10/29/2026
The world’s finest thoroughbreds converge on historic Keeneland Racecourse in Lexington, Kentucky, for the 43rd Breeders’ Cup World Championships. Scheduled for Friday, October 30, and Saturday, October 31, this two-day extravaganza features 13 Grade 1 races with a staggering $34 million in total purses. From the precocious juveniles to the elite international turf runners, the event showcases a premier clash of global talent from North America, Europe, and Japan.
In our coverage on this we’ll have everything from start to finish. We’ll have each race’s full post position, morning line odds, jockeys, and trainers, followed by the results of each race as they become official, full payoffs, and a short recap of each race.
Additionally we’ve got three of our Emerald Downs handicapping experts to help handicap these races and give a little inside look at each one: Joe Withee, John Lindley, and Vince Bruun. All three will handicap and select their top three finishers for the Breeders’ Cup Turf and the Breeders’ Cup Classic, set to go as the final two races on Saturday. We’ve taken the other twelve races and divided them up so each one of them will have four additional races with their analysis and selections.
You can head to Emerald Downs to watch every race live, enjoy the excitement with fellow racing fans, and place your bets throughout the weekend. The fifth floor will be open for simulcasting at 7:30 AM both days, offering hundreds of TVs for your viewing convenience, feature races on the fifth floor big screen, top-notch concessions at the Quick Pix Cafe, and a bar serving all your favorites.
The 14 Breeders’ Cup races are broken up over two days. On Friday they call it Rising Stars Day, with five juvenile races on tap. The other nine races are set to go on Saturday.
Future Stars Friday
The action kicks off on Friday with five championship races dedicated exclusively to two-year-old rising stars. The buzz of the afternoon centers around Hughes, an undefeated Bob Baffert trainee named after hockey star Jack Hughes, boasting four dominant wins. He looms large as a standout favorite in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Meanwhile the Juvenile Turf races present the traditional cross-continental battle, with highly regarded European fillies like Libertango taking on a deep American contingent.
The Grand Finale of Saturday’s nine-race card is the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic
The absolute centerpiece of the weekend is the $7 million Longinus Breeders’ Cup Classic, which will run as race 12 on Saturday, featuring a select heavyweight field of eight runners. This year’s Classic delivers a historic meeting of champions.
The field in the Classic include 2-1 morning line favorite Forever Young from Japan, Sovereignty, the 5-2 second choice at 9-2, Knightsbridge, and 5-1, the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner, Golden Tempo. The rest of the field includes Magnitude at 6-1, the Puma at 10-1, Napoleon Solo 15-1, and at 30-1 T O Password.
Friday Races
Here are the five Rising Star races for Friday. They will run as the 6th through the 10th races on the program. All post times listed are Pacific Time. Our local expert picks will be listed below each race card. After the races are run we’ll a recap and results. You can return to this post and we’ll have everything from start to finish by the time all 14 races have been posted official.
6th Race Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint 5 1/2-furlongs Purse $1-Million Post Time: 11:55am
| Post Position (PP) | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Morning-Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Moonrise | Wesley Ward | Oisin Murphy | 12-1 |
| 2 | Good To Be King | George R. Arnold II | Jose L. Ortiz | 12-1 |
| 3 | Libertango | Wesley Ward | Flavien Prat | 5-2 |
| 4 | Brickyard Belle | Steve Asmussen | Manuel Franco | 3-1 |
| 5 | Mussab (GB) | Peter Chapple-Hyam | Oisin Orr | 15-1 |
| 6 | Velozee (IRE) | P. Twomey | Tyler Gaffalione | 20-1 |
| 7 | Crownbreaker (IRE) | Kevin Philippart De Foy | John Velazquez | 20-1 |
