Bookmakers in the UK are currently preparing their best Breeders Cup sign-up offers, the latest price boosts, existing customer promotions and 2022 Breeders Cup free bets/bonuses, in the hope that you’ll make a bet with them. It’s the perfect time of year for a bookmaker to use these new customer account sign-up offers in a bid to bolster their membership numbers for the year.
We’ve put together a full step-by-step guide for the 2022 Breeders Cup World Championships, starting with a list of the best sign-up offers offered by each bookie, followed by a detailed preview of each of the races over the five days. We do this for all the major race meetings and you can see our previous meetings covered which included the Cheltenham Festival and The Grand National, Royal Ascot, Glorious Goodwood, The Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe and The Melbourne Cup.
Our expert looks at past race stats and performances, as well as giving an overview of the best types of bets to place at the Breeders Cup meeting.
Each race will be analysed closely with betting suggestions on who might provide the value from a betting perspective.
Recommended Bookmakers For Betting On THE BREEDERS CUP 2022
BREEDERS CUP Previews 2022
Here at OnTheBallBets, we bring you a full analysis of the Breeders Cup meeting with an in-depth look at the form and stats for each of the fourteen Breeders Cup races taking place at Keeneland on the 4th & 5th of November 2022.
We are certainly expecting the fireworks to fly on Saturday the 5th of November (Bonfire Night) as Flightline goes up against Epicenter in what looks like an enthralling edition of The Breeders Cup Classic.
Our in-house racing expert, Richard Smith, takes a look at past trends, particularly over the last 10 years, and picks out some things to look out for. He’ll take a look at jockey and trainer records for each race and try to spot potential picks based on this data.
The closer we get to the Breeders Cup, the more information we will be adding on this page. And for those novice bettors who might be going to the Breeders Cup or even watching live from the comfort of your own home, we’ll give you some tips to help you enjoy the meeting, and we’ll also break down all of the American racing betting terminology and jargon.
For those of you who are experienced punters, then you might want to check out our recent Cheltenham, Aintree, Royal Ascot, Glorious Goodwood, Prix De L’Arc de Triomphe, and Melbourne Cup pages to see how our expert faired on these meetings.
If you are new to horse racing then check out our main horse racing betting offers page for some useful tips and advice
Richard’s tips have produced a solid profit right throughout the year, so read on to find out what his selections are for this meeting.
Day 1 – THE BREEDERS CUP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2022
Ready yourself as Keeneland welcomes what will be one of the most hyped-about horses we have ever seen, and that horse is FLIGHTLINE.
Unbeaten in five starts, the four-year-old son of Tapit has won his races by a combined 63.75 lengths and last time out he cruised to a nineteen-length victory in the Grade 1 Pacific Classic.
But make no bones about it, he will not have come up against a rival as good as Epicenter who won the Travers Stakes last time out and could give trainer Steve Asmussen a dream finish to Breeders Cup weekend.
Crowds of 60,000 plus will enjoy the racing on the two days of the Breeders Cup World Championships, where we will see the very best equine talent from the United States, England, Ireland, France, and Japan, along with a small selection of horses from other countries. This year’s Breeders Cup promises to be a real spectacle as the world’s highest-rated racehorse aims to make this one of the sporting events of the year and possibly the decade.
Racing begins at 7.00 pm UK time on day one (Friday 4th November) when we have five Breeders Cup races for the juveniles, and that is followed by the main event on day two (Saturday 5th November) when we have nine races starting at 3.50 pm UK time, culminating in the Breeders Cup Classic at 9.40 pm UK time.
Fourteen Championship Races with prize money totaling over $31 million dollars are up for grabs.
So let’s look at the five races for day one and give you some pointers on the main challengers.
7.00 pm BREEDERS CUP JUVENILE TURF SPRINT
The first Breeders Cup race is the turf sprint for the juveniles and this race has only been run four times so not a lot of historical stats to go by. It was won in 2020 by the ultra-fast Golden Pal who went on to win at last year’s Breeders Cup and is back again this year to try and pull off an unprecedented hat-trick of Breeders Cup wins, and with master trainer Wesley Ward being the man in charge, it would be no surprise if Golden Pal can pull it off.
Below you can see the four winners of the race.
winning year | horse | jockey | trainer |
---|---|---|---|
2021 | Twilight Gleaming (IRE) | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Wesley Ward |
2020 | Golden Pal | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Wesley Ward |
2019 | Four Wheel Drive | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Wesley Ward |
2018 | Bulletin | Javier Castellano | Todd A. Pletcher |
RACE TRENDS AND STATS
Trying to pick the winner of any race at The Breeders Cup is always a difficult task, but in this race, we have a pair of pros in trainer Ward and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. They have won the last three runnings of this race, so it makes sense to check if they are teaming up here again.
So let’s look at some of the trends from the initial four runnings of the race.
- Three of the four winners have been trained by Wesley Ward.
- Three of the four winners have been ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr.
- Two of the four winners were returned as the chalk (favourite)
- Jockey Jose Ortiz has been placed in two of the four runnings of the race.
- All four winners returned at less than 3/1, so clearly a race for the fancied horses
THE CONTENDERS
- Riding sensation Hollie Doyle is taking the ride on The Platinum Queen (2/1) who was last seen winning the Prix De L’Abbaye.
- Dramatised is another European raider who beat Love Reigns at Royal Ascot.
- From the home team, Steve Asmussen’s Private Creed (7/1) has won three of his four starts.
- Del Mar track record holder Speed Boat Beach could be the one to serve it up to the European raiders.
RACE ANALYSIS & SELECTIONS
TRENDS PICK
We have a clear trends pick here and that is the Wesley Ward-trained LOVE REIGNS which is priced up at 4/1. She was behind Dramatised at Royal Ascot but has since won again back on home soil and has a great draw in stall 2 and will surely try to make every post a winning one.
FORM PICK
Richard Fahey’s The Platinum Queen won the Prix De L’Abbeye on her most recent strt and is the current favourite for the race at 7/2. For all her form is rock solid, she has been handed an awful draw and will need to be very quick from the gate to have a chance of leading against some very quick American juveniles.
Therefore the selection is the aptly named SPEED BOAT BEACH 12/1 EW who blew away her rivals on debut when crushing the track record at Del Mar posting a 104 Beyer Speed rating which is more or less unheard of for a two-year-old. She followed up next time and looks like a great price to open up the meeting with a win for the home side.
Another British runner that deserves a mention is the Richard Hannon-trained Persian Force who has a nice draw in stall 6 and has yet to be out of the first three in seven starts. He is priced up around 10/1.
7.40 pm BREEDERS CUP JUVENiLE FILLIES
The Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies has seen some fantastic racehorses down the years including the Mike Smith-ridden Songbird in 2015 and of course last year’s winner Echo Zulu who we’ll see running on day two of the meeting.
If we look at jockey and trainer records then it is worth noting that both Mike Smith and Joel Rosario are the leading jockeys in the race with three wins apiece, while leading and legendary trainer D Wayne Lukas has won the race six times.
The last four years have seen no more than ten horses line up for the race, but we should have a full field of twelve for 2022.
One of the interesting facts about the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies is that it has never been won by a European-trained horse.
