Kentucky Oaks 2024 Blog

 

By Jarrod Horak

The road to Kentucky Oaks 2024 is in full swing. Seven points races have been run and it is time to unveil my first Kentucky Oaks 2024 contenders list. First, I will recap the stakes action from the Pocahontas on Sept. 16 through the Golden Rod on Nov. 25. 

Kentucky Oaks 2024 Points Race Results

Grade 3 Pocahontas (9-16-23) 

Fractions – 22.83, 45.55, 1:10.24, 1:23.13, 1:36.45

Top 5 Finishers: V V’s Dream, Youalmosthadme, Hot Beach, Courbe, Riperton

The first Oaks points race featured a compact field of six and my top choice V V’s Dream was the favorite. Hot Beach dueled with Youalmosthadme through the opening quarter. The former had a small edge through a half-mile and six panels. V V’s Dream stalked from third under Brian Hernandez Jr., and she smartly moved up, took over, and pulled away by 8 3/4 lengths while under a hand ride. Youalmosthadme outfinished Hot Beach for the place and it was another 5 1/2 lengths back to Courbe. Riperton was next and Regal Rumor trailed. Ken McPeek saddled the sharp winner. 

Grade 1 Alcibiades (10-6-23)

Fractions – 23.83, 48.25, 1:12.67, 1:37.67, 1:44.17

Top 5 Finishers: Candied, V V’s Dream, Alys Beach, Shimmering Allure, Brightwork 

The track was fast and eight horses broke from the gate in this 1 1/6 miles event at Keeneland. Alys Beach set the pace from the inside post at 16-1 odds under Flavien Prat. Brightwork chased from second and longshot Crazy Cami chased inside. My top choice V V’s Dream was bet down to 1.48-1 and she stalked outside. Brian Hernandez Jr. rode the latter and it looked like she was in the right spot turning for home. She surged to a short lead but second timer Candied was rallying outside, and Todd Pletcher’s Candy Ride (ARG) filly had the late momentum and scored by a length under Luis Saez. V V’s Dream was clearly second best and Alys Beach held the show by a head over late running 25-1 longshot Shimmering Allure. Brightwork was a disappointing 5th and the early developer seems best around one turn. Crazy Cami, Alpine Princess, and Wine On Tap also ran.  

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Del Mar Best Bet for Friday (12-1-23)

 This horse racing video features analysis of the 1st race at Del Mar on 12-1-23. 

Check out my Del Mar Bing Crosby Season handicapping articles at Today's Racing Digest.

Del Mar Race 1 Analysis for Friday (12-1-23)

 

By Jarrod Horak

Del Mar’s Bing Crosby Season continues on Friday, December 1 and I have included opening race free picks at Del Mar 2023 below. The maiden special weight event for fillies and mares has a $61,000 purse and the seven entrants will be dashing six panels on the main track. 

Del Mar Race 1 Picks & Final Time Ratings

Dancing Mo breaks from the inside post and she needs to improve in her second start after a layoff. She missed by a head in a maiden optional-claiming heat at Santa Anita in June. 

Make It Snow hit the board in all five special weight tries and none of those races were on dirt. Profitable sprint rider Antonio Fresu climbs aboard the $185k Empire Maker filly and she turns back in her third start after a layoff.  

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Del Mar Fall Meet 2023 Stakes Recaps (Nov. 23-26)

 

By Jarrod Horak

The third week of Del Mar’s 2023 Bing Crosby Season included four graded events. In this post I will cover stakes recaps at Del Mar for Nov. 23-26 and preview the upcoming closing week of the fall meet.

Stakes Recaps at Del Mar (Nov. 23-26)

Grade 3 Red Carpet – Nov. 23 – 1 3/8 miles turf

My original top choice Loved Reiko scratched so I switched my allegiance to controlling speed Linda’s Gift. The latter make all the running through crawling fractions (26 flat, 51.62, 1:17.30, 1:41.97, and 2:17.80). Musical Rhapsody (IRE) chased from second and came after the longtime leader, but Linda’s Gift refused to bend and scored by 3/4ths of a length under Tiago Pereira. Musical Rhapsody gamely held the place at 18-1 and beaten favorite Sister Otoole rallied from last to complete the trifecta. Neige Blanche (FR), Symphony Perfect (IRE), Oakhurst, and With Love (GB) also ran. The final time was 2:17.80 and Richard Mandella’s winner paid $7.80. 

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Native Diver Stakes 2023 Video Picks

This horse racing video features analysis of the Grade 3 Native Diver Stakes on 11-26-23. 

