Ribchester cleared to run in Breeders’ Cup Mile 2017

The 2017 Breeders’ Cup Mile has a new favorite.

Ribchester, the Godolphin-owned Group 1 winner, was given the green light Thursday following a gallop to close his career in the Nov. 4 race at Del Mar. Afterward, the 4-year-old son of Iffraaj will head to stud.

Ribchester will have had 14 days between a second-place effort in Ascot’s Queen Elizabeth II — run last Saturday on Champions Day — and a try at the Mile on turf. Godolphin named jockey William Buick to ride.

"He has kept his coat, he looks a picture, and clearly, he wants to go," said trainer Richard Fahey.

"He has done everything but tell me himself that he should be on the plane to California. I'm very happy with him. He's in great order.”

Richchester has won six of his 15 career races. A trip to the United States will mark his fourth country to compete in and 11th Grade/Group 1 stakes.

It’s unlikely Ribchester faces Churchill, who was cross-entered into the Classic and given preference for that race. Mark Casse-trained World Approval figures to be his stiffest competition while the race will include Heart to Heart, the speed-favoring horse trained by Brian Lynch.