In the heart of sunny California, amidst the breathtaking backdrop of the San Gabriel Mountains, lies the iconic Santa Anita Park—a venue that has become synonymous with one of the most prestigious events in thoroughbred racing, the Breeders' Cup. As we dive into the thrilling world of the Breeders' Cup, we'll unravel the history, the grandeur, and the high-stakes action that define this extraordinary gathering of the finest racehorses, trainers, jockeys, and enthusiasts from around the world.
In recent years, the Breeders' Cup at Santa Anita has been a stage for unforgettable moments that have etched their place in horse racing history. One such iconic moment unfolded in 2019 when the indomitable mare, Zenyatta, made her triumphant return to the track where she had once captured the hearts of millions. Although she fell just short of victory, her sheer determination and the roaring support from the crowd exemplified the spirit of the sport. In 2016, the dazzling performance of the brilliant mare Beholder, who engaged in a thrilling battle with the outstanding colt, Songbird, left spectators breathless as they dueled down the homestretch. And who could forget the exhilarating victory of American Pharoah in the 2015 Breeders' Cup Classic, securing his place in history as the first horse to complete the Grand Slam, having already won the Triple Crown earlier that year? These moments and many more continue to resonate in the annals of Santa Anita's Breeders' Cup lore, reminding us of the thrilling drama and the timeless allure of this extraordinary event. Tonight new history and memories will undoubtedly be etched into the rich tapestry of the Breeders' Cup legacy. With superstars from around the world descending upon this hallowed ground, the stage is set for yet another chapter in the saga of equine excellence, where champions will be crowned, records will be shattered, and the magic of Santa Anita's Breeders' Cup will continue to captivate the hearts and imaginations of horse racing enthusiasts everywhere.
Now, down to business. Let's have a look at some of the main races on the card and see if we can find a few winners!
Race 5 - 5f Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (Grade 1) (2yo) (Turf) (2yo)
The Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, a Grade 1 race, showcases the exceptional talents of two-year-old thoroughbreds on the turf. Introduced in 2018, this relatively new addition to the Breeders' Cup World Championships has swiftly gained popularity and prestige within the horse racing community. The race has not only produced outstanding individual performances but also serves as a breeding ground for champions in the making.
BIG EVS - This son of Blue Point has been exceptional this season and showed blistering speed when winning the Flying Childers at Doncaster on his last start. His run style is tailor-made for the tight turn at Santa Anita and he's certainly drawn to attack from stall 4. If there is a potential chink in his armour it would be his ability to handle a heavily contested middle sector coupled with a wide pitch, if the likes of CRIMSON ADVOCATE and NO NAY METS look to beat him to the rail from the inside gates. Personally, I think he has the speed to get the lead and if he does that, it will take an exceptional deep closing run to beat him.
CRIMSON ADVOCATE - This filly was impressive at Royal Ascot when winning the Queen Mary Stakes. Her trainer has deliberately kept her fresh for tonight's race and stable tactics will probably be key to her finishing position as the yard also have NO NAY METS. If they elect to use that horse as a means to harass BIG EVS upfront then it may just be enough to tip the scales in favour of this filly who will almost certainly love the bend as opposed to the stiff straight track at Ascot.
GIVEMETHEBEATBOYS - This son of Bungle Inthejungle was purchased for an obscene amount of money on the eve of Royal Ascot. Whilst his 4th place finish in the Coventry was satisfactory, he's been disappointing since having been thoroughly outclassed by both VANDEEK and BUCANERO FUERTE. Usually I wouldn't be overly keen to support a horse with his profile but I do think that the drop back in trip will suit him tonight. If he can stay in touching distance early then he may just be in a position to challenge if we see a total pace collapse in the straight.
CONCLUSION
My head is telling me that CRIMSON ADVOCATE might be an exceptional filly buy my heart is telling me to back BIG EVS and forget about everyone else and that's exactly what I plan to do. Mick Appleby is one of the good guys in races and I would love to see him land a winner on the biggest stage.
