he, too, is asked to roll forward for Yutaka Take. Japan has won the last three Cups and five of the last seven.

Should a contested pace materialize, Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) looks the most likely beneficiary. Purchased for 300,000gns out of the 2019 Tattersalls October Sale by the Hong Kong Jockey Club team led by Mick Kinane and the current pin-up horse for the Hong Kong International Sale, last year's BMW Hong Derby and G1 FWD QE II Cup winner overcame an interrupted preparation with a victory over Tourbillon Diamond (Aus) (Olympic Glory {Ire}) in the G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Cup Nov. 20.

“He's definitely going to be there when whips are cracking,” said jockey James McDonald, who was honored as the Longines World's Best Jockey Friday evening. “It's a very competitive Hong Kong Cup and he has to come up to another level taking on the Japanese but I'm sure he can.”

Order of Australia (Ire) (Australia {GB}), who took the 2020 GI Breeders' Cup Mile at cricket-score odds, won this year's G3 Minstrel S. (1400m) and was placed in the G1 Queen Anne S., G1 Prix du Moulin and GI Coolmore Turf Mile. Connections nevertheless opt for the Cup over a trip he has not tackled in over two years.

“He's been running all the time over a mile but we always thought stepping up over a mile and a quarter would improve him more,” trainer Aidan O'Brien said. “He's obviously by Australia and we're very happy with him, we'll see what happens on Sunday.

“He has won over seven furlongs twice as well, so we kept him at a mile after the Breeders' Cup win, but we'd think there's a pretty good chance that [2000m] will be fine.”

Hong Kong Hard To Go Past in Sprint

If the Japanese have been a problem too tough to solve in the Cup, the home team has nearly totally dominated the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint. In the 23 renewals of the race dating back to 1999, on just six occasions have foreign horses launched a successful raid and only once in the last 11 years with Danon Smash (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) in 2020.

Last year's Hong Kong champion sprinter Wellington (Aus) (All Too Hard {Aus}) was badly hampered by the spill in last year's Sprint won by Sky Field (Aus) (Deep Field {Aus}), but recovered to close the season with a successful defence of his crown in the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize. The 6-year-old returned as the 135-pound topweight in the G2 Premier Bowl H. Oct. 23 and gave the progressive Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse {Aus}) 11 pounds and a one-length beating. The latter turned the tables last time in the G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Sprint, but Wellington was found to be lame thereafter and has since been passed fit to run. Ryan Moore subs in on Wellington for the injured Alexis Badel.

“I have strong feelings for Alexis Badel,” Gibson said. “It's a very big day for him to miss. He's got a very good relationship with Wellington. He understands the horse very well, so my thoughts are with him but obviously delighted to call on Ryan's expertise and experience for the big one.”

Moore was aboard Danon Smash from the 14 hole two years ago.

The 2022 Japanese challenge is spearheaded by the winners of the nation's two Group 1 sprints. Naran Huleg (Jpn) (Gold Allure {Jpn}) rallied furiously to just take out the G1 Takamatsunomiya Kinen in the spring, while Gendarme (Kitten's Joy) belied odds of nearly 20-1 from close range in the G1 Sprinters' S. Oct. 2.

Singapore adds a bit more international flavour to the meeting and is represented by Lim's Kosciuszko (Aus) (Kermadec {NZ}), winner of 11 from 14 at home, including the country's signature sprint test, the Lion City Cup in August, and he was versatile enough to win a Singapore Derby (1800m) prior to that effort.

What a stunning photoby @ashbrennanphoto of our mouse #kosi
We absolutely love this https://t.co/d59HLWJ5mB

— (@meagherracingsg) December 9, 2022

Vase Sets The Table

The G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase for the middle-distance set has attracted a two-time champion and an interesting collection of European shippers to face a somewhat suspect group of locals.

