The Yanks are billing this weekend’s Breeders’ Cup as the "The World Thoroughbred Racing Championships", but that’s got a hollow ring to it considering that the only entries outside of North America are from continental Europe, and even these are likely to be in single figures. Having said that, any meeting that attracts the King George and Arc winner still has big drawing power and, providing he’s in the same condition he was in at Longchamp, Dylan Thomas (Evens
Ladbrokes) should complete his lap of honour in the Breeders Cup Turf to give trainer Aidan O’Brien his third win in the race after High Chaparral in 2002 and 2003 (dead-heated with Johar).
24 hours earlier, the Godolphin-trained Discreet Cat (5/2
William Hill) can strike for Europe in the Dirt Mile, one of three new races run on Friday at Monmouth Park. The star of Godolphin’s US operation was a disappointing third behind Fabulous Strike in last month’s Vosburgh Stakes over 6f. However, that was his first run back since finishing last in the Dubai World Cup in March, after which he was found to be suffering from a throat abscess, and connections are confident he can bounce back to form over this longer trip.
However, it’s the eight races on Saturday that really get my pulse racing, and Aidan O’Brien looks to have double prospects at least with Excellent Art (7/2
Totesport) and Achill Island (6/1
Stan James), leading contenders for the Mile and Juvenile Turf respectively. The former, winner of the St James’ Palace Stakes and runner-up to Ramonti in his last two starts, looks to have only the Californian After Market (7/1
William Hill) to worry about. On the fair assumption that juvenile turf form is better on this side of the Atlantic, Achill Island must have every chance too.
A win for either would be a fine training feat, but a Classic win for the enigmatic George Washington would be by some distance the greatest achievement of his trainer’s career. Last year at Churchill Downs, George was a 4/1 shot to capture the 1m2f Classic, on dirt, only to finish sixth after travelling sweetly into the home straight. A lighter campaign this year and a fast track could conceivably bring about an improved display this time, but I’ll believe it when I see it and I won‘t be rushing to back him at
Corals' 11/1.
Elsewhere, European interest is non-existent in The Sprint, the Juvenile Fillies, the Juvenile and the Distaff , but we’re well-represented in the Filly & Mare Turf, where Henry Cecil’s Passage of Time (5/1
William Hill) looks a possible winner now she has been switched from the Champion Stakes. Good old Aidan O’Brien supplies a live danger in All My Loving (20/1
Coral), while John Oxx’s Timarwa will love the forecast fast ground and could run well at 12/1 (
bet365).
Check back later in the week for my full Breeders’ Cup race-by-race previews and recommended bets.