BC Internationals: Turf contender Cliffs of Moher

Cliffs of Moher has gone the wrong way since his near-miss in the Derby (G1) at Epsom. While it’s easy to write him off at least until next season (if not for good), a capable defense attorney can argue that circumstances have been conspiring against the Aidan O’Brien trainee, and the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) may present him with his first fair shake since Epsom.

By the all-conquering Galileo and out of the Dansili mare Wave, the bay hails from the deep family of Henrythenavigator and 2013 Turf hero Magician.

Cliffs of Moher wasn’t seen until October of his juvenile season, but after a fifth on debut at Cork, he wheeled back two weeks later to crush a Leopardstown maiden in front-running fashion. He upstaged favored stablemate Orderofthegarter, who’d previously been runner-up to War Decree.

Resuming in the 10 1/2-furlong Dee S. at Chester on May 12, Cliffs of Moher justified 4-5 favoritism and boosted his profile for Epsom.

REPORT & REPLAY: "Sleepy" Cliffs Of Moher wakes up in time to boost Derby credentials with Dee Stakes triumph >>> https://t.co/556HB7Rrps pic.twitter.com/ZO41c5baUk

— Racing UK (@Racing_UK) May 12, 2017

Cliffs of Moher became a Derby buzz horse in earnest when Ryan Moore decided to stick with him over the rest of the Ballydoyle brigade. Unlike his stalking style at Chester, he was reserved far back in this first try at 1 1/2 miles, ridden as if stamina were a question and thereby giving him every chance to get the trip. Moore appeared to have timed his run to perfection as he collared Cracksman and Eminent in deep stretch. Then his 40-1 stablemate Wings of Eagles came from nowhere to mug him in the shadow of the post.

Since that tough beat, Cliffs of Moher has been kept to the vicinity of 1 1/4 miles. He was dispatched as the 7-4 favorite in the Eclipse (G1) at Sandown, only to get all but eliminated early on. Cliffs of Moher was innocently tucked on the rail when his own pacemaker, Taj Mahal, crossed over abruptly, interfered with Decorated Knight, and in the domino effect Cliffs of Moher appeared to get slammed into the rail and checked hard. Fortunate not to come down, he regrouped somewhat to take fourth behind Ulysses.