BC Internationals: Defending Turf champion Found

Of all of the Breeders’ Cup international profiles, I saved Found for last, principally because her first preference at pre-entry time was the Classic (G1). But with Monday’s news that she’d instead try to defend her title in the Turf (G1), the analysis has changed. No longer a doubtful glance on dirt, it’s a referendum on whether she can repeat at the tail end of a grueling campaign.

The Aidan O’Brien filly brought strong credentials into the 2015 Breeders’ Cup Turf, as outlined in her mini-profile leading up to it. A year on, her resume now rates as positively historic.

For starters, by outdueling Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) hero Golden Horn at Keeneland, Found made history as the first three-year-old filly to capture the Turf.

 

Found reappeared on heavy ground at the Curragh on April 3, and slogged home a one-paced third in the Alleged to Zhukova, a well-regarded Dermot Weld runner. As the starting point of a campaign with far bigger objectives in mind, it was no more than a workout.

Fitter next time in the Mooresbridge (G3), and encountering somewhat better ground, Found made the projected improvement. She also showed the boys who’s boss by bulling between foes to win handsomely from Success Days and a ring-rusty Fascinating Rock.