Patiently ridden off the tempo in sixth for the most part, the 8-5 favourite eased forward off the home turn and lengthened clear in taking fashion once quickening to the fore at the furlong pole to easily account for Godolphin's Kind Of Kiss (GB) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) by an impressive 3 1/2 lengths.

“Delius is a nice horse, who will develop into a good middle-distance prospect,” commented trainer Jean-Claude Rouget. “The more we advance through the season, the better he will be. He quickened really nicely and won well, so that is most encouraging.”

Delius is the ninth of 11 foals and fifth scorer produced by a full-sister to Listed Chesham S. victrix Whazzat (GB) (Daylami {Ire}), herself the dam of G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest runner-up and dual Group-winning sire James Garfield (Ire) (Exceed And Excel {Aus}). Descendants of his second dam Wosaita (GB) (Generous {Ire}), herself a half-sister to G1 Prix de Diane-winning matriarch Rafha (GB) (Kris {GB}), also include multiple Grade I-winning US champion and GI Breeders' Cup Mile heroine Uni (GB) (More Than Ready). The February-foaled bay is a full-brother to multiple Group-placed Listed Wolferton S. winner Juan Elcano (GB) and a half to G3 Hoppings S. victrix Nkosikazi (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}). He is also kin to a 2-year-old filly by Sea The Moon (Ger) and a yearling filly by Kingman (GB).

1st-ParisLongchamp, €27,000, Mdn, 4-7, unraced 3yo, c/g, 10 1/2fT, 2:25.34, vhy.
DELIUS (GB), c, 3, by Frankel (GB)
1st Dam: Whatami (GB), by Daylami (Ire)
2nd Dam: Wosaita (GB), by Generous (Ire)
3rd Dam: Eljazzi (Ire), by Artaius
Sales history: 675,000gns Wlg '21 TATFOA. Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, €13,500. *Full to Juan Elcano (GB), SW & MGSP-Eng, $175,305; and 1/2 to Nkosikazi (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}), GSW-Eng. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree. Video, sponsored by FanDuel TV.
O-Susan Magnier, Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor & Westerberg; B-Mr & Mrs David Brown (GB); T-Jean-Claude Rouget; J-Cristian Demuro.

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8th-GP, $70K, Msw, 2yo, f, 1mT, 3:33 p.m. ET.
Homebred Sally Albright (Into Mischief) makes her first start for trainer Cherie DeVaux. The bay filly is a half-sister to GII Mrs. Revere S. champ Sparkling Review (Lemon Drop Kid), who is the dam of SP Fawning (Into Mischief), and is also a half to the dams of GSP Prince of Jericho (Munnings) and GIII Grey S. winner Bluebirds Over (English Channel). Her extended female family includes Grade I winners No Review (Nodouble) and Another Review (Buckaroo).

Another homebred setting sail for her inaugural voyage is St. Susan (Quality Road). The Christophe Clement trainee is out of Canadian MGSW Akronism (Not For Love), who produced GII Hill Prince S. hero Have At It (Kitten's Joy). She's also responsible for the dam of GI Santa Anita Oaks winner Bellafina (Quality Road) and MGSP Diamond King (Quality Road). TJCIS PPS

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“She was never away [from home], as she was so babyish, she was working very well and we're delighted with her,” O'Brien said. “It was nice to see her doing that and she's probably going to come on leaps and bounds. Ryan [Moore] gave her one back-hander to get down and stretch and said she was only playing in front. The [G2] Debutante S. should be perfect for her. She's working with the good colts no problem, which is usually a very good sign.”

