American turf horses traditionally struggle to repel the Anglo-Irish challengers in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf (2400m) and on Sunday morning (6 November), it is not hard to predict more of the same around the 2400m of flat terrain and sweeping bends at Keeneland.

Aidan O’Brien, Charlie Appleby and John Gosden – all responsible for European victories in the Turf across the past ten years – all have live chances this time, with most trackside observers reckoning that War Like Goddess (Joel Rosario) is the only serious US menace from the eight American turf gallopers in the 13-runner field.

But the rivalry amongst the European raiders will be intense. When the Breeders’ Cup took place at Del Mar last year, O’Brien’s Broome was only just nailed by Appleby-trained Yibir and O’Brien will hope that one of Appleby’s pair this year consisting of Nations Pride and Rebel’s Romance don’t again outgun Broome – to be ridden again by Irad Ortiz Jr – or the stable’s other candidate Stone Age (Ryan Moore).

Broome won Royal Ascot’s G2 Hardwicke Stakes (2392m) in June but O’Brien says: "He blew the start in this race last year, but still nearly won. Slow starts have been his one fault. It has cost him so many races – I can’t tell you. We are trying to tweak things so it won’t happen." The Irish maestro added that the anticipated quick turf surface will be much in Broome’s favour.

Godolphin duo Nations Pride and Rebel’s Romance will both have an army of supporters even though they boast different profiles.

Nations Pride flopped in the G1 Derby (2405m) at Epsom in June but it has been a different story since the three-year-old has been competing in the US, scaling new heights with a six and a quarter length romp in Aqueduct’s G3 Jockey Club Derby Invitational Stakes (2400m) in September.

Four-year-old Rebel’s Romance transformation has come from switching to a turf surface and moving up to this trip. He has landed his last four starts, delivering polished late surges to win Hoppegarten’s Grosser Preis von Berlin and Cologne’s Preis von Europa – both German G1s over this trip – on his two most recent ventures.

The fact that number one Appleby rider William Buick has picked Nations Pride will sway some in that direction but Rebel’s Romance jockey James Doyle arrives here fresh off a superb winning spree in the UK.

From a European perspective at least, the most popular winner would surely be John Gosden-trained Mishriff, a tough and versatile moneyspinner who will be partnered by Frankie Dettori. He’s drawn gate 11 and will be fitted with blinkers for the first time on this last race before a stud career.

And what of the American super mare War Like Goddess? Hugely consistent, she has won nine of her 12 starts and is unbeaten in five starts at this trip and most recently a victory against males in the G1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (2400m) at Aqueduct.

Trainer William Mott says: "She displayed her talent the other day against the boys. Of course we have some top horses from Europe coming but she’s special. And I’m anxious to see how she does against this group."