By J. Keeler Johnson (“Keelerman”) Twitter: @J_Keelerman
Let’s have a look at… 14 races, and 14 alternatives to money big betting
payoffs. The Breeders’ Cup is not only a implausible sporting occasion—it is also a
terrific day for horseplayers. Who would not like giant fields and large betting
swimming pools?
The 2021 Breeders’ Cup will happen at Del Mar throughout
Friday and Saturday, and as common, we have assembled alternatives for all 14
championship races. Let’s dig in and plan our performs!
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Dash
High
Choice: Coach Wesley Ward excels at conditioning
two-year-old sprinters and has gained the final two renewals of the Juvenile Turf
Dash, so we’ll strongly help Ward’s #8
Averly Jane (5-2) on Friday. The
daughter of champion juvenile Midshipman is unbeaten and unchallenged in 4
begins, together with blowout victories over males within the Kentucky Juvenile S.,
Skidmore S., and Indiana Summer time S. A speedster able to setting or stalking
the tempo, Averly Jane might show unimaginable to catch if she brings her A-game to
Del Mar.
Second
Selection: # 9 One Timer (4-1) can also be unbeaten with a 3-for-3
report highlighted by triumphs within the Victoria S. and Speakeasy S. The latter
victory noticed One Timer carve out blazing fractions of :21.01 and :43.48 earlier than
digging deep to win the five-furlong dash by three-quarters of a size, so
we all know the bay gelding has severe velocity and expertise.
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies
High
Choice: #6 Echo Zulu (4-5) is unbeaten and unchallenged in
three begins, together with gate-to-wire scores within the Spinaway S. (G1) and
Frizette S. (G1). Alongside the best way, she’s posted a trio of 90+ Beyer velocity
figures, stamping Echo Zulu because the quickest filly in Friday’s discipline. The
Frizette has produced 5 of the final 10 Juvenile Fillies winners, and Echo
Zulu figures to safe an ideal front-running journey on this small discipline,
setting the stage for a 3rd straight Grade 1 win.
Second
Selection: #5 Juju’s Map (5-2) was as spectacular as may very well be within the
Alcibiades S. (G1) at Keeneland final month, monitoring a quick tempo earlier than kicking
away to attain by 4 1/4 lengths. Notably, Juju’s Map was the one velocity horse to
consider a race in any other case dominated by closers, so her effort was arguably
even higher than it seems at first look. If anybody can provide Echo Zulu a
tussle, it is most likely this promising Brad Cox trainee.
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf
High
Choice: There are a bunch of instructions to go right here,
so I will attempt for a mid-range worth play with #5 Bubble Rock (8-1). Conditioned by Brad Cox (who gained this race
final yr with Aunt Pearl), Bubble Rock has proven tactical velocity sprinting on
the New York circuit, breaking her maiden at Saratoga earlier than using monitoring
techniques to win a fast renewal of the Matron S. (G3). Stretching out from six
furlongs to 1 mile is a query mark, however sire Extra Than Prepared is
liable for two earlier winners of this race, and three-time champion
jockey Irad Ortiz (a 22% winner on turf) is called to journey.
Second
Selection: #1 Pizza Bianca (5-1) did not get the cleanest run within the
Natalma S. (G1) at Woodbine, however she nonetheless battled on gamely to complete
second. The Christophe Clement trainee had beforehand gained her debut racing 1
1/16 miles at Saratoga and figures to get pleasure from a ground-saving journey on Friday. If Pizza
Bianca can work out an unencumbered run down the lane, she will battle for
victory.
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile
High
Choice: #10 Commandperformance (5-1) is perhaps a maiden, however
he is run strongly in each of his begins. After charging onerous to complete second
in his debut sprinting six furlongs at Saratoga (forward of next-out winner
Pressured Rating), Commandperformance stepped up at school and distance for the
Champagne S. (G1) at Belmont, the place he ran second behind possible Breeders’ Cup
Juvenile favourite Jack Christopher.
Commandperformance gained numerous floor down the
homestretch of the Champagne, closing 2 3/4 lengths by way of the ultimate furlong.
