Breeders' Cup Friday 2026 Video Recap

2026 Breeders' Cup Friday video recap.

The 2-day BC was held at Keeneland on Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31, 2026. 

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Breeders' Cup Juvenile 2026 Handicapping Article (10-30-26)

The 2026 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile is Race 9 at Keeneland on Friday, October 30, with a $2 million purse and a scheduled 4:55 p.m. ET post time. The 1 1/16-mile Grade 1 dirt test brings together some of the country’s top two-year-olds, including Grade 1 American Pharoah hero Hughes, Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity winner American History, and last-out Grade 3 Iroquois winner Salahudin.

I’m looking at more than wins and losses in this $2 million Grade 1 championship. The key is figuring out which horses have demonstrated the necessary ability, which ones benefited from favorable race flow, and which juveniles are still improving as they stretch out around two turns.

This is also a Kentucky Derby 2027 points race. These young horses are still developing, so I want to identify the runner who can deliver the best performance now while keeping an eye on those who could improve with more experience and distance.

Horse-by-Horse Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Analysis

1. Damavand (20-1)

Damavand enters at a 20-1 morning line for trainer Todd Pletcher, with Luis Saez named to ride. He was beaten by more than nine lengths in his debut before returning at Keeneland for a one-mile-and-a-sixteenth race.

In that second start, he tracked from third in an 11-horse field and won by a neck. His numbers improved substantially, with a Final Time Rating of 96 in his debut followed by a 125 in his second race. His Fire Number rose from 64 to 80, while his CPR climbed from 84 to 128.

Those are encouraging improvements, but I have a concern about the circumstances of that latest victory. It was a slow-early, fast-late race, and he benefited from being able to track the pace before making his move.

He will face much stronger competition here. From the rail, I expect him to save ground and track the pace, but he must demonstrate that he can produce another step forward against this field.

I respect the numerical improvement, but I need more evidence that he can compete at this level.

2. Gaudreau (8-1)

Gaudreau is trained by Chad Brown and Manny Franco is named to ride for the first time after Flavien Prat switches to Hughes.

He won his debut while pressing from second. Two runners from that race, Coach Pope and USS Valor, subsequently won their next starts by wide margins. He then faced USS Valor in a one-turn mile and was no match for that rival.

In the Grade 1 Champagne, he dueled on the lead and finished second, best of the rest behind the winner. That was a respectable effort, but he needs to run much faster to win this race.

The jockey change also catches my attention. Prat moves to Hughes, and that makes sense given Hughes’ recent performance pattern.

He has some useful form and a Grade 1 runner-up finish, but I need a faster performance before backing him.

3. Salahudin (6-1)

Salahudin is a major contender for Bob Baffert. Tyler Gaffalione is named to ride him for the first time. The $325,000 son of Uncle Mo is undefeated in three starts, and he has improved with every race.

His progression is particularly attractive:

Figure	Debut	Second Start	Third Start
Final Time Rating	107	117	129
Fire Number	76	83	90
CPR	94	104	120

He moved from six and a half furlongs to seven furlongs and then to a one-turn mile. Each time, his figures improved. In the Grade 3 Iroquois Stakes, he broke slowly and raced wide but still won by a half-length.

He also had a bullet workout at Churchill Downs on October 25. The biggest question is whether he can get away from the gate cleanly and avoid leaving himself too much ground to make up.

Salahudin looks like a colt who should appreciate longer distances. His long stride and steady improvement suggest two turns could suit him, although the added distance does not eliminate the risk of another slow start.

He has the improving pattern to be dangerous now, and I expect additional ground to remain a positive as his career develops.

4. Earth Song (20-1)

Earth Song won his debut by 11 lengths as the odds-on favorite, but that race featured only three horses. He then faced better competition in the Grade 1 Champagne, finishing fourth and beaten by more than nine lengths at 24-1.

His figures moved in the wrong direction:

Figure	Debut	Second Start
Final Time Rating	140	122
Fire Number	92	82
CPR	135	111

That decline concerns me. The impressive debut came against just two rivals, and he failed to reproduce that performance when he stepped up in class. Now he faces another strong field while stretching out to two turns.

I am leaving Earth Song at the bottom of my rankings. He needs to reverse a negative figure pattern while proving he can compete against better horses.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Breeders' Cup Juvenile 2026 Video Picks (10-30-26)

2026 Breeders' Cup Juvenile video picks.

The BC Juvenile will be held at Keeneland on Friday, October 30, 2026. 

