Westmeath trainer Adrian Murray is hopeful his contenders, Arizona Blaze and Hill Road, can make their mark at the Breeders’ Cup on Friday. Racing for Kia Joorabchian’s Amo Racing, Murray’s horses bring solid form to Del Mar. Arizona Blaze, a Group Three winner with a consistent top-four record in his last eight starts, will compete in the Juvenile Turf Sprint, where Murray hopes his experience proves valuable. “Arizona Blaze is in excellent form, and his track record gives us a lot of confidence going in,” Murray said. "His preparation has been spot on, and we believe he’s ready for the challenge."
Hill Road, meanwhile, tackles the Juvenile on dirt for just his third career start. A promising debut winner, Hill Road struggled in Group One competition but could benefit from this switch to dirt. "He’s looked comfortable on the surface here in training, and we're optimistic for a strong performance," Murray noted.
Irish jockey Oisín Murphy also seeks Breeders’ Cup success, heading to Del Mar with high hopes for New Century and Beautiful Love. Recently crowned British champion jockey, Murphy will ride New Century in the Juvenile Turf, aiming for a hat-trick after a strong season capped with a Grade One win. "New Century has arrived in great form, though the wide draw in stall 11 is a challenge," Murphy admitted. On Saturday, he partnered with Charlie Appleby’s Beautiful Love in the Filly & Mare Turf, capitalising on her experience racing Stateside this summer. “I’m thrilled to ride for Appleby and look forward to a competitive race,” Murphy shared.