Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf: Bourbon's top three eye race

Just a month before the Grade 3 Bourbon Stakes at Keeneland – the final Win and You’re In automatic qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf – Airoforce, Camelot Kitten, and Siding Spring were all unraced maidens.

The colts swept the trifecta in the Bourbon last Sunday, establishing themselves as top prospects for the Juvenile Turf, contested over the same course Oct. 30. They are now poised to reward their connections’ patience in a major way.

Instead of shipping Airoforce and Siding Spring to Saratoga or Woodbine over the summer, trainer Mark Casse left the later-developing colts at his Churchill Downs base, where they were workmates under the care of assistant trainer Jamie Begg.

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Both colts were ready for their unveiling at the Kentucky Downs meet in September. Airoforce won his six-furlong debut by 3 1/4 lengths Sept. 5. Nine days later, it was Siding Spring’s turn, as he won by six lengths going a mile. The efforts set up both colts to move forward in the Bourbon, where Airoforce finished first and Siding Spring third.

“Having Kentucky Downs and having the September meet at Churchill for horsemen is such a big plus because it allows us to stay in Kentucky and develop our horses,” Casse said. “The shipping back and forth can be difficult sometimes.”

Chad Brown had a powerhouse Saratoga meet to finish second in the trainer standings. However, one horse who remained in his barn throughout the meet was the well-regarded 2-year-old Camelot Kitten, a full brother to 2014 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner Bobby’s Kitten.

“The horse trains real well,” Brown said. “We’ve always liked him all summer. He was just a little later developing. I couldn’t quite have him ready for Saratoga. He’s developed nicely. He’s really showed up every breeze.”

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Camelot Kitten eventually made his debut a winning one, rallying to win by a neck Sept. 12 at Belmont Park. Last weekend, he showed a similar closing kick, coming on late to secure second in the Bourbon.

Airoforce earned the Bourbon’s fees-paid berth into the Juvenile Turf, but Camelot Kitten and Siding Spring, both with only a maiden win to their credit, proved that they too are contenders, if they can get in.

“I don’t know if Siding Spring will get in because he only has the maiden win, but we are treating him like he is,” Casse said.

The colts exiting the Bourbon could give Casse and Brown solid hands in the Juvenile Turf. Casse would saddle a trio, as his Conquest Daddyo had already earned a spot in the starting gate with his victory in the Grade 2 Summer Stakes in September at Woodbine. Conquest Daddyo turned in a five-furlong work over Keeneland’s main track Tuesday as he prepares for the Breeders’ Cup, going in 1:01.60 in company with leading Juvenile Fillies Turf contender Catch a Glimpse (1:01).

Camelot Kitten could join the Brown trainee Ray’s The Bar in the starting gate if both get in. Ray’s The Bar finished third in the Grade 3 Pilgrim Stakes in his first U.S. start.

The European contingent for the Juvenile Turf is coming into focus as major international outfits sort out which of their runners will target season-ending events in various jurisdictions. Air Vice Marshal figures to be the representative for Coolmore and trainer Aidan O’Brien, who has won the race twice. Meanwhile, Godolphin’s color-bearer could be Birchwood, who defeated Air Vice Marshal in the Group 2 Superlative Stakes over the summer and most recently finished third in the Group 1 National Stakes.

The Juvenile Turf may have picked up another invader over the weekend, as Gifted Master won the Tattersalls Millions 2-year-old Trophy last Saturday. Trainer Hugo Palmer said the gelding will run again before the year is out, with the Breeders’ Cup among a number of targets he is eligible for.