Our Trackside Live team were on hand providing some key snippets and big-race reaction from Breeders' Cup Saturday at Del Mar.
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All times GMT. Please refresh for updates
00:25 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (Grade 1)
Full result
1. GEZORA 9/1
2. She Feels Pretty 9/2
3. Diamond Rain 4/1
Winning reaction
Mickael Barzalona on NBC: "She's a top-class filly, she won the French Oaks. We had a good draw and managed to get a good spot in the race."
Francis Graffard on NBC: "It's amazing. It's a very good feeling as I was questioning myself whether I'd trained then properly on a racecourse like this. She's amazing, she gave us so much emotion, it is fantastic. It's a meeting I absolutely admire and I really wanted to be competitive here. It's done now, we need to look for the next one!"
Timeform verdict
CINDERELLA'S DREAM is ridden by a jockey who excels on the big occasion and looks to have decent prospects. She Feels Pretty is from a yard with a high strike rate in this type of race and can emerge best of the rest. Gezora is likely to be on the premises too.
Matt Brocklebank selection
I doubt I’ll be backing Bedtime Story again (I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve fancied her to run a big race) but perhaps getting onto some quick turf over this sort of trip will play to her strengths? It’s not been my night on the tipping front but whoever you fancy I’ll wish you good luck and good night!
23:45 Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (Grade 1)
Full result
1. NYSOS 8/13 favourite
2. Citizen Bull 7/1
3. Chancer Mcpatrick 25/1
Timeform verdict
WHITE ABARRIO is weighted to go well and looks the one to fall in with. Nysos comes into this unbeaten in two races and appeals as best of the rest. Mystik Dan commands respect as well.
Matt Brocklebank selection
No bet here.
23:05 Breeders' Cup Mile (Grade 1)
Full result
1. NOTABLE SPEECH 2/1 favourite
2. Formidable Man 16/1
3. The Lion In Winter 4/1
Winning reaction
William Buick on NBC: "I've been everything on this horse - I've been a hero, I've been a villain. But Charlie gave me great confidence. He broke a bit better than I thought, but we were always going to ride the inside. When it comes off, it looks great. When it doesn't, you're a villain. He's a very good horse, he's a 2000 Guineas winner, a Sussex winner... he was probably a bit unlucky in the Breeders' Cup Mile last year."
Charlie Appleby on NBC: "He's tailor-made for this track really. Will's ride was copybook, if you could write a script on how to go around there, that's it."
Trackside comment
Notable Speech looks the best I’ve seen him in a while, big, sturdy colt with an easy demeanour.
Sahlan has been a little tense and edgy during work mornings, he’s staying remarkably relaxed in preliminaries given what we’ve seen of his personality.
The Lion In Winter, probably a little better than last time and Jonquil being carefully managed. Qirat in good order, likeable.
Rhetorical tacked up as he walks, appears a normal procedure for him. Gas Me Up being tricky in paddock, kicking out.
Like Formidable Man as a longer shot and pick from the US - he’s well built and balanced, with a bit of presence.
Timeform verdict
As usual there's a strong European challenge and NOTABLE SPEECH can make amends for last year's narrow defeat. Sahlan and The Lion In Winter both haven't stood much racing and can give the selection most to think about.
Matt Brocklebank selection
Jonquil is fascinating here after his eyecatching Keeneland run which presumably gave connections every encouragement to come back to the States for a crack at the big one. I’d have preferred a lower draw but Colin Keane was always going to look to tuck in and ride for luck and if they go hard and the splits arrive at the right time, he has the raw materials to get into the mix at a price here.
22:25 Breeders' Cup Classic (Grade 1)
Full result
1. FOREVER YOUNG 3/1 favourite
2. Sierra Leone 9/2
3. Fierceness 7/2
Winning reaction
"I can't believe it, he is an amazing horse. This is a dream," a Ryusei Sakai told NBC on his way to the winner's enclosure.
Trackside comment
An impressive group of horses as you’d hope for in a Breeders Cup Classic. Sierra Leone has the deep chest, full-bodied physical appearance, you can’t help but be taken by him as he walks past.
Journalism holds the edge in the paddock, he’s not lacking for chest or girth but he’s light framed in comparison to some of these. Athletic and has been the one who draws attention during work mornings.
A few wise heads have told me that Forever Young looks better than last year, but it’s Journalism for me with Sierra Leone a close second.
Timeform verdict
The scratching of Sovereignty is a blow but there is still plenty of depth to the 2025 Classic. FOREVER YOUNG has clearly been trained with this in mind and his Saudi Cup success looks excellent form. Preakness hero Journalism can fare best of the 3-y-os, and of the rest, from last year's 1-2 Sierra Leone and Fierceness.
Matt Brocklebank selection
A really interesting Classic and Fierceness seems sure to be involved in the finish after his second last year and back-to-form win here at Del Mar when last seen in the Pacific Classic. It’s tempting to take a chance on his Todd Pletcher stablemate Mindframe, who was on a massive upward curve before an unfortunate mishap soon after the start at Saratoga in August. He beat Sierra Leone in the Stephen Foster earlier in the year, and it could be worth chancing him getting the 10 furlongs on this speedy course.
