All times GMT
0100: A week that began at 0400 GMT on Monday in West Yorkshire ends with a glass of the official beer of Breeders' Cup being raised to Zenyatta in the fading light of Santa Anita. It has been the most incredible six days for me, capped off a remarkable and historic victory. Thanks to everyone who contributed to the blogs and chats, it's really appreciated. You've been fantastic. Now one final night in the hotel with the dicky body clock before returning to the rain and winds of England. I'd be back at Santa Anita in a heartbeat if I could...but next week it's the Open Meeting at Cheltenham. I'll settle for that. Cheers.
0050: They've been urging me to "stay thirsty" all week. Now I'm ending the blog with a Dos Equis on the home stretch of Santa Anita.
0045: The American Cotswolds are still in view. What a week that has been.
0040: Rachel Kear writes: "Great blog! Would love to have been there. The roof must have lifted!! I wonder if they'll look for new challenges with her? She doesn't look finished yet.
"Cheers and happy punting!"
Cheers Rachel, it was incredible. I knew she was the big player of the meeting for the home team, I didn't quite realise how big. It was a real privilige to be here to see it.
0036: Bob Bradley has been a star all week. His last post reads: "Won't help the synthetic debate. Zenyatta gets criticized for racing only in California on synthetics in all but 1 of her races in her career. I'm still backing Rachel for horse of the year, but I think Zenyatta will win. Rachel won more Grade 1s (5-4) and raced all over, against the boys 3 times not 1, and beat older males as well. Could be sour grapes that she just beat my bet of the meeting into second!"
Not from you sir!
0030: It all got too much for my computer - which crashed. Back now. Boy oh boy that was some night. The European 'bankers' oblige on Goldikova and Conduit but they can't come close to stealing Zenyatta's limelight.
0023: A crowd of 58,800 here - all going home very happy. The 'Go Zenyatta' posters are now sought after memorabilia.
0020: Let's hope the win of Zenyatta proves a real filip for the Pro-Ride surface here. The defeat of Curlin last year meant criticism of it was flying around. Here we have the star American turn leaving the European giants trailing in her wake.
0017: Watch the race again - it's all the more remarkable. She looked to be heading down the inside of the field turning in, then switched wide, and then wider still, around Twice Over, before reeling-in the leader. And she may not even be Horse Of The Year over here!
0015: I'm amazed Zenyatta only touched 8/1 in-running on Betfair. The in-running players clearly felt Mike Smith was playing it right. Like Pat Eddery on Dancing Brave in the Arc, he was.
0003: Gio Ponti ran a cracker in second, Twice Over a wonderful third. Rip Van Winkle beaten before they turned for home. But Zenyatta? The night, the weekend, belongs to Zenyatta.
0001: Now that was special. Very, very special. Last to first. Zenyatta wins the Classic. This place has erupted.
2357: We're off - Zenyatta is last - a long way last.
2356: They've all been taken out of the stalls again now. Not ideal for Zenyatta given her antics first time around.
2354: He won't go in - drama - Quality Road scratched at the gate.
2350: Quality Road kicks even harder. They're cheering his every buck and kick here.
2345: Zenyatta hard to load. She's in though. Would almost like her to win now - the roof would go off this place!
2341: Not much for the Rip either. We need to bring a firm next year.
2340: They've gone beserk for Zenyatta. Not a noise for Twice Over. I tapped my left moob.
2339: Here we go. They're on the track. Huge round of appaluse for Mine That Bird, trained by my winking pal. Polite applause for Summer Bird.
2334: David Durkin adds: "Just to agree with Bob's last comment. My thoughts on the Classic. 'Mine that Bird' is soft and 'Summer Bird' doesn't like the synthetic. I could be wrong".
No - leave being wrong to me!
2328: Sir Michael Stoute looks very well turned out today. So does Zenyatta. Here comes the Rip. It seems we've escaped a last-second scare this time.
2326: 5/1 the Rip now. 'Girl Power' is the slogan of the day. She'll go down as one of THE great American mares if she lands this.
2321: I know we're missing Rachel Alexandra but what a race this is! You'll know if Zenyatta is going to win on the home turn, that's when she'll be cutting them down. Expect John - not Johnny - Murtagh to be positive on Rip Van Winkle.
