The O'Brien family seeks to maintain its dominance in the Juvenile Turf, but this time it is Joseph O'Brien who holds the favorite’s hand over his father, Aidan O'Brien
Aidan has won 8 of the 19 editions of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1), including the last four, and will send out four colts at Keeneland. However, his son Joseph will hold a formidable hand with Folsom Blues, a six-length winner of the National Stakes (G1)
LEXINGTON, Kentucky (From a special correspondent).— No trainer has dominated a Breeders' Cup race quite like Aidan O'Brien in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1). The Irish master has won 8 of its 19 runnings, including the last four editions, and this Friday at Keeneland he will aim to extend his extraordinary streak. Curiously, however, his primary adversary might reside within his own family.
His 33-year-old son, Joseph O'Brien, will send out Folsom Blues, one of the leading contenders in the $1-million turf mile.
The colt arrives off a stellar campaign, highlighted by a runaway six-length victory in the Vincent O'Brien National Stakes (G1) at The Curragh, where he exacted revenge over Florida Bay (Mehmas), who had previously defeated him.
He also finished runner-up behind two extraordinary fillies: Sun Goddess (Sioux Nation) and Amusingly (No Nay Never), both headline figures in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1).
“He is a horse that adapts to different ground conditions and pace scenarios. He has been remarkably consistent,” Joseph noted.
Dylan Browne McMonagle returns to the saddle, breaking from post 10.
Aidan, meanwhile, originally entered four runners, but at least one will miss the gate—Man's Best Friend (No Nay Never)—while rumors swirl that Great Barrier Reef (No Nay Never) could also be scratched. As things stand, his primary contenders will be Haffner (Justify) and the aforementioned Florida Bay.
Haffner, winner of the Royal Lodge Stakes (G2) over 1,600 meters, will have the services of Christophe Soumillonfrom post 4. His trainer believes he will excel on firmer turf.
His other option is Florida Bay, who opens at 20-1 on the morning line, though Aidan considers him underappreciated by odds-makers.
“He is quick, drew a good post, and will certainly go forward. I think he has a better chance than many realize,” he remarked regarding the colt, who will break from post 3 under Wayne Lordan.
The North American defense also promises to be strong. How's Al Today (Munnings), conditioned by Riley Mott,enters on a two-race winning streak at Kentucky Downs after launching his career on dirt.
“We always felt he could adapt to grass. Now he has to prove he can duplicate that performance on a conventional course,” Mott explained.
Agate (Karakontie), who finished third behind How's Al Today at Kentucky Downs, comes off a victory in the Bourbon Stakes (G2) right here at Keeneland, though he must overcome post 13.
Another intriguing contender is Liam's Law (Liam's Map), undefeated in two starts on grass for trainer Todd Pletcher. He won both gate-to-wire and could dictate the early pace.
Oscar (Oscar Performance), trained by Miguel Clement, was second in the Summer Stakes (G1) at Woodbine and gets the riding services of William Buick.
“He is versatile, has tactical speed to position himself, and possesses a sharp turn of foot,” Clement highlighted.
Finally, Let Em Know (Jackie's Warrior), trained by Whit Beckman, arrives following a triumph in the Pilgrim Stakes (G2), putting behind a troubled trip in the Summer Stakes (G1).
“He needs clear running on the outside to deliver his kick. Once he reaches the lead, he loves a fight,” his trainer explained.
The Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) will wrap up Friday's ten-race card, which features five Breeders' Cup events reserved exclusively for two-year-olds.
Aidan O'Brien will seek his fifth consecutive victory and the ninth of his career in this event. But Joseph holds Folsom Blues, a colt that has already proven to be among Europe’s elite and threatens to keep the trophy in the family—just changing hands.