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse. 

Goodwood Stakes 2026 Analysis (9-26-26)

The Grade 1 Goodwood Stakes at Santa Anita Park is the featured race on Saturday, September 26. The $300,000 event is for three-year-olds and up and will be contested at 1 1/8 miles on the main track.

With a competitive field that includes several proven stakes performers, the race flow could play a major role in determining the outcome. Here is a look at the field and the key Today’s Racing Digest numbers.

Goodwood Stakes Field

1. Taif (8-1)

Taif is trained by Bob Baffert and will have Emisael Jaramillo aboard for the first time. The five-year-old has made only three career starts, all in maiden company, with a win and two runner-up finishes.

He graduated at a mile and a sixteenth on the turf in his most recent start and now faces a significant class test while switching back to the main track. He did post a bullet workout at Santa Anita on September 19, but he’ll need to run considerably faster to compete with this group.

2. Vodka Vodka (15-1)

Kent Desormeaux returns aboard Vodka Vodka for trainer Aggie Ordonez. The horse has one runner-up finish in four starts at Santa Anita, that coming in the Grade 1 Big Cap earlier this year.

His most recent start was the Grade 2 Pat O’Brien at seven furlongs, where he stumbled at the start and finished seventh. That effort can be forgiven, particularly because it came off a layoff and at a shorter distance.

His previous two dirt-route efforts in stakes company were much stronger, including a 140 final-time rating when he finished second in the Big Cap and a 143 when he won a stakes race at 1 1/8 miles at Sunland Park in April.

At 15-1, he could be worth considering underneath.

3. McAfee (15-1)

McAfee is trained by George Weaver and will be ridden by Hector Berrios. He was cross-entered in the Lukas Classic at Churchill Downs, but the connections are expected to run here.

He enters off a six-length victory in a 1 1/8-mile allowance race at Saratoga. He also recorded a bullet workout on September 19.

The concern is class. He has struggled to win several stakes races in the past, although he has hit the board in some of them. He does have five starts at this distance, with one win, two seconds and a third.

He has early-pressing versatility and could track the pace, but he’ll need another step forward.

4. Original Sin (6-1)

Original Sin has four wins from 10 starts and has been particularly effective this year, winning three of six starts.

He was second in the Grade 1 Pacific Classic last time out, rallying from well back. The pace helped him considerably that day, however, with fractions of 45.40 seconds and 1:10.00 for the first six furlongs.

The cutback to 1 1/8 miles should suit him. He’s two-for-two at the distance and won the Grade 3 Blame Stakes at Churchill Downs at this trip, earning a 144 final-time rating.

The question is whether new rider Kazushi Kimura can keep him closer to the pace.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Bourbon Flight Stakes 2026 Video Picks (9-26-26)

Video analysis of the Bourbon Flight Stakes at Churchill Downs on Saturday, September 26, 2026. 

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.  

Iroquois Stakes 2026 Video Analysis (9-12-26)

Video analysis of the Grade 3, $300,000 Iroquois Stakes at Churchill Downs (9-12-26). This is the first Kentucky Derby 2027 points race. 

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse. 

Test Stakes 2026 Analysis (8-8-26)

The Test Stakes is one of four Grade 1 races at Saratoga on Saturday, August 8. It goes as Race 9, featuring a $500,000 purse for three-year-old fillies. The field will travel seven furlongs over the main track, with post time scheduled for 4:36 p.m. ET.

Below is my race breakdown and a look at the leading contenders.

Race Overview

The Test Stakes annually attracts some of the best sophomore fillies in the country, and this year’s edition is no exception. The seven-furlong distance rewards both speed and versatility, and several runners enter in sharp form while others are looking to rebound after facing top-level competition.

A competitive pace appears likely, with multiple fillies possessing early-pressing speed, but I don’t expect the race to completely fall apart. Instead, I’m looking for a horse capable of sitting close to the leaders before making a decisive move turning for home.

Horse-by-Horse Analysis

#1 Movie Night (7-2)

Trainer: William Walden
Jockey: Jose Ortiz

Movie Night enters the Test Stakes as an exciting up-and-coming filly with upside. After finishing second in her career debut, she has rattled off two dominant victories by a combined 13½ lengths. More importantly, she improved both her pace figures and final-time ratings in her first start on fast dirt last time, suggesting she’s still developing.

