Jay Hovdey

For those who were confused by the mixed message sent when the strains of the Australian national anthem could be heard on Saturday in the warm desert night, played in tribute to Animal Kingdom's victory in the $10 million Dubai World Cup, be comforted that you were not alone. Still, it's a catchy tune, and here are the words so when they play it again you can sing along:

That huge hole in the Eclipse Awards program on Saturday night at Gulfstream Park belonged to Ramon Dominguez, and nothing anyone could say could make the emotional anguish of his absence go away. Yes, it was good that program host Jeannine Edwards topped the show with an update on his condition.

Call it the cringe factor, and thank goodness it still exists, for without it there would be no saving the species.

Frank Stronach leaned on the railing at the mouth of the Santa Anita saddling enclosure last Saturday afternoon, admiring the horses preparing to run in the $3 million Breeders' Cup Turf. Stronach is usually a difficult read, but you could tell he was enjoying the view, when suddenly a senior security official began herding the gathered throng out of the enclosure, worried that the Japanese horse Trailblazer would throw another fit. "Sir, would you move back please." This was directed at Stronach. "Sir, please move back."

After a year's worth of anticipation and a week of intense finishing touch, Day 1 of a Breeders' Cup always comes down to horses and jockeys. Friday at Santa Anita was no different.