Below you can see the last ten winners of the race.
winning year | horse | jockey | trainer |
---|---|---|---|
2021 | Echo Zulu | Joel Rosario | Steve Asmussen |
2020 | Vequist | Joel Rosario | Robert Reid Jr. |
2019 | British Idiom | Javier Castellano | Brad H. Cox |
2018 | Jaywalk | Joel Rosario | John Servis |
2017 | Caledonia Road | Mike E. Smith | Ralph E. Nicks |
2016 | Champagne Room | Mario Gutierrez | Peter Eurton |
2015 | Songbird | Mike E. Smith | Jerry Hollendorfer |
2014 | Take Charge Brandi | Victor Espinoza | D. Wayne Lukas |
2013 | Ria Antonia # | Javier Castellano | Jeremiah C. Englehart |
2012 | Beholder | Garrett K. Gomez | Richard E. Mandella |
RACE TRENDS AND STATS
Trying to pick the winner of Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies has not been easy in recent years. Last year’s winner Echo Zulu was sent off favourite but generally, the market leaders have a poor record in this race.
Joel Rosario and Mike Smith are the jockeys to watch out for here.
So let’s look at some of the key trends and stats that might help you to pick out the winner of this very competitive two-year-old race.
- Steve Asmussen has had 6 runners in the race and two winners for a 33% strike rate.
- Joel Rosario has ridden 3 of the last ten winners with those coming in the last four years.
- Only three of the last ten runnings have been won by the favourite.
- E.V. Klein is the most successful owner with nine starters providing two winners, a second and a third.
- The most successful sire in the race is Tapit who has produced two winners and second from six starters.
THE CONTENDERS
This is an all-American entry with some talented fillies lining up, and here are three of the main contenders.
- And Tell Me Nolies (6/1) has shown plenty of recent improvement stepping up in trip, winning her last couple of starts in graded company.
- Chocolate Gelato (3/1) is the current favourite with American books and she has had some good times in recent work gallops.
- Hoosier Philly (40/1) won on debut in September and is by the excellent sire Into Mischief.
RACE ANALYSIS & SELECTION
TRENDS PICK
The trends pick here points to CHOP CHOP at 6/1 for the powerful Brad Cox yard. If we look at the last four runnings then Cox and jockey Joel Rosarion have been involved in those four winners. That they team up today gives the trends pick a solid look.
FORM PICK
Chocolate Gelato 7/2 is the narrow favourite here and should give a solid showing for favourite backers.
However, the selection is the trends horse CHOP CHOP 6/1 EW who came from another parish last time when just narrowly failing to beat another of todays rivals Wonder Wheel in a Grade 1 at this track back in October. Joel Rosario takes the mount and expect this one to be running on strongly in the final furlong.
At bigger prices, then American Rockette 33/1 looks well overpriced. She clearly did not like the wet track last time and is best judged on her previous run when finishing strongly over 7 furlongs in Grade 1 company.
8.20 pm BREEDERS CUP JUVENiLE FILLIES turf
The Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf has only been run since 2008 and American trainer Chad Brown has an outstanding record in the race with five winners, including winning this race three times on the trot between 2016-2018.
In the time the race has been running, we have only seen one British winner which was Chriselliam trained by Charlie Hills in 2013.
One of the interesting facts about the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf is that it has only seen three winning favourites.
Below you can see the last ten winners of the race.
winning year | horse | jockey | trainer |
---|---|---|---|
2021 | Pizza Bianca | José L. Ortiz | Christophe Clement |
2020 | Aunt Pearl (IRE) | Florent Geroux | Brad H. Cox |
2019 | Sharing | Manuel Franco | H. Graham Motion |
2018 | Newspaperofrecord (IRE) | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Chad Brown |
2017 | Rushing Fall | Javier Castellano | Chad Brown |
2016 | New Money Honey | Javier Castellano | Chad Brown |
2015 | Catch A Glimpse | Florent Geroux | Mark Casse |
2014 | Lady Eli | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Chad Brown |
2013 | Chriselliam (IRE) | Richard Hughes | Charles Hills |
2012 | Flotilla (FRA) | Christophe Lemaire | Mikel Delzangles |
RACE TRENDS AND STATS
Trying to pick the winner of the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf is maybe a little easier than other races, due to the fact that three trainers (Chad Brown, Todd Pletcher and Aiden Obrien) seem to dominate.
Below are a few of the key ten-year trends that might help you in making your betting picks for the race.
- Steve Asmussen has had 22 runners in the race and five winners for a near 23% strike rate.
- Javier Castellano has ridden 3 winners and two seconds from just 12 rides. A 25% win strike rate.
- Only three of the last ten runnings have been won by the favourite.
- e5 racing Thoroughbreds have had two starters and two winners for a 100% strike rate in this race.
- The most productive sire in the race is More Than Ready who has produced two winners and multiple placed runners from thirteen six starters.
THE CONTENDERS
This is another turf race and the O’Brien family has plenty of interest in this one.
- Meditate (7/2) is four wins from six runs so far and is a strong favourite after two Group 1 runner up finishes.
- Legendary American trainer McGaughey has Pleasant Passage (8/1) who is going for a hattrick of wins.
- An outsider of interest is Xigera (16/1) who was hampered and very unlucky last time.
RACE ANALYSIS & SELECTIONS
TRENDS PICK
There is not really a strong trends pick here, but based on breeding and records of the leading sires in this race, the vote goes to PLEASANT PASSAGE 12/1 whose chance is backed up by solid form and the booking of leading rider Irad Ortiz Jr.
FORM PICK
The home team have some strong runners in this race and it won’t be easy for the European raiders. Delight 6/1 was an ultra-impressive winner last time over this course and distance and has improved rapidly since being beaten over 10 lengths on her debut. She should be the top pick for the US here.
But it is turf and this is where the Europeans have an advantage and Aiden O’Brien’s MEDITATE 3/1 WIN looks like a solid bet here. She won her first four starts including a Group 3 and a Group 2 and has since produced even better efforts in defeat in two Group 1’s. That is form that puts her ahead of her American counterparts.
If we are looking at an outsider then the home team field Pleasant Passage 10/1, and she is two from two after making every post a winning one last time in a Grade 2. In that race she beat two of today’s rivals, Free Look and Be Your Best
9.00 pm BREEDERS CUP JUVENiLE
The Breeders Cup Juvenile is the premier race on Day 1 of the 2022 Breeders Cup and it will see a potential superstar in Cave Rock from the stable of Bob Baffert.
Cave Rock is the only horse in the field this year that has produced a rating (Beyer Speed Figure) in triple digits, which is why we see him as the odds-on favourite here.
One of the interesting facts about the Breeders Cup Juvenile is that it has never produced a winner of the Triple Crown since it was first run in 1984.
Below you can see the last ten winners of the race.
winning year | horse | jockey | trainer |
---|---|---|---|
2021 | Corniche | Mike E. Smith | Bob Baffert |
2020 | Essential Quality | Luis Saez | Brad H. Cox |
2019 | Storm the Court | Flavien Prat | Peter Eurton |
2018 | Game Winner | Joel Rosario | Bob Baffert |
2017 | Good Magic | José L. Ortiz | Chad C. Brown |
2016 | Classic Empire | Julien Leparoux | Mark Casse |
2015 | Nyquist | Mario Gutierrez | Doug O’Neill |
2014 | Texas Red | Kent Desormeaux | Keith Desormeaux |
2013 | New Year’s Day | Martin Garcia | Bob Baffert |
2012 | Shanghai Bobby | Rosie Napravnik | Todd Pletcher |
RACE TRENDS AND STATS
The Breeders Cup Juvenile is more often than not won by one of the more fancied runners.
