Golden girls light up the Cup

2335: Well that's it folks. To be honest the 2010 Breeders' Cup took an age to warm up but my oh my did it get there in the end. Goldikova made history with her brilliant win the Mile. To even turn up at three successive Breeders' Cups is a remarkable achievement - to win all three? No wonder Freddy Head couldn't put it into words.

She's now one of the greats - and over in America so is Zenyatta. She didn't win the Classic but her dash down the straight to be two strides away from going 20 and 0 will live with me for a long, long time. I had no financial interest in the race, being English I arrived here with an affection for the mare - but no more than that.

But when Mike Smith switched her to the centre of the track I began to roar her home as if a life-changing sum of money was on the line. It mattered to me that she got there. And that's the beauty of horse racing. It's a sport that gets you. I've been swept along by the Zenyatta tidal wave this week, arriving a non-believer and leaving proud of 'our mare'.

I've been very fortunate to be at the last two Breeders' Cups. Thanks for the memories big Z.

2330: Darren Fleming writes: "Well done Blame, deserved winner , watched a few times and leaders fell in a heap. For all people are saying ride was bad (and it was) the great horse picked up all the other top class horses with the one exception the gutsy & determined Blame.

"Who knows - defeat may encourage the connections of Zenyatta to have another go nest year Fabulous weekends racing Goldikova and Uncle Mo very impressive today.

"Thanks for a great week of blogging mate, hope SL are giving you a few days off to get your breath back. Have a safe trip home".

Cheers DF - I'll be box-rested before Cheltenham next weekend!

2320: What a remarkable climax to the weekend. Breeders' Cup president and CEO Greg Avioli says: "While her story did not have a perfect ending, our entire sport was truly blessed by Zenyatta's amazing career. Congratulations to Blame, to the incomparable Goldikova, and to all our champions whose performances this weekend were spectacular."

2317: Jane James adds: "That was so awful I feel sick. Smith should lock himself in a cupboard and never come out. Poor girl he really wacked her because he panicked when he realised what he'd done."

2315: Ian writes: "Feel gutted that Zenyatta didn't win but I've felt like this many times before. Mike Smith probably had her far too back, he should have been on the heels of the back pack. I hate to say it but this is the best field Zenyatta has ever faced and I think Mike got a bit arrogant, the reason he is so distraught is because he knows he blew it, hindsight doesn't win races.

"That said I think Goldikova has proved herself the best filly/mare today, she has left her backyard on many occasions, beat the boys and won three world championship mile races on the trot. Living in the US I can tell you that Goldikova simply hasn't had the spotlight on her that she deserves, three years on the trot at the highest level against horses on two occasions that can run on drugs (iirc). Congrats to Blame, certainly deserved it."

2311: Watching Smith speak there, it was impossible not to feel huge sympathy for him. He didn't want Zenyatta to be as far off the pace as she was, she didn't face the dirt early and had he bullied her through those early stages who knows what would have happened.

There will be those lining up to blame him - and believe me the queue is already forming in the press room - but he was dealt a duff hand there.

2309: Smith is in tears, sobbing: "This is my fault, not hers."

2306: A dejected Mike Smith says of Zenyatta. "I got away a little slow and was having a rough time going past the wire the first titme. She wasn't levelling out as I wanted her to, she didn't like the dirt in her face, and it left her too much to do. I truly believe I was on the best horse today and if anyone is to blame it's me. Hats off to Blame. I needed him to fold and he didn't. For Zenyatta only to come up a nose short is pretty tough to swallow."

2303: Mick The Miller has one word for the Classic. "Heartbreaking".

2302: In-running players are clearly a wise bunch. Zenyatta never trades larger than 6 during the race and the last price she's matched at on Betfair in that desperate lunge to the line is 2.

2300: It's a remarkable race to watch again. Zenyatta is 25 lengths off the pace entering the back stretch.

2256: It's not to be but what glory in defeat. Blame has beaten Zenyatta who is last - detatched last - for much of the contest but is within a head of cutting the leader down at the line. Remarkable, incredible horse race.

