What's the most successful Breeders' Cup Juvenile prep?

Last weekend brought us the final Breeders' Cup Juvenile "Win and You're In" challenge races. At Belmont, it was the favorite, Complexity, that dominated the field in the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes. At Keeneland, the exact opposite happened. Breaking from the starting gate at odds of 70-1, the highest price in the field, Knicks Go got took the lead early and never looked back in the Grade 1 Breeders' Futurity. 

So, what have we learned over the years about both of these races as it pertains to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile? And, which prep race is the most successful over the last 34 years? 

In the history of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, the Champagne Stakes is the most successful prep race. Since 1984, the Belmont feature has produced nine winners.

So, will Complexity become No. 10 in 2018? If so, Chad Brown will be the first trainer since D. Wayne Lukas in 1987 to win back-to-back renewals. Last year, Good Magic left the Champagne Stakes as the runner-up before striking next time out to break his maiden in the Juvenile.

Prior to Good Magic, the other great Juveniles that raced in the Champagne Stakes and won the Breeders' Cup Juvenile were Shanghai Bobby (2012), Uncle Mo (2010), War Pass (2007), Unbridled's Song (1995), Timber Country (1994), Fly So Free (1990), Rhythm (1989) and Is It True (1988).

The Breeders' Futurity, meanwhile, has not produced as many Breeders' Cup Juvenile winners but it still stands out as one the most proficient prep races. The Keeneland feature is responsible for six of the last 34 winners. 

Can Knicks Go prove that he's not a one hit wonder and become No. 7?

If so, he will be the first Breeders' Futurity starter to win the Breeders' Cup Juvenile since Classic Empire in 2016. Before that, it was Street Sense (2006), Answer Lively (1998), Favorite Trick (1997), Boston Harbor (1996) and Tasso (1985).

In summary, these are two important races in the lead up to Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Combined, they have produced a total of 15 winners including the last two.

Finally, considering last weekend was the final stop for Breeders' Cup Juvenile Challenge races, let's take a look at where all of our previous winners ran in their last time out before moving on to the Breeders' Cup. As we do, we can also see which races have had the most success. 

Champagne Stakes - 9 

American Pharoah Stakes - 7

Breeders' Futurity - 6

Kentucky Cup Juvenile - 2

Maiden Special Weight - 2

Arlington-Washington Futurity - 1

Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere - 1

Del Mar Futurity - 1

Hopeful Stakes - 1

Middle Park Stakes - 1

Royal Lodge Stakes - 1

Gran Criterium  - 1

Allowance - 1