'Really good' Pyledriver has Breeders' Cup option after minor setback

William Muir has never been to the States but that could soon change as he is leaning towards the idea of his stable star Pyledriver running in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Keeneland on November 5.

Muir, who trains in Lambourn in partnership with Chris Grassick, was forced to rule the five-year-old out of the Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe recently, but the setback is minor and he is due to appear again this year.

While the leading option is the Breeders’ Cup, the Japan
Cup three weeks later and December’s Longines Hong Kong Vase – in
which Pyledriver, who runs in the colours of the La Pyle Partnership,
finished second last year – remain alternatives if he needs more time.

Muir said: "He's good, really good. To be honest, he is very nearly perfect, but I scratched him straight from the Arc because I knew he could come right and I didn't want to be tempted to run him.

"He's in great shape and doing plenty of swimming, so we're looking at those options and after speaking to the owners we may be leaning towards the Breeders' Cup. That's only a possible, however, and if I need a few more weeks there's the Japan Cup."

Pyledriver was the stable's first top-flight winner in last year's Coronation Cup at Epsom before claiming another top-level success this summer in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

"I've never had a runner at the Breeders' Cup, I've never even been to the country," Muir added. "It would be a nice experience because if he goes there, he'll be in extremely good form."

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