2240: Mike Smith is in the saddle, they're heading out to the track. Let's go out and watch history made...for the second time this evening.

2237: Jack-Paul Davidson says: "let's go down in style Etched and Fly Down...appropriately..."

I'm sitting this out J-P D. I'm an old romantic and will be rooting for the favourite!

2234: Zenyatta is putting on a real show here - and it's only the walk to the parade ring. She's clasing at the ground every two of three steps and receiving a terrific reception. There isn't a single person at this racetrack - apart from the connections of her rivals - who doesn't want the fairytale finish.

2230: Every step Zenyatta takes she's followed by her posse. Odds-on for the Classic still here.

2222: Brian Meehan says of his Turf winner (Dettori has left for the airport): "He's always been an improving type of horse and we felt he was going to get better. He was very impressive at Newbury and that really made our mind up to come here."

2220: Here we go - 4-5 Zenyatta on the tote board out here.

2219: Yankee Dave has a wonderful turn of phrase! He says: "Paco Boy has chased Goldikova's hind end home so many times, the humane thing to do would be to let him have first attendence when she enters the breeding stalls!!!

"You sound like you need a winner, get yourself a superfecta with the 3 chalks in the classic (no quality road) and take Fly Down to run either 3rd or 4th....cost you $12 and will pay 250 for a buck if zenyatta wins, double that if she loses..."

2215: Flying dismount from the great man - and that was a wonderful ride.

2210: Early news on the Classic and Zenyatta is odds-on at 3-5.

2204: There's still no-one better. Frankie Dettori and Dangerous Midge beat Champagne Pegasus - the front two throughout. Behkabad is third. When you're wrong, you're very wrong. I didn't think the horse was good enough. The Old Newton Cup now clearly a big BC pointer!

2156: John Sandys will be relieved to see the turf back after he wrote: "Superb performance from goldikova. Before tonite not sure if same class as miesque, now absolutely. Dirt races, have as much chance of picking a winner as wagner (x factor) getting a record deal with Tamla Mowtown or Sony."

2155: Jack-Paul Davidson writes: "Winchester for me in the next...which is what I will take to the PMU headquarters to explain my point of view..." Now there's a man on a mission!

2150: Time for the Turf and Debussy could help pay for a few of the expenses with victory here. He's a 6-1 chance and Dangerous Midge 8s over here. Bekhebad is 3-2 favourite.

2145: Anyone remember the live chat with Steve Andersen of the DRF on Thursday? His thoughts on the Dirt Mile were: "I do like Here Comes Ben and like that he's a late-running sprinter streching out and he's won over course and distance. I also like Crown Of Thorns in that race for the same reason. Also look for Dakota Phone who could be a challenger in deep stretch."

Hope you heeded the advice!

2140: 72,739 our official attendance, and everyone seems to have a Zenyatta placard.

2130: Dakota Phone wins the Dirt at 37-1. Go on - who was on?

2116: Time for the Dirt Mile. On Bob Bradley's advice I backed Vineyard Haven. Mind you after those chocolates I'll forgive him anything.

2115: The last two races have really made the Breeders' Cup. Uncle Mo is all potential while Goldikova realised hers a long time ago and today made history. Great is overused in racing. Not here.

2112: No big dramas in-running there - 6-1 the top-price the winner was matched at.

2110: Connections won't discuss whether Goldikova could now stay in training but William Hill offer 7-2 about her winning next year's Mile.

2108: Olivier Peslier adds: "She started slowly but she had a good turn of foot and after that she won very well."

2105: Freddy Head says of his three-time Breeders' Cup Mile heroine: "I have so many things in my mind right now. Winning for the third time at Churchill after winning with Miesque, is something unreal. Even in the worst soap opera you can't imagine anything like this. I must be a very, very lucky person."

2103: A length-and-three-quarters was the winning distance - much more comfortable than last year.

2100: Mick The Miller writes: "Cleopatra was the Queen of the Nile, Goldikova is the Queen of the Mile. Abosultely spectacular performance." Top stuff Mick!

