Breeders’ Cup among possible international targets for Mishriff
Mishriff could end his glittering Breeders’ Cup career with a trip to Keeneland, alongside the Royal Bahrain Irish Champion Stakes, among options being considered by connections to avoid Baaeed in the second half of the season.
The protégé of John and Thady Gosden was an impressive six-man winner of the Juddmonte International in 2021 but had to settle for a silver medal this time around as the superstar of William Haggas on the Knavesmire stopped the world-class five-year-old from a famous double in the York Group One.
Preparations are already being made for Mishriff’s future career as a stallion but the team behind Make Believe’s son are keen to find the right opportunities for him to take leave of the course, with Gosden senior keen to get involved Meet owner Prince Faisal to walk him through all possible options.
“We were very happy and his heart ran out, he just ran into a freak. Baaeed is a very good horse and we would be reluctant to take him back, to put it that way,” said Prince Faisal Race Director Ted Voute of Mishriff’s performance at York. “It all depends on John and the Prince,” he added of future engagements.
“John mentioned the Irish champions but I think like everyone else we’ll have to wait and see who is actually willing to go at the end and I’m pretty sure we’d be reluctant to face Baaeed. So if he wasn’t running, maybe we’d better take a look. That being said, I think the two races under consideration would be at the Breeders’ Cup – the $4 million mile and a half on turf at Keeneland (Breeders’ Cup Turf) or at the Classic, the $6 million -Run. I think we’ll look at both of them and it never hurts to finish that grade, there can only be a lift if it goes well.
“The turf course at Keeneland is a seven mile oval and Del Mar is a mile long, but the run-in at Keeneland is much longer and Del Mar is short, which is why we didn’t go to the Breeders’ Cup last year, but John wants himself keep those options open.
“The Champion Stakes (at Ascot) is an option and we’ve always done well there. But we’ve never won there which of course is in the back of our minds and personally I’d like to see what’s up with the Irish champions and also Keeneland and try to finish there.
“Those are the three options but ultimately it will be a decision between John and the Prince and I know John is keen to sit down with the Prince and discuss the possibilities going forward. I think the two of them will take a quick look, see what’s going on at each of these races and pick one or maybe two accordingly. If he goes to the Irish champions and runs well then we might as well head off to America – if he’s fit and healthy why not.”
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