Horse Racing: 2026 Breeders Cup Championships; Sovereignty takes the Classic, caps big weekend at Keeneland

10/31/2026

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.

Meantime, two riders scored 3 Breeders Cup wins this weekend, Ryan Moore and Flavien Prat. Moore also won the $5-million dollar Turf race on Benvenuto Cellini. All 3 wins were for trainer Aidan O’brien. His othjer two wins were aboard Sun Goddess and Haffner both in Rising Star $1-million races.

Prat won one on Friday aboard Hughes and took the opener on Saturday with Ways and Means and won with Further Ado by a whisker over Owen Almighty for a total of $4-million in purses.

Jose Ortiz was the other rider with multiple wins and got them both on Saturday. He won a pair of $2-million races with Kathynmarissa and on Nitrogen. 

Three riders picked up their first ever BC wins, Billy Loughnane in the opener on Friday, Juan Hernandez on Saturday and Kendrick Carmouche also on Saturday.

Our coverage below starts with all of Saturday’s races, the Friday card is just below. Each race has the entries, race recap, results and pay-offs and pictures. Our experts selections are also included.

We had a little contest with West 42 Sports’ expert handicapper Larry the SportsCat. You can check out how they did on this link.

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

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

Race Re-cap

The field of 11 kicked off Championship Saturday at Keeneland, going 7 furlongs in the Fillies and Mare Sprint. The favorite, Ways and Means at Odds-On with Flavien Prat aboard, broke in mid-pack and was patient, staying along the inside from the two post. While 8-1 R Disaster took the early lead, along with Kerry’s Kiss and Sweet Azteca. 

The first quarter went in 22.14 and the half at 44.75. At that point Ways and Means and Prat were positioned well along the inside and had room. Explora and Jose Ortiz came up next to Ways and Means but just before the quarter pole Ways and Means was able to split runners and took the lead at the top of the stretch.

Prat tapped her twice and never looked back, pulling away for a massive win. She was the fourth favorite to win of the first six Breeders’ Cup races here in 2026. Longshot Foie Gras with Richard Santana Jr. closed well to be second, just getting Explora, who ran third, and completing the superfecta was number 12, Kilwin, with Tyler Gaffalione.

Ways and Means runs for the Klaravitch Stables and is trained by Chad Brown. The final time was 1:21.76.

Results

• $1.00 EXACTA 2-5 $25.85
• $0.50 TRIFECTA 2-5-11 $81.36
• $0.10 SUPERFECTA 2-5-11-12 $67.83
• $1.00 SUPERHIGHFIVE 2-5-11-12-7 $2,811.73
• $1.00 DAILY DOUBLE 10-2 $34.22
• $1.00 PICK 3 9-10-2 $180.54

5th Race   Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint  5 1/2 Furlongs   Purse $1-Million  Post Time: 10:48am

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.

Race Re-cap

The 5th race on Saturday at Keeneland was the second Breeders’ Cup race of the day, the 5.5-furlong turf sprint. Bacio, the betting choice with Juan Hernandez aboard, went straight to the front and never looked back, blazing away with a finishing time of 1:02.11. There was a speed duel expected in this race but Bacio was simply too good. 

By the time they reached the stretch, Bacio had pulled away by five or six lengths and then there was a stampede for second place. Getting up for second was Cy Fair with John Velasquez up, Starlust with Ryan Rossa finishing third at 27-1 and then there was a dead heat for fourth between Time to Dazzle at Comanche Brave. 

Bacio had a huge contingent supporting him, with thousands of owners involved in a syndicate under the My Racehorse Barn name. My racehorse is responsible for 51% of the ownership, along with co-owners Torie Gladwell, Deja Blu Stasble, Jacob Shockley, Josh Messenger, Valerie Dailey and Joshua Hanna. The 3-year-old Kentucky-bred colt is trained by Wesley Ward. 

For jockey Juan Hernandez he came into this race 0 for 29 in Breeders’ Cup races. In his 30th attempt he gets his first Breeders’ Cup championship.

