WHILE the jumps stars are coming to the fore in the UK, tonights Breeders Cup lacks a real leading player.
We had Samcro and Sam Spinner strutting their stuff yesterday and Delta Work, Clan Des Obeaux and La Bague Au Roi in action today.
But Im in California, enjoying the Breeders Cup buzz but searching for the buzz horse who can light up the Santa Anita track.
This is surely the most beautiful racecourse on planet earth and this stunning a backdrop deserves some quality performers or at least a huge smash-up, and Im not talking about one of the travelling press pack enjoying one glass too many of the free bubbly.
Magicals defection from the Filly & Mare Turf has been a real blow, as she would have taken on defending champion Sistercharlie. Now that would have been a race.
Nevertheless, the meeting never fails to captivate an audience and theres plenty to enjoy with every race tonight on Sky Sports Racing.
These horses might not be household names but they may play a big part in tonights drama. The one on everyones lips Stateside is Omaha Beach and I was able to snuggle up to him at Richard Mandellas barn this week.
Omaha Beach goes in the Dirt Mile, interestingly sponsored by Big Ass Fans. Its a company that produces huge fans by the way!
Omaha Beach was being trained for a Classic campaign, but he stuck at a mile and shorter and has proven super special.
He romped home at Santa Anita last time in a Grade 1 over six furlongs and looked an absolute monster.
Mandella knows how to land a Breeders Cup race, sending out Pleasantly Perfect to win the Classic and Dubai World Cup.
Chad Brown is another who knows a thing or two about Breeders Cup winners. He has a huge chance in the Turf yes, the Turf, which usually goes to a European with Bricks And Mortar.
Unbeaten in his last six, Bricks And Mortar banged in the Arlington Million last time. He has never gone over a mile and a half, but his running style suggests stamina is not an issue.
Midnight Bisou looks unstoppable in the Distaff, as she looks to land eight on the bounce! She was last seen in September at Belmont Park, stuffing Wow Cat by over three lengths. The cat was well and truly wowed.
Got Stormy is worth a mention in the Breeders Cup Mile against Circus Maximus.
She is trained by Mark Casse, a man who enjoyed success in this race with World Approval and the awesome Tepin. Got Stormy was only second at Woodbine last time, but prior to that she won twice at Saratoga.
Of the Europeans, dont give up on Billesdon Brook in the Filly & Mare Turf should her stamina hold out. It would cap a huge year for the excellent Sean Levey.
The biggest race of all is the Classic. McKinzie will be a strong fancy and hes ultra consistent. At his best he would be hard to beat but the horse can swish his tail and be tricky, hence Mike Smith has been sacked in favour of Joel Rosario.
Code Of Honour is in good form, having landed his last three for Claude McGaughey III. What a name that is. He finishes fast from off the pace so needs a strong gallop.
And its amazing to see Preakness winner War Of Will as the 33-1 outsider!
It promises to be a wonderful evening of racing. When you are at the Breeders Cup the atmosphere is electric and dreams will come true . . . and be broken.
