Click here to e-mail Dave now!
2230: Oh by the way. We're chatting tomorrow. Same link as at the top of the page. 1500 GMT. Then day one of the Breeders' Cup. Ahhh superb.
2220: Another day over. Well of course it's not. There's the party tonight! Hope Sleeping Lions is one of the games. I'd nail that. If still functioning will blog after that. If not it'll have to wait until the morning.
2155: Another fanfare. Good lungs those trumpeters.
2152: Almost forgot. Don't forget our Click here to enter our £5,000 BC Tipster Challenge!. Should be good fun. I can't enter. Good job really. It'd be like shelling peas.
2150: Time for question three from Michael Swift. He asks: "Why can't the American's have races at the normal times...like us?? It's pure inconsideracy....which is most unlike the American's....isn't it? Who wants to stay up that late? I feel like getting a job now.....just so
that I can ring in sick for a couple of days".
You sir are one of the great thinkers of our sport. Talking of which spoke to Gary Player earlier. You know. Golfing legend Gary Player. Horse breeder Gary Player.
He feels racing needs to do more to attract young people and suggested putting bands on between races. He likes a happy atmopshere as Russ Abbott once sang.
I'll take him to John Smith's Cup day at York.
2145: Another fanfare. Lots of fanfares. Breeders' Cup stuff drying up now. No news from Santa Anita mole either about today's card. Is this the time to go back and get Nina's present? I'll wait a while longer. The double dessert is laying very heavy.
2130: Just having two desserts now. Oh yes. I roll the dice. I had forgotten about tonight's party when I got them to be fair.
2127: Going down for the second. The number cloths are the highlight of the trip thus far. Magnificent.
2125: Brian Meehan was on my flight out. Looking quite buff I have to report. I wouldn't have messed. These are his words on Red Rocks. Noseda-esque so they won't take long to read.
He said: "He'll be retired after this run. He's coming to the race in grand shape. He's training great".
2115: Just realised it's Bonfire night back home. Ahh. The skies will be an array of bright colours, the toffee will be a treat and Jasper the dog hiding under the bed. It's a magical night.
2105: John Gosden has spoken to the US media about the decision to put Frankie Dettori on Dar Re Mi. They get the same answer. "Frankie is highly experienced here. He cut his teeth here during his early teenage years. He's ridden here a lot. It's no fault of Jimmy Fortune's that he's never ridden here before".
2050: The British national anthem is now sounding. I stood up - no-one else did. You can't buy class.
2045: I'm now officially obsessed with Einstein. He is trained by Helen Pitts-Blasi who is bidding to become the first woman to train the winner of the Classic.
She rode my new pride and joy at work this morning and reported: "He galloped very strong. He was strong. My arms were burning by the time we got through".
Is that a good sign - or is it a sympton of Swine Flu?
2035: More quotes for you now. Zenyatta's owner Jerry Moss should have horses with Jeremy Noseda. He simply says: "Optimism is high".
2030: I've lunched, I've sunned and I've stood up for the raising of the flag too. And you thought I was idle.
2007: More joggers on the Pro-Ride. Oh hang on. Forget the sun. Lunch, it seems, is served. I have only one complaint, plate size. We're talking the usual picnic size back in the UK and Ireland. There are three main courses for heaven's sake. Where's a good 12 incher when you need it.
2006: Before the rays I had to get rid of Ben Linfoot's arty shot of Spanish Moon. Even his own mother wouldn't have recognised him.
2002: It's quite cool now in the shade here. No, dry those tears, I'll be ok. Off to soak up some rays though. Should I go topless? Hmmm.
2001: Michael Moran senses a bit of momentum behind Einstein. He writes: "yep dave thats the horse einstein, frank lyons and others on atr raving about it thanks getting on now!"
That's the spirit sir!
2000: I now have some new betting plays to make. My information is.....usually wrong. However I'm told Einstein is way too big with British bookies for the Classic.
2000: Second question now from Michael Swift. He asks: "How can an affluent organisation - like the one you work for - send you (a professional erm...journalist) all the way to America......and not stump up for a rental car?? It's not right and it's not fair is it? As far as being lazy goes...I pretty much take the biscuit....and then I usually eat it. If I had to get the 'shuttle' everyday - I would probably just stay in the 5 star hotel (??) that you are in.....take advantage of the (ahem) 'hospitality'.....and just make stuff up".
Am I on a webcam somewhere?
1950: Today has flown by. Flown by.
1948: I then asked Steve what he expected the headline stories to be on Saturday night. He said: "Zenyatta winning the Classic and Looking At Lucky coming outta here as Kentucky Derby favourite for 2010".
1945: Right. Here's Steve Andersen on the draw bias: "I wouldn't be too worried about the post positions. In 2003 Half Bridled won the Juvenile Fillies from 13. We've seen rail horses win over six furlongs which helps Zensational's chances too. I think these horses are different from other cases as they have the talent to overcome most obstacles".
