O'Brien happy with Minnie Hauk ahead of Rebel's Romance clash

CLASSY PERFORMER: Minnie Hauk has enjoyed a fantastic season, winning the Oaks, Irish Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks, before being only narrowly denied by Daryz in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Picture: Healy Racing

Aidan O'Brien has declared himself happy with Minnie Hauk, despite a minor note of concern on her arrival at Del Mar.

The Breeders' Cup Turf favourite has enjoyed a fantastic season, winning the Oaks, Irish Oaks and Yorkshire Oaks, before being only narrowly denied by Daryz in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

She is set to clash with dual Turf winner Rebel's Romance on Saturday and O'Brien said: "In all her races Minnie Hauk hasn't won very far. That's why at the Curragh he (Ryan Moore) didn't want to go (to the front) too early.

"She lost weight on the flight over, but I'm happy with her and happy enough with the draw (eight)."

O'Brien's Breeders' Cup team is not as numerically strong as in some years, but lacks nothing in quality, not least in the juvenile department, where Gstaad goes for the Juvenile Turf, True Love the Juvenile Turf Sprint, and Precise the Juvenile Fillies Turf.

He added: "Gstaad has been unlucky not to win three Group 1s. We've always felt he is very good. He wasn't keen in the Dewhurst (second), even though some people said he was. Horses came on either side of Christophe (Soumillon) and he didn't want to get stuck between them.

"He's a horse you can't burn up early and he was caught in a charge that day. Christophe will need all his strength and experience on him.

"The juvenile fillies have tricky draws. Precise is unlucky not to be unbeaten, as Joseph's (O'Brien) filly jinked in front of her at Fairyhouse (on debut). Christophe took his time on her at Newmarket (Cheveley Park Stakes) and she won well.

"With True Love the big question was if she would go for the mile, and if Precise hadn't been here she might have done. She has the speed, but could I see her beating Precise over a mile? I would say no. She (Precise) looks like something we never had before."

O'Brien is without the sidelined Moore this year, but remains delighted to have the services of the vastly experienced Soumillon.

He went on: "We are lucky to have Christophe who we have known for a long time and rode for us a couple of years ago. He was always there as a stand in. You can't give an inch away when it's as competitive as this and I never take anything for granted.

"Obviously you try to run them and it looks like it's starting to flow now. In the last three months horses have been backing up and upgrading. You really do take one day at a time and you are never surprised what happens. All you can do is try to have the good horses."

For his part, Charlie Appleby is thrilled with Rebel's Romance, as his date with history approaches at Del Mar.

The hugely-popular gelding is a nine-time Group 1 and Grade One winner and should he triumph in the Breeders' Cup Turf at the weekend, he will become the first horse to win three runnings of the race.

Success has come the way of Rebel's Romance all around the world, and he holds a special place in Appleby's affections.

"Rebel's Romance is in great form. He's been out on the track and his rider said he felt great. He's pitch perfect. The old boy is up against younger opponents again, but he's got the experience and that's something you can't beat round here," he said.

"I will leave it up to Will (Buick) how he wants to play it. He could make the running or sit in the box seat.

"The racing public love him and he will put it up to the others, who will know they've been in a race."

Appleby can look forward to a clash of stablemates in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf, with Buick aboard Cinderella's Dream and Billy Loughnane partnering Dancing Rain.

The Moulton Paddocks handler said: "Dancing Rain and Cinderella's Dream are like a David and Goliath scenario.

"I really think Cinderella's Dream has never been better. Newmarket (third in Sun Chariot Stakes last time out) was slow ground and it was over a mile. She's so valuable to us in the barns and has so much experience to take into this race.

"Dancing Rain is a big old girl who blew the turn at Woodbine (second in E P Taylor Stakes). The one thing she has done is sharpened up mentally. She needs to hit the lids, and if getting into a nice rhythm should hit the line strong.

"I think Rebel's winning would be the best result, not only for me but also for the Breeders' Cup and Godolphin.

"Winner-wise I feel our best chance is Cinderella's Dream. I'm a big fan of her."