As a son of Belmont S. (G1) winner Union Rags out of a mare by Tapit,
Commandperformance is bred to relish stretching out round two turns. If Jack
Christopher will get caught up in a sizzling tempo, I consider Commandperformance can flip
the tables at a pleasant worth.
Second
Selection: A Japanese raider has by no means gained on the Breeders’ Cup, however
#2 Jasper Nice (15-1) might have a
likelihood to alter that storyline. The son of Breeders’ Cup Basic (G1) winner
Arrogate dominated his debut at Hanshin, successful an 1,800-meter maiden occasion by
10 lengths. Stablemate Full Flat outran expectations when fifth within the 2019
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at odds of 89-1, and I am optimistic Jasper Nice can end
even larger at Del Mar.
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf
High
Choice: #1 Trendy Video games (5-1) has gained three of his 5 begins
for coach Charlie Appleby, whose report within the Breeders’ Cup stands at an
glorious 7-3-1-0. Chief amongst Trendy Video games’ triumphs is a flashy 2 1/2-length
rating within the Somerville S. (G3) sprinting seven furlongs at Newmarket. The Godolphin
homebred has tactical velocity and figures to get pleasure from a ground-saving journey from the
rail draw, setting the stage for victory.
Second
Selection: #5 Slipstream (12-1) overcame a troubled begin to
rally by way of visitors and win Belmont’s six-furlong Futurity S. (G3) by a
size. The son of Extra Than Prepared had beforehand dominated a seven-furlong
maiden particular weight at Belmont in gate-to-wire vogue, so with a clear journey
on Friday, I count on to see Slipstream safe a forwardly positioned journey underneath sizzling
jockey Joel Rosario. If an American goes to steal the present from the
Europeans, I consider Slipstream is the one.
Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Dash
High
Choice: #5 Bella Sofia (5-2) has been on a roll this yr,
successful 4 of her 5 begins. The daughter of Superior Patriot used her tactical
velocity to dominate the Take a look at S. (G1) throughout the summer time at Saratoga earlier than
trouncing older rivals in Belmont’s Gallant Bloom H. (G2). In a small discipline
and not using a ton of tempo on paper, Bella Sofia figures to sit down an ideal journey vying
with heavy favourite Gamine by way of modest fractions. From there, I am prepared to
wager the robust ending velocity Bella Sofia has displayed this season is sufficient
to beat her extra heralded rival.
Second
Selection: #6 Gamine (3-5) has by no means misplaced a dash and dominated
this race by 5 1/4 lengths final season. However by way of Beyer velocity figures,
Gamine hasn’t been working fairly as quick this season. She’s arguably at her
greatest when allowed to roll alongside up entrance by way of quick fractions, and for the reason that
Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Dash appears destined to unfold at a modest
tempo, I am prepared to take a shot towards Gamine.
Breeders’ Cup Turf Dash
High
Choice: #4 Lieutenant Dan (6-1) hasn’t missed the
trifecta in seven begins on turf and is 3-for-3 in 2021. Through the summer time, he
wired a five-furlong allowance over the Del Mar garden earlier than romping to a 2
1/4-length win within the Inexperienced Flash H. (G3) over the identical course and distance.
Lieutenant Dan subsequently delivered a robust efficiency within the Eddie D S.
(G2) sprinting 6 1/2 furlongs down the hill at Santa Anita, carving out intense
fractions of :21.61 and :42.95 earlier than forging on to win by half a size. With
his velocity, consistency, and confirmed affinity for the situations of the Breeders’
Cup Turf Dash, Lieutenant Dan is an interesting alternative for victory.
Second
Selection: #3 Golden Pal (7-2) is 4-for-5 within the U.S. and enters
off a assured win within the 5 1/2-furlong Woodford S. (G2) at Keeneland. However
whereas Golden Pal brings an abundance of tactical velocity to the desk, final yr’s
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Dash hero hasn’t run fairly as quick as Lieutenant
Dan on the Beyer and Brisnet velocity determine scales. Saturday is shaping up as
one thing of a category check for the speedy son of Uncle Mo.
