Sunday sees the 90th running of the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp, and if you remember my column two weeks ago, I was reflecting on the outcome of the main trial meeting in Paris and while Sarafina stills remains favourite, it was probably the least surprising news of the season when Aidan O'Brien confirmed that So You Think will head to France to represent Ballydoyle.
I am definitely better at tipping muck from a wheelbarrow than I am at tipping winners, but I genuinely think the former Aussie ace is the best horse in the contest and will be very hard to peg back. That's assuming he runs of course after a week of fluctuations on the International betting market.
Super Saturday
In the early hours of Sunday morning (Dubai time) Belmont Park hosts the original version of ‘Super Saturday' as many Breeders' Cup candidates put their credentials on the line.
Featuring six graded races, unrivalled talent set to test their mettle could include Uncle Mo (Kelso Stakes), Cape Blanco (Joe Hirsch Turf Classic), Havre De Grace (Beldame) and Stacelita (Flower Bowl Invitational) while Travers Stakes victor Stay Thirsty puts his Breeders' Cup hopes on the line in the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
As ‘Ness from the BBC Comedy Gavin And Stacey would say: ‘I'm not gonna lie to you.' I'm not the most dedicated follower of US racing, but as the big weekend at Churchill Downs draws ever closer, my interest in what happens equine-wise across the Atlantic is gaining momentum and I might even set my alarm to get up early (or late) to watch them all in action! Or I suppose I could watch the replay the day after!"
Several Emirates Melbourne Cup hopefuls arrived safely Down Under on Saturday as their preparations for Australia's equivalent of the Grand National continue.
Luca Cumani could rely on four runners in the race and Bauer, who showed age had not caught up with him when winning at Haydock three weeks ago, features in the squad alongside Maninghar, Sahara Sun and the quirky Drunken Sailor.
Last year's winner Americain is back for another bite of the cherry, while Godolphin's recent acquisition Modun and Moyenne Cornice are just a few others forming a large foreign raid.
The local contingent is still very strong however, and Anthony Freedman could saddle the former German-trained Lucas Cranach. Reflecting on this year's international attack, he concluded: "There are so many foreigners this year trying to lift our big prize; we should have run the Melbourne Cup in Newmarket!" Now there's an idea for Racing For Change!
Status upgrade
It was confirmed by the ERA this week that the Jebel Hatta, Al Maktoum Challenge and Al Quoz Sprint have been upgraded to Group One status.
This is absolutely brilliant news, and long overdue, bearing in mind the quality of horses that have been competing in such races in recent years.
This means that for the first time ever in the history of UAE thoroughbred horseracing, there will be Group One races outside of the World Cup card.
Let battle commence!
