Expert Picks: 2021 Breeders' Cup Juvenile
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile offers a wealth of opportunities for bettors. Here is how the Horse Racing Nation staff will be playing the race.
Reinier Macatangay, Setting the Pace
Winner: #10 Commandperformance
On the board: #3 Oviatt Class
Long shot I like: #7 Giant Game
Analysis: If the trio of Bob Baffert-trained entries goes after the lead early, then the scenario might set up a chance for the closers to capitalize on a fast pace. The closer Commandperformance owns the second-highest TimeformUS Speed Figure in the race with a 116 from running second to Jack Christopher in the Champagne Stakes (G1). He could turn the tables with the extra turn and slightly longer distance. Otherwise, Giant Game might shock bettors from mid-pack if he improves off his slow-paced maiden win at Keeneland.
Jarrod Horak, Best Bets
Winner: #10 Commandperformance
On the board: #12 Corniche
Long shot I like: #3 Oviatt Class
Analysis: Jack Christopher (now scratched) and Corniche are obvious win contenders, and the latter has the two-turn edge. I'll tab Commandperformance on top at a price. He is bred to route and has the same pattern as 2017 BC Juvenile hero Good Magic. Oviatt Class owns the best late speed and might be able to hit the board at a price. I will play Commandperformance to win and bet him in exactas with the two favorites. I will definitely use Oviatt Class underneath in the trifecta and superfecta.
Candice Curtis, Horse Racing Nation
Winner: #5 Double Thunder
On the board: #9 Pinehurst
Long shot I like: #4 Pappacap
Analysis: Double Thunder will get a perfect pace setup and has been improving with each start this year. Can't ignore the Baffert horses, and Pinehurst has looked a picture in the mornings. Pappacap has a win at Del Mar and experience against California juveniles. He could give sire Gun Runner a champion in his first crop.
Brad Stephens, Horse Racing Nation
Winner: #4 Pappacap
On the board: #5 Double Thunder
Long shot I like: #7 Giant Game
Analysis: Corniche checks the box of winning at this distance, but I am hesitant to bet short-priced Bob Baffert runners this weekend. Extra supervision around Baffert's barn could knock horses off their usual routines, and that could show up on the track. So I will take a shot with Pappacap, who has raced twice over this Del Mar surface and was second to Corniche in the two-turn American Pharoah (G1). Double Thunder and Giant Game both ran at this 1 1/16-mile distance within the last month at Keeneland – the former finishing second in the Breeders' Futurity (G1) and the latter beating fellow maidens by three lengths.