Speaking from the Caribbean, Stewart, whose Celestial Halo was just beaten in last season's Champion Hurdle, said: "Nothing could compare with Cheltenham, but Jeremy is upbeat about Fleeting Spirit's chance, and it's 50-50 me getting on the plane.
"Obviously, the Pro-Ride surface is the big worry, and if this race was being run on the old-fashioned dirt at Churchill Downs we would definitely be aiming for the Turf Sprint.
"However, we already know that Fleeting Spirit is a champion on grass - she enjoyed a brilliant summer, winning the July Cup and finishing second in three other Group 1s in Europe - but this new synthetic surface gives us Brits a chance, and Jeremy knows Santa Anita better than most and is up for the challenge.
"Fleeting Spirit was only 65 per cent herself when she arrived out there on Monday, but Jeremy is adamant that she will be ready by Saturday.
"Maybe nine is not the perfect draw but at least it means that we are away from the favourite, Zensational, who is apparently the equine Usain Bolt and is on the rail in stall one.
"Our race is worth $2m, as against $1m on the turf, so why not go for the big bucks. And we have Frankie Dettori on board - that is hardly a negative, is it?"
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