21:41 Breeders' Cup Turf (Grade 1)
Full result
1. ETHICAL DIAMOND 20/1
2. Rebel's Romance 9/4
3. El Cordobes 16/1
Winning reaction
Willie Mullins on NBC: "I've always said winning the Grand National with Patrick on board... (would be his finest achievement) but this might be second."
Dylan Brown McMonagle on NBC: “It’s an unbelievable training performance. He (Mullins) is something else, he was expecting him to run a nice race and to be placed would be huge. I was quietly confident beforehand. His form is very good and he’s a horse that likes to relax. On his last start at York he joined in at the two-pole and it takes a good horse to do that. The trip was never going to be a problem and from the wide draw we decided to take him back. This is unbelievable, it doesn’t get much better than this. To have a few rides here is huge but to win one of the big races in massive."
Trackside comment
Plenty of familiar faces amongst these and Goliath continues to impress. He’s got an excellent level of rib definition and ticks all the boxes.
Rebel’s Romance is always an impressive physical and the same applies again. He looks as well as he did winning the Hardwicke, an impressive feat after a busy season.
Could be a tense preliminaries for the O’Brien team. Minnie Hauk is a little on her toes and fussing, which is unlike her - Pat (Keating) has taken over on the lead to try and settle her. No fitness questions.
Both Wimbledon Hawkeye and Rashabar are calm - they have both showed signs of keen behaviour in the paddock before.
If you want an outsider from the Euros, El Cordobes looks very well - he’s fit and noticeably embracing proceedings, walking out well and seemingly enjoying himself.
Timeform verdict
MINNIE HAUK is the obvious place to start. She's barely put a foot wrong all season and should take all the stopping as her master trainer bids for a record extending eighth Turf success. Two-time winner of this Rebel's Romance is expected to give his all to retain his crown, whilst Goliath shouldn't be too far away.
Matt Brocklebank selection
Big fan of AMILOC here, as outlined in the column. I like a horse who doesn’t show much at home but saves it for the track and this gelding is definitely one of those. You can tell that Rossa Ryan absolutely loves the horse and he and Ralph Beckett tasted Breeders’ Cup success here 12 months ago.
Winning reaction
Trainer Bill Mott, who was forced to withdraw his Classic hope Sovereignty earlier in the week, on NBC: "We had to miss out and all I can hope is they [Godolphin] give him a chance to come back next year."
Trackside comment
Nitrogen is an easy call for a paddock pick. She’s a beautiful mover, well balanced and has a floating gait.
Dorth Vader is a little more workmanlike in comparison but she’s caught the eye during work mornings. She has a good attitude, has gone about her business in a straightforward manner and doesn’t appear to have put a foot wrong.
Timeform verdict
SEISMIC BEAUTY is being brought along superbly and can rise to the top to become Bob Baffert's first Distaff heroine. Dorth Vader can make her presence felt despite having to overcome a difficult post, whilst Nitrogen commands plenty of respect.
Matt Brocklebank selection
Dorth Vader is preferred to Seismic Beauty at the head of the market but not a strong view by any means. I’d be against Nitrogen from stall 1 in a deep field of 13, she’ll need a lot of luck.
20:21 Breeders' Cup Sprint (Grade 1)
Full result
1. BENTORNATO 6/4 favourite
2. Imagination 15/2
3. Dr. Venkman 25/1
Winning reaction
Trainer Jose Francisco D'Angelo on NBC:
Trackside comment
It’s easy to be distracted by the beautiful Lovesick Blues in the paddock - he’s a rocking horse grey who makes the crowd ooo and ahh - as he enters. Preference is given to Kopion, a big strapping chestnut who fills the eye - tall, but well balanced. She takes proceedings well, compared to some of these who are getting keen early.
Timeform verdict
STRAIGHT NO CHASER has a decent chance on these terms and holds most appeal. Kopion has had a bullet workout in last 7 days and ought to go close as well. Bentornato is another who is entitled to a closer look.
Matt Brocklebank selection
No bet here for me but Bentornato’s 28/1 second here last year didn’t look a fluke based on his comeback win at Churchill and he’s an obvious player this time. Look out for the Japanese runner American Stage running well at a price.
19:41 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (Grade 1)
Full result
1. SHISOSPICY 11/2
2. AG Bullet 11/2
3. Khaadem 10/1
News on She's Quality
An official statement from the Breeders' Cup said: "She’s Quality was eased by jockey Colin Keane out of an abundance of caution during the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint and was immediately attended to by multiple members of the Breeders’ Cup Veterinary Team.
"After walking onto the equine ambulance and undergoing a thorough examination at the Southern California Equine Foundation (SCEF) hospital, she is back at her barn and will continue to be closely monitored."
Winning reaction
Irad Ortiz Jr on NBC: "She's great and she's been working so good since the summer. I need to congratulate Jose (D'Angelo, trainer) for his great work on the horse and the whole staff behind him. He's a good person and we're close, we have a good relationship."