2320: They're getting ready with their 'Go Zenyatta' posters. Ive backed Gio Ponti and Einstein in Britain, the latter is only 8/1 here.
2318: 5/2 Zenyatta, 6/1 Rip Van Winkle over here!
2316: More quality from Bob Bradley who writes: "I completely agree with David. It's a farce they call it World Thoroughbred Championships. Just American hyperbole. Closest thing to a World Championships takes place in Dubai in late March, where horses from every continent compete.
"By the way, Ryan Moore is being quite wordy in the interview on the run back to the winners circle. I guess banking $162k for himself by winning made him a little more forthcoming.
"One to go, and it's a heavy load that Gio Ponti will be carrying around there".
2314: Here we go, race of the weekend, the $5million Classic!
2310: John McCririck went on ESPN to tell viewers to lay Conduit and Zenyatta. Here he comes back now...
2306: He may not be much of a talker but boy can he ride. Ryan Moore drives Conduit past Presious Passion. Dar Re Mi third, Spanish Moon fourth.
2303: Off and Presious Passion is running free at the head of affairs. He must lead by ten lengths with a circuit to run.
2302: Loading for the Turf.
2300: David Durkin and Bob Bradley add quality to this blog!! David's response to Bob is: "I agree with your comment , but at what point do we decide whether the Breeder's Cup is an International challenge or purely an American 'best of". If we want just an American Championship fine, but you lose the 'World Series' aspect".
2255: Conduit looks magnificent. He's the most probable winner. Cowardice I know.
2253: ESPN given typical Ryan Moore interview. At least he's consisent. Great jockey though - could easily land this. Dar Re Mi too big at 5s though? Only a length to find on Arc form.
2251: On the course for the Turf. Courtesy of a fanfare. Evens now Conduit. They like him here.
2245: Bob Bradley points out there's no way the BC will heading for a permanent home at Santa Anita. He writes: "There would be an uproar in America if it was held on the synthetic every year. Rachel Alexandra didn't race because it's on the synthetic. I'm in the minority liking the Euro invaders racing in the Breeders Cup. I think if you took a poll in the USA, a dirt BC would win by a landslide over synthetic".
2240: 3/2 Conduit for the Turf. Allegre a non-runner. 3/1 Spanish Moon, 5/1 Dar Re Mi. The dangerous Presious Passion trades at 4/1.
2228: David Durkin has reservations about next year's meeting at Churchill Downs. He writes: "The general off-track condition there in early November really gives added emphasis to running the Breeder's Cup in Santa Anita every year. European flat racing is closed by more than a month, by having the Breeder's Cup at the only major track in North America with predictable surface it might ensure better overseas participation. Considering the state of American racing the authorities here would be well to observe this".
There'll be plenty of debate on the subject over the next 12 months. Hope you liked that Michelle.
2226: A blast from Michelle Aylmer which reads: "Sort your commentary out".
I'm not too proud - or hurt - to publish it.
2223: There's an objection, Mastercraftsman confirmed in fourth.
2220: Not to be boys and girls. We have another boilover with Furthest Land winning. Mastercraftsman threatened to play a hand on the rails after a troubled passage but is fourth at best.
2218: He was slowly away but settles in sixth.
2217: Here we go. So how far back will Johnny get shuffled?
2215: They're expecting a Master class over here. He's into 6/5.
2210: Great point made by Steven Shefras who adds: "BTW - I've been living in the US for 8 years and I love the way that their race days set up with a gradual increase in class to end with the best race of the day - much better than UK where the best races are generally in the middle of mediocre cards! Why not have a buzz and build up to the Derby/Guineas/Grand National/Gold Cup being race 6 or 7?"
I couldn't agree with you more.
2204: Here they come for the Dirt Mile. Fanfares at the ready.
2203: Simple message from Our Vic. It reads: "I'm for Mastercraftsman. Brilliant horse".
2200: Goldikova was a better result for Sky Bet than Delegator or Zacinto would you believe. They now need either Mastercraftsman, Conduit or Rip Van Winkle to be beaten to make it a good night in Harrogate.
