Brilliant Roaring Lion set for swansong in Breeders’ Cup Classic at Churchill Downs
CONNECTIONS of Roaring Lion are happy to try their luck in the Breeders' Cup Classic.
The top-class three-year-old won the QEII on 20 October to rack up his fourth Group 1 race of the season.
Owner Sheikh Fahad floated the idea of tackling the Classic, which is worth $6 million and run over 1m2f on dirt, after that Ascot victory.
Win, lose or draw, the son of Kitten's Joy will retire to stud after his run at Churchill Downs this weekend.
David Redvers, racing manager to owner Sheikh Fahad's Qatar Racing operation, can't wait for the big day.
Redvers said: "Sheikh Fahad's very much the driving force on it - he's had a close eye on this race all the way through as an end goal.
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"The horse has proven himself as the best three-year-old in the world on ratings, but obviously that's only on one surface.
"He's out of a Street Sense mare, so there is a case - albeit not a terribly strong case - that he'll handle the surface.
"Most of his dam line is actually more turf-orientated, even though he's American-bred, and the sire (Kitten's Joy) is the king of turf over there.
"He has proven the most durable horse we've had anything to do with. He seems to put on weight every time he runs and gets bigger and stronger.
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"That's the reason why, after a seemingly tough race in the QEII, we're even considering what some might consider slight madness.
"It's a gamble, but in Sheikh Fahad's view it's a worthwhile gamble."
Roaring Lion has reportedly taken the trans-Atlantic journey in his stride.
Redvers added: "I saw the video of him coming off the box, and he's got his swagger - there's no question about it. He's going for a jog round the track today, and tomorrow he'll go for a proper canter on the dirt.
"Our main fear is there's quite a lot of rain forecast for Thursday, and the one thing John has said all along is he won't run the horse on a sloppy track.
"With luck, it will only be a heavy downpour on Thursday and then we hope the course will dry out."