Charlie Appleby claimed a second Keeneland winner of the weekend as Modern Games won the FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile.
Modern Games won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf in surreal circumstances last year, having been withdrawn and reinstated in a dramatic few minutes at Del Mar. He was able to run for purse money only 12 months ago and was greeted with boos from the local racegoers when returning to the winner's circle as all bets struck on the horse had been voided.
However, the son of Dubawi showed his tenacity once more, overcoming a tough race in defeat at Ascot on Champions Day to run out a ready winner, despite not being the best away from the starting gate.
William Buick was content to bide his time before getting to work at the top of the home straight, Modern Games picking up in tremendous style on the wide outside to gun down Shirl's Speight (66/1) and Frankie Dettori on Kinross (13/2), with Ivar back in fourth at 14/1.
Buick said: "He was really professional to do what he did last year and today he was perfect, although he just came out a little slowly from the gate. He anticipated and missed it (the start).
"He stays the trip well and he loves this ground. I stayed off the rail, I thought he was the best horse in the race and didn't want to take any chances.
"When we come over here to the Breeders' Cup it's a great privilege and we bring some great horses, but you also need some luck on your side."
Appleby said: "He's just the ultimate professional and one of the gamest horses I'll be lucky enough to train. He's one of those horses who does what it says on the tin, basically.
"He's a typical Dubawi - he won't lie down. He loves it over here, he's not the biggest horse but he seems to grown an inch here.
"Hopefully he might get applauded when he comes in this time, he deserves it anyway!"
The returning Domestic Spending was treated on the track having appeared to go wrong and a Breeders' Cup statement read: "Domestic Spending was radiographed and does not appear to have a lower limb fracture. At this time, he is being stabilized for transfer to Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital for further evaluation."
