5f Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (Grade 1) (2yo) (Turf) (2yo)
The Americans don’t appear to have a particularly strong set of runners in the Juvenile Turf Sprint so I’d imagine it’s highly likely that we will see an International winner.
The European sprinters look closely matched on the bare form, but AESTERIUS has been progressing all season with racing. I fancied him for the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, but the yard’s first string was Shareholder on the day. The tables have turned now and James Doyle finds himself on Aesterius who has shown plenty of early speed which should suit him in this contest.
Aesterious had Big Mojo and Magnum Force in behind him last time out and I think he will keep them just about at bay again from a draw in stall 2 which may not be ideal if he gets a poor start. He has the physique of a sprinter that I like with his compact yet big and powerful look to him and Archie Watson always does well with his two-year-olds.
The two Coolmore runners could be interesting and I will definitely give special mention to Ides of March who with a better draw could have been worth a punt, but I’ve been drawn in to the charms of ECORO SIEG from Japan who couldn’t have looked more exciting than on his first two starts. The second of which resulted in him breaking the track record at Nakayama over 6f.
Ecoro Sieg does step back in trip to 5f, but given his acceleration after his start, he shouldn’t have any issue going the required pace for this contest. Christoph Lemaire will be in the saddle and whilst his form is a complete unknown the vibes from Japan are extremely strong – too much to be ignored.
1pt win Ecoro Seig @4/1, 21:45 Del Mar, Friday
1pt win Aesterius @5/1, 21:45 Del Mar, Friday