TIME TO DRAW COMFORT IN LA

Well boys and girls it's time for bed. For you in England and me in the USA. Jet lag? You bet. Back around 1300 your time tomorrow - with one of our online chats at 1500. Oh yes. They're back! Thanks for your help today. See you tomorrow. Go well.

2305: It was interesting to see how few of the big-name trainers were here for the draw. No messrs Gosden, Head or O'Brien. Big fan of the Mine That Bird handler. He winked at me when they drew one. It was a special moment for both of us.

2300: There's a theory here that the draw for Goldikova isn't that bad. Gladiatorus is going to blast out from nine and she can follow him through to take up a good position.

2255: John McCririck has arrived. He slapped me on the back as he walked past. The jet lag seems to have kicked in with him too.

2244: Here's how Sky Bet reacted to the draw:

Filly & Mare Turf

11/4 Midday

11/4 Forever together

Turf

5/4 Conduit

7/2 Spanish moon

7/2 Dar Re Mi

Mile

11/10 (from 8/11) Goldikova

4/1 (from 11/2 ) Delegator

5/1 Zacinto

Classic

6/4 Rip van winkle

3/1 (from 4/1) Zenyetta

2235: Back outside and it's still warm. Very warm. Beautiful. Draw reaction time. Apparently Freddie Head said earlier he wasn't worried about where Goldikova was drawn. Wonder if that's still the case in box eleven!

2203: 7/2 Rip Van Winkle on the m/l and that completes your draw ladies and gentlemen!

2201: Zenyatta is a 5/2 chance on the morning line. That news receives a round of applause. Whoops at Twice Over being 20/1.

2200: Mine That Bird in one. "Perfect" is the trainer's response.

2158: Twice Over five for Classic, Zenyatta in four, Rip Van Winkle 10.

2157: 7/5 on the morning line Conduit. Dar Re Mi is 3/1 and Spanish Moon 5/2.

2155: Turf now. Conduit in two, Dar Re Mi five, Red Rocks three and Spanish Moon seven.

2153: 6/5 Mastercraftsman on the morning line and gasps of surprise greet that news. Far too short.

2152: Mastercraftsman one in the Dirt Mile.

2151: Goldikova on the morning line? 8-5. Delegator into 3-1.

2149: A blow in the mile. Goldikova is 11 of 11. Delegator has four, Zacinto eight and Gladiatorus nine.

2145: 8-5 Looking For Lucky despite the draw. 20/1 about both Beethoven and Alfred Nobel.

2143: Beethoven in three for the Juvenile. Alfred Nobel one. Vale Of York has seven and Radiohead 11.

2142: 7-5 Zensational on the morning line. Fleeting Spirit out to 8-1.

2140: Zensational is in one. The crowd like it. They like it a lot.

2139: Fleeting Spirit out in nine for the Sprint.

2138: Frankie Dettori now rides Square Eddie. Morning line price for Strike The Deal is 15/1. It's 8/1 about Lord Shanakill. Desert Code is 20/1 to win it again.

2136: Lord Shanakill in two for the Turf Sprint. Cannonball of interest in six. Kieren Fallon and Strike The Deal are widest of all the raiders in 12.

2132: Lot of European interest in the Juvenile Turf. Pounced (9/2) and Viscount Nelson (6/1) are in four and two respectively. Awesome Act (20) is in six and Buzzword (6/1) widest of all in 12.

2128: 6/1 the morning line quote for Rainbow View.

2126: Rainbow View widest of all in eight for the Ladies' Classic. Music Note in seven with Cocoa Beach one inside her. There was a lone boo when it was confirmed Zenyatta would not be heading to the Ladies' Classic. Hope they're still here for the Classic draw.

2124: Frankie Dettori rides Sara Louise for Godolphin who is 9/2 on the m/l. 8/5 Ventura. Theory here is you'll be lucky to see that price.

2123: Defending champion Venture draws nine for the Filly & Mare Sprint.

2118: Midday races from six in the Filly & Mare Turf. She faces Visit (one), Forever Together (two), Rutherine (three), Magical Fantasy (four), Pure Clan (five), Dynaforce (seven) and Maran (eight). Henry Cecil's charge is 4/1 on the morning line. Third favourite.

2215: Champagne d'oro was fleetingly a non-runner in the Juvenile Fillies. Confusion over. She runs from post nine.

2214: John, not Johnny Murtagh, and Lillie Langtry 3/1 on the morning line.

2211: Eight for Lillie Langry in the Juvenile Fillies' Turf. Could have been worse seems the consensus of opinion.

2110: 9-5 Mastery on the morning line. 3s Father Time. Muhannak 12/1 to win for Ryan Moore.