2056: The more re-runs you watch, the more you're struck by the acceleration Goldikova has shown. She begins her charge two furlongs out, is in front over a furlong out and Peslier never has to get THAT serious. Terrific stuff. Made the weekend, and we could have an even bigger story to come.

2054: Gio Ponti is second, The Usual Q T third and Pa Paco Boy fourth. Ryan Moore's mount lost ground on the home turn before finishing well down the stretch but the winner had gone. 0-5 at the hooves of his superior but a wonderful run nonetheless.

2050: Tremendous reception for the winner and as one American voice has just put it; "Zenyatta isn't the only great mare here today."

2045: History is made - and in breathtaking fashion. Goldikova wins the Mile - with something in hand.

2036: Heart says Goldikova, head fears Gio Ponti, wallet with Paco Boy. We'll soon know. Good luck everyone!

2034: The home defence is led by the best turf horse over here, Gio Ponti, and he'll run a huge race. This is what the Breeders' Cup is all about - a proper world championship.

2030: I remember seeing Goldikova before her race at Royal Ascot this season and she was wearing the rug given for her victory in last year's Breeders' Cup Mile. It's on again. Quite right too. The champion is bringing the belts into the ring.

2027: 3-2 Goldikova now.

2025: Interesting bookmaker reaction to the Juvenile. William Hill quote Uncle Mo at 3-1 for the Kentucky Derby but Coral offer 8s.

2022: Good to have John Sandys with us and he says: "Really impressive performance by uncle mo in the juvenile. If you get the chance, cover the winner with something and see how impressive the second is, then take it away and see how far the winner's clear. Watched the 1993 BC at Churchill on Thursday, no winners for Europe, so backed no winners at 66/1 as a saver. However, can't see us losing both the mile and the turf! Fancy Beethoven to place, hurricane Ike to place, Telling to place and Haynesfield to place. Love to see Paco win though."

2020: What a week Todd Pletcher has had and he says of his third winner of the weekend, Uncle Mo: "I don't get goose bumps very often watching a horse racing but that was a pretty special performance. I was shaking after the race, it was unbelievable."

2018: In case you were wondering Uncle Mo isn't named after a person - but a sports term over here for 'momentum'.

2015: That said it would be a terrific story if Goldikova was to make history and win her third Mile. What a servant she's been to Freddy Head and what a job he's done with her. He's been a pleasure to deal with all week here, very open and honest. He thinks she can overcome a wide draw for the second successive season and the fact Sidney's Candy is a trailblazer inside her will help on that score.

2012: I know Paco Boy is 0-4 against Goldikova but she hasn't been beating him by far and the Hannon team believe there were valid excuses for at least two of the defeats. Better drawn here and racing on lasix I'm chancing him at window over here. Price is too big.

2010: And now it begins. Goldikova is 8-5 over here for the Mile. Gio Ponti next best at 7-2 and Sidney's Candy is 4-1. Paco Boy is 9s which looks huge.

2000: That looked a good Juvenile and Uncle Mo routs them. He travels well and surges clear at the top of the stretch. Boys At Tosconova is second and Rogue Romance third. Cracking run from Biondetti in fourth for Godolphin.

1950: Nearly post time. Come on JB's Thunder - get us back into the game.

1935: Beautiful blue skies here now and organisers getting very excited by the number of people coming through the turnstiles - still.

1927: Juvenile next. Don't think we've had a winning favourite all meeting yet? Can Uncle Mo buck the trend? Not at the prices for me.

1920: Central City runs a cracker for his fans but Chamberlain Bridge cuts him down to win well. I'm glad I sat it out. And didn't do the Pick6. And had some popcorn. In a good place again!

1910: Really have no clue here - no honestly I haven't - so will sit it out. Good luck to all though.

1906: Turned to popcorn to revive the spirits - the bugle sounds - they're heading out for the Turf Sprint.

1850: Sad news - Rough Sailing has been put down after sustaining a fracture in the Juvenile Turf.

1845: Silver Timber is a 7-2 favourite over here for the Turf Sprint. If you fancy Central City - as a few here do - take the 12s back home. 7-1 here.