Her running style versatility is a major asset. She rallied from off the pace in her first two starts before showing she could duel on the front end in her latest victory. That adaptability should give her new rider Jose Ortiz options from the rail regardless of how the pace develops.

A bullet five-furlong workout at Churchill Downs signals she’s maintained her sharp form heading into her toughest assignment to date. If she takes another step forward, she’s a legitimate contender.

#2 Percy’s Bar (8-1)

Trainer: Ben Colebrook
Jockey: Manny Franco

Percy’s Bar has proven graded stakes ability but appears to save her very best performances for Keeneland. Her strongest speed figures came in victories there, including the Grade 1 Ashland, while her efforts elsewhere have generally fallen short of that standard.

The cutback from route races to seven furlongs might help, and adding blinkers could encourage a more forward early position. However, trainer Ben Colebrook has struggled historically with the blinkers-on move, and the filly is also cross-entered in the Audubon Oaks at Ellis Park on Sunday.

If she starts, she’s capable of making an impact, but she’ll need to improve on her recent route form.

#3 Sippin Pretty (6-1)

Trainer: Ian Wilkes
Jockey: Ricardo Santana Jr.

Sippin Pretty broke through with a career-best effort when upsetting the Grade 3 Victory Ride Stakes at 26-1. Her speed figure jumped significantly, indicating she may finally be putting everything together.

The challenge is proving that performance wasn’t a one-race spike. Saturday’s Grade 1 field is considerably deeper, and she’ll need another forward move to compete with the division’s best fillies.

She has improving form and enters with confidence, making her an intriguing player.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Iowa Derby 2026 Video Picks at Prairie Meadows (7-11-26)

Video analysis of the $250,000 Iowa Derby at Prairie Meadows (7-11-26). 

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse. 

Haskell Stakes 2026 Preview

Video preview of the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park. 

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse. 

Bango Stakes 2026 Analysis (6-27-26)

The Grade 3 Bango Stakes brings together a solid group of older sprinters at Churchill Downs on Saturday, and several runners enter in sharp form. While proven stakes performers such as Cornucopian and Dr. Venkman command respect, the improving Built appears poised to continue his strong transition into a sprint specialist.

Race Overview

The pace should be honest from the outset with Cornucopian and Harrodsburg expected to show early speed. Built, breaking from the outside post, figures to enjoy a stalking trip under Irad Ortiz Jr., while Dr. Venkman and Extra Anejo should settle just behind the leaders.

Main Contenders

Cornucopian (#2)

Bob Baffert’s Cornucopian remains one of the most accomplished sprinters in the field. He has won three of four starts this season, including Grade 3 victories in the San Carlos Stakes and the Aristides at Churchill Downs on May 30.

His fifth-place finish in the Grade 1 Churchill Downs Stakes on May 2 can be forgiven against tougher competition. He owns some of the strongest recent speed figures in the race and should secure a forward position throughout beneath Flavien Prat.

If he reproduces either of his graded-stakes-winning efforts from this season, he will be a major factor from start to finish.

Extra Anejo (#5)

Extra Anejo could be the value horse underneath in vertical wagers.

The Steve Asmussen trainee made his first start in almost nine months on May 21 and should move forward in his second start of the year. He owns prior graded stakes success and has proven capable of handling the Churchill Downs surface.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Chicago Stakes 2026 Analysis (6-20-26)

The Grade 2 Chicago Stakes headlines the Churchill Downs program on Saturday night, offering a $300,000 purse for fillies and mares going seven furlongs on the main track.

Race Overview

The seven-furlong distance often favors horses that possess both sprint speed and the stamina to finish strongly, and this year’s field includes multiple runners with established credentials at the course and distance.

Leading the way is morning-line favorite Eclatant, who enters the race in career-best form after capturing the Grade 1 Madison Stakes at Keeneland (161 FTR). However, she will face stiff competition from Grade 1 winner Usha and a handful of value plays capable of upsetting the favorite.

The Favorite: Eclatant

Eclatant has developed into one of the top female sprinters in training and appears to be improving with age. The Brad Cox trainee won the Grade 3 Forward Gal Stakes last season and made only three starts as a three-year-old. Since returning this year, she has been perfect in two starts, culminating in an impressive Grade 1 Madison victory at the same seven-furlong distance she will face in the Chicago Stakes.

