THERE will be slim pickings for European horses when America’s prestigious Eclipse Awards are handed out in Beverly Hills, California, later this month.

Starcraft’s larger-than-life owner Paul Makin set tongues wagging in New York as he once again exuded confidence ahead of his horse’s remarkable bid for the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Saturday.

Leading Breeders’ Cup Classic contender Rock Hard Ten has recovered from a slight setback and is due to head for Belmont Park on Wednesday.