Pricey Darain Set for U.S. Campaign With Cox

One-time British classic hope Darain, the most expensive yearling of 2018 when sold for 3.5 million guineas (US$4,811,678) at Tattersalls' October Yearling Sale, has left trainer John Gosden for a career in the United States.

Darain, a full brother to Gosden's champion 2-year-old and multiple group 1 winner Too Darn Hot, has joined trainer Brad Cox, who had four winners at this month's Breeders' Cup at Keeneland.

Cox's winners included Monomoy Girl in the Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1), Essential Quality in the TVG Breeders' Cup Juvenile Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1), Knicks Go in the Big Ass Fans Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile (G1), and Aunt Pearl in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T).

The Qatar Racing-owned Darain won the first two of his four starts for Gosden, 1 1/4-mile novice events at Newbury and Newmarket, before finishing fifth to subsequent Pertempts St. Leger (G1) third Pyledriver in the 1 1/2-mile Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes (G2) at York in August.

The son of Dubawi was dropped to 1 1/8 miles for his most recent start when he finished seventh behind Lady Wannabe in the Darley Stakes (G3) at Newmarket last month. That race came over soft ground.

David Redvers, racing manager to Qatar Racing, said: "Sheikh Fahad and John Gosden decided the U.S. style of racing may suit Darain a bit better than over here and he's joined Brad Cox, who is based (in Kentucky).

"We've had horses with Brad for a number of years and enjoyed our biggest win together when Shedaresthedevil won the (Longines) Kentucky Oaks (G1) in the summer. Brad had a remarkable Breeders' Cup, winning four races including the Distaff with Monomoy Girl. "

He added: "I'd think Darain would have the option of racing on turf or dirt as his sire has a decent record with runners on the latter. The U.S. operation is something Sheikh Fahad is keen on and hopefully the horse can prosper over there."

Redvers also had news of the operation's speedy juvenile The Lir Jet, who has recently flown in the opposite direction after finishing seventh at Keeneland in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Presented by Coolmore America (G1T). 

The Royal Ascot winner was doing all his best work late on at his first attempt at a mile behind victorious Fire At Will but had excuses, notably his wide draw. He raced at the rear of the pack for the first six furlongs before passing half the field over the final quarter-mile.

Redvers said: "The Lir Jet ran well at the Breeders' Cup considering he had an appalling draw in stall 14 of 14. He could never get properly involved but will have a break now and probably be campaigned over seven furlongs here next season."