The Europeans are on the march for Breeders’ Cup glory!
Published:It seems the Americans can’t do anything by half measures, and that statement will be obvious when the two day extravaganza that is the Breeders’ Cup hits Santa Anita Racecourse this weekend, but it could be a good couple of days for the foreign raiders.
Europe matched their highest haul in the showcase 12 months ago when bagging five victories at the California track.
And with no fewer than 25 representatives set to fly the flag across nine of the 13 Breeders’ Cup races this time round, Ladbrokes are offering 14/1 that they can nab a quintet of victories again.
For the less hopeful, it is 7/2 for four wins, 6/4 to triumph in three or, for the less enthusiastic, 33/1 to draw a blank in California.
Ladbrokes News’ Ben Stones takes a look at a trio of raiders that could go close across the pond.
The British and Irish have had the best luck in this contest in recent years, taking the last five renewals.
Aidan O’Brien’s War Envoy boasts the strongest form amongst the foreign contingent, but it is Commemorative that has the most scope for improvement.
Charlie Hills’ colt was a nice winner of the Autumn Stakes at Newmarket when last seen, and for a trainer that took the Juvenile Fillies Turf last year with Chriselliam, could run a big race on the opening day.
Out of a mare that produced her best performances on solid ground, the firm surface should be of no inconvenience.
Bidding to become only the second mare to claim this race twice, Dank showed her penchant for picking up these big overseas prizes last season.
Before running out the winner of the 1m4f contest 12 months ago, the James Wigan-owned five-year-old impressively took the Beverley D Stakes at Arlington.
She has raced just twice this season, finishing third in the Dubai Duty Free at Meydan before coming home fifth in the Prince of Wales Stakes, but in Sir Michael Stoute she has just the trainer to get her prepared to bounce back, with Stoute the most successful British trainer in Breeders’ Cup history.
While Wise Dan’s absence is unfortunate for racing, it will provide a welcome boost for the Richard Hannon-Richard Hughes combination as they seek retribution in the penultimate race of the meeting.
It has become clear in recent times that a sound surface suits the Queen Anne Stakes winner, something which cannot be said for stablemate Olympic Glory who finished down the field in this race last year.
A length second to Kingman in the Sussex Stakes in July is solid form, and he certainly looks the class horse in the field, as he bids to bow out of racing and into retirement in some style.
All odds and markets correct as of the date of publishing
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