These 10 must-watch races are yet to come in 2020

In the buildup to the Breeders' Cup, it was easy to forget that nearly two months of quality racing were left after the marquee event. Now that the championships are over and announcements have begun to be made regarding retirements and horses staying in training, it is time to look forward to the best races remaining this year. 

Here are seven Grade 1 races and three Grade 2s that will close the year on a strong note.

1. Malibu Stakes (G1), Santa Anita Park, 7f, Dec. 26

After key defections from the Breeders' Cup Sprint, it is possible that the division's best race of the year could be this one on opening day at Santa Anita. The dash for 3-year-olds is likely to pit two undefeated runners who might have more upside and potential than any horses in training. Trainer Steve Asmussen's Nashville has smashed track records without being asked in three starts. Before he got hurt, Bob Baffert's Charlatan was considered by many to be the leading Kentucky Derby contender after a Arkansas Derby (G1) win that was nullified by a positive drug test.

If those two runners were not enough to get excited about, Independence Hall could join the mix after a comeback allowance score Sunday for new trainer Michael McCarthy. He was an early Derby favorite following his easy wins in the Jerome and Nashua (G3).

2. Cigar Mile (G1), Aqueduct, 1 mile, Dec. 5

This has been a top-notch race for many years. In 2019, it featured Maximum Security against Breeders' Cup Dirt mile winner Spun to Run. There is a chance that this year's impressive Dirt Mile winner Knicks Go could make his next start here. Trainer Brad Cox said this race was the goal after Knicks Go's allowance win to kick off the year, but things went so well that the Breeders' Cup became a possibility. As long as he exited that win in good order, one would imagine this spot would be on the radar. 

King Guillermo, the Arkansas Derby runner-up and Tampa Bay Derby (G2) winner, is targeting this race for his return, according to trainer Juan Carlos Avila.

Shug McGaughey's Grade 3 winner Performer will bid for his sixth win in a row.

3. Matriarch (G1), Del Mar, 1 mile, Nov. 29

This race has attracted classy shippers over the years, and this month's renewal appears to be no exception. The 2018 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner Newspaperofrecord is likely to square off against 2019 winner Sharing in this showdown.

Despite the presence of these two stars, the Grade 1 turf race for fillies and mares is sure to draw a large, competitive field.

4. Clark (G1), Churchill Downs, 1 1/8 miles, Nov. 27

Often the highlight of Thanksgiving weekend for racing fans, the Clark has been won by a long list of prestigious runners, including Silver Charm, Blame, Wise Dan and Gun Runner. Trainer Shug McGaughey indicated last weekend that he is leaning toward this race for multiple Grade 1 winner Code of Honor.

Multiple Grade 2 winner By My Standards reportedly is targeted for this race and will be one of the favorites despite his disappointing eighth-place effort in the Breeders' Cup Classic. With a $500,000 purse, many other classy contenders are sure to emerge in the next few weeks.

5. La Brea (G1), Santa Anita Park, 7f, Dec. 26

The female version of the Malibu often attracts many of the fastest 3-year-old sprinters in the land. This year's crop includes Gamine, Venetian Harbor, Frank's Rockette, Sconsin, Four Graces, Speech and Finite.

Baffert has said that Gamine, who remained undefeated around one turn in her romping Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Sprint win, will run in the La Brea if she runs again this year. Her presence likely would have a great influence on the decisions for many of the other would-be runners.

6. Hollywood Derby (G1), Del Mar, 1 1/8 miles, Nov. 28

This race offers an intriguing alternative for 3-year-olds who did not want to face elders in the Breeders' Cup Turf or Mile. California Chrome and Mo Forza are two of the many talented winners of this race.

Christophe Clement is likely to ship at least two horses for this spot. Gufo, the Belmont Derby (G1) winner, already was targeting this race. Clement also is considering Grade 1 winner Decorated Invader and stakes-placed Shamrocket.

7. American Oaks (G1), Santa Anita Park, 1 1/4 miles, Dec. 26

This has been a year-end destination for many of the top 3-year-old female turf runners around the world since its inception at Hollywood Park in 2002. This year's probable field has yet to form, but a horse such as Harvey's Lil Goil, who ran third in the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf for Bill Mott, would be a perfect fit.

8. Kentucky Jockey Club (G2), Churchill Downs, 1 1/16 miles, Nov. 28

This race offers an early look at 2021 Kentucky Derby prospects that did not run in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. It is a spot for recent impressive maiden winners to make their first statement on the Derby Trail. Tiz The Law finished third in this race last year.

9. Los Alamitos Futurity (G2), Los Alamitos, 1 1/16 miles, Dec. 19

Like the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes, this race offers an early look at next year's Derby hopefuls. Baffert has won this race six years in a row and surely will consider runners such as Classier, Spielberg and Savile Row for this spot.

10. San Antonio (G2), Santa Anita Park, 1 1/16 miles, Dec. 26

Although it has lost a bit of luster in recent years, this race is now positioned as a perfect prep for the Pegasus World Cup Invitational (G1). With the retirements of Authentic, Maximum Security, Improbable and Gift Box, the San Antonio will present an opportunity for a new leader to emerge in California's male handicap division.

Mucho Gusto might use this race as a springboard to defend his Pegasus victory and maybe for the $20 million Saudi Cup.