Guineas hero Kameko in 'super condition' for Breeders' Cup Mile swansong

Fanduel Breeders' Cup Mile presented by Permanently Disabled Jockey Fund (Grade 1) | 1m | 3yo+ | turf | SKY

Kameko is seeking to end this muddling season as he started it, with a blazing performance over a mile at one of the world’s most prestigious meetings.

The three-year-old kicked off the year in spectacular fashion when winning the delayed 2,000 Guineas in a record time, but was unable to strike in his next three races when he finished a non-staying fourth in the Derby, fourth in the Sussex Stakes and then a further fourth in the Juddmonte International at York.

Yet, if some gloss had started to come off the dual Group 1 winner throughout the summer he showed that there was still plenty left under the bonnet when defeating older horses in the Group 2 Joel Stakes back at Newmarket in September.

Soft going at Ascot prevented the Qatar Racing-owned colt from finishing his season in Britain, with Kentucky chosen instead as the destination for his final run before he is retired to stud.

Kameko: making his final start before retiring to studCredit: Edward Whitaker

Kameko appeared to handle the track well in a light breeze on Thursday in front of trainer Andrew Balding and Qatar Racing’s David Redvers, who said: "He looks amazing and the ground holds no fears. What we will need is luck in running from stall two but if all the stars align then I’d like to think he’ll have every chance of running very well."

Jockey Oisin Murphy agreed that the passage Kameko gets through the race will be crucial, and said: “His work and preparation has been very good leading into the race. He seemed to wing around that bend when we didn’t press too many buttons, it was just a light blow.

“He’s in super condition and I just hope he gets a good trip around, so it’s all down to me now. All the hard work’s been done and hopefully he can show how good he is.”

He added: “A Breeders’ Cup win would be massive for me personally but also for the horse as it’s his last race. I think he has the quality to do it.”

The Breeders’ Cup Mile has so far eluded Aidan O’Brien and the trainer saddles three contenders this year in the shape of Circus Maximus, Lope Y Fernandez and Order Of Australia, a late replacement for One Master after she was ruled out on Thursday.

O’Brien said: “Circus Maximus has a good draw [in stall one]. He's hardy and very tough. There is plenty of pace in the race and that will suit him.

“Lope Y Fernandez has a nice draw too [in stall three]. This guy has plenty of speed, but probably just about gets a mile. He quickens well and I'm looking forward to seeing how he gets on because it's the sort of scenario which might be set up for him to run well.

“Order Of Australia works and looks like a miler. He works very well and it will be interesting to see how he gets on over this trip.”

Ground rather than trip would appear to be the main concern for Safe Voyage, with the majority of his best form coming with cut in the ground. Nevertheless, trainer John Quinn expects a typically tough showing from the seven-year-old.

“Jason Hart is pleased with him, and I think he looks well,” Quinn said. “He seems to have really settled in now and is happy in himself. I’m really looking forward to it. He’s got a heart of a lion so I’m sure he’ll give it his all as he always does.”

The European challenge for the race is completed by Siskin, with the Irish 2,000 Guineas winner set to retire to stud in Japan following his run at Keeneland.

Andrew Duff, assistant to trainer Ger Lyons, said: “Siskin is good. He’s fresh and well. He’s relaxed, which is very important.”

What they say

Brad Cox, trainer of Factor This
He knows the turf course here and couldn't look any better. I think we have him as good as we've ever had him so I'm confident he can run well.

Todd Pletcher, trainer of Halladay
He needs to break cleanly. He is a forwardly-placed horse and we anticipate a clean break and good position in the first turn. It is important to get a good start because there is not a lot of margin for error with that short run to the first turn.

Paulo Lobo, trainer of Ivar
I think the post position is fine. He’s a horse that comes from behind. Our main concern is that first turn but Joe [Talamo] really knows him now and he’s going to set up things well for us I’m sure.

Saturday's Breeders' Cup previews:

'It's going to be a great race' – Baffert can't pick between his Classic trio

The proven Magical meets the promising Mogul as O'Brien seeks seventh Turf win

First for Fanshawe as Audarya takes on strong home team in Filly & Mare Turf

Cinderella story? Glass Slippers out to crack America for Ryan in Turf Sprint

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