Elliott books Rosario for Beckford ride in Juvenile Turf

Gordon Elliott has booked top US-based jockey Joel Rosario to ride Beckford in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Del Mar on Friday.

Beckford, winner of the Group 2 Railway Stakes at the Curragh in July and twice runner-up at Group 1 level, will be Elliott's first Breeders' Cup runner and will be tackling a mile for the first time.

Elliott said: "Not only have I never had a Breeders' Cup runner – I've never been to a Breeders' Cup meeting and I'm looking forward to going.

"Beckford is over there. He travelled well and is in good form. There has to be a slight doubt about the mile for him, but a level track and good ground should suit him."

On his most recent start, Beckford, a son of Bated Breath, finished fifth in the Middle Park Stakes.

Rosario, 32, has had many big-race successes including the Dubai World Cup on Animal Kingdom in 2013 and that year's Kentucky Derby on Orb. He also rode No Nay Never to victory in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, also in 2013.

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