Twice Over - goes in the Classic.
HENRY CECIL TRIO CHAMPING AT THE BIT
By Martin Kelly, Press Association Sport, Santa Anita
Breeders Cup Classic: Twice Over 10/1
H R A Cecil Profile
Twice Over Profile
Midday Profile
Father Time Profile
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Henry Cecil expressed contentment with his three Breeders' Cup contenders as they settle into their surroundings before the big meeting.
The legendary handler saddles Midday in the Filly & Mare Turf, Father Time in the Marathon and Champion Stakes winner Twice Over in the Classic.
Cecil admitted that Twice Over did not take the journey as well as his stablemates.
However the four-year-old, who beat last year's Classic winner Raven's Pass in the 2008 Craven Stakes, is now in better shape.
"They all seem well in themselves and I'd like to think they've all got a chance of being in the first three," said Cecil.
"They travelled really well, although Twice Over didn't travel as good as the other two.
"He was a little edgy but has been fine since he arrived here and settled down.
"The Classic was at the back of my mind depending on how Twice Over ran in the Champion Stakes and I'd like to think he is in better condition now.
"He's really come to himself and might have even come on for the race.
"Midday and Father Time will have a blow-out tomorrow and Twice Over will have one on Friday, they've all done a lot of their work on the all-weather at home.
"The filly (Midday) likes fast ground and will get that on the turf course. She'll have a canter on the grass and a blow-out on the Pro-Ride, just to mind her.
"They've done two canters this morning - one ordinary and one steady to keep them amused.
"The Classic looks a tough race but Twice Over is a big horse who has improved with age and is mentally very good at the moment.
"The course and the distance will suit Father Time in the Marathon and I think he could run very well.
"I think he can finish closer to the St Leger winner (Mastery) as he does quicken and has a bit of class.
"We had a few lean years but I hope we are coming out of it and things are definitely on the up rather than the down."
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