Glory Vase (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) doesn't make too many trips to the races and seems to save his best for Sha Tin. The 4-5 favourite when accounting for Pyledriver (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}) last December, having won the Vase for the first time two years prior, the 7-year-old was eighth to Shahryar (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic in March and was a fair sixth to Jack d'Or in the Sapporo Kinen. He will benefit from the extra 400 metres and has the services of Joao Moreira, who also rides Lei Papale (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in the Cup and Resistencia (Jpn) (Daiwa Major {Jpn}) in the Sprint in what is expected to be his final day in the saddle in Hong Kong.

Of the Euros, Stone Age (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) owns the single most important piece of recent form, having run second to Rebel's Romance (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}) in the GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf Nov. 5. A likely pacesetter from the inside gate, the 3-year-old is one of two for Aidan O'Brien, who also saddles the well-traveled Broome (Ire) (Australia {GB}).

“We were delighted with him in the Breeders' Cup, he ran a very good race and had progressed from his previous run at Ascot,” O'Brien said of Stone Age. “We've been happy with everything we've seen from him since then. It had been on my mind to go to Hong Kong since after the Breeders' Cup, we thought the track, trip and ground should all suit him fine, we're all looking forward to it.”

Making his first visit to Hong Kong, Broome was an impressive winner of the G2 Hardwicke S. at Royal Ascot, and has since made fruitless appearances back at Ascot, Saratoga, Leopardstown, ParisLongchamp and Keeneland, where he was five lengths' sixth in the Breeders' Cup.

“We had it in our heads that we might go to the [G1 Longines] Japan Cup, it just came maybe a week or two too early and that's why we waited. We were delighted to have the opportunity to come to Hong Kong with him. He's in good form and is a very good natured, very sound horse,” explained O'Brien, who has won the Vase twice with Highland Reel (Ire) and most recently with Mogul (GB) two years ago.

Mendocino (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) upset last year's Arc winner Torquator Tasso (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}) in the G1 Grosser Preis von Baden in September, but did not get through the deep ground in Paris when 12th in the Arc. The chestnut can go better on a sounder surface this weekend, provided he is on his best behaviour.

Bubble Gift (Fr) (Nathaniel {Ire}) is winless from five this season, but has run with credit, including a close third to future Arc heroine Alpinista (GB) (Frankel {GB}) in the G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud. Trainer Mikel Delzangles won the 2011 Vase with Dunaden (Fr). Botanik (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}) represents Godolphin France and Andre Fabre and owns a victory over Saudi and Dubai winner Stay Foolish (Jpn) (Stay Gold {Jpn}) in the G2 Grand Prix de Deauville this past August.

THE PICKS:

Cup—Panthalassa will be winging it, but I expect Jack d'Or to keep him honest enough. That should give Romantic Warrior a fair shot at them late.

Mile–Not trying to beat Golden Sixty, especially from a favourable draw. Schnell Meister for second?

Sprint—Naran Huleg will be completely under the radar and probably shouldn't be. Rattled home in both of Japan's Group 1 sprints, good for a smashing win and a third.

Vase–Trying Mendocino, who was all heart to beat the Arc winner at Iffezheim and even has a close second to Alpinista going back. Must handle the quicker ground, but rates a chance. Glory Vase clearly the one to beat at his favourite track.

We're all set for Sunday's (11 Dec) @LONGINES #HKIR at Sha Tin!

Golden Sixty
Romantic Warrior
Wellington
Jack d'Or
Panthalassa
Bubble Gift
Mendocino
Stone Age
+ more…
x4 Group 1s
HK$110 million#競馬 | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/SNpPsUUnfL

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 8, 2022

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Winner under a five-pound penalty of the G2 BOCHK Jockey Club Mile when making his seasonal debut three weeks ago, the 7-year-old has won 22 of his 25 starts to date for record Hong Kong earnings of over HK$116 million. With his chief rival California Spangle (Ire) (Starspangledbanner {Aus}) expected to make the running from gate two and with a pair of get-back runners in Schnell Meister (Ger) (Kingman {GB}) and 2021 runner-up More Than This (GB) (Dutch Art {GB}) drawn one and three, respectively, Vincent Ho should be able to pick his spot and let Golden Sixty do the talking late.

“I got what I wanted,” trainer Francis Lui told South China Morning Post. “He can sit midfield and stay out of trouble. [Golden Sixty] is ready.”

