Europeans in the Turf box seat again as Rebel's Romance leads way for Appleby and Dettori is reunited with Emily Upjohn

The European challengers know what it takes to win the Breeders' Cup Turf with eight wins from the past ten renewals and with the first five in the market it looks highly likely they will be successful again.

Charlie Appleby has emerged victorious twice in the past three years and has a strong chance again with 2022 winner Rebel’s Romance. His only defeat this season came in the King George behind Goliath and subsequent Arc winner Bluestocking, arguably stronger form for this season than any other in the race and his most recent win in Germany has also been boosted with the second winning since. He will need to overcome a wide draw from stall 11, but he is tactically versatile and can overcome this.

Emily Upjohn, also at the head of the market, is reunited with Frankie Dettori. As with Rebel’s Romance, her form behind Bluestocking most recently looks very strong, and conditions are going to be much more in her favour this time round. If she can break well from stall two she should go close.

Jayarebe, Luxembourg and Wingspan make up the rest of the European contingent. Jayarebe has been in fine form all season but will need to step forward again if he is to win a race at the highest level.

Of the Aidan O’Brien pair Ryan Moore has opted for Luxembourg. Successful in the Group 1 Coronation Cup this year but below the level of the others, he will need everything to go right for him. Wingspan, on the other hand, is an improving three-year-old and can make her presence felt from a wide draw.

Of the home team, Far Bridge holds the strongest claims and doesn’t have a huge amount to find on Racing Post Ratings with Rebel’s Romance and Emily Upjohn. But recent history suggests he will have his work cut out to beat the Europeans.

The six-year-old Shahryar looks Japan’s best chance and finished third in the race last year. But he finished second to Rebel’s Romance at Meydan in March, and it’s unlikely the form will be reversed.
Analysis by Jonny Pearson

What they say

John Gosden, joint-trainer of Emily Upjohn
She’ll get her ground here, but it is a tight three-turn mile and a half which for a filly like her is not a typical European style but I’m sure she’ll put in a good show. We’re taking on the colts because a mile and a half is a better trip for her. The gate is at the beginning of the back stretch, so the draw doesn’t matter as much as in the filly’s race, so we felt this gave her a better chance. It’ll probably be her last race so why not go for the big one.

Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Luxembourg and Wingspan
Luxembourg has played second or third string in other races but he’s here as first and we feel the track and trip will suit him. He’s got a nice draw in stall four and is very uncomplicated. Wingspan is also very uncomplicated and we look forward to seeing her over this trip. She could run a very big race.

Sean Levey, rider of Jayarebe
He’s got more calmer and more professional with every run and as he’s been perfect after coming over here so far. He’s got a perfect draw in five and he’s got the right horses down his inside, so you can only imagine he’ll run a massive race. He’s not one-dimensional by any means as you can sit where you want, and I think that’ll hold him in good stead on a course like this.

Charlie Appleby, trainer of Rebel’s Romance
He’s travelled over great. I was delighted with his run in Germany – we had given him a nice break after the King George as that was a gruelling race. He was 85-90 per cent fit when he ran in Germany and was just getting a bit tired in the last 100 yards. Will [Buick, jockey] got off him that day and said he would improve a ton for it. He's showing the right signs the improvement has come and he looks in great shape.
Reporting by Liam Headd

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