Canadian International - 16th October

After a fantastic Champions Day British racing has finally had a good reason to put itself into the headlines and another UK horse can take a major prize through Bated Breath in the Nearctic Stakes at Woodbine  (7.59pm BST, live on ATR and RUK).

The son of Dansil has to overcome ground that has reputedly seen 20mm of rain recently and a double figure draw but his progress this season has been staggering and he’s lost no face in going down twice to Dream Ahead, to conquer Goldikova on Arc weekend, especially when only by a nose last time.

A lot of cut in the ground wouldn’t be great for him but it’s worth remembering that he was fifth in the Golden Jubilee on ground bordering on heavy while when the York surface was playing up according to many, he was on the wrong side in the Nunthorpe and today’s test, over his preferred distance of 6 furlongs, should suit more.

Should the rain come and ease the ground majorly, Bewitched would have to be a massive player, although well beaten in the Prix Foret latest. She stayed on nicely that day and should find things slightly easier than in the UK and Ireland, so 8/1 did take the eye, although she shouldn’t be anywhere near as good as Bated Breath.

Right One hasn’t finished out of the frame this season and drops down in trip from the Woodbine Mile last time. The former Criquette Head-Maarek trained horse could be the fly in the ointment, although how strong that form is for the conditions and grade is debateable with Side Glance and Dance and Dance not doing much for the form since.  David Barron’s Hitchens should also have a chance on his best form, but in the two top quality sprinting he’s run in he’s been well held and it’s hard to imagine a different outcome, even if they go too fast for their own good.

Those who enjoy watching European horses “get one over” on their American counterparts should enjoy the EP Taylor at 9:35, but anyone could win that and the plan would be to wait until in running and see if Jamie Spencer gets an easy lead on Mahooba, but otherwise, the race is left.

And with Treasure Beach having been raced very hard in the Arc, and now coming from a wide draw (13), the Canadian International is also possible best left. Many will like Quest For Peace but Artic Cosmos is better off at the weights and also should be able to improve past the ex – Ballydoyle colt fitness wise, so the 5’s available that he gets back to his best is fair.

Advice

2 pts win Bated Breath, 7.59 Woodbine (5/2 VCBet)