Check out my Del Mar Bing Crosby Season handicapping articles at Today's Racing Digest.

Grade 3 Native Diver Stakes 2023 Analysis at Del Mar

 

By Jarrod Horak

Del Mar’s Bing Crosby Season continues on Sunday, November 26 and I have included Native Diver 2023 picks below. The Grade 3 event for 3-year-olds and up has a $100,000 purse and the seven entrants will be traveling 1 1/8 miles on the main track. It is the 8th race on Nov. 26. 

Native Diver 2023 Picks & Final Time Ratings

Visitant will break from the rail under Flavien Prat. Peter Miller’s son of Ghostzapper is 11-for-15 on all-weather ground and 0-for-5 on conventional dirt. 

Arrowthegreat is probably the one to catch. He wired the field in his last two flat mile dirt starts vs. lesser company. The Arrogate gelding gets a class and distance test, and he will take them as far as he can. He is also entered in the Zia Park Derby on Nov. 28. 

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Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes 2023 Video

This horse racing video features analysis of the Grade 2 Ky Jockey Club Stakes on 11-25-23. 

Check out my Del Mar Bing Crosby Season handicapping articles at Today's Racing Digest.

Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes 2023 Analysis

 

By Jarrod Horak

The road to Kentucky Derby 2024 continues with the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes at Churchill Downs on Saturday, November 25, and I have included picks below. The Grade 2 event for 2-year-olds has a $400,000 purse and the eight entrants will be traveling 1 1/16 miles on the main track. It is the 11th race on Nov. 25 and the top five finishers will earn Derby points (10-5-3-2-1). 

Kentucky Jockey Club Picks & Final Time Ratings 

Awesome Road pressed as the favorite and was best by 2 3/4 lengths in his sprint bow at Ellis Park on Aug. 27, and clear runner-up Stronghold was a next-out winner. I made this one my top choice in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity on Oct. 7, and he threw in a clunker at 3-1. Flavien Prat keeps the faith and Brad Cox’s $600k Quality Road colt fits with these if he can run back to his bow. He should be forwardly placed from the inside post. 

Honor Marie went last-to-first in his local sprint bow on Sept. 29, and rallied for the place in the slop second time out. He stretches out after two sprints and will try to get involved from off the pace. 

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Golden Rod Stakes 2023 Video Picks at Churchill Downs

This horse racing video features analysis of the Grade 2 Golden Rod at Churchill Downs on 11-25-23. 

Check out my Del Mar Bing Crosby Season handicapping articles at Today's Racing Digest.

Golden Rod Stakes 2023 Analysis

 

By Jarrod Horak

The road to Kentucky Oaks 2024 continues with the Golden Rod Stakes at Churchill Downs on Saturday, November 25, and I have included picks below. The Grade 2 event for 2-year-old fillies has a $400,000 purse and the eight entrants will be traveling 1 1/16 miles on the main track. It is the 10th race on Nov. 25 and the top five finishers will earn Oaks points (10-5-3-2-1). 

Golden Rod 2023 Picks & Final Time Ratings 

Dozen Diamonds tries conventional dirt for the first time. She wired the field in her fourth lifetime start in a turf route at Keeneland on Oct. 25. The daughter of Mendelssohn needs to run faster. 

Intricate finished behind West Sunset in her six furlong bow and that race was too short for her. She stretched out to 1 1/6 miles at Keeneland on Oct. 13, and she sat behind slow fractions and blasted home to score by a sharp 3 1/2 lengths. This race also figures to be slow early and fast late, and she should be able to stay within hailing distance of the early leaders under her regular rider Tyler Gaffalione. 

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Seabiscuit Handicap 2023 Video Picks at Del Mar

This horse racing video features analysis of the Grade 2 Seabiscuit at Del Mar on 11-25-23. 

Check out my Del Mar Bing Crosby Season handicapping articles at Today's Racing Digest.

Seabiscuit 2023 analysis at Del Mar

 

By Jarrod Horak

Del Mar’s Bing Crosby Season continues on Saturday, November 25 and I have included Seabiscuit 2023 picks below. The Grade 2 event for 3-year-olds and up has a $200,000 purse and the eight entrants will be traveling 1 1/16 miles on the turf course. It is the 7th race on Nov. 25. 

