US Racing / Nick Shiambouros / 02 November 2007 /

Nick Shiambouros says the Monmouth Park ground was good enough, the European challenge wasn't...

With another great Breeders Cup in the books this one made the headlines in the UK for all the wrong reasons. Before I go any further I must pay tribute to George Washington who had to be euthanised at the track after his participation in The Classic. He was a true champion in Europe and most will remember him for his brilliant win in the 2000 Guineas a couple of years ago.

I really can't believe some of the negative reaction to one of the truly great weekends racing I have seen in a long time. It is not very often you see conventional dirt racing run on a sloppy track at The Breeders' Cup World Championships and with a yielding turf course thrown in for good measure. I am quite surprised by some racing journalists in the UK criticising the event due to track conditions and lack of foreign competition among other things. It appears that many people have not seen this before or do not have a fundamental understanding of the mechanics of thoroughbred horseracing in America. With regards to the condition of the track everybody I have spoken to in America has said that it was sloppy on the main track and yielding on the turf. It really is as simple as that. It's as if nobody in the UK has seen rain before!!!

As far as I'm concerned every single horse won each of their races on merit and, as hard as I try, I can't justify an excuse for any horse that was beaten due to the track at Monmouth Park. As for the lack of foreign runners all I can say to that is that these are the season-ending World Championships and if you don't show up to race you've missed your chance to be crowned World Champion. It really is as simple as that. If you're good enough to win one of these races then your career at stud is assured or at least greatly enhanced. Now that's the rant over - let's look back on some memorable moments and a great week's punting.

As previously reported Discreet Cat is completely overrated and was outclassed by the brilliant Corinthian who was back to his very best and bolted up in the Dirt Mile. He's retired to stud as a true champion.

Maryfield came with a good run to claim the first running of the Filly and Mare Sprint. She really stayed on stoutly to lead close home. Dream Rush was used hard early and paid the price in the last furlong.

The Juvenile Turf went to Nownownow who put away Achill Island for the Europeans. This race has a long way to go in my opinion to be considered a Graded Stakes race.

On Saturday we got off to a flying start when Indian Blessing hacked up in Juvenile Fillies. Bob Baffert has a worthy Oaks favourite at this early stage on what proved to be a huge day for the great man.

Things got even better when War Pass looked in a different league when destroying the field in The Juvenile. It is a little early but if I get to Vegas by the end of the year I may have a little on him to win The Kentucky Derby antepost.

Nashoba's Key never handled the conditions and I commend Carla Gaines for letting this brave filly take her chance but our saver bet - Lahudood - duly obliged and was freely available at around 16 and bigger on the exchange.

The sprint went to Midnight Lute who finished like a rocket to give Bob Baffert two wins on the day. No doubt The Silver Oak was flowing on Saturday night after this dazzling display.
The ground did not help Nobiz Like Showbiz but Kip Deville was a worthy winner of the mile. Excellent Art ran on to be second but could never land a serious blow.

The Distaff proved to be the most exciting race of the day when young Rafael Bejerano squeezed through on the rail in to deny Hysterical Lady. It is always nice to see owner-breeders win this race and Frank Stronach looked so happy collecting the trophy.

The Turf went to English Channel who made mincemeat of the opposition and, simply put, Dylan Thomas hated the ground.

Finally horse of the year elect - Curlin - put up one of the most memorable performances I have ever seen when winning the Classic in great style in a very fast time. Hard Spun ran his heart out to finish second and Awesome Gem gained some compensation for his defeat in The Goodwood, running on to be third. Along with Street Sense, Any Given Saturday and the older Lawyer Ron it has been a privilege to see all these champions this year. All I can say is "Wow what a race".

This week is back to normal with two good contests to preview. First up is the 12 furlong Long Island Handicap at Aqueduct Grade 3 on the turf. This looks just like a race in Europe and I think Royal Highness is definitely the one here. She has already won a Grade 1 and last time out she finished behind Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare winner Lauded. Let's hope we can get around 2.8 for this one. Less may be the only option though.

Over at Churchill Downs for there Fall meet, the Ack Ack Handicap looks wide open but I will be backing Istan at around 5.0 with a saver on Sun King at around 10 win and place in this tight heat.

One more year to wait until the Breeders' Cup moves to the Cushion Track at Santa Anita and presumably fine weather and a fast turf course. If anyone wants to complain about the track next year all they have to do is call the manufacturers in Burnley to have a moan because they laid the new surface at Santa Anita. No need for a long distance call, they're only local!!!

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