Whistle jacket
That was the Breeders' Cup 2025
Quite a few additions to the Little Black Book but Forever Young our highlight.
From when he should have been at least second in the Kentucky Derby we have kept a close watch on this horse and delighted in seeing his progress through the International racing scene. His win in the Saudi Cup after such a mighty battle with Romantic Warrior goes down as one of the best races we've seen. Then the three first finishers in the BC Classic of 2024 lined up again this year but this time Forever Young was a more confident horse and Sakai rode him like he was the best horse in the race and he won accordingly. He's down to re-oppose Romantic Warrior in next year's Saudi Cup and has received an automatic entry into the Dubai World Cup if they want to go down that track.
On Friday some names to note for the future – Cy Fair who won the Juvenile Turf Sprint and may be heading towards Royal Ascot. Donnacha O'Brien's filly Balantina and the runner up as well in the Juvenile Fillies Turf over 1600m and of course Ted Noffey who is now favourite for the Kentucky Derby – a talented and mature horse who won his second Gr 1. Gstaad we knew about already and he did well overcoming a car-park draw,
On Saturday Special Wan continued her upwards progression in the Goldikova. The Turf Sprint over 1000m went to Shisospicey who is speedy as well as spicey and Khadeem ran well for third.
Trainer d'Angelo got the double in the next race with Bentornato and then the next big thing was Scylla winning the Distaff by 5 lengths.
Then the BC Turf saw a huge upset when Willie Mullins's Ethical Diamond stormed down from the back of the pack to defeat a gallant Rebel's Romance – nobody was prepared for that! Not even the trainer!
And then it was on to the Classic of which we have already written and then better luck for Godolphin when Notable Speech got a top ride from Buick and was in charge of the race from about the last 100m.
Nysos was possibly the shortest favourite of the week but was given a huge run for his money from stablemate Citizen Bull, and in the F&M Turf 2200m Gezora endorsed her trainer's positive comments as she defeated a brave She Feels Pretty.
As usual the home team dominated the dirt and the raiders the turf with a couple of notable exceptions.
And Japan has a winner of the Classic to celebrate!
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