Results

• $1.00 EXACTA 3-10 $37.27
• $0.50 TRIFECTA 3-10-13 $352.53
• $0.10 SUPERFECTA 3-10-13-7 $142.46
• $0.10 SUPERFECTA 3-10-13-5 $333.65
• – SUPERHIGHFIVE CarryOver $23,610.74
• $1.00 DAILY DOUBLE 2-3 $10.16
• $1.00 PICK 3 10-2-3 $187.30
• $0.50 PICK 4 4 OF 4 5,9-10-2,3,13-3 $276.07
• $0.50 PICK 5 5 OF 5 1,5,10-5,9-10-2,3,13-3 $561.35
• $0.50 PICK 5 4 OF 5 1,5,10-5,9-10-2,3,13-3 $7.43

6th Race   Breeders’ Cup 1 Mile (dirt)   Purse $1-Million  Post Time: 11:26am

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)

Race Re-cap

In the most exciting race of the Breeders’ Cup series so far, betting favorite, at 1-1, Further Ado, was a literal whisker in front of 9-1 Owen Almighty. The photo finish sign was up for some time and many were predicting a dead heat but the stewards decided there was enough of a difference to award the win. Jockey Flavien Prat gets his second Breeders’ Cup win of the day after taking the opener on Ways and Means. Meantime Luis Saez the pilot on Owen Almighty is still looking for his first Breeders’ Cup championship. He had a heck of a ride but just missed in a heartbreaker.

Turning for home Owen Almighty surged to the lead, built up about a length or two lead but, Further Ado, under a hard ride by Prat, came flying late. The two went nose to nose. It was a definite head bob to decide the winner and there was not much between the two.

Full Serrano, prominent from the start with early speed, held on well to be third under Joel Rosario, and 53-to-1 Moonlight, with Manuel Franco, got up for fourth to complete the superfecta.

Further Ado is owned by the Spend Thrift Farm and trained by Brad Cox and ran the 1 mile in 1:34.50.

Results

• $1.00 EXACTA 1-10 $16.19
• $0.50 TRIFECTA 1-10-3 $50.67
• $0.10 SUPERFECTA 1-10-3-8 $115.74
• $1.00 SUPERHIGHFIVE 1-10-3-8-5 $4,492.79
• $1.00 DAILY DOUBLE 3-1 $12.40
• $1.00 PICK 3 2-3-1 $23.50

7th Race   Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf  1 3/16 Mile   Purse $2-Million  Post Time: 12:04 pm

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

Race Re-cap

Three scratches in the 7th race at Keeneland on Saturday for the filly and mare turf race going a mile and 3/16, leaving 12 to break from the gate. 22-to-1 Classic Q was the early speed in this one and really went unchallenged, setting some very reasonable fractions of 23.90 and 47.75. Heading into the far turn Classic Q continued to lead with Expensive Queen in second but the closers began to stir as they straightened away at the top of the stretch. 

At the 16th pole, Gimme A Nother with John Velasquez had taken a lead. Kathynmarissa, ridden by Jose Ortiz, were closing quickly, along with long shot Jancis and Billy Lee was also closing as it was quite the stampede in the final 1/16 of the race. 

They could not deny the closer, Kathynmarissa, as Ortiz rolled up on the outside and got by Gimme A Nother, Jancis finished third with Expensive Queen holding for fourth. 

Kathynmarissa, a Kentucky-bred, is owned by Michael Dub and Michael Caruso and trained by Chad Brown. This was Brown’s fifth win on the filly and mare turf. That is a Breeders’ Cup record. The winning time was 1:53.75. 

Results

• $1.00 EXACTA 5-1 $42.24
• $0.50 TRIFECTA 5-1-8 $314.20
• $0.10 SUPERFECTA 5-1-8-10 $1,119.87
• – SUPERHIGHFIVE CarryOver $33,160.05
• $1.00 DAILY DOUBLE 1-5 $23.77
• $1.00 PICK 3 3-1-5 $62.37
• $0.50 PICK 4 4 OF 4 2,3,13-3-1,9-5 $97.44
• $0.50 PICK 5 4 OF 5 10-2,3,13-3-1,9-5 $16.15
• $0.50 PICK 5 5 OF 5 10-2,3,13-3-1,9-5 $1,649.08

8th Race   Breeders’ Cup Sprint (dirt)  6 furlongs   Purse $2-Million  Post Time: 12:42 pm

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.

Race Re-cap

Odds-on favorites have not done well in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, going 6 furlongs in the 8th race on Saturday, and #13 Englishman with Jose Ortiz was odds-on at 4/5. Turning for home it looked like Ortiz, an Englishman, was about to snap that streak of five odds-on favorites not even hitting the board, as he had a big lead as they approached the eighth pole in the stretch at Keeneland. 