Race 6 - 1m½f (1m110y) NetJets Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies (Grade 1) (2yo Fillies) (Main Track) (Dirt) (2yo)
The NetJets Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies, a Grade 1 race, is a time-honored showcase of the finest two-year-old fillies on the dirt. This event has a storied history dating back to its inception in 1984. Run over a distance of 1 mile and 110 yards, it serves as a vital platform for identifying the most promising young fillies in the sport and has launched the careers of numerous equine superstars.
TAMARA - The starting point for this race simply has to be this filly who produced a jaw dropping performance in the Debutante Stakes at Del Mar on her last start. She's a daughter of BEHOLDER who remains one of the greatest dirt horse's I've seen and she won 15 times at Santa Anita, including nine Group 1s. It was also fascinating to see that Richard Mandella was quoted this week as saying that TAMARA is actually ahead of BEHOLDER at this point in her career. That is quite a statement! My personal view is that she is potentially a generational talent and I'd love nothing more than to see her destroy this field on the bridle. That being said, this race has a history of throwing up a few upsets..
CANDIED - This daughter of CANDY RIDE showed improved form on her first start routing when winning the Alcibiades Stakes at Keeneland on her last start. That race, together with the Frizette Stakes at Belmont, tend to be key trials for this contest and for that reason, this horse deserves considerable respect tonight. Whilst some of her rivals from that race re-oppose this evening, I can see no reason why any of them should/could reverse the Alcibiades form. So, on paper at least, she rates as the major danger to the favourite and I have to say that I was incredibly impressed by both her attitude and her stride the last day.
JUST FYI - This daughter of JUSTIFY is unbeaten so far in her career and landed the Frizette Stakes last time out on very wet and windy day at Belmont. She was posted wide that day (presumably to avoid the kickback), travelled kindly, circled the field and put the likes of LIFE TALK and EMERY to bed comfortably. Now, she is obviously going to encounter a quicker surface and a larger field today and my gut feeling is that her form is a little suspect but on balance she probably does deserve to be towards the head of the market.
CONCLUSION
I'm extremely reluctant to oppose TAMARA here as watching horses like her win are really what the Breeders Cup is all about. However, I'm just not convinced that she beat an awful lot at Del Mar and for that reason, I am going to oppose her with CANDIED.
Race 7 - 1m Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (Grade 1) (2yo Fillies) (Turf) (2yo)
The Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf, a Grade 1 race, represents a prestigious stage for showcasing the remarkable talents of two-year-old fillies on the turf. This event, introduced in 2008, has swiftly become a cherished tradition in the world of horse racing. With a distance of 1 mile, the race tests the speed, stamina, and turf proficiency of these young equine stars. This year's renewal appears to be a wide open contest and the Europeans are once again well represented.
CARLA'S WAY - This filly was no match for PORTA FORTUNA at Royal Ascot but has progressed since then and has run with merit on her last two starts. Whilst she was arguably a little lucky to win the Rockfel Stakes, I was impressed by the way in which she quickened off the gallop and that's an attribute which should hold her in good stead this evening. She's a little short in the betting for my liking in a race such as this but I won't be surprised to see her run well.
PORTA FUTUNA - This filly arguably brings the best form to the table as she's been running consistently all year against top opposition. On the basis of her runs this season, you'd have to be a little concerned about the trip but there is plenty of stamina on the Damside and they've certainly got lucky with the draw. For my money, Oisin's riding style is perfect for the hustle and bustle of the US and it is not hard to envisage this filly playing a part in the finish.
HARD TO JUSTIFY - Chad Brown trains this filly and he's won this race four times in the last ten years. All of his winners had similar profiles in that they were undefeated and had raced twice. This particular filly fits the mould and she certainly exhibited a touch of class when winning the Miss Grillo Stakes at Belmont. Usually stall 12 would put me off any horse over this course and distance but with speed forecast, being midpack might actually prove to be advantageous and Flavian is an excellent judge of pace. For me this filly represents some each way value in what is a very open race.
CONCLUSION
Truth be told, I could make a case for at least four or five horses in this contest. On balance I think that the Europeans do have a slight edge over their American rivals but I've sided with HARD TO JUSTIFY and I just have to hope that Flavian can negotiate the tricky draw.