1836: Big Drama is a ready - and popular winner. Hamazing Destiny touches off Smiling Tiger for second. Note to the jockeys on the dirt. Avoid the inside.

1826: Kinsale King runs here for trainer Carl O'Callaghan. Remember him from Royal Ascot? He made for some pretty good copy back then. This is the horse's first run since his defeat in the July Cup.

1824: Personal prefernce is for Smiling Tiger in the hope he's as happy on the dirt as his pedigree suggests he will be. It's wide open though.

1822: When I spoke to Saeed bin Suroor earlier in the week he felt Girolamo was his best chance of the week. He's in the Sprint - coming up now - but you do have to wonder how often the 'trainer' has actually seen this horse.

1820: Most of the shorties have been beaten this weekend but Sky Bet punters are coming for Uncle Mo in the Juvenile. He's 2-1 from 9-4.

1815: That's a second Breeders' Cup winner of the week for Todd Pletcher, who says: "Anytime you stumble to your nose leaving the gate and have to avoid a fallen jockey you worry. I was kinda hoping he'd make a run and hit the board but it was very worrying through the first half-mile."

1812: Quite surprised that Pluck didn't trade at bigger than 60 in-running on Betfair having been dropped right in from stall 13. That said he was always travelling despite trailing the field.

1810: Master Of Hounds was reported to have been very colty behind the stalls prior to the last race. Apologies - to him and you - but I didn't see it!

1805: Rough Sailing fell in the race and has sustained an injury to his right off-fore. However he's being shipped back to the barn for further examinations. Vets think it's high in the limb but are unsure as to whether it's a bone or ligament injury.

1759: Another low-key affair for the raiding party. Pluck wins - and wins very well - coming from last on the home turn to win easing down.

Master Of Hounds falls out of the stalls - a trait of one or two of his stablemates at the last couple of Breeders' Cups - and after getting into a promising position at the top of the stretch, finishes sixth.

Utley is alongside him and was doing his best work at the finish but Mantoba was never a factor under Frankie Dettori, under pressure a long way out.

1745: Europeans seem to be taking the preliminaries well - heading to the post.

1735: Soldat still just about favourite here - pick of the US team on Timeform - but only by a pound. A tight one. When was the last European blank? Three years ago in Monmouth? Be nice to get on the mark in this - even nicer if its via JPM and the Master.

1723: We've had three races and now it's time for the Juvenile Turf. Wide-open betting head over here - Banned and Soldat the 4-1 joint-favourites. Master Of Hounds best of the Europeans at 9-2. Mantoba's 8s and Utley 9s.

1715: I can't for the life of me work out how Debussy is twice the price of Dangerous Midge in the 10.00 Turf and it seems several Sky Bet punters agree. John Gosden's charge is now 11-2 from 13-2 - via 6-1.

1700: Right let's get stuck into this card. First the market moves from our sponsors Sky Bet,

5.50 Juv Turf
Each-way way money forced Sky Bet to cut Banned (11/1 from 14s)

6.30 Sprint
7.15 Turf Sprint
A couple of small movers: Chamberlain Bridge is 5/1 from 6s, Rose Catherine 13/2 from 8s

7.55 Juvenile Dirt
Boys At Tosconova (5/2 from 3s) proving a solidly backed rival against favourite Uncle Mo

8.40 Mile
Goldikova is the one Sky Bet want turned over tonight with multiples running on from the domestic action back home after Paul Nicholls took all 3 feature chases, highlighted by the gamble landed on Meanus Dandy in the Badger Ales at Wincanton and Kauto Star's winning comeback in Ireland

9.20 Dirt Mile
The quiestest betting heat on the card

10.00 Turf
The market has now sprung into life following the scratching of Workforce. The reformed market is headed by 11/8 shot Behkabad but Arlington Million winner Debussy is the one for money (6/1 from 13/2)

10.45 Classic
Zenyatta would be the worst result if winning the Classic for a second year running. But plenty of doubters around has resulted in solid support for 2nd and 3rd favs with the best money for Blame (11/2 under pressure)

1640: Great to have Rob In Victoria back! From British Columbia he writes: " I'm having a lot of fun reading your blog, as I did last year. It is just possible that you may remember me. I'm the charmer who gave you some stick about your reactions to Santa Anita, until my wife (a genuine charmer) reduced me to order.

