Horse Racing Odds - Breeders' Cup Picks for Saturday's Card
- Who: Thoroughbreds – Pounced, Cannonball, Fatal Bullet, Aikenite, Goldikova, Mastercraftsman, Presious Passion, Richard’s Kid
- What: Breeders’ Cup Betting Tips – Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Card
- Where: Santa Anita
- When: Saturday, November 7th
This is Part 2 of my Breeders’ Cup analysis. Check out my previous article for Friday’s Breeders’ Cup picks. Due to space constraints, I won’t be able to list all the reasons for my selections below. Rest assured that I’ve spent countless hours studying these horses, and have taken every significant racebook handicapping factor into consideration, including class, speed figures, connections, recent form, race shape, surface/track condition, post position, clocker comments, etc. BC Juvenile Turf 1st – Pounced: This youngster is bred to be a turf monster, and began to show his potential last out when 2nd in a Group 1 in France. He’ll have the master, Frankie Dettori, aboard. Be prepared for Dettori’s patented flying dismount!
2nd – Interactif: Pletcher trainee has been super impressive in his two turf tries, but draws a difficult post.
3rd – Viscount Nelson: Ran well to get 2nd in the Group 2 Champagne Stakes at Doncaster, and won both starts on left-handed courses. BC Turf Sprint 1st – Cannonball: Trainer Wesley Ward loves his chances, and so do I. NY-bred nearly pulled off a stunner in the Group 1 Golden Jubilee Stakes at Ascot, and won a nice tuneup for this at The Spa. Bombs away!
2nd – Diamondrella: Mare has won seven straight on the lawn. The distance should be right in her wheelhouse.
3rd – Noble Court: Inside draw isn’t what connections were looking for. Rosario will have to work out a trip. BC Sprint 1st – Fatal Bullet: Ran second behind 2-time BC Sprint winner Midnight Lute last year, and ‘Bullet’s even better as a 4YO. Draws nicely just outside Zensational and Cost of Freedom, which gives Da Silva options. Always fires his best shot, as 11-9-2-0 record on synthetics attests.
2nd – Zensational: Has been just that, but 3YO faces his toughest test and will have to gun from the rail.
3rd – Gayego: Was visually impressive winning The Ancient Title from off the pace, but this group will be much tougher to run down. Gomez has to hope for a speed duel. BC Juvenile 1st – Aikenite: He’s gotten better with each start, and has worked brilliantly over the Belmont training track. Look for him to turn the tables on Noble’s Promise, whose training was interrupted briefly by a leg infection.
2nd – Noble’s Promise: Trainer McPeek assures us that his horse has completely recovered from a leg infection. Nevertheless, that minor setback may be just enough to get him beat.
3rd – D’ Funnybone: Rick Dutrow says his horse is flourishing. ‘Bone can win this if he handles the Pro-Ride. BC Mile 1st – Goldikova: She dominated this race last year, and is every bit as good as a 4YO. Disregard her latest...the real Goldikova will show up for this...BEST BET OF THE DAY.
2nd – Zacinto: 3YO stepped up his game last out in the Group 1 QE II Stakes, turning the tables on Delegator.
3rd – Cowboy Cal: Hard knocker has looked good this week. He will save ground all the way, and won’t back down from likely pace challenger Courageous Cat. BC Dirt Mile 1st – Mastercraftsman: There’s lots to like here…multiple G1-winning miler also won his only start on poly-track. He’s fit, hails from a top barn, and has the tactical speed to secure a good position along the inside. He’ll be tough to deny at a short price.
2nd – Midshipman: Won the BC Juvenile here last year, and tuned up for this with an easy score vs. older allowance foes at Belmont.
3rd – Bullsbay: Enjoyed a nice Saratoga meet, and should be fresh off a two-month break. BC Turf 1st – Presious Passion: This 6YO gelding has defied the odds throughout his career. He’ll do it again here at his preferred distance over a firm course he relishes. There’s no other speed to challenge him early…look for him to give this field the slip.
2nd – Conduit: Last year’s winner is back off a decent tuneup in The Arc. The problem is, he’ll need binoculars to keep Presious Passion in his sights. A premature move could leave him empty in the drive, and if he waits too long, PP will be long gone.
3rd – Dar Re Mi: Classy, consistent filly gave a good account of herself against the boys in The Arc, and should grab a slice. BC Classic 1st – Richard’s Kid: Baffert barn is on fire at the meet, and this little keg of dynamite figures to add his own fireworks. He’s bred to relish the distance, and his latest (fast-closing 3rd in the 1 1/8-mile Goodwood) was a perfect prep. He’s training up a storm, and should mow them down in the lane. He’ll prove that his win in the 1 ¼-mile Pacific Classic was no fluke.
2nd – Einstein: This is one of the toughest, most versatile horses you’ll ever see. He’ll be right there at the top of the stretch, and won’t surrender without a fight.
3rd – Quality Road: 3YO is every bit as talented as any horse in the field. He’s set for a top effort...the main question is the surface.
4th – Zenyatta: She’ll be overbet, and there are questions to answer. Her speed figures don’t quite stack up, she’s never been the distance, and she’s never faced the boys. I’m taking a stand against. Those are my Breeders’ Cup betting tips for Saturday’s card. Also, be sure to check out Breeders’ Cup Matchups and horse racing betting at BetOnline.com. Best of luck with this year’s Breeders’ Cup!
Pete Mitchell is BetOnline.com's horse racing expert.
