'He's been very impressive' - Cave Rock out to continue Bob Baffert domination

Friday: Keeneland

Bob Baffert doesn't always field his top two-year-old in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (), but back in August he identified Cave Rock as one of his best youngsters and he is odds-on to give the trainer a sixth win in Friday's race.

Recent Baffert champions Authentic, Justify, Arrogate and American Pharoah never ran in the Juvenile, although American Pharoah was due to in 2014 before being scratched days before.

Should Cave Rock emerge on top, Baffert would edge ahead of the legendary D Wayne Lukas as the most successful trainer in the 1m½f contest.

His challenger is unbeaten in three and that includes Grade 1 victories at Del Mar and Santa Anita, which were gained in exceptionally fast times despite a tendency to hesitate in the stalls.

"When he gets in the gate, he can get a little bit tight," said Baffert, whose Corniche struck in this 12 months ago. "He wants to sit down a little bit."

American Pharoah: would have run in the Juvenile but for a setbackCredit: Wendy Wooley/EquiSport

Despite that, Baffert has been purring about the colt, adding: "He's been very impressive in all his starts. He's a big, strong horse and very mature."

National Treasure, well held by Cave Rock last time, is also on duty for the trainer, who said: "He's talented but not as mature. He's not there yet, but I think he deserves to run. He's got just raw talent right now – we're figuring him out."

Forte and Blazing Sevens are other Grade 1 winners in the line-up and the former is trained by Todd Pletcher, whose Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies () contender Chocolate Gelato could be on punters' lips.

This will be her first time going around two bends, but Pletcher said: "I don't think that will be a question considering how well she finished in the Frizette."

Pletcher has never won the Juvenile Fillies, but Brad Cox has and his Chop Chop could easily be involved after her recent second in a Grade 1.

Cox said: "She just came up short. She came out of it in good order and I feel she has moved forward physically. She's put on weight since and has done exactly what you want to see a young horse do – move forward at the right time. If she breaks a little better this time, she has a big shot."

Read more:

Can Ward and Ortiz complete a remarkable four-timer with Love Reigns?

Aidan O'Brien out to land first Juvenile Fillies' Turf with top-class Meditate

'He's a worthy favourite and the one to beat' - Appleby on Juvenile Turf chances

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