"In an effort to make amends , I tipped you Quality Road in the Classic, but the s.o.b. refused to enter the starting gate! I felt very embarrassed, but with your usual graciousness, you did not throw it up to me afterwards. The field for this year's Classic is unquestionably stronger.

"Paddy O' Prado would be a real threat (ask Jamie Spencer) in either the Turf Mile or the Turf Classic, but his connections thought success in the Classic would enhance his stud value. He must be a factor in trifectas, or other combo wagers. Lookin' at Lucky is one of those small-but-tougher-than-a-bucket-of-nails types, and he is riding a winning streak.

"First Dude's people have been trying to teach him to relax in the early stages of a race. If they have been successful, he will be there at the end; otherwise, I think 10 furlongs is too far for him. Only one of the immortals, such as Citation, Swaps, Seattle Slew or Spectacular Bid, could go wire-to-wire in a race like this. Blame is a closer, which will be helped by Churchill's very long homestretch. His defeat of Quality Road at Saratoga was a mild surprise, but he was receiving weight.

"Fly Down and Musket Man are also likely choices for combo bets, and Fly Down's trainer, Nick Zito, is a Hall-of-Famer who has never won the Classic. If Velasquez tries to hustle Quality Road out of the gate, I think he will be making a mistake. He usually breaks well--provided he agrees to enter the gate, of course!--and the long run to the first turn will allow him to settle in good position. Zenyatta, like the other closers will benefit from the long stretch. No horse on earth can live with her in the final furlong, so if Smith has her close at the 1/8 pole, she will win, as she has done in every one of her 19 races.

"Well! I hope that has clarified things for you, Dave. Too bad about Workforce, but one would have thought that a man of Stoute's experience would understand by now, that on this side of the pond, we do not think it is appropriate to race horses on a pudding. As Bob Baffert (who speaks with some authority) says: "Fast horses on fast ground--that's what racing is about."

"Anyway, once again I hope that you need to rent a van to transport your winnings, and have a safe journey home."

Cheers Rob - welcome back. My only worry about the journey home is a genuine concern that I may now need two seats on the plane back after the pork lunch. It was quite magnificent.

1625: This could be the pork talking but I'm growing increasingly confident that Master Of Hounds is going to give us a first European winner in the Juvenile Turf. Joint top-rated at 128p with Timeform, he's improving and is a little more battle-hardened than one or two of his rivals. I did like Mantoba earlier in the week but have cooled on him. The money however it seems is for Utley.

1615: Slight delay in blogging team owing to lunch (pork and apple) and a shopping spree (well within reason) at the souvenir shop. Zenyatta cap was the target but they'd long gone. Life continues to mock me thus.

1555: John Davies in Atlanta writes about Workforce: "This is a shame, the Breeders Cup was designed for the big names to run, but I am afraid when they run it on a dog track, the Euro stars are at a complete disadvantage.

"The horse racing channel pundits on HRTV which is one of the main racing channels over here are not buying the excuse, they say the times on the turf yesterday were average, and they are not buying it.

"Oh well there's always next year, oh heck its back at Churchill again, just a last thought on the weather, its warmer in Montana today than Kentucky and even here in Atlanta, but of course at Santa Anita its 80F."

I like a bright crisp day JD. 80 degrees and I melt...

1545: Yankee Dave writes: "You need to rehandicap your dirt races Sir Dave....you CANNOT win on the inside on the dirt..how on earth are the Godolphin 2YO or Quality Road gonna get anything?!?!?!?!

"No foot, no horse...no outside running, no horse... Bet your shillings on the outside closer in the sprint & back Lucky to run a big one against Zenyatta..."

Cheers YD!

1535: You always have to look ahead in this game and Sky Bet have priced-up next year's Jockeys' Championship. Paul Hanagan is 3-1 to win it again. Ryan Moore the 11-10 favourite and Richard Hughes 7-1.