| 8 | Force Noir (IRE) | Robson De Aguiar | David Egan | 8-1 |
| 9 | Final Objective (IRE) | Hamad Al Jehani | James Doyle | 8-1 |
| 10 | Harper’s Corner | Cathal Lynch | Paco Lopez | 8-1 |
| 11 | Hell of A Spin (IRE) | Adrian Paul Keatley | Mikey Sheehy | 15-1 |
| 12 | Primetime Emmy (AUS) | Francis-Henri Graffard | Mickael Barzalona | 15-1 |
| 13 (AE) | Ruiva | Wesley Ward | Juan Hernandez | 12-1 |
| 14 (AE) | Wood Island | George Weaver | Flavien Prat | 15-1 |
| 15 (AE) | Adonius (IRE) | Rebecca Menzies | John Velazquez | 12-1 |
| 16 (AE) | Love a Warrior | Steve Asmussen | Luis Saez | 30-1 |
| 17 (AE) | Fanshell Beach | Wesley Ward | Jose Ortiz | 30-1 |
Local Handicapper Joe Withee Top 3 Selections
1 – HARPER’S CORNER #10 – shortens in distance at second time on turf for a filly
that can fly; plus speedy Also-Eligibles did not draw in
1 – Brickyard Belle #4– proven turf sprinter after two straight Ws to begin career; beat
top pick at 6 furlongs a month ago
2 – Libertango #3 – ML favorite has lofty credentials but habit of breaking slowly makes
him beatable
Bet: Win-Place-Show – Harper’s Corner #10
7th Race Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (dirt) 1 1/16 Miles Purse $2-Million Post Time: 12:35pm
| Post Position (PP) | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Morning-Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scarlett Begonia | Brad Cox | Manny Franco | 20-1 |
| 2 | Domain Expansion | Leonard Powell | Adrian Escobedo | 6-1 |
| 3 | Foxiest | Brad Cox | Junior Alvarado | 15-1 |
| 4 | Rum Twist | Mark Hennig | John Velazquez | 15-1 |
| 5 | Miss Monica | Bob Baffert | Flavien Prat | 5-2 |
| 6 | Revenge of the Sis | George Weaver | Edgard Zayas | 20-1 |
| 7 | Lexi’s Charm | Mark Casse | Jose Ortiz | 15-1 |
| 8 | Manuka Honey | Brian Lynch | Luis Saez | 10-1 |
| 9 | Badittude | Todd Pletcher | Joel Rosario | 30-1 |
| 10 | Emphatic | Brendan Walsh | Tyler Gaffalione | 9-5 |
| 11 | Voyager | Mark Casse | Javier Castellano | 12-1 |
| 12 | Life Changing | Todd Pletcher | Juan Hernandez | 30-1 |
Local Handicapper John Lindley Top 3 Selections
1st Miss Monica (#5)– Crushed foes in each of her two lifetime starts, two months off since last should set her up for a huge effort today
2nd Domain Expansion (#2)– Another California runner coming off a dominating win, she may even improve off that effort but a repeat would give her a big chance
3rd Voyager (#11)– Stuck outside but she’s done nothing wrong in her four lifetime starts and could sneak in at a price.
Bets: Exacta: 2-5/2-5-11, $4; Tri: 2-5/2-5-11/2-5-8-10-11, $6; Pick 4: 2-5-11/1-3-9-10/5/4-5-10, $18 plus Pick 4: 2-5/9/5/4-5-10, $3, $21 total
8th Race Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf 1 Mile Purse $1-Million Post Time: 1:15pm
| Post Position (PP) | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Morning-Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Green Empress (IRE) | Joseph Patrick O’Brien | Dylan Browne McMonagle | 10-1 |
| 2 | Go For Launch | SCRATCHED | ||
| 3 | Curracloe | Johnny Murtagh | Ben Coen | 12-1 |
| 4 | Serenas Ghost | Joe Sharp | Luis Saez | 20-1 |
| 5 | De La Renta | Kevin Attard | Kazushi Kimura | 30-1 |
| 6 | Alwaysanangel (IRE) | Joseph Patrick O’Brien | Oisin Murphy | 15-1 |
| 7 | Vanta | Jeff Mullins | Umberto Rispoli | 20-1 |
| 8 | Citrus Springs | Miguel Clement | Manuel Franco | 15-1 |
| 9 | Sun Goddess (IRE) | Aidan O’Brien | Ryan Moore | 6-5 |
| 10 | Amusingly (GB) | Francis-Henri Graffard | Colin Keane | 7-2 |
| 11 | Scommessa Sicura (IRE) | Andrew Balding | Billy Loughnane | 30-1 |
| 12 | Domestic Agenda | Chad Brown | Flavien Prat | 8-1 |
| 13 | Seneca Park | Dallas Stewart | Brian Hernandez Jr. | 30-1 |
| 14 | Ballinea Star (IRE) | Robson De Aguiar | Tyler Gaffalione | 30-1 |
| 15 (AE) | Silent Beauty (IRE) | Kevin Philippart De Foy | David Egan | 30-1 |
| 16 (AE) | Luminous Beauty | Jena Antonucci | Tyler Gaffalione | 30-1 |
| 17 (AE) | Quibbler | Riley Mott | Jaime Torres | 30-1 |
Local Handicapper Vince Bruun Top 3 Selections
1st— Curracloe (No. 3) perfect in two starts in Ireland and bred to relish the added
distance. Blows up tote?