Let’s look at some of the trends and stats that could help you to pick out the winner.
- Bob Baffert has had 31 runners in the race and five winners for a nearly 16% strike rate.
- Garret Gomez is the top jockey here in terms of strike rate with 2 winners and two seconds from just 7 mounts.
- Three of the last ten runnings have been won by the favourite.
- Gary and Mary West are the most successful owners with 2 wins from 5 starters for a 40% strike rate.
- The most successful sire in the race is Tapit who has produced two winners and a second from six starters. He is currently one of the world’s leading sires of two-year-olds.
THE CONTENDERS
- In this race we are treated to the top two-year-old in the US Cave Rock who is odds-on to land this for the home team.
- Blazing Sevens will likely be out the back early but is one that should be running on late in the day.
- For a big price longshot then Tylers Tribe looks interesting after winning five on the bounce at one of the smaller provincial tracks.
RACE ANALYSIS & SELECTIONS
TRENDS PICK
Once again we have weak trends in this race, but the standout stat is trainer Bob Baffert who has produced multiple winners of this race and he has CAVE ROCK 8/11 and NATIONAL TREASURE 8/1, and it would be no surprise to see him win it again and have a potential star for next years Kentucky Derby.
FORM PICK
We’ll keep this one very simple as it is near impossible to oppose CAVE ROCK 8/11 WIN. The Baffert runner has won all three starts very easily and in the process has produced a couple of triple digit Beyer ratings in winning every start by 5 lengths or more. The ease of his win last time was a standout performance.
Because he is a short price, then looking at one at bigger prices, we like the top one Hurricane J 50/1 who has won both starts and looks sure to appreciate the longer trip.
9.40 pm BREEDERS CUP JUVENiLE turf
The Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf has seen some fantastic horses from the Aiden O’Brien yard down the years, including Hit It A Bomb, George Vancouver and Wrote. He is doubly represented this year by Cairo and Victoria Road.
If we look at jockey and trainer records then it is worth noting that Ryan Moore has an excellent record in this with 4 winners and he’ll surely be riding the best of Aiden O’Brien’s two runners.
An interesting fact about the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf is that it has only been won five times by the home team since 2007.
Below you can see the last ten winners of the race.
winning year | horse | jockey | trainer |
---|---|---|---|
2021 | Modern Games (IRE)[4] | William Buick | Charlie Appleby |
2020 | Fire At Will | Ricardo Santana Jr. | Michael J. Maker |
2019 | Structor | José Ortiz | Chad Brown |
2018 | Line of Duty (IRE) | William Buick | Charlie Appleby |
2017 | Mendelssohn | Ryan Moore | Aidan O’Brien |
2016 | Oscar Performance | José Ortiz | Brian A. Lynch |
2015 | Hit It A Bomb | Ryan Moore | Aidan O’Brien |
2014 | Hootenanny | Frankie Dettori | Wesley A. Ward |
2013 | Outstrip (GB) | Mike Smith | Charlie Appleby |
2012 | George Vancouver | Ryan Moore | Aidan O’Brien |
RACE TRENDS AND STATS
Picking the winner of the Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf needs a strong study of the form guide. Staying race form is usually very solid as these horses run against each other quite often.
So let’s look at some of the main trends from the past ten years that could help you to pick out a bit of value.
- Aiden O’Brien has had 4 winners and 5 runners-up from 20 starters in this race. A 20% win strike rate.
- Both Ryan Moore (4 from 12) and Frankie Dettori (3 from 9) have a 33% strike rate in the race..
- There has not been a single winning favourite in the last ten years.
- Messrs. Tabor, Magnier and Smith are the leading owners with four wins from twelve starters.
- No real standout sire in the race but War Front and Kittens Joy are the leading money-winning sires for this race.
THE CONTENDERS
Back on the turf for the last race on Breeders Cup Friday and it’s the Juvenile Turf with big chances for the European team.
- As expected Europe have a strong team and Godolphin’s Silver Knott is the current (7/4) favourite.
- Aiden O’Brien has two in the race with Victoria Road (8/1) the more fancied of the two.
- Tough for the American horses to reach the frame here, but one that is aptly named is Packs a Whalop, who has won three races including two at graded (equivalent to Group races) level.
RACE ANALYSIS & SELECTIONS
TRENDS PICK
We have a clear pick on the trends here with Aiden O’Brien’s VICTORIA ROAD 6/1 matching three of the five core trends for the race. She has a great draw as well and should be difficult to keep out of the frame.
FORM PICK
Tough to see a big price winner here and a good draw and the booking of Ryan Moore means our selection here is VICTORIA ROAD 6/1 EW for Aiden O’Brien. This filly has won her last two and is now rated 92.
The favourite is Godolphin’s Silver Knott 6/4 who is also in fine form and has an official UK mark of 102. However, it is the O’Brien runner that gets the vote as she seems to be improving rapidly and has had a light season.
For the home team, it is definitely Packs A Whalop 7/1 who is the chief threat to the European raiders and she is three from four after winning a couple of Grade 3’s on her two most recent starts. They have both come over a mile and it is important to note that she has plenty of early speed, which will be a potent weapon on this tight turf track.
Conclusion
Day 1 promises some cracking action with Cave Rock expected to be the start of the show as he aims to secure the title of Champion Two-Year-Old and an Eclipse Award.
Aiden O’Brien has some strong chances on the opening day and it will be no surprise to see him pick up one of the turf races.
Day 2 – THE BREEDERS CUP WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2022
The standout highlight on Day 2 will of course be the matchup between Flightline and Epicenter in The Breeders Cup Classic, two of the best horses to come out of the US in recent years. Flightline has looked like a monster, winning all starts comfortably, while Epicenter has been a Triple Crown hero finishing second in both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness.
However, this is not the only matchup and we have the mouth-watering faceoff of the top fillies with Nest, Malathaat and Secret Oath doing battle in the Breeders Cup Distaff.
That is just two of the races on the card and there is a big English and Irish contingent, and as usual, Aiden O’Brien will be looking to sweep up plenty of “Benjamins” (US Dollars) in prize money, and he is firing plenty of bullets over the two days.
The Breeders Cup is not just about horse racing, with entertainment and fashion being a large part of the whole Keeneland experience.
So let’s dive in and take a look at the contenders on day two of the Breeders Cup World Championships from Keeneland.
3.50 pm BREEDERS CUP FILLY AND MARES SPRINT
The Breeders Cup Filly and Mares Sprint has seen some brilliant horses down the years, none more so that Groupie Doll who is the only dual winner of this race.
Mike Smith and Irad Ortiz Jr are the most successful modern-day jockeys with two wins apiece and Ortiz looks like he’ll be aboard the well-fancied Goodnight Olive.
One of the interesting facts about the Breeders Cup Filly and Mares Sprint is that the first race was run at 6 furlongs due to the track at Monmouth Park. Since that opening event, it has been run at 7 furlongs.
