Friday at Breeders’ Cup day has always been about the 2-year-old horses. Juvenile races bring the top babies together to compete for $1M+ purses. While the main events don’t get started until race 5, I will give you my quick analysis and top plays for each race.
Also, if you haven’t done so yet, make sure you sign up for StableDuel. I have already given the best plays and tips analysis earlier this week. It’s free to play today and tomorrow and offer $20,000 in cash prizes. I also am going to give one DFS Karma player something special if they get a top score! Lineups lock at 1:45 pm EST.
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Race 1
In a 6-horse field, this race comes down to 2 horses for me. Campaign (#5) looks to be best but Itsinthepost (#1) could threaten with its highest speed rating coming last race. After that look at American Tattoo (#2) and Zestful (#4) to finish trifectas/superfectas.
Race 2
I don’t expect An Eddie Surprise (#10) to win at 8/1 odds, but I like his chances to be in the mix. That’s an easy small-dollar p/s bet if odds stay higher. The #4, Opus Won looks like a solid bet here at 8/1 odds too. Heathers Grey (#9) will probably be your favorite. I like an exacta box of 1,4,9,10.
Race 3
Been Studying Her (#11) is the top play here. Bulletproof One (#8) is also a strong play but is cross-entered into Race 5. Not sure where this one is going to end up yet. For a longshot to factor and possibly upset, I look towards the 9, Cholula Lips at 12/1. Small w/p/s bet on the 9. Bigger w/p bet on the 11.
Race 4
I think this is the most wide-open race of the day. Many scenarios in this one. I think if doing a pick sequence, you have to go deep here. 11 looks like a good play as the fastest dirt speed of the contenders. Cali Dude (#2) is 1/1 on this track, beating other contenders from this race. #9 has been on a long layoff but was decent before it. And for a longer shot, the 3 looks pretty nice here too.
Race 5
I think it comes down to one of two Wesley Ward trained horses. The filly, Kimari (#7) and the colt, Four Wheel Drive (#9) are my top choices for this race. After those, the 10, A’Ali makes a strong case to factor. I don’t think Bulletproof One (#13) runs this race, but if she does, you gotta like her to complete exotics.
Race 6
Arizona (#12) is my top play in this race. I think this horse should have no problem with the distance if his last couple of races are any indication. This race should come down to him and Decorated Invader (#4). Following that, Graceful Kitten (#6) shouldn’t be 15/1 in my mind. I like this horse to get a piece of the action. Peace Achieved (#3) is a strong contender too at 10/1.
Race 7
I’m interested to see where Donna Veloce (#1) ends up in the betting public numbers. Only 1 race in and I think she’s going to be a great horse. Baffert’s horse, Bast (#6) should be top competition. Following them, 4 and 7 should round out the top choices there.
Race 8
A lot of European horses in this one. It’s tough to ‘cap the euro horses since most of the tracking is done differently. I think this comes down to 3 horses. Sweet Melania (#12), Daahyeh (#5) and Albigna (#9). Crystalle (#7) as an outside chance to factor as well. Exacta play for me is 5,9,12/5,7,9,12.
Race 9
This is the big race of the day. The Juvenile is the richest two-year-old race for boys. Dennis’ Moment (#1) and Eight Rings (#6) are the top plays in this race. I do like Scabbard (#5) as sort of an upset play. Dennis’ Moment has looked fantastic, but Eight Rings has the victories.
Race 10
I think the quick pace opens the door to any midpack racer to closer. My favorite plays are 8 and 2. If I’m trying to fill in other horses, maybe the 7 by virtue of a big lead and fading to 2nd or 3rd? I’m going to exacta box 2 8 and 7.
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