Del Mar dream is on for Prescott and Morris with Marsha
Sir Mark Prescott is set to have a first runner at the Breeders' Cup next month as his top sprinter Marsha has been assigned a rematch with Lady Aurelia in the $1 million Turf Sprint.
The four-year-old was thought to have been retired following her excellent second to Battaash when attempting successive wins in the Group 1 Prix de l'Abbaye at Chantilly last time.
Before that, Marsha dramatically nailed Lady Aurelia on the line to record a seventh career success in the Nunthorpe Stakes at York in August and the rematch will be a particular highlight of the two-day Del Mar extravaganza.
Prescott said of his charge, who is 5-1 second favourite behind 11-8 market leader Lady Aurelia: "It's the ultimate OAP outing I suppose but the filly seems well and we're planning to give it a go.
"It will be my first runner at the Breeders' Cup in 47 years of training and as you can imagine I know nothing of Del Mar, but I will ask my friend Mr Noseda who keeps me right on the layout of US tracks."
On the chances of coming back with a victory at his first attempt, he added: "It's a five-furlong race but they tell me the straight is only a furlong and a half long, so I doubt we'll see which way Lady Aurelia goes around there to be honest."
It will also be a first Breeders' Cup for jockey Luke Morris, who has previously watched it on TV while riding at places like Doncaster or Wolverhampton.
He said: "I've grown up watching stars like Swain and Daylami at Breeders' Cups down the years and it will be fantastic to finally ride there for the first time, especially on a filly with a live chance.
"I nearly had a ride there in 2010 when Gilt Edged Girl was invited after winning the Abbaye, but she didn't go in the end."
Morris will have to delay the defence of his winter all-weather title as he plans to head to California in plenty of time.
He added: "I've not ridden at Del Mar but I did spend three months in California with Ben Cecil as an apprentice so I know the style of racing.
"I plan to get out there and ride Marsha in trackwork and I'd expect her to run well as she'll like the probable fast ground."
Members can read the latest exclusive interviews, news analysis and comment available from 6pm daily on racingpost.com
Published on inInternational
Last updated
- Skyscraper betting and soaring turnover: Japan's mind-boggling racing experience and the unlikely hero who sparked the boom
- Oisin Murphy a man in demand as revitalised Summer Cup card gives South African racing a platform to build on
- Ben Cecil, Grade 1-winning trainer and nephew of Sir Henry, dies aged 56
- Oisin Murphy: 'Billy Loughnane is the most talented rider I have ever seen at his age'
- Turffontein Summer Cup: Oisin Murphy up against Michael Roberts-trained ace See It Again on first ride in South Africa
- Skyscraper betting and soaring turnover: Japan's mind-boggling racing experience and the unlikely hero who sparked the boom
- Oisin Murphy a man in demand as revitalised Summer Cup card gives South African racing a platform to build on
- Ben Cecil, Grade 1-winning trainer and nephew of Sir Henry, dies aged 56
- Oisin Murphy: 'Billy Loughnane is the most talented rider I have ever seen at his age'
- Turffontein Summer Cup: Oisin Murphy up against Michael Roberts-trained ace See It Again on first ride in South Africa