Ragozin Insider: JC Gold Cup

Although the Breeders’ Cup will be contested on a natural surface this year, the same old dirt vs. synthetics quandary once again hovers over the event.

Only this time, the horseshoe is on a different hoof with California-based runners being the question marks over the traditional dirt track at Churchill Downs.

Today, one of the major preps for the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) will showcase the dilemma awaiting handicappers in November, when they will have to decide whether certain horses will make a smooth transition from an all-weather surface to dirt.