European Horses in the 2017 Breeders' Cup: Contenders and Pretenders
Each year at the Breeders’ Cup, an international contingent or horses arrive to varied results. Many have won at the highest level in Europe -- but some could be here because they couldn't win there.
Let's evaluate some contenders and pretenders from the 2017 Breeders' Cup races coming up Friday and Saturday at Del Mar.
Contenders
Breeders' Cup Mile: Zelzal is 20-1 on the morning line, but a much lower 10-1 with most European bookmakers. In three races this year, he has run into traffic problems, slow paces and soft turf. He will definitely get a hot pace and firm ground, so here’s to hoping there’s no traffic trouble stopping that tremendous late kick to get in the trifecta a big odds.
Breeders' Cup Turf: Seventh Heaven is also much more respected across the pond than with U.S. odds makers (20-1 vs. 10-1). Last year she was a late-running fourth in the Filly & Mare Turf, but 10 furlongs may have been too short for her that day. She absolutely despises soft going and normally excels when the ground is much firmer. Her only off-the-board finishes at the distance were on soft ground (5-3-0-0). Expect stablemate Highland Reel to be heavily bet -- and deservedly so -- but don’t be surprised when the daughter of super-stallion Galileo makes a late charge down the stretch.
Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf: Wuheida missed her start in Keeneland's Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup a few weeks back with a foot bruise, so the conditions are not exactly optimal coming into the race. But 9 furlongs should be perfect for her. Last out she caught soft ground going 10 furlongs and just fell a half length short of Filly and Mare Turf contender Rhododendron. While it will be tough to stop Lady Eli in her career bow, Wuheida can be the key to juicy exotic payoffs.
Pretenders
Breeders' Cup Mile: Ribchester is undoubtedly a world-class miler. I just question if this was the main target or an afterthought for his connections. Coming back on two weeks' rest, it looks as if the Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II at Ascot last out was the primary objective. Also, Ribchester likes to press/stalk the early pace. The pace in this year’s mile looks sizzling, so look for closers to come flying late.
Breeders' Cup Juvenile: U S Navy Flag is out of War Front, who has stakes winners on all surfaces, but the female side of his lineage screams turf. Dam Misty for Me was third in the 2011 Filly and Mare Turf, and her sire, Galileo, solely breeds turf champions. For a horse that took five tries to break his maiden on his preferred surface, this is a horrible spot for a dirt debut.
Breeders' Cup Turf: Ulysses is a respected contender but should not be the morning line favorite and, therefore, will be over-bet. He was thumped by Highland Reel in last year’s edition, and they have split two head-to-head matchups in 2017, with Ulysses getting the best of him over soft ground, where Highland Reel does not do his best running.