THIS week’s column has a real American theme, and while the eyes of the racing world were firmly fixed on Europe a fortnight ago, last weekend it was the turn of the USA.

Two more Grade 1 races for juveniles are under the microscope now. Muth was runner-up in the Grade 3 Best Pal Stakes at Del Mar after making a winning debut, but he had his sights set high last weekend, and emerged with flying colours after his success in the Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes at Santa Anita. It is fitting that he has won at this level, given that he was a $2 million purchase at the OBS March Sale this year. He had been a $190,000 Keeneland yearling.