Breeders’ Cup Mile

(1m, turf)

SOMETIMES, the best horse gets the best trip. Everything went right for World Approval who confirmed himself the best North American horse in this division, stopping the clock in a solid 1m 34.55, as the Woodbine Mile 1-2 repeated those placings.

Lancaster Bomber ran a typically good race in second, chasing a 22.30, 23.35, 24.39 and 24.51 throughout. Suedois (fourth) was forced a little wide but ran okay, but Ribchester (fifth) was over the top for the season, in all probability.

The French pair Zelzal (sixth) and Karar (seventh) were both short of room and did not threaten, while Roly Poly (11th) showed again that a sharp mile at US pace is not her bag and was last for much of the way. Home Of The Brave could not dominate and was last.

Breeders’ Cup

Juvenile (1m 0.5f, dirt)

GOOD Magic might have been the first maiden to win, but he is a very good colt and recorded a blistering 1:43.34 after fractions of 22.83, 23.92, 25.29, 24.95 and 6.35 (pro-rated 25.40).

The hot favourite Bolt d’Oro was only third but had a terrible trip, not just racing wide but trying to accelerate in the hottest part of the race. Still, it is a coin-flip whether he beats the classy winner next time; these are two standout young horses on the clock.

U S Navy Flag (10th) ran a lot better than his position, cutting out the hot pace early – a murderous task for a colt not habituated to dirt. He could not complete a Group 1 hat-trick, but his Dewhurst form was advertised by Mendelssohn and he remains top notch.

Breeders’ Cup Sprint

(6f, dirt)

THIS is a top-class performance on the clock and very strong form.

Roy H ran 1:08.61 while racing four-wide throughout, beating the highly progressive Imperial Hint and Dubai Golden Shaheen winner, Mind Your Biscuits who dwelt and had a tough trip on the far outside. The winner acts on turf and could prove himself the best sprinter on any surface in the world; the placed horses would be a huge threat to win at the Dubai Carnival themselves.