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Star 3-year-old filly makes a Horse of the Year bid in her first attempt vs. elders. Her 4 Grade 1 wins this year include the Kentucky Oaks, and her lone defeat was a narrow runner-up vs. the boys in the Travers.
Last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner looks to add an unprecedented Classic title at age 3. His sophomore season included a record win margin the Florida Derby, a debacle when 15th in the Kentucky Derby, and a rebound to win the Jim Dandy and Travers at Saratoga. Likely Horse of the Year with a Classic victory.
The 2022 Breeders' Cup Turf winner is back after an absence in the event last year, and has strung together globetrotting wins this year in England, Germany, Dubai and Hong Kong. He'll try to join Conduit (2008-'09) as the only 2-time BC Turf winners.
Japanese-based globetrotter won the Saudi Derby and UAE Derby en route to America, where he was a troubled third-place finisher in the Kentucky Derby by two noses. Has raced just once since, winning the Japan Dirt Classic at home.
America's master of the dirt marathon races moves back to his original grass upbringing to contest the 1-1/2 miles Turf. He's won 7 races in a row by comic-book margins and will be tested for class as one of the event's most unique entrants ever.
Europe's sensational sophomore tries dirt for the first time on the heels of victories in the Epsom Derby, Juddmonte International and more. Son of US Triple Crown winner Justify seeks to become the third European to win the Classic (Arcangues, Raven's Pass).
Unbeaten through 2 races, an easy Ellis Park debut followed up by a similarly easy front-running win in the Grade 1 Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland. He'll compete with Chancer McPatrick for favoritism in the Juvenile.
One of America's fastest Turf Sprint performers of modern times, he set a 5-1/2 furlong world record on turf (59.80) in winning June's Jaipur at Saratoga. He's 3-for-3 this year over 3 different courses and travels to Del Mar for the first time.
Europe's top 3-year-old filly contests the Mile vs. the boys riding a 3-race winning streak in Group 1 competition. She was second in last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita.
Preakness winner earned a second Grade 1 victory on the season last out in the Pennsylvania Derby. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas, 89, seeks a record-padding 21st career Breeders' Cup win.
Last year's fourth-place finisher in the Filly & Mare Sprint has made just 2 starts this year, but impressively won Saratoga's Grade 1 Ballerina in her final tune-up. Penchant for the blowout when she's on, her last 5 wins have average more than a 6-length margin.
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Third and seventh in the past 2 editions of the Turf while taking on the boys, this lightly raced 7-year-old battles in her own Breeders' Cup division for the first time. She's a 10-time stakes winner with one of the largest bankrolls ever for an American turf mare.
Star 3-year-old filly makes a Horse of the Year bid in her first attempt vs. elders. Her 4 Grade 1 wins this year include the Kentucky Oaks, and her lone defeat was a narrow runner-up vs. the boys in the Travers.
Last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner looks to add an unprecedented Classic title at age 3. His sophomore season included a record win margin the Florida Derby, a debacle when 15th in the Kentucky Derby, and a rebound to win the Jim Dandy and Travers at Saratoga. Likely Horse of the Year with a Classic victory.
The 2022 Breeders' Cup Turf winner is back after an absence in the event last year, and has strung together globetrotting wins this year in England, Germany, Dubai and Hong Kong. He'll try to join Conduit (2008-'09) as the only 2-time BC Turf winners.
Japanese-based globetrotter won the Saudi Derby and UAE Derby en route to America, where he was a troubled third-place finisher in the Kentucky Derby by two noses. Has raced just once since, winning the Japan Dirt Classic at home.
America's master of the dirt marathon races moves back to his original grass upbringing to contest the 1-1/2 miles Turf. He's won 7 races in a row by comic-book margins and will be tested for class as one of the event's most unique entrants ever.
Europe's sensational sophomore tries dirt for the first time on the heels of victories in the Epsom Derby, Juddmonte International and more. Son of US Triple Crown winner Justify seeks to become the third European to win the Classic (Arcangues, Raven's Pass).
Unbeaten through 2 races, an easy Ellis Park debut followed up by a similarly easy front-running win in the Grade 1 Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland. He'll compete with Chancer McPatrick for favoritism in the Juvenile.
