Rip Van Winkle looks set to square up with American wonder-filly Zenyatta in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Saturday week.

The two superstars look set to do battle with the connections of the American filly finally confirming the $5,000,000 highlight as her preferred target.

English bookmakers clearly think that Rip Van Winkle is the most likely to land the big race, making the horse a short-priced favourite while Zenyatta remains as big as 6/1 (Ladbrokes).

16 have been entered for the big race, with Rip Van Winkle’s stablemate Mastercraftsman one of the group, though he is more likely to take his chance in the Dirt Mile.

O'Brien said: "Rip is a great horse and has been swimming against the tide all season.

"If people knew half of what he has gone through this season. Most other horses would have fallen away.

"He is only a three-year-old and has had a long season but we are looking forward to it.

"He is a real crack miler full of strength and determination. I would be surprised if the surface does not work for him.

"He is one of those who has real mile pace and does not wilt at the end."

If punters think that Rip Van Winkle is a sure thing in the Classic then they can use the free bet offer on the antepost market, offered to new customers by leading bookmaker Ladbrokes.