Epic racing and a breathtaking venue - this has it all

Prepare the superlatives: for what we are about to receive, may the Lord make us truly thankful. The Breeders' Cup has a habit of producing drama unlike anywhere else, but North America's championship outdoes even itself with its 33rd edition at Santa Anita in sunny, southern California, the place where it never rains, according to popular legend.

The wondrous setting helps, of course, for this remains one of the world's greatest racing venues, set against the magnificent backdrop of the San Gabriel mountains on the outskirts of Los Angeles. It takes your breath away; racing vistas seldom come quite so supreme.

For all that, the Breeders' Cup should be all about the racing, and with due deference accorded to Queen's Trust and Highland Reel, this is all about two races in particular. What you really want from any showpiece racing occasion is for the central highlight to live up to its billing. In that respect the Breeders' Cup achieves its goal – not once, but twice. On Friday we are treated to an incredible contest for the Distaff, as three-time champion Beholder and Songbird, a superstar filly half her age, duel for the entire length of the stretch under those age-defying veterans Gary Stevens and Mike Smith, whose combined age is 104.