Five horses to follow at the Breeders' Cup this week

Race: Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies’ Turf (Friday, 10.20pm).

This speedy filly looks a perfect candidate for this event. A dazzling winner of the Rockfel from the front last time out on quick ground at Newmarket, she has taken a big step forward following wind surgery.

Her pedigree suggests that a mile could well test her stamina. However, the tight turns at Santa Anita could play to her strengths, and she should stay this easy mile.

Her potent turn of foot could be her biggest weapon, and if she is able to race handily, she could be a real threat turning for home.

Cheveley Park heroine Porta Fortuna is a danger, but she has endured a tough season and the main challenge could come from the unbeaten She Feels Pretty who impressed at Woodbine last time out.

Race: Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (Friday, 11.40pm).

Aidan O’Brien is triply-represented as he chases a sixth victory in this Grade One event, and has the top two in the market in the shape of River Tiber and Unquestionable. The former surely has stamina issues to overcome, despite this being an easy mile, whilst Unquestionable’s stamina came up short when stepped up to seven furlongs for the first time when second in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere.

Therefore, preference is for lesser-fabled stable companion Mountain Bear. Kept busy this term, he recorded a second win from seven starts when scoring at Dundalk over seven furlongs last time out. However, he was not stopping at the finish and really caught the eye in the manner in which he finished the race. He is far more exposed and perhaps lack the class of his stable companions, but could still well be on the upgrade, so is one to note.

Race: Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf (Saturday, 7.10pm).

A filly who loves quick ground, she has produced outstanding performances to land the Yorkshire Oaks and the Prix Vermeille on her last two starts over 12 furlongs. Tactically versatile, she also boasts a potent turn of foot which could see her to best effect in this contest.

There has to be a concern that a tough season, where she has run seven times, may finally catch up with her, but the drop back to ten furlongs should not be an issue, and she should be able to serve it up to Inspiral who is greatly feared on the back of successive Group One victories, her latter success being a facile win in the Sun Chariot. Her Prix Jacques Le Marois win over Big Rock has also taken a boost following his Champions Day heroics. However, she does have questions to answer regarding this step up in trip.

With that in mind, Warm Heart, in receipt of 4lb from her main rival, shades the verdict and is taken to record her third top-level victory of the season.

Race: Breeders’ Cup Mile (Saturday, 8.30pm).

The three-time Group One winner saw off the gallant Soadashi in the Victoria Mile earlier this term, before recording more top-level success in the Yasuda Kinen.

Denied by a nose when attempting to defy short-priced favouritism over nine furlongs at Tokyo last time out, a mile is plainly her trip and despite being more exposed than some of her rivals, namely 1000 Guineas heroine Mawj, quick ground and a sharp mile will be right up her alley, and she makes plenty of appeal.

Race:Breeders’ Cup Classic (Saturday, 10.40pm).

The imposing six-year-old has turned a corner this term and dazzled when powering home to land the Dubai World Cup. Slowly into stride and out the back for the majority of 10-furlong event, he powered home to deny Algiers and looked better the further he went.

His relentless galloping ability will stand him in good stead here and he warmed up for this assignment with a comfortable victory in Listed company last time out. There is always a concern taking on the US’ best and Arabian Knight and White Abarrio, both successful in Grade One company last time out, are respected. However, there does not seem to be a stand-out in this year’s field. Arcangelo has looked a superstar with four brilliant wins of late.

By comparison, there is no doubting that there was style along with substance to Ushba Tesoro’s Dubai World Cup win and he looks a legitimate contender for the feature event of the meeting.