Invasor team target breeders' Cup repeat

Kiaran McLaughlin is eyeing a second Breeders’ Cup victory with Invasor following his triumph in the Dubai World Cup.

The five-year-old took last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic at Churchill Downs and McLaughlin is keen to bid for a repeat at Monmouth Park in November.

“This horse was always special and the build-up (to Dubai) went so well,” said McLaughlin.

“He looks fine this morning and we will ship back and look towards the Breeders’ Cup again, hopefully.”

Invasor notched his 11th win from 12 starts in the 10-furlong Nad Al Sheba feature, eventually seeing off fellow American raider Premium Tap after an exciting battle up the straight.

McLaughlin was keen to share the credit for the success of the Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum-owned horse.

He added: “It has been a real team effort. It was a shame my brother Neal was not here to see it but he had to stay at home to supervise things there.

“Everyone deserves the credit – the grooms, riders, the whole team. They have been fantastic. And of course Sheikh Hamdan, who I cannot thank enough.

“The Maktoums gave me my big break here (Dubai) and supported me when I returned full-time to the States.”

Invasor suffered his only defeat when behind Discreet Cat in the UAE Derby last year but that rival failed to figure in Saturday’s World Cup, finishing last of the seven runners.

“It was a shame Discreet Cat did not fire but it was a great race and Premium Tap was awesome – he had me worried for a while,” said the trainer.

“Fernando (Jara, rider) knows the horse well and looked in control.

“It is a dream come true. Being from Kentucky, all I need is a Kentucky Derby now!”