2158: Freddie Head telling us all how he did for a second successive season with Goldikova. One helluva training performance from a thoroughly nice man.
2157: Chocolate and almond tart disappears in double quick time. The sugar rush is greeted by a fanfare.
2153: Steven Shefras is very much pro-Mastercraftsman - and is loving the European success over here!
He writes: "ESPN have got Nick Luck - a class act - doing a great job. Mastercraftsman all the way - would've probably won the Classif if they'd gone that route. Completely outclass the rest of the field. Six six against the Americans. Seven Six to us after the Turf."
Nick is a different class. We could get a chant going in the stands if we go in front! I've only backed one of them so far but would join in, albeit half-heartedly.
2150: I've been planning to take the favourite on here all week. Just felt at around 5/4 he was too short given his long year and the surface. I know there's no depth to the field but have chanced Mr Sidney at a decent price. He's 13/1 out here right now.
2147: The more you watch the Mile, the better it looks. She has the gears of a champion.
2142: 2/1 Mastercraftsman opens over here.
2140: Dirt Mile now (I won't repeat my red light district theory). Simple question - for or against Mastercraftsman?
2138: She even had to be switched past Courageous Cat down the straight and quickened again. Justenuffhomor ran a cracker in third.
2137: She's special isn't she. Goldikova overcomes everything thrown at her, to win snugly.
2136:Goldikova breaks well. The anchor is dropped. She's last to the home turn. One horse wide.
2135: Nearly loaded now.
2132: Delegator into 6s now, Goldikova 6/5. Bon Voyage Olivier.
2130: Ahmed Ajtebi on winning the Juvenile in a four-way dash to the post? "No difficulties today".
2130: However you've played it - good luck. Goldikova the best horse in the field. If she gets across to a nice position early the in-running boys and girls will be taking strong views.
2127: Courageous Cat is our best turned out.
2125: David Durkin writes: "As an ex-pat living in LA enjoying your commentary. What I've found amusing from the early days of the Breeder's Cup is that now the Europeans are winning more races as they concentrate more on the horses that can win on American tracks rather than just shipping the best horses, the American commentators are now turning the event into a four legged version of the Ryder Cup. Considersing the disproportionate percentatage of home based runners I'd say Europe is finaly winning hands down".
We've certainly had two very good years here. What about the dirt of Churchill Downs next year though? It's late again too I see.
2124: 7/5 Goldikova. She looks wonderful as they pass my vantage point.
2120: Here they come for the Mile. Fanfare please...
2119: Delegator into 8/1. Time stamps back to normal!
2114: Adam Robinson writes: "If Zacinto was racing on lasix then I would be all over him, the fact is horses racing on lasix have a huge advantage".
They must have their reasons not to use it with him, given Conduit will be on it in the Turf, having not been last year.
2112: I used to have the same hair style as Simon Crisford. Now as mother nature continues to play her cruel hand, I'm heading towards John Gosden.
2111: 14/1 my value play - although with Zacinto 6/1 Delegator could easily be described as one at 11s.
2109: I'm staying thirsty but haven't partaken of yet. However I'm opposing the Europeans with Justenuffhumor. Goldikova 6/5 over here, Delegator 11/1.
2106: Vale Of York now to be pointed at the Kentucky Derby. I sense that's a real bonus for the boys in the blue. Their big guns go in the next.
2102: And now for the Mile. Does it become the night of nights for Ahmed Ajtebi aboard Gladiatorus? Not for me. The draw still worries me for Goldikova. I can't let it lie. They all race on lasix here apart from Zacinto.
2057: What a race Piscitelli ran in fourth Bob B. That was one helluva effort. I had chest pains halfway down the stretch.
2056: He has - touched off Lookin At Lucky. Ahmed Ajtebi you've enjoyed your finest hour.
2055: OMG as I swore to never repeat. That was an even better finish and Vale Of York looks to have won it for Godolphin!
2054: All sorts of problems for Beethoven at the first bend. Could be race over for him. He's nowhere near the sharp end.
2050: Radiohead on lasix here. Ben Linfoot will be when I get my hands on him upon my return. He was the one who spotted Alfred had become Albert.
