Euros keep winning, and winning
It’s nothing new to see Europeans come over to North America and win some of our biggest turf races, but of late the trend seems to be more prevalent than ever. What’s more, invaders from across the pond are not only winning major stakes on grass, but they have also been victorious in big races on the dirt, as well. This recent show of strength by European runners on both surfaces looks to be a threatening portent for the home team with the Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita a mere twelve days away. Keep in mind, this is especially scary when you consider that some of the best Europeans that will come over for the World Championships have not even been seen here yet.
The following list is by no means complete, as first time in America runners have also been winning on both turf and dirt in races other than the big ones, but here are the Euro highlights from the last five weeks alone...
September 13 at Belmont - Two dominating late runs by European fillies take the day in New York, as both Annecdote and Ball Dancing both look top notch in the Noble Damsel and Sands Point respectively in their initial starts in the United States.
September 14 at Woodbine - Trade Storm proves irresistible late as he takes home the riches of the Woodbine Mile in his second trip over to North America. To add to the big Euro day, Sheikhzayedroad won in a wild finish to the Northern Dancer wire, giving the across the pond runners a pair of Grade 1 wins on this afternoon.
October 3 at Keeneland - Demonstrating the idea that European invaders are not only dangerous on turf, Peace and War rolled late to surprise a large field in the Grade 1 Alcibiades for juvenile fillies.
October 4 at Santa Anita - He may be based in Hong Kong, but the Irish-bred Rich Tapestry struck another big blow for the foreign team when he defeated two of America’s fastest horses, Goldencents and Secret Circle on the dirt in the Santa Anita Sprint Championship.
October 13 at Belmont - Lady Lara made her U.S. debut a winning one with a sweeping rally to take the Pebbles (named for a great European filly) on New York’s holiday card.
And finally today …
October 19 at Woodbine - The three big stakes on Canadian International day are swept by the Europeans. Hillstar powerfully won the Canadian International, while Just the Judge took the E.P. Taylor and Caspar Netscher scored in the Nearctic. For good measure, Odeliz finished second in the E.P. Taylor.