Pedigree Notes
Ylang Ylang is the first of two foals out of Listed Pretty Polly S., Listed Height Of Fashion S. and Listed Chalice S. placegetter Shambolic (Ire) (Shamardal). The March-foaled bay's dam, who has a yearling colt by Kingman (GB) to come, is a half-sister to dual G1 Queen Elizabeth II Cup-winning multiple Hong Kong champion Comic Strip (GB) (Marju {Ire}) and GI Flower Bowl Invitational and GI Diana S. heroine Laughing (Ire) (Dansili {GB}). Shambolic is also a half-sister to the unraced Blinking (GB) (Marju {Ire}), whose descendants include stakes-winning G3 Lillie Langtry S. third Twitch (Ire) (Azamour {Ire}), stakes-winning G3 Premio Dormello third Romsey (GB) (Mukhadram {GB}) and G3 Sweet Solera S. third Mottisfont (Ire) (Adaay {Ire}).

2nd-Curragh, €20,000, Mdn, 6-30, 2yo, f, 7fT, 1:25.50, gd.
YLANG YLANG (GB), f, 2, by Frankel (GB)
1st Dam: Shambolic (Ire) (MSP-Eng), by Shamardal
2nd Dam: Comic (Ire), by Be My Chief
3rd Dam: Circus Act (GB), by Shirley Heights (GB)
(1,500,000gns Ylg '22 TATOCT) Lifetime Record: 1-1-0-0, €11,800. Click for the free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
O-Magnier, Tabor, Smith, Brant & Westerberg; B-Newsells Park Stud & Merry Fox Stud (GB); T-Aidan O'Brien; J-Ryan Moore.

Ylang Ylang wins the Kildare House Hotel Maiden under Ryan Moore for trainer Aidan O'Brien.

Many congratulations to all involved. pic.twitter.com/X8LagJ3XIr

— The Curragh Racecourse (@curraghrace) June 30, 2023

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Last seen finishing runner-up in the Sept. 11 G1 Vincent O'Brien National S., the Donnacha O'Brien-trained son of the G1 Fillies' Mile and G1 Falmouth S. heroine Simply Perfect (GB) (Danehill) who captured the July 21 G3 Tyros S. at Leopardstown was asked to keep close tabs on Ballydoyle's TDN Rising Star Espionage by Gavin Ryan as that rival took up the running from the outset.

Getting to the stand's rail as they entered the straight, the 3-1 second favourite stuck to his guns despite the tenacity of the eventual runner-up under Ioritz Mendizabal and managed to overhaul his compatriot in the final stride for a head success. The Ralph Beckett-trained Salt Bay (Ger) (Farhh {GB}) was 1 3/4 lengths back in third.

“He was very genuine and it was nice to get a big one with him,” Donnacha said. “It was only in the last furlong that he really got on top of dad's horse, but I'm sure they're two nice staying horses going forward.”

While there was perhaps a bigger pointer for the 2023 Derby from the latest Ballydoyle star at Doncaster later in the afternoon, the youngest trainer of the O'Brien clan has his own dreams of Classic glory next term. “He's probably going to want 10 or 12 furlongs next year, which opens up a lot of options for him. He's a good stayer,” he added. “He's had a few runs and he's plenty fit, but he's had a long enough year so it's a testament to him that he's still performing at a high class this far into the year. Whether we stick around for Classics with him in this part of the world or go travelling with him, we've plenty of options.”

Pedigree Notes

Becoming the 97th group 1 winner for his outstanding sire, Proud And Regal who was also third behind Aesop's Fables (Ire) (No Nay Never) in the Aug. 20 G2 Futurity S. at The Curragh is the last and best foal out of the aforementioned Simply Perfect. Also responsible for Galileo's G3 International S. winner Mekong River (Ire) and G3 Princess Royal S. and G3 Give Thanks S. runner-up Simply Beautiful (Ire), she is a full-sister to One Moment In Time (Ire) who produced two other notable Galileos in the dual group 3 winner and G1 St Leger runner-up Bondi Beach (Ire) and the G3 Gallinule S. scorer Constantinople (Ire).

