It’s not long before the Breeders’ Cup races take place (4th-6th November), so let’s take a look at how our ante-post markets are shaping up for each race. A large number of UK/Irish raiders will be arriving in America, for this incredible series of top-class encounters.
Dirt Mile
Both Dortmund and American Freedom are likely to represent Bob Baffert, in the Dirt Mile, but it’s Dortmund who has the stronger claims following victories in the 2014 Los Alamitos Derby and 2015 Santa Anita Derby. Runhappy and Gun Runner are also in with a chance.
Juvenile Turf
William Haggas’ Lockheed looks worth an each-way flutter, but it’s Charlie Appleby’s Boynton that looks the most-likely winner. The More Than Ready colt put Aidan O’Brien’s War Decree to the sword, in the G2 Superlative Stakes at Headquarters.
Distaff
This race looks at the mercy of Jerry Hollendorfer’s Songbird. Punters looking to oppose the undefeated filly will point to the fact that she’s up against older horses for the first time, though. Beholder and Stellar Wind have both been attracting plenty of bets.
Juvenile Fillies
Irish eyes will definitely be on this renewal, with Aidan O’Brien sending over both Roly Poly and Brave Anna to do battle. Brave Anna beat Roly Poly by just a short-head, in the G1 Cheveley Park Stakes (with the much-trumpeted Lady Aurelia a well-beaten 3rd). French horse, Spain Burg, also looks interesting.
Mile
A huge cavalry of European horses are expected to be taking on Mark Casse’s Tepin, in what should be one of the races of the meeting. They include Limato, Alice Springs, Mutakayyef, Dutch Connection, Usherette, Mondialiste, Ervedya, Esoterique and Hugo Palmer’s Home Of The Brave.
Classic
Aidan O’Brien is expected to field another brace of protagonists in the Classic. Hit It A Bomb hasn’t quite lived up to the hype, but Found finally came good when winning the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe in fine style. This is arguably an even bigger test, with Frosted, California Chrome and Arrogate all likely to feature.
Filly & Mare Sprint
This looks like being an all-American affair and a competitive one at that. Cases can be made for Carina Mia, Curalina, Haveyougoneaway and several others. Wavell Avenue won the 2015 renewal, as a 4-year-old.
Filly & Mare Turf
A big Irish contingent will be trying to spoil Lady Eli’s day. Can Ballydoyle, Pleascach or Seventh Heaven land the spoils? Connections can take heart from wins by British-trained horses, in recent years, including Sir Henry Cecil’s Midday and Sir Michael Stoute’s Dank.
Juvenile
Another competitive contest, with no European interest. Take your pick from Gormley, Not This Time, Classic Empire, Practical Joke, Syndergaard and Klimt.
Sprint
Michael Halford’s Wild Dude has raced in G1 company, but was unable to mount a challenge in the Carter Handicap at Aqueduct. Bob Baffert looks the most likely to cash-in, with either Lord Nelson or Drefong.
Turf
Highland Reel should give Flintshire a proper run for his money, although the other Irish horse (Deauville) looks well-held. Dartmouth, Hawkbill, Time Test and The Grey Gatsby will be flying the Union Jack.
Turf Sprint
O’Brien’s Washington DC, runner-up in the G1 Prix De L’Abbaye, may well start this race as favourite but Dermot Weld’s Bobby’s Kitten could cause an upset. The 5-year-old won the Listed Cork Stakes by over 8 lengths and is an eye-catching entry.