Seabiscuit 2023 Picks & Final Time Ratings

Sumter stretches back out and should be forwardly placed from the inside post. Last year, he set the pace and held on by a nose in the Singletary at one mile, and was 3rd in the Mathis Mile. He is 0-for-5 this year but did show signs of life in a runner-up finish in an allowance turf sprint at Santa Anita on Oct. 20.

Easter loves a flat mile and exits a sharp win at that distance as my best bet top choice in the restricted Lure Stakes on Oct. 28. Phil D’Amato is his new trainer and he will try to get involved late under Antonio Fresu. 

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Hollywood Turf Cup 2023 Video Picks at Del Mar

This horse racing video features analysis of the Grade 2 Hollywood Turf Cup at Del Mar on 11-24-23. 

Check out my Del Mar Bing Crosby Season handicapping articles at Today's Racing Digest.

Hollywood Turf Cup 2023 Analysis at Del Mar

 

By Jarrod Horak

Del Mar’s Bing Crosby Season continues on Friday, November 24 and I have included Hollywood Turf Cup picks below. The Grade 2 event for 3-year-olds and up has a $200,000 purse and the eight entrants will be traveling a mile and a half on the turf course. It is the 7th race on the day after Thanksgiving. 

Hollywood Turf Cup Picks & Final Time Ratings

Francesco Clemente (IRE) added blinkers and scored from off the pace as the even money favorite in an optional-claiming race at 1 3/8 miles on turf in New York on Oct. 19. Chad Brown’s colt picks up sharp turf rider Umberto Rispoli and he might be able to wear these down.

Yes This Time has not won in quite some time and seems overmatched. The Not This Time gelding hit the board in 6 of his last 10 starts. He was 6th in the John Henry (G2) last time. This one is also entered in the Grade 2 Seabiscuit at Del Mar on Saturday, Nov. 25. 

Lukka (CHI) fired trifecta shots in each of his ten starts in Chile. He landed the place in both starts at this distance and he drilled a local turf bullet for this on Nov. 12. These South American imports typically need time to acclimate to their new surroundings. 

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Red Carpet Stakes 2023 Analysis

 

By Jarrod Horak

Del Mar’s Bing Crosby Season continues on Thanksgiving Thursday and I have included 2023 Red Carpet Stakes picks below. The Grade 3 event for fillies and mares has a purse of $100,000 and the eight entrants will be traveling 1 3/8 miles on the turf course. It is the 6th race on Nov. 23. 

Red Carpet Stakes Picks & Final Time Ratings

Oakhurst is one of three entrants for trainer Phil D’Amato. She won a turf route at Del Mar on July 23 and owns competitive Today’s Racing Digest Final Time Ratings. She reconnects with Hector Berrios and he is a quality turf pilot. 

Linda’s Gift might be the controlling speed and she must be considered based on that fact alone. I don’t know if she wants to go this far or if she is this good, but this pace puzzler is full of closers and Tiago Pereira almost has to put her on the lead.

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Clark Stakes 2023 Video Picks

This horse racing video features analysis of the Grade 2 Clark Stakes at Churchill Downs on 11-24-23. 

Check out my Del Mar Bing Crosby Season handicapping articles at Today's Racing Digest.

Grade 3 Red Carpet Stakes 2023 Video Picks

This horse racing video features analysis of the Grade 3 Red Carpet Stakes at Del Mar on 11-23-23. 

Check out my Del Mar Bing Crosby Season handicapping articles at Today's Racing Digest.

Del Mar 2023 Fall Meet Week 2 Stakes Recaps

 

By Jarrod Horak

The second week of Del Mar’s 2023 Bing Crosby Season is in the books. In this post I will cover Del Mar stakes race reviews for Nov. 18-19 and preview the upcoming third week of the fall meet. 

Del Mar Stakes Race Reviews (Nov. 18-19)

Desi Arnaz – Nov. 18 – 7 furlongs dirt  

Royal Slipper was less than even money and she broke like a rocket and was quickly clear. She carved out splits on 22.03 and 45.55. It looked like she might dominate this one but she began to shorten stride in the lane and the seven panel distance jumped up and bit her. Tambo chased from 2nd, got first run when the pacesetter faltered, and looked home free but inside stalker Nothing Like You ($11.40) got up in the final stride to score by a nose. Tambo was 2 1/4 lengths in front of clear show finisher Royal Slipper. The final time was 1:23.03. 

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Bob Hope Stakes 2023 Analysis

 

By Jarrod Horak

Del Mar’s Bing Crosby Season continues on Sunday, Nov. 19 and this post features Bob Hope Stakes picks. The Grade 3 event for 2-year-olds has a purse of $100,000 and the five entrants will be traveling seven panels on the main track. It goes as the 8th race on Nov. 19. 