2044: Those who emailed in. Albert Nobel is Alfred's brother.
2043: Haven't backed Beethoven. What price would he be to finish top European here? That's a bet that would interest me.
2040: I recognise that fanfare. Horses on the track.
2037: I hope Victor Espinoza isnt planning on a night out in Morden soon. I know it's a long shot but Brocky, Pa Larkin and John write: "Hi Dave, that was a bit of an 'I don't believe it' ride from Victor. Should have taken a leaf out of Talamo's book on California Flag.Having a bit of a breeders cup party tonight in Morden".
Victor, I sense you're not invited.
2035: I've taken on the Europeans here. It would be a bonus win for the raiders if one was to land this.
2034: I've realised a fanfare usually signifies something. The latest one has been bewildered. So does the fact Radiohead is half the price of Beethoven.
2022: The Juvenile is next - and fascinating. Lookin At Lucky is our headline act here. I've taken him on with Aikenite and - on the advice of Bob B and at a price to make your eyes water, the closer Piscitelli!
As for the Europeans, how can Alfred Nobel and Beethoven be bigger prices than Radiohead over here? They're 14/1 and 17/1 playing 10/1. It's 5/2 Lookin At Lucky.
Beethoven is the most interesting for me. Tough as teak and likely to be on the sharp end throughout.
2020: Our Vic missed the three with Fatal Bullet and Gayego there. A lot of people in the same boat.
2019: John struck with Pounced earlier, but was sunk alongside Zensational there. His bets for the rest of the night are: lookin at lucky, mastercraftsman, conduit and zenyatta.
He writes: "It'll be a beautiful day if they come in, well done to gosden and frankie for pounced, I think rips a great beast but he doesnt tickle my fancy tonight,great coverage".
2018: Fourth Gayego. Full result 6-4-2-5. Dancing In Silks, Crown Of Thorns, Cost Of Freedom and Gayego. It's what we term a boilover back home!
2017: Fleeting Spirit hasn't run at all badly. Not beaten far despite her finishing position. She travelled well and had to be switched down the straight.
2016: It looks like Dancing In Silks. Gayego in the four-way go but probably third.
2015: Zensational has bombed. But what's won that? Four in a line there.
2014: He's missed it but is hitting his stride now.
2010: This promises to be one of the races of the night. The start is crucial for Zensational.
2006: Fleeting Spirit has a noseband on. My first favourite horse, Canton, trained by Neville Crump, also wore one. Oooh for the old days.
2003: I've ended up going for the closer, Gayego, here. Steve A may well be right though. I'll buy him a pint at Cheltenham next week either way.
2000: O'Brien wants Rip Van Winkle to "get into a nice rhythm and a nice position early" and he expects both of his Juvenile runners to handle the surface. This is a huge afternoon for him.
1959: Aidan O'Brien reports Lillie Langtry "to be sore" after her run yesterday. He expects Mastercraftsman to be finishing well in the Dirt Mile. Doesn't want him to get shuffled too far back through the race.
1952: Just lunched. Even though it isn't even midday. No beef!! I've had chicken. No beef. First time since I landed in the States I've been able to say that.
1950: When Zensational drew one in the post position draw there were genuine whoops and gasps. No wondering whether they were fans or opponents. Steve Andersen remains confident. Fleeting Spirit a 9/1 chance out here. Not for me. She has the talent but doesn't something always seem to go wrong?
1943: Sprint next. Zensational (9/5) or Gayego (2/1). You pays your money, you takes your choice.
1932: Exacta joy for Daniel Munn then. Seconditis for poor Bob Bradley. Apparently it's quite common for him!
1930: Calfornia Flag gets the fractions right and wins well. Gotta Have Her runs a cracker in second considering she ran into all sorts of problems with her stretch run.
1924: Bob Bradley writes: "Only one with a right hand turn, but there's a track inKentucky that races 1 week a year with undulations.
"Did you have to wear coat and tie or were they messing with you?"
I have done. Lots of others too. Think I'd have gotten away with open necked - but hey, it's the world championships!
1921: Going down for the Turf Sprint. I'm told this is the only course and distance with a right-hand bend and undulations over here in the USA. Don't know if that's true.
