A common theme at any Breeders' Cup is that European horsemen become increasingly bullish as the big day approaches. It was no different here yesterday when most of them surfaced at Monmouth Park for the first time. The constant drizzle may have made them feel at home, but by the morning's close there was talk of a hatful of winners.

If no individual barked loudly, many felt emboldened to entertain their prospects. Those who wanted rain celebrated; those who didn't felt the turf track was fast enough anyway. Yes, the bends are tight, but they are well banked. Long-striding horses wouldn't be compromised, yet those with a quick action would have an edge.

None radiated this sense of optimism more than Henry Cecil, who saddles Passage Of Time in the Filly & Mare Turf. The doyen of British racing always tries to keep his enthusiasm in check, but rarely succeeds when he truly likes one. He likes Passage Of Time all right, especially after he watched her lapping the turf track.

Cecil presented something of a jigsaw by offering bits and pieces over the course of the morning. Yet the final picture was striking. Passage Of Time had summered badly after a throat abscess was treated with antibiotics. It was a rush to get her to last month's Prix Vermeille, yet he had to ensure she would make the cut. The rain was very welcome indeed; all she now needs is a little bit of luck.

Cecil said that last part with feeling, and no wonder. He described his last Breeders' Cup visit, with Royal Anthem nine years ago, as “a disaster”. The colt bruised a foot in the build-up, in the process scuppering any prospect of Cecil saddling his first winner from five Breeders' Cup runners. The trainer would dearly love to set the record straight in this, his renaissance season.

Jeremy Noseda was entitled to his smiling demeanour. Simply Perfect, who opposes Passage Of Time tomorow, has been all business since she arrived. So too has Strike The Deal, a two-year-old who has taken the Atlantic crossing like Christopher Columbus. He is joined by Achill Island and Democratic Fund, a pair of Irish raiders, in the inaugural running of the Juvenile Mile Turf this evening.

Meanwhile, Brian Meehan dismissed Red Rocks' barren summer with a metaphorical flick of the hand. Last year's Turf winner has had a repeat victory on his agenda ever since, Meehan said. And when asked about the turns Meehan said: “They are tight but inviting, which will suit Red Rocks. He needs to be kept interested.”

Jeremy, for his part, has repeatedly caught the eye in the absence of his trainer, Sir Michael Stoute. He put in a two-furlong spurt on the grass yesterday, impressing Frankie Dettori - one more for the shortlist.

Throw in Aidan O'Brien's quartet - among them George Washington in the classic - and the Europeans, it seems, are here to conquer. Only two of them bucked an adventurous trend. John Oxx reported that Timarwa had a touch of colic on Monday evening, while Dettori, often the cheerleader at such gatherings, was sombre after riding the turf track for the first time.

“This is the Breeders' Cup, it will be tough,” Dettori offered. “I'm not making any predictions but we can only try.” As he turned to depart, he added: “Those bends are really sharp.” It was an unexpected dose of realism.