One of America's fastest Turf Sprint performers of modern times, he set a 5-1/2 furlong world record on turf (59.80) in winning June's Jaipur at Saratoga. He's 3-for-3 this year over 3 different courses and travels to Del Mar for the first time.
Europe's top 3-year-old filly contests the Mile vs. the boys riding a 3-race winning streak in Group 1 competition. She was second in last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita.
Preakness winner earned a second Grade 1 victory on the season last out in the Pennsylvania Derby. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas, 89, seeks a record-padding 21st career Breeders' Cup win.
Last year's fourth-place finisher in the Filly & Mare Sprint has made just 2 starts this year, but impressively won Saratoga's Grade 1 Ballerina in her final tune-up. Penchant for the blowout when she's on, her last 5 wins have average more than a 6-length margin.
Third and seventh in the past 2 editions of the Turf while taking on the boys, this lightly raced 7-year-old battles in her own Breeders' Cup division for the first time. She's a 10-time stakes winner with one of the largest bankrolls ever for an American turf mare.
Star 3-year-old filly makes a Horse of the Year bid in her first attempt vs. elders. Her 4 Grade 1 wins this year include the Kentucky Oaks, and her lone defeat was a narrow runner-up vs. the boys in the Travers.
Last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner looks to add an unprecedented Classic title at age 3. His sophomore season included a record win margin the Florida Derby, a debacle when 15th in the Kentucky Derby, and a rebound to win the Jim Dandy and Travers at Saratoga. Likely Horse of the Year with a Classic victory.
The 2022 Breeders' Cup Turf winner is back after an absence in the event last year, and has strung together globetrotting wins this year in England, Germany, Dubai and Hong Kong. He'll try to join Conduit (2008-'09) as the only 2-time BC Turf winners.
Japanese-based globetrotter won the Saudi Derby and UAE Derby en route to America, where he was a troubled third-place finisher in the Kentucky Derby by two noses. Has raced just once since, winning the Japan Dirt Classic at home.
America's master of the dirt marathon races moves back to his original grass upbringing to contest the 1-1/2 miles Turf. He's won 7 races in a row by comic-book margins and will be tested for class as one of the event's most unique entrants ever.
Europe's sensational sophomore tries dirt for the first time on the heels of victories in the Epsom Derby, Juddmonte International and more. Son of US Triple Crown winner Justify seeks to become the third European to win the Classic (Arcangues, Raven's Pass).
Unbeaten through 2 races, an easy Ellis Park debut followed up by a similarly easy front-running win in the Grade 1 Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland. He'll compete with Chancer McPatrick for favoritism in the Juvenile.
One of America's fastest Turf Sprint performers of modern times, he set a 5-1/2 furlong world record on turf (59.80) in winning June's Jaipur at Saratoga. He's 3-for-3 this year over 3 different courses and travels to Del Mar for the first time.
Europe's top 3-year-old filly contests the Mile vs. the boys riding a 3-race winning streak in Group 1 competition. She was second in last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita.
Preakness winner earned a second Grade 1 victory on the season last out in the Pennsylvania Derby. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas, 89, seeks a record-padding 21st career Breeders' Cup win.
Last year's fourth-place finisher in the Filly & Mare Sprint has made just 2 starts this year, but impressively won Saratoga's Grade 1 Ballerina in her final tune-up. Penchant for the blowout when she's on, her last 5 wins have average more than a 6-length margin.
Third and seventh in the past 2 editions of the Turf while taking on the boys, this lightly raced 7-year-old battles in her own Breeders' Cup division for the first time. She's a 10-time stakes winner with one of the largest bankrolls ever for an American turf mare.
Star 3-year-old filly makes a Horse of the Year bid in her first attempt vs. elders. Her 4 Grade 1 wins this year include the Kentucky Oaks, and her lone defeat was a narrow runner-up vs. the boys in the Travers.
Last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner looks to add an unprecedented Classic title at age 3. His sophomore season included a record win margin the Florida Derby, a debacle when 15th in the Kentucky Derby, and a rebound to win the Jim Dandy and Travers at Saratoga. Likely Horse of the Year with a Classic victory.
