RACING

CONDUIT AIMS TO LIFT CUP

Conduit seeks a second Breeders' Cup success

Tuesday November 3,2009

By Rolf Johnson

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THE americans are lining up their excuses as they face the prospect of a hammering from Europe’s invaders for the second year running in the Breeders’ Cup at Santa anita, California this weekend.

Conduit, a winner at last year’s Breeders’ Cup, heads a formidable European challenge which includes Mastercraftsman, Goldikova and rip Van Winkle.

The yankees are bemoaning the defection of their superstar, rachel alexandra.

“These new artificial surfaces are just too unpredictable,” said Hall of Fame trainer Wayne lukas. lukas will not be competing for only the second time in the 25 years the Breeders’ Cup has taken place.

The synthetic surface caused the downfall of the american Horse of the year Curlin in 2008 when John Gosden’s ravens Pass was the Classic victor.

“You’ll see some real reversals of form,” said lukas, the four-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer who tops the Breeders’ Cup in winners and purses won.

“This surface makes good horses average and average horses good.” americans do not care for a level playing field.

We had better make the most of it while we can – next year’s Breeders’ Cup is back on the dirt surface at Churchill Downs.

There were no complaints about the going at Kempton yesterday where Barry Geraghty rode his 1,000th winner on Duc De regniere.

“It’s not something I set out to do,” he said proudly - or to take the wrong course at Wetherby last Saturday, which earned nicky Henderson’s jockey a 12-day ban.

Like Minded, the latest prospective top jumper in the colours of Jim lewis, the owner of the triple Gold Cup winner Best Mate, trotted up in the hands of Christain Williams in the novice hurdle. “He’ll stay over hurdles,” said winning trainer Paul Nicholls. “There are no fancy plans.”

Ruby Walsh, who would have ridden like Minded, injured an ankle at ascot on Saturday and is not expected back until the weekend. Nicholls said: “He can ride, walking is the problem.” Today’s William Hill Gold Cup at Exeter sees nicholls represented by top weight Twist Magic though the champion trainer suggested he will need the race.

With alan King saying the same about oh Crick, this year’s race may take less winning than usual – though heavy ground will sort them out.

Planet of Sound, third in the arkle Chase at last season’s Cheltenham Festival, is reported fit enough. Willie Mullins, the champion trainer in Ireland, has been appointed Ireland’s first national Hunt racing ambassador.

“I’m honoured,” said Mullins. “I think it’s important to give back and help promote the sport we all love.”