The second dam is the G1 Moyglare Stud S. and G1 Fillies' Mile-placed Hotelgenie Dot Com (GB) (Selkirk), whose half-sister Bianca Nera (GB) (Salse) was successful in the Moyglare and the G2 Lowther S. and is the second dam of the G1 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth S., G1 Juddmonte International S., G1 Coronation Cup and G1 Dubai Sheema Classic-winning sire Postponed (Ire) (Dubawi {Ire}), the G1 Premio Lydia Tesio and G2 Park Hill S. winner God Given (GB) (Nathaniel {Ire}) and the GIII Beverly Hills H. winner and GI Yellow Ribbon S. runner-up Turning Top (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}). God Given is the dam of this year's G3 Autumn S. and G3 Solario S. winner Silver Knott (GB) (Lope De Vega {Ire}), who could provide another top-level success if things fall his way at the Breeders' Cup next month.

Saturday, Saint-Cloud, France
CRITERIUM INTERNATIONAL-G1, €250,000, Saint-Cloud, 10-22, 2yo, c/f, 8fT, 1:51.34, hy.
1–PROUD AND REGAL (IRE), 126, c, 2, by Galileo (Ire)
                1st Dam: Simply Perfect (GB) (MG1SW-Eng, G1SP-Fr,
                                $753,005), by Danehill
                2nd Dam: Hotelgenie Dot Com (GB), by Selkirk
                3rd Dam: Birch Creek (GB), by Carwhite (Ire)
   1ST GROUP 1 WIN. O-D Smith,Mrs J Magnier,M Tabor,
Westerberg; B-Coolmore (IRE); T-Donnacha O'Brien; J-Gavin
Ryan. €142,850. Lifetime Record: GSW & G1SP-Ire, 5-3-1-1,
€273,550. *Full to Mekong River (Ire), GSW-Ire, $182,118.
Werk Nick Rating: A+. Click for the
   eNicks report & 5-cross pedigree, or click for the
   free Equineline.com catalogue-style pedigree.
2–Espionage (Ire), 126, c, 2, Galileo (Ire)–Even Song (Ire), by
Mastercraftsman (Ire). 1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. 'TDN Rising
   Star'. O-Westerberg,Mrs J Magnier,M Tabor,D Smith;
B-Coolmore (IRE); T-Aidan O'Brien. €57,150.
3–Salt Bay (Ger), 126, c, 2, Farhh (GB)–Saltita (Ire), by Galileo
(Ire).1ST GROUP 1 BLACK TYPE. (350,000gns Ylg '21 TATOCT).
O-Valmont; B-Stiftung Gestut Fahrhof (GER); T-Ralph Beckett.
€28,575.
Margins: HD, 1 3/4, 1 3/4. Odds: 2.90, 6.30, 8.40.
Also Ran: Syros (Fr), Breizh Sky (Fr), Romina Power (Fr), Kubrick (Ire). Video, sponsored by TVG.

Criterium International (G1)
1600m, 250.000 EUR, for 2yo
Saint -Cloud

Proud And Regal (IRE)
(2C Galileo -Simply Perfect ,by Danehill)
J :G. Ryan
T:D. O'Brien
O Smith,Mrs J Magnier,M Tabor,Westerberg
B :@coolmorestud pic.twitter.com/8r4Q718evu

— (@WorldRacing1) October 22, 2022

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With the scratch of Lisette, the Bayakoa field was down to six, with As Time Goes By facing Warren's Showtime, second in her last start in the Betty Grable, and Moonlight d'Oro, a last-out second to Livingmybestlife in the Seashell at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in Del Mar, Calif. After an even break, Harvest Moon showed her head in front first, with As Time Goes By stalking on the rail and Bye Bye Bertie on the outside in third. They stayed one-two-three around the first turn and into the backstretch, with Stellar Sound boldly moving to the lead in the last part of the backstretch. As Time Goes By went with her, these two entering the far turn with As Time Goes By on the lead.

Into the stretch at the Cypress, Calif., track, As Time Goes By was able to shake off Stellar Sound, who gave way to a surging Warren's Showtime on the outside. As Time Goes By did not let her challenger by, holding off Warren's Showtime to win by 1 1/4 lengths. Moonlight d'Oro was third and Stellar Sound fourth.

