Teona makes appeal in Turf as Weld rues Tarnawa’s wide draw
Del Mar, of all the Breeders’ Cup destinations, is the one which gives Americans home advantage more than any other, with its tight bends and short stretch. It is where races will be won and, for many Europeans, lost by the time the start bell has stopped ringing.
The ground, however, is not as rattling-fast as it might have been, but if you are not within a length or two of the lead turning into the 1½-furlong straight then a jockey, to use a local phrase, will find himself running out of real estate.
The Turf has always been the most productive race for European horses. Once again it looks the strongest chance of success for the raiders, who include Tarnawa (the Arc runner-up and defending champion), Teona (the Prix Vermeille winner), the mercurial Yibir, Walton Street (a recent Grade One winner in Canada) and three Aidan O’brien runners.
Dermot Weld was low-key about Tarnawa’s chances from her outside berth although, due to two defections at the 48-hour stage, she edges her way in from the outside, and the ground will not be too fast for her.
However, I like the look of Roger Varian’s Teona in this.
Charlie Appleby has been very sweet on Space Blues in the Mile. If he had to pick one of his six runners at the meeting, he said, he would have no hesitation in selecting the Prix de la Foret winner.
Mo Forza is generally regarded as the pick of the home team but, at the prices, Dan Blacker’s Hit The Road is worth a second look. With a halfdecent ride, Hit The Road would have beaten Mo Forza in the City of Hope Stakes last time out.
Defending champion Audarya has a bad draw to overcome in the Filly &
Mare Turf. O’brien has found excuses for Love’s defeats this season, but they will both have to be at their best to deal with the Bill Mott-trained War Like Goddess.
Kevin Ryan won the Turf Sprint last year with Glass Slippers, the first European winner of the race. She is back for another shot, and is joined by stablemate Emaraaty Ana. But both have to contend with a trio of Wesley Ward speedballs in Golden Pal, Arrest Me Red and Kimari.