Events / Graham Cunningham / 12 November 2009 / Leave a comment

Graham Cunningham muses on the two-day Flat racing fest in the beautiful environs of Santa Anita

"The jumping diehards who argue that the BC is just a “junkies day out” should really wind their necks in. Do they really think that some National Hunt trainers don’t push the envelope as far as possible on the medication issue?"

As the jet lag from another trip to the Breeders' Cup finally wears off a few random points occur.

First, it was another vintage weekend for Europe with a record six winners.

Second, the notion that the change of climate involved in going to hot venues like Santa Anita late in the year - which was always suspect - is plainly garbage.

Third, Man of Iron's Marathon win shouldn't mask the fact that the Aiden O'Brien big guns like Rip Van Winkle and Mastercraftsman failed to fire.

Fourth, those who argue Coolmore's decision not to use Lasix left them at a huge disadvantage could be flawed. Granted, Euro winners Goldikova and Conduit did use Lasix this year - but they didn't do too badly in the very same races without the anti bleeding agent 12 months ago.

Fifth, the jumping diehards who argue that the BC is just a "junkies day out" should really wind their necks in. Do they really think that some National Hunt trainers don't push the envelope as far as possible on the medication issue?

Sixth, wasn't Zenyatta's loop and swoop move in the Classic sensational? That seemingly effortless surge capped a memorable weekend, though it's still hard not to wonder about the sort of showdown we would have witnessed had Sea The Stars danced one final dance. For what it's worth, I still feel STS would have come out on top.

And, last but not least, if you have never been to the most spellbinding racecourse on the planet then start saving now. The BC seems unlikely to be back in SoCal until 2012 at the earliest. If last week's events are any guide it will be well worth the wait.

Tags: Lasix, Man of Iron, Mastercraftsman, Rip Van Winkle, Santa Anita, Zenyatta