Racing: Aidan O'Brien is concerned about the prospect of testing ground for Dylan Thomas in tomorrow's Breeders' Cup Turf at Monmouth Park.
Although yesterday's heavy rain abated overnight, weather forecasters have predicted what could amount to a deluge this evening and that would spell bad news for the drifting Turf favourite.
Dylan Thomas was widely quoted as an even-money chance but punters keen on the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner will now be sweating on ground conditions.
The colt was partnered by work rider Pat Lillis for his first sighting of the Monmouth Park turf course as O'Brien accompanied his star on the back of a pony.
He said: "Dylan has such a long, low stride that soft ground is a disadvantage for him. He overcame it in the Arc but everyone knows he's better on concrete. The ground out there is better than Longchamp at the moment and much depends on what happens tonight."
If Dylan Thomas is to be blown off his perch tomorrow, then Brian Meehan's Red Rocks looks the one most likely to do it.
The 2006 Turf hero cannot beat Dylan Thomas on the evidence of the formbook, but while the latter has endured quite a long and hard season, Red Rocks goes to post fresh.
Meehan said: "He's on very good terms with himself. He's nice and relaxed and has done everything right. He just jogged a lap, then he cantered. He'll do the same tomorrow."