At Doncaster the rapidly improving ALRABAB 2.30 should give a good account and the main race the Racing Post Trophy could go to Grey Swallow if he is allowed to take his chance. It may be that he will be held back for a race in France next weekend. If he does run he has a major chance. Aidan O’Brien has a wonderful record in this race so in Grey Swallow’s absence it may be worth following O’Brien’s selected runner.
Newbury also has a couple of decent races on Saturday and the St Simon Stakes at 2.45 could lie between last week’s Champion stakes third Indian Creek, Sir Michael Stoute’s Gamut and my idea of the winner, HIGH ACCOLADE. He has his quirks but won well last time and was second in the St Leger the time before so he has a good level of form.
From 6.20 we have the Breeders Cup live on Attheraces SKY Channel 418. What a treat. The European’s have a very poor record in California and if history is any guide then don’t back any English trained runners. It will be very hot and the track is very tight and unlikely to suit our horses. The French have a better record and it may be worth looking closely at their runners.
The first race looks a stick on for the American trained SIGHTSEEK who has been winning her races comfortably in the style of a very good filly.
There has been good reports circulating for two American horses in the mile namely Special Ring and Century City who will be a big price certainly in the UK. My own fancy is the French filly Six Perfections however, she has a nightmare draw to overcome. Britain’s champion sprinter Oasis Dream also has a chance here but he’s not for me.
The filly and mare turfv the Europeans seem to have a strong hand with Islington, Yesterday and Dimitrova , however the American fillies Heat Haze and Tate Crek will be hard to beat.
Europe has won the last 4 Breeders cup turf races and this appears to be their best chance of success again this year. Falbrav, Sulamani, Bright Sky and last year’s winner High Chaparral all have chances. Defending the home team’s honour is Storming Home who was trained by Barry Hills in Britain last year. Since he left for the USA he has run 4 times and won each time, being disqualified in favour of Sulamani in one race. He may handle the conditions best but I will be with HIGH CHAPARRAL.
The final race is as always the classic over 1m2f on dirt. Europe relies on Hold That Tiger and the Americans have all the ace cards with Congaree, Medaglio D’oro, Funny Cide, Perfect Drift and Ten Most Wanted. A race to savour with the front running local horse Congaree the most likely winner but Hold That Tiger could well run to a place.