After resounding International score, Mishriff possible for Breeders' Cup

Mishriff is fully back on track, but the Love train has gone off the tracks.

Winner of the Saudi Cup in February and the Sheema Classic in March, an extraordinary dirt-turf double, Mishriff had been third upon returning to England in the July 3 Eclipse at Sandown, improving to finish second behind star 3-year-old Adayar while giving weight in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. Wednesday at York, he put on a show in the Group 1 Juddmonte International, storming to the lead with more than a quarter-mile to race and coming home a six-length winner.

This was Mishriff’s best race on turf, not just a step forward from his two races in July, but the most complete grass race he has yet put forth. John Gosden, who along with his son Thady co-trains Mishriff for Prince AA Faisal, called Mishriff the “finished article” after his resounding International victory.

Gosden also reopened the door to a start in the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar. This was a BC Challenge race offering automatic fees-paid entry into the BC Turf along with travel expenses to California. The Champion Stakes at Newmarket, run over Mishriff’s preferred 1 1/4-mile distance, also is in play, as is the 1 1/2-mile Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. David Egan, contract rider to Faisal, was in the saddle Wednesday. Mishriff, a 4-year-old, is by Make Believe out of Contradict, by Raven’s Pass.

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Love, such a tremendous filly last year at age 3, at least for the time being has lost her spark. She managed to finish third but never threatened Mishriff, and Love has not improved since winning the Prince of Wales’s Stakes at Royal Ascot in her first start this season.

Mohaafeth made a bid to run second but lost momentum in the late stages as 3-year-old Alenquer, who likely wants 1 1/2 miles, stayed on for second.