What makes Eclatant particularly dangerous is her upward trajectory. Her speed figures have improved significantly this season, and she possesses the tactical speed necessary to secure a favorable trip from the start. If she reproduces either of her last two performances, she will be extremely difficult to deny.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest 

Ohio Derby 2026 Analysis (6-20-26)

The Grade 3 Ohio Derby at Thistledown on June 20 has a purse of $500,000 and a field of ten sophomores are set to travel 1 1/8 miles on the main track.

Pace Scenario Favors the Favorites

One of the most important handicapping factors in this year’s Ohio Derby is the projected pace.

Unlike many graded stakes events, this race lacks a confirmed front-runner. Several horses possess tactical speed, but there does not appear to be a true pace burner signed on. That could allow horses with early positioning and proven class to control the race from the outset.

Both Chip Honcho and Desert Gate fit that profile perfectly.

Desert Gate has shown improved early speed since adding blinkers earlier this season, while Chip Honcho has consistently raced near the pace against stronger competition.

With neither horse likely to face significant early pressure, both should secure ideal trips.

Desert Gate: The Deserving Favorite

Desert Gate enters as the morning-line favorite and has done little wrong throughout his career.

The Bob Baffert trainee owns four victories from seven starts and has posted some of the strongest speed figures in the field. His recent wins in the Hot Springs Stakes and Texas Derby were visually impressive, and his ratings consistently rank at or near the top in every major category.

The son of Desert Gate projects to be prominently placed from the start under Flavien Prat, a combination that makes him dangerous throughout.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Affirmed Stakes 2026 Analysis (6-15-26)

The Affirmed Stakes at Santa Anita Park returns to the racing calendar on Monday after originally being scheduled for June 11. A power outage interrupted racing midway through the card last week, forcing officials to cancel the remaining races, including the Affirmed Stakes. With Santa Anita adding an extra day of racing, the race has been brought back with a slightly altered field.

One notable addition is Litmus Test, who was not entered in the original version of the race. His presence adds a new dimension to the handicapping puzzle and gives bettors a proven graded stakes performer to consider.

Court of Appeal Faces Class Challenge

Court of Appeal enters as a 30-1 outsider for trainer Vladimir Cerin. A two-time winner from six starts, the gelding scored in a maiden claiming race at Churchill Downs and later picked up a sprint victory at Turf Paradise.

While the return to dirt should help, he faces a substantial class hike against much tougher competition. His pedigree suggests he should handle the distance, but this appears to be a demanding assignment.

Litmus Test Gets Class Relief

Litmus Test was originally entered in the Delaware Derby before trainer Bob Baffert redirected him to this race after the schedule change. The 7-5 morning-line favorite owns the strongest resume in the field.

The colt captured the Grade 2 Los Alamitos Futurity and finished third in the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes earlier this year. While his efforts in the Arkansas Derby and Kentucky Derby were disappointing, the drop from Grade 1 company into a listed stakes event represents significant class relief.

A forwardly placed trip from post two could put him in an ideal position throughout.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Matt Winn Stakes 2026 Video Analysis (6-7-26)

Matt Winn Stakes video picks at Churchill Downs (6-7-26). 

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.   

Churchill Downs Stakes Analysis (5-30-26)

Saturday’s Churchill Downs card features three competitive graded stakes races on the main track, and I’ll break down each one using the pace analysis, trip notes, and figures from past performances provided by Today’s Racing Digest.

The races covered in this analysis include the Grade 2 Shawnee Stakes, Grade 3 Aristides Stakes, and Grade 3 Blame Stakes. I’ll go through the contenders, discuss the projected race shape, and identify the horses I believe offer the strongest chances based on form, pace setup, and Digest ratings.

Race 6 — Grade 2 Shawnee Stakes

Distance: 1 1/16 Miles
Purse: $300,000
Division: Fillies & Mares

Main Contenders

Splendora enters as the morning-line favorite for Bob Baffert and looks like the horse to beat if she rebounds from her disappointing effort in the Derby City Distaff. Prior to that race, she had been exceptionally sharp, posting multiple strong Digest figures including back-to-back 155 ratings. Her Grade 1 Beholder Mile victory at Santa Anita proved she can handle two turns effectively, and her Del Mar form last year was outstanding.

While the recent Churchill defeat raises questions, she has trained forwardly over the surface since that race and retains Flavien Prat. If she returns to her best form, she is clearly fast enough to win.

