O’Brien hides some uncut diamonds in Breeders Cup markets

So You Think and St Nicholas Abbey may be the biggest names from the Aidan O’Brien yard in action at the Breeders Cup, but the trainer has some lesser-known talents more than capable of claiming victories at Churchill Downs.

Despite all of his success in the biggest races in Great Britain, major triumphs in the US have not proved so forthcoming for O’Brien as he has only secured four Breeders Cup victories during his illustrious career.

During this time, Giant’s Causeway, Powerscourt, George Washington, Dylan Thomas and Henrythenavigator are among the horses to have arrived at the Breeders Cup meeting with high hopes, but failed to register victory.

Meanwhile, Man Of Iron’s win in the Breeders Cup Marathon in 2009 is his only success story since 2003 from 38 starters.

Yet he has close to a dozen entrants taking part across numerous races this year in a bid to end his barren streak.

It has been stayers with which O’Brien has enjoyed the most success in recent years, with Yeats, Fame And Glory and the aforementioned Man Of Iron all succeeding at the highest level.

One of his most interesting runners this year is Harrison’s Cave, who is 14/1 to win the Breeders Cup Marathon.

Harrison’s Cave is entering slightly unknown territory over 1m6f and is taking a massive hike in class, but she was mightily impressive over a marginally shorter trip at Navan last time and has previous form on soft ground, which could be important given the expected rain at Churchill Downs.

Up is another one who is a bit of an unknown quality and appreciated the step up to 1m on her latest start, she could represent good each-way value at 8/1 in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Filles’ Turf.

Backing Harrison’s Cave and Up both to win could also combine into a highly-profitable double, as this pays 135/1.