As they approached the 16th pole, it still looked like Englishman had it in the bag but T O Elvis, the shipper from Japan, was rolling on the outside under a furious drive from Sakai Ryusei, not only caught the favorite but pulled away for a clear win in a final time of 108.20. 

Englishman was not on the lead but close with Liam Smith. They set pretty quick fractions of 21.78 and 44.42 for the half. That may have taken just enough out of Englishman that he could not resist the fast closing run of T O Elvis.

Liam Smith did well to hold on for third ridden by Manuel Franco and Long Shot, Hymn with Rafael Bejarano, ended up fourth. 

The connections of T O Elvis, are owner Tomoya Ozasa and trainer Takayanagi Daisuke. Sakai Ryusei has another mount today and will try to win his second Breeders’ Cup Classic when he climbs aboard Forever Young in the finale of the 2026 Breeders’ Cup. 

Results

• $1.00 EXACTA 11-13 $7.90
• $0.50 TRIFECTA 11-13-3 $60.75
• $0.10 SUPERFECTA 11-13-3-4 $124.53
• $1.00 SUPERHIGHFIVE 11-13-3-4-12 $10,293.96
• $1.00 DAILY DOUBLE 5-11 $26.28
• $1.00 PICK 3 1-5-11 $80.16

9th Race   Breeders’ Cup Mile (dirt) 1 Mile   Purse $2-Million  Post Time: 1:20 pm

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

Race Re-cap

In the ninth race the Breeders’ Cup Turf Mile a field of 13 circled the track and a couple of firsts ended up in the winner’s circle. As they broke from the gate a long shot, Cabo Spirit, went to the lead but second choice Deterministic, with Kendrick Carmouche aboard, along the rail not far behind. The 1-1 betting choice, Notable Speech, with William Buick aboard, was well back in the field early on as Deterministic and Cabo Spirit set fractions of 23.31 and 47.01. 

Carmouche clung to the rail and as they turned for home let Deterministic out and built up a big lead. The deep-closing Notable Speech had to swing wide and simply ran out of room as Deterministic was able to get the win in a final time of 1:34.52. Notable speech was second. Lake Force closed from far back with Cieren Fallon aboard to take the show money and 62-to-1 Facteur Cheval with Manuel Franco would finish fourth. 

The firsts were for the jockey and trainer of Deterministic. This was Kendrick Carmouche’s seventh Breeders’ Cup mount and his first win and he did it in style. Trainer Miguel Clemente, who took over for his father Christophe Clemente, who passed away in May of 2025, also got his first Breeders’ Cup win with Deterministic in this race. His father had the record for one of the longest droughts without a Breeders’ Cup win, going 0-40 before getting his first win in 2021 with Pizza Bianca in start #41.

Deterministic is owned by St. Elias Stables, Ken Langone, C. Stephen Dunkner and Vacarage stable. This one may have been the final race in Deterministic’s career as the connections are considering turning him out to stud. 

Results

• $1.00 EXACTA 1-8 $14.65
• $0.50 TRIFECTA 1-8-2 $31.18
• $0.10 SUPERFECTA 1-8-2-3 $70.20
• $1.00 SUPERHIGHFIVE 1-8-2-3-5 $5,345.70
• $1.00 DAILY DOUBLE 11-1 $23.08
• $1.00 PICK 3 5-11-1 $162.01
• $0.50 PICK 4 4 OF 4 1,9-5-11-1 $174.57
• $0.50 PICK 5 4 OF 5 3-1,9-5-11-1 $10.61
• $0.50 PICK 5 5 OF 5 3-1,9-5-11-1 $575.74

10th Race 

Breeders’ Cup Distaff (dirt) 1 1/8 Mile  Purse $2-Million  Post Time: 1:58 pm

Local Handicapper John Lindley Top 3 Selections

1st Nitrogen (#2) Effort one race back when second in the Whitney against the boys points her out,
she can act from or or off the lead early, either way clearly deserves to be favored.
2nd Eunmoia (#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.
3rd Fully Subscibed (#4) Winner of three straight including two big scores in her last two obviously is a
big threat here, she can’t be ignored.
Bets: Exacta: 2-9/2-4-9, $4; Tri: 2-9/2-4-9/2-3-4-6-9, $6; Pick 3: 2-9/1-3-6-7-9-12/2-7, $28

Race Re-cap

Two scratches in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff reduced the field to just seven but what a field it was. Two big-time favorites, Nitrogen, the 3-5 odds-on choice, and 3-2 Fully Subscribed, would be the focus of this race. Nitrogen’s trainer, Mark Casse, was seeking his seventh Breeders’ Cup win while jockey Jose Ortiz was looking for his second win of the day. 