The final time for the 1 1/16 miles was 1:42.97. Find this race's chart here.

As Time Goes By paid $4.20, $3.00, and $2.10. Warren's Showtime paid $4.40 and $2.80. Moonlight d'Oro paid $2.40.

“She was going well the entire way. I actually think (Warren's Showtime) got about a neck ahead of me in midstretch, but she regrouped and really dug in. She was very game,'' jockey Flavien Prat said after the Bayakoa.

“I love this filly. I love (wife) Jill No. 1 and this filly No. 2. My two favorite girls. They went so fast early, I was afraid of the runner-up (Warren's Showtime) who is a really good horse, and I was hoping (As Time Goes By) would have something left. I've always been high on her. I'm hoping she runs as a 5-year-old because I'd really like to win a Grade 1 with her and I know she can. (Owners Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith) said if she's doing well, they will keep her in training,'' trainer Bob Baffert said after the race.

Bred in Kentucky by Orpendale and Chelston, As Time Goes By is out of the Dehere mare Take Charge Lady, a multiple G1 stakes winner and dam of 2013 Travers Stakes winner Will Take Charge. The 4-year-old filly is owned by Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Derrick Smith. With her win in the G3 Bayakoa, As Time Goes By has four wins in nine starts in 2021, for a lifetime record of five wins in 12 starts and career earnings of $535,600.

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O'Brien said, “He's a lovely horse and was showing loads before he went to Killarney. He came forward every week after that, and it was a lovely second stage for him.

“The plan was to come here and then he might go for the Futurity if he stays well. Sometimes this time of the year horses can go off, because he is a big horse. He has plenty of class and is not short of pace. He goes through his work very well.”

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The Breeders' Cup Challenge Series is an international series of 84 stakes races whose winners receive automatic starting positions and fees paid into a corresponding race of the Breeders' Cup World Championships, which will be held at Del Mar racetrack in Del Mar, California on Nov. 5-6.

The Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes was one of three Breeders' Cup Challenge Series races to take place at Leopardstown Racecourse in Dublin, Ireland today, alongside the Group 1 Coolmore America 'Justify' Matron Stakes and Group 2 KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes (G2).

The Aidan O'Brien-trained St Mark's Basilica (FR) showed his brilliance when defeating 2020 Longines Breeders' Cup Turf champion Tarnawa (IRE) and dual Group 1 winner Poetic Flare (IRE).

Winner of the Group 1 French 2000 Guineas, the Group 1 French Derby, and Group 1 Coral-Eclipse earlier this summer, the 3-year-old extended his unbeaten record this season and captured his fifth Group 1 success.

Patrick Sarsfield (FR), the outsider of the four-runner field, made the running until inside the final quarter-mile when the three Group 1 winners then struck for home. A tactical contest, St Mark's Basilica (FR) drifted right in the closing stages, taking Tarnawa (IRE) with him across the track, but the Ballydoyle stable star secured his victory by three-quarters of a length in the hands of Ryan Moore. On his first start over 10 furlongs, Poetic Flare (IRE) finished a nose behind Tarnawa (IRE) in third. A stewards' inquiry was called following the race but the results remained unchanged.

“It was great because it was tactical,” said winning trainer Aidan O'Brien. “They sprinted up the straight and he did well. One thing we know he does is quicken. He really quickens. His strong qualities are that he relaxes and can really turn it on. He has done that in every race.”

No decision has been taken over where St Mark's Basilica (IRE) will race next.

A son of Siyouni (FR) out of the Galileo (IRE) mare Cabaret (IRE), St Mark's Basilica (IRE) completed the 1 ¼ miles in 2:11.19 on a course rated as good.

No Speak Alexander Conquers in Coolmore America 'Justify' Matron Stakes

Charles O'Callaghan, Noel O'Callaghan, and Paul O'Callaghan's No Speak Alexander (IRE) was back to her best in a dramatic renewal of the G1 Coolmore America 'Justify' Matron Stakes. The victory securing the filly an automatic entry into the $2 million Grade 1 Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf.