2109: They're rattling through these.

2107: Mastery in six, Father Time in five for the Marathon. Muhannak from two.

2106: They're ready to pull the pills. We're off.

2055: No second run of the desserts. I have warm oral windy pops.

2045: Lunch over. Beef. Lots of it. Now the draw. Let's hope Jim Bowen and Tony Green have been given the gig.

2010: There's to be a small blog-free section now. Off to lunch. Plan to do upates from the draw itself. Wifi permitting. Should be back with you in around 50 minutes. Will you miss me?

2000: We have a market mover in the Dewsbury red light district ( Dirt Mile ). Mr Sidney is 20s from 33s with Sky Bet after strong each-way support.

1958: The others are playing it cool re lunch. Not heading up there until 1230. What if they've stopped serving? OMG as I began the day. OMG.

1945: The third rehearsal for the opening ceremony was the last. Pleased to report second from left man is still there. Just hope he finds his flag.

1940: The Horse Of The Year award is huge here in the states and the arguement raging is whether Rachel Alexandra should win it - even those she's swerved this meeting. Connections said running her on pro-ride but should Zenyatta land the Classic is the accolade heading elsewhere?

1937: Good news Gio Ponto fans. He's arrived safely. So hopefully will Ms Vanenzza who is scheduled to be here later via a Fed Ex cargo flight from Newark. Hope she doesn't stand on any early Christmas presents.

1935: You wouldn't believe the difference in this place now. Early morning, during work time, it's a hive of activity. Now all the repair work to the tracks is being done and not a horse in sight. They race here tomorrow afternoon apparently. Could be interesting.

1932: They seem to be in good step to these untrained eyes. But then again I've always felt Wayne Sleep had the potential to be one of the world's great dancers.

1930: Opening ceremony team back out on the track. The man second from the left seems to have lost his flag. His place in the starting line-up is surely in jeopardy.

1927: Team Desert Code are talking a good fight ahead of the defence of his Turf Sprint crown.

1924: As I arrived here this morning (only one in the shuttle bus for the second day running) I had to stop to allow Piscitelli to pass me by. The first horse I saw at Santa Anita.

Apparently he'd just worked 4f in 52.60. The slowest of the 16 horses that worked the same distance. Well he'll always be special to me.

1923: Just been handed a bottle of water. I must have looked like a marathon runner heading into the final two miles. No - in fact - they wouldn't be sweating as much.

1920: Javier from F3 has arrived. Seen what's next to him in F4 and immediately sat in F2. Carnage.

1919: They seem to be practising the opening ceremony below me here. Four men walking very close together with flags. Come on lads. Liven it up. A moonwalk or perchance the Penguin would bring the house down.

1915: The media facilities here are phenommenol. Sat outisde at my work station. Only complaint today? The hot breakfast stuff wasn't available before I shuttled to the track. Reduced to a croissant. So don't expect any early updates in the morning. I'm not moving until the bacon arrives.

1910:Daniel Munn is with us. He writes: "Evening (Or Morning!) Mr Ord!

"Doesn't feel like 12 months ago that you really fancied Eagle Mountain for the BC Turf (Is it sad that I remember that? Gotta be a good thing for my punting with a memory like this!)

"Big bets of the week for me have to be Gayego, Interactif, Spanish Moon and Zenyatta.

"Gayego will be suited perfectly by Zensational storming off in front and setting up a strong pace for him to close into.

"Interactif was extremely impressive last time out at Keeneland when coming 4 or 5 wide on the home turn to storm to the front - more to come from this one.

"Spanish Moon has been primed for this race and wont suffer from the Arc 'bounce' factor that is normal apparent in this race.

"And Zenyatta........well need I say anything here? Extremely under rated here in the UK as is apparent by the big prices available."

She does look a very big price at UK odds Dan. Wait till the morning line follows the final declarations and draw over here. Just realised there's a lunch before the post draw. Ahh. Lunch. My second favourite word after breakfast.

1905: Thank goodness for Bob Bradley who writes: "I fear someone's trying to pull one over on my Brit friends. Unless you will be in the Turf Club, I highly doubt suit and tie is required at Santa Anita on BC day. Furthermore, I highly doubt that 85% of Daily Racing Form staff even own a suit. Take a look around at your American peers to see what I mean, then find someone in charge that will tell you the truth about a media dress code.

"No wonder we're viewed as Ugly Americans throughout the world."

You're not Bob. Well not all of you. I can't talk. I often produce bum cleavage shots of my own - which also seem big out here too.

