Expert - David Duggan

David has been working in the racing/bloodstock industry for over 20 years. He has worked at Coolmore Stud Ireland and in Lexington Kentucky with leading Farms. He is also an active writer publishing written articles for many publications including The Guardian newspaper. For the past 7 years, he has been broadcasting in the UK and Ireland for At The Races and Sky Sports. David has recently joined in August 2012 and will provide more insights on simulcast races.

Overseas Expert Column for Breeders’ Cup Turf & Breeders’ Cup Sprint (S1-7 & S1-8) (David Duggan)

S1-7 Breeders’ Cup Turf

European trained horses have a very good record in this race and are always respected. Horses trained in the USA in the past have struggled but it would appear they have a strong hand this time around.

It could be however that a former European trained horse will spoil the party and that horse is MAIN SEQUENCE. When trained in the UK he showed very smart form including finishing runner up to CAMELOT in the G1 Epsom Derby. His form was patchy afterwards but he has really shone in the USA for Graham Motion, winning three straight G1 events. There is plenty of collateral form on offer here surrounding MAIN SEQUENCE but such is his rate of improvement he must be a major player. The distance will suit fine and whilst his barrier draw 12 could have been better he will likely be hard to beat.

HARDEST CORE is another who should be respected; he started off in modest company but has amassed five wins from six starts. His most impressive performance came in G1 Arlington Million over 2,000m where he defeated MAGICIAN by a length. He can be very head strong in his races but if he settles well he is a major force.

IMAGINING is another USA-trained winner to watch closely. This six-year-old by GIANT’S CAUSEWAY has a little to find with MAIN SEQUENCE but is largely very consistent. The best run he has had was winning G1 Man O’ War Stakes at Belmont Park over 2,200m. The suspicion is he may just prefer that distance as opposed to 2,400m.

TELESCOPE is the mount of Ryan Moore and is a very consistent yet frustrating horse at times. Royal Ascot saw the very best of him when he won a G2 there over 2,400m, if he handles this track he has to be respected.

FLINTSHIRE is the sole French runner in the race, he could go close but it is a while now since he won a race and place prospects may be the best hope for him.

SELECTIONS: 12.MAIN SEQUENCE, 9.HARDEST CORE, 7.FLINTSHIRE & 3.IMAGINING

S1-8 Breeders’ Cup Sprint

All eyes on RICH TAPESTRY who really excelled when winning at G1 level here at Santa Anita on his last start. Michael Chang has really done a great job with this versatile horse and if as connections hope he has improved for that start he should be a leading player. RICH TAPESTRY has drawn the ideal barrier in 6 and he should be a leading contender on Sunday, it could well be a historic Hong Kong victory.

There are lots of dangers no more so than SECRET CIRCLE last year’s winner of this event. SECRET CIRCLE was behind RICH TAPESTRY on his last start but it should be noted he was re-appearing following a lengthy absence, sure to be fitter today he is a big danger to all concerned with seven wins from eleven starts and a much improved performance is on the cards.

Trainer Bob Baffert also saddles INDIANAPOLIS in this sprint and his chance is very much respected. INDIANAPOLIS is a clean 3/3 over 1,200m including two wins at Santa Anita and has looked very impressive in all his starts. The vibes from California are very good regarding his preparation and whilst he needs to really improve again it is entirely conceivable he will and be a leading player.

PALACE is trained by leading trainer Linda Rice and is a tough G1 winning sprinter. This horse usually comes from off the pace and although he has never raced at Santa Anita, his form gives him every chance today. PALACE was behind another of today’s rivals PRIVATE ZONE on his last start at Belmont Park over 1,200m but there should be little between the pair this time around.

Of the others BIG MACHER has very solid form in California and should not be dismissed, he won the G1 Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar and a repeat of that run gives him claims.

FAST ANNA has impressed the morning work watchers at Santa Anita posting some smart sectional work this week. This horse was very impressive in two victories at Gulfstream Park in Florida and has been runner up in a G1 over 1,400m two starts back he is interesting.

SELECTIONS: 2.INDIANAPOLIS, 8.PALACE, 6.RICH TAPESTRY & 10.BIG MACHER

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