1920: Dettori on Square Eddie here. It seems it has been a great year for him in the States though.
1914: John Gosden is some trainer isn't he. He again says he pointed Pounced here "immediately after he broke his maiden". The early fractions worried him though.
He also fears Presious Passion in the Turf for Dar Re Mi, describing him as a "speed horse who may not come back".
1907: Darren O is another Gotta Have Her man - and like me has worked out how she's going to win too.
He writes: "I am with you on Gotta have her, expect her to be sat just behind the pace and pounce late just like dettori in the last. Well i hope anyway".
Sounds perfect Darren! May even stay thirsty after this race if she goes in!
1906: Grey Goose still imploring us to "sip sensibly", Dos Equis to "stay thirsty". What is a man to do?
1905: Our Vic is revelling in the Euro success thus far. He writes: "We have 3 winners and were only past halfway and with solid chances!!"
It's enough to turn you to drink!
1900: Pounced pays $6.80 over here. Turf Sprint next. Linfoot a Lord Shanakill man. Ord with the home team and Gotta Have Her. Can't remember anyone mentioning Strike The Deal all week for the Noseda-Fallon team. He's 23/1 over here. Lord Shanakill is 7s, Gotta Have Her 8s. All working men's prices!
1858: Dettori is hugely popular over here too - but not in Harrogate with Sky Bet. They need some of the big guns to misfire now. Flying dismount goes down a treat.
1852: Dettori just waved at the press. He was sat up here on Thursday. Wonder if he fanceis taking over the blog for ten minutes. Desperate to try these fabled chilli dogs.
1850: Good news, Pounced wins. Good ride from Dettori too. They went no pace up front but he always it covered. Viscount Nelson made late headway but was never going to get into it.
1849: Viscount Nelson sits in last, nine off the pace.
1848: Pounced has four white socks and doesn't want to go into the stalls. He's in now though. Brave boy.
1845: Bob Bradley is again the man I'm leaning on. He writes of the Juvenile Turf: "Euros look pretty tough, Bridgetown could be dangerous on the front end though. I'm trying him with King Ledley in an exacta.
"Good luck to all Ord followers today".
They'll need it Bob.
1843: 5/2 joints again. I'm getting a headache. At the post. It's race three, not even 11am local time and we're racing for $1,000,000.
1842: I love the message from the official beer of Breeders' Cup to "stay thirsty". What is the best beer in America though. One for you Mike H, as my agent, I need six months to try and find the answer.
1842: Pounced now clear favourite again at 5/2. 9/2 Viscount Nelson.
1841: I'm beginning to fall apart. I have to lean left to relieve a pain in my back. It means I'll be watching the Classic on Leon Blanche's lap.
1840: Here we go. On the track for the Juvenile Turf. Go on Frankie as I shout whether he's actually riding the horse I've backed or not.
1836: Rob is another man I like. He's back and writes: "My wife has just finished taking ME severely to task for being too hard on you. She is right. You are a very goodsport and I hope you go home with a sackful of US currency, devalued though it may be nowadays!"
You were firm but fair Rob. Firm but fair.
He continues: "I'm afraid that I don't think Zenyatta, as fine a mare as she is, is up to the challenge today. The extra quarter mile should help her because she is a closer, but I have seen every race she has run and I just can't convince myself that she has either the raw power or the top end to handle today's opposition, although her long stride always makes it appear as if she is going more slowly than she really is.
"What's more, Mike Smith, unquestionably a future Hall-of-Famer, with more than one Breeder's Cup victory (and the Kentucky Derby) made his name as a speed rider, not as a rider of closers. Garrett Gomez would have been a better fit.
"I'm sorry you have had trouble sleeping, but hey!, it not like you have to work. Ha!"
Cheers for that Rob!! I'm sleeping well - just at the wrong time! I sense a gathering lack of confidence behind Zenyatta. Despite the signs.
1834: The turf is firm - the frosty crust gone. Pounced looks magnificent in the parade ring. Sadly, as I prove, looks count for nothing...
1830: That's how to open a race meeting. 5/2 joints Pounced and Interactif now.