1902: The Dirt Mile sounds like a red light district in industrial West Yorkshire. It's not. It's the target for Mastercraftsman. Interesting call that from team O'Brien. 5/2 with Sky Bet they've got it right.

1859: Beginning to get quite concerned that I've not chosen well with F4. I'm very close to F3. Javier Cobilich of Total Sport is going to feel very uneasy when he arrives.

1858: Have we got carried away with our success last year? European-trained horses are now favourites for eight of the Breeders' Cup races at Coral. Midday the latest to go to the head of her market. Five winners is favourite at 5/2 in the market for European winners, it's 4/1 seven or more. Godolphin count as European. Quite right.

1857: Some men with a shovel and dust pan are collecting horse droppings off the dirt track. Job for students if you ask me. Or those with asbos.

1855:Keith Hulse, who I'm definitely meeting on Friday for a beer, asks about the dress code. Not sure what it iseverywhere but I've been told to suit, shirt and tie on the two big days. Top button will stay fastened for around 44 minutes. Could be an interesting special market for Sky Bet?

1847: A little warning from Aidan O'Brien re Rip Van Winkle. It seems all has not been plain sailing yet again for our Classic favourite.

He said: "He's had bits and pieces of problems coming into this race, with one of his feet that hasn't been problematic thus far (this season).

"I hope it isn't going to affect him and we will see him out on the track tomorrow.

"With Rip you have to take it day by day all the time but we have been happy with him throughout the last week."

11/10 anyone?

1845: I've spent my life not being invited to parties. Seems it's happend again. Jonathan Pollinger asks: "Are you going to the Tweeters' Cup on Friday? if so I'll see you there."

No I'm not sir. Didn't even know it was on. What is it? Jonathan is a prolific tweeter on all things racing. I need to raise my tweeting. Next year maybe for the cup. Next year.

1840: Watering now in front of seat F4. They don't need John Kettley to help decide if the taps are turned on here.

1835: Two hours or about that to kick-off for the post draw. Will be hugely significant once again. Expect lots of blue and pink on Oddschecker shortly afterwards. See Rip Van Winkle is now as short as 11/10 for the Classic. Doth seem very short as they may have said at Breeders' Cups of yore.

1833: All the work now seems to have been done. Watering is under way on the turf course. They'll need gallons of it. A quick dab of my forehead will offer more if they run out.

1830: I'm now in the correct press area. Chose F4 for the desk. Never been any good at Battleships. It's getting warmer. All I can remove now is my shirt. If that comes off I'll be asked to leave.

1803:Michael Moran writes: "Hope you are having a good time, wish i was punting poor this last week, hoping zenyatta and midday will win any thoughts?"

Thought the interview with Henry Cecil on At The Races was fascinating Michael. To reveal he had left her short for Paris after "mistiming" her schedule was very revealing. Apparently she was exhaused after that run. Expect a different filly here.

1800: Will shortly be doing the latest in our list of top ten TV broadcasters. Two of the top five are here, Nick Luck and Graham Cunningham. Both snapped up to work by US networks too this week.

1755: Bumped into Steve Whitehead of the Daily Racing Form. Top man - and a huge Cheltenham fan. He pointed out some paths in the hills opposite the tracks. They were the emergency exit routes as the recent California fires were just the other side of them. Genuinely taken aback by how attractive this racecourse is.

1745: Just popped out to see Delegator (or dellygayytoorr) as the commentator pronounces it, stretch out along with Gladiatorus. It's incredible to watch the US media at work. All work is timed. With at least three people confirming the figure at the end of each gallop. Yes I am in the wrong press room. Interested outsider though.

1705:Nanton Trevor writes: "Hi Dave, I'm really sweet on Fleeting spirit for the sprint, she's been absolutely top class all season.

"Incredible performance last time out at Longchamp, dropped 5 lengths at the start and still almost got up. I'm already on at 12s, which I think is a cracking price, am I likely to get better value in the US on the day if I fancy an extra tickle? Also, do you know when the stalls draw is?"

Not a Fleeting Spirit man Trevor I'm afraid. Doesn't win often enough given her talent. Draw today is1pm local time that's 2100 GMT. See, I'm still on top of this time zone lark.

1700: Costume change time. It's 85 degrees outside and I'm wearing a jumper. Lunacy.

1655:Jon Lahive has his three best of the week sorted out. They are: Zenyatta @ 4/1 Fleeting Spirit @ 5/1 Dar Re Mi @ 3/1.

The kids are set to go without food again methinks!

1643: An American journalist asked JG about the Classic - and Rip Van Winkle. He said: "He is a hugely talented horse but was put in his place by Sea The Stars in a truly-run race but has proved himself the best miler. He comes out of the QEII and the mile at Ascot is very uphill and rides like a nine furlong race. He has a lot of tactical speed and I would think he'd enjoy the surface. If he arrives here in the kind of form he was in Ascot he'll be tough to bring back.