1930: Before I give you Steve's verdict on the track, tactics and draw here. Oh yes. I listen to your pleas, here's a a special bet for you from Sky Bet. It is 25/1 that Fatal Bullet wins on Saturday and John And Edward are eliminated from X Factor! If you're worried about your other half not allowing you to watch the Breeders' Cup on Saturday it could be the answer. There's loads of other specials - check them out!
1920: Just spoken with Steve Andersen of the Daily Racing Form. Top man. He's their Santa Anita go-to person. Preview to follow but he's very sweet on Lookin At Lucky in the Juvenile and Always A Princess at a price in the Juvenile Fillies.
1850: Good work from Jeremy Noseda. Three words on the press release after Strike The Deal worked on the main track. "Back on track" is the message.
1845: There's almost an infectious enthusiasm surrounding Lillie Langtry now. Johnny Murtagh says: " "She is the best juvenile filly we have.
"She is a very smart filly and I couldn't believe she got beaten in the Moyglare (on heavy ground). I was very impressed with the way she did it at Newmarket. She did the job well, travelled down the hill well and I think a race like this will really suit her.
"I am only comparing her to last year's race but she is different class really".
I sense one or two long faces if she fails to oblige.
1832: I now have demons about this evening's party. I've never heard of the headline act and the drink will invariably be vodka cocktails. Considering I'm a real ale man I'm way out of my comfort zone. I will take some carrying back to the bus.
1831: OMG. They race again here this afternoon. OMG. Scotty, over to you.
1830: JG as I continue to call him is a wonderful ambassador for British racing. There.
1821: JG on the Classic: "If Rip Van Winkle is at his very best he will take a lot beating but I really like Henry's horse (Twice Over) who won the Champion Stakes. At 20/1 he's fantastic each-way value. I can see him being right in there."
1820: JG on Dar Re Mi: "She ran great in the Arc and that was our definitive race in Europe, where all the champion horses ran. Conduit beat her fair and square by a length there but you can always try again".
1818: JG on Rainbow View in the Ladies' Classic: "I'm perfectly happy to run on the main track. She's moved well on it. Frankie Dettori liked the way she moved and it is a perfectly nice race. It's a bit on the sharp side for her but I don't mind."
1816: John Gosden on stage now. He really suits a baseball cap.
1810: My story re Tom Queally is out now. Please enjoy responsibly.
1806: Henry also feels Twice Over is "better than he's ever been". Tom Queally said exactly the same thing. Must be worth a poke at 20/1?
1805: Henry and Ben Cecil now share the stage. Same eyes and nose.
1757: My main man - Mine That Bird's winking trainer - is now on. "We're proud to be here running in this company. It wasn't an easy choice to come here after he was beaten by lesser horses in the Goodwood. There's an extra eighth of a mile here which will suit my horse".
Hope he runs well.
1745: Someone has stolen the mountains. Just looked up from my computer and they've gone. I loved them. The Cotswolds were previously my favourite mountains. Perhaps they got jealous and have removed the competition.
1742: Matt Swift is a man of taste. Unique in these choppy blog waters. He writes: "Contrary to popular, maybe even well recorded opinion....I, at least, think that your blog is far superior to 'that bloke who does the golf'!! Admittedly, I have never read his, but I stand by my statement nevertheless.
"Your blog has raised certain questions in my mind though, which, if you can drag yourself away from your food for a short time...you may or may not like to answer;
"1) daveord55: 55? Is that the year you were born or how old you are now? Oh, hang on....not much difference really, is there?"
Matt. Waist size in my 1990s pomp. There are eight questions more. I will answer one an hour!
1735: Frank Hickey is multi-tasking. Always dangerous.
He writes: "good job with the blog, its extremely entertaining as usual and im trying to follow it all day while getting some income tax returns filed at the same time!
"I haven't studied the form thoroughly yet but I really like Lille Langtry and one that sticks out as a each way bet to nothing is midshipman!!! surely mastercraftsman is too short a price in that race and the value is with the Godolphin runner??? What are your thoughts and is there a strong word for anything yet over there?"
Lillie Langtry Frank. She's a real handful, looking fierce. I'm increasingly sweet on Midday now too.
1730: To your emails. And first of all one from Lordy that has rocked me to the core!
He writes: "I know this blog is about the flat, however I read your last cheltenham blog last month when you mention a gentlemen urinating on your shoes in the Prince of Wales, thought you'd be saddened to hear that the Prince will be closing it doors for good after the last day of the Open next weekend. A drink-the-place-dry closure is expected, this place is an institution to all hardened cheltenham racegoers and it will be sad to see this "real" boozer close."
Here here sir. Here here. What is happening? I leave Britain for six days and the place goes belly up.
1707: Right, off for a coffee and then back to work. This time it will take 30 seconds. Not two-and-a-half hours!
1706: Neither Freddie or SirMichael Stoute were over keen to discuss the decision to use lasix with both Goldikova and Conduit. Instead both referred to the use as "levelling the playing field".