On an afternoon where some HK$110 million is on offer, the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup over the metric mile and a quarter is the day's richest at HK$34 million, not to mention the most interesting from a tactical standpoint. Panthalassa (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}) is one of four in the race for Japan and landed the eight hole, with trainer Yoshito Yahagi assuring that the dead-heat winner of this year's G1 Dubai Turf will not be difficult to find.

“I don't care about the barrier draw because I know one thing–he will go to the front,” the colourful Yahagi, conditioner of last year's Cup heroine Loves Only You (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), told the Post.

You know the hat… it's Yoshito Yahagi! @netkeiba | #競馬 | #HKIR | #HKracing pic.twitter.com/F5SYwyiUwN

— HKJC Racing (@HKJC_Racing) December 8, 2022

His compatriot Jack d'Or (Jpn) (Maurice {Jpn}), whose sire won both a Hong Kong Mile (2015) and Hong Kong Cup (2016), could make things at least a bit tricky, as he may be ridden for speed by Yutaka Take from his low draw in two. The once-beaten Hong Kong rising star Romantic Warrior (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}) and James McDonald leave from barrier seven in what is clearly his toughest task to date.

For obvious reasons, double-digit alleys are not preferred in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint, and gate 10 is not ideal for reigning champion sprinter Wellington (Aus) (All Too Hard {Aus}), though trainer Richard Gibson was taking it in his stride.

“Wellington, I'm pretty relaxed. He'll be finishing off from that draw, and that's maybe his forte. We're short of options. I haven't even spoken to Ryan [Moore], but at first glance, that's what we'll be doing,” he told SCMP.

Ryan Moore, who subs for the injured Alexis Badel, won the 2020 Sprint from the riverside draw aboard Danon Smash (Jpn) (Lord Kanaloa {Jpn}). Conversely, the up-and-coming Lucky Sweynesse (NZ) (Sweynesse {Aus}) saw his already-strong hand fortified when landing a cosy slot in three.

Half of the field of 10 signed on for the G1 Longines Hong Kong Vase has shipped in from Europe, led by recent GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf runner-up Stone Age (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}). Half of an Aidan O'Brien-trained duo, the 3-year-old breaks from the inside stall and he should find himself in a race that is often times run at a crawl. Broome (Ire) (Australia {GB}) carries Yutaka Take from gate six, while Mendocino (Ger) (Adlerflug {Ger}, gate 7) and Bubble Gift (Fr) (Nathaniel {Ire}, gate 6) and Godolphin's Botanik (Ire) (Golden Horn {GB}, gate 5) have earned their right to tackle the race. Glory Vase (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) tries to make some history of his own as he goes for a third Vase in four years and second in a row and carries Joao Moreira from the four.

Great photo of Coolmore's “Broome”in Hong Kong ahead of the 2022 Hong Kong Vase @HKJC_Racing photo by @ashbrennanphoto pic.twitter.com/NDTMVx8uGj

— Tom Magnier (@TomMagnier) December 8, 2022

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Globetrotting sensation Highland Reel (Ire) won the Hong Kong Vase in 2015 and 2017 before Mogul (GB) bolstered O'Brien's record in the race when landing the Group 1 contest in 2020.

Order Of Australia (Ire) (Australia {GB}), who tasted high level success on the international circuit in 2020 by taking out the Breeders' Cup Mile, will be O'Brien's sole representative in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup.

Stone Age was last seen running a fine second in the GI Breeders' Cup Turf, a race in which stablemate Broome could only manage a sixth-placed finish, but O'Brien has provided an upbeat bulletin on both horses ahead of Sunday's contest.

He said, “We were delighted with Stone Age at the Breeders' Cup, he ran a very good race and had progressed from his previous run at Ascot. We've been happy with everything we've seen from him since then.

“It had been on my mind to go to Hong Kong since the Breeders' Cup, we thought the track, trip and ground should all suit him fine, we're all looking forward to it.”

Asked if Stone Age could stay in training next year, O'Brien added, “We think and hope he will. Obviously we think he's progressing and he definitely could progress again from three to four.”

