Roaring Lion, winner of the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes at Ascot, is set to end his career with a tilt at the Breeders' Cup Classic at Churchill Downs on 3 November. Owner Sheik Fahad believes the colt is the best mile-and-a-quarter horse in the world and is confident he can overcome the unfamiliar dirt surface.
Trainer John Gosden, however, warned that the main challenge will be the kickback from the dirt, which can affect a horse's breathing and rhythm. Roaring Lion, a hold-up horse, is likely to face a face full of dirt, making the task even more difficult. Only one European Classic challenger, Arcangues in 1993, has succeeded on dirt in the Breeders' Cup Classic.
Gosden enjoyed a record-breaking day at Ascot, with his horses winning nearly £1.9 million of the £4.5 million prize money. His stable stars included Stradivarius, who extended his unbeaten run in the Long Distance Cup, and Cracksman. Gosden secured his third Flat championship, finishing over £2 million clear of Aidan O'Brien.
Looking ahead to 2019, Gosden has high hopes for Dewhurst Stakes winner Too Darn Hot and Coventry Stakes scorer Calyx, both potential Classic contenders. Meanwhile, Stradivarius and Lah Ti Dar are expected to return, and Arc winner Enable may also race again after the Breeders' Cup Turf.
In other news, Richard Fahey's Sands of Mali finally delivered a Group One victory in the Champion Sprint, while Oisin Murphy was hailed as Jockey of the Year after his ninth Group One win of the season on Roaring Lion.
