Azamour settles in at Belmont Park
Victories in the Prince of Wales's Stakes and the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stales give John Oxx's colt a leading chance, although his canny trainer is taking nothing for granted ahead of the 12-furlong contest.
Oxx told At The Races: "It's a big week for him and a big day on Saturday to finish up. Obviously when you have to travel so far and go to a completely different environment it's uncertain, but he's arrived over there.
"It was an uneventful trip and he is settling in. He arrived earlier this morning so we'll see how the next few days go.
"There's plenty of opposition left and one or two good local opponents on their home turf, so no matter what way you look at it, it will be a tough race."
Azamour's best form is on faster ground, so Oxx is keeping a close eye on the forecast for his horse, who suffered a rare defeat in the Irish Champion Stakes last time.
He added: "I am getting conflicting weather reports and it is probably 50-50 really what way the ground will end up.
"He's fairly uncomplicated he's got speed and he's got stamina so there aren't too many tracks that wouldn't suit him.
"A nice, even, decent pace will be the most important thing as sometimes the pace can be quite slow on the turf and you get a messy race, so that's the biggest worry."
Belmont track superintendent John Passero is not expecting any weather problems despite the course being drenched by recent rainfall.
A further band of wet weather over the weekend set a new record for the amount of rain to have fallen during October in New York, but the forecast for the weekend looks more promising.
"At the track, we've measured 18.2 inches of rain in less than a two-week period and that doesn't include Saturday night," Passero told www.bloodhorse.com.
Passero is keeping his eye on Hurricane Wilma, which could bring more rain up the east coast and the forecast is for showers on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Saturday, however, is set to be partly sunny with a high of 56 degrees.
"If that forecast holds true, we won't have any problems for Breeders' Cup," added Passero.
"I am totally confident in our track and turf courses. They will be in good shape for Breeders' Cup day."
Ouija Board was reported in top form as she prepared to travel Stateside in search of back-to-back victories in the Filly & Mare Turf.
Ed Dunlop's dual Oaks winner is sharing a direct flight with Jeremy Noseda's Mile hope Majors Cast.
"She flies out later today. It shouldn't be as bad as last year to Texas which was more than 10 hours. This is only six or seven so the trip is more suitable for her," said Dunlop's assistant Peter Shoemark.
"She's sharing a plane with Majors Cast. They each have a groom and will be well looked after."
Ouija Board landed last year's event by a length and half but has only raced twice this term when beaten in the Prince of Wales's Stakes before returning successfully at Newmarket last month.
"She did a normal piece of work on Saturday with her usual work rider and her usual lead horse. We were very pleased with her, she's in good form," Shoemark continued.
"Obviously we were delighted with her win in the Princess Royal at Newmarket. Everything's gone to plan and we couldn't be happier.
"We wouldn't want bottomless ground. She has run on good to soft but not on very soft, but I suppose everyone is in the same boat."
Leading Classic contender Rock Hard Ten has recovered from a slight setback and is due to travel in on Wednesday.
A minor bruise to his left front foot prevented him from leaving Santa Anita Park as scheduled on Sunday.
"He's fine," trainer Richard Mandella told www.thoroughbredtimes.com.
The bruise was discovered after Rock Hard Ten worked seven furlongs on Thursday.