Broome will be having his first taste of racing at Sha Tin on Sunday but O'Brien says he thinks the battle-hardened 6-year-old is up to the challenge.

He said, “We were very happy with his run in America, he was a bit slow away, got back a little bit and finished off very well. We had it in our heads that we might go to the Japan Cup, it just came maybe a week or two too early and that's why we waited.

“We were delighted to have the opportunity to come to Hong Kong with him. He's in good form and is a very good natured, very sound horse.”

O'Brien will bid to land the Hong Kong Cup for the first time with Order Of Australia, who he says is capable of being effective over the 10-furlong trip.

“He's been running all the time over a mile, but we always thought stepping up over a-mile-and-a-quarter would improve him more. He's obviously by Australia and we're very happy with him, we'll see what happens on Sunday.

“He has won over seven furlongs twice as well, so we kept him at a mile after the Breeders' Cup win, but we'd think there's a pretty good chance that [10 furlongs] will be fine.”

He added, “Obviously you need horses that don't mind travel, have experience and are still in good shape. It's a fantastic meeting, we speak to a lot of people who will tell you it's a great day. We always like to be involved and are delighted to be invited, especially for very competitive, high-class racing.”

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Ninth to Japan's Loves Only Your (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}) in last year's G1 Longines Hong Kong Cup (2000m), the last of an eight-race campaign that saw him compete on three continents, the bay was given a chance to make a return trip to Hong Kong in the Listed Churchill S. at Lingfield Nov. 12, but he failed to shine, finishing fourth and beaten better than six lengths.

Trainer Aidan O'Brien will still be double-handed in the Vase with GI Longines Breeders' Cup Turf runners-up Broome (Ire) (Australia {GB}) and Stone Age (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), while Order Of Australia (Ire) (Australia {GB}) is to take on two-time Hong Kong Horse of the Year Golden Sixty (Aus) (Medaglia d'Oro) in the G1 Longines Hong Kong Mile.

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The catalogue features several siblings to Group 1 winners, including the Sea The Stars (Ire) own-sister to G1 Australian Cup winner Fifty Stars (Ire) and the Mizzen Mast own-brother to French 1000 Guineas and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner Flotilla (Fr). Also on offer, a Tamayuz (GB) half-brother to G1 Prix Jean Prat winner Laws of Indices (Ire), the Mastercraftsman (Ire) half-brother to G1 Flying Five S. winner Romantic Proposal (I(re) and half-sisters to the G1 German Oaks winner Well Timed (Ger) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) and G1 Sydney Cup winner Selino (GB) (Champs Elysees {GB}).

Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony said; “The Tattersalls December Yearling Sale is a consistent source of top-class performers with a well established reputation for combining quality and value for money. The catalogue for the 2022 renewal has consignments from many of Britain and Ireland's most successful nurseries as well as a significant draft from Shadwell Estates. As well as plenty of outstanding pedigrees, buyers will find a large number of yearlings eligible for valuable £20,000 Tattersalls October Book 1 Bonuses and the ever popular £150,000 Tattersalls October Auction Stakes, as well as the well-received Great British Bonuses.”

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Intriguing storylines abound in this year's eight-horse renewal of the summer centerpiece for sophomore colts, which is topped by GII Jim Dandy S. winner Epicenter (Not This Time). The GI Kentucky Derby and GI Preakness S. runner-up looks to provide Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen with his first Travers and add another bullet point to his hot young sire's resume.

“I love the race that he ran over this racetrack. I like him at a mile and a quarter,” Asmussen said. “Nothing but respect for some extremely good 3-year-olds, but I think we have the right one.”

Chad Brown's best previous Travers finish was third with Miles D (Curlin) in last year's renewal. He saddles three this year in Preakness winner Early Voting (Gun Runner); GI Toyota Blue Grass S. winner and Jim Dandy runner-up Zandon (Upstart); and impressive Curlin S. winner and 'TDN Rising Star' Artorius (Arrogate).

