Charlie Appleby is gearing up for a strong showing at Del Mar's Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf, with top contenders Aomori City and Al Qudra ready to chase victory. The Moulton Paddocks trainer has a stellar Breeders' Cup record, having claimed this title with Outstrip (2013), Line Of Duty (2018), and Modern Games (2021). Appleby’s confidence is high with Aomori City, the Vintage Stakes winner at Goodwood, who William Buick will pilot, while James Doyle will ride Al Qudra, returning after a near-miss in Canada’s Grade One Summer Stakes.
Appleby sees both colts as capable of triumph, noting Aomori City's adaptability to slower ground and Al Qudra's promising form, with the latter being ideally positioned in a favourable fourth stall.
Meanwhile, Hugo Palmer is also joining the action, sending Seagulls Eleven and The Waco Kid to represent British interests. Owned partly by Brighton football stars, Seagulls Eleven shows potential, while The Waco Kid, a seasoned performer, has gained ground each race and won at Group Three level.
Aidan O’Brien seeks his third consecutive Juvenile Turf title with Henri Matisse, whose recent challenges O’Brien attributes to minor missteps. O’Brien’s Fillies Turf hopefuls, Lake Victoria and Heavens Gate, bring impressive records, particularly Lake Victoria, who looks poised for a mile triumph. European trainers’ hopes are high as the Breeders’ Cup promises a thrilling display of international talent on American turf.