Aidan O’Brien has just landed in California, only to receive disappointing news as two of his top horses have been assigned unfavorable starting positions at the Breeders’ Cup.
O’Brien, who is on the verge of making racing history with his remarkable season, needs three more Group 1 wins to tie his own world record of 28 victories in a year. Additionally, he is one win away from becoming the most successful Breeders’ Cup trainer ever.
The master trainer has a total of eight chances to enhance his current record of 20 Breeders’ Cup wins over the upcoming Friday and Saturday races. Among his top contenders are Minnie Hauk, the runner-up at the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, competing in the Breeders’ Cup Turf, and the two-year-olds Precise and Gstaad, winners of the Fillies’ Mile and Dewhurst Stakes, respectively.
Unfortunately, both Precise and Gstaad drew wide post positions, with Precise starting from the 13th gate and Gstaad from the 14th gate on the tight turf track at Del Mar.
The news of the unfavorable draws led bookmakers to adjust their odds, with Precise now at 11-10 from Evens and Gstaad at 11-10 from 4-5.
Lee Phelps, a spokesperson, commented on the situation, stating that the European contenders faced challenging starting positions that could reduce their chances on the compact Del Mar course.
Despite the setbacks, O’Brien can take solace in Henri Matisse’s victory from a similar post position last year at the Juvenile Turf race at Del Mar.
Reflecting on his horses’ first day on the track, O’Brien mentioned that they seemed content and relaxed, familiarizing themselves with the surroundings. The horses are scheduled to go through further preparations leading up to the races.
Regarding the unfavorable draws, O’Brien remained pragmatic, acknowledging that it is part of the sport, mentioning that he will seek input from jockey Christophe Soumillon before the races commence.