The 2022 Breeders' Cup Turf winner is back after an absence in the event last year, and has strung together globetrotting wins this year in England, Germany, Dubai and Hong Kong. He'll try to join Conduit (2008-'09) as the only 2-time BC Turf winners.
Japanese-based globetrotter won the Saudi Derby and UAE Derby en route to America, where he was a troubled third-place finisher in the Kentucky Derby by two noses. Has raced just once since, winning the Japan Dirt Classic at home.
America's master of the dirt marathon races moves back to his original grass upbringing to contest the 1-1/2 miles Turf. He's won 7 races in a row by comic-book margins and will be tested for class as one of the event's most unique entrants ever.
Europe's sensational sophomore tries dirt for the first time on the heels of victories in the Epsom Derby, Juddmonte International and more. Son of US Triple Crown winner Justify seeks to become the third European to win the Classic (Arcangues, Raven's Pass).
Unbeaten through 2 races, an easy Ellis Park debut followed up by a similarly easy front-running win in the Grade 1 Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland. He'll compete with Chancer McPatrick for favoritism in the Juvenile.
One of America's fastest Turf Sprint performers of modern times, he set a 5-1/2 furlong world record on turf (59.80) in winning June's Jaipur at Saratoga. He's 3-for-3 this year over 3 different courses and travels to Del Mar for the first time.
Europe's top 3-year-old filly contests the Mile vs. the boys riding a 3-race winning streak in Group 1 competition. She was second in last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita.
Preakness winner earned a second Grade 1 victory on the season last out in the Pennsylvania Derby. Trainer D. Wayne Lukas, 89, seeks a record-padding 21st career Breeders' Cup win.
Last year's fourth-place finisher in the Filly & Mare Sprint has made just 2 starts this year, but impressively won Saratoga's Grade 1 Ballerina in her final tune-up. Penchant for the blowout when she's on, her last 5 wins have average more than a 6-length margin.
Third and seventh in the past 2 editions of the Turf while taking on the boys, this lightly raced 7-year-old battles in her own Breeders' Cup division for the first time. She's a 10-time stakes winner with one of the largest bankrolls ever for an American turf mare.
7 WHISTLEJACKET
8 ECORO SIEG
2 AUESTERIUS
12 IDES OF MARCH
1 VODKA WITH A TWIST
3 IMMERSIVE
8 NOONI
9 AMERICAN BIKINI
3 IMMERSIVE
10 SCOTTISH LASSIE
9 AMERICAN BIKINI
7 NON COMPLIANT
3 IMMERSIVE
1 VODKA WITH A TWIST
7 NON COMPLIANT
5 QUICKICK
1 LAKE VICTORIA
7 THOUGHT PROCESS
8 HEAVENS GATE
6 VIRGIN COLADA
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7 THOUGHT PROCESS
4 SCYTHIAN
8 HEAVENS GATE
9 KILWIN
1 LAKE VICTORIA
7 THOUGHT PROCESS
8 HEAVENS GATE
2 NITROGEN
11 FIERY LUCY
7 THOUGHT PROCESS
1 LAKE VICTORIA
8 HEAVENS GATE
7 THOUGHT PROCESS
1 LAKE VICTORIA
4 SCYTHIAN
12 MAY DAY READY
7 GAMING
10 CHANCER McPATRICK
2 GETAWAY CAR
4 FEROCIOUS
1 EAST AVENUE
8 SHIN BELIEVE
10 CHANCER McPATRICK
5 JONATHAN’S WAY
4 FEROCIOUS
5 JONATHAN’S WAY
10 CHANCER McPATRICK
1 EAST AVENUE
10 CHANCER McPATRICK
1 EAST AVENUE
5 JONATHAN'S WAY
6 CITIZEN BULL
5 JONATHAN’S WAY
10 CHANCER McPATRICK
1 EAST AVENUE
7 GAMING
9 COGBURN
5 AG BULLET
2 MOTORIOUS
6 STAR OF MYSTERY
2 MOTORIOUS