1525: I tried to move on from Workforce - and will - but Lord Grimthorpe quotes are now through. He says: "The ground has not gone our way. There has been no rain and the ground is firmer than we would like for Workforce. We have absolutely no complaints but the welfare of the horse is paramount. Prince Khalid has always been a great supporter of the Breeders' Cup and no-one is more disappointed than he."

1524: It's time to move on now. Workforce isn't running but a galaxy of stars still are.

1520: Plenty of American pundits over here are absolutely bemused by the decision not to run Workforce, given the reaction from nearly all the European jockeys to the turf surface. However there's clearly something Sir Michael Stoute doesn't like out there.

1515: Congratulations to Paul Hanagan - champion jockey.

1505: Typhoon Slew has been scratched from the Juvenile Turf - trainer Mike Maker saying: "We took him to the track this morning and he was fine. I ran over to Trackside and when I came back the vets had taken him out of his stall and he was lame. So we feel it's best not to run."

1440: Jack-Paul Davidson had a winner last night- then got hit by a low PMU return. He says: "Good morning Dave, hope you got plenty of inspiration from the dos equis last night for day two...still a lot of races left to make a profit...and for what is worth and probably with the Breeder's cup not a lot but looking at yesterday, the perceived ¨stalkers¨ have it, 4 out of 6 winners, framewise it is 8/18 apiece perceived ¨stalkers¨ and perceived ¨trailers¨, with only one perceived ¨front runner¨ making the frame in the 6 races...post position wise, 4-6, 3 winners, 7+, 3 winners, frame wise, only one from stalls 1-3 made it...4-6, 7/18 and 7+, 10/18...(10-12, 2/6, 5/18)...now for rugby and a few Guinnesses..."

The jockeys were saying you don't want to be down the inside on the dirt track out here J-PD. Calvin Borel, he of Rocky fame, has made a real name for himself by not leaving the rail at Churchill Downs but even he's now switching to come down the middle.

1437: Kauto Star wins at Down Royal - seems another world out here.

1435: Well worth checking out the Sky Bet Breeders' Cup specials. Various trainer/jockeys/and favourites offers - including 40-1 that every favourite is placed and 4-1 that both Utley and Debussy hit the frame for John Gosden.

1425: There's good and bad news for Scott who says: "Looks like a gorgeous day ..hope its not as windy as yesterday as it was a little chilly with the kilt on. Any news on turf condition and Workforce."

Sadly Scott he doesn't go - and while it's nowhere near as windy as yesterday you'll need the thermals on again. Chilly, bright but chilly.

1415: A huge thank-you to Bob Bradley who has been a star out here - and even left me some chocolates in my hotel the other day. They've gone!

He writes: "I'm about to head out to Churchill with many layers added. Maybe the permanent location in California isn't the worst idea based on this weather.

"A few picks for the day. Euros look good in the Juvy Turf, but I will be backing Madman Diaries for Wesley Ward, yes the guy that raided Ascot last year and escaped with a few pounds. He is a juvenile specialist over here and 12-1 on the morning line provides decent value.

"Wise Dan is my choice in the Sprint. He won his prep nicely at Keeneland and if he can go polytrack to dirt like F&M Turf Sprint winner yesterday, 10-1 will be worth my while.

"The Turf Sprint is a crap shoot and if forced to make a pick, I'll back Rose Catherine with little or no confidence.

"I believe the first of 3 Euro wins on the day will be provided by Biondetti in the Juvenile. He's following a similar path to Vale of York and is certainly bred for the dirt. 12-1 is good value and Uncle Mo might just be a freak, but he'll be a freak I won't back at even money. Boys at Toscanova and Stay Thirsty have every chance as well for the home team.

"The Mile is the race of the day for me with Goldikova going for the hat-trick. A win will be historic but my heart drags me to Paco Boy. He's my favourite horse at the meeting and I have to be on him for sentimental reasons. While my judgment is clouded with the Hannon runner, I will say the value of the race for your exotics and a possbile upset is Court Vision. He's a consistent sort and has the talent to upset all the stars gathered at a price.

