Breeders’ Cup – The Selections

Twelve months of waiting and the 2011 Breeders’ Cup is finally here. It’s time for this blogger to put my (little) money where my (big) mouth is. The Breeders’ Cup provides my favorite pair of racing days of for two primary reasons. It’s racing’s year-end championships, and as a fan of many team sports, and someone who remembers the pre-BC era well, the idea of a culminating series of racing for our stars has always worked for me. The other big reason, of course, are all the wonderful betting opportunities we see at the Breeders’ Cup.

With that in mind, I offer not only my top selection in each race, but also the rest of key horses that I will use in my plethora of pick-3 and pick-4 tickets. Good luck to everyone!

Juvenile Sprint- Jake Mo (20-1) I have believed in the horse from Iowa with a funny way of moving from the beginning, and I think they found the perfect spot for him. Look for him to come rolling down the lane. Also Secret Circle (6-5)

Juvenile Filly Turf – Stopshoppinmaria (8-1) I love her turf breeding and I love the way she has looked moving over the grass. She has the talent to win this in her first try on turf. Also Somali Lemonade (3-1), Stephanie’s Kitten (12-1), & Pure Gossip (12-1)

Filly & Mare Sprint - Turbulent Descent (6-5) She is the class of the field and I believe 7 furlongs to be her best distance; clearly the one to beat. Also Switch (3-1) & Musical Romance (20-1)

Juvenile Fillies – Grace Hall (4-1) Gorgeous young lady will get a chance to prove her class on Friday; she’s my favorite in a wide open affair. Also Weemissfrankie (4-1), Candrea (6-1), Miss Netta (15-1) & Rocket Twentyone (20-1)

Filly & Mare Turf - Nahrain (7-2) She’s only three, and she’s only run four races, but I am absolutely enthralled with her potential. Her last race in France is definitely one to check out. Also Stacelita (2-1)

Ladies’ Classic – Royal Delta (5-2) I was debating whether to have her or one of my longshots as the top pick, but she got the nod because of how good she looks here at Churchill; it’s a wide open affair, but if she runs her best, she will be tough. Aalso Miss Match (10-1), Pachattack (12-1), It’s Tricky (5-1), Ultra Blend (8-1) & Plum Pretty (2-1)

Marathon - Birdrun (7-2) Let’s face it, the Marathon is a bit of a guessing game, but I loved this guy’s Brooklyn, and I see him on the lead as the field turns for home, and from there he could prove tough to get by. Also Eldaafer (10-1) & A.U. Miner (3-1)

 
Juvenile Turf - Fantastic Song (20-1) Live longshot alert! I loved his debut win at Saratoga, and then I think the last race only served to give him a little seasoning. Look for him to get a nice trip from the middle of the pack and explode as they enter the lane. Also Coalport (15-1), Lucky Chappy (10-1) & Finale (5-1)

Sprint - Jackson Bend (7-2) All he needs to do in my mind is run back to any of his last three efforts to run by the leaders early in the lane and prove too classy for this bunch. Also Force Freeze (10-1)

Turf Sprint - Havelock (9-2) Going with the horse with the best recent form –at least in turf sprints- to win this tough heat. He should sit a nice trip from mid-pack, before pouncing as they turn for home. Also Hoofit (15-1), Caracortado (4-1) & Chamberlain Bridge (5-1)

Dirt Mile - Wilburn (4-1) This is one horse who is improving at the right time, and with the expected blazing fractions set from the inside horses, look for him to pick up the pieces when the real running begins. Also Caleb’s Posse (5-1) & Trappe Shot (3-1)

Turf - Sea Moon (4-1) Much like Wilburn, this one is a late developing three-year-old who looks to be better than right now. He has plenty of competition from the other Europeans, but I like his chances to prove best at 12 furlongs. Also Sarafina (5-2)

Juvenile - Union Rags (2-1) Thought about singling the handsome son of Dixie Union, as I really can’t find a negative to him. Everything looks to be lining up for another Champagne winner taking the Juvenile. Also Drill (8-1) & Optimizer (15-1)

Mile - Byword (12-1) I must be crazy for picking against the mighty mare on her final career start, and I would love to see her do it, but I just have a hunch that this regally bred, and very consisten French horse is ready to run his best on this side of the Atlantic. Also Goldikova (7-5) & Mr. Commons (20-1)

Classic - Flat Out (6-1) I’ve been on the Flat Out bandwagon all year and see no reason to jump off now. The early pace and the classic distance should suit his running style and talents just fine, and he appears to be in the finest fettle of the year. Also Headache (30-1) & Ruler On Ice (30-1)