The TVG Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance captures the true essence of the Breeders’ Cup’s “Future Stars Friday” theme.
In the midst of lower than two minutes, the 2-year-old champion almost definitely might be topped and a concentration is going to fall on 2022 and who turns into the favourite for the Kentucky Derby Introduced by Woodford Reserve. With a powerful group of 12 entrants lined up, Saturday’s 38th renewal guarantees to as soon as once more present a vigorous battle to the end line within the rarefied air of the game’s World Championships.
1. Jack Christopher (9-5): He’s achieved nothing flawed in two profession begins and has regarded spectacular in notching these two wins. He hasn’t been round two turns but, however having velocity from the rail must be a giant benefit for him. He’s the morning-line favourite and the one to beat as coach Chad Brown bids for a second Juvenile win at Del Mar.
JOCKEY: Jose Ortiz; TRAINER: Chad Brown
2. Jasper Great (15-1): Ships in from Japan, the place he gained his debut by 10 lengths. It’s arduous to evaluate the competitors he confronted, however he’s a son of Arrogate and a victory that straightforward can’t be ignored.
JOCKEY: Yuichi Fukunaga; TRAINER: Hideyuki Mori
3. Oviatt Class (20-1): He closed from far again to take third within the 1 1/16-mile American Pharoah Stakes, so the gap shouldn’t be an issue. Whether or not he could make up the almost 4 lengths he completed behind Corniche in that race is the larger concern however not one which’s insurmountable. Given the best way he appears to be on the upswing, the Desormeaux brothers may have a reside longshot right here.
JOCKEY: Kent Desormeaux; TRAINER: Keith Desormeaux
4. Pappacap (15-1): After successful his profession debut at Gulfstream Park, he shipped to Del Mar and gained the three-quarter-mile Best Pal Stakes. He misplaced his subsequent two begins however took a pleasant step ahead when second within the American Pharoah. Along with his pedigree, two turns must be excellent for him and he deserves some consideration.
JOCKEY: Joe Bravo; TRAINER: Mark Casse
5. Double Thunder (20-1): He was damage by a gradual begin within the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity and was a distant second to a horse lacking this race who would have been one of many favorites. He provides blinkers, which can assist, and comes from one of many sport’s premier barns. An improved efficiency would hardly be a shock.
JOCKEY: Flavien Prat; TRAINER: Todd Pletcher
6. American Sanctuary (30-1): He rallied late to complete a distant fourth within the Breeders’ Futurity and could possibly be an element late, however he appears on the gradual aspect from a speed-rating standpoint.
JOCKEY: Florent Geroux; TRAINER: Christopher Davis
7. Giant Game (30-1): Comes off a pleasant maiden win however is up towards it in a subject this robust with so little seasoning.
JOCKEY: Joe Talamo; TRAINER: Dale Romans
8. Barossa (10-1): Considered one of three Bob Baffert-trained starters, he labored arduous to earn his first profession win final time in his third begin. There was main enchancment when it comes to the ultimate time, however this looms a tricky spot for him.
JOCKEY: Juan J. Hernandez; TRAINER: Bob Baffert
9. Pinehurst (8-1): This one is an intriguing chance for Baffert. He’s unbeaten and gained the seven-furlong Runhappy Del Mar Futurity whereas flashing the sort of velocity that can make him arduous to catch right here. He won’t look again from the entrance finish in the event that they let him get away on the backstretch.
JOCKEY: John Velazquez; TRAINER: Bob Baffert
10. Commandperformance (5-1): He staged a pleasant late rally to chop into Jack Christopher’s lead late within the stretch of the one-mile Champagne Stakes. He will get slightly extra distance right here, which can assist, and if it bothers you that he’s a maiden, then be mindful a New York-based maiden gained the 2017 Juvenile at Del Mar.
JOCKEY: Irad Ortiz Jr.; TRAINER: Todd Pletcher
11. Tough to Tame (30-1): He missed by a neck within the Iroquois at 37-1 odds in a pleasant displaying, however the time was gradual and from this put up, he faces an uphill climb.
JOCKEY: Sophie Doyle; TRAINER: Christopher Davis
12. Corniche (5-2): Baffert’s third starter is essentially the most extremely regarded of all. He’s 2-for-2, each going gate-to-wire, however the put up complicates issues. He’ll want to interrupt shortly right here or else he may undergo vital floor loss. He’s very proficient however appears a dangerous proposition from this put up.
JOCKEY: Mike Smith; TRAINER: Bob Baffert
THE PICK: Jack Christopher
LIVE LONGSHOT: Pinehurst
SUPERFECTA: 1-9-10-12
