Breeders’ Cup Predictions #1: First Set of Picks for the Big Event

The time has finally come! Our first set of Breeders’ Cup Predictions are ready to be revealed. Each week leading up to the Breeders’ Cup, our latest picks for all thirteen races will be posted. Let’s take a look at our initial picks for this year’s event:

Classic: Gun Runner – It’s almost hard to believe that Gun Runner is the pick here without much thought, especially after what happened at Dubai in March. He’s been the most impressive runner this summer. The result will come down to him liking the surface at Del Mar. Collected and Arrogate are the two main challengers, obviously, but as of now, Gun Runner is doing the best.

Mile: World Approval – The Fourstardave has become a key prep race for this in recent years, and it’s unsure who’s shipping in from overseas. World Approval looked tremendous on the soft going at Saratoga and has been consistent all year long. The mile distance could be were he excels the most.

Turf: Oscar Performance – Again, it’s completely up in the air as to who will ship from overseas to run in this race. I haven’t been overly impressed with the older turf horses in the United States, so I’m going to go with the most impressive 3-year-old of the year, Oscar Performance. This pick could change, but I love the way that this horse carries early speed.

Distaff: Stellar Wind – This is an easy pick. I’ve always loved Stellar Wind, and now she won’t have to deal with the champion Songbird. Forever Unbridled poses a definite challenge, and Stellar Wind has lost two straight Breeders’ Cup Distaffs, but hopefully the third time’s the charm.

Juvenile: Bolt d’Oro – He was super impressive winning the Del Mar Futurity. He had a nice run to catch Zatter in the late stages of the race, and I like that he has a win over the track, which will be very important at this Breeders’ Cup. Del Mar is a very unique surface, and I could see the 2-year-old division being dominated by horses that raced there this summer.

Juvenile Fillies: Moonshine Memories – Using the same logic here as I did for the Juvenile. Moonshine Memories has two impressive wins over this track, which I think could make a huge difference. This division is not quite as established as the males at this point.

Sprint: Imperial Hint – Admittedly, it could be dangerous to pick against a horse like Drefong, but Imperial Hint has been overly impressive to me for a few months. His last race at Parx showed his insane amount of talent as he nearly set a track record under wraps. This will be a class test for him without question, but he looks to be ready for it.

Dirt Mile: Accelerate – This one almost seems too easy. Accelerate loves this Del Mar surface. It improves his numbers greatly, and the mile should be his best distance. In the San Diego at mile and 1/16, he was able to pull off one of his best performances. I’m looking for more of the same at the Breeders’ Cup.

Filly and Mare Sprint: Highway Star – This is a crazy pick that will probably change over time, but it’s hard to find value on a horse that loves going the distance of this race. She nearly won last time out in a Grade 1 at Saratoga, and the distance gives her a great shot no matter what spot she runs. This field is not shaping up to be one of the stronger ones of the Breeders’ Cup.

Filly and Mare Turf: Lady Eli – Like I always say, I will never pick against Lady Eli. In my eyes, she’s running just as well as ever, and was just barely defeated in this race last year. Let’s hope she gets revenge, as this could be her last-ever race. What a way it would be for her to end an absolutely fantastic career.

Turf Sprint: Disco Partner – This division is usually the most boring of all the Breeders’ Cup races, but that’s not the case this year. There are several superstars pointing towards this race, and it could end up being one of the best of the 2017 races. For now, I will stick with Disco Partner, as his form this year has been lights out. However, there are several options to think about as the race gets closer.

Juvenile Turf: Encumbered – He’s another juvenile with a win over the track, but I’m not sold on this horse as of yet. I’m very undecided at the moment when it comes to this race and will need to wait and see if any overseas horses could pose a threat.

Juvenile Fillies Turf: Orbolution – This is the only juvenile on the list that has not had a race at Del Mar, but on the turf, she has been an absolute monster. In my eyes, she’s much the best in this division as far as American horses are concerned, so it will come down to who comes to the United States, as those horses are always tough in the juvenile turf races.