2nd— Sun Goddess (No. 9) will be odds-on to continue a campaign that already
includes three Group 1 triumphs overseas. Her trainer has 21 Breeders’ Cup wins.
3rd— Green Empress (No. 1) has finished runner-up to the chalk three times and
figures a ground-saving trip.
BETTING STRATEGY: Curracloe (No. 3) to win; exacta boxes Curracloe to Sun
Goddess (3/9) and Green Empress (3/1)
9th Race Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (dirt) 1 1/16 Miles Purse $2-Million Post Time: 1:55pm
| Post Position (PP) | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Morning-Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Damavand | John Sadler | Luis Saez | 20-1 |
| 2 | Gaudreau | SCRATCHED | ||
| 3 | Salahudin | Chad Brown | Tyler Gaffalione | 6-1 |
| 4 | Earth Song | Todd Pletcher | Junior Alvarado | 20-1 |
| 5 | Hughes | Bob Baffert | Flavien Prat | 1-1 |
| 6 | American History | Rodolphe Brisset | John R. Velazquez | 9-2 |
| 7 | Coach Pope | Riley Mott | Jose L. Ortiz | 4-1 |
| 8 | He Is No Lie | Kenneth McPeek | Joel Rosario | 15-1 |
Local Handicapper Joe Withee Top 3 Selections
1 – SALAHUDIN #3 – three-for-three record plus reports of dazzling workout earlier this
week put him in top spot over two other unbeatens
2 – Hughes #5 – perfect at 4/4 over three different tracks with Prat/Baffert in corner
3 – American History #6 – like Hughes, has won around two turns; of high quality
Bet: Win – Salahudin #3
10th Race Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf 1 Mile Purse $1-Million Post Time: 2:35pm
| Post Position (PP) | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Morning-Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Induction | SCRATCHED | ||
| 2 | Avec Toi | Christopher Head | Flavien Prat | 10-1 |
| 3 | Florida Bay (IRE) | Aidan O’Brien | Wayne Lordan | 20-1 |
| 4 | Haffner | Aidan O’Brien | Christophe Soumillon | 8-1 |
| 5 | How’s Al Today | Dale Romans | Brian Hernandez Jr. | 3-1 (Favorite) |
| 6 | Pikachu (GB) | Michael Bell | David Egan | 30-1 |
| 7 | Let Em Know | Saffie Joseph Jr. | Edgard Zayas | 20-1 |
| 8 | Liam’s Law | Christophe Clement | Jose L. Ortiz | 20-1 |
| 9 | Sale Shark (IRE) | Hugo Palmer | Oisin Murphy | 30-1 |
| 10 | Folsom Blues (IRE) | Joseph Patrick O’Brien | Dylan McMonagle | 7-2 |
| 11 | Man’s Best Friend (IRE) | Aidan O’Brien | Colin Keane | 15-1 |
| 12 | Oscar | Todd Pletcher | William Buick | 15-1 |
| 13 | Agate | Brad Cox | Tyler Gaffalione | 10-1 |
| 14 | Great Barrier Reef (IRE) | Aidan O’Brien | Ryan Moore | 4-1 |
| 15 | Popcorn | John Kimmel | Manuel Franco | 20-1 |
Local Handicapper John Lindley Top 3 Selections
1st How’s Al Today (#5)– Impressed in both of his turf starts while earning a big figure for a two-year-old
in his last, he looks pretty formidabe today
2nd Folsom Blues (#10)– Hard to fault his form with six excellent efforts in his career, he has yet to race on firm
turf and that might move him up even more.
