Joseph O'Brien out to emulate Head by riding and training Breeders' Cup winners

Joseph O’Brien will attempt to emulate the achievements of Freddy Head by recording victories as a rider and a trainer at the Breeders’ Cup when he goes to Santa Anita with two live chances in Iridessa and Alligator Alley on Friday.

Head famously rode Miesque to two Breeders' Cup Mile victories before sending out Goldikova to win the race three times between 2008 and 2010.

In 2011, O'Brien advertised his abilities in the saddle on the world stage when guiding his father Aidan's St Nicholas Abbey to a stunning win in the Breeders’ Cup Turf.

O’Brien will be represented by Iridessa and Alligator Alley respectively at Santa Anita on Friday evening and hopes are high that the 26-year-old trainer can complete the dream double.

Joseph O'Brien returns on St Nicholas Abbey after winning the 2011 Breeders' Cup TurfCredit: Edward Whitaker

Iridessa has been partnered by Wayne Lordan to all three of her top-flight successes and the rider will be back aboard as the pair take their chance in the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mares, a race that has been weakened through Ballydoyle’s ruling out of Magical.

Speaking about Iridessa, O’Brien said: “She has gone over there in great shape. She's done very well this year and has run consistently well in top company.”

He added: “She'll love the quick ground out there but I'm not sure about the tight track – she won't have experienced anything like that before.

"It looks like it’s going to be a competitive race but we're quite hopeful about her chances. Wayne knows her well and he takes the ride.”

Iridessa: will contest the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mares under Wayne LordanCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

Alligator Alley completes the trainer's two-pronged attack, with the colt set to contest the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, again underLordan.

O’Brien said: “He goes for the Juvenile Sprint and he's done nothing but improve all year. We're happy with him and hopefully he can run well.”

He added: “It's a special meeting, it's one of the best meetings in the world every year and it's great to be taking part in it.

“Hopefully, some day we can train a Breeders' Cup winner and it's great to be going over with live chances. We're looking forward to it.”

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