Will Hayler of the London Evening Standard is on hand at Churchill Downs to bring you all the flavour and colour of the Breeders' Cup 2006. Stay logged on for more updates.

Thursday, November 2:

Even my raging hangover can't disguise the fact that it really is a lovely day and the track is drying as quickly as we were all told it would. This morning it was the turn of Aidan O'Brien to hold court with the press and it was an interesting session. I am never quite sure exactly where I think Aidan stands on the idiot/genius axis, although I know that most people are fervently in the latter camp. Was he just teasing the local journalists as he asked whether Alysheba, the winner of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Breeders' Cup Classic in the 1980s, had "any form on dirt?"

Aidan has developed a new habit of saying the phrase "Do you understand?", approximately three times in each sentence, which is unsurprisingly pretty aggravating after a while. But it doesn't make the man any less listenable as he rattles off his views about whether George Washington will handle the dirt in the Classic.

"We've never had a horse like this one before, do you understand?" he asks. Yes, yes, we understand. "Anything is possible with this horse, do you understand? It's a step into the unknown, do you understand?" For God's sake, man, yes we all understand. But then he'll go and say something really interesting like "I'd be surprised if he's not still travelling with them on the turn - it's just a question of what happens from then on. I've never seen him not travel." I still can't see it myself, although as fashion correspondent it is my duty to report that Aidan was sporting a natty jacket with 'Gorgeous George' on the back.

O'Brien confirms that Scorpion will "set a proper pace" in the Turf under Kinane. It could set the race up for Hurricane Run to come from off the lead if that horse is still what he used to be, but I get the feeling that O'Brien fancies he might just turn the favourite over. He's going in my Pick 6 now anyway.

O'Brien says that he will only work his horses on Friday (as he always does for this meeting) but Araafa looks particularly fresh and well as he canters under Velazquez. Jeremy Noseda confirms afterwards that they will be using salix on him, as they did with Wilko two years ago. He's got a plot draw to race handily and I fancy him. Noseda seems genuinely pleased with how well the horse has taken his hard season.

John Egan walks past and someone says how sorry we are to hear about Wunderwood. He says he would have won (which I suppose he has to) and that David Elsworth is going to stay out for the Cup rather than go home early. I imagine it's more the pint pot than the Cup which Elzy is staying for but I feel for him - it must be an awful thing to lose a nice horse when you are so far from home.

Most of the American press attention was focussed upon the arrival of Bernadini, who cantered on the track shortly after 7am local time. Trainer Tom Albertrani made all the right noises afterwards and things seem to be going well for the Classic favourite. I really hope he's as brilliant as I think he might be. It would be great to see something really special on Saturday.

Tonight is the annual Breeders' Cup 'press party'. Each year I vow I won't bother again, but each year the lure of free food and booze proves irrestible.

They clearly know my weaknesses. It wouldn't be so bad if it was just the press that went, but it's the other hangers-on that drive me mad. Maybe if I'm feeling brave I'll tell you tomorrow which leading lights of British racing (many of whom like to come on 'working holidays') managed to disgrace themselves the most. Don't bank on it though. I don't want to ruin my chances of getting Douglas Erskine-Crum's job. I wonder if the Duke of Devonshire's got my address...