Westmeath-based horse trainer Adrian Murray is hopeful that both Arizona Blaze and Hill Road, his entrants, can outperform their expected odds at the forthcoming Breeders’ Cup scheduled for Friday in Del Mar. Murray works as the trainer for both horses under the management of Kia Joorabchian’s Amo Racing. His initial experience at this notable US event a year earlier saw his prized horse, Valiant Force, finishing second in the Juvenile Turf Sprint, after running closely behind front runner, Big Evs.
Now freshly returned to California, Murray is eager to improve his fortunes at the race track with Arizona Blaze, a seasoned competitor who has not missed the top four placement in any of his eight races to date. In fact, the horse clinched a triumphant Group Three victory earlier this May.
“Both Arizona Blaze and Hill Road are in great form and we’re sincerely optimistic about the upcoming race. Arizona Blaze’s consistent performance throughout the year has been very encouraging”, Murray expressed.
As far as the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile race is concerned, Murray is banking on Hill Road, who will be only making his third career start. Despite the horse’s lacklustre performance in the National Stakes where he met Group One participants shortly after winning his debut race at Leopardstown, both Murray and horse owners reckon Hill Road can deliver a strong performance on the new track, as he tackles some of top juveniles of American horse racing.
Murray added, “Hill Road seems comfortable on the dirt. And despite it’s only been a quick training round, he has managed it well and is in peak condition. He’s really class and we expect him to handle the one-mile race effortlessly.”
As Oisín Murphy heads to Del Mar, he’s focused on quality over quantity, with his sights set on victories with New Century and Beautiful Love. Murphy, an Irish jockey, has had an impressive 2024, boasting over 200 global wins and earning the title of British champion jockey for the fourth time. He now looks forward to possibly duplicating his only Breeders’ Cup success from 2021 with Marche Lorraine, this time with two exceptional rides.
Murphy’s debut on the Californian grass will be with New Century, a horse from Andrew Balding and Qatar Racing, the prodigy of the Classic winning Kameko. Having proved its mettle with a win already this season, New Century arrives at the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf in peak form, winning its most recent two races and achieving a Grade One Summer Stakes win in August. But, overcoming the eleventh stall, a wide draw, is crucial for a three-win streak.
Regarding New Century, Murphy said, “I’m excited about him. He has been in perfect condition since he got here. I hope the days leading up to the race will go smoothly. The draw of 11 is a bit high, but he’s the pre-race favourite and I hope he’ll perform excellently.”
Next, Murphy will sport the royal blue of Godolphin as he partners with Charlie Appleby’s Beautiful Love in the Filly & Mare Turf on Saturday. Beautiful Love, a progeny of Siyouni, has had the benefit of the American experience under the tutelage of the Moulton Paddock team this summer. Murphy expressed pleasure that Appleby has chosen him to ride Beautiful Love, adding that her extensive American experience and good form make him look forward to riding her.