Day of reckoning for So You Think in the Breeders Cup Classic

Despite arriving at the yard of Aidan O’Brien from Australia with a major reputation, there is still a sense that So You Think has slightly failed to live up to the heights expected this season.

Three Group One successes is hardly form that can be looked upon too harshly, but his three defeats have arguably come in his biggest races.

Twice beaten at Ascot when a well-backed favourite were both slightly surprising, while he can be forgiven for finishing fourth in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, as he was held up for too long and running over an unfavoured trip.

Back over an optimum 1m2f in the Breeders Cup Classic, So You Think has the perfect stage to show that he is the horse that his lofty reputation billed him up to be.

However, there are doubts over how well he will be suited to racing on dirt and horses travelling from Europe have only ever once won the Breeders Cup Classic.

Meanwhile, his constant travelling from Australia, to Ireland, to England, to France and now to the US all in one season must also take its toll and has to go down as a negative to his chances.

That said, there has arguably been no more consistent horse this season and so 6/1 may represent a fine each-way bet as finishing inside the first three is certainly within So You Think’s capabilities.

Of the other Breeders Cup contenders, there are major doubts as to whether Uncle Mo will stay 10f so for this reason he has to be avoided, while star female Havre De Grace is yet to prove she is the next Zenyatta over this trip.

Therefore, of the favourites in the Breeders Cup betting, Flat Out looks the safest choice at 5/1 to triumph.

But, there is certainly some value to be found further down the market, at least for those willing to back each-way.

Stay Thirsty’s good season saw him sent off favourite for a Group One last time, but he found himself bogged down in wet ground and this third can be forgiven.

Furthermore, Ruler On Ice has last year’s winning Classic jockey Garrett Gomez on board and could swoop late in a race filled with runners who will like to be up with the pace.

Stay Thirsty and Ruler On Ice are both 14/1 to win the Breeders Cup Classic.