As the gates opened Nitrogen didn’t break well and ended up third early on and sat behind the early speed of Super Corredora with Joel Rosario aboard and Eunomia with Micah Husbands. Nitrogen, stuck to the rail, sitting in third and Fully Subscribed under Flavien Prat, was about six off the pace down the back stretch. The front runners set fractions of 23.07, 47.07, and went the six furlongs in 111.22. 

As they made their way around the far turn, Nitrogen left the fence and got to the outside while Fully Subscribed was making his move from further back, and outside of Nitrogen as they turned for home. At about the eighth pole Nitrogen had the lead when he started to drift out. In mid-stretch Fully Subscribed would have to duck inside to try to make a run at Nitrogen but Nitrogen was too far in front and finished the job. Despite drifting out Nitrogen did not impede Fully Subscribed and there were no claims of foul.

Ortiz got his second win of the day and Cassie got his seventh Breeders’ Cup championship. Nitrogen races for DJ Stables, she stopped the clock in 1:48.90.

Measure at 27-1, got up for third with Manuel Franco aboard, and Super Corredora held on for fourth place. 

Results

• $1.00 EXACTA 2-4 $3.09
• $0.50 TRIFECTA 2-4-6 $7.80
• $0.10 SUPERFECTA 2-4-6-7 $10.01
• $1.00 SUPERHIGHFIVE 2-4-6-7-3 $139.68
• $1.00 DAILY DOUBLE 1-2 $14.87
• $1.00 PICK 3 11-1-2 $46.76
• $0.50 PICK 4 4 OF 4 5-11-1-2,5,8 $188.54

11th Race   Breeders’ Cup Turf 1 1/2 Mile   Purse $5-Million  Post Time: 2:36 pm

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.

Race Re-cap

Anticipation was growing as the final two races of the 2026 Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland were on tap, starting off with the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Turf. A full field of 14 lined up to break from the starting gates and early on Deep Monster, Hotazhell, and Johanna Walsh would be on the lead, setting the early fractions, fairly quick ones too, for a mile and a half: 23.87, 47.82, and 1:12.84. That would eventually catch up with the front pace and turning for home, they spread across the track and came flying. 

Some of those taking a first run were Burnham Square and Tiffany. As Johanna Walsh and Hotazhell tried to hold on But deeper closers had this race measured as they swamped the finish line.

Benvenuto Cellini, with Ryan Moore aboard, found a lane in the middle of the stretch and it opened up then closed with a rush to get the win. Longshot Map of Stars under James Doyle was right behind and took second. Diamond Necklace ridden by Soumillon Christophe closed but could not keep up with the top two to finish third. Tiffany and Luke Morris would end up fourth. 

Benvenuto Cellini is owned by Peter Brant, Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derek Smith, and Westerberg, and trained by Aiden O’Brien. Final time was 204.24. 

Jockey Ryan Moore recorded his third win in this year’s Breeders’ Cup as did trainer Aidan O’Brien. O’Brien now has 24 career Breeders’ Cup wins, two more than Bob Baffert, who briefly tied him yesterday with 22. Right behind is Chad Brown with 21 and the only other trainer with 20 or more is D. Wayne Lucas with 20.

Results

• $1.00 EXACTA 2-15 $134.64
• $0.50 TRIFECTA 2-15-12 $351.68
• $0.10 SUPERFECTA 2-15-12-10 $686.99
• – SUPERHIGHFIVE CarryOver $37,630.81
• $1.00 DAILY DOUBLE 2-2 $12.31
• $1.00 PICK 3 1-2-2 $106.51

12th Race   Breeders’ Cup Classic (dirt) 1 1/8 Mile   Purse $7-Million  Post Time: 3:16 pm

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.

Race Re-cap

What a way to wrap up the 2026 Breeders’ Cup with an unbelievable classic and it was exactly that: a classic with $7 million on the line. Forever Young was the slight favorite at 8/5 over Sovereignty, who was 9/5, and Knightsbridge was the 7/2 third choice. This year’s Kentucky Derby winner, Golden Tempo, was next at 5-1, followed by Napoleon Solo at 16-1. The Puma was 17-1 and T O Password was the longest shot on the board at 40-1.

