Tweet

racing news /

By Dylan Jenear ValueChecker

Workforce Confirmed for the Turf at Churchill Downs
25/10/10

Racing fans have received the news they had been hoping for: Workforce is set to take his chance in the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Churchill Downs on November 6, on the proviso that the ground is not too firm. Here’s hoping the officials at the Louisville track get watering!

Workforce

American turf performers over middle-distances have not looked up to much this season, and Sir Michael Stoute’s charge does not look prohibitively priced at 2.50 with Boylesports and William Hill (as short as 2.0 with Ladbrokes) for a race which has been dominated by European raiders in recent years.

Workforce, so impressive when demolishing his rivals in the Epsom Derby in June, bounced back from an inauspicious effort in the King George at Ascot by emerging on top in the Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp at the beginning of October, running on strongly to repel Japanese raider Nakayama Festa by a head, with Behkabad, who is likely to renew rivalry on November 6, four lengths adrift in fourth after encountering traffic problems.

The last-named, available at a best-priced 5.0 with Coral, did not look particularly unlucky in Paris, but the prospect of a faster surface will help the son of Cape Cross. He does, however, need to step up somewhat if he’s to reverse the placings with Workforce, while Joshua Tree, winner of the Canadian International last time out, has no more than each-way claims.

An intriguing contender for this Grade 1 event is Dangerous Midge, who has progressed from handicaps to land a Group 3 in good style at Newbury last time. That form was franked when the runner-up, Rainbow Peak, who was four lengths adrift, went on to bag a Group 1 in Germany, while smart yardstick Campanologist was back in third on that occasion.

Workforce really ought to win the Turf, but at 11.0, which is generally available, the Brian Meehan-trained Dangerous Midge appeals as a sound each-way alternative. He still possesses scope for improvement and his run-style will lend itself well to Churchill Downs. I’ll be surprised if the four-year-old doesn’t make the frame.

Recommendation: Dangerous Midge (each-way)