3rd Haffner (#4)– Two for two on firm turf and he has decent tactical speed, loses his rider to
another but should get a nice stalking trip.
Bets: Exacta: Box 4-5-10, $6, plus 5/4-10-11-14, $4, $10 Total
Tri: 5-10/4-5-10/4-5-10-11-14, $6.
Saturday Races
The nine Breeders’ Cup races for Saturday will run as the 4th through 12th races on the program. All post times listed are Pacific Time and our local expert picks, again, will be listed below each race card.
4th Race Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (dirt) 7 Furlongs Purse $1-Million Post Time: 10:10am
| Post Position | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Morning Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Look Forward | Michael W. McCarthy | Umberto Rispoli | 20/1 |
| 2 | Ways and Means | Chad C. Brown | Flavien Prat | 7/5 |
| 3 | Praying | Robert Medina | John R. Velazquez | 30/1 |
| 4 | R Disaster | Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. | Tyler Gaffalione | 8/1 |
| 5 | Foie Gras | Michael J. Maker | Ricardo Santana, Jr. | 20/1 |
| 6 | Majestic Oops | Philip D’Amato | Francisco Arrieta | 15/1 |
| 7 | Evanescence | Eddie Kenneally | Luis Saez | 15/1 |
| 8 | Kerry’s Kiss | Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. | Edwin Gonzalez | 20/1 |
| 9 | Sweet Azteca | Richard Baltas | Juan J. Hernandez | 8/1 |
| 10 | Simply Joking | Michael W. McCarthy | Manuel Franco | 30/1 |
| 11 | Explora | Bob Baffert | Jose L. Ortiz | 4/1 |
| 12 | Kilwin | George R. Arnold II | Javier Castellano | 8/1 |
| 13 | Nooni | Bob Baffert | Mario Gutierrez | 30/1 |
Local Handicapper Joe Withee Top 3 Selections
1 – FOIE GRAS #5 – got much better at age 4 and speed figures climbing; big-hearted
one will have to further improve but a great play at 20-1
2 – Kilwin #12 – tons of speed up front for her withering stretch kick
3 – Ways and Means #2 – added to great career with impressive recent Ballerina score;
came into this race last year on win streak and was beaten as favorite
Bet: Win-Place-Show – Foie Gras #5, Exacta Key – 1, 2, 4, 9, 12 with 5
5th Race Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint 5 1/2 Furlongs Purse $1-Million Post Time: 10:48am
| Post Position | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Morning Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | John the Beer Man | Rob Atras | Kendrick Carmouche | 30/1 |
| 2 | Shisospicy | Jose Francisco D’Angelo | Luis Saez | 15/1 |
| 3 | Bacio | Wesley A. Ward | Juan J. Hernandez | 5/2 |
| 4 | Roja | H. Graham Motion | Manuel Franco | 30/1 |
| 5 | Time to Dazzle | Mark E. Casse | Oisin Murphy | 20/1 |
| 6 | Yellow Card | Michael W. McCarthy | Flavien Prat | 8/1 |
| 7 | Comanche Brave | Donnacha O’Brien | Billy Loughnane | 3/1 |
| 8 | Possiblemente | Joe Sharp | Jose L. Ortiz | 12/1 |
| 9 | In Our Time | Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. | Micah J. Husbands | 20/1 |
| 10 | Cy Fair | George Weaver | John R. Velazquez | 8/1 |
| 11 | Joe Shiesty | Eric N. Foster | Fernando De La Cruz | 10/1 |
| 12 | Sorrento Sky | Philip D’Amato | Umberto Rispoli | 12/1 |
| 13 | Starlust | Ralph Beckett | Rossa Ryan | 20/1 |
| 14 | Miss Yechance | Karl Burke | Jack Nicholls | 15/1 |
| 15 (AE) | Big Mojo | Michael Appleby | Tom Marquand | 20/1 |
| 16 (AE) | No Nay Hudson | Wesley A. Ward | Jose L. Ortiz | 15/1 |
| 17 (AE) | Doncho | Michelle Lovell | Ricardo Santana, Jr. | 20/1 |
| 18 (AE) | Outfielder | Wesley A. Ward | David Egan | 30/1 |
Local Handicapper Vince Bruun Top 3 Selections
1st— Bacio (No. 3) beat 43 horses while carrying 139 and 131 lbs., including a
recent Group 1 score at Ascot. Sophomore figures to trounce his elders.
