California Dreaming - Bet on Breeders Cup

It is the first time in the history of the Breeders Cup, which was first run in 1984, that the event is being held at the same site in consecutive years. For the second year in a row the meeting will take place at Santa Anita, a track that saw great success for the European challengers in 2008.

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Last year was the first time that races were ran on an artificial surface and the visitors won an unprecedented five races on the second day. In years gone by the travelers have come in hope but now a sense of expectation fills the Californian air, with an even more powerful team making the trip than last year. European horses lead the market in six of the 14 races with plenty more horses with leading chances.

The meeting begins on Friday night with the Breeders’ Cup Marathon and Mastery’s first run since his triumph in the Ladbrokes St Leger. He will be looking to give trainer Saeed bin Suroor his third winner at the Breeders’ Cup and his first since Fantastic Light took the Breeders’ Cup Turf in 2001.

Europeans hold sway in early Breeders Cup odds

The Europeans will be looking for further success later in the night in the Filly & Mare Turf with Rainbow View and Midday towards the top of the market.

Saturday night’s card is littered with highlights with Conduit and Goldikova attempting to win back to back titles at the Breeders’ Cup as well as Mastercraftsman attempting to win his third race at the top level this season.

However, the highlight of the weekend comes in the form of the Breeders’ Cup Classic. Last year Europe recorded a famous 1-2 in the race but this year’s domestic challenge makes for an enthralling contest to claim the $5 million purse.

Rip Van Winkle has been made favourite after emerging from the shadow of Sea The Stars to win two Group Ones in Britain. However, if he is to win he will have to beat two of this year's American Triple Crown race winners, in Summer Bird and Mine That Bird, as well as a filly that is looking to improve on perfection. Zenyatta has won all of her 13 career starts, including seven at the highest level. The doubt for her is that this is the first time she has met the males and if she is to keep up her perfect record she will have to turn in a career best performance.

There is arguably no greater test of a thoroughbred’s ability and trainers have travelled for thousands of miles to try and win one of the prestigious 14 races. Of course the $25.5 million on offer is a persuader but trainers from both sides of the Atlantic have been dreaming of this weekend all year. Let’s just hope it isn’t a nightmare for the Europeans.