Below you can see the last ten winners of the race.
winning year | horse | jockey | trainer |
---|---|---|---|
2021 | Ce Ce | Victor Espinoza | Michael McCarthy |
2020 | Gamine | John Velazquez | Bob Baffert |
2019 | Covfefe | Joel Rosario | Brad H. Cox |
2018 | Shamrock Rose | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Mark E. Casse |
2017 | Bar of Gold | Irad Ortiz Jr. | John C. Kimmel |
2016 | Finest City | Mike Smith | Ian Kruljac |
2015 | Wavell Avenue | Joel Rosario | Chad Brown |
2014 | Judy the Beauty | Mike Smith | Wesley Ward |
2013 | Groupie Doll | Rajiv Maragh | William Bradley |
2012 | Groupie Doll | Rajiv Maragh | William Bradley |
RACE TRENDS AND STATS
The Breeders Cup Filly and Mares Sprint form is usually difficult to unravel as all of the horses taking part are very lightly raced with many not even having had three appearances on a racecourse.
We mentioned Wesley Ward above and you will often find that his horses have had one or two starts back in the US over 4 or 4 1/2 furlongs before being shipped across the Atlantic. They are very much bred for pure speed.
- William Bradley has had two starters (Groupie Doll) and two winners in the race.
- Joel Rosario is the top jockey here with two wins and five placed efforts from ten rides.
- Only three of the last ten runnings have been won by the favourite.
- Juddmonte Farms are one of the leading owners in this race with a 25% strike rate from all runners.
- The most successful sires in the race are Into Mischief, Elusive Quality and Bowman’s Band with two winners apiece.
THE CONTENDERS
- Echo Zulu (4/1) was a winner at last year’s Breeders Cup and is now six wins from seven starts.
- Chad Brown’s Goodnight Olive at (5/2) is the most likely favourite after winning graded handicap last time easily.
- Frank’s Rockette (10/1) trained by Bill Mott has posted ratings of over 100 in her last three races.
RACE ANALYSIS & SELECTIONS
TREND PICKS
The slight shout is for the Into Mischief mare FRANKS ROCKETTE 6/1 who as well as being by one of the leading sires in this race, has some solid recent form to back that up with.
FORM PICKS
This race is an all-US affair and of course, UK punters will be well aware of the talents of Wesley Ward when it comes to sprinters and he has the outsider Chi Town Lady 20/1 in this, but she looks outclassed.
It is Goodnight Olive 3/1 who is the favourite here and no surprise as she has won her last five races and 5-6 in total. last time she won the Grade 1 Ballerina Handicap worth $500,000 and is a worthy favourite.
However, she is not the only improver in this field and recent Grade 2 winner WICKED HALO 14/1 EW gets the vote to cause a bit of an upset. She was favourite for that race last time and travelled oh so well before taking up the running in the home straight and coming clear to win by 4 lengths. That was her fourth win on the trot and second-graded stakes win. She is improving and can give the favourite plenty to think about.
Of the others, Echo Zulu 6/1 who was a Breeders Cup winner last year and now six from seven career wins is sure to go close.
4.29 pm BREEDERS CUP turf SPRINT
The Breeders Cup Turf Sprint has seen some very fast sprinters take part over the years and maybe none more so than last year’s winner Golden Pal.
Wesley Ward his trainer, has said that he is the fastest horse he has ever trained, and the son of Uncle Mo will be going for his third straight Breeders Cup win and a repeat after winning this race last year.
One of the interesting facts about the Breeders Cup Turf Sprint is that it did not originally start out as a graded stakes race. It achieved Grade 2 status in 2010 and was then upgraded to Grade 1 in 2012.
Below you can see the last ten winners of the race.
winning year | horse | jockey | trainer |
---|---|---|---|
2021 | Golden Pal | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Wesley Ward |
2020 | Glass Slippers (GB) | Tom Eaves | Kevin Ryan |
2019 | Belvoir Bay (GB) | Javier Castellano | Peter Miller |
2018 | Stormy Liberal | Drayden Van Dyke | Peter Miller |
2017 | Stormy Liberal | Joel Rosario | Peter Miller |
2016 | Obviously (IRE) | Flavien Prat | Philip D’Amato |
2015 | Mongolian Saturday | Florent Geroux | Enebish Ganbat |
2014 | Bobby’s Kitten | Joel Rosario | Chad Brown |
2013 | Mizdirection | Mike Smith | Mike Puype |
2012 | Mizdirection | Mike Smith | Mike Puype |
RACE TRENDS AND STATS
Trying to pick the winner of any race at the Breeders Cup meeting is tough, but Wesley Ward is a master trainer with sprinters and it will be tough to topple his Golden Pal.
- Peter Miller has had 12 starters in this race and has filled the first or second spot with half of those, including three wins for a 25% strike rate.
- Joel Rosario comes out on top yet again with two wins and two places from 12 rides. Take note of Mike smith who is two from five with a 40% strike rate.
- Only three of the last ten runnings have been won by the favourite.
- Rockingham Ranch are the most successful owners, with a winner and a second from three starters.
- The most successful sire in the race is Mizzen Mast who has produced two winners and one third-place runner from five starters.
THE CONTENDERS
- Golden Pal (6/4) is going for his third Breeders Cup win and a repeat from this race last season.
- John Sadler’s Bran (16/1) is interesting, as he is a strong finisher and will be making gains late.
- Artemus Citylimits was only a length and a half behind Golden Pal last time and could hit the frame here
RACE ANALYSIS & SELECTIONS
TREND PICKS
Again we have no real strong trends pick here but CARAVEL 20/1 fits the bill on the breeding stat and he would be a tentative trends pick based on sire stats.
FORM PICKS
We spoke about Wesley Ward in the last race but this surely is his best chance of a winner at the meeting with GOLDEN PAL 2/1 WIN who won this race last year and has won on his last three runs at Keeneland. Ward has been quoted as saying this is the fastest horse he has ever trained and it is difficult to get away from the favourite here.
The Europeans have a strong hand here, and the improving Highfield Princess 5/2 is well drawn in gate 6 and should give the favourite plenty to think about if breaking on level terms. This race can be won and lost at the break so she will need to be on her toes.
At bigger prices, we think there may be some value in Bran 25/1 who is drawn poorly but is one of the guaranteed strong closers in the field. They will go lightning quick here and he could pick up the pieces late on to reach the frame.
5.10 pm BREEDERS CUP DIRT MILE
The Breeders Cup Dirt Mile is probably one of the most prestigious races at the main meeting and has still thrown up some smart performers, most notably the 2021 winner Life Is Good who had come back from an injury-hit season to dominate the race and clear away to win by 5 3/4 lengths.
One of the interesting facts about the Breeders Cup Dirt Mile is that none of the very top British or European jockeys has ever won the race.
Below you can see the last ten winners of the race.
winning year | horse | jockey | trainer |
---|---|---|---|
2021 | Life Is Good | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Todd Pletcher |
2020 | Knicks Go | Joel Rosario | Brad H. Cox |
2019 | Spun to Run | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Juan Carlos Guerrero |
2018 | City of Light | Javier Castellano | Michael W. McCarthy |
2017 | Battle Of Midway | Flavien Prat | Jerry Hollendorfer |
2016 | Tamarkuz | Mike Smith | Kiaran McLaughlin |
2015 | Liam’s Map | Javier Castellano | Todd Pletcher |
2014 | Goldencents | Rafael Bejarano | Leandro Mora |
2013 | Goldencents | Rafael Bejarano | Doug O’Neill |
2012 | Tapizar | Corey Nakatani | Steven M. Asmussen |
RACE TRENDS AND STATS
Trying to pick the winner of Breeders Cup Dirt Mile is sometimes like trying to pick the winner of the lottery. For those of you reading this who might be going to Keeneland for a fun day out or watching on TV, then using the lucky pin stick method or just using the colour of the jockey’s silks is one way to go.
