Running the Derby and Arc hero on drugs, as most Breeders’ Cup protagonists will take onboard, was unthinkable.

Running ‘clean’ when all your rivals are on any kind of ‘jollop’ makes no sense. More than 400 drugs have been banned for this year’s Cup – one can only marvel at just how many there are out there.

“We must provide an even playing field for all our equine athletes if we are to continue to offer the best thoroughbred racing in the world,” said Greg Avioli, Breeders’ Cup President.

Take that whichever way you want. Even the American fans don’t recognize Saturday’s $5m highlight, the Classic, as the race to decide a champion.

Mastercraftsman’s form with Sea The Stars intrigued them and when Aidan O'Brien's colt, whose only defeats came at the hands of Sea The Stars, drew the plum inside position for the Dirt Mile, they made him just 6-5 on the Morning Line.

Ladbrokes are offering 7-2.

But the race all America begged to see, Rachel Alexandra against Zenyatta, with the latter’s perfect 13 win career at stake, was never on either.

The former’s connections won’t pitch up in Zenyatta’s backyard because they repudiate the synthetic surface.

Santa Anita’s groundsmen have done their best with the Pro-Ride to ensure there will be no ‘butt kicking’, such as the home team suffered last year.

They are preparing their ‘pitch’ just as we would a Test match wicket. No slow coach ‘shirt front’ this year; the Pro-ride has been titillated to ensure the surface is as fast as it can be made - to the satisfaction of American connections.

Seven-time Breeders' Cup-winning trainer Bob Baffert said: " Last year there was a real anti-speed bias but it's not the same now. The dirt horses will have a better chance this time."

The draw hasn’t changed much in the betting and nothing much will now – unless Rip Van Winkle succumbs to his old Achilles heel, and foot problems prevent his match with Zenyatta.

America’s sweetheart, on her first start against the colts, has overtaken the Ballydoyle star in the Classic betting.

"Rip has been swimming against the tide all season and it is amazing where he is given the hiccups he has had," said O'Brien.

"He's probably the most natural athlete we've ever had.

"He hadn't been on this surface (Pro-Ride) until this morning, but he floated on it and is a beautiful mover.

"I've no doubt in the world that he is our best chance .

"If he's anywhere close to how he was at Ascot or Goodwood, then you'd hope and dream that he can win."