12 BRADSELL
11 BIG EVS
9 COGBURN
9 COGBURN
6 STAR OF MYSTERY
11 BIG EVS
12 BRADSELL
6 STAR OF MYSTERY
9 COGBURN
1 BELIEVING
2 MOTORIOUS
5 JAYAREBE
3 SHAHRYAR
11 REBEL’S ROMANCE
2 EMILY UPJOHN
11 REBEL’S ROMANCE
2 EMILY UPJOHN
6 FAR BRIDGE
3 SHAHRYAR
9 FIERCENESS
14 NEXT
1 FOREVER YOUNG
3 CITY OF TROY
13 NEWGATE
9 FIERCENESS
11 SIERRA LEONE
3 CITY OF TROY
3 CITY OF TROY
14 NEXT
9 FIERCENESS
12 ARTHUR’S RIDE
3 CINDERELLA’S DREAM
9 ANISETTE
7 CONTENT
4 WAR LIKE GODDESS
9 JOHANNES
8 MORE THAN LOOKS
6 NOTABLE SPEECH
4 DIEGO VELASQUEZ
12 MUFASA
9 DOMESTIC PRODUCT
10 MUTH
8 POST TIME
SCENE SETTER: Del Mar’s third Breeders’ Cup as host opens with the event’s youngest division. The seventh BC Juvenile Turf Sprint features America’s leader GOVERNOR SAM, a winner in 5 straight over 5 different tracks for George Weaver. That barn was fourth last year with the JTS favorite and looks to make amends. Group 2 Flying Childers winner AESTERIUS has been fantastic in England and France, while Japan counters with unbeten ECORO SIEG.
NOTES:
The average JTS winner has paid $9.31 and 0% of its editions have been won at 10-1 or more (6-1 is the largest-priced winner in its 6 editions -- Mischief Magic ’22).
Europeans have accounted for 3 of the 4 superfecta slots in this race each of the past 2 years, including a trifecta sweep last year.
Americans have been favored in the Juvenile Turf Sprint each of the last 5 years (4 trained by Wesley Ward).
Trainer Wesley Ward ran 1-3 in Del Mar’s lone edition of the Juvenile Turf Sprint with Irad Ortiz piloting Twilight Gleaming to victory in 2021. European entrant Go Bears Go split the Wards for second.
Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. won this race in 2019, 2020 and 2021.
Prior starts to winning the JTS: Bulletin (1), Four Wheel Drive (2), Golden Pal (3), Twilight Gleaming (4), Mischief Magic (5), Big Evs (5) increasing in each renewal of this race.
SCENE SETTER: The Frizette has produced a record 15 winners of the Juvenile Fillies, most by any prep in any BC division. October’s dominant Frizette winner SCOTTISH LASSIE will try to double down like last year’s winner Just FYI. On the west coast, Bob Baffert’s freshman class has traded victories in the Sorrento, Del Mar Debutante and Oak Leaf with NON COMPLIANT emerging best in the latter around 2 turns. Unbeaten Spinaway-Alcibiades winner IMMERSIVE is by 2015 BC Juvenile winner Nyquist and looks for 4 in a row. LA CARA also exits a Kentucky stakes win and is by ’06 Juvenile victor Street Sense. And speaking of past Breeders’ Cup royalty, 2015 Classic winner and Triple Crown hero American Pharoah’s daughter AMERICAN BIKINI raids from Japan.
NOTES:
The average JF winner has paid $20.80 and 23% of its editions have been won at 10-1 or more odds.
East coast-based runners have won both Juvenile Fillies editions at Del Mar, Caledonia Road (2017) and Echo Zulu (2021), both exiting the Frizette.
The Californians haven’t won the Juvenile Fillies since Champagne Room in 2016 at Santa Anita and shockingly haven’t landed in a JF trifecta since 2019 when running 2-3.
Six times in the last 12 years the Juvenile Fillies pacesetter has taken the field wire to wire. Three deep closers scored during that span.
The last Juvenile Fillies winner not to prep in a stakes race was Beholder in 2012, who exited a Santa Anita allowance.