Bob Hope Stakes Analysis & Final Time Ratings

Tejon Pass broke slow from the inside post and missed the show by a nose in his local debut. He set the pace from an outer post and went all the way on a wet fast track on Sept. 30. The son of Justify will probably impact the pace from the inside post under Mike Smith.   

Mission Beach pressed and scored in his local sprint bow, and battled through quick splits before weakening in the Grade 1 Hopeful second time out. Bob Baffert has three entrants in this race and has saddled the winner of this event a dozen times. The $400k son of Curlin needs to do a bit better. 

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Grade 3 Bob Hope Stakes 2023 Video Picks

This horse racing video features analysis of the Grade 3 Bob Hope Stakes at Del Mar on 11-19-23. 

Check out my Del Mar Bing Crosby Season handicapping articles at Today's Racing Digest.

Cary Grant Stakes 2023 Video

 This horse racing video features analysis of the Cary Grant Stakes at Del Mar on 11-18-23. 

Check out my Del Mar Bing Crosby Season handicapping articles at Today's Racing Digest.

Cary Grant Stakes 2023 Analysis

 

By Jarrod Horak

Del Mar’s Bing Crosby Season continues on Saturday, Nov. 18, and this post will feature Cary Grant Stakes picks. The $100,000 event for California-bred or sired 3-year-olds and up traveling seven panels on the main track is the 8th race on Nov. 18. 

Cary Grant Stakes Analysis & Final Time Ratings

Principe Carlo is the inside speed under Kyle Frey. He fits with these on his best day but he has not run a quality race since May 2022. 

Trip to Spain exits a close show finish in a $32k claiming sprint at Golden Gate. This is his first start as a gelding and he should be forwardly placed but seems up against it. 

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Del Mar Horse of the Day Video for 11-17-23

This horse racing video features analysis of the 7th race at Del Mar on 11-17-23. 

Check out my Del Mar Bing Crosby Season handicapping articles at Today's Racing Digest.

Del Mar Thoroughbred Club Stakes Recaps (Nov. 10-12)

 

By Jarrod Horak

The 2023 Bing Crosby Season is off and running. In this post, I will cover Del Mar stakes recaps for Nov. 10-12 and preview the upcoming second week of the fall meet. 

Del Mar Stakes Recaps (Nov. 10-12)

Let It Ride – Nov. 10 – One mile turf

There was not much drama in this restricted flat mile turf stakes affair. Dandy Man Shines (IRE) was the strong favorite after a relatively fast maiden score in a one mile turf race at Del Mar on Sept. 9. Woodbine shipper Camilo looked like the only real competition on paper, but he seemed to stumble a bit out of the gate and did not get into the right forward spot under Flavien Prat. He stalked inside and was one-paced. Sharp Aza Tack stretched out in distance and took up the running from the inside post. Dandy Man Shines was patient handled under Umberto Rispoli, and he started to advance around the far turn while racing wide. He burst to the front in the lane and was much the best by 2 1/4 lengths. Ah Jeez gained the place over his stablemate Sharp Aza Tack. Calm Sea and Camilo were in the three-way photo for the show but both came up a tad short. Smart Mo stalked and faded to last. Jeff Mullins saddled the winner and he paid $3.60, and he completed his one mile turf journey in 1:34.55.  

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Betty Grable Stakes 2023 Video Picks

This horse racing video features analysis of the Betty Grable Stakes at Del Mar on 11-12-23. 

Check out my Del Mar Bing Crosby Season handicapping articles at Today's Racing Digest.

Betty Grable Stakes 2023 Analysis

 

By Jarrod Horak

Del Mar’s Bing Crosby Season continues on Sunday, Nov. 12 and this post will feature Betty Grable Stakes picks. The $100,000 event for California-bred or sired fillies and mares traveling seven panels on the main track is the 8th race on Nov. 12. 

Betty Grable Stakes Final Time Ratings

Chancery Way owns the best recent Today’s Racing Digest Final Time Ratings. Her back-to-back 134 Digest numbers give her a big look in this race under Antonio Fresu, but the inside post can be challenging in these extended sprints. 

Bella D looks overmatched so let’s move on to Glorious Spring. The latter gets the services of Flavien Prat and she turns back and should offer value. She won a pair of flat mile dirt races earlier this year. 

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Kathryn Crosby Stakes 2023 Video Picks

This horse racing video features analysis of the Kathryn Crosby Stakes at Del Mar on 11-11-23. 

