Birchwood's Close Third In Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf
Birchwood lost out in a three-way photo for the mile US$1-million G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland, USA, on Friday, October 30.
Birchwood lost out in a three-way photo for the mile US$1-million G1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf at Keeneland, USA, on Friday, October 30.
The two-year-old Dark Angel colt, trained by Richard Fahey and partnered by James Doyle, broke well from stall six and was settled seventh of the 14-strong field.
He dropped back to ninth on the far side before making some progress entering the straight to go fourth.
Birchwood ran on well to take the lead momentarily with a half-furlong to race but could not hold the challenges of the winner Hit It A Bomb, whose time was 1m 38.86s, and second Airoforce. The Godolphin challenger went down by two necks.
Richard Fahey commented: "Birchwood has run an absolute blinder to finish third at the Breeders' Cup. He's so tough - a great horse.
"For two strides, I thought he was going to win but he pricked his ears when getting to the front and was just run out of it.
"James was very pleased with the performance. We will get Birchwood home and then discuss what to do with him next year.
James Doyle added: "They were going a bit quick and he was a bit keen around the first turn.
"I had a good trip down the straight and he didn't get stopped, finishing well. I'm really pleased with his run."
The other Godolphin runner, Cymric (John Gosden/William Buick), exited quickly from stall 13 on the outside and soon raced in third on the outside.
The colt was one-paced from over a furlong out and faded to finish eighth.
