Early Favs For Each Breeders' Cup Race

The biggest event in horse racing since the Kentucky Derby is a month away, so it's time for an early look at the Breeders' Cup betting favorites for each of the races. We'll get into more details as the two-day festival approaches and all of the horses have their final prep races in. But start scouting these horses in preparation for your Breeders' Cup betting.

Friday, Nov. 4

Distaff

This will be a matchup of three of the most able horses in the world. Songbird has won 11 straight, while Beholder and Stellar Wind have generated a great rivalry. But don't overlook Cavorting and Curalina.

Juvenile Turf

Juvy races are wide open, so be prepared to box something and catch a big winner in this one. Right now, Good Samaritan (2-0) has the early edge.

Dirt Mile

If Frosted's connections decide to put him here rather than the Classic, he'll be the favorite. If not, look for Runhappy to come out of the Ack Ack Stakes as the top pony here. The veteran Point Piper has found this is a good distance for him, too.

Juvenile Fillies Turf

Again, the 2-year-olds leave us with a lot to choose from, but the British shipper Brave Anna has run six races and won three, which makes her an already-experienced fav.

Saturday, Nov. 5

Classic

We were thinking the 3-year-old crop wouldn't produce much competition for California Chrome in this race. Then came Arrogate. The late bloomer scored such an impressive win in the Travers Stakes, he's now the second favorite behind Chrome.

Juvenile Fillies

Coming off of a brilliant win in the Del Mar Debutante, Union Strike appears to be the one to beat here. But Nonna Mela has had a couple of big wins at shorter distances, and she should get consideration along with Pretty City Dancer and Sweet Loretta.

Turf Sprint

The quirky downhill course at Santa Anita should make this race fun to watch. Lady Shipman should come out of the Eddie D Stakes in fine form. Limato should bring a challenge from overseas, while Pure Sensation and Why Two are very legitimate contenders.

Filly & Mare Sprint

Haveyougoneaway is tops among about four or five who will gain favoritism here, so plan an exotic. Also look at Carina Mia, By the Moon and Cathryn Sophia.

Filly & Mare Turf

British invaders Seventh Heaven and Alice Springs are getting a lot of attention across the water. We'll see how they stand up to America's Lady Eli. Alice Springs, Catch A Glimpse and Time and Motion are expected to line up in the QEII at Keeneland on Oct. 15. That will be Exhibit A in your notes for this race.

Sprint

The speedy Masochistic and Lord Nelson are scheduled to tangle in the Santa Anita Sprint this weekend. The winner will be the favorite here. But Drefong and Jazzy Times are also entered in that race as well as the BC event, and since it’s the same course as the BC, it will be a race to study. A.P. Indian should bring a challenge from the East Coast.

Mile

The mare Tepin made it eight straight in the Woodbine Mile. She was just starting that streak with a win in this event last year. A solid favorite who may still have another warmup, she may have to go against some others who'll option out of other turf events.

Juvenile

Klimt will be coming off of the Frontrunner Stakes. A win there would make it four straight and make him the favorite. But he'll be followed closely by Not This Time, who just scored a big win in the Iriquois.

Turf

Flintshire's last race was the Joe Hirsch at Belmont, while Postponed will be off of the Arc De Triomphe. Either could be the favorite in this. Foreign runners are usually fit for turf races, and the $4 million prize attracts runners from all over. Found, Highland Reef and New Bay should also be considered.

Breeders' Cup Betting

Keep in mind that quality runs deep in each of these races, so these are by no means picks, but early favorites. In the meantime, set aside a nice bankroll so you'll have plenty on hand to go at these races. Profit abounds.