While it may be too early to evaluate the horses for the Breeders Cup races, I would be curious if any California players can weigh in with any "track-specific" insights that may affect the card.

For example, in my opinion, the 1-1/8 mile dirt races (juvenile and distaff) at Arlington last year were hugely affected by post position. The gate was VERY close to the first turn, and horses in these races that figured on TG were all but eliminated if they had outside posts (Rock of Gibralter may have gotten screwed on this as well, although many have blamed the jock). There was some discussion of this before, but after watching the races, I would say some of the horses with very competitive figures could have been eliminated completely with total confidence on the basis of their post position alone. There was also a dead rail issue, which I don't think happens as much at SA.

As much as I love a good TG-based play (and I'm sure something will come up on this basis), many times in races where there are several contenders some of these secondary factors can be useful.

I don't play Santa Anita much so I would be interested in the opinions of those who do.

Thanks, HP