“The only reason I'm in this profession is from coming to Saratoga with my family as a kid,” Brown said. “It doesn't get any bigger than that, to win the jewel of their meet and the history surrounding the race. Coming to the Travers with my parents when I was knee-high is the only reason I'm here in the first place.”

Artorius is the lightest-raced horse in the field, but his late sire had just two more starts under his belt, and none in stakes company, when he powered home to a record-setting 13 1/2-length victory in this event in 2016. The last Travers winner to sire a Travers winner was 2004 victor Birdstone, who is responsible for 2009 scorer Summer Bird.

“The horse brought himself here since we got him to his debut at Keeneland,” Brown said. “Moving forward, he's always worked right on schedule, and he's done everything that we've asked him to do. He's been stretching out nicely and his first two-turn race was impressive, his best race. I have a lot of optimism that horse will be able to carry another eighth of a mile.”

Brad Cox captured last year's Travers with champion Essential Quality (Tapit) and looks to take the elusive GI Haskell Inviational S./Travers double this year with Cyberknife (Gun Runner). His phenomenal young sire could only manage third behind Arrogate in the 2016 Travers, but proved 10 furlongs was well within his wheel house when taking the GI Breeders' Cup Classic.

The feel-good story of the year could add another chapter Saturday as Kentucky Derby upsetter Rich Strike (Keen Ice) looks to rebound from a sixth-place finish in the GI Belmont S. Saturday at the Spa.

Jackie and Jack Headline Grade I Sprints

The first Grade I of the day should set the mood quite nicely as champion Jackie's Warrior (Maclean's Music) looks to take his Saratoga record to six-for-six in the GI Forego S. The fleet-footed bay is four-for-four this year, including a sizzling last-out score in this venue's GI Alfred G. Vanderbilt H. July 30.

“He's immortal,” Asmussen said. “He's the only racehorse ever to win a Grade I three years in a row at Saratoga. The only horse, ever, at Saratoga.”

None of the other six competitors even come close to being able to run with the Eclipse winner on paper, but GIII Westchester S. romper Cody's Wish (Curlin) appears best of the rest.

Just 117 minutes later sophomore sprinters get their turn, but once again it looks like a one-horse affair with the presence of 'TDN Rising Star' Jack Christopher (Munnings). The speedy chestnut suffered his first loss when attempting two turns for the first time last out in the Haskell. Undefeated around one turn, including a 10-length demolition of the GI Woody Stephens S., the chestnut will be just about impossible to catch at his best.

“I thought the horse ran great in the Haskell. He ran a fast three-quarters in 1:09 and change and he fought on nicely,” Brown said. “He just didn't have quite enough late, but I thought it was a really good race. The horse has never disappointed me in a race. I'm happy to cut him back on a track that I know he likes. I hope he gets a good, clean break.”

He is joined by GII Amsterdam S. one-two Gunite (Gun Runner), winner of the GI Hopeful S. last term, and the chalk's stablemate Accretive (Practical Joke).

Short, But Sweet Personal Ensign

Clairiere | Sarah Andrew

Four of the five runners from Belmont's June 11 GI Ogden Phipps S., including regular rivals Malathaat (Curlin) and Clairiere (Curlin) face off yet again in a five-horse renewal of the GI Personal Ensign S.

Clairiere has come out on top in her last two meetings with champion and GI Kentucky Oaks winner Malathaat, edging her by a head in the Phipps and besting her in this venue's GII Shuvee S. July 24. Her dam Cavorting closed out her career with a decisive score in the 2016 Personal Ensign.

“She's racing royalty and she's in great form,” Asmussen said. “She's capable. It's within her and she continues to get better. I expect another huge race against great mares in the Personal Ensign. Letruska and Malathaat are as good as race mares can be.”

Champion Letruska (Super Saver) looks to defend her title in this event. While she was well beaten by her younger foes when folding her tent in the Shuvee, the bay did triumph over Clairiere earlier this season in the Apr. 23 GI Apple Blossom H. at Oaklawn.

GIII Molly Pitcher S. winner and Phipps third Search Results (Flatter) and Shuvee third Crazy Beautiful (Liam's Map) round out the quintet.

