Khaadem joins last year’s big winner Ancient Rome on trip to USA.
Charlie Hills will have two invaders on US soil on Saturday night as Khaadem and Ancient Rome aim for victory in high-profile graded races at Kentucky Downs.
In the Mint Millions Stakes, Ancient Rome will try to hold off Jamie Spencer for the title he won a year and a half ago.
After tracking the leads and eventually getting his nose in front for the first time in the closing stages to earn a half-length triumph ahead of Stitched – and claim the GBP 980,500 winner's money – Spencer last year demonstrated how well he was pushing the line.
The five-year-old returned for the season in the Wolferton Stakes at Royal Ascot, finishing down the pack. However, a month later, he replied with a second-place performance in the Group Two Summer Mile Stakes at the same site, trailing only Quddwah.
Welcome back, Ancient Rome 🇬🇧
The reigning G3 Mint Millions winner has returned to defend his title in the $2 million race this Saturday, September 7. #KyDowns pic.twitter.com/an9hU3g4Qy
— Kentucky Downs (@KYDownsRacing) September 4, 2024
The son of War Front has already crossed the Atlantic this season, having competed in the Arlington Million Stakes last month and placed third, trailing Charlie Appleby's Nations Pride by two and a quarter lengths.
This time, Mountain Bear will pit Ancient Rome against the formidable duo of Aidan O'Brien and Frankie Dettori, but the handler from Lambourn thinks his animal has a strong chance of reproducing his victory.
"He has made a great transition. I've been extremely happy with him," Hills remarked.
It is a huge benefit that we know he can handle the course. It's not the easiest song to play, but this year has seen him in excellent form—indeed, better than last year.
"Hopefully it's an open race because we've already defeated a few of them. He ought to have a strong chance in that race because we've already defeated one of them in the Arlington Million."
After winning the Group One Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot for the second year in a row, Khaadem has had another successful campaign.
In the Grade Two Ainsworth Turf Sprint Stakes, the eight-year-old will be competing for the first time in the United States, and Hills is optimistic that his Ascot form and rating could help him win the GBP 944,882 top prize.
"It's clear that he is eight years old now that he appears to have crossed over well. We simply need to see how he does on the track, but we've been pleased with the way he's been training here," he continued.
"There is a tonne of reward money. We are aware that he requires quick ground, which is undoubtedly unavailable in England.
"I would have assumed that he had some of the best form in the race. He has one of the best ratings in the competition."
For the profitable card, O'Brien also sends over Greenfinch and Chief Little Rock, who are both paired with Dettori once more.
