The Top Ten Story Lines of the 2014 Breeders’ Cup

1. Will the Classic Determine Horse of the Year and 3 Year Old of the Year?

Three Year Old of the Year will definitely be answered, and you would certainly hope Horse of the Year will also be won in this race.  Shared Belief, Tonalist, Bayern, and California Chrome all are in with a shot to lock up the award with a win.

2. Can California Chrome Rebound?

He’s still the most recognizable horse in the entire Breeders Cup.  Him running well would help the excitement of the Breeders’ Cup immensely.

3. Can the 3 Year Old’s Save the Breeders’ Cup?

Three year olds are favored in SIX Breeders’ Cup races this year, and the top four choices in the Classic are all going to be three year olds as well.  If these youngsters don’t preform we are in for a boring cup.

4. Will the European horses come through?

If they don’t our turf races are going to be terrible, although great for long shot players looking at American horses.

5. Who will pick up for the slack for us losing American Pharoah?

Carpe Diem and Daredevil have the hype to fill this huge void, but do they have the talent Pharoah has?  It could be an impossible feat.

6. Can Close Hatches rebound?

Would Bill Mott be here if he thinks she will not?  I’ll side with the Hall of Fame trainer.

7. Is Goldencents the only single?

With all the defections and his recent sizzling workout I’d certainly say so.

8. Will Mike Smith dominate the jockey competition?

How could he not?  It’s Mike Smith’s world and we are living in it!

9. Will we see as many repeat winners as last year?

Last year we saw several…and horses like Goldencents and Dank look ready to roll.  However, the new Santa Anita dirt track could make a difference.

10. Can Pletcher get his first Juvenile Filly winner?

Surprisingly Pletcher has never won the Juvenile Fillies, but he has finished second in the past.  Will this year be the year the two jinx is broken?  She looks to be a logical winner.