Ribchester out to prove he is world's best in Mile

10.19 Del Mar
Breeders' Cup Mile (Grade 1) | 1m | 3yo+ | turf | ATR/RUK

Europe's champion miler sets an outstanding level of form in the Breeders' Cup Mile, boasting four Group 1 wins at the distance, three of them this campaign, but must shrug off the effects of a tough race at Ascot just a fortnight ago.

Ribchester was unable to fend off the late challenge of the John Gosden-trained Persuasive in the QEII, in which Breeders' Cup Classic contender Churchill was third.

That race took place on ground that was unsuitably soft for the Richard Fahey-trained colt, whose best form this season was his Queen Anne win on good to firm ground. Aside from that race, this will be the first time this season Ribchester has encountered fast ground.

This will be his final race as Godolphin's four-year-old is off to stud afterwards.

"The fact Richard has sent him over here gives me great confidence," said rider William Buick, who is seeking his first Breeders' Cup win. "The horse looks great and now we just need a bit of luck.

Ribchester (blue): losing out to Persuasive in the QEIICredit: Mark Cranham

"He travels very well and can quicken off a fast pace. If you ran in the six-furlong race he probably wouldn't look out of place, but he stays the mile very well; it's not very often you can say that about a horse.

"If you get a nice run through and things happen smoothly for us we'll be there with a shot."

Fahey added: “He’s fit and he seems to have taken his last race in his stride. He’s travelled well out here and I’m happy enough with him."

Pros If the firm surface brings out this multiple Group 1 winner's best form he should have the beating of this field

Cons Has had a long hard season, which began in Dubai in March, and had a tough race at Ascot just a fortnight ago

Roly Poly looks to overcome wide berth

Roly Poly is set for her ninth start of 2017 but showed no signs of weariness last time at Newmarket in the Sun Chariot, form that was highlighted when Persuasive, runner-up that day, beat Ribchester at Ascot.

That victory, along with two other top-tier wins this campaign, marks Roly Poly out as one of the Mile's leading contenders, but she was dealt a poor hand at Monday's draw ceremony, landing stall 12 of 14.

Ryan Moore will need to produce something special and hope for a slice of luck if he and his mount are to overcome that draw, which is a particularly tough feat on the mile turf course at Del Mar.

"She'll go forward but whether she's able to get a position I'm not sure, we'll see," said O'Brien.

Lancaster Bomber, last year's Juvenile Turf second at Santa Anita, has a far more favourable draw in four.

O'Brien added: "Lancaster Bomber will go forward as well. He's had a busy time but he's in good form and will love the trip and track."

Roly Poly pros Tough filly whose latest win in the Sun Chariot looks strong form in the wake of Champions Day

Roly Poly cons Outside draw could scupper her chances

Casse's charge seeks World Approval

Mark Casse won this race with Tepin two years ago and returns with another eyecatching contender in World Approval, who is four from five this season.

Mark Casse: hopes World Approval can win for the fifth time this yearCredit: Keenland Photo

That record includes a striking last-time-out win over Lancaster Bomber in the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile, when World Approval was conceding 12lb to the Ballydoyle horse.

Local confidence in the grey, who has turned in the two best mile performances in North America this year, is well worth noting.

“I think his running style, and with his tactical speed, he fits this course perfectly," said Casse.

"I know a lot has been said about Ribchester, but this is a new ordeal for him. I think being from the US is a bit to our advantage, at least I hope so.

"This is a much tighter-turn track than they've been on before. Another thing is that speed here is a little different than speed in Europe."

World Approval has been handled by Casse's son Norman at Churchill Downs in the run-up to this race and Casse snr added he was delighted with the way his five-year-old had progressed, although his unfortunate choice of comparison might raise eyebrows among those familiar with athletics.

“I hadn’t seen him in a while and I can’t believe how much bigger and stronger he looks," he said. "He used to be a little leaner and longer, like a Kenyan runner. Now he’s got some Ben Johnson in him. He looks a little more like a miler type.”

Pros Has improved through the year, is ideally drawn in five and runs for a top trainer who knows what it takes to win this race

Cons Hard to find fault but Ribchester represents his toughest challenger to date

What the rest say

Phil D'Amato, trainer of Midnight Storm
We drew the rail so we’ll have to jump out of there and keep him on the engine, but he’s acting like his old self and I think he’ll give us everything he’s got.

Rupert Pritchard-Gordon, representative of Al Shaqab, owners of Zelzal and Karar
Zelzal comes here fresh, will have the ground he enjoys for the first time this season and has a nice draw. Francis [Graffard] is really pleased with Karar, probably more so than coming into the race last year.

Hugo Palmer, trainer of Home Of The Brave
I think this is the ideal race. Every time he's won over seven furlongs he's looked like the mile will be no problem. He's got an each-way form chance anyway and if we can get him into a striking position bigger horses might not like the turns and short straight as much as he will.

Bill Mott, trainer of Ballagh Rocks
I’m hopeful there’s a good honest pace. He needs a strong one to run into. I think that’ll help him out a little bit.