The 42nd Annual Breeders’ Cup Thoroughbred World Championship is set to take place this Friday and Saturday in Del Mar, California. This two-day event features 14 races, beginning with five juvenile races on Future Stars Friday. The following day, the main Breeders’ Cup event will host nine more races across various surfaces and categories, highlighted by the $7 million Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic.
Sovarienti, the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner with 6 wins and 5 losses, was initially a favorite but withdrew due to a fever. With Sovarienti out, only nine horses remain eligible for the Classic. Fiacenes, trained by Todd Pletcher and ridden by John Velasquez, is currently the frontrunner with odds of 5-2 and is expected to maintain his top position.
The Breeders’ Cup Classic is scheduled to air at 6:25 p.m. ET on NBC.
Here’s a rundown of notable contenders:
1. Intensity (5-2): Last year’s runner-up in the Classic, known for its speed and now a favorite.
2. Baeza (10-1): Winner of the Pennsylvania Derby, coming in strong with a third-place finish in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. Baeza is also a half-brother to 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage.
3. Nevada Beach (20-1): Bob Baffert’s young entrant with only five races under his belt, bringing speed but some concern about his inexperience.
4. Contrary Thinking (50-1): Serving as a “rabbit” to set the pace and improve the chances of stablemate Sierra Leone.
5. Forever Young (7-2): A strong Japanese contender who has never placed lower than third in 12 races.
7. Sierra Leone (7-2): Last year’s Classic champion aiming for a back-to-back win.
8. Mind Frame (6-1): Known for defeating Sierra Leone in the Stephen Foster Stakes.
9. Journalism (5-1): Preakness and Haskell Stakes winner, finishing second in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, paired with rookie jockey Jose Ortiz.
10. Antiquarian (10-1): Recent Jockey Club Gold Cup winner with solid form this year.
In horse racing, “rabbits” are entered to set a fast pace rather than to win. Contrary Thinking plays this role to benefit stablemate Sierra Leone by preventing any competitor from dominating early. The race’s early speed is crucial, especially over the 1 1/4-mile distance, where keeping pace can make or break a competitor’s strategy. Owner Mike Lepore has expressed disapproval of the rabbit tactic, arguing that horses should compete to win.
For betting, options include win, place, show, exacta, trifecta, and boxing bets covering various combinations. This year’s Breeders’ Cup field is highly competitive with eight strong contenders. The key to success will be reading the race’s pace and finding value bets.
Anita’s picks:
– Win: Baeza (10-1)
– Exacta box: 1-2-5-7 ($12 for a four-horse exacta box)
Fan Take: This year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic promises thrilling competition with a deep field and strategic racing dynamics like the use of rabbits. For horse racing enthusiasts, it highlights the evolving tactics and top-tier talent that keep the sport captivating and unpredictable.
