Arizona Blaze (GB) will go for Andrew Balding in the Turf Sprint having run in the 2024 Juvenile Turf Sprint finishing second by half of a length. (Ernie Belmonte/Past The Wire)
INTERNATIONAL REPORT
As the Breeders’ Cup World Championship draws ever nearer, the European contenders all exercised on the Del Mar track this morning.
Cathedral (GB) (Maker’s Mark Filly & Mare Turf) was the first of the Europeans who went on the main track under the watchful eye of her trainer Kevin Phillipart de Foy.
Kevin Phillipart de Foy said, “Cathedral came out of her last race in great shape. We were keen to step her up in trip after Newmarket, the extra 3 furlongs on fast ground should suit her very well. The filly traveled well and should be seen at her best on Saturday.”
Andrew Balding’s trio of horses all trained on the turf track along with Wimbledon Hawkeye (GB) (Turf) and Arizona Blaze (GB) (Turf Sprint).
ARIZONA BLAZE (GB) was on the track at Del Mar this morning getting ready for the @BreedersCup Turf Sprint. He finished 2nd last year in the @BreedersCup Juvenile Turf Sprint. pic.twitter.com/0rAF2pkgSx
— FanDuel Racing (@FanDuel_Racing) October 30, 2025
Francis-Henri Graffard, trainer of Gezora (FR) (Filly & Mare Turf), Goliath (GER)(Turf) and Sahlan (IRE) (Turf) was trackside to see his horses exercise on the main track.
Francis-Henri Graffard said; “I think I have three really good chances, and they all have good draws, but maybe Sahlan is the best chance of the three. He was a little bit upset earlier in the week but since then I have been very pleased with him out on the track. He looks strong and is ready to fight. I really couldn’t be happier with Goliath, and I think I’ve got him back to his best for the first time this season. His run in Hong Kong at the start of the year jeopardized everything. He got so upset and he traveled over very badly, so it was a hard season for him. He looks fantastic now, though, and his work rider thinks he is back to his best. I just hope the vets let him run because of his stringhalt, but I could not be happier with the horse.
It's not a big International race meet unless this fella's here…
— World Horse Racing (@WHR) October 29, 2025
: @toshionikubo #Goliath | #BC25 | @BreedersCup pic.twitter.com/nZrzz7KHKF
“Goliath’s win last year in the King George (G1) was very special for my career. He’s like our mascot in the team, he’s very special. People are forgetting about him too quickly and I hope he can prove just how good he still is. He was so impressive in the King George, and I think we have him back to that sort of level now.
Gezora is a very straightforward filly. The Arc was a non-event for her, she was too far back. I’ve been happy with her out on the track this week. She looks good and if she gets a clear run, she should be very competitive. I think she might stay in the U.S. after the race.”
Jack Davison, trainer of She’s Quality (IRE) (Turf Sprint) was trackside this morning ahead of his first runner at the Breeders’ Cup on Saturday. She’s Quality went through the gates this morning and trained on the main track.
Jack Davison said, “This is a race I’ve been really looking forward to for She’s Quality. It’s nice fast ground, a 5-furlong sprint around a bend which should suit really well. She’s had a busy schedule all year and has traveled plenty, she hasn’t showed any signs of slowing down. She’s got a great constitution, traveled over really well and seems to be in great form, exercising well on the track in the mornings and everyone is really happy with her, so we’re really excited about running in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. We rate this filly very highly and I expect her to be competitive on Saturday.”
Rossa Ryan rides Amiloc (GB) (Turf) and Qirat (GB) (Mile) for trainer Ralph Beckett.
Rossa Ryan said, Amiloc is well. The form of his last run in Ireland you’d hope was solid having finished second to Al Riffa (FR) who is favorite for the Melbourne Cup next week. We’ve got a good draw; he’ll handle the ground which he showed at Royal Ascot and that form backed up well. He’s in good form and beginning to grow into himself and he seems to be thriving since he’s been in Del Mar. He’s an easy ride, full of character, don’t get me wrong. He prances around there like he owns the place. He’s not the biggest in the world but fairly straightforward. He wouldn’t be the greatest of work horses in the morning but does it on the track which is the main thing.
“Qirat needs to break well which he did this morning so will be interesting to see how he goes. If he gets on the front end, he’s an aggressive galloper and they’ll need to work hard to get by him, whether he’s good enough to keep going, we’ll see.”
Back for more #BreedersCup success!@Rossaryan15 got his first Breeders’ Cup win with Starlust last year, and he and Ralph Beckett are back with AMILOC & QIRAT. pic.twitter.com/Un6HuQmTvm
— Breeders' Cup (@BreedersCup) October 30, 2025
Willie Mullins was trackside to watch Ethical Diamond (IRE) (Turf) go through the gates and train on the main track.
Willie Mullins said, “Realistically we don’t think we can finish in the first four, but if we can get fifth, sixth or seventh then that would be great. Maybe from his draw in 14 we can slot in behind and let the race develop and try and come through. We’ll probably ride for luck and see how we go.”
Irish trainers Championship
— ITM (@IREthoroughbred) October 29, 2025
British trainers Championship
@BreedersCup World Championships?
Can @WillieMullinsNH crown an exceptional 2025 with a BC win? ETHICAL DIAMOND (IRE) takes his chance in the G1 Breeders' Cup Turf at @DelMarRacing. #BC25 pic.twitter.com/owVWvWo4oz
Joseph O’Brien once again exercised his two horses on the main track at the back of his father, Aidan’s string.
Joseph O’Brien said, North Coast (IRE) (Juvenile Turf) has prepared well for the race. He’ll enjoy getting back round a turn and I’m happy with his draw in gate 6. I think he has a chance of being in the places.
“Queen Of Hawaii (IRE) (Juvenile Fillies Turf) is a smart filly with a good draw in gate 2 as well. Hopefully she gets a smooth passage from the inside, and she also has a place chance.”