"Zenyatta sets a fantastically high standard and I very much like Twice Over. He's a tough, talented horse and comes here in top form. He was freshened for the end of the year and is a strong, strong outsider in a very good Classic."

1640: JG on Rainbow View: "She's a tough little character and has handled it all well. She came down from Woodbine and is a filly the more you challenge her the more she likes it. Coming down to the warm weather in California has helped her. She is eating well and looking bigger and better."

1638: Gosden struck with Donativum in the Juvenile Turf - can Pounced follow up? "He's an equal sort of horse. He ran very well in the Grand Criterium in France and I'm very pleased with him. He's a nice type of horse and seemed to take to the track this morning. The draw is a hugely critical factor in one mile turf races here. It can often nearly take you out of a race. When he won his maiden at Newbury I had this in the back of my mind. It was the logical place to come after France."

1635: Just played back the Gosden recording. Here we go. JG on the decision not to run Sea The Stars: "He raced from the very beginning to the end of the season and after what he did in Europe he had, in one sense, nothing left to prove. It's late in the year too. The Breeders' Cup is two weeks later too. To European trainers that's a big factor. For these fillies they're going in their coats, it's getting cold back home and the two week delay is making it tougher for us. However we're here. Like bad pennies we've turned up."

1632: Cracking stuff from John Gosden as ever. Did you see Frankie Dettori replaces Jimmy Fortune aboard Dar Re Mi? JF must love this meeting.

1630: Don't worry. I'm back. Thanks to Tony Calvin of Betfair I've nearly got my bearings. First three horses I saw were from Sir Michael Stoute's yard. Ryan Moore was very chipper and aboard Zacinto. It was most disturbing.

1520: There must be 30 horses out on the track now - one constant stream of work. It's fascinating stuff. I'm heading down there for a spot of barn hopping. Back soon!

1518:Bob Bradley

"Glad you're already on Gio Ponti. Justenuffhumor is my other longshot play to take down Goldikova.

"What do you think of Alfred Nobel? Don't think many Americans will realize he won the race on his side of the track in his last.



He did win the race on his side that day Bob, and the O'Brien juveniles are flying. Chances. Wouldn't be going overboard. Don't get the sense he's at the top of the Ballydoylepecking order. But then again he may not need to be!

1515: Well that took longer than expected. But I have one word for you. Wow. This is some place. The press box is at top of the stand and beneath me horses are working on the pro-ride track. This is a quite stunning venue with the mountains surrounding it. As I said. Wow.

1350: Right. I've added trousers to the ensemble so now heading off to the track, via breakfast. Always via breakfast. Updates as soon as I land and get connected. Keep the emails coming.

1335:Steve writes: "Disturbed by the boxers? No, only that you felt the need to share them with us, Dave.

"Let's move on. I need winners to round off this Flat season. The Classic. Rip is top class, no question. He's also fragile. Long way away, California. And unproven on the surface. Zenyatta? Impressive, but how will she like it when she is in receipt of a couple of tactical whacks from big burly colts as they go round those tight turns? Poor old Look Here was comprehensively dealt with in this way in the King George and never recovered, that day or subsequently. There's value out there but not with the marketleaders and though I had Twice Over for the Champion Stakes, this trip is an afterthought and I will swerve him too. Gio Ponti. Grand animal, and this race has been the plan for a while. Gio Ponti. Tell me I'm right Dave."

You know what Steve. I (fully showered now wearing white shirt, new boxers and black socks, no trousers) have already backed him on Bob Bradley's advice. You are right sir. You are right.

1330: My old mate Duncan From Scotland has advice on the domestic front. He writes: "America must be good for this event.Anyway i was at Newcastle when Cono zur won and i was realy impressed with its attitude for first time up.I think it will blow its rivals away in the 14:10 at catterick.The Rip will win over there."

Not looked at the British stuff today. Had plenty of time when I was forecourt gazing from 1am to 330am local time.

1310: My hotel room has an unrivalled ankle-high view of the local garage forecourt. From what I've seen so far American truck drivers like to wear shorts and can suffer from itching in delicate areas.

1308: Apparently the welcome party is presented by Grey Goose. Never had any of their much-vaunted vodka. However as my late great grand-father said when offered a prawn cocktail one christmas day, "I'll sup owt".

1305: Just found an invite to the offical Breeders' Cup welcome party, at LA Live, the ESPN Zone, on Thursday night. The headline act are Band From TV. Never heard of them. Don't be fooled by my use of OMG, lol, xox. I got them from watching Gossip Girl. I'm not down with the kids.