For you guys who are more expert horseplayers and bettors, then our trends and stats below may help you narrow down to a shortlist you can choose from.
- Jerry Hollendorfer has had 4 runners in the race and two winners for a 50% strike rate.
- Irad Oriz Jr and Javier Castellano have ridden 4 of the last ten winners with Ortiz winning two of the last three.
- Only three of the last ten runnings have been won by the favourite.
- Four-year-olds have won 5 of the last ten runnings of the race.
- Into Mischief is the most successful sire in the race with 3 winners from 7 starters.
THE CONTENDERS
- Cody’s Wish (3/1) beat the top sprinter Jackie’s Warrior last time and a mile is his optimum distance.
- Cyberknife at (3/1) might just have that bit more class and has been running in all of the big races stateside.
- Those looking for a longshot could do no worse than Simplification (25/1). Hacked up in the Fountain Of Youth in March, and dropping back to one mile should suit.
RACE ANALYSIS & SELECTIONS
TREND PICKS
Here we have our strongest trends pick of the meeting so far and it is the Baffert-trained, Irad Ortiz Jr ridden LAUREL RIVER 9/2 that gets a solid vote on 4 of the five stats here.
FORM PICKS
The Steve Asmussen runner Gunite 6/1 has been in fine form, winning four of his last five races and he holds a very solid each-way chance.
The favourite here is Cody’s Wish 3/1 and he took the scalp of top American sprinter Jackies Warrior last time when dropping back to seven furlongs, back to a mile today and he is another that holds strong claims, but our selection is CYBERKNIFE 7/2 WIN who was entered to run against Flightline and co in The Classic but takes this easier option. He has been mixing it with the very best all year and this can be viewed as a steep drop in class.
Of the outsiders then it is difficult to forget the runaway win of Simplification 20/1 in the Fountain Of Youth Stakes back in March and there is definitely a big one in this horse at some point.
5.50 pm BREEDERS CUP FILLY AND MARE turf
The Breeders Cup Filly and Mare Turf has seen some tremendous battles down the years including the 2004 and 2006 events when Ouija Board beat Filmmaker. Both of these also finished in the frame in 2005 when Intercontinental was victorious.
If we look at jockey and trainer records then it is worth noting that John Velazquez and Chad Brown are at the top of the tree here and could link up together with Brown having multiple pre-entries in the race.
One of the interesting facts about the Breeders Cup Filly And Mare Turf is that it is often run at different distances due to the various track configurations. Because the Breeders Cup is run at different locations each year, the distance of this race varies.
Below you can see the last ten winners of the race.
winning year | horse | jockey | trainer |
---|---|---|---|
2021 | Loves Only You (JPN) | Yuga Kawada | Yoshito Yahagi |
2020 | Audarya (FR) | Pierre-Charles Boudot | James Fanshawe |
2019 | Iridessa (IRE) | Wayne Lordan | Joseph Patrick O’Brien |
2018 | Sistercharlie (IRE) | John R. Velazquez | Chad Brown |
2017 | Wuheida (GB) | William Buick | Charlie Appleby |
2016 | Queen’s Trust (GB) | Frankie Dettori | Sir Michael Stoute |
2015 | Stephanie’s Kitten | Irad Ortiz | Chad Brown |
2014 | Dayatthespa | Javier Castellano | Chad Brown |
2013 | Dank (GB) | Ryan Moore | Sir Michael Stoute |
2012 | Zagora (FR) | Javier Castellano | Chad Brown |
RACE TRENDS AND STATS
This race is a very high-quality event with the fillies and mares running over the mile and (three hundred yards) three-sixteenths. The intermediate distance is common in the US and not so much so in Europe.
- Chad Brown has been ultra-successful in this race with 4 winners, 4 seconds, 3 thirds and 1 fourth from 26 starters. Sir Michael Stoute has had 9 runners in the race and three winners for a 33% strike rate.
- John Velazquez has ridden 3 winners with those coming from 15 rides for a 20% strike rate.
- Four of the last ten runnings have been won by three-year-olds with those coming in the last six years.
- Juddmonte is the most successful owner with 3 winners, 3 seconds, 2 thirds and 3 fourths from 20 starters.
- The most successful sire in the race is Cape Cross who has produced two winners and second from three starters.
THE CONTENDERS
- The Filly and Mare Turf looks ripe for the taking for the European team with Nashwa (7/4) the current favourite.
- Tuesday’s form has dipped and it could be Above The Curve (7/2) who gives the Gosden horse the most to do.
- Of the home team, In Italian (7/1) will look to set the pace and has not been out of the frame in eight starts, including five wins.
RACE ANALYSIS & SELECTIONS
TREND PICKS
There are no significant trends pointers here, and therefore we have no trends pick for this race.
FORM PICKS
This looks ripe for the picking for the Europeans, and it will be a shock if they cannot win this race.
Aiden O’Brien runs the Oaks winner Tuesday 15/2, but surely this trip and track will be too sharp for her and she has finished behind Nashwa 6/4 on the last two starts and this race will suit the Gosden Filly better.
Above The Curve 11/2 was just behind the Gosden horse last time in France so is a definite player here.
However, as good as the Europeans are, we think the US team could cause a bit of shock here with IN ITALIAN 8/1 EW. This filly has won five of her eight starts and has been in the frame in each of her others. She won the Grade 1 First Lady Stakes here at Keeneland last time, and track knowledge is a big plus around this tight track.
6.30 pm BREEDERS CUP Sprint
The Breeders Cup Sprint is always a very exciting race and who could ever forget the battle between Safely Kept and Dayjur, who looked likely to win in the final 100 yards before jumping a shadow, which cost him the race.
Modern Day heroes include the Peter Miller-trained Roy H who won consecutive runnings in 2017 and 2018, and this year we are likely to see last year’s winner Aloha West try to achieve the same feat.
One of the interesting facts about the Breeders Cup Sprint is that only nine three-year-olds have managed to win the race since 1984.
Below you can see the last ten winners of the race.
winning year | horse | jockey | trainer |
---|---|---|---|
2021 | Aloha West | José Ortiz | Wayne Catalano |
2020 | Whitmore | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Ron Moquett |
2019 | Mitole | Ricardo Santana Jr. | Steve Asmussen |
2018 | Roy H | Paco Lopez | Peter Miller |
2017 | Roy H | Kent Desormeaux | Peter Miller |
2016 | Drefong | Martin Garcia | Bob Baffert |
2015 | Runhappy | Edgar Prado | Maria Borell |
2014 | Work All Week | Florent Geroux | Roger Brueggemann |
2013 | Secret Circle | Martin Garcia | Bob Baffert |
2012 | Trinniberg | Willie Martinez | Shivananda Parbhoo |
RACE TRENDS AND STATS
Trying to pick the winner of the Breeders Cup Sprint is probably a lot easier than many other races over the week. As a Group 1, the cream does tend to rise to the top and the trends suggest that a runner near the top of the market will win this.
- Bob Baffert tops the list here with 5 winners from 18 runners.
- Martin Garcia has ridden 2 of the last ten winners with both of those coming for Bob Baffert.
- Five of the last ten runnings have been won by a horse at less than 5/1 in the betting. The last two years have seen winners at 11/1 and 16/1
- Watson and Weitman Performances are the most successful owners with two starters providing two winners.