Check out my Del Mar Bing Crosby Season handicapping articles at Today's Racing Digest.

Kathryn Crosby Stakes 2023 Analysis

 

By Jarrod Horak

Del Mar’s Bing Crosby Season continues on Saturday, Nov. 11 and this post will feature Kathryn Crosby Stakes picks. The $75,000 event for fillies and mares traveling one mile on the turf course is the 7th race on Nov. 11. 

Kathryn Crosby Stakes Final Time Ratings

The early pace of this race should come from Ganadora, Free and Humble, and Lucky for You. Linda’s Gift figures to save ground stalking the pace, and Very Scary should be with her. Turnerloose figures to work out a midpack trip, and Nadette (FR), Dolce Zel (FR), and Yerwanthere (IRE) do their best running in the late going.  

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Let It Ride Stakes 2023 Analysis

 

By Jarrod Horak

Del Mar’s Bing Crosby Season kicks off on Friday, Nov. 10 and this post features Let It Ride Stakes picks. The $75,000 event for sophomore males traveling one mile on the turf course is the 7th race on opening day. 

Let It Ride Stakes Final Time Ratings

Dandy Man Shines (IRE) is the 8-5 morning line favorite. He earned the top Today’s Racing Digest Final Time Rating in his flat mile maiden victory at Del Mar on Sept. 9. He is a strong win contender under Umberto Rispoli but he will not offer much wagering value. 

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Del Mar 2023 Bing Crosby Season Preview

 

By Jarrod Horak

The 2023 Del Mar fall horse racing meet kicks off on Friday, Nov. 10 with an 8-race program. The opening day feature is the Let It Ride Stakes, one of 15 stakes scheduled for their Bing Crosby Season.

Jockeys to Watch

Flavien Prat was the leading rider at Del Mar last fall and look for more of the same in 2023. He defeated Juan Hernandez 24-20 last year and those two dominated the standings. 

The race for leading rider will probably be a bit more competitive this time around. Look for Antonio Fresu and Umberto Rispoli to make a big impact.  

Joe Bravo will not be riding at Del Mar this fall. He is moving his tack to Gulfstream Park so he can be closer to his family

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Let It Ride Stakes 2023 Video: Del Mar Fall Meet Opening Day

This horse racing video features analysis of the Let It Ride Stakes at Del Mar on 11-10-23. 

Check out my Del Mar Bing Crosby Season handicapping articles at Today's Racing Digest.

Breeders' Cup Saturday Results Part 2

 

By Jarrod Horak

The Breeders’ Cup Saturday card is complete and this is my second article recapping the Nov. 4 races. I covered BC Friday resultsyesterday, and in my first BC Saturday recap article, I reviewed the BC Dirt Mile, Filly & Mare Turf, Filly & Mare Sprint, Mile, and Distaff. This time, I will go through the remaining four Breeders’ Cup Saturday results.

Breeders’ Cup Saturday Results

BC Turf

An overseas runner was a slam dunk to win this race. There were multiple overseas shippers to choose from and the bettors landed on Auguste Rodin (IRE) for Ryan Moore and Aidan O’Brien. He was patiently handled, advanced steadily near the inside, and got clear and finished with energy in a 3/4 length victory over Up to the Mark. The latter stalked wide under Irad Ortiz Jr. and held off Japanese invader Shahryar for the runner-up spot. Gold Phoenix (IRE) rallied for 4th as one of the longest shots on the board. The final time was 2:24.30. 

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Breeders' Cup Saturday 2023 Results Part 1

 

By Jarrod Horak

The Breeders’ Cup Saturday card is in the books and I will look back at all the action in two articles. In this post, I will review the BC Dirt Mile, Filly & Mare Turf, Filly & Mare Sprint, Mile, and Distaff. Check out my Breeders’ Cup Saturday 2023 recaps below.

Breeders’ Cup Saturday Recaps

BC Dirt Mile

A thrilling finish in this flat mile contest. Flavien Prat was intent on the early lead from the outside post aboard Preakness hero National Treasure. He discouraged the other speed horses through splits of 22.21, 46.02, and 1:09.78. He spurted away by 2 1/2 lengths after six panels and strong favorite Cody’s Wish was the only one with a chance to catch the Bob Baffert speedster, and what a great ride from his pilot Junior Alvarado. Last year’s BC Dirt Mile hero was gathering momentum from off the pace, and the son of Curlin moved up inside, angled out, and confronted the longtime leader. There was some bumping going on in deep stretch and Cody’s Wish gamely prevailed by a nose over National Treasure. There was an inquiry into the stretch run but no change was made to the original order of finish. The stewards made the right call. Skippylongstocking chased the pace and was miles clear of the rest. The final time was 1:35.97 and Bill Mott was the winning trainer. 

