Sea The Stars, Europe's best, retired

Sea The Stars, one of the best horses to race in Europe in many years, was retired today, meaning of course he won't be coming to race in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Nov. 7.

Breeders' Cup president Greg Avioli released the following statement:

"Sea The Stars has had an extraordinary career by any measure and we wish his connections the best and thank them for the careful consideration of the Breeders' Cup. We remain focused on the 26th Breeders' Cup World Championships and the strong fields scheduled to compete, including the sensational undefeated mare Zenyatta, the best horses in training in the US and an outstanding contingent of international runners that will try to match the success the European horses enjoyed last year."

It's my belief that this latest development only increases the chances that Zenyatta will face the boys in the $5 million Classic. So far, there's nothing that should scare away her camp. She loves Santa Anita's Pro-Ride surface, and I think that incredible turn of foot will be there no matter who she is racing against.