Ouija settles into breeders base

Confidence in the Ouija Board camp has escalated after the five-year-old enjoyed a dream trip to Louisville where her connections discovered favourable fast conditions on the turf course.

Ouija Board arrived as part of an 11-strong party of horses on Sunday evening and looks set to start a warm favourite for Saturday’s Filly And Mare Turf at Churchill Downs.

Robin Trevor-Jones, the travelling head groom who has flown worldwide with the mare, reported everything to be perfect for Frankie Dettori’s mount.

He said: “It’s the same old story, everything has gone great. She’s exercised in the barn and had a drink and all being well, will go onto the dirt track on Tuesday morning.

“She was on her own in the van at the head of the convoy and is like the queen waiting to regain her crown.”

Ouija Board suffered a surprise defeat at last year’s Breeders’ Cup meeting but Trevor-Jones is expecting better this time.

He added: “The ground was softer than ideal when she won at Lone Star Park while the stop-start gallop set by Intercontinental didn’t suit her at Belmont last year.

“I’ve been onto the course and it’s quick, just like when she won the Hong Kong Vase, two Oaks and a Nassau Stakes. It’s just perfect for her.”

Ouija Board has been on the go since Dubai in March and Trevor-Jones observed: “She was targeted at the Arc, the Opera and the Champion Stakes only to run if things were rank in her favour. She needed fast ground and the field to cut up and that didn’t happen.

“That could well be a blessing, as she has two big dates ahead in Japan and Hong Kong before she is retired to stud.”

Brian Meehan’s Classic and Turf hopefuls David Junior and Red Rocks are also reported bo be in fine fettle.

Meehan is set to arrive on Tuesday night and his assistant Jane Allison said: “I travelled David Junior to Dubai and this journey went just as well.

“Both horses are in good order and will have a spin on the dirt course in the morning.”