3 Breeders’ Cup contenders to single on your bets

With mostly full fields, nine returning champs and Grade 1 winners in every field, singling contenders on 2017 Breeders Cup wagers is a tall task. 

We’re here to help when it comes to this weekend’s races at Del Mar.

Unique Bella? Not at 9-5, and not in her first time facing Grade 1 competition. Bolt d’Oro? It’s still too soon to say he’s head and shoulders the best in the Juvenile.

Below, consider these three horses outright winners in their divisions — and it so happens they’ll head to the gate in consecutive races Saturday, presenting a perfect opportunity to take a stab at a cheap Pick 3 ticket.

Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf: Lady Eli (5-2)

Trainer Chad Brown has three contenders in the field, which includes last year’s upset winner, Queen’s Trust, who edged Lady Eli by a nose at the wire. Don’t expect a repeat in the mare’s final race. Lady Eli has put in the best training of her career leading into this race, per Brown, and she regularly posts speed figures others in this field have never once hit.

Breeders’ Cup Sprint: Drefong (5-2)

He has earned as much praise for his form in the mornings as any Breeders’ Cup runner. While Mind Your Biscuits would be a deserving favorite any other year, he doesn’t want any part of Drefong. Last out, the son of Gio Ponti posted a 107 Beyer Speed Figure going seven furlongs on the lead in Saratoga’s Forego. The morning line odds look like a steal.

Breeders’ Cup Mile: World Approval (9-2)

Backed up to a mile in his last two starts, two of North America’s most prestigious Grade 1 races for this division, World Approval came into his own. He registered a 108 Beyer in both Saratoga’s Fourstardave and the Woodbine Mile with stalking efforts and will have a nice pace to run off thanks to Heart to Heart’s appearance in this field.