1822: Here comes the pipe and drum band. All eyes on the third from last piper (centre).
1820: Proper fanfare. Proper fanfare. We're about to start the opening ceremony me thinks. The flag will be raised and the national anthem performed. You leave your seats for both. Pounced is 5/2, Viscount Nelson 5/1. Interactiff 3/1.
1815: Interactif the best of a weak home team I'm told here. Viscount Nelson improved for the quick ground at Doncaster last time. More to come here. Just very taken by how John Gosden spoke of Pounced. Sense he's regarded as being a good deal better than last year's winner Donativum. He could need to be though.
1812: Will Pounced win? Please say yes. Will Pounced win? Please say yes.
1811: Smart Bid wins the Damascus, now for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf. Oohh yes. The rollercoaster is on the move.
1810: Nick Luck, part of the ESPN team today, is now being teased by a flurry of 'Go Zenyatta' signs. There may be money in this for British and Irish racing you know...
1807: Sky Bet need some of the European stars beaten tonight. Rip Van Winkle their worst result of the day in the Classic. Wonder if I could send compilers Richard Horner and Michael Shinners a 'Go Zenyatta' sign to hold up in the office?
1805: An in-form Ben Linfoot is all over Lord Shanakill in the Turf Sprint. Good news for Jim Crowley fans.
1802: They are handing out 'Go Zenyatta' cards for racegoers to hold up. It has the message 'Girl Power' at the top. Knew the Spice Girls had touched the sport of kings.
1800: Sheikh Mohammed's maroon and white silks have just passed me. I kinda miss those fellas.
1756: On the track for our opener. After a fanfare of course.
1751: First fanfare of the day. Only a short one. Nothing to get excited about clock watchers.
1748: Mike H is the man for me. In fact I'm making him my agent. He writes: " A good excuse to see the Ozark Mountains would be to see Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. This is the home of the Arkansas Derby, with such recent winners as Smarty Jones(Ky Derby winner), Afleet Alex (Classic winner) and of course todays Sprint winner , 2008 winner Gayego. Just tell your boss you need to do research for next years' BC".
I'll float that one up the river, as our sales and marketing team wouldn't say.
1745: 23 minutes topost time for our opener. Horses in the saddling barns. Just looked at my souvenirs. They could be misjudged.
1742: 37,000 here yesterday - many more expected this afternoon. At $10 for the grandstand there should be!
1738: Money for Furthest Land in the Dirt Mile. Opposition to Mastercraftsman at last.
1733: Steve Hall writes: "My longshot of the day is "Gotta Have Her" 4-4 c/d. Zenyatta + Gayego my other fancies.
"Just leaving home now.Already seen my Bolton thrashed prob just miss my longshot race!"
Leeds just kicked off against Oldham. My heart is very much...in Santa Anita! Gotta Have Her on my radar Steve, thanks to Bob Bradley.
1720: Alan Campbell is on a roll. A downhill roll. He writes: "Got warmed up for tonight by having a run of 6 losers today! Anyway, main fancies are Diamondrella, Gladiotorus and Bullsbay tonight, but having a nice wee crazy EW Heinz on all of Julien Leparoux's rides, as I was so impressed with him last night..."
Ouch.
1710: Hmm. Quality Road. Steve Andersen's faith in Zensational is still complete. You have to admire men like him. I'm wavering. Wavering badly. I've a few plays today though at monster odds. Well two!
1705: Rob In Victoria is with us - and taking me to task!
He writes: "Enjoying your blog. This ia a bit late, but the other day you said you were very impressed by Santa Anita and its setting. What, precisely, were you expecting? Some ramshackle joint surrounded by warehouses, with a breathtaking vista of distant car factories and steel mills?"
No I wasn't Rob. Honestly. I knew it was attractive. Didn't realise just how!
Rob continues: "SA is one of the world's fabled racetracks. When I first visited SA, it looked exactly as I expected because I seen many photos of the track in books and magazines, not to mention having watched races on tv from SA dozens of times. It is the same story with other famous tracks I have visited, such as Belmont, Saratoga, Hollywood Park, Del Mar and Gulfstream: I had seen them all many times before I actually set foot there. And I am not professional turf writer, like some people".
