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Aidan O’Brien could make history in the Breeders Cup today with his robust collection of Irish invaders. It is important to note the approach O’Brien has traditionally taken while preparing for the Breeders. His stock, usually leg heavy after a long, lucrative European campaign, have never really come to America in razor-sharp form. His paltry three win total (two from High Chaparral, also Johannesburg) and his inability to win since 2003 (ignoring the high priced claiming event called the Marathon), are a testament to the somewhat relaxed approach of the Coolmore organization to their American excursion. Ballydoyle views the trip to America as an opportunity to reward their employees and have a bit of fun (a wee bit of craic!). And then…well, last year happened. The surface at Santa Anita was revealed to have one previously unknown quirk; it was conducive to great performances from turf horses. O’Brien was doubtless astounded as Europeans ripped off a series of impressive performances on the main track. The results of the 2008 Breeders Cup could only have lead O’Brien to conclude that the 2009 Breeders Cup, being run at the same track, itself an anomaly, afforded him the chance to finally demonstrate the prowess of the world’s greatest breeding organization on this side of the Atlantic. He has brought over two absolute jewels this afternoon in Mastercraftsman and Rip Van Winkle and expectations are exceedingly high.

Baby, it’s Breeders Cup day, a time for bold stands and vibrant courage. Take the elastic off the wallet and get ready to plunge…

JUVENILE TURF…POUNCED has speed and adds both Frankie Dettori and Lasix. A potent brew. His effort on Arc day was a tip-off; he had class in front of him in Siyouni and powerful runners behind him. Give him the edge over O’Brien’s Viscount Nelson and long-shot Gallant Gent.

TURF SPRINT…yeah, time for the first beer of the day. Put your feet up, doze off and what’s that?! The race is over? Buddy, it’s okay, you didn’t miss much…race belongs mid-week at Golden Gate…GOTTA HAVE HER is our outsider play…

SPRINT…Canada’s big moment in the spotlight. The ferocious FATAL BULLET was second in this race last year. He’s back at four and catches what appears to be a slightly easier field. His old rival Capt Candyman Can will be a serious late threat.

JUVENILE…AIKENITE continues to improve for Todd Pletcher. O’Brien’s ALFRED NOBEL is third off the layoff, the angle that produced his first win. The best of Ballydoyle’s juvenile runners this summer, he appears to have offered less than his best in the last two. Capable of sharp form reversal with the extended ground. I’ll use the top pair with Beethoven and rank outsider Aspire in an attempt to hit that phat payoff.

TURF MILE…strong preference for GOLDIKOVA. I know the Euros like they’re my old friends and, thus, can confidently state Delegator is not at the same level as the wonder filly. Forgive her the bizarre effort in her last where she was inexplicably sent to the lead halfway through the race. The filly gets juiced and need only worry about the rapidly improving Zacinto. That colt is improving by leaps and bounds but is sure to be hampered by the presence of Ryan Moore, a jockey who, like Jamie Spencer, has proven completely inadequate while riding on American courses.

DIRT MILE…I was at the Curragh in May to revel in MATERCRAFTSMAN’s sublime win in the Irish 2,000 Guineas. Only the very elite, a Sea The Stars or Fame and Glory, can head this magnificent runner. At heart, he is a miler, and he should be deadly returning to his favoured distance. Neko Bay is a long-shot play for underneath the exactors. The six year old is remarkably proficient at Santa Anita and in solid form. Also use the well rested Pyro, an animal who showed a new gear while dominating the Forego at Saratoga. His previous start at Santa Anita came while in a down cycle.

TURF…SPANISH MOON is a joy, the best horse you’ve never heard of. The pugnacious and obnoxious superstar has been banned from England but is free to ply his trade in the sunshine of California this afternoon. The plot thickens when we discover he will be paired with Keiran Fallon, no stranger to bans and controversy. What a duo they make! This will be a Breeders Cup win for the bad guys as Spanish gets his first chance to run in America. Conduit and Dar Re Mi loom strictly the one’s to beat. Instead of betting Spanish to win, I would play him over those two. This is a three horse European showdown..period.

CLASSIC…it comes down to this. The maestro of Tipperary, Aidan O’Brien, brings over his big gun in attempt to finally achieve success in the Classic. I assure you, this is the best horse the lads from Ballydoyle have ever brought to these shores. It’s put up or shut up time and the Ripster gets his chance to strut his stuff absent the boldness of Sea The Stars. His best performance came at this distance, in the Eclipse Stakes, when his efforts caused the top horse in the world moments of genuine consternation. This blasted plastic track makes handicapping the Classic a headache. It’s peculiarity likely means a positive day for turf runner Gio Ponti, so I’ll use him underneath, and also, in a nod to their outrageous talent, use Summer Bird and Quality Road.  Zenyatta is as  genuine as a unicorn perceived while on an acid trip. The shameful hucksters on the West Coast proclaim the filly a star, but she has never traveled in order to establish her credentials and her Beyers underline her status as a nice runner, but not a great one.