Aidan O'Brien and Ryan Moore have teamed up to win the last two renewals of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (21:25) and they look to have strong claims of registering the hat-trick with Giovanni Boldini. Giovanni Boldini - who cost $675,000 as a yearling - made his introduction on the polytrack at Dundalk in September and he made an instant impression, comfortably winning a three-runner minor event under a hands-and-heels ride. It is perhaps an indication of the esteem in which Giovanni Boldini is held that he was thrown straight into Group 1 company on the turf at the Curragh just seven days later. Unsurprisingly, the inexperienced colt was no match for Toormore - who is currently Timeform's top-rated juvenile - but he shaped with plenty of encouragement as he finished third. Dropped back to listed company on his return to the Polytrack, Giovanni Boldini showed improved form to win with plenty in hand, impressing with the manner in which he travelled and quickened clear to score by over four lengths. A strong-travelling, unexposed colt, Giovanni Boldini has plenty in his favour and can add another valuable prize for his leading connections.
There is a strong European presence in the Juvenile Fillies Turf (22:50) as two Group 1 winners in the shape of Vorda and Chriselliam, along with the unbeaten Al Thakhira, sit towards the head of the market. The best bet in the race, however, could be the Canadian-trained filly My Conquestadory who created a fantastic impression to win a Grade 2 on debut before winning a top-level contest at Keeneland last time. The way My Conquestadory managed to overcome a troubled passage last time to win with plenty in hand was highly impressive and she should still have plenty to offer. My Conquestadory has been drawn in stall 14, which clearly isn't ideal, but given her strong-travelling style it may not be a huge disadvantage as she was likely to be held up in any case, and she could offer a spot of value against some well-touted Europeans.
Our final SmartPlay runs in the feature race in which we side with Royal Delta as she goes in search of a third win in the Breeders' Cup Distaff (23:35). Royal Delta looked as good as ever when landing Grade 1s at Delaware and Saratoga earlier this year and, though below her best behind Princess of Sylmar last time, connections have proven that they can bring her to the Breeders' Cup in peak condition. Few mares in recent times have proven better than an on-song Royal Delta and she can get the better of Princess of Sylmar, bagging a hat-trick of Breeders' Cup wins in the process.
Timeform Breeders' Cup SmartPlays:
All At Santa Anita
Back Giovanni Boldini in the 21:25
Back My Conquestadory in the 22:50
Back Royal Delta in the 23:35