The Autumn Oak Tree meeting at Santa Anita is kicking off on Wednesday. This would be news for all horse players to take heed, but this year is one that you will want to watch going into the Breeders’ Cup.

The Pro-Ride surface, a synthetic surface, has replaced the non-draining Cushion Track. The two day, 14 race, $25 million Breeders’ Cup will take place October 24th and 25th. This Saturday there will be a bevy of racing action that will help gauge competition in the upcoming weeks.

There will be six G-1 races, and are “Win and You’re In” races. This should help clear the picture, as these races historically have played significant parts for the Breeders’ Cup picture.

All trainers on track are glowing about the surface, and feel that it is very consistent. There are a few trainers that still hold not such positive views (e.g. Bob Baffert). They still remain on the fence, and have not given the thumbs up as of yet. They like what they see so far, but only time will tell the truth.

Baffert has watched the cool morning workouts, and looks forward to when the horses race on the surface during the warm afternoon. I optimistically hope all trainers get on board. It would be a very solid colony as it has always been in past years, and losing a few trainers kinda takes away from the California feel. Baffert is that cool California boy. I think he will get on board, and to much surprise, he will not only race, he will assume his dominant numbers.