The Dirty Breeders Cup Blog - Day 1

You have to admit that the US know how to lay on a racing extravaganza and what a stage with the San Gabriel mountains as a backdrop!  

There are a couple of things to bear in mind when searching for winners at Santa Anita.  Firstly there was a pro-track cushion surface in place from 2007 to 2010 before they reverted to good old dirt, so beware when looking back at past winners and draws etc during these years.  

Secondly, this is the first year that the babies (2yo) will not be allowed to use Lasix (a medication used to prevent bleeding).  This won't present a problem for most Euro runners and indeed it should be to their advantage.  Some US runners though will have been used to running with this.  

Finally (ok then, three things!) DIRT IS DIRT IS DIRT.  I don't care what the breeding/pedigree says, until I've seen a horse act on this surface then I cannot entertain that it may win a race on it - too many European horses have set off favourite on this surface only to be whipping the field in at the business end of the race (ask Mr O'Brien!)

Here are my selections, taking into account my own compiled draw statistics, recent form, liking for sharp left handed tracks, use of Lasix (or not....where applicable), jockey & trainer form and all else that we love to battle with and ponder for hours in the pursuit of smug!

17:40	Kochees
18:15	Cat Burgler  2nd
18:50	Cinmars Dance
19:27	Moving Desert  2nd
20:02	Gabriel Charles 2nd
20:45	Pool Play
21:25	Outstrip  1st
22:05	Goldencents 1st
22:50	Al Thakhira
23:35	Beholder  1st
00:10	Ms Dixie  3rd

Good Luck !

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