THE good thing about jet lag is you’re wide awake well before the 5am alarm goes off.
I’m normally a grumpy git when having to start the day at this sort of ungodly hour, but even misery guts here was feeling chipper as I arrived at Del Mar for trackwork ahead of the Breeders’ Cup.
There are more European runners than you can shake a stick at this year, but only Aidan O’Brien and Charlie Appleby were up with the lark yesterday.
And it’s no wonder cheerful Charlie was in such a good mood as he has dominated at this meeting in the past and has several massive chances once again.
You might think his ‘big two’ would be Rebel’s Romance and Notable Speech — but he says Filly & Mare Turf runner Cinderella’s Dream has a right chance. She’s a very tempting 5-1.
She had an easy canter with her stablemates on the dirt, and Appleby was purring.
He said: “I feel all the runners we’ve got here are enjoying the warm sun on their back.
“The one I feel has really come on the most is Cinderella’s. Her work has been electric.”
Aidan Headache
AIDAN O’BRIEN was pulling his hair out after two of his Breeders’ Cup hotpots were drawn in the car park.
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The champion trainer is hunting down his own record of 28 Group 1 wins in a year and is only three behind going into a huge weekend at Del Mar in California.
He came over from Ireland with three short-priced favourites in Minnie Hauk, Precise and Gstaad, but the last two will need to perform miracles from a terrible draw.
Both were handed the outside gate for the Juvenile Fillies’ Turf and Juvenile Turf respectively — though they remain steady at around the 6-5 mark with the bookies.
Del Mar is as tight as Chester, so Aidan says jockey Christophe Soumillon will need to be on the top of his game to get them home.
He said: “The racing here is very competitive, you can’t give an inch anywhere and if you do it’s very difficult to get it back.
“I don’t think I can remember coming over with three short priced favourites, but two of them have had the manners put on them already haven’t they, with the draw.
“They’re in great form. Gstaad has been unlucky this year and we think Precise is very special. Christophe will need all his experience and strength.”
Willie Who?
EVERYONE knows who Willie Mullins is, right? Right?
Apparently not. Top US journo Steve Andersen is having to do an explainer piece for the Yanks as nobody over here has the first clue who Willie is.
If Ethical Diamond wins on Saturday, they’ll never forget the time they first encountered big Willie.
Sov Sick
THERE was a shock twist late in the morning as it was revealed hot Breeders’ Cup Classic favourite Sovereignty was a big doubt.
Trainer Bill Mott said the colt, who won the Kentucky Derby in May, had spiked a fever and a decision will likely be made today.
Bear With
I’VE heard of horses having companion sheep and anxiety goats. But a giant teddy bear is a new one.
US filly Dorth Vader, fancied for the Distaff, travels everywhere with an huge cuddly toy called John.
Thank goodness they remembered to pack him — it would’ve knocked the stuffing out of her if not.
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