[King Glorious]

Originally Posted by RolloTomasi

Well, you also have horses like Conduit and Milan who won the St. Leger go on to do well in the Turf. Red Rocks placed in the St. Leger as well.

I think its more of the better Arc winners staying home, an indirect statement that the French race trumps the BC and it's alleged "World Thoroughbred Championship".

It's quite possible the Turf would have a different history of winners had Zarkava, Sinndar, Dalakhani, Sakhee, and Montjeu in his prime, showed up. But at the same time, we'd probably have gotten one or two more "Dancing Braves" in the process.

As for the Queen Elizabeth, I'm not sure that's necessarily the premier mile race in Europe. Most of the winners from previous years read like a who's who of Group 2 calibur horses. And in recent years, as you said, most that have come over have tried the Classic.

In addition, it seems to me that the Queen Elizabeth II is a sort of "graveyard of favorites" if you will. Giant's Causeway, Miesque, Hawk Wing, among others tasted defeat in the race. At one point, even Raven's Pass win over Henrythenavigator was considered an upset.

Meanwhile, the top French mile, the Prix du Moulin, has produced 5 BC Mile winners.

I feel quite sure that you are right that had Zarkava come over and if Sea the Stars came, those are the kinds of horses that would overcome any disadvantages because they are just so good. It's just a weird thing as to why none have won. With the QE II, I think it's much clearer. The course at Ascot is demanding. Running 8f there is not like running it at other courses so it's more a test of stamina than your normal mile. I think that's why some of those really good horses you mentioned lost. They were true milers and were found wanting in the final stages of that race.