SCENE SETTER: Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf and Surfer Girl winner THOUGHT PROCESS defends her home turf after 3 straight eye-catching wins since Phil D’Amato moved her to the grass. But Frankel filly LAKE VICTORIA has been untouchable in the UK, winning all 4 starts for Aidan O’Brien, including the Group 1s at The Curragh and Newmarket. This could be quite an international clash. Beyond that headline pair, HEAVENS GATE could lend strong support to barnmate LAKE VICTORIA off her Weld Park win. Domestically, SCYTHIAN was visually impressive at 11-1 in the Miss Grillo for Bill Mott. MAY DAY READY won the key stops at Kentucky Downs and Keeneland.
NOTES:
The average JFT winner has paid $16.41 and 25% of its editions have been won at 10-1 or more odds.
Americans hold a massive 13-3 edge in the JFT all-time, the Euros winning in 2012, 2013, 2022. The Euros are 1-for-8 as favorites.
Trainer Chad Brown notched his record-padding 6th JFT victory last year with Hard to Justify.
New York-based horses Rushing Fall (2017) and Pizza Bianca (2021) have won the 2 JFT editions held at Del Mar.
No California-based filly has finished in the JFT exacta. The best finish was Colonel Joan’s third-place run in 2013.
SCENE SETTER: Unbeatens CHANCER McPATRICK and EAST AVENUE top the marquee with a trio of Grade 1 victories between them. EAST AVENUE has gone essentially wire-to-wire in both scores, including the Breeders’ Futurity at Keeneland. CHANCER McPATRICK provides the late foil with rallying wins in NYRA’s Hopeful and Champagne. But this deep Juvenile crop includes Iroquois winner JONATHAN’S WAY for red-hot first crop sire Vekoma, not to mention a fleet of Bob Baffert-trained stakes winners. GAMING won the Del Mar Futurity, GETAWAY CAR the local Best Pal and CITIZEN BULL the 2-turn American Pharoah at Santa Anita. A sixth win in this race for Baffert would break D. Wayne Lukas’ record.
NOTES:
The average Juvenile winner has paid $18.73 and 25% of its editions have been won at 10-1 or more odds.
Del Mar’s pair of Juvenile editions saw eastern raider Good Magic (2017) and California’s Corniche (2021) split decisions.
Santa Anita’s American Pharoah Stakes has springboarded 5 of the last 10 Juvenile winners, and matches NYRA’s Champagne with 10 overall victories for most of any Juvenile prep.
Since 2010, the 14 Juvenile editions have seen Todd Pletcher trainees favored 5 times and Bob Baffert trainees favored 3 times. Their 8 combined chalks are 8: 4-3-1 in that span.
The Juvenile has been won wire-to-wire only 3 times in the last 15 years Corniche (2021 at Del Mar), Storm the Court (2019) and Hansen (2011).
SCENE SETTER: Six-time Juvenile Turf-winning trainer Aidan O’Brien seeks his third straight with HENRI MATISSE. Charlie Appleby’s yard aims for a fourth JT when AL QUDRA and AOMORI CITY bring stakes-winning form from England. Fellow Brit NEW CENTURY rallied by AL QUDRA at Woodbine in the Summer Stakes and makes a second road trip for Andrew Balding. Irish-bred / French export ZULU KINGDOM has won all 3 starts, including 2 NYRA stakes since coming to Chad Brown’s barn. Futurity winner MENTEE is kind brother to last year’s BC Juvenile winner and this year’s BC Classic leading prospect Fierceness. SATONO CARNIVAL has won both Japanese sprint starts.
NOTES:
The average JT winner has paid $17.60 and 18% of its editions have been won at 10-1 or more odds.
European-based horses account for 12 of the 17 Juvenile Turf winners all-time, including both editions held at Del Mar (Modern Games ’21, Mendelssohn ’17).
Newmarket Racecourse in England has been the final prep stop of 6 JT winners. Belmont springboarded 3 winners; no other locale more than 2.
Last year Unquestionable became just the third JT favorite to win in the race’s 17 years. He joined Mendelssohn (’17) and Pounced (’09).
Trainer Aidan O’Brien’s Juvenile Turf record is 23: 6-6-0, while Charlie Appleby boasts a 5: 3-1-0 mark in this division. Mark Casse has struggled at 16: 0-0-1.