Trained by Jessica Harrington and ridden by Shane Foley, No Speak Alexander (IRE) crossed a neck in front of Pearls Galore (IRE) in a tight finish and survived a stewards' inquiry to secure the 1-mile contest. Mother Earth (IRE), winner of the Group 1 QIPCO 1000 Guineas and Group 1 Prix Rothschild, suffered a luckless run to finish third under jockey Ryan Moore.

A 3-year-old daughter by Shalaa (IRE) out of the Dandy Man (IRE) mare Rapacity Alexander (IRE), No Speak Alexander (IRE) completed the contest in 1:41.98.

Winning trainer Harrington said: “That was absolutely fantastic. After she was third in the Irish [1000] Guineas [G1], we wanted to go the Group 1 route. We thought we'd go to Ascot, that didn't happen, and then we thought we'd go for the Falmouth, and that didn't happen either. We took her to France [10th in Prix Rothschild-G1] and she got very badly interfered with a furlong down, so it was a no race. We've ended up coming here and thank goodness we've got the result.”

Atomic Jones wins the KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes

The Ger Lyons-trained Atomic Jones (FR) powered home from the back of the field to win the G2 KPMG Champions Juvenile Stakes by a head in good style. The winner earning an automatic berth into this year's $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1).

Settled near the rear of the 10-runner field under jockey Colin Keane, Atomic Jones struck for the line late to secure the victory by a head, with joint favorite Stone Age (IRE) finishing in second, and Absolute Ruler (USA) in third.

Atomic Jones, a son of Wootton Bassett (GB), completed the 1-mile contest in 1:42.75.

As part of the benefits of the Challenge Series, Breeders' Cup will pay the entry fees for all three winners to start at Del Mar. Breeders' Cup will also provide a travel allowance of $40,000 for all starters based outside of North America to compete in the World Championships.

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With Bramble Queen and Oh So Terrible both scratched, the field for the Grade 1 turf stakes was down to five, with Mean Mary breaking from the inside and Santa Barbara from the middle of the pack. The field got away cleanly after Mean Mary broke through the gate prematurely and was then reloaded with no trouble. Luis Saez moved Mean Mary out to the lead in the first quarter with Naval Laughter a half length behind her on the outside. Moore kept Santa Barbara running easily on the rail in third, as Mean Mary logged a first quarter in :24.57 and a half-mile in :49.31.

Naval Laughter challenged Mean Mary's lead briefly going into the final turn of the 1 3/16 mile Beverly D, pulling even with Mean Mary as Moore moved Santa Barbara away from the rail. On the final turn, Santa Barbara was two wide, making her move on the outside of Mean Mary and Naval Laughter. Into the stretch, Santa Barbara easily took over the lead, drawing away from the field under a hand ride from Moore as Lemista sprinted through the stretch, almost catching Mean Mary at the wire. Joy Epifora and Naval Laughter rounded out the short field.

The final time for the G1 Beverly D was 1:54.55. Find this race's chart here.

Santa Barbara paid $4.00, $2.20. and $2.10. Mean Mary paid $2.40 and $2.10. Lemista paid $2.20.

“She was always a filly I had a high opinion of,” winning rider Moore said to Arlington Park's Vince Greco after the race. “She was very comfortable through the race. Very straightforward today.”

Bred in Ireland by Whisperview Trading Ltd., Santa Barbara is by British sire Camelot out of the Danehill mare Senta's Dream (GB). Owned by Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, and Westerburg, the 3-year-old filly is trained by Aidan O'Brien. With her win in the G1 Beverly D, Santa Barbara has three wins in six lifetime starts for career winnings of $731,612.

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The Breeders' Cup Challenge Series is an international series of 84 stakes races whose winners receive automatic starting positions and fees paid into a corresponding race of the Breeders' Cup World Championships, which will be held at Del Mar racetrack in Del Mar, California on Nov. 5-6.

