Excelebration on course for Mile assault
Wednesday 24 October 2012
Excelebration will aim to maintain the good record of European challengers in the Breeders' Cup Mile on Saturday week.
Aidan O'Brien's four-year-old has stepped out of Frankel's shadow in no uncertain terms and, apart from his debut when with Marco Botti, he has won every race he has contested that has not featured the world's greatest racehorse.
On Saturday he arguably put up a career-best display in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and he is likely to be a warm favourite at Santa Anita.
O'Brien said: "He's progressing very well and we were obviously delighted with him at Ascot. He has top form on all kinds of ground.
"I wouldn't be sure if he'll run again after America, it's not really a decision for me."
The only other European entry is Freddie Head's Moonlight Cloud, who finished fourth behind Excelebration in the Jacques le Marois.
Wise Dan is the best chance of a win for the home team. A multiple Grade One winner, he had Cityscape well behind in winning the Woodbine Mile and enjoyed the perfect prep in winning the Shadwell Turf Mile Stakes at Keeneland.
Last year's Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom will have his supporters and got back to winning ways on his return to action last time out, albeit in a claimer.
Jeranimo, Mr Commons, Little Mike, Doubles Partner, Obviously, Wilcox and Suggestive Boy Inn are also entered. Trailblazer and Turbo Compressor have the race as a second preference.
Surprisingly John Gosden's Elusive Kate was not among the entries, with Gosden saying: "We just decided not to go to the Breeders' Cup with her."
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it all depends on what draw he gets do not want him to be drawn in the car park its a very tight to the first bend should have enough class to pull him through good luck to him and aidan and the clan
Jonathan Lennon | 6 months ago