Duke dream for Murtagh

Johnny Murtagh is confident Duke Of Marmalade can realise his dream of a Breeders' Cup Classic victory at Santa Anita on Saturday night.

Murtagh has opted to ride the five-time Group One winner over Ballydoyle stablemate Henrythenavigator.

"I've been very lucky and won a lot of good races in Europe, but to come to America and win the Classic, for a European jockey that would be special," Murtagh said.

"It's one of the races that if you could have it on your CV that would be the race.

"Down through the years, I've always dreamt about winning the Classic, so hopefully this is the year."

Speed

Murtagh admitted that the fact Henrythenavigator has yet to compete over a mile influenced his decision to ride Duke Of Marmalade.

"The two horses are doing really well, but probably the reason is the Duke has been over the trip before," added the jockey.

"He's very tough and I think that's what you need out here. Henry has so much speed, there's just a doubt about whether he'll get that extra two furlongs or not.

"I'm riding (Duke Of Marmalade) because he's guaranteed of getting the trip and it might come into a slog up the straight.

"It's nice to come over here and race against the best horses in the world - I'm sure the best horse in the world will come out.

"If he (Duke Of Marmalade) hooks up with Curlin at the top of the stretch, I think it will be a Battle Royal."