It looked like the American horses were finally evening the score Saturday at Keeneland, with the older horses taking center stage after the Europeans dominated Friday’s juvenile turf events. Then came Benvenuto Cellini, thundering down the stretch in the $5 million Turf, pulling off a rally that absolutely changed the narrative of the day for the invaders.
Europe Strikes Back When It Counted Most
Benvenuto Cellini, a Frankel colt trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Ryan Moore, wasn’t just another horse in the field. He came from far back in the 1 1/2-mile Turf, found room between rivals, and stormed through to win by 3/4 length. Talk about drama! Right behind him, Map of Stars, Diamond Necklace, Tiffany, and Survie, all European veterans, showed just how strong that contingent was, even when it seemed the Americans had the upper hand. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement.
Owned by Peter Brant and Ireland’s Coolmore partners, Benvenuto Cellini had made a name for himself earlier this year with a huge victory in the Group 1 Irish Derby on July 28. But since then? He was winless in three starts, even finishing ninth in the Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe on Oct. 4. So, to come back and snag the $5 million Turf? That’s a serious comeback story. And rumor has it, he could be heading to Hong Kong for December’s international races. O’Brien, who also trains Diamond Necklace, walked away with his 24th Breeders’ Cup race win, putting him two ahead of Bob Baffert. These two legendary trainers had been tied with 21 wins heading into the weekend, but O’Brien had two wins Friday to Baffert’s one, setting up this record-breaking moment.
American Grit and a First-Time Winner
Earlier on the firm Keeneland greensward, the Americans certainly had their moments. In the $2 million Mile, Deterministic shot out to a massive lead in the stretch. He looked like a sure winner, showing the way into the final furlong with the favorite, Notable Speech, still far behind. But Notable Speech, a Godolphin standard bearer and the defending champion, wasn’t giving up! Jockey William Buick brought him quickly around the field, gaining ground fast. Deterministic, a 5-year-old son of 2015 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner Liam’s Map, had to dig deep. Jockey Kendrick Carmouche kept after him, and Deterministic held on to win by 3/4 length, finishing in 1:34.52.
This was a big win, and though the Europeans finished second and third behind the top two, Deterministic really delivered. Trainer Miguel Clement, who won his first Breeders’ Cup race here, had Deterministic on a six-race winning streak before their last outing. In the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile on Sept. 12, Deterministic finished second to Notable Speech in a smaller, six-horse field. Clement had this to say: “If anything, I think we were a bit unlucky in the Woodbine race. This was a more truly run race with a full field.” He clearly meant business. And the American momentum kept building as Kathynmarissa added to Deterministic’s victory in the Filly & Mare Turf.
So, while Friday belonged to the European 2-year-olds, Saturday was a true battle. The Americans rallied hard, but Benvenuto Cellini’s dramatic win in the Turf was the punch that kept Europe in the fight. What a day of racing, and we’ll be watching to see if Benvenuto Cellini makes that trip to Hong Kong.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply