Breeders' Cup 2021: Top trainers share insights after pre-entries

The 2021 pre-entries for the Breeders’ Cup were announced on Wednesday with 196 horses still in the mix for 14 races. The fields are set to include a record 56 international horses.

After the announcement, the connections of six contenders spoke on a media teleconference to offer their thoughts ahead of the event, which will take place on Nov. 5 and 6 at Del Mar.

Brad Cox

On Knicks Go and Essential Quality in the Classic.

“Both horses have stayed in good form for the most part. Knicks Go had a little bit of a setback, obviously I felt like we may have rushed him a little bit with the Pegasus, with the quick turnaround shipping to the other side of the world for the Saudi Cup, and then the Met Mile. But aside from those two bumps in the road, he’s been ultra-consistent and (I’m) proud of what he’s accomplished.

Related: 2021 Breeders' Cup: See the pre-entries in all 14 races

“Essential has never missed a beat. Ran a big race in the Derby, it’s the only defeat in his career. You could argue he probably ran the best race that day or one of the better races to be fourth, but both horses have had great years and hopefully we can add to their resume Breeders’ Cup Saturday.”

On Shedaresthedevil going against Letruska in the Distaff

“I’m excited about getting a rematch with Letruska around two turns. Our one race around two turns (Azeri Stakes) this year, we were able to beat her and then she was able to get the upper hand on us around one turn in the Ogden Phipps at Belmont, so looking forward to facing her again around two turns for sure.”

Dermot Weld

On Tarnawa, who is pre-entered in both the Turf and Filly & Mare Turf

“The main concern I have will be the ground. I appreciate that she handled what we would call good to firm ground in Kentucky. They had rain you must remember early that week (before the 2020 Breeders’ Cup Turf). I actually thought the turf track (at Keeneland) was from what I heard and the reports I got back from everybody, it was just very nice ground. Just on the quick side of good is what we would have called it, whereas I am well aware what we face (at Del Mar) is a lot quicker and is a concern."

Aiden O’Brien

On Love missing the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe before the Breeders’ Cup Turf

“She just got a little bit of a temperature before the Arc and that’s why she didn’t run and then she could have run in the (British) Champions weekend and her bloods just weren’t 100 percent for then. Obviously the plan was always going to be, we were going to be there at the Breeders’ Cup.”

On whether Love could run in the Filly & Mare Turf to give another of his horses a spot in the Turf

“It’s very possible. Obviously we have four Group 1 winners (Japan, Broome, Bolshoi Ballet and Mogul) that are all reserves so it’s very possible.”

George Leonard III

On California Angel getting off to a faster start in the Juvenile Fillies Turf

“In the morning time and training she shows an extreme amount of speed. For races she's been a little green, slow, sluggish, getting started, but that’s not her M.O.. It’s just been one of those things where one of the most exciting things about her is that she has so much more potential.”

Doug O’Neill

On whether a home-track advantage could matter for Hot Rod Charlie in the Classic

“I don’t think there’s really a whole lot of edge. When you’re lucky enough to be working alongside these top horses, they can ship or run out of their own stall and hold their form, so that’s what makes a really top-notch horse.”

On Hot Rod Charlie’s strategy

“I love the continuity of having Flavien Prat back on him and having the versatility of being able to come from off it if the pace is too hot, and be able to make the lead if no one goes, so we’ve got options.”

Fausto Gutierrez

On Letruska being in the Distaff after starting her career in Mexico

“It’s something we can’t imagine to happen because the distance between the quality of the races of Mexico right now with the Breeders Cup, to the top class for all the world, is so far. It’s like trying to explain going from school to the major leagues in one day.”