The Breeders’ Cup wrapped up three weeks ago, featuring nine impressive contenders in the Classic race. Forever Young arrived early and waited, while Sierra Leone represents Japan’s close bid to secure its first Classic victory. A young three-year-old named Nevada Beach finished in seventh place.
Returning after just three weeks is uncommon in today’s high-level training, yet Nevada Beach has managed this schedule already this year. Trainer Bob Baffert entered the horse in the Los Al Derby and Affirmed earlier in June, with races on June 8th and 20th. This November, the races are on the 1st and 22nd. Having won the Los Al Derby, Baffert clearly believes Nevada Beach is ready for another strong performance.
Let’s explore which horses might cause an upset. For those interested in wagering on California races, our partners at AmWager offer a 100% deposit match up to $150 for new customers.
Grade 3 Native Diver Stakes: 1 ⅛ miles on dirt for horses aged 3 or older, with a $100,000 purse.
1. Essential, 3/1 odds; Jockey: Hector Berrios; Trainer: John Sadler. Essential is a strong contender, having raced in graded stakes three times with two top-three finishes. He consistently performed well at Del Mar, placing in the top three in five of six career starts. Beating Nevada Beach is a tough challenge, but Essential is the front-runner.
Comment: Could place on the board.
2. Westwood, 6/1 odds; Jockey: Umberto Rispoli; Trainer: John Shirreffs. Westwood has been consistent this year, winning his first race in August at Del Mar and finishing in the money in six of seven starts. However, he hasn’t yet proven himself at this level. He might place in the top three, but winning is unlikely.
Comment: Skip betting on him.
3. Nevada Beach, 3/5 odds; Jockey: Juan Hernandez; Trainer: Bob Baffert. Nevada Beach is the favored winner, with all his stakes performances this year as wins against this competition. For a big payoff late in the card, betting against him is the strategy.
Comment: The winner.
4. British Isles, 6/1 odds; Jockey: Diego Herrera; Trainer: Richard Baltas. British Isles has an excellent grass record with three wins in 18 career starts, but this race on dirt seems more to keep the event alive. Trainer Baltas has recently focused more on dirt racing, boosting his win rate to 17%, but at Del Mar, he has struggled, winning just once with 16 starters.
Comment: Skip betting on him.
5. Clouzot, 12/1 odds; Jockey: Kyle Frey; Trainer: George Papaprodromou. Clouzot has competed seven times this year without success at Del Mar, though he earned three wins at Santa Anita, his latest a $25,000 claim. This level is too high for a win, but he might secure a decent payout.
Comment: Skip betting on him.
Sports Tribune Betting Tip:
$20 Late Pick 3, Race 7 Start ($40): 6,7 / 3 / 3. Best of luck!
Fan Take: This update is crucial for horse racing fans as it highlights key contenders and their prospects in a major race, showcasing the sport’s competitive nature and the strategic decisions behind race entries. Keeping an eye on young talent like Nevada Beach could signal shifts in future racing dynamics and exciting developments for the sport.