Race 8 - 1m½f (1m110y) FanDuel Breeders' Cup Juvenile, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (Grade 1) (2yo C&G) (Main) (Dirt) (2yo)
Since its inception in 1984, the race has seen a multitude of unforgettable moments and witnessed the rise of many extraordinary colts and geldings. Past winners such as Capote, Alysheba, and Street Sense have gone on to leave an indelible mark on the sport. Notably, Arazi's electrifying performance in 1991 showcased a level of dominance rarely seen in juvenile racing, solidifying his status as one of the most iconic two-year-olds in the Breeders' Cup history.
LOCKED - This son of GUN RUNNER is looking to follow in the footsteps of last years winner and stablemate, FORTE. Whilst this Colt was beaten on debut, he's looked extremely talented on his last two starts and his win in the Futurity propelled him to the head of this market. Since that run he's been working nicely and recorded a particularly impressive bit of work at Keeneland last month before shipping down. Whilst I would be very confident that he'll confirm Futurity form with THE WINE STEWARD tonight, there may be bigger dangers lurking especially as he may end up with poor track position.
MUTH - This son of GOOD MAGIC cost an eye watering £2,000,000 but repaid some of that outlay when winning the American Pharaoh Stakes on his last start over this course and distance. His trainer has farmed that race in recent years which is no surprise. His 2022 winner, CAVE ROCK went onto finish 2nd in this race behind FORTE and his 2021 winner, CORNICHE won this race comfortably. For me he's the pick of Bob's three runners and it will be fascinating to see how both he and Todd use their other runners to hinder their opposition.
TIMBERLAKE - So far, this son of INTO MISCHIEF has only tasted defeat once and that was over 7f when he was simply given too much to do. He was impressive when winning the Champagne Stakes and on breeding he should be fine over this particular course and distance but I personally just feel that he lacks the class and scope of the two horses above and he also won't have the assistance of any stablemates in the run.
CONCLUSION
I found it extremely difficult to split LOCKED and MUTH. In the end this came down to track position and pace and I just feel that MUTH is better equipped to handle what's going to be thrown in front of him this evening. I also get the feeling that Bob has had this race in mind for the horse for quite some time.
Race 9 - 1m Prevagen Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (Grade 1) (2yo Colts & Geldings) (Turf) (2yo)
The Prevagen Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf, a prestigious Grade 1 race. Throughout its relatively short history, the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf has established itself as a platform for identifying future turf champions. Notable winners, including the likes of Mendelssohn, Oscar Performance, and Line of Duty, have captured the hearts of racing enthusiasts with their exceptional performances and versatility on the grass. These colts and geldings have not only excelled in this race but have also gone on to make their mark in the world of turf racing.
RIVER TIBER - This is a colt who I've followed all season and it is remarkable to think that he's probably not even in the top 3 juveniles we've seen Aidan run this year. I think it is fair to say that the success of WOOTTON BASSETT is pretty crucial to Coolmore's future plans and a win for him in a race such as this would certainly help in that regard. Whilst RIVER TIBER has been a little underwhelming on his last two starts, I would expect Aidan to have him dialled up to 11 this evening and if we are going to see a European winner in this contest, I have no doubt that it will be him.
ENDLESSLY - This son of OSCAR PERFORMANCE is looking to follow in his father's footsteps this evening. Oscar won this race for the same owners back in 2016 and had a very similar preparation, wining a G3 on his last start. To date, Endlessly has probably been more impressive than his sire and he showed a devastating foot when winning the Zuma Beach. Clearly, he will need to improve again if he's to trouble RIVER TIBER and UNQUESTIONABLE but at 11/1 he offers plenty of each way value.
CONCLUSION
I expect RIVER TIBER to be difficult to beat in this contest and I've actually backed him anti-post. However, for the reasons mentioned above, ENDLESSLY ticks plenty of boxes and he's my EW play against Aidan's two colts.
If you've made it to the end of this write up then give yourself a big pat on the back! As any of our Syndicate Members will tell you, I tend to waffle on quite a bit but hopefully I've managed to find a few winners but either way, we're sure to witness some fantastic performances this evening as the Breeders Cup never disappoints.
Good luck!
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