Immersive is the horse I believe still has upside. Brad Cox has done an excellent job managing her career, and she has never finished outside the exacta in eight starts. Her comeback effort at seven furlongs looked more like a prep than a target race, and stretching back out around two turns should help significantly.

She owns tactical speed, draws the outside post, and gets Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard. Her previous Churchill performances fit well against this group, and her progression suggests another move forward is possible second off the layoff.

Majestic Oops is a hard-trying mare who consistently picks up checks at this level. She exits a respectable effort in the Grade 1 Apple Blossom and already owns a Grade 2 victory this season in the Azeri Stakes. Her consistency makes her usable underneath in exotics.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Preakness Stakes 2026 Future Wager Analysis

In this Triple Crown Series 2026 video, I analysis the Preakness Stakes Future Wager pool. 

I covered all of the Kentucky Derby 2026 points races on my channel. Road to Derby video record (37 13-4-7).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.    

Kentucky Derby 2026 Video Update (4-26-26)

In this Kentucky Derby 2026 video, I update the points leaderboard and share the latest Kentucky Derby news, workouts, and contenders (4-26-26). 

I covered all of the Kentucky Derby 2026 points races on my channel. Road to Derby video record (37 13-4-7).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.    

Kentucky Oaks 2026 Video Update (3-15-26)

In this Kentucky Oaks 2026 video, I share my updated Fabulous 5 Oaks contenders (3-15-26).

I cover all of the Kentucky Oaks prep races, and through the first 25 points races, my top choices have 12 wins, 4 runner-up finishes, and 5 show finishes. The next Kentucky Oaks points race is the Fair Grounds Oaks on Saturday, March 21 and the winner will receive 100 Oaks points. The Bourbonette Oaks on all-weather ground at Turfway Park will also be run on March 21 and the winner gets 50 points.

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.   

Road to Kentucky Oaks Report (3-15-26)

The $250,000 Virginia Oaks was the latest Kentucky Oaks 2026 prep race and Bottle of Rouge made it two straight points race victories. In this report, I will recap the Virginia Oaks, update the points standings, and share my top five Oaks fillies.

I cover all of the Kentucky Oaks points race on my Runaway Horse YouTube channel, and through the first 25 points races, my top choices have 12 wins, 4 runner-up finishes, and 5 show finishes. The next Kentucky Oaks points race is the Fair Grounds Oaks on Saturday, March 21 and the winner will receive 100 Oaks points. The Bourbonette Oaks on all-weather ground at Turfway Park will also be run on March 21 and the winner gets 50 points.

Fair Grounds Oaks field (race 11 at Fair Grounds on March 21): 1 – Miss Metoyer, 2 – Newtown Pike, 3 – Maximum Offer, 4 – Luv Your Neighbor, 5 – Bella Ballerina, 6 – Life of Joy, 7 – Love and Trust.

Bourbonette Oaks field (race 11 at Turfway Park on March 21): 1 – Resplendence, 2 – Resist, 3 – Beara Peninsula, 4 – Blazing Brat, 5 – Scratch It, 6 – Callmeyourmajesty, 7 – Maximum Offer, 8 – Bless Her, 9 – Lovely Grey, 10 – La Ville Lumiere, 11 – Lorelei Lee, 12 – Wonzee Weather.

Kentucky Oaks 2026 Points Race Recaps

Virginia Oaks at Colonial Downs (3-14-26): This event at a mile and a sixteenth around one turn was reduced to five runners following the defection of Somemunny to Love. Inside speed Dazzling Dame broke fourth and moved up along the rail to set the tempo. She never got away from Bottle of Rouge ($3.60) and the latter had this race won around the final turn, and she gradually pulled clear to score by 4 1/4 lengths (87 BSF). Dazzling Dame was clearly second best and Baffle rallied from far back to finish a clear third. Hit Parade and Kadabra also ran. Flavien Prat rode the winner for Bob Baffert. Fractions: 22.61, 45.64, 1:09.74, 1:34.64, 1:41.41. 

Read more at The Runaway Horse

Virgina Oaks 2026 Video Analysis (3-14-26)

Virginia Oaks video analysis at Colonial Downs (3-14-26). This is a Kentucky Oaks 2026 points race. Road to Kentucky Oaks 2026 video record (24 12-3-5).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.