It is a case of quality rather than quantity for Oisin Murphy as he heads to Del Mar looking to strike with New Century and Beautiful Love at the Breeders' Cup.
The Irishman has enjoyed a fine 2024, riding over 200 winners worldwide and recently being crowned British champion jockey for the fourth time.
He now has the chance to add to his sole Breeders’ Cup success, which came aboard Japan’s Marche Lorraine in the Distaff in 2021, with two high-quality mounts.
Murphy’s first taste of the California turf will be aboard New Century for Andrew Balding and Qatar Racing, with the son of connections’ Classic hero Kameko already a winner at the highest level this term.
Arriving at the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf in top form after winning his last two, he was last seen landing the Grade One Summer Stakes in August but will have to overcome a wide draw in stall 11 if he is to secure a hat-trick.
Murphy said: "I’m really looking forward to New Century. He has been perfect since he arrived here and hopefully we can have a smooth few days leading up to the race.
"He’s drawn 11 which is a little bit high, but he’s the morning line favourite and hopefully he can run very well."
Murphy will be seen in the royal blue of Godolphin on Saturday when he links up with Charlie Appleby’s Beautiful Love in the Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
The daughter of Siyouni has been part of the Moulton Paddock handler’s American satellite string this summer and that Stateside experience could prove a valuable asset.
"It’s great that Charlie Appleby has asked me to ride Beautiful Love and she obviously has plenty of experience in America now," continued Murphy.
"She has some good form to her name and I’m looking forward to partnering her."
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