From a European perspective, there does not look to be a great deal of reason to believe that punters are going to get very rich following horses that have crossed The Pond.
On Friday in the two Turf races for Juveniles, there are strong chances for visitors, with
Vorda (Cheveley Park winner) heading the market in the Juvenile Fillies Turf ahead of
Chriselliam (Fillies’ Mile winner); whilst the Juvenile Turf sees
Giovanni Boldini (third to Toormore at The Curragh),
Outstrip (third in the Dewhurst) and
Wilshire Boulevard (fourth to Karakontie at Longchamp) amongst the market principals. Although the odds are attractive, these are open races and the journey has been a little bit further than the Irish Sea or English Channel. Ballydoyle won the Turf with George Vancouver last year but what became of him?
On Saturday in the Breeders’ Cup Filly And Mare Turf, there appears to be every prospect of the prize returning to Europe as the favourite
Dank looks very much the one to beat if things go her way and the second favourite is French filly
Romantica (not seen since poor run in Prix Vermeille).
In the Breeders’ Cup Mile, I do not fancy
Olympic Glory at all unless it can be guaranteed soft ground. His best two career performances to date have been in the mud so this does look one for favourite
Wise Dan (sorry
Freddy The Salmon).
The market in the Breeders’ Cup Turf is dominated by
The Fugue, who has had a light campaign over here and would be an odds-on shot if this race were in Europe. Whilst
Magician is an interesting contender after a long lay off, I agree with
The Master of Glesga that
Big Blue Kitten is probably the best option from the home team unless last year’s winner
Little Mike can repeat.
Whilst I hope that
Declaration Of War runs a great race in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, there are too many imponderables to get involved against the home side dirt specialists. With last year’s winner
Fort Larned back to defend his title,
Game On Dude is a bit short for my liking.