Top 5 Breeders Cup Races

1. Turf Mile

I’ve already published an article on this race, so most of you know my strong excitement for this one.  Wise Dan vs. Excelebration is what the Breeders Cup is all about.  The United States vs. Europe.  Legacies on the line!  Oh yeah, and then there are some other horses in this race that are pretty good, including former Kentucky Derby winner Animal Kingdom.  Also, as with all turf races at the Breeders Cup, the international flavor makes for fun match ups.

2. Ladies Classic

Royal Delta, Awesome Feather, and My Miss Aurelia have all won past Breeders Cup races, and all three of them are entered in this race.  This is only the second time in Breeders Cup history that three past champions have squared off.  You also have Love and Pride who is on fire right now, and three-year old sensation Questing.  If Excelebration hadn’t shown up for the Turf Mile, this would be the best Breeders Cup race.

3. Classic

You certainly can’t forget about the Classic, but this race just doesn’t measure up to the past races in my opinion.  Game On Dude is a quality favorite, but the race lacks a lot of other big names.  The race was definitely hurt by the loss of our top three-year olds this year.  Imagine if Paynter, Bodemiester, Union Rags, and I’ll Have Another were in this race.  It would have totally changed the complexion of this one.

4. Turf

International flavor, a possible horse of the year candidate, and an extremely well-rounded field are all factors that make this one great.  Point of Entry comes in as the favorite, and with a win could get some horse of the year votes.  He’s on quite a winning streak, and hasn’t been challenged all that much in those wins even though he was facing Grade 1 company.  He faces several tough challengers from all over the world this time, so this will no doubt be a tough test.

5. Juvenile Filles

Even though it only drew eight horses, don’t let that fool you…this is going to be a great one.  Executiveprivilege and Dreaming of Julia have been on a collision course for a while now, but the race was greatly helped by two late entries that are serious “x factors.”  Beholder and Kauai Katie have both chosen this race over the Juvenile sprint, and if they can carry their speed two turns things are going to get interesting!