Ouch. Rob. I saw Santa Anita on the TV last year at the Breeders' Cup. First time. I've seen archive footage of Seabiscuit too. I don't have any books with pictures of American racecourses sadly.
Rob again: "You might get around to telling your readers in Blighty that the mountain range you have been admiring is the San Gabriels, and, yes, they are somewhat more lofty than the Cotswolds. Piece of trivia: Mt. Wilson, the highest point in the range (about 6000 feet or so), is named for General George S. Patton's grandfather".
There you go didn't know that.
Now to the racing: Rob says: "One horse you might want to think about for the Classic is Quality Road. He was favoured for the Kentucky Derby but got hurt. He only recently returned to the track and is getting no respect from anybody, as far as I can see. But he is loaded with talent and could go off at a nice price. Pletcher is a very calculating guy and would not have brought him to SA i did not think he was ready".
Cheers for that Rob. I'm looking to oppose both Rip Van Winkle and Zenyatta in the Classic. Already been given Gio Ponti and Einstein at fancy European prices. Time to throw Quality Road into the mix.
1655: Just spoken to Steve Andersen again. He gave us Life Is Sweet before Ben Linfoot yet didn't mention it straight afterwards. One of them has class. He's sticking with Zensational despite the negative vibes over here - most others looking to oppose him.
1644: No messing around today. We have the 2nd Running Of The Damascus Stakes - thenwe're into it.
1640: Henrythenavigator is again our inside cover star in the race programme. I went big again - the souvenir edition. I'm not playing games!
1622: Less than two hours to first race. I'm going to have to stop eating cookies and drinking coffee and start concentrating. Oh go on then. Ten more minutes.
1610: Just been souvenir hunting. Pleased to report the things bought were as expensive as I thought courtesy of an online calculator. Also it has been suggested the Ozark mountain range in Arkansas are more like the Cotswolds than the magnificent things I see before me. It seems I need to go on a road trip across America. Now how do I get that commissioned?
1542: The drummer seems to be the worry for the pipers. It's not lads. Honestly. Third last (centre) is the problem.
1540: A third track outing for the bagpipers. They're determined to get this right. My observation? Third from last piper (centre) is a fraction closer to the man in front than he should be.
1530: The bagpipers are mow on the track playing Scotland The Brave. It has to be for me. Glen Ord whiskey? I'm part of the very foundations of the country.
1525: Duncan McPhail has one hand - or more accurately six fourteenths of two hands - on our £5K Tipster Challenge Prize. He can be caught though. Remember Crisp?
1515: It's 0715 local time here yet racing starts in less than three hours! Our first Breeders' Cup
1505: Ice Ice Baby as someone once sang, or more accurately rapped. Everywhere I look ice is being transported to the far-flung corners opf the racetrack. There's almost a frosty top on the turf track. No need to panic though. Temperatures are expected to break through freezing at some point today.
1503: We have bagpipers. Rusty through the sound check. Off to tell them the Ords can be tracked back to the Highlands. It will knock 'em for six.
1502: One look at the American Cotswolds and I've snapped out of it. Sun yet to start beating down here. It will. It's due to return to Leeds in about May.
1500: I've just come down with home sickness. Celestial Halo and The Listener have won the big races. Oh to be in Britain or Ireland under those ledden grey skies.
1456: One of the work riders out on the track shouted across for a bite of my sandwich. I'd have duked up. It would've been like Haye v Valuev. I was relying on reach and the fact he was trying to concede - at a conservative estimate - 11 stone.
1455: Welcome to the back stretch of Santa Anita Park on Breeders' Cup Classic day! I've shaken things up this morning, oh yeah I have. Sausage and egg sandwich from Clockers Corner. My new favourite area of any racetrack. Anywhere. No bacon. Sausage.
1404; Right - to the track - via some Honey Nut Cheerios!
1400: Daniel Munn has an early view on the Turf Sprint. He writes: "Just looking over the Turf Sprint for the final time and have California Flag and Canadian Ballet down as the only two that could contest the pace.
