Draw Should Not Affect Classic Hopes

Statisticians are pointing to previous runnings of the Breeders´ Cup Classic at Belmont to suggest that having an outside draw will prove no barrier to success in the US 4.68million feature.

When British-trained challenger Starcraft pulled the widest draw of all in stall 14 at Wednesday´s post position ceremony, owner Paul Makin understandably felt that the chances of his horse had been seriously compromised.

Market leaders Saint Liam and Borrego will also have work to do to gain a decent early pitch from stalls 13 and 11 respectively.

But of the three Classics run at Belmont, Cigar and Tiznow both won from stall 10 and Unbridled came from out of stall 14 when finishing fast and late to claim the Classic in 1990.

Saint Liam´s trainer Rick Dufrow hopes that the draw could turn out to be blessing for a horse who likes to race close to the pace throughout.

'I don´t think the draw is a problem for me - hopefully it will be for others,' he said.

'I was happier with 13 than one or two.'

And Dick Mandella, trainer of another market principal, Rock Hard Ten, seemed to agree when asked about the number one draw for his charge.

'It´s not my first choice,' he said. 'I would have preferred something a little further out because sometimes it can get a bit messy but it´s what we´ve got and there´s nothing we can do now.'

? PA Sport