godolphin duo stretch out

By PA Sport Staff

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Breeders' Cup Mile candidates Echo Of Light and Librettist were the first of the European brigade to leave the quarantine barn and work on the course at Churchill Downs this morning.

Accompanied by ponies, Godolphin's pair pulled out at around 7.30 and enjoyed a light stretch as they jogged anti-clockwise on the dirt surface before returning to settle into the neighbouring isolation barn.

Sam Avis, travelling head groom for Sheikh Mohammed's operation, explained that everything had gone to plan with the Mile runners and with Silca's Sister - who runs in the Grade Three Cardinal Handicap on Sunday - since they arrived in Louisville two days ago.

He said: "The horses have all travelled and settled-in well.

"They will do similar light work as today's right the way up to their races, and there's also a possibility they may school in the paddock at the racecourse."

Commenting on riding arrangements and the condition of the surface, Avis added: "Librettist seems to have come out of his Ascot race fine but Frankie is leaning towards Echo Of Light.

"I imagine the going will be on the fast side which isn't a problem for either horse."

Stan James reacted to the news that Dettori is likely to partner Echo Of Light by cutting the colt to 9-1 (from 12-1).

The firm also moved Librettist in the opposite direction, pushing him out to 12-1 from 9s.