Sometimes, as an East Coast-based thoroughbred racing fan, I don't pay enough attention to what's happening on the West Coast. This past weekend was time to pay attention. There were three outstanding races on the card at the gorgeous Del Mar track, and all three will have an impact on the Breeders' Cup in fall.

Greg's Gold, my pick, a gorgeous gray horse, won the Pat O'Brien. This was the slowest time ever recorded on this synthetic surface. The surface is supposed to be safer for horses and their riders, but definitely slows down the record times - which is a worthwhile trade-off, in my opinion. Let's improve safety, even if it means breaking fewer track records. I'd rather leave both the track records and the horses' legs unbroken.

The most exciting race of the day was the Del Mar Mile, on the turf, won with a brilliant, patient ride by Garrett Gomez on the New Zealand horse Crossing the Line. This horse ran the second fastest time ever for the race, only one-fifth of a second from the all-time record. Crossing the Line is a beautiful horse, and, according to his trainer, John Sadler, is also relaxed and has a wonderful personality. He comes from behind, and, just when you think there's no way he could get there, he accelerates like someone threw a switch on him. He's enough horse so he can take a wide turn and still zoom past the competition. It will cost his owners some cash to put him in the BC Mile, but it will be worth it, for both connections and fans. This is quite a horse.

Lava Man was the big name in the Pacific Classic, although there was concern that he wouldn't like the synthetic surface. His story is poignant - owned by the recently deceased Merv Griffin and his groom was in a serious accident four weeks ago, which costs him an arm and means he can no longer be the horse's groom. This is near Hollywood , and it would have been nice for this tale to have a true Hollywood ending, with a big win. However, a claimer who's never won more than an allowance, by the name of Student Council with Richard Migliore aboard pulled an upset during the last 300 yards of the race, running down Lava Man (who'd raced intelligently until the final few furlongs, when he faded to sixth) and everyone else. Student Council became the story of the day, paying $48.80 on a two dollar bet, beating Awesome Gem and Hello Sunday. He's now earned a spot in the Breeders' Cup Classic.

I'm going to mention the filly Silky Smooth here - she won her California debut with jockey Aaron Gryder in the Viejas Casino Handicap. Gryder is one of my favorite riders. I'm happy he's doing so well on the West coast, but boy, do I miss seeing him ride live out here in the East.

On August 11, Jambalaya won the Arlington Million, denying The Tin Man a repeat victory. I'm a big fan of The Tin Man, but Jambalaya's stretch run was breathtaking, and I'm delighted that Catherine Day Phillips became the first female trainer to win this race.

The Breeders' Cup is shaping up to be more and more interesting every week.