- The most successful sires in the race are More Than Ready and Real Quiet who have both produced two winners from two starters.
THE CONTENDERS
- The big sprinting name in the US is Jackie’s Warrior (6/4) but he was beaten in the corresponding race last season.
- The interesting horse here is Jack Christopher (7/4) could go off favourite on the day, having been unbeaten on US soil around one bend.
- Aloha West (20/1) (last year’s winner) and another outsider Chain Of Love (33/1) could cause an upset.
RACE ANALYSIS & SELECTIONS
TREND PICKS
There are no significant trend pointers here, and therefore we have no trends pick for this race.
FORM PICKS
It was announced at the Breeders Cup draw on Monday that this will be the last race for Jackies Warrior 5/6 who will be a short price to end his career on a winning note, He will be many people’s idea of a banker, but it is important to note that he has been beaten at the last two Breeders Cup meetings and that is a risky proposition.
Wesley Wards Kimari 6/1 looks to be solid each-way value and he comes here off the back of a win, but our selection is last year’s winner ALOHA WEST 12/1 EW who won last time and will be one of the ones who will benefit from a very fast pace. He’ll surely be closing late and can become a duel winner of the race.
7.10 pm BREEDERS CUP MILE
The Breeders Cup Mile has seen some fantastic racehorses down the years as well as jockeys and trainers. Frenchman Freddy Head won the race twice as a jockey and three times as a trainer with the wonder mare Goldikova.
It has certainly been a profitable race for the European raiders in recent years with Space Blues winning in 2021 for William Buick, Charlie Appleby and Godolphin, Order of Australia winning in 2020 for Pierre-Charles Boudot, Aidan O’Brien and the Coolmore clan and Expert Eye being victorious in 2018 for Frankie Dettori & Sir Michael Stoute
One of the interesting facts about the Breeders Cup Mile is that only one horse aged older than six years old has won the race since it was formed, and that was Miesque’s Approval in 2006.
Below you can see the last ten winners of the race.
winning year | horse | jockey | trainer |
---|---|---|---|
2021 | Space Blues (IRE) | William Buick | Charlie Appleby |
2020 | Order of Australia (IRE) | Pierre-Charles Boudot | Aidan O’Brien |
2019 | Uni† (GB) | Joel Rosario | Chad C. Brown |
2018 | Expert Eye (GB) | Frankie Dettori | Michael Stoute |
2017 | World Approval | John R. Velazquez | Mark E. Casse |
2016 | Tourist | Joel Rosario | Bill Mott |
2015 | Tepin† | Julien Leparoux | Mark E. Casse |
2014 | Karakontie (JPN) | Stéphane Pasquier | Jonathan Pease |
2013 | Wise Dan | Jose Lezcano | Charles Lopresti |
2012 | Wise Dan | John R. Velazquez | Charles Lopresti |
RACE TRENDS AND STATS
Trying to pick the winner of this event is sometimes tricky, as we have seen winners at 16/1, 33/1 and 40/1 in recent years. Favourites do have a solid record so let’s check out some of the historical stats and trends and see if we can spot some possible clues to help you pick the winner.
- French runners have won this race 8 times, so check the entries for any French-trained runners.
- John Velazquez has ridden 3 winners of the race and two of the last ten winners.
- Four of the last ten runnings have been won by the favourite.
- Flaxman Holdings Ltd is the most successful owner with eight starters providing five winners, an amazing 62.5% strike rate.
- The most successful sire in the race is Anabaa who has produced three winners from five starters.
THE CONTENDERS
- Europe has won this in three of the last four years and Kinross (11/4) with Frankie Dettori up, will be popular amongst British punters.
- Another British-trained runner Modern Games (9/4) is the favourite after winning in the US two starts back.
- Annapolis (6/1) is the home runner who could spoil the party for the Europeans with his late running style.
RACE ANALYSIS & SELECTIONS
TREND PICKS
We have two potential horses that match the trends here and they are SMOOTH LIKE STRAIGHT 10/1 who has been placed in 19 of 22 career starts and the French-trained MALAVATH 16/1 who has finished second in her last two races at Group 1 level.
FORM PICKS
Lots of interest for the Europeans here with runners from England, Ireland and France, so it will be tough for the home team to grab a win in this.
At the top of the betting, we have Modern Games 9/4 from the Godolphin team and his form stands the closest scrutiny. Last time he was a second at Ascot on Champions Day and that followed an easy win at Woodbine. His Sussex Stakes runner-up spot confirmed him as one of the top milers in Europe, and now he has the chance to strut his stuff at the top table.
As well as Modern Games, the Europeans have Kinross 7/2 and Dreamloper 8/1, who recently won by more than 5 lengths in the Prix Du Moulin at Longchamp.
However, it looks like the Americans have an ace up their sleeves with ANNAPOLIS 9/1 EW looking great value against the raiders. The Todd Pletcher-trained colt has not been out of the first two in seven starts, winning five of those. He got his Grade 1 win last time and after posting his best Beyer speed figure so far, he looks to be on a sharp upward curve.
7.55 pm BREEDERS CUP DIstaff
The Breeders Cup Distaff has seen some legendary racehorses down the years including the Mike Smith-ridden Zenyatta in 2008 when Smith literally weaved his magic to in and out of horses before delivering the mares’ customary late run. She will go down as one of the greatest racehorses in the modern racing era. and of course, last year’s winner Echo Zulu who we’ll see running on day two of the meeting.
If we look at jockey and trainer records then it is worth noting that both Mike Smith and Bill Mott have won this race five times each.
One of the interesting facts about the Breeders Cup Distaff is that Zenyatta won the then Ladies’ Classic in 2008, and in 2009 took the roof off when winning the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Classic. She is the only mare to ever complete that historic double. She was also an agonising second in the 2010 Classic, the only loss of her career.
Below you can see the last ten winners of the race.
winning year | horse | jockey | trainer |
---|---|---|---|
2021 | Marche Lorraine (JPN) | Oisin Murphy | Yoshito Yahagi |
2020 | Monomoy Girl | Florent Geroux | Brad H. Cox |
2019 | Blue Prize (ARG) | Joe Bravo | Ignacio Correas IV |
2018 | Monomoy Girl | Florent Geroux | Brad H. Cox |
2017 | Forever Unbridled | John Velazquez | Dallas Stewart |
2016 | Beholder | Gary Stevens | Richard Mandella |
2015 | Stopchargingmaria | Javier Castellano | Todd Pletcher |
2014 | Untapable | Rosie Napravnik | Steve Asmussen |
2013 | Beholder | Gary Stevens | Richard Mandella |
2012 | Royal Delta | Mike E. Smith | William I. Mott |
RACE TRENDS AND STATS
Trying to pick the winner of this event is tricky with some huge price winners down the years including Spain (55-1) in 2000, One Dreamer (47-1) in 1994, and Adoration (40-1) in 1994. There have also been nine odds-on-beaten favourites.
- Bill Mott has had 16 runners in the race and 5 winners and 5 places.
- Mike Smith has ridden 5 winners and 4 seconds in this race from 18 rides.
- Five of the last ten winners have been aged either five or six years old.
- Spendthrift Farm is the most successful current owner with two wins from two starters for a perfect 100% strike rate.
- The most successful sire in the race is Unbridled’s Song who has produced three winners and two third places from six starters.
