Three times he's raced at around 12 furlongs in the US and three times he's suffered from lack of pace. He barely overcame it despite facing inferior rivals in last year's Man O'War. It undid him under a poor ride in the Turf Classic and caused his traffic problems in the Breeders' Cup. Drawn two here, history may repeat itself. Granted, this American Turf contingent is weaker than last year's bunch. But Timboroa, With Anticipation and Quiet Resolve make their money by setting a false pace and then getting first run. Class does not out in that scenario, however palpably superior Fantastic Light is to this field.
Mutamam - whose presence in the Turf may have contributed to Sakhee's absence, owned as he is by the latter's breeder, Sheikh Hamdan Al Maktoum - can work this situation to his advantage. Jockey Richard Hills, a talented pace-setter, can play a cannily aggressive game on Alec Stewart's charge.
More positivity is required than when Mutamam finished fourth last year, but not so much that he's forcing a true pace and playing to Fantastic Light's strengths. Drawn ten, Hills' hand is forced - he must cut across to the rail. Whereas Milan lacks tactical pace, this sixyearold has proved his affinity for US racing.
In the Classic, Sakhee is still the most credible of Europe's trio. Black Minnaloushe has a dirt pedigree, but doesn't race handily enough. Galileo is a class act but - to Coolmore's chagrin - 12 furlongs may be more his bag. He outstayed Fantastic Light in the King George and was outmanoeuvred in the Irish Champion.
Sakhee has all the malleable speed you need for this task. His chance is respected, but Giant's Causeway proved so bravely last year that you can have all the requisite attributes for an audacious dirt debut and still be beaten by more seasoned US rivals.
Aptitude and Albert The Great haven't done enough to deserve their lofty profiles, but defending champion Tiznow is the sleeping giant. He's been out of form on the track and out of sorts in training, but his handler Jay Robbins has sensed him coming good in recent days.
Cup selections: 6.20, Spain; 6.55, Bella Bellucci; 7.35, Val Royal; 8.10, Kona Gold; 8.45, Banks Hill (nap); 9.20, Repent; 9.55, Mutamam (nb); 10.35, Tiznow.
