Breeders Cup racing, what the...?

Pretty much. However, William Buick didn't have The Fugue in the right possie - as somebody has said elsewhere, the only time it was in the right place was before he entered the stalls. Being on the rail was a hiding to nothing - none of the American jockeys were going to let him out for a last rattle - no way. In fact I'd bet they were all saying 'thank you mate'. Tough. Same with Hughsie and Sky Lantern. If you want to play with the Americans you have to play their game - all out from pillar to post and don't get locked onto the rail because the gaps won't come.

In past years, actually the European horses have done reasonably well on the turf (not on dirt) but the Americans were not going to give them an inch, going on past performances on the turf.

Oval racing, on drugs and all about quarter times isn't for me - and just as where are the Americans when they do come over here, no, there is no point trying to bother even. I'm not sure it's Mickey Mouse racing - but for sure, it's horses for courses so I'd just leave it alone.

Add - and no, I didn't have a cent on anything.

Fair question..however, taking a stab at the sport is a bit of a hard stance. The truth is, it is what it is.. When we make the decision to race in each others country, we have to realize there's going to be advantages and disadvantages, as in any sport.. a game of chance where anything can happen, and usually does.. Trying to figure out which continent has the highest QUALITY racing in terms of it's classic winners and quality in depth is impossible. We can try but we can't reasonably compare the two.

The Breeders Cup is the 'rare' occasion where US/Americans and European horses do meet in races, comparison again is most always impossible. The main reason in The Breeders Cup European entrants suffer from inexperience on dirt, left handed tracks and the fact US horses are allowed to use certain perfectly legal drugs to aid their performance that are prohibited in Europe. When Americans go to Europe they usually fare equally badly due to inexperience on turf etc. Again, this does not allow for fair comparison. Also, American horses are currently bred and bought with an emphasis on speed, while the stayer has more value in Europe. In regards to this numerous American races have been shortened through the years ,that the old classic 1 1/4 races have sometimes been shortened to 1 1/8th,which seems to be the most prominent distance of graded (group) races in the country. And mile and a half on dirt are all unfortunately gone, with most of those on grass run at lower levels. Look for an American to win the sprint in any given year in the BC,and a Euro to win the 1 1/2 grass classic.The American by virtue of distance and surface will usually always beat the best Europe has to offer in the 1 1/4 dirt race,tho at times a better rider can produce a win. In my opinion, as in most Americans, Euro jockeys don't have the pace sense that Americans do in these type races. As a world horse racing enthusiast I've come to the realization the game is played by two different set of rules, and I except that. So, I continue to win some and lose some.. I love it, Disney thing and all..lol.

:)

Edit - Thx for your question.. a real meaty Horse Racing question.

There`s a lot involved in preparing a horse to run internationally. First is the air travel, plus keeping them sound, in the case of Europeans to America or vice versa you must get them used to running the other direction. A change in surfaces can upset a horse as well. Also, if the Breeders` Cup is "Micky Mouse racing", then the Euros should win easy, wouldn`t you say?

I`ll also have you know that the dirt isn`t just for America, they use dirt at Meydan racecourse in Dubai (a world renown track that Euros also run at), as well as many Hispanic and Latino countries.

I`m not saying Euro racing is inferior, I think it`s much better and the horses are better, but there`s a lot more than what`s on the surface. Personally, I think you seem to just be another gambler who had a bad payday.

This is your pocket speaking - "Maybe your judgement isn't as good as you thought."

yawn....sour grapes.