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Breeders' Cup Friday 2023 Results

 

By Jarrod Horak

The Breeders’ Cup Friday card is complete and Fierceness stole the show with a romping score in the BC Juvenile. Check out all of the Breeders’ Cup Friday 2023 results below.

Breeders’ Cup Friday Results

BC Juvenile Turf Sprint

The overseas runners surprisingly dominated this five furlong turf dash. Big Evs (IRE) was all over the pace from post 4. It was actually Crimson Advocate on the lead from the inside post. The latter was fractious at the gate and was sent out of there through a blazing opening quarter in 20.71. She had to work too hard to maintain the lead. Meanwhile, Big Evs was just cruising along in a pressing position and he edged clear and held off Valiant Force to win by a half-length. Starlust was 3rd and beaten favorite No Nay Mets (IRE) completed the superfecta. They sped five panels in 55.31. 

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Breeders' Cup Classic 2023 Video Analysis

This horse racing video features analysis of the BC Classic at Santa Anita on 11-4-23. 

Check out my Breeders' Cup handicapping articles at Today's Racing Digest. 

BC Juvenile 2023 Video Analysis

This horse racing video features analysis of the BC Juvenile at Santa Anita on 11-3-23. 

Check out my Breeders' Cup handicapping articles at Today's Racing Digest. 

BC Juvenile Fillies 2023 Video Analysis

This horse racing video features analysis of the BC Juvenile Fillies at Santa Anita on 11-3-23. 

Check out my Breeders' Cup handicapping articles at Today's Racing Digest. 

Breeders' Cup Saturday 2023 International Horse Report

 

By Jarrod Horak

The BC Saturday international horses should make an impact in at least three turf races and the BC Classic at Santa Anita Park on Nov. 4. I will go through and analyze all of the BC Saturday international horses below.

BC Filly & Mare Turf

Warm Heart (IRE) won her last two starts for Aidan O’Brien. She captured the Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks at 1 1/2 miles on turf on Aug. 24 and took the Prix Vermeille (G1) at that same distance in France on Sept. 10. She won a pair of turf races at this 1 1/4 mile distance earlier this year. 

Win Marilyn (JPN) won the Hong Kong Vase (G1) at 1 1/2 miles on turf late last year. She was below that form in a trio of turf route stakes in Japan this year. 

Inspiral (GB) has to be considered a win contender but I am not sure about the added distance for this one. She captured her last two flat mile turf starts under Frankie Dettori in the Group 1 Jacques Le Marois and Sun Chariot (G1), and she was a multiple Group 1 winner in 2022. She has a ton of class for outstanding conditioner John Gosden. Her conditioner feared an outside post in the BC Mile and that is why she is in this race.   

Lumiere Rock (IRE) is just 2-for-11 but the wins occurred in the Group 3 Staffordstown Stud at one mile and the Group 2 Blandford at 1 1/4 miles. The sophomore filly also placed in four other Group races and is probably worth considering for Joseph O’Brien. 

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Breeders' Cup Friday 2023 International Horse Report

 

By Jarrod Horak

The BC Friday international horses should be competitive in the three turf races at Santa Anita Park on Nov. 3. I will go through and analyze all of the BC Friday international horses below.

BC Juvenile Turf Sprint

Tiger Belle (IRE) is 3-for-5 with a runner-up finish and all five races were at five panels on turf. Two of her wins were in Ireland. She shipped to France and captured a Group 3 on Aug. 31, and runner-up Dawn Charger won the Prix Eclipse (G3) on Sept. 16 and was 2nd in the Group 2 Criterium de Maisons Laffitte on Oct. 7. She is one of the more interesting BC Friday international horses. 

Big Evs (IRE) won a Group 3 race in Great Britain in August. He was nowhere in his next Group 1 start, and bounced back with a Group 2 score at Doncaster on Sept. 15. His overseas turf sprint form is not bad, and if an invader fires in this spot, he might be the one. 

Givemethebeatboys (IRE) was an early bloomer in Ireland with back-to-back turf sprint wins in May including a Group 3 score at the Curragh. He was 4th, 3rd, and 4th in his last three turf sprint stakes starts and others seem more appealing. 

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