2019 Breeders’ Cup Predictions #3: Juveniles Begin Stepping Up

Each week leading up to the 2019 Breeders’ Cup, our picks for all 14 races will be posted. Let’s take a look at our third 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: Valid Point 

This could be the most wide-open division of the Breeders’ Cup at this point. The Woodbine Mile (G1) didn’t give us much help; the horses in this division seem to be trading wins. For now, I’ll put the Chad Brown-trained Valid Point on top after an impressive win in the Secretariat Stakes (G1) at Arlington Park. He could be improving at the right time if they decide to point him towards this race. 

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: Dennis’ Moment 

All of horse racing is buzzing about his performance in the Iroquois Stakes (G3) at Churchill Downs. The flashy colt backed up his blowout maiden victory with another easy win in that race. However, it will still be interesting to see what unfolds in the American Pharoah Stakes (G1) at Santa Anita Park, where Eight Rings is scheduled to run. The Saratoga Special Stakes (G2) winner Green Light Go‘s next start is also going to be one to watch. Those are the only challengers to Dennis’ Moment right now.  

Juvenile Turf

Pick: Decorated Invader 

An impressive win in the Summer Stakes (G1) at Woodbine lands this horse as our choice. Even though he broke poorly, he was able to rally for an easy win, showing a solid turn of foot. European shippers always have a say in this race, and we won’t know who is shipping in until a bit closer to the event, but for now, this is the pick.

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. Last Sunday’s Natalma Stakes (G1) at Woodbine didn’t help. 

Juvenile Turf Sprint

Pick: Old Chestnut 

His victory in the Ontario Racing Stakes makes him the early favorite for this event. We still don’t have a clear picture of who will race in this spot, but it will become clearer in the weeks ahead. For now, Old Chestnut is the clear standout.