5 bold predictions for the 2018 Breeders' Cup

With fields close to full and even overflowing in some events, Breeders’ Cup weekend promises solid wagering opportunities and a few surprises. As the best horses gather at Churchill Downs, here are my five bold predictions for the 2018 Breeders’ Cup:

Whitmore upsets the Sprint

A son Pleasantly Perfect, Whitmore has had a bad case of second-itis through most of the year. However, however he broke through in the Forego Stakes (G1) before returning to his role as the bridesmaid in Keeneland’s Phoenix Stakes (G2). 

That day he was beaten a short head to the gritty Promises Fulfilled, who he will meet again in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. This time, however, the field will number nine runners instead of just five. Promises Fulfilled will have to deal with more pressure on the lead, primarily from the morning line favorite, Imperial Hint.

This pace scenario should set up the race for a closer. Whitmore is one of the best and most consistent in the division with that running style. Expect him to turn the tables on his younger counterpart.

Enable makes history in Turf

Detractors will point to the fact that no Arc de Triomphe (G1) winner has ever wheeled back to win the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1). But what gets ignored is the length of Enable’s current campaign compared to those who came before her.

Enable has only run twice this year and, her trainer says, was at only 85 percent in her second consecutive Arc de Triomphe victory.

Heading into the Breeders’ Cup Turf, the 4-year-old filly will be a fresh horse and that will “enable” her to come away victorious. 

A 3-year-old will win the Classic

In a race where favored Accelerate has never won outside of California and the rest of the older male division has proven inconsistent at best, I’m looking to the 3-year-olds.

The ultra-talented McKinzie is back for trainer Bob Baffert barn and looked as good as ever winning the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) in his first start since March. But that’s not all. The versatile Catholic Boy who has been training up to the Classic after his Travers Stakes (G1) victory.

On a numbers scale, Catholic Boy hasn’t measured up to McKinzie, but he’s proven over a distance McKinzie has never raced. I like either to beat their elders in the Classic.

Wonder Gadot should run huge

She may have run a couple of disappointing races in the Travers and Cotillion Stakes (G1), but in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) Wonder Gadot will be returning to the site of her best performance of the year.

Obviously turning the tables on Monomoy Girl and Midnight Bisou, along with out-running new foe Abel Tasman, is a tall task. But take a look at her most-recent works. Wonder Gadot is not a tired horse.

Only a half length back of Monomoy Girl in the Oaks, she could be right there late.

Restless Rider upsets her rivals

There may be plenty of speed in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, but that won’t wind up hurting this daughter of Distorted Humor who loves to stalk and pounce.

There are a lot of things to like about Restless Rider coming into the Breeders’ Cup. She already has a win at Churchill Downs, and she closes with energy. Just watch her in the final stages of her races.

The amount of speed in this race sets up perfectly for a stalk-and-pounce type like Restless Rider. I’m thinking more than an on-the-board finish. She can upset this one.