Racing: Why it is vital to watch this Morning Line

The Channel 4 version has its merits, but the Morning Line that really matters this ante-meridian is the one from which the TV programme takes its name, the American betting forecast which projects the likely returns on the American Tote - the Pari-Mutuel - on this evening's Breeders' Cup races.

The Morning Line prices are only a conservative guide. But they clearly suggest that the best rule of thumb when betting on the Breeders' Cup is - back American horses with British bookmakers and support the British, French and, if you must, the sole Japanese raider, on the Pari-Mutuel.

In the Sprint, the British raider Iktamal is 20-1 on the Morning Line - Coral and William Hill offer just 8-1 - whereas the American hope Criollito is 20-1 with Coral but just 12-1 on the Morning Line.

In the Mile Mark Of Esteem (coupled with Charnwood Forest) is projected by the Morning Line to start at what would be a very generous 8-5, bearing in mind that William Hill and Ladbrokes offer just Evens.

Da Hoss stands out at 14-1 with William Hill and the Tote - he is just 5-1 on the Morning Line, while Kiridashi is 25-1 with Ladbrokes and the Tote but quoted at 12-1 on the Morning Line. Helmsman is 25-1 with William Hill, but at only 12-1 on the Morning Line, while Smooth Runner is on offer at 20-1 with William Hill but is just 12-1 on the Morning Line. Among the outsiders, Same Old Wish is 40-1 with William Hill, but just 20-1 on the Morning Line.

In the Turf, Awad is 9-1 with Ladbrokes, but figures at 4-1 on the Morning Line.

And, in the Classic, Yanks Music, who is just 11-2 with William Hill, is 10-1 on the Morning Line.