Hit It a Bomb nails Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf for Aidan O’Brien

Hit It a Bomb got the international contingent off to a good start on Breeders’ Cup Friday at Keeneland, taking the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) in a blanket finish with Airoforce and Birchwood.

The bay colt ran in last down the backstretch as longshot Manhattan Dan led the way up front through splits of 23:12, :48.22 and 1:13.28. Dressed in Hermes followed in second while Cymric and Hollywood Don were just in behind while running off the rail.

Manhattan Dan hit the turn still comfortably in front and appeared ready to take it all the way home. The Gary Contessa pupil ticked off seven furlongs in 1:25.95 when, suddenly, the rest of the field caught up.

It was a mad dash to the wire as the late runners converged upon the front, with Hit It a Bomb proving best of all by just a neck over 5-2 favorite Airoforce, who in turn was a neck up on yet another international shipper in Birchwood. The Kentucky-bred bay finished a mile on the yielding turf 1:38.86.

Hit It a Bomb is conditioned by prominent international trainer Aidan O’Brien and was ridden by top European jockey Ryan Moore. The Mrs. Evelyn M. Stockwell homebred is now three-for-three in his career after breaking his maiden on September 27 at the Curragh and taking the Star Appeal S. at that same track on October 9.

The War Front colt paid $16.40 as the 7-1 third choice.

Click for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf quotes and transcript.

Photo by Wendy Wooley/EquiSport Photos