Godolphin’s 15-strong challenge on the Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships at Santa Anita on Friday and Saturday, November 6 and 7 is progressing smoothly in the Californian sunshine.
Some of Godolphin’s American-based horses have been stabled at Santa Anita for nearly a month, having travelled across the country from their usual quarters at Belmont Park, New York.
This means that they have all had at least two proper works on the Pro-Ride artificial surface, which is different from the dirt prevailing in New York, as well as time to get fully acclimatised to their new surroundings.
One benefit has been the glorious weather in California and the nine American-based horses have thrived in it.
The horses, their riders and the races they are going for are indicated below.
GI Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, Friday, November 6, 2009
SARA LOUISE (USA) - Frankie Dettori
SEVENTH STREET (USA) - Rajiv Maragh
GI Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic, Friday, November 6, 2009
COCOA BEACH (CHI) - Richard Migliore
MUSIC NOTE (USA) - Rajiv Maragh
GI Sentient Jet Breeders' Cup Sprint, Saturday, November 7, 2009
GAYEGO (USA) - Garrett Gomez
GI Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, Saturday, November 7, 2009
MIDSHIPMAN (USA) - Garrett Gomez
PYRO (USA) - John Velazquez
GI Breeders' Cup Classic, Saturday, November 7, 2009
GIROLAMO (USA) - Alan Garcia
REGAL RANSOM (USA) - Richard Migliore
They were joined over the weekend by five British-based horses who flew in to make their challenge for Breeders’ Cup glory.
The European horses comprise of:-
Breeders’ Cup Marathon, Friday, November 6, 2009
MASTERY (GB) - Frankie Dettori
G2 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, Saturday, November 7, 2009
BUZZWORD (GB) - Ahmed Ajtebi
GI Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Saturday, November 7, 2009
VALE OF YORK (IRE) - Ahmed Ajtebi
GI TVG Breeders' Cup Mile, Saturday, November 7, 2009
DELEGATOR (GB) - Frankie Dettori
GLADIATORUS (USA) - Ahmed Ajtebi
The Godolphin team for the Breeders’ Cup races is completed by the Kiaran McLaughlin-trained Justenuffhumor.
GI TVG Breeders' Cup Mile, Saturday, November 7, 2009
JUSTENUFFHUMOR (USA) - Alan Garcia
Rick Mettee, assistant in America to Godolphin’s Saeed bin Suroor, said today: "The horses are just going to tick over this week, having already done their work.
"Sara Louise is spot on coming into the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint with Seventh Street the other runner in the race which is a tough one.
"I would expect good races from Music Note and Cocoa Beach in the Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic. Even if Zenyatta does not run, a filly like Careless Jewel is not going to be easy to run down.
"The Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile is an interesting race. We don’t how Pyro will go on the surface. He has been running one-turn miles and is now going to two turns. It all comes down to whether he will really grab this track or not.
"Midshipman in the same race is another question mark. He has only had one race this year in allowance company and he steps up after five career starts to face tough older horses. In a perfect world, he would have had another run this year. He has won over the track in a Grade One last year.
"Gayego is a horse you have to like and he thrives over this racetrack. I hope there is a good pace in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint as he likes to come off a strongly-run race.
"Regal Ransom and Girolamo deserve a chance in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Regal Ransom, who is likely to make the running, has won two Grade Two's this year and we will find out if his speed lasts out in this company. I don’t think the trip of 10 furlongs will be a problem though the class of the race might be.
"Girolamo has yet to run an artificial surface, not gone around two turns and never been beyond a mile so he is being plunged in the deep end a bit. But he is a very good horse."
Tommy Burns is overseeing Godolphin’s European horses at the moment and he is pleased with how they travelled. They cleared quarantine this morning (Tuesday).
He said: "They flew from Stansted Airport to Los Angeles International on Sunday and arrived at the track at 4pm.
"They travelled really good and were relaxed - there were no problems whatsoever. I am very pleased with them.
"They had a canter this morning and will do the same tomorrow and on the following day. All their fast work is done. They are nice and healthy."