2nd— In Our Time (No. 9) scored nicely over this layout and will be a giant price for
one of the nation’s top outfits. Mare faces a tough assignment vs. males, but her
speed is legit.
3rd— Comanche Brave (No. 5) much improved since scaling back to sprints, earning
over $1.3 million while picking off Group 1s in Ireland and England.
BETTING STRATEGY: I try to avoid chalk in the Breeders’ Cup, however Bacio is
useful as a “single” in multi-race wagers.
6th Race Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile 1 Mile (dirt) Purse $1-Million Post Time: 11:26am
| Post Position | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Morning Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Further Ado | Brad H. Cox | Flavien Prat | 2/1 |
| 2 | T Kraft | William I. Mott | Junior Alvarado | 15/1 |
| 3 | Full Serrano | John W. Sadler | Joel Rosario | 10/1 |
| 4 | Chunk of Gold | Ethan W. West | Jaime A. Torres | 8/1 |
| 5 | Coal Battle | Lonnie Briley | Juan P. Vargas | 6/1 |
| 6 | Lord Fons | Shogo Yasuda | Kazuo Yokoyama | 15/1 |
| 7 | Bracket Buster | Victoria H. Oliver | John R. Velazquez | 7/2 |
| 8 | Moonlight | Peter Miller | Manuel Franco | 15/1 |
| 9 | Forged Steel | Saffie A. Joseph, Jr. | Edwin Gonzalez | 15/1 |
| 10 | Owen Almighty | Brian A. Lynch | Luis Saez | 10/1 |
| 11 | Iron Man Cal | Philip D’Amato | Tyler Gaffalione | 12/1 |
Local Handicapper Vince Bruun Top 3 Selections
1st— Full Serrano (No. 3) scales back to his favorite trip following a decent third in
the Pacific Classic (G1). Interim works are sharp and could be a handful from
slightly off the pace.
2nd— Owen Almighty (No. 10) overcame trouble to finish third in a better than
looked effort and goes for one of the sport’s best jockey/trainer combos. The only
drawback is the post.
3rd— Further Ado (No. 1) has locked horns with America’s best sophomores and
clearly favors the Keeneland strip.
BETTING STRATEGY: Full Serrano (No. 3) to win; exacta boxes Full Serrano to
Owen Almighty (3/10) and Further Ado (3/1)
7th Race Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf 1 3/16 Mile Purse $2-Million Post Time: 12:04 pm
| Post Position | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Morning Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gimme a Nother | H. Graham Motion | John R. Velazquez | 10/1 |
| 2 | Evershed | Scratched | ||
| 3 | Classic Q | Mark E. Casse | Javier Castellano | 20/1 |
| 4 | Red Letter | Ger Lyons | Dylan Browne McMonagle | 12/1 |
| 5 | Kathynmarissa | Chad C. Brown | Jose L. Ortiz | 5/1 |
| 6 | Thought Process | Philip D’Amato | Manuel Franco | 15/1 |
| 7 | Bless the Broken | Brad H. Cox | Oisin Murphy | 20/1 |
| 8 | Jancis | Willie McCreery | Billy Lee | 20/1 |
| 9 | Eccentric | Wesley A. Ward | Walter A. Rodriguez | 30/1 |
| 10 | Expensive Queen | Brendan P. Walsh | Luis Saez | 15/1 |
| 11 | Precise | Aidan P. O’Brien | Ryan L. Moore | 7/2 |
| 12 | Blue Bolt | Andrew Balding | Colin T. Keane | 5/2 |
| 13 | Lush Lips | Brendan P. Walsh | Tyler Gaffalione | 12/1 |
| 14 | Stellify | Brad H. Cox | Flavien Prat | 12/1 |
| 15 (AE) | Vina Arana | Scratched |
Local Handicapper Vince Bruun Top 3 Selections
1st— Trying to beat Euros is usually asking for trouble in t Breeders’ Cup, but the
two favorites might be vulnerable at the longer distance. Gimme a Nother (No. 1)
is worth a look at a price. The farther the better for this hard-hitting South African
mare, winner of 11 of 15 career starts.