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SCENE SETTER: Back-to-back Filly & Mare Sprint winner Goodnight Olive has retired, but trainer Chad Brown could be sitting on a divisional three-peat with WAYS AND MEANS. She’s impressed in 3 wins since cutting back in distance from May’s Kentucky Oaks. Trainer Steve Asmussen has lightly raced SOCIETY off a peak effort in the Ballerina and ZEITLOS exiting her career-best at Keeneland. Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. has won this race 4 times since 2017 and may pair with the rallying VAHVA.
NOTES:
The average FMS winner has paid $22.34 ($15.26 without Bar of Gold paying $135.40 in 2017) and 24% of its editions have been won at 10-1 or more odds.
Del Mar’s FMS editions have had unexpected results. Bar of Gold scored at 66-1 in 2017 for a record payout in the division. In 2021, 2-5 Gamine finished third at the second-shortest off odds in FMS history.
The FMS has never been won wire-to-wire. Its pacemakers have a paltry 17: 0-2-2 record all-time.
Keeneland’s Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes produced 5 straight FMS winners from 2009-’13, but none since the track returned to dirt in 2014.
3-year-olds have won the FMS 3 times: Shamrock Rose (2018), Covfefe (2019), Gamine (2020).
SCENE SETTER: American blazer and world record-setter COGBURN matches up with English bullet BRADSELL in what could be a talked-about Turf Sprint for years to come. COGBURN has rolled to 3 victories in as many starts this year. BRADSELL saw his 4-race win streak snapped in France last out in pursuit of his fourth G1 victory. Home cooking will be in play for MOTORIOUS, beaten favorite in last year’s Turf Sprint, as he added Del Mar’s Green Flash this summer for a second straight year and is 3-for-3 locally. Last years runner-up BIG INVASION as well as world-traveling filly STAR OF MYSTERY add further intrigue to a race already basking in anticipation.
NOTES:
The average TS winner has paid $27.65 and 44% of its editions have been won at 10-1 or more odds – including 6 of the last 9 years.
Del Mar’s pair of TS editions hosted are split between California-based Stormy Liberal (who last prepped in New York) and Kentucky-based Golden Pal. Stormy Liberal rallied at 30-1, while Golden Pal wired as the 5-2 favorite.
Glass Slippers (2020) is the only European winner of the Turf Sprint and note the Euros are 6: 0-0-0 in Del Mar’s two TS editions.
Defending champions are 2-for-11 in this division. Repeat winners were Mizdirection (2012-’13) and Stormy Liberal (2017-’18).
13 of 16 TS winners prepped in a turf sprints, while a trio cut back from turf miles (Mizdirection ‘13, Bobby’s Kitten ‘14, Obviously ‘16).
SCENE SETTER: Kentucky Oaks winner and Travers runner-up THORPEDO ANNA now figures to be a standout favorite with last week's retirement of defending Distaff champ Idiomatic. A potential Horse of the Year title is on the line for THORPEDO ANNA, though her narrow Cotillion victory last out leaves the door open for horseplayers and her competition. RAGING SEA figures to be America's next-best hope, and she beat Idiomatic on the square this summer before also finishing her prep season with a victory that didn't dazzle onlookers. Japan's undefeated AWESOME RESULT looks to go to 8-for-8 lifetime as the daughter of Justify is the Distaff X-factor. She looks increasingly more popular in the betting.
NOTES:
The average Distaff winner has paid $18.95 and 18% of its editions have been won at 10-1 or more odds.
Del Mar’s Distaff editions saw Forever Unbridled (2017) ship west for victory, while March Lorraine (2021) invaded from Japan to produce a $101.80 upset.
3-year-olds have won the Distaff 11 times, most recently Monomoy Girl in 2018. Randomized was runner-up last year as a sophomore.
Keeneland’s Spinster has springboarded a Distaff-best 13 winners all-time. NYRA’s Beldame (9) and Santa Anita’s Zenyatta (8) are next-best.
Royal Delta (2012) is the only wire-to-wire Distaff winner in the last 20 years.