BC Qualifiers Coast-to-Coast

Rounding out Saturday's Grade I action at Saratoga is the Sword Dancer S., a “Win and You're In” for the GI Breeders' Cup Turf S. at Keeneland in November. When Aidan O'Brien ships one in, it's a horse worth paying attention to and he saddles Group 1 winner Broome (Ire) (Australia {GB}) here. Winning the G2 Hardwicke S. at Royal Ascot June 18, he wheeled back just five days late to be fourth in the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S.

Gufo (Declaration of War) adds blinkers for this title defense and Chad Brown saddles three–Adhamo (Ire) (Intello {Ger}), Rockemperor (Ire) (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}) and Tribhuvan (Fr) (Toronado {Ire})–in search of his fourth win in this event.

The West Coast also plays host to a Breeders' Cup qualifier in the GII Pat O'Brien S., which grants the winner a spot in the GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile starting gate. Bill Mott makes the journey to Del Mar with an imposing contender in GI Carter H. winner Speaker's Corner (Street Sense), who hit the board behind the country's top two racehorses, Flightline (Tapit) and Life Is Good (Into Mischief), in his last two outings.

His biggest competition here comes from GI Bing Crosby S. and GII Triple Bend S. winner American Theorem (American Pharoah).

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The 6-year-old entire comes into the Sword Dancer a relatively fresh animal, as he will be making just his fourth start of the season at the weekend. A first-up fifth in the G1 Tattersalls Gold Cup over 10 panels, Broome took command of the June 18 G2 Hardwicke S. at the Royal meeting after a quarter-mile and boldly led the balance, staying up the rise to score by 3 1/4 decisive lengths.

“He made the running. It was a good effort and we were delighted with him,” said trainer Aidan O'Brien, in search of a first win at the historic upstate New York oval. “It was probably his best run of the year, really. We felt he came back every bit as good if not better than before. He's a horse that's maturing very well.”

Off at longshot odds when last seen in the G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth QIPCO S. back at Ascot, he locked up with G1 Irish Derby hero Westover (GB) (Frankel {GB}) at midway and ultimately got the better of that battle, but weakened out two furlongs down and finished better than a dozen lengths in back of Pyledriver (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}) in fourth.

O'Brien does not believe that forecast rains Friday will dampen Broome's chances.

“I don't think he'll mind it. He has form with ease in the ground,” O'Brien said. “I spoke to the lads and they're happy with the way he's training. Hopefully, he will run well.”

Ryan Moore, who rode Japan (GB) (Galileo {Ire}) to a runner-up effort behind Gufo last summer, retains the call.

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The 5-year-old German raider was given the green light after a gallop on Monday morning at Mulheim, where he is trained by Marcel Weiss for owner Gestut Auenquelle. He bids to emulate compatriots Danedream (Ger) (Lomitas {GB}) and Novellist (Ger) (Monsun {Ger}), who won Britain's premier weight-for-age race in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

Torquator Tasso, the easy winner of the G2 Hansa-Preis at Hamburg on his most recent outing on July 2, worked over 11 furlongs with his regular jockey Rene Piechulek, with Weiss declaring that he was “very happy” with the horse's final serious prep for Saturday.

“It was a very important piece of work and it gives me a lot of confidence because I saw the horse like he was last year and he's getting better and better through the season,” said the trainer. 

“After the Arc we worked out a plan for this year and it was a wish of the owner to go to Ascot before going back to the Arc. Danedream also won the Arc and then the King George for Germany, which tells you that you can try to do it and you can win.”

With record temperatures in England in the early part of this week and only the odd shower of rain possible at Ascot prior to Saturday the ground is unlikely to be too different from its current status of good to firm, good in places.

Weiss added, “The ground will not be a problem; Ascot is a very nice track and it is kept in good condition, especially for the quality horses this weekend.

“At Hamburg he won on fast ground. He's just maybe a bit better when the ground is softer, but he can go on every ground.”

Completing a classy field for the weekend's feature race are the Group 1 winners Broome (Ire) (Acclamation {GB}), Pyledriver (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}) and Mishriff (Ire) (Make Believe {GB}).

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