Racing news in brief

The Aidan O'Brien-trained four-year-old proved a huge hit following his transfer from Australia, winning the Golden Jubilee Stakes at the Royal meeting and following up in the July Cup at Newmarket.

Already a winner at the top level over a variety of trips Down Under, the chestnut was also second in the Nunthorpe at York before finishing fifth in the Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock.

Coolmore's Eddie Fitzpatrick commented: "Starspangledbanner is a very imposing individual with a strong page and is rated a superior sprinter to his sire Choisir.

"Aidan was completely blown away by the times he was clocking in his work prior to Royal Ascot and he showed that brilliant speed in both the Golden Jubilee and the July Cup."

Coolmore's Christy Grassick added: "I am certain breeders will be most impressed when they come to see him and he has the advantage of being a virtual outcross for the vast majority of mares here."

Kauto Star in the frame for Hennessy

Kauto Star is the surprise name among 66 possibles for the Hennessy Gold Cup at Newbury on 27 November.

The dual Cheltenham Gold Cup and four-times King George VI Chase winner is one of nine entries for Paul Nicholls in company with Denman, twice winner of the Hennessy.

Nicholls' squad also features Niche Market, What A Friend and Neptune Collonges. Kauto Star is expected to start his campaign at Down Royal on Saturday week in the JNwine.com Champion Chase. Others to catch the eye are Diamond Harry for Nick Williams, Burton Port for Nicky Henderson and the Ian Williams-trained Weird Al.

Superstars line up for Breeders' Cup

Breeders' Cup president Greg Avioli can hardly wait for the showpiece meeting to commence after receiving the pre-entries for all 14 of the events at Churchill Downs in Kentucky.

The girls take star billing with Henry Cecil's Midday defending her Filly & Mare Turf crown, Goldikova going for a remarkable third straight Mile victory and, perhaps most importantly to the locals, the unbeaten Zenyatta shooting for back-to-back victories in the Classic.

"It is a great opportunity for the world to see three of the greatest superstars on the greatest stage," said Avioli.