THE CONTENDERS
This is the big race between the fillies and mares and what a cracking race it promises to be.
- Nest (6/4) is the favourite and she is a filly who is improving in leaps and bounds having won her last three, including a 9 3/4 length romp in a Grade 2 last time.
- She comes up against her stable mate and four-year-old Malathaat (5/2) who herself won a Grade 1 last time by 5 1/4 lengths.
- Of the others, then the D Wayne Lukas trained Secret Oath (12/1), who won the Kentucky Oaks, could be a big player, after a recent piece of work where she clocked 58 seconds for 5 furlongs.
RACE ANALYSIS & SELECTION
TREND PICKS
No real strong contender on the trends but the five-year-old BLUE STRIPE 20/1 is the only five-year-old in the race and has certainly picked her form up this season and looks an improving mare, even though she was well beaten in this race last year.
FORM PICKS
What a race we have in store here with four of the finest fillies in America locking horns and doing battle.
One of the most mouth-watering races of the entire meeting with Nest and stable companion Malathaat going head to head, and don’t forget, D Wayne Lukas also throws the Kentucky Oaks heroine Secret Oath into the mix.
Todd Pletcher’s fillies are one-two in the betting and the selection has to be the three-year-old NEST 6/4 WIN. Second in the Kentucky Oaks and then served it up against the boys in The Belmont Stakes when another second spot behind Mo Donegal. A recent drop in class saw her demolish Grade 2 opponents last time by more than 9 lengths.
Stable companion Malathaat 5/2 is a four-year-old and has been running equally as well and she is closely matched with Clariere 8/1. They have come up against each other three times with Clariere holding a 2-1 lead in that battle.
We mentioned Secret Oath 25/1 and that looks like a very big price based on her early season form.
8.40 pm BREEDERS CUP TURF
The Breeders Cup Turf has been a happy hunting ground for the Brits and Europeans down the years and they are likely to once again field a strong team.
The reason the European do so well in this race is that it is run over a mile and a half which is a common middle distance in the UK and Europe but is classed as a staying race in the US.
US racers are bred more for speed than stamina, hence the way that tracks are configured as oval.
One of the interesting facts about the Breeders Cup Turf is that no horse older than five years old has ever won the race.
Below you can see the last ten winners of the race.
winning year | |||
---|---|---|---|
2021 | Yibir (GB) | William Buick | Charlie Appleby |
2020 | Tarnawa (IRE) | Colin Keane | Dermot Weld |
2019 | Bricks and Mortar | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Chad C. Brown |
2018 | Enable† (GB) | Frankie Dettori | John Gosden |
2017 | Talismanic (GB) | Mickael Barzalona | André Fabre |
2016 | Highland Reel (IRE) | Seamie Heffernan | Aidan O’Brien |
2015 | Found† (IRE) | Ryan Moore | Aidan O’Brien |
2014 | Main Sequence | John R. Velazquez | Graham Motion |
2013 | Magician (IRE) | Ryan Moore | Aidan O’Brien |
2012 | Little Mike | Ramon Domínguez | Dale Romans |
RACE TRENDS AND STATS
Favourites have a particularly strong record in the race. So let’s check out some of the stats and trends and see if we can spot some possible clues to help you pick the winner.
- Seven of the last ten winners have been trained in Europe with three of those trained by Aiden O’Brien.
- Frankie Dettori has ridden 5 winners of the race.
- Seven of the last ten runnings have been won by a horse aged four or five years old.
- The Coolmore operation (Messrs. Tabor, Magnier and Smith) has the most impressive ownership record with thirteen starters providing three winners and eight other horses in the top five places.
- The most successful sire in the race is Galileo who has produced 4 winners of the race.
THE CONTENDERS
If the bookmakers are right then the Brits are already home and hosed in the Breeders Cup Turf.
- Godolphin has two in this and Rebel’s Romance (11/4) and Nations Pride (7/2) look to hold strong chances of following up Godolphin’s win in this race last year.
- Bill Mott trains the likeable mare War Like Goddess (9/2) who looks the best chance for the home team following an easy win over a mile and a half in Grade 1 company last time, and she is a previous course winner.
- Looking for an outsider and Gold Phoenix (50/1) looks a big price stepping up to a mile and a half.
RACE ANALYSIS & SELECTIONS
TREND PICKS
There are no significant trend pointers here, and therefore we have no trends pick for this race.
FORM PICKS
It’s back to the turf before we get ready for the big one, The Breeders Cup Classic.
This is normally a very strong race for the Europeans with multiple winners down the years, and this year’s team is as strong as ever.
Godolphin has a very strong hand with the top two in the betting being Rebels Romance 3/1 and his stablemate NATIONS PRIDE 7/2 WIN.
Both are in strong form and the latter has already proven himself on US shores when most recently winning two graded races with the last of those a Grade 3 which he won easily by 6 lengths.
Rebels Romance has won his two Group 1’s in Germany recently, but you get the sense that Nations Pride is the number one with William Buick booked to ride.
The Americans have the likeable mare War Like Goddess 5/1 who has won three from her last four. Her racing style is one of a strong finisher and there is likely to be plenty of pace on here. It is worth noting that she was incredibly unlucky not to win the Breeders Cup Filly & Mares turf last season.
Of the others, we have to mention Mishriff for Frankie Dettori and John and Thady Gosden. There won’t be a dry eye in the house if this globetrotter could pull off just one more piece of magic.
9.40 pm BREEDERS CUP CLASSIC
The Breeders Cup Classic has seen some absolute legends of the sport over the years. Who can forget the wonder mare Zenyatta in 2009 and Gun Runner in 2017 and even Curlin a decade earlier in 2007, the last two now leading sires in their own right.
And in 2022 we have Flightline, the highest-rated racehorse on the planet and one that has carried all before him during a perfect five-from-five race record.
If we look at jockey and trainer records then it is worth noting Joel Rosario has won two of the last four and he is likely to be aboard Epicenter for trainer Steve Asmussen.
One of the interesting facts about the Breeders Cup Classic is that the longest winning distance was 6 1/2 lengths, a record held jointly by American Pharoah and Volponi. Might Flightline break that in 2022?
Below you can see the last ten winners of the race.
winning year | horse | jockey | trainer |
---|---|---|---|
2021 | Knicks Go | Joel Rosario | Brad H. Cox |
2020 | Authentic | John R. Velazquez | Bob Baffert |
2019 | Vino Rosso | Irad Ortiz Jr. | Todd Pletcher |
2018 | Accelerate | Joel Rosario | John W. Sadler |
2017 | Gun Runner | Florent Geroux | Steve Asmussen |
2016 | Arrogate | Mike E. Smith | Bob Baffert |
2015 | American Pharoah | Victor Espinoza | Bob Baffert |
2014 | Bayern | Martin Garcia | Bob Baffert |
2013 | Mucho Macho Man | Gary Stevens | Katherine Ritvo |
2012 | Fort Larned | Brian Hernandez Jr. | Ian Wilkes |
RACE TRENDS AND STATS
Trying to pick the winner of this event is usually not too difficult, with favourites having a particularly strong record. So let’s check out some of the trends and stats to see if we can spot some possible clues to help you pick the winner.
- Bob Baffert is the leading trainer with 4 wins (all in the last 8 years) and 6 seconds, and this year he fields Taiba.
- Joel Rosario has ridden two of the last ten winners with those coming in the last four years.
- Stronach Stables is the most successful recent owner with eight starters providing two winners and two thirds.
