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Magnum Force reversed the best of the European form in emphatic style when powering to victory in the five-furlong Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint.
Magnum Force reversed the best of the European form in emphatic style when powering to victory in the five-furlong Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint.
Conclusively beaten by the re-opposing Aesterius and Big Mojo when third in the five-furlong Group 2 Flying Childers Stakes at Doncaster, the Ger Lyons-trained Magnum Force came into the Breeders' Cup as a 12/1 chance in a field of exciting juveniles.
Gate speed appeared key with the best of the American-trained runners Governor Sam taking the lead in the early stages and George Weaver's colt remained in control around the bend. Although eventual winner Magnum Force, breaking from gate four, appeared to be lacking for toe in the initial two furlongs, jockey Colin Keane remained calm on the rail and came with a powerful charge, passing rivals to land the spoils. The Adrian Murray-trained Arizona Blaze continued his campaign of consistent performances at Group level with a sweeping bid on the outside to steal second from long-term leader Governor Sam.
Winning trainer Ger Lyons said: "My horse had a late start to the season, he loves fast ground and when he ran at Doncaster, I vowed that if the horses that beat him were going to the Breeders' Cup then we should.
"Hopefully we will get him home safe and sound, we'll let him down and the sky will be the limit next year.
"Colin is the most underrated champion jockey on planet earth and I would like to see him on the big stage more. He's had maybe three rides at the Breeders' Cup and he's won two. It's about the time the world woke up to him.
"It's fantastic, it's a huge credit to the horse, a huge credit to my team. Big thanks to my owner, there's plenty of us guys at home who can do this if we get the horses.
"The secret to training winners is getting the horses, it's a simple as that. If a clown like me can train a winner at the Breeders' Cup, anybody can!"
Looking ahead to next year, Paddy Power cut Magnum Force from 33/1 to 20/1 for the six-furlong Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot.