1300: Does it disturb you that the first hour of the blog was done laid on my king size bed wearing only boxers and a wry grin? It does me.

1235:Phil is working me harder than the boss in the office.

He writes: "I will be avidly watching your entertaining reports, after working 10 consecutive 11 hour shifts ive got friday sat and sun off, so looking forward to a beer or three and racing.

"Im sure you will have it covered, but can I ask if you will be reporting

"1. Any poor/cramped or just wrong odds you think on any horse

"2. The price differences between america and UK -does USA tend to push UK horses

out in the market ? so should we go for SP on UK horses

"3. Any whispers

"4. A small piece on S.African runners as they tend to do well over there.

"5. Its torrential rain here in Devon at the moment -I take it it will be balmy and warm for the big race day ?

"6. Anything you fancy EW or at a big price ?

"Sorry if thelist is too long - have a great stay out there - shame cheeky punt couldnt go with you - would have switched off the TV for that column!"

I will endeavour to work through the list Phil. Basically it is my commission. Apparently the temperatures are set to dip later in the week. Down to the 70s. I like that news.

As for travelling with Cheeky Punt. I have done so before and will never do again. He was last seen with his top off doing press-ups against an ice-cream van at the Leeds Festival. Is that the sort of man we want in the sport of kings. There's also a story about a pint of bitter, a delicate part of cheeky's anatomy and Christmas that I will tell. But only after the watershed.

1230:Alan Fitzpatrick writes: "Dave, you awake man? Whats the room service like?

"I hope Johnny Murtagh lets RIP on Zenyatta if she is declared for the Classic!

"How do you rate the main European contenders chances, currently 3 favs (RVW, Goldikova and Conduit)?"

There will be no room service Alan. Work have kindly paid for the room but all extras are down to me. Realised that in the nick of time when just about to down a $4 bottle of water this morning. Is it safe to drink tap water in LA? Hope so. If not this could be a very short blog.

I do think Rip Van Winkle is the most vulnerable of the three big guns only in terms of racing on the surface for the first time. He should handle it though. The clash with Zenyatta is the race of the weekend. Who's got it right? Rip favourite with British bookies, the wonder filly predicted to be market leader on the morning line.

1225: Want a genuine good news story? Here's one. Terrific read.

Peter Hickey writes: "Two years ago Tegbir Brar (my Bus. partner) and I bought a Mare for our Stud in India Dashmesh Farm in India at Keenland breeding sale 2007 , the mare was called THE DEVILS TRICK she was in Foal to POLLARDS VISION

"Anyway The Devils Trick was shipped to India but left a Cuvee Foal in the US who was bought as a yearling by Ken McPeek , who was later named NOBLE's PROMISE , who earlier this month won the Grade 1 DIXIANA Futurity at Keenland and who now goes for the Grey Goose Breeders Cup Juv. and has a great shout I believe.

"We are now shipping the Filly back to Eddie Woods in Florida to be trained for the 2yo in training sales at Keenland in April

"And what did we pay for the mare $6000 !!!!!"

Fantastic stuff Peter! Big chance you say in the Juvenile? My betting portfolio is growing by the hour and it's not even 0430 here yet. I could be skint by breakfast.

1221: Another top man on the email. It reads: "John Lauro here from USA

"I would like know your opinions of the euros.Who are the best chance to win a race at the Breeders cup?"

At this stage rather boringly it has to be Goldikova and Conduit. Mastery must go close in the Marathon too? How seriously do the home team take that race John?

1220:Wayne Craig writes: "Well looks like your having fun. Well am looking forward to seeing your blog and what's hot and not from Los Angeles". The first answer to that one Wayne will be me. But not in a good way. Just seen a weather forecast for today. Early fog will soon burn off leaving the way clear for wall-to-wall sunshine and temperatures in the high 80s in old money. What is what in celcius? Too hot for blue shirts. I know that much.

1218:Keith Hulse is jetting in from Chicago for the meeting and suggests we meet up. We will Keith. We will. I'll warn you though sir I will disappoint. I curdle rather than mix in company.

1215: Early award for the kindest man on the planet is Steve Hall who offered to shuttle me from the airport. I didn'tread it in time but what a top man. He's a mean old poker blogger himself. We stick together is bloggers. Toughest game in the world you know.

1214: OMG as me and the kids say. OMG. It's 0414 here. Haven't slept for at least two hours. All times must be in GMT for the blog though. Will stand hanging if I get that right all week. Anway welcome to room 157 of the official media hotel for the second time in 12 hours.

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