When the gates opened Knightsbridge went right to the lead with jockey Luis Saez. He would take control, a bit surprising that Napoleon Solo was expected to contest the lead but was far back and never really did get going in this race. Longshot T O Password was among the early leaders then came Forever Young, Sovereignty, Napoleon Solo, The Puma, and, as far back as usual, is Golden Tempo. 

The mile and a quarter race did not change much down the back stretch. Sovereignty remained fairly close, though, and the fractions were reasonable: 23.54, 47.64, and 1:11.43.

As they hit the far turn, Knightsbridge dug in but Sovereignty was revving up with Junior Alvarado getting to the outside. As they turned for home, Sovereignty would surge to the front. Golden Temple was still far back, trying to close, but it was The Puma making a move further outside of Sovereignty. At about the 16th pole, Sovereignty had taken command. Knightsbridge was trying to hold on for second, but The Puma was on the move under Javier Castellano and would get by Knightsbridge late to take second. Knightsbridge held on for third and 40 to 1, TO password was fourth to complete the superfecta. 

But the day belonged to Sovereignty and Junior Alvarado, picking up the win. Sovereignty had several issues over the last year and a half or so. After a great 3-year-old season, he did not get to run in the Breeders’ Cup last year and then missed a prep race due to an abscess on his foot. But trainer Bill Mott was confident that Sovereignty was ready for today’s big race and that confidence proved to be right. 

The final time for Sovereignty was 2:00.36. Sovereignty races for Godolphin and, again, is trained by Bill Mott. Godolphin and Mott also owned and trained Knightsbridge, almost pulling off the classic exacta finish. Sovereignty added nearly $4 million to his career earnings, which will now top $10 million over 13 starts with 8 wins, 3 seconds, and a show. 

Results

• $1.00 EXACTA 2-4 $31.30
• $0.50 TRIFECTA 2-4-7 $72.65
• $0.10 SUPERFECTA 2-4-7-1 $131.71
• $1.00 SUPERHIGHFIVE 2-4-7-1-5 $3,485.57
• $1.00 DAILY DOUBLE 2-2 $14.71
• $3.00 PICK 3 2-2-2 $110.46
• $0.50 PICK 4 4 OF 4 1-2,5,8-2,8,16-2 $158.45
• $0.50 PICK 5 5 OF 5 11-1-2,5,8-2,8,16-2 $452.61
• $0.50 PICK 5 4 OF 5 11-1-2,5,8-2,8,16-2 $8.15
• $1.00 PICK 6 6 OF 6 5-11-1-2,5,8-2,8,16-2 $5,058.59
• $1.00 PICK 6 5 OF 6 5-11-1-2,5,8-2,8,16-2 $69.66

________________________________

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

Race Re-cap

Ruiva went straight to the front as expected setting a blistering 21.49 first quarter. The other known speedster, Harper’s Corner with Paco Lopez let Ruiva take the lead and sat in a perfect stalking position. Turning for home Lopez let the brakes go on Harper’s Corner and took the lead at the 1/8th pole. But 9-5 favorite Libertango with Billy Loughnane was sitting further back and unleashed a brilliant run down the outside to run by everyone to win easily in a final time of 1:02.64.

The winning owner of the Irish bred was V I Araci and trained by George Boughey. Winning rider Loughnane had been her only rider but as a bigger rider he was well over the 117 Libertango was assigned and had to drop weight to get to 117. Had he not, Flavien Prat was set to take the mount. But Friday morning Loughnane weighed in at 117 and remains the only rider Libertango has known.

Longshot Hell of a Spin at 50-1 with Mikey Sheehy got up to get 2nd by a head over Harper’s Corner. Mussab and Oison Orr finished 4th with 17-1 Final Objective under James Doyle was the unofficial 5th place runner.

The rider of #8 Force Noir, David Egan claimed foul against Harper’s Corner. Looking at the replay all the experts agreed it was actually the 1 horse, Moonrise that had committed the infraction. The Keeneland Stewards disagreed and disqualified Harper’s Corner in a stunningly bad call. Below are the official results.

