STAR PREVIEW: The Breeders’ Cup

[dropcap]G[/dropcap]oldencents was very much my highlight from the first four races on the 2014 Breeders’ Cup card last night at Santa Anita.

He was well backed and won well to give the preview column a winner on an evening when the market leaders fared well.

Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore were out of luck yesterday – it didn’t look like being their night right from the opening Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf when War Envoy was continually denied a run at crucial stages in the home stretch.

There are many more European hopes tonight and it is the day of destiny for Richard Hannon’s Toronado who is a warm favourite for the Breeders’ Cup Mile at 11.40 on the turf.

He’s had a relatively light campaign. Winning the Queen Anne Stakes on reappearance, then finishing second to Kingman in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood before most recently going down by just a head to Charm Spirit in the Prix Du Moulin at Longchamp.

The European challenge is strong here, especially in the absence of home hero Wise Dan who is unable to make the bid for a third successive win.

I’m just not sure about Toronado at the price. For all his class he just looks a little too short to tempt me in. I think Richard Hughes got it right in the Racing Post when talking about ‘no margin for error’. That’s exactly how I feel about his price.

I’ll save my bet until the Breeders’ Cup Classic at 12.35, or 00:35 Sunday if you prefer.

Shared Belief is an outstanding colt who is now 7 wins from 7. He was last seasons champion 2yo but missed the Triple Crown due to injury. There is every reason for thinking he is back to his best.

RECOMMENDED BETS (scale of 1-50 points)

BACK SHARED BELIEF (12.35 Santa Anita) at around 2/1 for 6 points with Star Sports

RETURN SINCE START OF WORLD CUP: LOSS 4.67 POINTS

What’s your view? CALL STAR SPORTS 08000 521 321