2nd— Blue Bolt (No. 12) is six for six in 2026 including four straight Group 1
victories. Her sire was a stone-cold sprinter and 1 3/16 miles might be too far for
her.
3rd— Precise (No. 11) is a classy 3-year-old but enters on a five-race losing streak
and she appears more a miler.
BETTING STRATEGY: Win wager on Gimme a Nother (No. 1)
**Joe Withee’s Pick 3 bet with a single of his top pick in the 9th
Race 7 1-5-8-11-12-13
Race 8 4-7-11-13
Race 9 1
$1 P-3 cost – $24
8th Race Breeders’ Cup Sprint (dirt) 6 furlongs Purse $2-Million Post Time: 12:42 pm
| Post Position | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Morning Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mad House | David Van Winkle | Paco Lopez | 30/1 |
| 2 | Dark Saffron | Ahmad bin Harmash | Connor Beasley | 20/1 |
| 3 | Liam Smith | Peter Miller | Manny Franco | 20/1 |
| 4 | Hymn | Ron Moquett | Rafael Bejarano | 15/1 |
| 5 | Listenupshance | Doug O’Neill | Emisael Jaramillo | 12/1 |
| 6 | American Stage | Yoshito Yahagi | Oisin Murphy | 30/1 |
| 7 | Built | Wayne Catalano | Luis Saez | 10/1 |
| 8 | Little Thunder | Timothy Hamm | John Velazquez | 30/1 |
| 9 | Nakatomi | Wesley Ward | Tyler Gaffalione | 12/1 |
| 10 | Roll On Big Joe | Robert Hess Jr. | Julien Leparoux | 30/1 |
| 11 | T O Elvis | Daisuke Takayanagi | Ryusei Sakai | 7/2 |
| 12 | Stradale | Steve Asmussen | Flavien Prat | 20/1 |
| 13 | Englishman | Cherie DeVaux | Jose Ortiz | 4/5 |
Local Handicapper John Lindley Top 3 Selections
1st Englishman (#13)– His last two have been in another league with big Beyer figures, the outside draw, while wide actually gives his rider options, obvious one to beat.
2nd T O Elvis (#11)– Any other year he would look to have a big edge over this field as he was super impressive Derby Day, has been pointed here since that race, main threat.
3rd Dark Saffron (#2)– UAE runner has been away since late March but that was a big effort and he looks best of the rest.
Bets: Exacta: 13/2-6-7-10-11, 13/11, $6; Tri: 13/2-6-7-10-11/2-6-7-10-11, $10; Pick 3: 13/1-2-3-5-6-8-9-11-12/2-8, $18.
9th Race Breeders’ Cup Mile (dirt) 1 Mile Purse $2-Million Post Time: 1:20 pm
| PP | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Morning-Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deterministic | Miguel Clement | Kendrick Carmouche | 8/1 |
| 2 | Lake Forest | William Haggas | Cieren Fallon | 6/1 |
| 3 | Facteur Cheval | Mark Casse | Manuel Franco | 30/1 |
| 4 | Cabo Spirit | George Papaprodromou | Mike E. Smith | 30/1 |
| 5 | Ask Ikigomi | Hideaki Fujiwara | Ryusei Sakai | 20/1 |
| 6 | Zulu Kingdom | SCRATCHED | ||
| 7 | Qirat | Ralph Beckett | Colin Keane | 30/1 |
| 8 | Notable Speech | Charles Appleby | William Buick | 7/5 |
| 9 | Rhetorical | Will Walden | Jose Ortiz | 8/1 |
| 10 | Lugal | Haruki Sugiyama | Atsuya Nishimura | 30/1 |
| 11 | Formidable Man | Michael McCarthy | Umberto Rispoli | 15/1 |
| 12 | True Love | H. Graham Motion | John R. Velazquez | 8/1 |
| 13 | Brilliant Berti | Cherie DeVaux | Brian Hernandez Jr. | 30/1 |
| 14 | Puerto Rico | Aidan O’Brien | Ryan Moore | 10/1 |
| 15 | Vina Arana | Jack Sisterson | Adam Beschizza | 30/1 |
Local Handicapper Joe Withee Top 3 Selections
1 – DETERMINISTIC #1 – fantastic win streak ended when Notable Speech zipped by
