Breeders' Cup Day is very much at the crossroads. The event has undergone significant change since it was inaugurated at nearby Hollywood Park 25 years ago, yet none has been as startling as that which unfolds in this picturesque setting today.

Years of complacency have been replaced by genuine desire to make the occasion match its grandiose billing as the World Thoroughbred Championships. In reality, however, it has always been a match between the horses of America and Europe; something akin to the Ryder Cup of racing - except on American terms.

Remarkably, that has changed to the extent that Europe is more favoured than the home nation. The new synthetic surface, installed after a spate of ugly injuries that offended even diehard fans of the sport, removes the traditional American dirt-track advantage.

The payoff comes in a beguiling renewal to the $5 million (£3.15 million) Classic, in which Europe's horses provide the sole barrier to a lap of honour from Curlin. The American monster, who recently passed a record $10 million in career earnings, would otherwise face distinctly limited opposition.

Conversely, victory for Curlin is almost imperative. Defeat - and in particular, by a European horse - would spark a loud clamour for the restoration of a surface that effectively brought American racing into disrepute around the world.

That would be a retrograde step, since medication is symbiotic with the attritional nature of racing horses on dirt. And since Breeders' Cup Ltd, in the absence of a central American racing authority, are addressing medication issues (this will be the first steroid-free Breeders' Cup), they deserve a helping hand from the fates.

Curlin should require no such impetus. No horse has won the Classic after annexing the Dubai World Cup, as Curlin did in March. But then, very few horses have Curlin's iron constitution. Duke Of Marmalade has looked jaded after a busy season, while both Henrythenavigator and Raven's Pass may find ten furlongs beyond them.

Once again, Europe's challenge is spearheaded by Aidan O'Brien, whose last Breeders' Cup winner, High Chaparral, came here in the Turf four years ago. High Chaparral had been pigeon-holed as a soft-ground performer until he dead-heated on lightning-fast ground here, and similar comments have been made of Soldier Of Fortune.

Like High Chaparral, Soldier Of Fortune finished third in the Arc before travelling to California. And with Red Rock Canyon here to ensure a strong gallop, Soldier Of Fortune can be expected to race aggressively. That may prove too demanding for a limited home defence; Conduit and Eagle Mountain appeal as bigger dangers.

O'Brien's Westphalia warrants an interest in the Juvenile Turf, principally because young American horses tend to eschew grass racing. Certainly few can boast the level of form Westphalia showed in his Doncaster defeat of Zacinto, and the extra distance is sure to suit this rugged colt.

The Turf Mile can go to Kip Deville. The five-year-old, winner of this race last year, excels over the course and distance and has been campaigned with this race in mind. He rates the bet of the day.