Trainer Jose Francisco D'Angelo on NBC: "Since the first day I saw her I knew she was special, I knew she was destined for this kind of thing. I saw her lose at Oaklawn Park and said we had to go onto the turf.
“As soon as I put her on turf she looked different. She has all the natural speed and she exploded today, it worked perfectly. I’m so happy, I can’t explain it. Thank you to God, my owners, my team and my family. I watched the Breeders' Cup like a fan, and now we're here."
Trackside comment
It’s the US horses who hold the edge in the paddock: AG Bullet and Governor Sam.
AG Bullet isn’t what you’d expect to see from an American sprinter, he’s athletic and leggy rather than the big bull of a colt that Governor Sam is - they both make plenty of appeal in their own ways.
Khaadem and She’s Quality are both taking the proceedings well. The filly has a tendency to get on her toes in preliminaries but America suits her and she’s settled beautifully.
Timeform verdict (selection is a non-runner)
This doesn't look the deepest Group One. ARIZONA BLAZE is well to the fore on several indicators and looks to have decent prospects. Ag Bullet is on a two-race winning streak and can emerge best of the rest. Motorious shouldn't be far away either.
Matt Brocklebank selection
Starlust managed it 12 months ago but this five-furlong track is pretty brutal for the European sprinters and I’d be looking towards AG BULLET improving on his third from last year. He was only beaten a neck and looks to have improved again this season including an impressive Grade 1 win at Saratoga two starts ago. Stall 8 should give Johnny Velazquez all the options he needs.
19:00 Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (Grade 1)
Full result
1. SPLENDORA 100/30
2. Vahva 12/1
3. Hope Road 5/4 favourite
Winning reaction
Jockey Flavien Prat on NBC: "It means a lot, I came here in this country and people welcome you with open arms. I've had the chance to ride for some of the best trainers, I'm very grateful. He rold me that she had a good pocket trip last time and she liked it, so I tried to do that again. The pace was good and I felt very comfortable the whole way."
Trainer Bob Baffert on NBC: "She'd been working just unbelievable in the morning and Prat is the best, he deserved it."
On equalling D. Wayne Lukas with his 20th Breeders' Cup success, Baffert added: "It means a lot because he did so much for the sport, he made the Breeders' Cup so elegant. That got me into the business, I thought I'd follow Wayne. I miss him. To be tied with D Wayne is an honour."
Trackside comment
We don’t know these fillies and mares too well, but Hope Road has caught the eye during track mornings and on the course. She’s a powerful filly and looks spot on. Praying might not be the rank outsider on looks, she’s a big girl who captures the attention in the mornings.
Timeform verdict
HOPE ROAD has to be of serious interest given strike rate at this venue and looks the one to get on board with. Sweet Azteca had daylight back in second last time and is our next pick. Richi also commands consideration.
Matt Brocklebank selection
HOPE ROAD is proven at the track, over the trip, in Grade 1 company and despite not being seen since August, she's won after similar breaks in the past including in the Ballerina Stakes at Saratoga. Stall 8 on the outside is probably best on the dirt track here and Bob Baffert's first string does look like she'll take the world of beating.
Hello and welcome to the Breeders' Cup 'Trackside' special. With Matt Brocklebank safely ensconced in West Yorkshire and reliable Trackside Live operative Vicki Gibbins soaking up the slightly warmer delights of Southern California at Del Mar, we have the Breeders' Cup just about covered for you this evening.
Timeform have provided their race-by-race selections on the quality action to come, while Matt and resident Verdict writer Ben Linfoot are both taking a pop at short-priced favourite Minnie Hauk in the Breeders' Cup Turf in their regular Saturday columns.
Hot on the heels of a gripping Arc de Triomphe and stellar edition of the Champion Stakes at Ascot, this year's BC Turf does look just as tasty - certainly from a European perspective - and it will be interesting to see if Aidan O'Brien can add to his record-breaking haul of Breeders' Cup winners and close in on that 28 top-level winners for the calendar year. He needs two to equal and three to break new ground.
Francis Graffard is standing in his way once more with Goliath reportedly back to his very best according to some, while Charlie Appleby has seven-year-old stalwart/legend Rebel's Romance bidding for an unprecedented third victory in the race. Amiloc, El Cordobes, Rashabar and Ethical Diamond add further intrigue from this part of the world, not forgetting James Owen's Wimbledon Hawkeye under Frankie Dettori. He couldn't, could he?
The Breeders' Cup Classic comes under the spotlight here thanks to the excellent Steve Andersen, the Daily Racing Form's west coast correspondent, while if you just want to read about some of the star US runners on the card then look no further than Timeform's top three.
The good stuff gets going with the Filly & Mare Sprint (on the dirt) at 19:00 GMT, followed by the Turf Sprint at 19:41. Set your clocks for the Turf at 21:41, just as Liverpool v Villa is reaching its conclusion (Jake Osgathorpe is backing Emi Martinez to be carded if you're interested), while the Breeders' Cup Mile featuring class act Notable Speech, shock Sussex hero Qirat and Juddmonte ownermate Jonquil comes up at 23:05.
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