him in Woodbine Mile; needs only slightly different scenario to pull 8-1 upset
2 – Notable Speech #8 – defending Mile champ can quicken with the best of them; jock
Buick outstanding at finding racing room
3 – Ask Ikigomi #5 – another BC live longshot … in just three starts, he’s outrun 44 of
the 45 he’s faced; has top jock Sakai up (regular rider of Forever Young)
Bets: Win – Deterministic #1
Exacta Key – #1 with 5,8 and reverse
Win-Place-Show backup bet – Ask Ikigomi #5
10th Race
Breeders’ Cup Distaff (dirt) 1 1/8 Mile Purse $2-Million Post Time: 1:58 pm
| PP | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Morning-Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Immersive | Brad Cox | Junior Alvarado | 30/1 |
| 2 | Nitrogen | Mark Casse | Jose Ortiz | 6/5 |
| 3 | Regaled | Whit Beckman | Joseph Ramos | 20/1 |
| 4 | Fully Subscribed | Chad Brown | Flavien Prat | 8/5 |
| 5 | Scottish Lassie | SCRATCHED | ||
| 6 | Measure | Mark Casse | Manny Franco | 20/1 |
| 7 | Super Corredora | John Sadler | Joel Rosario | 15/1 |
| 8 | Splendora | Bob Baffert | Tyler Gaffalione | 9/2 |
| 9 | Eunomia | Saffie Joseph Jr. | Micah Husbands | 30/1 |
Local Handicapper John Lindley Top 3 Selections
1st Nitrogen (#2)– Effort against the boys in the Whitney when second points her out, she can act from on or off the lead early, either way clearly deserves to be favored.
2nd Splendora (#8)– Baffert trained runner hasn’t been threatened in each of her last three starts and has won five straight routes, may give the top choice all that one can handle.
3rd Eunomia (#9)– Comes off a better than looks win in her last, she shows a very nice string of workouts since that race, chance at a price.
Bets: Exacta: 2-8/2-4-8-9, $6; Tri: 2-8/2-4-8-9/2-4-5-8-9, $9; Pick 3: 2-8/1-3-6-7-9-12-14/2-7, $28
11th Race Breeders’ Cup Turf 1 1/2 Mile Purse $5-Million Post Time: 2:36 pm
| PP | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Morning-Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ethical Diamond (IRE) | Willie Mullins | Dylan Browne McMonagle | 10/1 |
| 2 | Benvenuto Cellini (IRE) | Aidan O’Brien | Ryan Moore | 6/1 |
| 3 | Minaret Station | Will Walden | Jose Ortiz | 15/1 |
| 4 | Far Bridge | Miguel Clement | John Velazquez | 20/1 |
| 5 | El Cordobes (IRE) | Charlie Appleby | William Buick | 15/1 |
| 6 | Burnham Square | Ian Wilkes | Brian Hernandez Jr. | 8/1 |
| 7 | Hotazhell (GB) | Jessica Harrington | Shane Foley | 15/1 |
| 8 | Test Score | Scratched | ||
| 9 | Johanna Walsh (IRE) | Joseph O’Brien | Mickael Barzalona | 12/1 |
| 10 | Tiffany (IRE) | Sir Mark Prescott | Luke Morris | 10/1 |
| 11 | Survie (IRE) | George Boughey | Flavien Prat | 15/1 |
| 12 | Diamond Necklace (IRE) | Aidan O’Brien | Christophe Soumillon | 3/1 |
| 13 | Bay City Roller (IRE) | George Scott | Oisin Murphy | 5/1 |
| 14 | Deep Monster (JPN) | Yasutoshi Ikee | Tom Marquand | 20/1 |
| 15 | Map of Stars (GB) | John & Thady Gosden | — | 30/1 |
| 16AE | Telescopic (IRE) | Aidan O’Brien | — | 30/1 |
Local Handicapper Vince Bruun Top 3 Selections
1st— Bay City Roller (No. 13) ran a bang-up second at odds of 37-1 in the
prestigious Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, an effort that would be good enough to win
the BC Turf. Irish-bred excels in 12-furlong races.
