BRITISH confidence for the 13th Breeders' Cup soared yesterday as John Gosden predicted a European clean sweep in the two turf events.

As the Toronto temperature plummeted into single figures, the Newmarket trainer had some heartwarming words to say about our big race hopes in the Breeders' Cup Mile and Turf.

Gosden, who saddled Royal Heroine to win the Mile in 1984 when he was based in California, runs St Leger winner Shantou in the Turf, one of seven European runners in the $2 million race.

But while he expects Shantou to demonstrate he is still on the upgrade, he believes year older horses such as Swain and Singspiel have the edge.

"Shantou is as fit as a flea and will just be freshened for the race. But he will not go on the turf track because he will quickly work out where the gaps are and could make a beeline for them," he said.

"When the Breeders' Cup is in Toronto and New York, the Europeans have their best chances. They both have big tracks and the climate is like ours. A one turn mile is ideal.

"So if we can't win both turf races then we might as well pack up and go home. We are pretty strong in the mile and half race and have the favourite in the Mile."

Fields for the Breeders' Cup are down on previous years but Gosden is convinced the races will be no easier to win, despite the presence of 500 to 1 no hoper Ricks Natural Star in the Turf.

He added: "You can't turn up with a lot of horses that aren't good enough because they will only embarrass you.

"You don't come to make a fool of yourself unless you come from New Mexico running just for 15 seconds of fame is an abuse of the horse.

"The course is very soft on the back stretch, which is part of the old course, but not the rest which drains well and will not ride soft. It would be my personal wish that it could be all old course because Shantou likes it pretty deep.

"I thought Singspiel is the logical favourite in the Turf but on his best form Swain holds him."