Andrea Atzeni in top-class action as American assignment begins

Andrea Atzeni has his first rides at Santa Anita on Friday as he begins a stint in California.

Atzeni, who rode a Grade 1 double at Woodbine in Canada in October and was in action at the Breeders' Cup at Churchill Downs in Kentucky the following month, intends to spend around six weeks in California.

He rides for British-born trainers Simon Callaghan and Neil Drysdale on Friday and Saturday, with fives mounts across the two days, including Kodiak West in the Grade 1 American Oaks on Saturday.

Closutton mares in Relkeel reckoning

The Willie Mullins-trained mares Laurina and Benie Des Dieux feature among 11 entries for the Grade 2 Dornan Engineering Relkeel Hurdle at Cheltenham on New Year's Day.

One of four races live on ITV from Prestbury Park that day, the Relkeel entry also includes Apple's Shakira, Clyne and Wholestone.

Defi Du Seuil is among 12 entries for the Grade 2 BetBright Dipper Novices' Chase on the same card.

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