Galileo’s Line Of Duty claims G1 BC Juvenile Turf

The remarkable Galileo was responsible for another top-notch winner at Churchill Downs on Friday when Line Of Duty (2c Galileo-Jacqueline Quest, by Rock of Gibraltar) claimed the G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.

Trained by Charlie Appleby for Godolphin, the high-class two-year-old swooped late to land the $1 million event with William Buick in the saddle.

“Knowing the horse, one thing we knew, he was going to stay strong to the line, and that’s what he did. It’s great for the team, and great for Godolphin,” said Appleby, who saddled subsequent G1 Derby winner Masar in the same race 12 months earlier. “William gave him a great ride. He managed to get him wide and come with a clear run.

“I was confident in this horse. In his last start, when he won (a G3) in Chantilly, we spoke immediately afterwards and said he’s probably got the right profile to come here and be very competitive. He’s a neat horse, and he seems to enjoy getting squeezed up there and being in the battle. I think all those attributes have come to the fore today, along with William’s great ride.”

Buick added: “Our horses, by rule, they jump slower than the American horses, but this horse, he really jumped well and gathered his stride very quickly. When he quickened, he really put the race to bed. He was very strong at the line. I was impressed with his performance. It was a very mature performance from a young horse.”

Line Of Duty was bred in Ireland by Triermore Stud.