Favourite River Tiber out of the Juvenile Turf - but Aidan O'Brien could still hold the aces

Aidan O’Brien has won the Juvenile Turf in three of the last ten years, most recently with Victoria Road 12 months ago, and he saddles Mountain Bear and Unquestionable following the withdrawal of River Tiber.

Mountain Bear doesn’t have a mountain to climb, but a far more convincing case can be built for Unquestionable, who has won only a Curragh maiden but has run several excellent races in defeat in Pattern company since, including runner-up to the promising Rosallion in the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere last time.

The American challenge is led by the Christophe Clement-trained Carson’s Run, impressive in a Grade 1 at Woodbine in September, while Agate Road, winner of a Grade 2 at Aqueduct last time, is a strong finisher who retains potential.

The unbeaten Endlessly, arriving after of a pair of Grade 3 wins, is also worth noting. He has a bit to find with the form principals, but has the potential to do better.
Race analysis by Matt Gardner

O'Brien takes aim again

Ten of the 16 runnings of the Juvenile Turf have gone to British or Irish juveniles, and the trophy will be heading to Ballydoyle if there is a European winner with Aidan O’Brien fielding a particularly powerful team.

The betting was dominated by River Tiber before his withdrawal on Friday and Unquestionable, who starts wider in stall eight and has Ryan Moore in the saddle, appears the main Ballydoyle hope now. He is stepping up to a mile for the first time and brings top-level form.

There was a valid excuse for Unquestionable’s one formbook blemish as the son of Wootton Bassett banged his head on the stalls before finishing fourth in the Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh in August.

He returned with a career-best second to Rosallion in the Jean-Luc Lagardere at Longchamp last time on his first start over 7f.

O’Brien, who has won the Juvenile Turf a record five times, including with Victoria Road last year, said: “We were delighted with his Longchamp run and he should be fine on this quick ground. We’ve always felt he could stay further.”

Mountain Bear is the perceived third string in stall 12 and has plenty of experience from seven runs. He won the Listed Star Appeal Stakes at Dundalk last time and is ridden by Dylan Browne McMonagle. O’Brien said: “We think the combination of the mile and fast ground will suit him well.”

What they say

Mark Casse, trainer of Can Group and My Boy Prince
The drop back in trip is a concern for Can Group, although he will be finishing well. My Boy Prince should enjoy this track and is not without a chance.

Todd Pletcher, trainer of Agate Road
He comes from the back, so will need luck in running, but he has a big turn of foot.

Michael McCarthy, trainer of Endlessly
The further along we go in his training, the better he's getting, and he's given all the signs that he has a touch of class. Facing the best from Europe, it should be very interesting.

Dylan Davis, rider of Carson’s Run
He’s improving with every start. He’s still learning, even after his last run, and he’s a nice horse. He’s going to be very competitive.
Reporting by Chris Cook

Read more Breeders' Cup preview:

Big Evs has 'really good chance' in clash of three Royal Ascot winners in Juvenile Turf Sprint 

Carla's Way and Porta Fortuna give Britain and Ireland excellent claims in Juvenile Fillies Turf 

Breeders' Cup banker? Tamara bids to emulate illustrious dam Beholder with victory in Juvenile Fillies 

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