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Big Evs is carrying the hopes of Britain on his broad shoulders as he aims to achieve a memorable victory in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint at Santa Anita.
Mick Appleby's impressive youngster is set to conclude a stellar season on Friday, amidst the beautiful backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains. The standout juvenile of the season, having secured a victory in Royal Ascot, the son of Blue Point had one setback in the Nunthorpe, but made a comeback with a remarkable performance in the Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster.
Excited to have his first runner at the prestigious event, Mick Appleby is confident that his horse can handle the most elite competition.
"I've never really had the right ammo in the 2YO division, but I think with this horse I've proved I can do it," said Appleby.
"After Goodwood we thought about coming here and as to his blip in the Nunthorpe it came just two weeks after a hard race in soft ground and we put a line through it. In hindsight we shouldn't have run at York, it was way too soon.
"Doncaster was a most impressive win and if he reproduces it he will take a lot of beating."
In September, Tom Marquand showed exceptional skill while riding on Town Moor, achieving a spectacular victory from start to finish. He will once again be taking the reins of the talented young horse known for its impressive speed and remarkable starting performances throughout the season.
"He absolutely flew out of the gate this morning and should be as good at it as any of the Americans," said Appleby.
"My main concern is going round a bend, but Tom breezed him yesterday and said he coped with it really well. The ground will ride on the quick side which is fine for us."
George Weaver has three horses racing, including Crimson Advocate, the Royal Ascot champion. No Nay Mets and Amidst Waves are the other two. John Velazquez will be handling Crimson Advocate, who will be racing for the first time in the Wathnan Racing silks. This will be Wathnan Racing's first time participating in the Breeders' Cup.
"We're excited and it will be an exciting day," said Case Clay, Wathnan's racing adviser in the USA.
"This is the Breeders' Cup so it will be very tough competition. We're just hoping for a nice clean break and the nice thing about the turf sprint is it is just get out and go – once the gates open it is going to be just that.
“We’re really happy to have John Velazquez on board, especially with his great experience at Ascot, and that is reassuring. We are just very excited.
“Olly Tait (senior Wathnan representative) has given me instruction to look for quality and she is the first purchase and hopefully there will be some more.”
Keep an eye out for a couple of standout runners from the home team. John Saddler’s Slider is one to watch, as he recently won the Speakeasy Stakes over the same track and distance. Another contender to keep on your radar is Steven Asmussen’s Committee Of One, who defeated Weaver’s Amidst Waves in the Indian Summer Stakes.
Asmussen said, “It was a breakthrough race last time. Obviously, at five-eighths on the turf (in stall 12), you need to get lucky with the trip. He’s a horse that likes to come from a little off of it, so hopefully a good trip will open up.”
Adrian Murray's Valiant Force, who won the Royal Ascot surprisingly, is among the strong Irish challenge for the end-of-season spectacular. Tiger Belle, who is seeking a hat-trick, will be Adrian McGuinness' second runner at the meeting. Givemethebeatboys from Jessica Harrington's Middle Park fourth and Cherry Blossom from Aidan O'Brien's stable will also be making the trip from Ireland. Ralph Beckett's Starlust will have Frankie Dettori as its jockey.