Breeders Cup Classic (Grade 1)

Not quite a match but it really should be.

American Pharoah and Gleneagles have been stand out three-year olds in America and Europe this year.

Their meeting here in the biggest race of the year hasn’t caught the public imagination. Bored with the will he won’t he run, the public has lost faith in Gleneagles especially after being beaten at Ascot in the QE11. Bubble burst.

In the States the opposite has happened. American Pharoah has been forgiven his loss in the Travers to Keen Ice who reeled him in close home. After all it was in the graveyard for champions.

Before Ascot Aidan O’Brien’s interview on Channel 4 was very telling. He let the horse run but his body language screamed he wouldn’t win. He had no choice. He needed to take the edge off him having wound him up all summer. If he was going to make it here today, he had to run. It was the right thing to do.

The vibes emanating from Ballydoyle are of quite confidence. The horse is raring to go with Ascot having taken the freshness out of him. The big imponderable is his ability to handle the dirt.

We’ll know in a matter of strides if he does. If, yes if, then we’re in for some treat.

Let’s hope.

Recommendation: Gleneagles (e/w on the American Tote)