2nd— Hotazhell (No. 7) carried 135 lbs. in posting a massive upset in a Group 1 race
at Leopardstown. Hard-trying 4-year-old has a long history of outrunning his odds.
3rd— Diamond Necklace (No. 12) gets an easier assignment after a strong third in
the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe. Look for the 3-year-old filly to fire another big shot
Saturday.
BETTING STRATEGY: Win bet on Bay City Roller (No. 13) and exacta boxes with
Bay City Roller and Hotazhell (13/7) and Bay City Roller and Diamond Necklace (13/12)
Local Handicapper Joe Withee Top 3 Selections
1 – BAY CITY ROLLER #13 – not a win machine but beaten recently by only the best
Europe has to offer
2 – Diamond Necklace #12 – three-year-old filly is a win machine, finished right behind
top pick in ‘Arc four weeks ago
3 – Burnham Square #6 – became grass horse late last year and it’s working out, caught
behind slow pace in last
Bets: Exacta Key Box – #13 with 1, 6, 11, 12
Local Handicapper John Lindley Top 3 Selections
1st Ethical Diamond (#1)– Won this race last year and ran well this year at Kentucky Downs finishing second despite having no pace to run at, rail draw a big plus as he can save ground.
2nd Minaret Station (#3)– Seems to be getting better with every start, he has a little early speed which may come in handy in this big field, could spring a mild upset.
3rd Hotazhell (#7)– 50-1 last race in Ireland while winning by a nose, he also has early speed and should be close by throughout.
Bets: Exacta: Box 1-3-7, $6; Tri: 1-3-7/1-3-7/1-3-7-9-12, $9.
12th Race Breeders’ Cup Classic (dirt) 1 1/8 Mile Purse $7-Million Post Time: 3:16 pm
| PP | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Morning-Line Odds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | T O Password (JPN) | Daisuke Takayanagi | Kazushi Kimura | 30/1 |
| 2 | Sovereignty | Bill Mott | Junior Alvarado | 5/2 |
| 3 | Golden Tempo | Cherie DeVaux | Jose Ortiz | 5/1 |
| 4 | The Puma | Gustavo Delgado | Javier Castellano | 10/1 |
| 5 | Forever Young (JPN) | Yoshito Yahagi | Ryusei Sakai | 2/1 |
| 6 | Magnitude | Steve Asmussen | Flavien Prat | 6/1 |
| 7 | Knightsbridge | Bill Mott | Luis Saez | 9/2 |
| 8 | Napoleon Solo | Chad Summers | John Velazquez | 15/1 |
Local Handicapper Vince Bruun Top 3 Selections
1st— Defending champ Forever Young (No. 5) has banked over $32 million while
globetrotting the world’s top races. His knockers were out in force after a visually
unimpressive score at Belmont Park, but it was merely a prep for the Classic.
2nd— Knightsbridge (No. 7) was reportedly headed to the Dirt Mile before the
connections audibled into the Classic. He’s likely to be leading when the field
straightens for home.
3rd— Sovereignty (No. 2) rediscovered his form with a powerful score in the
Whitney and is three for three at 1 ¼ miles.
BETTING STRATEGY: Win wager on Forever Young (No. 5) and exacta box with
Forever Young and Knightsbridge (5/7)
Local Handicapper Joe Withee Top 3 Selections
1 – SOVEREIGNTY #2 – schedule changes plus up and down info from camp this year
but Whitney victory, record at distance and raves from recent workout put him on top
5 – Forever Young #5 – resume is more than outstanding, the all-time great looking for
one more huge effort
7 – Knightsbridge #7 – has emerged as brilliant route runner in summer of ‘26
Bet: Win – Sovereignty #2
Local Handicapper John Lindley Top 3 Selections
1st Sovereignty (#2)– Missed this race last year when sick and missed a little training this year when
battling an abcess, but he’s three for three at this distance, trainer one of the best.
2nd Knightsbridge (#7)– Stablemate of the top choice won the Pacific Classic after forcing some blistering
fractions, will again have to work early but he may prove tough to catch.
3rd Forever Young (#5)– $31M earner and winner of this race last year is clearly one of the all time best, he is a deserving favorite.
Bets: Exacta: 2-7/2-5-6-7, $6; Tri: 2-7/2-5-6-7/2-4-5-6-7, $9.
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