A special edition from us, and a preview to the world’s most expensive meeting. Santa Anita Park in California plays host to the Breeder’s Cup. Two racedays consisting of multi-million dollar prize funds, 13 Grade 1 races, and representatives from across the globe.
Merseysportlive have picked out the races where British and Irish runners are taking part, and give a verdict on the strongest challenger as a foreign rider.
The weekend consists of races on the dirt track and the turf track, but with no dirt racecourses in the UK, the trainers usually stay well away.
The race most people will look forward to is the last on the card for the UK runners. Saturday’s 23:40 race is The Longines Breeder’s Cup Turf has three British trained colts in the running and my NB for the meeting. Old Persian looks brilliant and cannot be in better form going into the meeting.
However, the first race for any British Isles trained horses is the 20:12 race on Friday. Out of four horses it is Band Practice that gets the nod from this end. An impressive win in France over the sprint trip should see her in the places.
Next up is Aidan O’Brien’s Arizona in the 20:52. Definitely will go off as a strong favourite under Ryan Moore and should go well. Fort Myers is the other runner from Ballydoyle but others look better.
The best looking horse of the meeting, in my eyes, is the Jessica Harrington filly, Albigna, who runs in the 22:12 race. An Irish Group 2 win was followed up by brilliant win in a Longchamp Group 1. More to come surely.
Moving to Saturday and the Filly and Mare race at 20:54. Iridessa and Fleeting by Joseph and Aidan O’Brien, respectively are sent to give their challenge. But my EACH WAY for the meeting goes to Billesdon Brook. Sean Levey’s only ever Group wins in the 1000 Guineas and the Sun Chariot just three weeks ago.
Next up, at 22:20, is the mile stakes, where Moore climbs up on two-time Group 1 winner, Circus Maximus. But again, my pick of the British horses is Suedois. A regular in the States and a Grade 1 winner at Keeneland, sees a good each way shout.
