US juveniles in a different time zone as Europeans struggle to land a real blow

After A’Ali broke and ran as though he was racing in a different time zone, you sensed Future Stars Friday at Santa Anita might be a chastening experience for the Europeans.

If Frankie Dettori had seven hours up his sleeve, A’Ali would have had a chance. California may be a sun-kissed tropic but, as too many locals can sadly testify lately, that also means dreams can go up in smoke rather promptly. It's an unforgiving climate.

Simon Crisford’s colt was supposed to be the fastest of the 33 four-legged athletes to cross the Atlantic for the 36th Breeders’ Cup, so it was an ominous start when he fell out of the gate and never landed a blow before trailing in tenth of 12 in the opening Juvenile Turf Sprint.