Falbrav may tackle Breeders' Cup Classic

Falbrav could yet tackle the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Santa Anita on October 25.

Luca Cumani still favours the Turf event for his star but the home defence for the Classic does not look the strongest this year and that has not gone unnoticed by the Newmarket trainer.

It would mean him running on an unfamiliar dirt surface but Cumani told the Racing Post: “At the moment, Falbrav runs on the Turf but we are talking about the Classic.

“Running him in that would be taking a punt, but should Falbrav win it, it would prove him more versatile than Giant’s Causeway and Sakhee, and give him an incomparable profile as a stallion prospect.

“Should he get beaten in the Classic, all people would do is deride me for running him on the dirt, but I can live with that.”

The likes of Mineshaft, Empire Maker and Candy Ride will all be missing from the 10-furlong showpiece, although Medaglia d’Oro could prove a stumbling block.

“The Classic is missing some of the top dirt horses, like Mineshaft, Empire Maker and Candy Ride, but Medaglia d’Oro seems virtually unbeatable round Santa Anita,” Cumani said.

“The Turf means taking on Sulamani, which will not be straightforward. However, I believe Falbrav has a faster kick than Sulamani, who is more of a horse who winds up his challenge.

“As things stand, it is the idea to run in the Turf.”

Success at the Breeders’ Cup is nothing new to Cumani – he sent out Barathea to win the Mile under Frankie Dettori in 1994.