Breeders’ Cup Filth Mile
High
Choice: With three victories from 4 begins over
the Del Mar predominant monitor, it is protected to say #3
Ginobili (4-1) loves this seaside oval. The son of Munnings has developed
right into a beast since including blinkers throughout the summer time, trouncing an allowance
over this monitor and distance by 9 1/4 lengths earlier than utilizing his velocity to
dominate a robust discipline in Del Mar’s seven-furlong Pat O’Brien S. (G2). Ginobili
has numerous tactical velocity, however he is additionally versatile sufficient to settle off the
lead if needed, setting the stage for a successful journey over his favourite
monitor.
Second
Selection: #5 Life Is Good (4-5) is a neck away from being
undefeated in 4 begins, together with two victories over Breeders’ Cup Basic
(G1) contender Medina Spirit within the Sham S. (G3) and San Felipe S. (G2). Life
Is Good lately turned to the winner’s circle with a simple 5 1/2-length win in
the Kelso H. (G2) at Belmont, although the type of the race wasn’t flattered when
runner-up Fort Peck returned to complete final within the Fayette S. (G2).
Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf
High
Choice: The 2019
Yushun Himba (G1, Japanese Oaks) winner #8
Loves Solely You (4-1) has been competing towards elite competitors for
a number of years. Through the spring, Loves Solely You completed a detailed third within the
1 1/2-mile Dubai Sheema Basic (G1), crushed solely half a size by versatile
Group 1 star Mishriff. Then she reduce in distance for the 1 1/4-mile Queen
Elizabeth II Cup (G1) in Hong Kong, which she gained comfortably.
Loves Solely You arrives at Del Mar off a sport runner-up
effort behind Japanese traditional winner Sodashi within the 1 1/4-mile Sapporo Kinen
(G2), which ought to function an ideal prep for the Breeders’ Cup. The agency turf
at Del Mar ought to go well with Loves Solely You simply superb, and she or he might discover the
competitors a bit simpler after squaring off towards males in her final 5
begins.
Second
Selection: #7 Struggle Like Goddess (7-2) has been a monster
this yr, rattling off 4 straight graded wins over 1 3/8 miles or farther.
The daughter of English Channel routinely produces robust finishes from behind
gradual fractions and was final seen dominating Saratoga’s Flower Bowl S. (G1) by 2
1/4 lengths, suggesting she’s one of the best of the house group and a must-use in
multi-race wagers.
Breeders’ Cup Dash
High
Choice: #2 Jackie’s Warrior (6-5) is a neck away from
being undefeated in 9 begins round one flip, together with victories within the
Hopeful S. (G1), Champagne S. (G1), and H. Allen Jerkens Memorial (G1). The
Steve Asmussen trainee simply retains getting quicker on the Beyer velocity figures
scale and threw down a large 110 when dominating the Gallant Bob S. (G2) at
Parx in easy vogue. If Jackie’s Warrior brings his A-game, he might show
unimaginable to beat.
Second
Selection: #9 Dr. Schivel (4-1) is 3-for-3 at Del Mar, which
features a decided victory within the Bing Crosby S. (G1) over Grade 1 winner
Eight Rings and 2020 Breeders’ Cup Dash runner-up C Z Rocket. Dr. Schivel subsequently
beat C Z Rocket once more when powering to a 3 1/4-length victory within the Santa
Anita Dash Championship (G2). He hasn’t run as quick as Jackie’s Warrior on
the Beyer scale, however Dr. Schiveli’s apparent affinity for Del Mar can land him a
spot within the high three.
Breeders’ Cup Mile
High
Choice: With eight wins from his final 9 begins on
turf, #6 Mo Forza (5-1) is as
constant and proficient as they arrive. A 3-time graded stakes winner over
the Del Mar garden, Mo Forza boasts a merely depraved turn-of-foot, which he is
utilized to beat Grade 1 winners and fellow Breeders’ Cup Mile entrants Easy
Like Strait and Hit the Street in back-to-back begins this yr. Beneath high turf
jockey Flavien Prat (a 28% winner this yr), Mo Forza can win one for the house
group within the Breeders’ Cup Mile.
