BREEDERS' CUP:THE GLOBAL nature of top-class Flat racing may mean it is more than a little ludicrous billing tonight's Breeders' Cup action as some sort of equine Ryder Cup. But there is also no getting away from the frisson of anticipation caused by the suspicion that the Americans could well be in for a rare slapping.
Of course such pre-race confidence has existed before among a visiting squad rejoicing under a “Team Europe” title, only to be smashed to smithereens around the tight oval bowls and different racing climate in North America.
However, 2009 does appear to be different. For one thing, five European winners last year, and especially a one-two in the Classic, reinforces the growing belief that Santa Anita’s Pro-Ride surface is more than the level playing field that has long been desired.
In fact, there are real suspicions in the US that the home team will be at a distinct disadvantage until the whole extravaganza moves east to Kentucky next year.
“These European horses are the X-factor,” admitted top American trainer Bob Baffert yesterday. “They came in last year and humiliated everyone. And they are good horses this year too.”
So a policy of striking while the iron is synthetic seems to be the order of the day, especially for Aidan O’Brien who runs five horses tonight and whose great ambition to win the €3.5 million Classic may end up being realised by Rip Van Winkle.
The top American mare Zenyatta is on her home ground, while Rip has been plagued with more foot problems that have dogged his whole season. But he is rated higher than last year’s runner-up, Henrythenavigator, and confidence in the Coolmore camp appears to be growing.
Rip can provide the retired champion with a huge form boost.
And another old Ballydoyle rival, Mastercraftsman, can do the same in the Dirt Mile.
Murtagh has picked Alfred Nobel over the shock Dewhurst victor Beethoven in the Juvenile Dirt. However, the Norfolk winner, Lookin At Lucky, looks hard to beat despite a wide draw.
O’Brien’s Viscount Nelson runs in the Juvenile Turf, where John Gosden’s Pounced looks a better European prospect in a race that may set the tone for the meeting.
Conduit will be a banker to record back-to-back wins in the Turf, but Dar Re Mi’s tactical speed could give her an edge.
