European Breeders' Cup contenders had a relatively quiet morning Friday at Keeneland, with most of the 2-year-olds scheduled to compete on the opening day of the World Championships remaining in the barn.
Trainer Kevin Philippart de Foy's Crownbreaker (IRE) (Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1)) and Silent Beauty (IRE) (John Deere Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1)) were the first horses on the main track, continuing their routine throughout the week.
Trainers Aidan O'Brien and Charlie Appleby also sent their older horses to the main track for exercise ahead of Saturday's races.
Joseph O'Brien, who has four runners competing over the two days, expressed confidence in his team's preparations.
"Green Empress has had a good preparation since France," O'Brien said of his Juvenile Fillies Turf contender. "She has a lovely draw in gate one and she'll like going a mile so we're hoping for a good run."
Stablemate Alwaysanangel (IRE) will stretch out to a mile for the first time in the same race.
"We're happy with how she's prepared and she'll like the ground," O'Brien said.
O'Brien also expects a strong showing from Falsom Blues (IRE), who drew post 10 for the Brown Advisory Juvenile Turf (G1).
"We think the course and distance here will suit him well and he's been very tough and consistent all year having a great season so far," he said.
Looking ahead to Saturday, O'Brien hopes firm ground will benefit Johanna Walsh (IRE) in the Longines Breeders' Cup Turf (G1).
"She has had a really good preparation," he said. "Ideally, we'd like the ground riding as firm as possible. She'll enjoy the track and hopefully she can come back to her Ascot or Oaks run."