"This is different from last year where California Flag struggled with so many horses on top and ran the first quarter in 20.3! He's going to have it a little easier this year and has already won over course and distance from the front when running a first quarter in 21.2. Very Fast!
"He's going to have it all his own way today, unlike Zensational, and he's got to be worth a bet. That said, Gotta Have Her's form was franked in style last night when Tuscan Evening won the final 'off-air' race. California Flag is quick but i'd besticking Gotta Have Her and Cannonball into the exotics.
"There's so many closers in this race it could get messy in the final furlong".
Top stuff sir. I also gather they're going to ride California Flag with a tad more restraint. The early fractions, as I'm now prone to saying, will be fascinating.
1355: Michael Moran was another on a streak on day one of the Cup. He writes: What a night dave hope you had a good evening er-indoors got hangover she celebrated more than me! great nights racing and great info from the blogs and your collegues!"
MM then goes on a rant about one of our leading TV pundits. Sense you're not a fan sir!
1322: Scotty from Calgary has been very good to us this week. Very good.
He writes: "Really enjoying your blog, great job, Going to take a moment to brag, if you recall I emailed on thursday with Connemara getting the money ready to parlay on Informed Decision.... my only 2 bets of the meet, Well I have found a 3rd !!
"Has anybody else noticed (I hope not too many) that Gladiatorus of Godolphin in the Mile is undefeated when going Left Handed. The colt is 5 for 5 and it's best ratings (in Dubai especially) came when running left handed. He figures to be loose on the lead today and could take a deal of pegging back !!
"I will certainly be taking a little EW interest at around 14/1. Enjoy the day!"
I certainly will sir! The track is a definite positive for Gladiatorus but he just hasn't looked to be the same horse back in Europe - both physically and on the track - as he was in Dubai.
Confidence boosting win last time and he'll go to the front..not for me. But then again you - as they say - are the man!
1320: There is a move over here too - Get Funky 20 from 25 for the Turf Sprint. Thoughts team?
1317: Market moves time - both domestic and international. I'm the service that cares!
Hillview Boy is one of several runners to come in for support with Sky Bet in the November Handicap (3.15).
With Sky Bet paying 5 places on the feature handicap, the Pricewise selection is 8/1 from 10s, while Stormyweather (9 from 11) continues to attract support and is also a poor result in the firm's ante-post book.
Plaisterer, an unlucky in running sixth at Newmarket last time, is the mover in the Gillies Stakes (2.05) with Sky Bet paying an extra place on the Listed event.
Matt Doyle of Sky Bet said: "In a fantastic weekend of racing action on both sides of the pond, there is plenty of value in our concessions and we have seen a good spread of business on the November Handicap paying the five places."
At Wincanton, punters have heeded Paul Nicholls' fears about the sharp track for Cheltenham specialist Celestial Halo who is out to 5/2 from 2s in the Elite Hurdle (2.15).
The weakness in the favourite has resulted in a big move for the useful mare Whiteoak (11/4 from 10/3) and the Nicky Henderson-trained Tasheba (13/2 from 15/2)
Although the leading Gold Cup hope Notre Pere makes his seasonal reappearance in the Champion Chase (2.30) at Down Royal, My Will is proving very popular against him each-way in the 'dead' eight runner field.
Market Moves:
Doncaster 2.05 (extra place)
Plaisterer 7 from 9
2.40
Fullandby 7 from 15/2
3.15 (5 places)
Salden Licht 12 from 14
Magicalmsyterytour 22 from 28
Stormyweather 9 from 11
Hillview Boy 8 from 10
Conquisto 50 from 66
3.45
Dhaular Dhar 14 from 16
Dixey 12 from 14
Felday 10 from 12
Wincanton 2.15
Whiteoak 11/4 from 10/3
Tasheba 13/2 from 15/2
Celestial Halo eased out to 5/2 from 2s
Wincanton 3.25
Nenuphar Collonges 8 from9
Exmoor Ranger 17/2 from 11
Bowleaze 22 from 28
The Package 15/2 from 9
Down Royal 2.30
My Will 5 from 6
1315: Morning. Early morning here. No sleep for Dave. The body clock is still all wrong. I just can't find the handle. Don't mind. It's another Breeders' Cup day!!
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