Henry, Duke set for Breeders
Velasquez hired to take on riding duties
Last updated: 15th October 2008


Duke of Marmalade: set for Curlin showdown

Aidan O'Brien has confirmed he plans to enter both Duke Of Marmalade and Henrythenavigator in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Saturday week.

O'Brien revealed he has already booked top American jockey John Velasquez to ride whichever horse stable jockey Johnny Murtagh rejects for the ten-furlong feature.

It will first time that either colt has tackled a synthetic surface, while for Henrythenavigator it will be a first trip in excess of a mile.

O'Brien admits that both his charges are coming off the back of arduous campaigns, but remains hopeful they can make their presence felt.

"Both horses have had long seasons," O'Brien told The Independent. "But we feel they're still in good form, and obviously we think they'll be okay on the surface, though you never know until you try it in race conditions.

"We have booked Johnny Velasquez to ride one of them, but we don't have to decide which until nearer the time."

The duo will have to square up to last year's Classic victor Curlin in California after connections confirmed him as an intended starter on Tuesday.