SADLY, we have discovered recently that there are things in life that stop not just a nation but the world. So it was that this year’s Melbourne Cup took place behind closed doors, where usually there would be 100,000 plus fans in attendance.

Flemington’s loss was social media’s gain, judged by the number of people tweeting about the event at what was 4am our time. “The Cup” stops regular sleep patterns as well.

It resulted in a famous victory for Ireland and Joseph O’Brien through Twilight Payment, though the race was tragically marred by the fatal injury to Derby winner and recent Caulfield Cup runner-up Anthony Van Dyck. This was a loss that seemed to hit especially hard in the circumstances.

Twilight Payment was probably a bit better than I, and others, had given him credit for, as hinted at by his wide-margin win in the Curragh Cup in July but, as much as anything, he benefited from a tremendous ride from local jockey Jye McNeil.

Twilight Payment was soon setting a sound pace, with the field well strung out, but not an overly strong one. His finishing speed for the last 600 metres was 102.0% of his average race speed, which is near-perfect. He also covered the joint-second-shortest distance (alongside Sir Dragonet and behind only Vow And Declare) according to official figures.

He gets a 116 rating from me, with runner-up Tiger Moth on 120 (he should win a Group 1 on that) and strong-finishing third Prince Of Arran seeming unlucky on 117.

Sir Dragonet (120 previously, 113 here) was sixth and is probably a slightly better horse at 10-12 furlongs than at this trip, even on firm ground; 116-rated Verry Elleegant, who had beaten Sir Dragonet last time, finished fastest of all in seventh and should have been placed at least.

EUROPEAN-trained horses will do well to win more than a couple of races at the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland this weekend, but they have solid chances on tonight in the Mile and the Turf.

Kameko (rated 124) is probably the best horse in the former but not sure to be suited by a turning mile. In a race in which there should be plenty of pace, I can see the US-trained Raging Bull (120) figuring well with his typical late run. Magical (122) looks pretty good in the Turf to me, with Tarnawa (119) her biggest threat.

Gamine (121) should win the Fillies & Mares Sprint at her best, while Frank’s Rockette (115) has a live chance at a price in the Sprint itself. Another late night beckons!