General / Graham Cunningham / 31 October 2008 / 2 Comments Free £25 Bet

It's been a busy week for GC which began in California and will end in West Yorkshire.

The Cup runneth over... providing you are European, that is

So what did you make of last week's Breeders' Cup in California?

A Racing Post vox pop this week brought a mixed response - with some in raptures and a few left cold - but what's not to like about a meeting which is slowly evolving into racing's equivalent of the Ryder Cup?

I've been to the last seven BC events now. It's crystal clear the old excuses about long distance travel and hot climate for the visitors just don't wash any more, while the clampdown on steroids and the introduction of a Pro-Ride surface have plainly worked in Europe's favour.

Betfair and the High St bookies reported very healthy business on the Saturday night and, given that Europe had five winners including an unprecedented 1-2 through Raven's Pass and Henrythenavigator in the Classic, it's a safe bet that there will be a massive European presence at next year's two-day meeting.

Predictably, Americans are already fearing the worst. One local reporter summed up the mood in the Press box last week as he reflected on the fact that the BC is back at Santa Anita again in 2009.

"You guys better bring an extra suitcase next year," he said. "You'll need it for all the dollars you keep taking from us!"

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Ryan is a champion on the track but not so hot off it

Anyone who lays horses on a regular basis will testify that there are two Flat jockeys who give you that sinking feeling if you take them on and they arrive on the scene a furlong from home.

One is Kieren Fallon. And the other is Ryan Moore. Fallon's ban has given the layers some respite - at least until next year - but Moore has blossomed further in his absence and stuck it to me again when Conduit landed the Breeders' Cup Turf.

I feared the worst when the early leaders went off way too hard and Moore simply bided his time before delivering Conduit with an irresistible late surge up the Santa Anita straight.

His tremendous talent should ensure plenty more Breeders' Cup winners - and a second Jockeys' Championship is already in the bag - but Moore's manner off the track remains a long way removed from champion standard.

Take one morning in California last week. A handful of reporters approached Moore and one ventured to ask how his first experience of a Breeders' Cup week was going.

Just a gentle loosener, you might think, yet Ryan chose to bat it back by saying "that's a f****** stupid question."

Is that really the way a champion ought to conduct himself? I don't think so. What do you think?

* * *

Liberate the one to note on Wetherby's big day

Regular readers will be aware that I have a love-hate relationship with Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby. In short, the usual script is that I head across the M62 full of optimism about the first major day of jumping in the north only to head home four hours later with empty pockets after letting enthusiasm triumph over logic.

With the trends in mind then, I will confine myself to suggesting that Liberate can have a significant say in the outcome of the John Smith's Hurdle at 3.00. Race fitness is always a big plus at this time of year and this gelding will be ready to roll after a solid seventh in the Cesarewitch three weeks ago. Wetherby's sharp track should suit him well and the chances are he isn't fully exposed at three miles over hurdles.

* * *

Bankable worth one last chance in Newmarket finale

Banking shares have seldom been lower, and Bankable's stock among the punting fraternity has taken a similar dip since his last win at Goodwood in the spring.

Six defeats at 13-8, 5-4, 3-1, 8-13, 2-1 and 5-2 have lined the layers' pockets richly since then, but those who feel that Bankable's record of five consecutive second-places mean he must be shirking the issue could be barking up the wrong tree.

The Ben Marshall Stakes at 3.55 will be the acid test of whether Luca Cumani's colt is up to the job, and Cat Junior and Alexandros will both be backed to beat him.

However, try as I might I haven't been able to detect any signs that Bankable is ungenuine. This step back to a mile looks likely to suit and, who knows, after so many short priced defeats he might not even be favourite this time.