International Guide: European Road to 2021 Kentucky Derby starts
It’s hard to believe (considering the 2020 Kentucky Derby took place just three weeks ago), but the European Road to the 2021 Kentucky Derby gets underway on Saturday with a pair of qualifying races in England and Ireland.
These two pivotal events are among the highlights of a big weekend in Europe that includes a couple of “Win and You’re In” qualifiers for the Breeders’ Cup.
Let’s review six of the most important races to watch:
Friday
Newmarket, England, Race 4: Rockfel Stakes (G2, 10 a.m. EDT)
A “Win and You’re In” qualifier to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1), the 7-furlong Rockfel has attracted five fillies to the fray. Isabella Giles, a 7-length winner of the Prestige (G3) sprinting 7 furlongs, is the most accomplished filly in the field with three victories from four starts. But favoritism has fallen to Monday, a beautifully-bred runner trained by Aidan O’Brien.
A daughter of Fastnet Rock out of the classic-placed Group 1 winner Ballydoyle, Monday could only finish fourth in her debut, but subsequently improved to win the 7-furlong Ingabelle Stakes at Leopardstown in front-running fashion. With star jockey Ryan Moore in the saddle, Monday looks poised to make her group stakes debut a winning one.
Newmarket, England, Race 5: Joel Stakes (G2, 10:35 a.m. ET)
Benbatl is certainly the most accomplished horse entered in the 1-mile Joel, a potential steppingstone toward the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1). The Godolphin 6-year-old won the 2019 Joel and is a Group 1 winner in Dubai, Australia, and Germany, with a romping victory in the 2018 Dubai Turf (G1) ranking among his greatest triumphs.
But Benbatl hasn’t run since finishing third behind Maximum Security and Midnight Bisou in the $20 million Saudi Cup on Feb. 29. If the Saeed bin Suroor trainee needs a race off the layoff, then the 3-year-old Kameko can give him a tussle for the top prize.
A son of Kitten’s Joy, Kameko proved his worth at a high level when battling to victory in the historic 2000 Guineas (G1) racing a mile at Newmarket in the spring. He’s since finished fourth in a trio of tough Group 1 tests, including the 1 1/2-mile Epsom Derby (G1) and 1 5/16-mile Juddmonte International (G1), so dropping in class and distance for the Joel could be just the recipe for a rebound.
Saturday
Newmarket, England, Race 2: Royal Lodge Stakes (G2, 8:50 a.m. ET)
There’s lots on the line in the Royal Lodge, which serves as a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and as a European Road to the Kentucky Derby prep race awarding 10 qualification points to the winner.
A small but competitive field has turned out to contest the 1-mile race. Stonehenge Stakes winner Cobh is the slim favorite, but the undefeated Acomb (G3) winner Gear Up and Aidan O’Brien’s improving Ontario also warrant respect. Throw in Flying Scotsman Stakes winner New Mandate (with popular jockey Frankie Dettori aboard) plus promising debut winner Pleasant Man, and you have the makings of a great betting race.
Newmarket, England, Race 3: Cheveley Park Stakes (G1, 9:25 a.m. ET)
Nine 2-year-old fillies have turned out to contest the 6-furlong Cheveley Park, though much of the attention will be focused on Dandalla, who looks like a star on the rise for trainer Karl Burke.
A daughter of Dandy Man, Dandalla is undefeated in three starts, winning her debut at Newcastle before rattling off victories in the Albany (G3) at Royal Ascot and the Duchess of Cambridge (G2) here at Newmarket. If anyone can give her a fight, it’s Miss Amulet, victorious in the Lowther (G2) at York with a strong 110 Racing Post Rating. But since Dandalla has yet to taste defeat, she has to be given the edge in this competitive field.
Newmarket, England, Race 4: Middle Park Stakes (G1, 10:00 a.m. ET)
Who will prevail in the 6-furlong Middle Park? There are plenty of viable contenders to consider in this prestigious sprint for 2-year-olds. Minzaal was a flashy winner of the Gimcrack (G2), Method is 2-for-2 with an easy score in the Rose Bowl Stakes to his credit, Lucky Vega romped in the Phoenix (G1) two starts back, and Supremacy was a four-length winner of the Richmond (G2).
These four are dominating the betting, though the competition runs deep with July (G2) winner Tactical and Norfolk (G2) winner The Lir Jet also worthy of respect. Don’t be surprised if the Middle Park tosses up a contender or two for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1).
Curragh, Ireland, Race 5: Beresford Stakes (G2, 10:15 a.m. ET.
A European Road to the Kentucky Derby prep race awarding 10 points to the winner, the Beresford is usually won by Aidan O’Brien, who has saddled 19 of the last 24 winners (including nine in a row since 2011). He figures to reach the winner’s circle again on Saturday with the impressive debut winner High Definition.
A son of Galileo, High Definition made a great impression racing a mile at the Curragh last month, rallying powerfully from last place to comfortably win a maiden race. If he improves at all in his second start, his dozen Beresford rivals will likely be running for second place.
Enjoy the racing!