2019 Breeders’ Cup Predictions #1: First Set of Predictions Released

It’s time for our first set of 2019 Breeders’ Cup Predictions to be revealed. Each week leading up to the Breeders’ Cup, our latest picks for all 14 races will be posted. Let’s take a look at our first set of predictions for the Breeders’ Cup, which will be held November 1-2 at Santa Anita Park:

Saturday, November 2, 2018

Classic

Pick: Code of Honor 

There is still a lot to sort out in this division. Last year, McKinzie was our pick in all eight weeks of our predictions, and we all know how that turned out. For now, we’ll go with Code of Honor, who looked especially strong at the 1 1/4-mile distance in the Travers Stakes (G1). 

Longines Turf

Pick: Enable 

If she comes back to the Breeders’ Cup this year, then there is no question that she is the easy pick to win. She has been an absolute beast once again this season, proving that she is the best horse in the world. Let’s all hope her connections decide to make the trip over to defend her title. 

Longines Distaff

Pick: Midnight Bisou 

It’s going to be hard to play against this filly who has become a monster at age 4. Her perfect 2019 record speaks for itself; she has defeated the top horses in her division several times. A win here would cap off a season for the ages. 

TVG Mile

Pick: Raging Bull 

Last time out, he ran into a freak performance from Got Stormy in the Fourstardave Stakes (G1) at Saratoga. He still was able to show strong ability in a race that sets him up well moving forward. Chad Brown has brought him along nicely since he took some time away from the track. He could be ready to fire his best effort at the perfect time. 

Sprint

Pick: Mitole 

The beast returned to form in a major way to dominate the Forego Stakes (G1) last time out at Saratoga. When he’s at his best, he cannot be defeated, but this is a very deep division. He’ll need to show up with a huge effort to get the job done, but a victory here could make him the Horse of the Year. 

Maker’s Mark Filly & Mare Turf

Pick: Sistercharlie

The defending champ will look to make it two in a row. This year, she seems to be running better than ever, simply dominating her competition in her first two starts of the year. Look for her to get one more prep race before shipping out west for the big one. 

Big Ass Fans Dirt Mile

Pick: Improbable

This should be the perfect distance for Improbable, who came back with an impressive victory in the Shared Belief Stakes at Del Mar. This horse was sent out as the favorite in both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and the Preakness Stakes (G1), but the added distance was not to his liking. He’ll be perfectly spotted in this race. 

Turf Sprint

Pick: Eddie Haskell

For now, this is the pick because several of the top contenders have major question marks. Two-time defending champion Stormy Liberal hasn’t looked great this year, and injury troubles have put World of Trouble in jeopardy of missing the rest of the season. That leaves us with Eddie Haskell, a consistent sprinter on the west coast all season long. 

Filly & Mare Sprint

Pick: Come Dancing 

At this distance, it will be hard for anyone to beat her. Last time out, she broke terribly in the Ballerina Stakes (G1) at Saratoga, but she still blew out the competition for an easy victory. As long as she continues to show solid form in her morning workouts, she will be tough to beat. 

Future Stars Friday, November 1, 2019

TVG Juvenile

Pick: Eight Rings 

The Del Mar Futurity (G1) was a total disaster when he lost the rider, but he showed a tremendous amount of ability in his maiden special weight victory. We’ll have to monitor how he comes out of that race, but for now, we’ll stick with him. 

Juvenile Turf

Pick: Encoder 

This son of English Channel is a perfect two-for-two on the lawn after taking home the Del Mar Juvenile Turf Stakes. His turn of foot down the lane has been eye-catching in both of his starts, but the European shippers always play a major part in this event. 

Juvenile Fillies

Pick: Bast 

The Del Mar Debutante (G1) was her coming-out party. After losing on debut, she came back to break her maiden against stakes company with an impressive performance. Going around two turns will be her next test, but her breeding suggests that she will have success going longer. 

Juvenile Fillies Turf

Pick: Crystalle 

A big win in the P. G. Johnson Stakes at Saratoga earned this filly a spot as our pick for now. The European shippers will have their say in things, though, and there are still many question marks around this division on this side of the pond. 

Juvenile Turf Sprint

Pick: Kimari 

When it comes to this race, who knows? Kimari dominated rivals in the Bolton Landing Stakes at Saratoga, making her a logical pick as of now, but there is still much to learn about this division.