Unbeaten in three starts this season, Palace Pier, a son of Kingman (GB) secured his place in the Grade 1 FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile on June 15 when capturing the “Win and You're In” Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.

After bypassing the Group 1 Qatar Sussex Stakes due to a blood disorder, the 4-year-old will face seven rivals in France, including Mrs. J. S. Bolger's two-time Group 1 winner Poetic Flare (IRE).

Winner of the Group 1 QIPCO 2000 Guineas and the Group 1 St James's Palace Stakes, Poetic Flare was last seen finishing second in the G1 Qatar Sussex Stakes on testing ground on July 28. Trainer Jim Bolger believes his 3-year-old colt will improve from that performance.

“It was the ground at Goodwood,” Bolger said. “The filly [Alcohol Free (IRE)] was very good but it was a sub-par run for him. It was very tacky ground that day. He is so much better on good ground. This horse has all the class in the world, he's very quick, and any sort of a reasonably run race will suit him.”

Derrick Smith, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, and Mrs. A.M. O'Brien's Order of Australia (IRE), the defending G1 FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile champion, has been entered by trainer Aidan O'Brien. The 4-year-old son of Australia (GB) finished fifth behind Poetic Flare in the G1 Qatar Sussex Stakes.

The 4-year-old filly Alpine Star (IRE), owned and bred by the Niarchos Family, will seek to go one better than last year. Runner-up behind Palace Pier in 2020, one of three occasions the 2020 Group 1 Coronation Stakes heroine placed second in Group 1 company, Alpine Star returns to Deauville after finishing second in her seasonal debut in the listed British Stallion Studs EBF Lyric Fillies' Stakes.

“It's a very good renewal of the race,” said her trainer, Jessica Harrington. “She's in good form and a stronger filly this year. Hopefully, it will be the slow side of good. Shane Foley takes the ride and I hope she will run a big race.”

Andre Fabre has won the Group 1 Prix Jacques Le Marois more than any other trainer in its history with seven victories. He has entered the Godolphin-owned Victor Ludorum (GB) and Midtown (GB).

Winner of the Group 1 Emirates Poule d'Essai des Poulains (French 2000 Guineas) over course and distance in June 2020, this year Victor Ludorum bounced back from two defeats to win the Group 3 Prix Messidor at Chantilly last time out on July 18. He is joined by his lightly raced stablemate Midtown, a 3-year-old son of Dubawi (IRE) out of a Diktat (GB) mare First City (GB), who was last seen finishing a credible third in only his third start in the Group 1 Haras d'Etreham Prix Jean Prat.

Group 3 winner Ecrivain (FR), trained by Carlos Laffon-Parias, and British challenger Chindit (IRE), trained by Richard Hannon, complete the field.

As part of the benefits of the Challenge Series, Breeders' Cup will pay the entry fees for the Prix du Haras de Fresnay-le-Buffard Jacques le Marois winner to start in the G1 FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile, which will be run at a mile on the Del Mar turf course. Breeders' Cup will also provide a travel allowance of $40,000 for all starters based outside of North America to compete in the World Championships. The Challenge winner must be nominated to the Breeders' Cup program by the Championships' pre-entry deadline of Oct. 25 to receive the rewards.

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Santa Barbara won the Grade 1 Belmont Oaks Invitational after some anxious moments around the far turn and into the stretch. Expertly piloted by jockey Ryan Moore, Santa Barbara saved ground between horses down the backstretch, but lacked racing room at the top of the stretch. Approaching the furlong marker, she angled into the clear and displayed a devastating turn-of-foot going from seventh to first in the final two points of call. The half-length victory garnered a 90 Beyer Speed Figure.

Two races later, the all navy blue Coolmore colors found prosperity once more when Bolshoi Ballet backed up his heavy favoritism in the Grade 1 Belmont Derby. The beaten favorite last out in the Group 1 Epsom Derby on June 5 saw redemption by making a wide, sweeping move at the top of the stretch under Moore to win by 1 ¼ lengths.

