Breeders' Cup Podcast: European challenge under spotlight ahead of Keeneland 2020
The strong European travelling contingent is under the spotlight as we look ahead to the 2020 Breeders' Cup at Keeneland.
Matt Brocklebank is in the host's chair as he's joined by Timeform US racing guru Mark Milligan, experienced Breeders' Cup correspondent for the Daily Mail, Marcus Townend, plus our own Richard Mann who has some strong views on the juveniles heading to Kentucky in particular.
The team take a look through the key races from a European standpoint including Magical versus Tarnawa in the Turf, Kameko topping the betting for the mile, as well as giving their views on Future Stars Friday which sees Cadillac take on Battleground.
The podcast also features an interview with Kameko's big-race jockey Oisin Murphy, who gets the leg-up on The Lir Jet in the Juvenile Turf as well on Friday.
Click on the links below to download and listen to our preview special.
Oisin Murphy - Breeders' Cup 2020
Britain's Champion Jockey elect spoke on the Sporting Life Breeders' Cup Podcast and here's what he had to say...
Kameko can conquer Mile rivals
"He felt super when we took him to Kempton before flying out there, he worked with a very good older horse. Everything matches up to where we need him to be. It’s a help that he’s draw low – ideally I’d have maybe wanted somewhere between four and eight – but the horse is in great order.
"We worked fast into the bend at Kempton and he was able to switch his lead and really hit the line so I’m comfortable going there. The feel he gave me the other day was as good as he’s ever felt.
"The Joel Stakes was really good, on ratings on improve it was actually an improvement of a couple of pounds. It’s very hard for a three-year-old to give older horses weight and they weren’t just older horses. Benbatl is world-class so I was thrilled with the performance. And he feels in better shape than he was going into that race."
No trip fears over The Lir Jet
"He goes up to a mile in the Juvenile Turf but the pace will be much faster – it’s not as much as a test of stamina at all (compared to a mile at Ascot or Newmarket over here).
"The horse went seven furlongs left-handed at Chelmsford before travelling out there. He didn’t do anything crazy but he showed enough that he warrants his place and he’s obviously a Royal Ascot winner.
"He’s very relaxed and I genuinely feel he will stay. It would have been crazy going for the Juvenile Turf Sprint as he wouldn’t have been able to lay up and this was the best option."
First time for everything
"I don’t personally have any experience of riding there but I’ve been there a couple of years ago for the sales and had a walk around the course.
"And I watched Found and Golden Horn and all the re-runs of when the Breeders’ Cup was last at Keeneland so I’ve done my homework and I’ll continue to prepare so hopefully we’ll get it right on the day."
Keeping the show on the road
"It’s a very tough time for everyone and as jockeys we’re in a privileged position to be able to go and work – it’s obviously our passion too so it doesn’t feel like work – but to be able to give everyone something to cheer and smile about, we need to take full advantage of this.
"It’s another opportunity for horse racing to reach people it normally wouldn’t. And I’ll be doing everything in my power to get new people into the sport and hopefully give them something to shout about."
More Breeders' Cup 2020 content
Championship Saturday: Meet the favourites
Future Stars Friday: Meet the favourites
Breeders' Cup: Keeneland revisited
Timeform: Breeders' Cup memories
Ryan Moore: My Breeder's Cup rides
Aidan O'Brien: My Keeneland team
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