- The most successful sire in the race is Cee’s Tizzy who has produced two winners and second from three starters.
THE CONTENDERS
This is a huge matchup with the unbeaten Flightline taking on the tenacious Epicenter.
- Flightline is a heavy favourite here (4/9) after winning five from five for a combined winning distance of 63 and 3/4 lengths. Won by 19 lengths last time.
- Epicenter (11/2) won one of the top Grade 1’s in America last time (The Travers Stakes) by more than five lengths and is the biggest threat to the favourite.
- Rich Strike (33/1 pulled off one of the biggest shocks in American racing history when winning the 2022 Kentucky Derby.
RACE ANALYSIS & SELECTIONS
TREND PICKS
The trends pick here is TAIBA 8/1 based on the record of trainer Bob Baffert and jockey Mike Smith who have both tasted success in this event in the past with Arrogate in 2016.
FORM PICKS
And so we have arrived, at the final race of the 2022 Breeders Cup and the anticipation has been at a fever pitch as we potentially witness one of the greatest racehorses ever seen in Flightline 4/9.
He has won his five races by a staggering combined total of 62 3/4following a 19-length mauling of his rivals in the Grade 1 Pacific Classic last time. Jockey Flavien Prat sat hard on the snap while the others were literally made to look like donkeys. And we are talking about horses that have won multiple Grade 1 stakes races.
We do not have a clue how good Flightline is, but Saturday is the acid test for sure as he has to give weight away to EPICENTER 13/2 EW who is undoubtedly the top three-year-old of the season in America following his Travers Stakes victory last time by more than 5 lengths.
But there are others here who will be taking aim at Flightline, and Hot Rod Charlie 33/1 who finished third in last year’s Kentucky Derby and Rich Strike 40/1 are closely matched on their last run.
Rich Strike, the bolt from the blue when winning this year’s Kentucky Derby at 80/1 is very much the people’s horse. His second last time shows he retains all of his ability, and what a story it would be if he could cause another major upset.
Throw into the melting pot Taiba, Happy Saver, Life is Good and Olympiad and you have one of the most anticipated races we have ever seen.
Conclusion
We are really looking forward to the two highlights of the second day with the Distaff and The Classic looking to be cracking races for the racing afficionado’s out there.
We could well be witnessing one of the greatest horses to ever grace a racetrack in the currently unbeaten Flightline.
The Breeders Cup World Championships – $31 Million Dollars Up For Grabs
Although there are many big meetings across the world during the season within the flat racing calendar, it is this November race meeting that is revered the world over. Champions from every part of the world come to compete in some of the most exciting racing you’ll ever see. The Breeders Cup with its long history means that every owner, trainer, jockey, and stablehand wants to be connected in some way to a “Breeders Cup Winner”
This year’s meeting will see fourteen championship races with $31 million dollars in total prize money. Winning at the “World Championships of Racing” isn’t just about the money (there are bigger prize pots now around the world at other meetings). However, nothing beats the prestige of having a winner at a Breeders Cup and many of these winners go on to be top stallions and broodmares of the future, with graded stakes winners adding significant value to their potential stallion and broodmare value when they retire from racing.
Trainers To Watch This Year When Using Your New Customer Offers
Aiden O’Brien and John & Thady Gosden are most likely to be fighting it out for the Europeans and the home team will be well-represented by Chad Brown, Todd Pletcher and Steve Asmussen. And of course, Charlie Appleby and Godolphin will surely be in the mix of winners.
Factors To Take Into Account When Betting At The Breeders Cup
Ground conditions – During November, the dirt tracks can come up wet (classed as sloppy in the US) so it is always good to check the form of horses and look for ones with the form on a sloppy track. This can possibly pinpoint horses that are overpriced.
Save your sign-up offers and free bets to use on horses that are proven on the prevailing ground conditions.
Keeneland is known as a tight track, in layman’s terms, it means horses that possess speed are likely to be favoured. Always look for horses that have run well over a tight track.
The Keeneland track is a mile and one-sixteenth on the main track and 7 1/2 furlongs on the turf course.
There is so much competition among the bookmakers, even on the High Street, that it pays to watch the offers available. Money-back when the favourite wins is one to note especially with several favourites winning in recent seasons from the big O’Brien and Gosden stables.
Which Are The Best Types of Offers to Take Advantage Of For BREEDERS CUP Betting?
Below, you’ll find some of the types of offers that the sportsbooks and bookmakers will be making for Breeders Cup 2022.
First Race of the Day Refund On Losing Horses
If you’re planning on betting on both days at the Breeders Cup meeting, then this offer is perfect as it’s really a risk-free wager that gives you a great shot of landing a winner if you fail to pick the winning horse. The free bet is usually given within 24 hours, but usually, after your initial bet has been settled. Your refund can be used on any sport, so don’t worry if the meeting is over by the time you get your refund from Saturday’s first race.
Breeders cup 2022 Non-Runner No Bet
It makes sense to place any ante-post bets with a bookmaker that offers their customers the insurance of getting a refund for any horse that fails to start the race after it has been entered. Nobody wants to see a bet being lost due to not getting a run. The majority of the bigger bookmakers will be offering this for 2022, probably around two weeks before the meeting starts.
Price Match BETTING For the breeders cup
Odds on different horses can fluctuate widely so depending on how much you bet on horse racing, getting the best odds can make a big difference to your potential win returns. Leading bookmakers will match any better odds with their nearest business rivals to ensure you get paid out at the best possible odds.
So having a number of accounts with a number of bookmakers gives you the best opportunity to grab the best price on your selection. You can also take advantage of multiple offers.
With the Breeders Cup World Championship meeting being over two days, it means you take advantage of bonus offers each day if you choose separate bookmakers.
Best Odds Guaranteed BETTING For THE breeders cup
The majority of UK betting sites will offer the best odds guaranteed (B.O.G) throughout the meeting, as they normally do for UK and Irish racing. It’s now a standard offer from most bookmakers, aside from the sign-up bonuses, and one, smart punters should take advantage of. If your horse starts the race at better odds than you took at the time you placed your bet, the bookmaker will pay you any returns at the better odds. Perfect for Breeders Cup betting offers.
Betting AT THE BREEDERS CUP 2022: Getting Free Bets
Aside from the bonuses and offers for Breeders Cup 2022 like the new customer free bets as a welcome offer, look out for free bets on each race where you place a pre-race wager and then get some free bonuses to use on the next race. Look out for promo codes, bonuses, and any bookmaker specials on their own blog.
Bet365, Betfred, Betfair and Paddy Power often do this and a lot of bookmakers now offer a free bet in the next race if you pick a winner at 4/1 or higher. This offer is always on offer for races shown on terrestrial TV channels like ITV.
Extra Places
One of the best things to look out for to make your betting more profitable, especially if you like to bet each way, are the bookmakers that give enhanced places. Why bet on the first 3 when some are offering 4 places? And for the big races, you will see a number of the major bookmakers paying 5 and sometimes even 6 places.
Final Tip
Make sure to take notice of the draw. Low draws are always a major plus in any Breeders Cup race.
Other Major Race Meetings
As well as The Breeders Cup, our expert Richard Smith covers all of the big race meetings from across the World and you can also read his thoughts on Cheltenham, The Grand National, Royal Ascot, Glorious Goodwood, The Prix De L’Arc de Triomphe, and The Melbourne Cup