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| Staff Writer |
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Aidan O'Brien is in a favourable position as he aims to achieve consecutive victories in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita.
This one-mile event concludes the first night of Breeders' Cup action, and O'Brien, who triumphed with Victoria Road at Keeneland last year, holds the record for winning the race five times.
This time, Ryan Moore has put together a team of three horses in search of his sixth victory. River Tiber, Unquestionable, and Mountain Bear are all set to compete in California. Ryan Moore has chosen River Tiber, who has proven his worth with impressive performances at the Prix Morny and Middle Park, as well as a win at Royal Ascot.
"We always thought River Tiber was a really good horse," said O'Brien.
"His last two runs have been a little bit below par. In France he had a break before and we perhaps didn't quite have him at his best and the last day we felt we didn't have him at his best either.
"We think he has come right since Newmarket and I think he is rated 3lb below the other horse (Unquestionable) but he has always been a very classy horse and we think he is better now than he was for his last two runs. All the ducks weren't in a row the last time."
River Tiber will be competing beyond six furlongs for the first time. However, O'Brien is enthusiastic about evaluating the colt's abilities over a mile at a track that is likely to highlight his strengths.
Speaking during Breakfast at the Breeders' Cup on Thursday, he added, "We always thought he would love stepping up to seven, so if we thought he would get seven at home, he should get a mile around here. He has a nice draw and a flat track and we're looking forward to seeing what he does."
Unquestionable has been performing admirably in Group company, but has yet to clinch the top spot. In his last outing, he finished a commendable second to Rosallion in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at Paris Longchamp. Frankie Dettori will be riding the talented son of Wootton Bassett, who has been consistently close to victory throughout the summer season.
"Ryan was delighted with him in France and said the split just came a little bit too early for him and he had to go early," continued O'Brien.
"Obviously when the split came he had to go and he would have just preferred to wait a little bit longer. He ran a very good race.
"We always felt a mile would be well within his compass and he's in very good form and has a nice draw as well."
Although the O'Brien trio are the only European contenders in this race, American challengers are also vying for the top spot. Todd Pletcher's Agate Road, who is seeking a hat-trick, and Michael McCarthy's Endlessly, with an unbeaten record of three wins and experience on this track, present formidable competition.