Magnum Force and Colin Keane© Photo Healy Racing
Magnum Force has reportedly settled in well at Del Mar and connections are hopeful of a bold show this evening in the million dollars Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint.
The Ger Lyons-trained colt won a Cork maiden in August and has been placed on both outings since when upped in class.
The son of Mehmas didn’t enjoy a clear passage when only beaten a neck in the Roses Stakes at York and now renews rivalry with Aesterius and Big Mojo after finished third behind that pair in the Group 2 Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster.
Assistant trainer Shane Lyons said, “He's an absolute dream of a horse. He has travelled over really well since last Saturday, he falls asleep.
“He’s done stalls practice, and he has got a good draw in four.
“He’s run against horses that are below him in the betting and he has had excuses. Hopefully they go quick, and he runs well.”
Aidan O’Brien saddles two of his rivals with Whistlejacket, already a Group 1 winner in the Prix Morny at Deauville, and Ides Of March, on a hat-trick following two impressive wins at the Curragh, both quoted in single figures.
Stable representative Chris Armstrong said, “Whistlejacket’s has been rock-solid all year while Ides Of March has improved with each run and goes there with a good chance as well."
The Adrian Murray-trained Arizona Blaze completes a strong Irish quartet in the five-furlong event having won the Group 3 Marble Hill back in May and performed consistently since in top company.
Quotes by Michael Graham
