Buick backs Debussy to round off a classic year in Breeders' Cup

WILLIAM Buick can round off a momentous year by adding the Breeders' Cup Turf to a list of big-race victories around the world.

The Northern Racing College graduate rides Debussy winner of the prestigious Group One Arlington Million – at Churchill Downs tonight.

While not the most-fancied horse, the John Gosden colt has winning form in America and is likely to adapt to the tight track better than arch-rival Workforce, Sir Michael Stoute's Epsom Derby and Arc winner.

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Workforce, runner-up in York's Dante Stakes in May, is still doubtful for the mile-and-a-half race – Stoute will not run his champion if the forecast rain does not materialise in Kentucky.

The conditions, however, do not perturb Buick, the St Leger-winning jockey, or his trainer John Gosden who was previously based in California.

"Debussy surprised a few people in Chicago (in the Arlington Million) because, perhaps, he didn't have as good form as some of the others. But he is talented and always had the ability to win a race like that," said Buick. "He also ran well in the Champion Stakes, finishing third to Twice Over, and I hope he can run well again."

Globe-trotting Buick is no stranger to international success. Aside from Debussy's American win, he kick-started the season for Gosden by winning the lucrative Dubai Sheema Classic on Dar Re Mi in March. He said: "I was a little bit nervous as it was my first big ride for John, but there is no point being a jockey if you worry about the big days. You have to enjoy it, and I do."

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As to Gosden, he has no qualms about today's race. "I walked the course and the ground is fine while the course itself is in good condition," he reported. "What you have to remember here is that because the turf course is sand-based, it can get quite loose when it rains. In the Arlington Million he picked up well off a strong pace and I hope it will be the same."

All eyes will be on the Mile with the brilliant French-trained mare Goldikova going for a history-making third straight win. While there is no reason to believe she is not as good as ever, a case can be made for Gio Ponti – beaten by Debussy in the Arlington Million – to spoil the party.

On a night when European-based horses expect to dominate, home hopes rest with the iconic Zenyatta, the wonderhorse bidding to win her 20th race from 20 starts in the Breeders' Cup Classic finale and earn comparisons with Seabiscuit, the horse who lifted America after the Great Depression.

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