The advent of dedicated racing channels over the past few years with access to top class US racing has greatly augmented the Breeder's Cup appeal. Both RUK and ATR provide great coverage and have made Breeders Cup night an unmissable event in the calendar, offering high quality fare, thrilling contests and enticing wagering opportunities. Betfair's link with the American PMU pool is a further boost and should afford us greater value on European runners, who have much better chances than normal on the surface at Santa Anita.
The Classic is the feature race and I have long fancied Rip Van Winkle for this. His collateral form with Sea The Stars makes him top rated in this field and it seems to this eye at least that Ballydoyle have for quite a while, targetted him at this much yearned for prize. However it's a strong field with Zenyatta the main challenger. She looks exceptional and her chance has been greatly enhanced by her stablemate's win last night. Summer Bird, Quality Road, Gio Ponti and indeed Twice Over cannot be discounted either, so it perhaps wise to tread warily. However reckon that Rip Van Winkle will be hard to beat and is a definite play at odds of 3/1 or bigger.
Sir Michael Stoute should have a good night also with the late developing Zacinto (good second to RVW last time) in the turf mile as Goldikova's chances appear to have scuppered by the draw. Conduit and Spanish Moon look strong in the turf but not great value. Mastercraftsman had a nice spin at Dundalk and looks to have the Dirt Mile at his mercy. A note of caution necessary though as he had a long season.
The juvenile races look very interesting with Pounced who ran well at Longchamp worth a look. The Ballydoyle pair of group 1 winners, Beethhoven and Alfred Nobel take on a Baffert hotpot with the former who did well at Newmarket looking a nice price currently on the tissue.
The sprints are anybody's guess but would not dismiss Fleeting Spirit's chances.
happy viewing and good luck with any bets......
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