Events / Graham Cunningham / 26 October 2007 /

Graham Cunningham has more talk from inside the Monmouth merry-go-round...

Oprah viewer steals the show in the fatuous question handicap

The prize for the daftest question asked by a journalist during a Breeders' Cup week is always hotly contested and this year has been right up to scratch.

However, the book was closed early on Thursday afternoon when an American reporter (continuing the stateside monopoly of this particular event) put up his hand in a well attended press conference featuring star rider Garrett Gomez.

Not surprisingly, Gomez looked a little nonplussed when quizzed as to whether he would feel extra pressure aboard Oprah Winney in the Filly & Mare Sprint because the legendary Oprah Winfrey would be tuning in to watch her near namesake.

To his credit he refrained from bursting into laughter - which is more than can be said for the cynical British reporters present - but Gomez might well have another knotty problem to face if Oprah Winney is involved in a tight finish.

Connections of Richard Dutrow's filly were cheered loudly on Oprah's television show in midweek when they told the world's most famous TV host that they would not condone their pride and joy being hit with the whip.

Gomez is well known as one of the most powerful finishers in American weighing rooms. And with $1m on the line you can take 1.01 with confidence that the Gomez persuader will be brandished with gay abandon if it comes down to the nitty gritty at just after 9.25 on Friday night.

***
Bailey stays firmly on the fence ahead of a Classic to savour

When you have ridden the winner of the Breeders' Cup Classic five times you ought to have a better idea than most of what it takes to win the race.

But former top American jockey Jerry Bailey feels the 2007 renewal is "just too close to call." Not to be brushed off lightly, I pushed the popular ESPN analyst to come off the fence only to be met with further hesitance. "It's so hard to split a tremendous crop of three-year-olds we have this year," he added.

"But I do feel that this might just be the most competitive and well balanced Classic we have ever seen. Any Given Saturday has the edge over Curlin on his Haskell form, but he goes over a mile and a quarter now. Street Sense is proven at the trip but needs the racing luck, and although George Washington was beaten last year this tighter track might just suit him better."

Bailey lamented the fact that most of the leading fancies for the Classic will head to stud after Saturday's $5m showdown. "I understand the economics of the game but it's a crying shame that they won't be back next year," he said. "Still, perhaps we should take the glass half full view and just enjoy what should be a very special race."

***
Seen and heard on the Monmouth backstretch

Frankie Dettori heading for breakfast in the track kitchen looking as smooth as ever being pursued by a posse of American press. Wonder if he tried the special, which goes under the terrifying name of Shit On A Shingle?

Aidan O'Brien making a low key entrance with his ever growing brood in tow as usual. Coral are going 10-11 each of two about whether he or Dettori will end up with more kids!

Jeremy Noseda watching intently as Strike The Deal and Simply Perfect cantered on the dirt track. The rain looks bad news for the former, but Simply Perfect could be a live longshot if she stays the longer trip.

Brian Meehan aboard a pony accompanying his Turf hope Red Rocks to the track for morning exercise. And the Manton handler has no qualms about covering all the bases. "He'll run on Lasix and Bute," says Meehan. "We're here to win and there's no point being a pious prima donna about it."

Betfair PR guru Tony Calvin buying a round. Granted, this last one has nothing to do with the Breeders' Cup per se, but its rarity value means it has to get a mention

Lack of Euros takes the shine of multi-million Dollar event

Ingratitude is monstrous according to William Shakespeare. And some would say that reporters who snipe at an event which treats the media like valued guests are guilty of biting the hand that feeds to an uncomfortable degree.

But there has been an underlying current among certain reporters this week that the Breeders' Cup, while still a huge deal on the worldwide stage, doesn't have quite the pull it used to for horsemen and horseplayers alike.

The facts clearly back up such a view. The fact that the event still fails to lure runners from outside of America and Europe hast be a minor concern. And the fact that Breeders' Cup 2007 will go by without a single French runner is little short of bizarre.

The huge prizes on offer in Dubai and the Far East - and the travel allowances which often accompany them - means the situation could develop further in years to come.

But then again, these things are often cyclical. This piece is being put together in a chilly media centre as the rain teems out of a leaden Jersey sky. But this time next year the press pack will roll south to meet the balmy climate and blissful surroundings of Santa Anita again.

It's long odds-on that things will look a lot more rosy in the sunshine of Arcadia. But shorter term, it's time to get changed for what promises to be a jovial evening with Southside Johnny at the 2007 Breeders' Cup press party.

It's a dirty job. But someone has to do it. I hope you have enjoyed this daily diary from Monmouth. Leave a comment if you have. And for that matter, leave one if you haven't. Good luck for the weekend. GC

'.$sign_up['title'].'

'; } } ?>

:

:

:

?

: