George Vancouver wins Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf

ARCADIA, California (AFP) –

Ryan Moore rides George Vancouver to victory during the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, California.

European invader George Vancouver won the $1 million Juvenile Turf, the first of nine races Saturday on the second day of the Breeders’ Cup championships at Santa Anita.

Jockey Ryan Moore piloted the Aidan O’Brien-trained colt to the one-mile victory by a length and a quarter over Noble Tune, saddled by Chad Brown. Brown’s Balance the Books was third.

Moore’s well-judged ride saw him on the rail on Santa Anita’s firm turf track, and seizing the lead from the Roger Charlton-trained Dundonnell in the final straight.

Dundonnell, with James Doyle aboard, finished fourth.

“Ryan gave him an absolutely brilliant ride,” said O’Brien, who notched his seventh Breeders’ Cup victory. He won the same race last year at Churchill Downs with Wrote.

“We were in a nice position the entire way,” Moore said. “He traveled very well and quickened when he needed to. Everything worked out.”

Moore said he wasn’t worried about being on the rail on the tight turf track, even though a few European runners in Friday’s races, notably The Fugue in the Filly and Mare Turf, had too little room to maneuver on the inside.

He said the quicker pace in Saturday’s race gave him more opportunity make his move.

Brown was delighted with both his charges.

“They ran great,” Brown said. “They ran into a really good horse today. I’m thrilled. I’m thrilled for both clients that they ran well.”