For Whom The Bel Tolls Barring a miraculous heatwave the rain that fell on Belmont Park earlier this week could be the key factor in this year's horse racing slice of Americana. Those who like to plant their hooves on solid ground may come up a cropper on what is sure to be a soft and sandy surface at the 2005 Breeder's Cup. One race where this could be most evident is the Turf. Favourite Azamour may come in with the best form but is a horse whose best results have come on firm ground and will now face serious challenge from 2004 Arc winner Bago and even Shirocco, both of whom are well suited to soft ground, so expect their prices to continue to shorten.. Irish horse Ace will attract some betting action this side of the water but it's unlikely to be justified.The showpiece of the meeting, the Classic, may be effected be footing problems of a different nature. Rock Hard Ten is recovering from a bruised foot and while trainer Richard Mandella has been happy with his progress the impact on training won't be known until the race. Saint Liam suffers from chronic hoof problems and will find little sympathy on the wet ground. Starcraft tops the European challenge but Oratorio and Flower Alley may surprise and offer real value.One race where we do expect a euro winner is in the Filly and Mare Turf, Ouija Board is looking for a 2nd straight victory in this race and is the horse to beat. America's Risk averse is the most promising challenger but only the rain will wash out Ouija Board's hopes.Singletary is another defending champion but will need to out run the highly impressive Leroidesanimaux to take the Mile. Frankle's colt comes to the post with 8 straight victories and if Starcraft not taking part there's only one likely outcome. Of the Europeans O'Brien's Ad Valorem and Fabre's Valixir offer the best hope though it's slim.In the Juvenile Fillies Along The Sea, despite previous defeats to both Adieu and Folklore, is liable to be there or thereabouts. Godolphin's Stellar Jayne is a real contender for the Distaff, being based in the US and not having to travel will be real advantages. Ashado will have a fight on his hooves to retain this one. Lost In the Fog is the clear choice in the Sprint and First Samurai in the Juvenile, though the effect of running on Lasix for the first time, if any, won't be known until race day or night as it'll be over here.With the continuing bad weather it's difficult to say for whom this Bel will toll but take a chance it may just toll for theeto get paddy powers odds click