Bolshoi Ballet and Santa Barbara will head back to Ballydoyle Training Center in Ireland on Sunday evening, where further plans will be evaluated.

“They both ate up well last night and left nothing. They walked this morning and are a hundred percent,” said O'Brien's traveling assistant T.J. Comerford. “They'll head home tonight, but they're in good shape after running.”

Comerford said that a start in the Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships on November 6 at Del Mar is possibly in play for both horses.

Santa Barbara would likely target the $2 million Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf, while Bolshoi Ballet would be a candidate for the $4 million Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Turf – which O'Brien has won six times.

“That's the plan for them both,” Comerford said. “Wherever they go next is another thing, but now that they had a bit of practice coming over here, it will be easier the next time.”

The second legs of the Turf Triple for sophomores are the $1 million Grade 1 Saratoga Derby Invitational on August 7 and the $700,000 Grade 3 Saratoga Oaks Invitational on August 8. Comerford said while both races have not been ruled out for either horse, they would be more likely to campaign in Europe before heading back to the United States for the Breeders' Cup.

“It's probably an option, but now that they have it done, maybe we'll find some other horses to come to Saratoga with,” Comerford said. “I'm sure we'll have something – maybe not these two – but Aidan will decide.”

Comerford said both Santa Barbara and Bolshoi Ballet have been highly regarded horses for O'Brien from the get-go.

“He brought two very good horses this time,” Comerford said. “The filly was favored in the Guineas and finished third. The colt was favored in the Derby, he just didn't get to running. The ground didn't come up the way we had hoped, but he took his chance. He did get galloped well into behind, but he came out of it very well.”

Santa Barbara, a daughter of 2012 Epsom and Irish Derby winner Camelot, arrived at the Belmont Oaks off three straight starts at Group 1 caliber, the most recent of which was a narrow defeat to older filly Thundering Nights in the Group 1 Pretty Polly at the Curragh, just 13 days before the Belmont Oaks. A similar route was taken with 2018 Belmont Oaks victress Athena, who won off six days rest when third in that year's Pretty Polly.

Prior to the Pretty Polly, she was a respective fourth and fifth in the British 1000 Guineas on May 2 at Newmarket and the Epsom Oaks on June 4 at Epsom Downs.

“In fairness to her, her last three races were top class Group 1 races so she had plenty of experience,” said Comerford. “She showed in the Oaks that she had a good turn of foot, even though they were going steady. Ryan never hit her. Even after the race, he said it was the easiest winner he's ridden.”

Breeders' Cup victories have been a family tradition for Santa Barbara, whose half-siblings Order of Australia and Iridessa captured the 2020 Breeders' Cup Mile and 2019 Filly and Mare Turf, respectively. Santa Barbara's grand dam, Starine, won the 2002 Filly and Mare Turf for late Hall of Fame trainer Bobby Frankel.

“She's starting to progress like him [Order of Australia] and Iridessa,” Comerford said. “She's starting to go along the same lines as them. She's just getting better. The next time she'll be a lot more streetwise again. It was only her fifth start.”

Prior to the Epsom Derby, Bolshoi Ballet registered two Group 3 victories at Leopardstown going the Belmont Derby distance. Comerford said a mile and a half is easily within the athletic colt's ability.

“If it were a mile and a half yesterday, he would have won further,” Comerford said. “He wants a mile and a quarter, but a mile and a half isn't a problem to him either.”

A victory in the Belmont Derby came on the same day as the passing of Bolshoi Ballet's internationally acclaimed sire Galileo, who captured the Epsom Derby, Irish Derby, and King George & Queen Elizabeth Diamond, all Group 1, in 2001.

“There are going to be other Galileo horses that come along, but we were fortunate to win yesterday,” Comerford said. “He's proven to be a decent horse and we've always thought a lot of him.”

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