Victoria Road gives Europe a sweep in BC Juvenile Turf

European-based runners completed a clean sweep of the turf races on the first day of the Breeders’ Cup, with the Aidan O’Brien-trained Victoria Road edging Silver Knott to win the $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf by a nose.

The thrilling victory in the final Breeders' Cup race Friday by the son of the Japanese stallion Saxon Warrior was the second of the day for both O’Brien and jockey Ryan Moore.

It also was the fourth straight victory for Victoria Road, the 5-1 co-second choice behind the Charles Appleby-trained Silver Knott, at 7-5 in the field of 14.

Moore waited patiently behind fractions of 48.29 seconds and 1:13.04 before unleashing the colt in mid-stretch. He was quickly joined by Silver Knott, and the two staged their own duel to the wire.

A photo finish was required to separate the top two finishers. Long shot Nagirroc finished third, 1 1/4 lengths behind the winner. Running time for the one-mile race was 1:35.99.

Victoria Road returned $13.14 on a $2 win bet for the victory.

O'Brien and Moore also teamed up to win the Juvenile Fillies Turf with favored Meditate earlier on the card.

Appleby and jockey William Buick annexed the other turf race on Friday's card, winning the Juvenile Turf Sprint with Mischief Magic.