Second
Selection: Charlie Appleby’s #3
House Blues (3-1) has lengthy been an elite sprinter, with seven furlongs
being his optimum journey. He arrives at Del Mar off a snug two-length
rating within the Prix de la Foret (G1) at Longchamp, and his sprinting velocity bodes
properly for difficult in a sometimes fast-paced race just like the Breeders’ Cup Mile.
Breeders’ Cup Distaff
High
Choice: #11 Dunbar Street (15-1) is perhaps 0-for-4 this yr, however
she’s proven regular enchancment and enters off a pair of deceptively robust
efforts. She was crushed lower than a size when fourth within the Private Ensign
S. (G1) throughout the summer time at Saratoga, after which she rallied gamely towards
the grain of a modest tempo to complete second within the Keeneland’s Spinster S.
(G1). On each events, Dunbar Street was crushed by Letruska, the heavy favourite
for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.
There’s numerous velocity in Friday’s discipline, which can
compromise front-running Letruska and open the door for a late-rallying victory
from Dunbar Street. The daughter of High quality Street completed third within the 2020
Breeders’ Cup Distaff and may have each likelihood to enhance her displaying on
Friday.
Second
Selection: #3 Malathaat (4-1) appears to be flying underneath the radar,
although she’s rattled off victories within the Ashland S. (G1), Kentucky Oaks
(G1), and Alabama S. (G1) this yr. Vast journeys and gradual paces have prevented
the stretch-running sophomore from delivering blowout wins, however the quick tempo
shaping up for the Distaff ought to enable Malathat to provide a career-best
effort and battle for victory at a doubtlessly overlaid worth.
Breeders’ Cup Turf
High Choice:
Three-year-old
filly #12 Teona (6-1) will get in
carrying simply 119 kilos, seven fewer than her older male rivals. That is a
important distinction when you think about how Teona arrives at Del Mar off a
gutsy victory within the Prix Vermeille (G1) at ParisLongchamp, the place she beat
a number of Group 1 winner Snowfall by 1 1/2 lengths. Teona is enhancing steadily
however has solely run six instances, so she has ample upside for enchancment within the
Breeders’ Cup Turf. Remember, Teona has already crushed males, trouncing
two-time Canadian Worldwide (G1) winner Desert Encounter within the 1 7/16-mile
August S. two begins again.
Second
Selection: #13 Tarnawa (9-5) rallied boldly to win the 2020 Breeders’
Cup Turf by one size, however she arrives for her title protection off a tough effort
within the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1), the place she ran second by a neck over
heavy floor. Tarnawa might want to bounce again with one other peak effort to take
house high honors within the Turf, and whereas that is actually a risk, 9-5
looks like a brief worth to just accept.
Breeders’ Cup Basic
High
Choice: There is a ton of velocity within the Basic discipline,
however reigning Breeders’ Cup Filth Mile winner #5 Knicks Go (5-2) has made a behavior of shredding his tempo rivals,
so who’s to say he will not dash to the entrance at Del Mar and overlook to cease? He
could not have been a extra spectacular winner of the Lukas Basic (G3) final
month, and that four-length victory was flattered when runner-up Independence
Corridor returned to crush the Fayette S. (G2) by daylight. Stretching out over 1
1/4 miles is a query mark for Knicks Go, however his uncooked expertise would possibly simply win
the day.
Second
Selection: #4 Important High quality (3-1) is a size away from
being undefeated in 9 begins, together with top-level scores within the Breeders’
Cup Juvenile (G1), Belmont S. (G1), Breeders’ Futurity (G1), and Travers S.
(G1). The latter two victories got here with monitoring techniques, however Important
High quality is simply as efficient rallying from off the tempo. Assuming a quick tempo
unfolds on Saturday, Important High quality figures to be the first beneficiary,
launching a rally down the lane to battle for victory.
Now it is your flip! Who do you want within the 14 Breeders’
Cup races?
*****
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J. Keeler Johnson (also called “Keelerman”) is a author, videographer, voice actor, handicapper, and all-around horse racing fanatic. An incredible fan of racing historical past, he considers Dr. Fager to be the best racehorse ever produced in America, however counts Zenyatta as his all-time favourite.