1705: Freddie Head wants "pace, pace, pace" to help overcome Goldikova's draw in the Mile. She will be dropped in from out wide.
1703: Full quotes too from Saeed bin Suroor, as nice a trainer as I've ever spoken to. He's very excited about his chances in the Sprint and Ladies' Classic. Oh and with Mastery and Delegator too!
1702: Tom Queally was excellent and you sense he is brimming with confidence for Midday. Full quotes to follow from him.
1700: Spoke to Henry Cecil about his trio, just as Father Time was in the starting gates getting acustomed to the ringing of a bell. The great man repeated his belief that all three of his having a chance of making the frame.
1656: Lillie Langtry, apparently Aidan O'Brien's idea of his most likely winner this week, was ridden by the trainer on the track. She was a real handful for him - and the lass walking her back. It seems the lady is ready to roll.
1655: Aahh. Not superb. Apologies. Been down to the barns trying to get interviews. It's a long walk back. Still haven't had breakfast. Now that was a 100/1 chance. So what have I learned?
1404: Right. It's time for leg one of the breakfast double header. I've been enjoying my cheerios over here, there's a nice twist to them. I'll tell you more later. However I prefer bacon. Much prefer bacon.
So after the brekkers I'll board the shuttle bus, head to the track and the barns, and tuck into some bacon. I really like bacon.
Oh. I'll also be blogging furiously.
1355: For once I'm on a similar time zone to our man in Tokyo, Frank O'Brien.
He writes: "Great stuff as usual. Hope you managed to get a pint afterwards. Not sure of your chances of quality as even Americans over here admit that their local brew isn't up to much. There's always Guinness I suppose. It's not so bad here though a bit pricey. And your comment about not being able to get it in Cork went down well!
"I'm not even going to contemplate what time it is with you or even what day it is. You're writing yesterday when I'm 'working' today kind of thing.
"As for the racing I'm totally in the dark as usual. Hoping for a good display from the Irish but not expecting it. Hopefully Rip will do it but he just seems to be an unlucky horse. I'm sure Aidan O'Brien contemplated what a year he would have had if StS hadn't been around.
"As for StS not going over, yes it's a pity, but other than beating Rip again there wasn't a lot for him to do. If Rachel Alexandra had turned up that would have been a whole different ball game. Not sure what happened to her? To Americans I'd tell them it's a clear case of "I'll show you mine if you show me yours".
If only racing was that simple! No beer again. I've turned over a new leaf. I may become a vegan. Are they allowed bacon?
1335: Hmmm. You have me thinking my good man. Do I go and have cereal and croissant at the hotel for breakfast, wait for a bumper breakfast sandwich at Clockers Corner, or perchance indulge in both?
If Sky Bet are pricing this special up don't be lured in by option one, at any price.
1334: Alan Fitzpatrick is a man after my own heart. He writes: "I must say my mouth watered last night when you mentioned that chocolate and almond tart you got.
"I went all out this morning and treated myself to a breakfast roll (sausage, egg, bacon, pudding and hash brown). Washed down with a cup of tea. Top class."
1332: I asked Michael Shinners at Sky Bet to price up Top European Jockey over the two Breeders' Cup days at Santa Anita. He has.
It's evens Johnny Murtagh, 6/4 Frankie Dettori, 7/1 Ryan Moore and 12s bar. Check them out.
Also if there any specials you want pricing up, give me a shout and I will pass on the request.
1330: Rip Van Winkle is 25-1 with Sky Bet in one of a host of specials on the Breeders' Cup meeting.
The catch for Rip fans is that eight rivals in earlier races at the two-day meeting may pip him to the post in the Sky Bet market on 'which runner will win first' at the Breeders' Cup 2009.
The Classic is the last race in the running order at Santa Anita over the two days and stablemate Lillie Langtry is 7/2 to make a quick strike in the Juvenile Fillies' Turf for Aidan O'Brien in race two on Friday.
Matt Doyle of Sky Bet said: "Rip Van Winkle not only needs to get past Zenyatta to collect but his legion of fans will be hoping earlier results go their way as the Classic is way down the running order."
Breeders' Cup, Day 1:
Race 1: 7/4 Mastery (Marathon, 8.35pm, Friday)
Race 2: 7/2 Lillie Langtry (Juvenile Fillies' Turf, 9.08pm, Friday)
Race 3: 5/1 Midday (Filly & Mare Turf, 10.23pm, Friday)
Race 4: 12/1 Rainbow View (Ladies' Classic, 11.45pm, Friday)
Breeders' Cup, Day 2
Race 5: 10/1 Pounced (Juvenile Turf, 6.45pm, Saturday)
Race 6: 5/1 Goldikova (Mile, 9.28pm, Saturday)
Race 7: 12/1 Mastercraftsman (Dirt Mile, 10.12pm, Saturday)
Race 8: 14/1 Conduit (Turf, 10.57pm, Saturday)
Race 9: 25/1 Rip Van Winkle (Classic, 11.45pm, Saturday)
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