Results

• $1.00 EXACTA 3-11 $113.31
• $0.50 TRIFECTA 3-11-5 $371.25
• $0.10 SUPERFECTA 3-11-5-9 $732.75
• $1.00 SUPERHIGHFIVE 3-11-5-9-12 $14,328.68
• $1.00 DAILY DOUBLE 10-3 $50.81
• $1.00 PICK 3 1-10-3 $256.00

7th Race   Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (dirt)   1 1/16 Miles   Purse $2-Million  Post Time: 12:35pm

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

Race Re-cap

21-1 Lexi’s Charm quickly went to the lead and drew off to a 5-length lead down the backstretch with replacement rider Umberto Rispoli, for Jose Ortiz, who took a spill in the fifth race (the race prior to the start of the Breeders’ Cup races) and was his mount. Rispoli and Lexi’s Charm drew out a set of sizzling first-quarter fractions of 22.54 and the half in 45.87. That would ultimately be just too fast for Lexi’s Charm to hold the lead. 

However that set up the 5-2 second favorite Emphatic was in a stalking position with rider Tyler Gaffalione aboard as they headed into the far turn. Gaffalione let Emphatic out a little bit and she rolled on by to open up a huge lead.

Turning for home the 2-1 favorite Miss Monica and Flavian Pratt had a tough break, a slow break at the gate, and took time to get into position further back than normal. They made a big run along the rail down the home stretch but Enfatic was out by too far and won it by a clear 2.5 lengths. Miss Monica was second. Running on for third was Manuka Honey, under Luis Saez, longshot, Revenge of the Sis, ran fourth and #2 Domain Expansion was fifth to complete the super high five. 

Emphatic is owned by Gainsway Stable and Andrew Rosen and trained by Brandon Walsh. This was Walsh’s first Breeders’ Cup victory, his 14th try, and he finally got to the winner’s circle. The winning time was 1:42.29.

Results

• $1.00 EXACTA 10-5 $15.31
• $0.50 TRIFECTA 10-5-8 $33.45
• $0.10 SUPERFECTA 10-5-8-6 $146.96
• $1.00 SUPERHIGHFIVE 10-5-8-6-2 $3,067.00
• $1.00 DAILY DOUBLE 3-10 $11.80
• $1.00 PICK 3 10-3-10 $135.90
• $0.50 PICK 4 4 OF 4 1-10-2,3,14,15,16,17-10 $570.11
• $0.50 PICK 5 4 OF 5 3-1-10-2,3,14,15,16,17-10 $46.95
• $0.50 PICK 5 5 OF 5 3-1-10-2,3,14,15,16,17-10 $4,733.67

8th Race   Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf   1 Mile   Purse $1-Million  Post Time: 1:15pm

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)

Race Re-cap

Sun Goddess was the 4-5 odds-on choice, Ryan Moore aboard for trainer Aidan O’Brien. Sun Goddess normally likes to come from further out of it but with a slow pace in front, Moore put Sun Goddess just behind the early front runner, Seneca Park. Seneca Park stopped the clock in fractions of 24.16, 48.83, and 1:13.29. 

On the far turn just before the quarter pole, that’s when Moore said enough was enough and let Sun Goddess go. Sun Goddess then rolled to a big lead down the stretch, was well in front of Green Empress and Curacao, and, amusingly, all were closing late but far behind Sun Goddess. Sun Goddess is owned by the Coolmore Group and trained by Aidan O’Brien. That was O’Brien’s 22nd Breeders’ Cup win. He is the all-time leading trainer in Breeders’ Cup wins. 

Green Empress ran on well to be second. Dylan McMonagle in the saddle, running third. Long shot Curracloe at 18 to 1 Ben Coen had the ride, taking fourth was Amusingly, the 4-1 second choice was written by Colin Keane. And completing the super high five was Alwaysanangel under Oisen Murphy.

The Europeans dominated this race: Sun Goddess (first), Green Empress (second), and Always an Angel (fifth), all Irish breeds, and Amusingly the fourth-place runner was from Great Britain. The final race time for Sun Goddess was 1:36.10. 

Results

• $1.00 EXACTA 9-1 $10.38
• $0.50 TRIFECTA 9-1-3 $38.65
• $0.10 SUPERFECTA 9-1-3-10 $28.61
• $1.00 SUPERHIGHFIVE 9-1-3-10-6 $1,680.83
• $1.00 DAILY DOUBLE 10-9 $7.32
• $1.00 PICK 3 3-10-9 $24.16

9th Race   Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (dirt)   1 1/16 Miles   Purse $2-Million  Post Time: 1:55pm

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

Race Re-cap

Two scratches only, left six to go in the mile-and-a-sixteenth Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. The overwhelming favorite, No. 5 Hughes, was bet down to odds-on. Flavien Prat got the ride for trainer Bob Baffert. At the start of the race He is No lLie, stumbled badly out of the gate. He was expected to apply some early pace but was well behind. That put Hughes near the front, where he usually likes to sit in more of a stalking position.

