The Following Information Is Designed to Provide Race Insights for Each of the 13 Races

October 23, 2017

What is the greatest sporting event ? ….. OLYMPICS, WORLD CUP, SUPER BOWL, GAME 7 OF NBA FINALS/STANLEY CUP FINALS/WORLD SERIES ??

Now combine all those events, run it over 2 days, with over 120 multi-million dollar athletes at a beautiful venue featuring turf at the surf. High tension, superior, record breaking performances, excitement and drama…it could only be the BREEDER’S CUP on November 3rd and 4th.

The following information is designed to provide race insights for each of the 13 races.

DEL MAR

Let’s first take a look at the location for the Breeder’s Cup. The 34th running will be held for the very first time at Del Mar. About 2 years ago the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club began the reconfiguration of both dirt and turf courses so that each surface could accommodate up to 14 horse fields. The Del Mar turf course generally favors closer types, the turns are a bit tighter which places a premium on turf horses that are nimble with a quick turn of foot. Del Mar will only open about 10 days before the Breeder’s Cup for training purposes, it will be critical to see how horses are training once opened.

FRIDAY RACES

JUVENILE FILLIES TURF 1 MILE / TURF

Chad Brown has won 2 of the last 3 editions while Aidan O’Brien has been a no show. European shippers and California-based horses have not performed well. Horses with a sharp late turn of foot fit the winning profile.

DIRT MILE 1 MILE / DIRT

A very short run to the first turn compromises horses with outside posts. Very difficult for horse to wire the field or be too far back either.

JUVENILE TURF 1 MILE / TURF

European shippers have won 8 of last 10. Horses based in California are no shows for this race. Post position will have little consequence on outcome while best running style is mid-pack closer.

DISTAFF 1 1/8 MILE / DIRT

Bill Mott with 5 wins has a great shot at # 6 with his 3 year old sensation ELATE. The vast majority of winners have exited races in NY. Post position is also of no consequence.

SATURDAY RACES

JUVENILE FILLIES 1 1/16 MILE / DIRT

Recent winners have exited prep races at Santa Anita. Pace leaders perform well in this race. Field may only comprise 9 entries.

FILLY & MARE TURF 1 1/8 MILE / TURF

A major change in the distance as this race was usually run at 1 ¼ or 1 3/8 miles. Middle of the pack post positions are at a premium. Trainers Chad Brown and Michael Stoute have won the past 5. California based horses do not fear well in this race.

FILLY & MARE SPRINT 7 FURLONGS / DIRT

Run 1 furlong longer than their male counterparts, tough to wire the field. Unique Bella is the horse to fear and comes into the race in top condition.

JUVENILE 1 1/16 MILE / DIRT

This will be one of the smallest fields in some years so post position will not be an issue. There is no bias

TURF SPRINT 5 FURLONGS / TURF

It has been a while since it was run at this distance, horses coming from 6 and 7 furlong races don’t replicate that success at 5 furlongs. This race favors the notion of “horses for courses”, so look for turf sprint contenders having success at this course.

SPRINT 6 FURLONGS / DIRT

Favor sprinters drawing the outside post positions as this is a dominant fact at Del Mar. Key on horses that have trained locally.

TURF 1 ½ MILE / TURF

Over 2/3 of winners have been European based horses. Age can play a factor as horses age 6 or older have NEVER won this race.

MILE 1 MILE / DIRT

The Shadwell Mile has been a very popular and successful prep for this race. Pace usually comes up pretty quick, so a late closer can be your top contender.

CLASSIC 1 ¼ MILE / DIRT

The Bob Baffert race highlighted by Arrogate and West Coast with Gun Runner looking to upset. Three of the last 5 winners have gone wire to wire. Promises to be the best race of the year and over the years the average $2 win payout has been $26.67.

WHAT A SPORT !

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