Frankie will need to be at his best as A'Ali's draw will make life difficult

8.12 Santa Anita
Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (Grade 2) | 5f (Turf) | 2yo | Sky

A'Ali has always looked all about speed but that perception will be examined from stall ten of a five-furlong dash that incorporates a bend into the mix.

Since breaking his maiden at the second attempt in the Norfolk Stakes, Simon Crisford's colt suffered his only defeat in three subsequent starts when unsuited by six furlongs on heavy Deauville ground in the Prix Morny.

Back over five on a fast surface at Doncaster for the Flying Childers, the son of Society Rock readily got back to winning ways under Frankie Dettori.

"We're really pleased with him," said Crisford's son and assistant Ed. "It's not ideal being drawn ten but it is what it is and Frankie rides Santa Anita well.

"I think they'll go very quick, so he'll just have to try to get a position and then we'll see. He has a good turn of foot, so it's just whether they come back to him or not."

Frankie Dettori: partners A'Ali for Simon CrisfordCredit: Edward Whitaker

Archie Watson's Band Practice, a daughter of the same sire, is up in grade with Jamie Spencer also in the saddle for a first time. She has progressed to win her last three, most recently in Listed company at Chantilly when conditions were soft, although she has also won on good to firm.

"She is drawn two and is a very fast filly," said Joe Foley, who manages operations for owners Clipper Logistics.

"She was impressive last time in France. She led the whole way there, so I think if she jumps quick from the stalls, she'll have a chance."

Alley looking to turn tables on A'Ali

Joseph O'Brien and Wayne Lordan combine for Alligator Alley, who sports first-time blinkers after breaking slowly when well held behind A'Ali at Doncaster.

The Molecomb runner-up ran out a tidy winner of a York Listed contest in between.

Joseph O'Brien: saddles Alligator Alley, who wears first-time blinkersCredit: Alan Crowhurst

"He has done nothing but improve all year. We're happy with him and hopefully he can run well. On paper he is up against it but he has loads of speed and will love the firm ground," said O'Brien, who is vying to emulate Freddy Head, the only other person to ride and train a Breeders' Cup winner.

O'Brien's father Aidan relies on King Neptune, who is stepping out for a tenth time. So far he has just a Dundalk maiden win to his name but the War Front colt was far from disgraced when fourth in the Middle Park after making the early running.

"Five furlongs on fast ground will suit him well. He hasn't got a great draw but the track, trip and ground will suit him," O'Brien said ahead of a race he won with Declarationofpeace in 2017.

Tom Dascombe: 'I think she is probably good enough to finish placed'Credit: Edward Whitaker

Tom Dascombe's Dr Simpson was a length second to Alligator Alley at York. She is having her ninth start here, having won for a second time when taking the Mercury Stakes at Dundalk.

"I think she is probably good enough to finish placed, hopefully," Dascombe said of Richard Kingscote's mount. "She is very genuine and has been improving throughout the season. If she improves again for a bit of Lasix and a bit of sunshine, we'll see what happens."

Kimari out to atone for Ascot near-miss

Wesley Ward looks to hold the keys to the home team in Four Wheel Drive, Cambria and Kimari, who went down valiantly when chinned by Raffle Prize on the line in a soft-ground Queen Mary at Royal Ascot. Johnny Velazquez's mount has won both her starts on home soil since then.

"We’ve had our eye on this race for months, and these were the horses that emerged as our best chances,” said Ward. "It’ll all be done in less than a minute. Hopefully, all the time we’ve spent aiming for it will pay off."

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