"Dirt Mile is all Vineyard Haven for me. He's the higher price of the Godolphin pair, but I expect him to bounce back from his last run and give the boys in blue a double on the day.

"As I write this Workforce is still in so I'll assume he's running as I won't be picking him anyway. Behkabad had some trouble in the Arc and Arc also rans have an excellent record in the Turf (Arc winners not so much). I think the pace scenario sets up well for Behkabad sitting off Debussy and when the real running starts, the French raider goes by and holds off the late runners for the win. The American contingent is made up of closers with Al Khali the pick of those after he ran into all sorts of problems in his prep while closing like a freight train.

"In the big one, I'm not a Zenyealot but the place will be rocking if she wins. If every horse ran their best race, my pick would be and is Quality Road. His February run in the Donn was easily the best race of the year in America but there are questions about the distance, the potential for a hot pace and the post position. If he doesn't get out of the gate well, he will be in trouble being shuffled behind a lot of horses.

"If he breaks and is in the first 3 or 4, I expect him to get there. Blame loves Churchill and is a very good horse but his win over Quality Road was in receipt of 5 pounds. He'll be a shorter price and the pace scenario sets up well but I think on their best race Quality Road is better. Hopefully he'll run to his peak. Enjoy your racing in America and stay warm."

Cheers for everything Bob - and good luck with those.

1410: Workforce news hadn't landed when Eddie Murphy wrote: "some guys have all the luck!!!!!!! Hoping for better luck tonight for the europeans & really hope that if Workforce runs, he can show what a champion he is. Can Paco Boy reverse it with Goldikova on the tight track? Could be a good night for Ryan Moore."

He's relying on it now EM! Paco Boy has a big chance for me, better drawn than Goldikova, racing on lasix, could well be the value play.

1400: It's 11-8 Behkabad in the Sky Bet's revised book on the turf. Dangerous Midge is 7-2 and I'm really starting to warm to Debussy at 13-2.

1354: Officials here say it was a "trainer decision" to take Workforce out because the ground was considered to be too firm. The horse always has to come first but have we seen him on the track for the last time?

1343: Sad news from the Churchill Downs racing office - Workforce has been scratched from the Breeders' Cup Turf. More to follow...

1342: Three races gone at Doncaster back home and no winners for Hughes or Hanagan. The latter two clear with four to go. Come on Paul.

1340: Glorious sunny day here. No decision on Workforce yet - but we are expecting it soon.

1335: In the hotel lobby this morning they were handing out Zenyatta placards courtesy of women in full replica silks. Hope the owners of the rest of the field aren't staying there. I shared a lift with one of the owners of the Filly & Mare Sprint winner last night. He'd shelved plans to celebrate hard by returning to his room to watch another re-run of the race. I like his style.

1325: Lots of people looking around for value in the Classic - and Niall Connolly is one of them. He writes: "Here in Orlando though my favourite place on earth is Cheltenham in March. In today's Classic give me one good reason why Espoir City can't win. At over 50/1 I think he is a cracking each way wager."

Agree completely about where to be in the spring NC. As for Espoir City - only thing that's gone wrong for him this week are the jackets printed for his stablehands and owners which read "Espoir City - the best dart horse in Japan."

1310: Darren Fleming is first off the blocks with the emails and says: "morning Dave , great racing yesterday but hard to find the winners. think us may dominate again and taking Priviso to spring a surprise in mile. also quote like Debussy to run a big race today too, gonna oppose our 2 short price favourites and Zenyatta too at the cramped odds. Silver Timber is bet of the day."

The only winner I had yesterday DF was Nobles Promise - and he was on the undercard. Today will be different though. I feel it in my waters...

1145: Good morning and for the final time welcome to floor 11 of the Galt House Hotel in Louisville. Last night's disappointments now but a distant memory as we look forward to Zenyatta, Goldikova, Paco Boy - and hopefully Workforce - oh yes - today is THE day.

I may be 5,000 miles away but I'll hooked on the action at Doncaster as the battle for the jockeys' championship goes down to the wire. Go on Paul.

Anyway let's get this thing started, emails please to daveord55@gmail.com.