While the summer's World Cup captured global attention, the "real sporting American dream" may unfold on Halloween at Keeneland, with several European horses, including Benvenuto Cellini and Purview, being targeted for the Breeders' Cup Turf.
Benvenuto Cellini, a three-year-old chestnut trained by Aidan O'Brien, is considered an ideal candidate for the mile-and-a-half race on what is expected to be fast ground. O'Brien, a seven-time winner of the Breeders' Cup Turf, has a strong record in the event, which regularly sees dominance from Irish and British trainers. Benvenuto Cellini's pedigree, with American sire Newspaperofrecord on his dam's side, further suggests a Stateside trip is a likely option.
Benvenuto Cellini's season has included a controversial run in the Epsom Derby, where he was deemed a non-runner due to issues in the starting stalls and encountered unfavorable soft ground. However, he redeemed himself with a decisive victory in the Irish Derby, reversing form with stablemate Christmas Day. Despite facing stiff competition, including the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes, O'Brien has indicated that the Breeders' Cup Turf is a strong possibility for the colt, especially if he demonstrates suitability for American racing conditions.
"He looks ready-made for the US so the Breeders’ Cup could be an option," O'Brien commented after the Irish Derby success. "He has the action, temperament and all the conditions point to the Breeders’ Cup Turf to be the ideal assignment for him."
Another potential contender is Purview, trained by Dermot Weld. Purview impressed in Group Three company at the Curragh, and Weld has openly stated his intention to target the Breeders' Cup Turf with the horse. Weld previously won the race with Tarnawa in 2020 and sees Purview as a strong contender.
"Colin and I won the Breeders’ Cup Turf with Tarnawa and the plan is to go back there again," Weld said. Purview has shown powerful travel and an easy demeanor under jockey Colin Keane, making him a significant each-way threat.
Trainer Joseph O'Brien also has horses like Johanna Walsh being considered for international campaigns, potentially including events in the United States, depending on ground conditions and race suitability.
Historically, American-trained horses have had success in the Breeders' Cup Turf, but European challengers have also been frequent victors. Bricks And Mortar's win in 2019 marks one of the more recent American triumphs. O'Brien's Ballydoyle stable holds a significant presence in the ante-post market for the race, suggesting a strong European contingent may again compete.
While O'Brien's yard has experienced a relatively quiet period recently, a dip in form is not unusual around the time of major UK races like the King George. Should Benvenuto Cellini not perform as expected in his upcoming assignments, his Breeders' Cup prospects remain strong, potentially at an enhanced price for bettors.
The Breeders' Cup Turf is scheduled to take place on Halloween at Keeneland, offering a significant prize fund and a prestigious international stage for contenders like Benvenuto Cellini and Purview.