Long shot, Damavand, with Luis Saez took over the lead and set some quick fractions, including 23.36 for the first quarter. But Hughes and Prat were in first run position as they entered the far turn. Hughes took the lead over the tiring Damavand was then joined by Coach Pope under Jose Ortiz riding his first race since suffering that spill earlier in the card. Coach Pope came up and engaged Hughes at the top of the stretch while  Salahudin, with Tyler Gaffalione, and American History, and John Velasquez, also made their moves. Just inside the eighth pole all four were nearly in a line.

However Hughes had something left in the tank and Prat had him well measured. As they approached the 16th pole, Hughes pulled away again for the win. This gave trainer Bob Baffert his 22nd Breeders Cup win, tying Aidan O’Brien, who just took the lead in the prior race. Hughes races for the Front Row Club and Starlight Racing and ran 16th in the mile in 1:42.27.

American History ran on well for trainer Todd Pletcher, under Velasquez, to take second in front of Salahuden, who finished third. Coach Pope tired late and faded to fourth.

Results

• $1.00 EXACTA 5-6 $6.32
• $0.50 TRIFECTA 5-6-3 $8.65
• $0.10 SUPERFECTA 5-6-3-7 $2.78
• – SUPERHIGHFIVE Refund $1.00
• $1.00 DAILY DOUBLE 9-5 $3.31
• $1.00 PICK 3 10-9-5 $16.73

10th Race   Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf   1 Mile   Purse $1-Million  Post Time: 2:35pm

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.

Race Re-cap

Day one of the 2026 Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland came to an end in the 10th race on Friday afternoon. A field of 12 went a mile on the turf in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf race. Those looking for long shots all day were disappointed as it was mostly favorites. In the 10th no different except the second favorite, 7-2 Haffner, pulled off the win with jockey Ryan Moore aboard for trainer Aidan O’Brien. With that win for O’Brien he retakes the lead as the all-time leading trainer in Breeders’ Cup history with 23 wins, one more than Bob Baffert. 

As they broke from the gate it would be Avec Toi and Flavien Pratt going to the lead, followed by Florida Bay (a long shot) and even a bigger long shot, Pikachu. 5-2 betting choice Folsom Blues, with Dylan Mcmonagle and trained by Joseph O’Brien (the son of Aidan O’Brien), was far back early on in the race. 

The early pace was fairly brisk (23.22 and 46.80) but Haffner, well positioned by Moore, was ready to pounce. Turning for home he let loose and pulled away. The only danger was the favorite, Folsom Blues, trying to close late but Haffner had too much of a lead and rolled to the win in a final time of 1:35.19. Haffner is owned by Peter Brant, Brook Smith, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor Derrick Smith and Westerberg.

Folsom Blues did run on well, the Irishbred was a clear second. Avec Toi, who showed the early speed held on for third. Oscar would be fourth and rounding out the super high five was How’s Al Today.

Results

• $1.00 EXACTA 4-10 $15.16
• $0.50 TRIFECTA 4-10-2 $44.89
• $0.10 SUPERFECTA 4-10-2-12 $95.88
• $1.00 SUPERHIGHFIVE 4-10-2-12-5 $1,794.35
• $1.00 DAILY DOUBLE 5-4 $11.81
• $3.00 PICK 3 9-5-4 $76.98
• $0.50 PICK 4 4 OF 4 10-2,4,8,9-2,4,5-4 $54.71
• $0.50 PICK 5 5 OF 5 2,3,14,15,16,17-10-2,4,8,9-2,4,5-4 $124.41
• $0.50 PICK 5 4 OF 5 2,3,14,15,16,17-10-2,4,8,9-2,4,5-4 $3.53
• $1.00 PICK 6 6 OF 6 10-2,3,14,15,16,17-10-2,4,8,9-2,4,5-4 $2,398.45
• $1.00 PICK 6 5 OF 6 10-2,3,14,15,16,17-10-2,4,8,9-2,4,5-4 $29.49

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