THE Breeders' Cup meeting moves outside US borders for the first time today, with the Toronto venue, Woodbine, acting as host.

The Canadian track, with its grass course on the outside of the dirt track, as opposed to most US tracks, is certainly favourable to the Europeans.

The invaders from the old continent have a good record in the Breeders' Cup Turf, with Shantou fancied to do best of a Sheikh Mohammed quartet that includes other high profile candidates such as Singspiel and Swain.

Shantou following his victorious duel with Dushyantor in the St Leger, has undoutebly thrived since Doncaster and has gone on to easily heat a decent field in a Group One event in Milan.

It is a measure of John Gosden's confidence that Shantou has bypassed a much easier Group One opportunity, the French St Leger, to run here. Not that Sing- spiel or Swain will be pushovers.

Singspiel does at least have the advantage of local knowledge after an impressive win in the Canadian International. Awad may do best of the American-Canadian team.

The aforementioned Dushyantor and Pilsudski (second in the Arc de Triomphe) add strength to the European challenge, which includes Luna Wells.

Mark of Esteem, the champion miler of Europe, will he all the rage in the Breeders' Cup Mile following his dazzling win in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes which has been handsomely franked since.

Mark of Esteem will be ably flanked by stablemate Charnwood Forest, but could have his thunder stolen by French challenger Spinning World, the Irish 2,000 Guineas and Jacques le Marois winner.

Alan Cooper, racing manager to the Niarchos family, indicated earlier in the week that there was sufficient moisture in the ground for the Jonathan Pease runner to do himself justice. Expect good runs as well from Memories of Silver and Urgent Request.

The challenge of Godolphin's Tamayaz in the richest event, the 54 million Classic, appears ambitious and he could well get blown away by last year's winner Cigar.

Cigar may have lost his aura of invincibility but he still retains plenty of ability. Yanks Music and Dramatic Gold may follow him home.

Ed Dunlop's Haydock Park Sprint Cup winner, Iktamal, could struggle in the Sprint, despite a favourable draw. Appealing Skier could prove each-way value here.