Breeders’ Cup Predictions #3

Classic – American Pharoah

Every week I get closer and closer to picking Beholder in this spot, but just can’t pull the trigger and go away from American Pharoah.  His latest work was very strong at Santa Anita…it looks like he’s ready to roll.  Still have to watch his workouts closely.

Turf Mile – Karakontie

A very nice performance over the weekend by Tepin almost made me put her on top in this race, but I just believe if the Japanese shipper Karakontie can reproduce last years race he will be the winner.  He ran very well in his most recent race to finish third, and could be ready to roll out his biggest race on Breeders Cup day.

Sprint – Private Zone

How can you not love Private Zone as now it’s been said his connections are leaning towards this race.  That is most likely a smart idea as the two turn mile race might be just a tad long for him, but he’ll have to deal with some serious speed up front with the amazing Runhappy still looking strong.  Several other prime time contenders are lining up in this one too…unreal field.

Turf – Flintshire

Nearly won the Arc over the weekend as he was defeated by Golden Horn, but did finish ahead of the super star Treve.  There is no doubt he’s the absolute class of this field, and his American racing experience just makes him that much more appealing.

Juvenile – Ralis

Nope…I don’t care one bit how poorly he ran at Belmont last weekend in what was a terribly sloppy track.  If the track is sloppy at Keeneland obviously I’ll shy away, but still believe on a dry track this horse will be fine.  It was clear very early in the race he didn’t care for the surface.

Turf Sprint – Undrafted

I will be visiting the concession stand during this race because I don’t have any clue who is going to win…

Filly and Mare Sprint – Judy the Beauty

Not worried that she lost in her final prep for this as she got a very poor trip and still finished third.  Give her the right trip in the Breeders’ Cup and I believe she’ll roll to a big win.  Her class will shine through.

Filly and Mare Turf – Sentiero Italia

Entered this weekend in the Grade 1 QEII Challenge Cup at Keeneland, and will definitely be targeting the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf with a solid showing.  It will be nice to see her in action over this turf course and will give us a much better idea of what to expect.

Juvenile Filly – Songbird

Last week only confirmed how much better Songbird is than the rest of this group up to this point.  There is no questioning now that she will be the shortest priced favorite of the entire Breeders Cup.  Most will be looking to single her.

Distaff – Wedding Toast

After watching all the other three year old races, and not seeing Stellar Wind in any of them, I have to now go with Wedding Toast who looked brilliant in her return to the races at Belmont in the Beldame.  Just seems to be above the rest of them at this point as Beholder leaves a void in this field that won’t be filled.

Juvenile Filly Turf – Harmonzie

After her incredible effort yesterday I felt she deserved this spot.  Had to travel terribly wide in the Jessamine Stakes at Keeneland and still was able to get the victory.  Versatile horse as well which is something she’ll need in this race.

Dirt Mile – Liam’s Map

Just announced on Wednesday that he would be targeting the Breeders’ Cup Mile which was the prudent move to make.  It’s questionable that he could win the classic at the mile and one quarter distance, but there is no doubt he’ll be the standout at a mile.  With the absence of Private Zone it could make his job even easier and is another that could be a single.

Juvenile Turf – Azar

It’s a crap shoot…I’ll leave Azar as the top pick once again, but file this race under the “I don’t have a clue” section for now.  Maybe we will find out about who could ship in from overseas so this race will be clearer.