RACING:FREDDIE HEAD made his first appearance on the Churchill Downs track to supervise his history-seeking mare Goldikova in a six-furlong breeze on the dirt course yesterday morning.

Head then delivered a poignant assessment of what training the three-time Breeders’ Cup Mile winner has meant to him.

Once again, Goldikova was the centre of attention as she formed part of the string of seven French-trained Breeders’ Cup runners that went out at 8.30am, with Head accompanying her on a pony. The horses walked a circuit of the course and then Goldikova engaged in her pleasing breeze.

When asked what training the six-year-old had meant to him, Head said: “Having Goldikova in my stable has never been something I have taken for granted, because she really is an exceptional horse.

“I have seen horses that are perhaps as good as her, or maybe even better on a particular day, but I have never seen or known one who has been so consistent at the top level year after year. She has never had a day off in her life and has never given me any problems, and that is astonishing.”

Sarafina was again on her toes and looking keyed up for her tilt at the Breeders’ Cup Turf, and her trainer, Alain de Royer-Dupre, is expected to be at Churchill Downs today.

Earlier in the morning, before dawn broke, several of the other European candidates worked under floodlights. These included Marathon hope Meeznah, Juvenile Turf runner Caspar Netscher and Juvenile Fillies contender Questing, while some of Aidan O’Brien’s team stretched their legs, including Filly and Mare Turf-bound Misty For Me.

Kieren Fallon believes that Caspar Netscher can make his presence felt. Alan McCabe’s juvenile has enjoyed a terrific season, winning a brace of Group Twos before flying home in the Group One Middle Park to finish an unlucky-in-running fifth.

The Dutch Art colt is now set to step up to a mile for the first time in his career when he tackles the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf and Fallon revealed that he believes his mount has every chance on the Kentucky track.

“The usual response from most jocks when they get a ride in a big race is to say ‘I wouldn’t swop it for anything’ but I genuinely wouldn’t,” said Fallon.

“My fellow has a great turn of foot and will be okay around there. He can come from the back or make the running. Take it from me he is not going out there to make up the numbers.”