When most think of Kentucky, they see a Colonel and a secret spices chicken. They see Zinger burgers, Twisty wraps and family buckets. I'm hungry just thinking about it. KFC is one of those things that look better than they actually are. Once presented with it in bucketform, it never quite lives up to expectations. Will this week's Breeders Cup be likewise?
For the last two seasons, Europe has enjoyed more success than ever before off the turf on the artificial pro ride surface. Kentucky is back to the dirt and it seems Europe has resigned itself with mopping up the turf races. Many Americans will be happy, they are back to their traditional surface. Racing on pro ride would be akin to us running the Arc on Pro Ride but then again, it's a fair surface and I think it should be embraced world wide or at least tapeta shout
Enough chat, give me winners
Ok looking at the races, our two big winners would appear to be Workforce in the Turf & Goldikova in the Mile and I expect one of those at least to get beat from a bookies point of view and will be encouraging Mulholland's to go biggest on the double. Why? Workforce has complained about the trip over, well not the horse per se, more Michael Stoute and and more grips about the ground will have instilled market weakness. Stoute though is prone to putting punters away and even said Workforce was doubtful in the Arc. Winning the Derby, Arc and Breeders Cup Turf in one season would normally automatically confirm him a wonder horse but their seems to be huge apathy out there for Workforce after superstar Sea the Stars last season. No arc winner has ever won a breeders Cup event but the problem is who can beat him? Behkabad has shown his limitations beaten 4th in a messy Arc but I was seriously underwhelmed by his trial run as well. Dangerous Midge and Al Khali look nothing special while Debussy and Winchester could both prove the dangers. I'd expect Debussy to win as he clearly enjoys the other side of the Atlantic as he has shown winning the Arlington Million and has the right draw.
Goldikova has beaten all that has been put in front of her and really has nothing left to prove. She won by the minimum margin last season in this race but won nevertheless. Paco Boy won't Richard Hughes in the saddle but their is a home horse been completely overlooked this side of the pond. Sidney Candy, at 10/1 is an each way steal and judging by his running action and style, the draw can be overcome.
Of the other races, I can't see past Midday and make her the bet of the meeting in the 10:50 Friday( Filly & Mares Turf). She has been exceptional this season and while some may say she's had an easy few races with Sariska parking her bum in the stalls, she is a previous winner and it's her ideal trip and ground should be no problem.
A few foreign raiders will look to capture the Juvenile Fillies Turf race(8:50 Friday) but nothing jumps off the page. Together has had plenty of runs already and her second to White Moonstone would read best but the ground is a big worry. I'd give it a miss altogether.
I'm shocked the Europeans have not targeted the Breeders Cup Sprint Turf and perhaps am surprised further that California Flag is such a big price. He was sent off favourite earlier in the year in Meydan coming 3rd but has shown flashes of super stardom and worth a nibble at a big price.
Precision Break if it handles the dirt would have a smashing chance in the Marathon and again worth a go at the minimum bet.
In the big race, I cannot get away from Zenyatta. She was awesome last season and yes I know she's all about Californian pro ride type surfaces but this is a poor renewal with only one superstar present at over 9/4. Don't think, just back and back early as the price will tumble. 19 out of 19 wins makes her an all time great and those who doubt her ability to win on the dirt should note that her widest margin wins have been on this surface. Last season her last to first was epic but she'll need to race handier than that on this surface but what can beat her?
Zenyatta on Dirt
Zenyatta last seasons epic win- Arguably one of the greatest performance ever
Bets for Breeders Cup:
5pts: Midday 10:50 Friday Filly & Mares Turf
3Pts; Zenyatta 10:45 Saturday Classic
2pts; Sidney s Candy 8:40 Saturday Mile
1pt: Debussy 10:00 SaturdayTurf
1 pt: California Flag 7:15 Saturday Turf Sprint
Not only do we have Zenyatta, Midday and Workforce to whet our appetite, we have the jockey battle between Paul Hanagan and Richard Hughes and the seasonal bow of Kauto Star. Check out Mulholland's crazy Kauto Star cashback offer:
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