Falbrav to win Turf war

The former British-trained Storming Home has thrived since being switched to America and lines up with a ringing endorsement from his rider Gary Stevens. High Chaparral faces a much tougher field than when winning this race last year but is so consistent that he can never be ruled out. Anyone looking for a likely longshot could do a lot worse than risk a little each-way on the under rated French filly Bright Sky, but Falbrav has to be the main bet.

Critics here in California are pointing to a possible chink in his stamina over a mile and a half and the fact that his rider Darryll Holland lacks experience of the cutthroat world of Breeders' Cup races.

Don't listen to them. Falbrav ought to be in his element round this tight track and, provided he gets normal luck in running, that trademark late kick can prove crucial.

Much has been written over the last few weeks about this year's Breeders' Cup Classic being more of a B-Movie than a Blockbuster following the defection of leading dirt performers like Mineshaft, Candy Ride and Empire Maker.

In this case the knockers have a valid point, but even if some of the A-list have retired to their trailers, this $4m climax to the day still demands a rare set of attributes from its main players.

In short, when looking for a potential winner of the Classic you need to identify a horse who can travel comfortably at near sprinting pace for six furlongs and then grind out another half mile while the heart and lungs near bursting point.

Step forward Ten Most Wanted, who can reward his followers by getting the better of what promises to be a memorable tussle with Medaglia d'Oro and Perfect Drift.

Ten Most Wanted is following an identical path to his sire Deputy Commander, who finished second in the Classic in 1997 after winning the Travers Stakes and the Lousiana Super Derby. And he lines up as just about the most progressive horse in the race.

Medaglia D'Oro is a brilliant horse over nine furlongs, but he was beaten by Volponi in this race last year and the jury remains out as to whether he can deliver when stamina is tested more than speed. Santa Anita big-race selections: 9.55, Falbrav; 10.35, Ten Most Wanted (nb).