As usual, there will be quite a few European invaders who will have big shots on Breeders’ Cup day at Churchill Downs on Nov. 4. This being one of the big weekends for Breeders’ Cup prep races at Santa Anita, Belmont Park and Keeneland, let’s take a look at some of the more impressive European grass hopefuls.
Mile — Four horses to watch for — Aussie Rules, George Washington, Caradak and Librettist.The latter two are from the Godolphin Racing Stable. Of course, the American-based Aragorn, trained by Neil Drysdale, is going to be one tough sonofagun.
Turf — Shirocco, the German-bred who won the Turf last year at Belmont as an 8-1 outsider, finished last in last weekend’s Arc de Triomphe in France, but early indications are that the horse did not care for the Longchamp course and will be sent to the U.S. to try to defend its title. The Bobby Frankel-trained Cacique and The Tin Man, conditioned by Richard Mandella, will be major players.
Filly & Mare Turf — Two European fillies, Freedonia and Royal Highness, are prepping today in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic against males. It will be interesting to see how they fare. Wait a While, the U.S.-based filly trained by Todd Pletcher, has been beating her oppostiion by daylight.
I don’t like any of the European runners in the dirt races.
Who are some of the European hopefuls you all like in Breeders’ Cup XXIII?