SCENE SETTER: Globetrotter and 2022 BC Turf winner REBEL’S ROMANCE can join Conduit (2008-’09) as the only two-time winner of this race. His 14 wins have come in 6 different countries, but perhaps none against as unique an opponent as American dirt marathon star NEXT if he opts here over the Classic. Seven-time BC Turf winner Aidan O’Brien chose not to return defending champ Auguste Rodin, instead firing with LUXEMBOURG and WINGSPAN. Japan’s SHAHRYAR, third a year ago in this race, has earned $10M but hasn’t won since the ’22 Dubai Sheema Classic.
NOTES:
The average Turf winner has paid $19.78 and 28% of its editions have been won at 10-1 or more odds.
Europeans have won 20 of the last 25 Turf editions, including 8 of the last 9 and both renewals at Del Mar (Yibir $30.20 in ’21, Talismanic $19 in ’17).
Trainer Aidan O’Brien’s career record in the Turf sits at 34: 7-6-5, challenged only for superiority all-time by Sir Michael Stoute’s 15: 4-2-0 mark.
Last year Auguste Rodin became the 18th Irish-bred to win the Turf and third in the past 4 years.
5 fillies/mares have won the Turf, all based in Europe: Tarnawa (2020), Enable (2018), Found (2015), Miss Alleged (1991) and Pebbles (1985).
Johar (2003) is the only California-based Turf winner in the last 25 years.
SCENE SETTER: CITY OF TROY, whom Aidan O’Brien boasts is the best horse he’s ever trained, makes the final start in his 6-for-7 career while racing on dirt for the first time in the Classic. The son of Triple Crown winner Justify breathes life into a race that lacks star power among the American older horses. He’s one of several marquee 3-year-olds in this race from around the world. FIERCENESS wrestled the lead in the US sophomore class by winning the Travers; his only loss this year was a disastrous 15th in the Kentucky Derby, a race in which Japanese star FOREVER YOUNG suffered his only career defeat when third by two troubled noses. He’s back for a second stateside run. Also from Japan comes ’23 Dubai World Cup winner and ’24 runner-up USHBA TESORO, a deep-rallying 7-year-old who was fifth in the Classic last year at Santa Anita. And NEXT adds a wildcard flavor after dominating his own marathon division.
NOTES:
The average Classic winner has paid $23.09 ($16.78 without Arcangues’ paying $269.20 in 1993) and 23% of its editions have been won at 10-1 or more odds.
Nine straight Classic winners have been 9-2 or less odds. The only Classic winner in the last 15 years at double-digit odds was 14-1 Drosselmeyer in 2011.
Kentucky-based horses won both Del Mar Classic editions, Gun Runner in 2017 for Steve Asmussen and Knicks Go in 2021 for Brad Cox. Both won wire-to-wire on the lead.
Internationally based runners have won the Classic twice; Arcangues (1993 / dirt) and Raven’s Pass (2008 / synthetic), both at Santa Anita. Derma Sotogake was second last year for Japan.
13 times a 3-year-old has won the Classic, most recently Authentic in 2020. The last time the Classic trifecta did not include at least one 3-year-old was 2019.
SCENE SETTER: The 1-3/8 miles distance of the Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar is 220 yards farther than those held at Santa Anita and 330 yards farther than at Keeneland – not that the international cast needs any boost in a division that it has dominated in recent years. Godolphin’s British 3-year-old CINDERELLA’S DREAM already has raided to win the Belmont and Saratoga Oaks this summer. Yorkshire Oaks winner CONTENT was a rallying fourth in last year’s Juvenile Fillies Turf for Aidan O’Brien, who also has a strong sophomore hand with the Group 1 winner YLANG YLANG. North America’s top hopes include veterans WAR LIKE GODDESS and MOIRA, the latter third in this race last year.
NOTES:
The average FMT winner has paid $20.34 and 32% of its editions have been won at 10-1 or more odds.
Last year 5-2 choice Inspiral snapped a 9-race losing streak for FMT favorites. In fact, favorites are just 2 for the last 17 in this division.
Foreign-prepped horses won both FMT editions at Del Mar, UK-based Wuheida in 2017 via France and Loves Only You in 2021 from Japan. International horses have won 5 straight and 7 of the last 8 in the FMT. California preppers are 0-53 in the FMT all-time.
3-year-olds have 8 wins in the FMT, all by Europeans, including a recent run in 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2022.
The FMT has only been won twice in its 25 years on the front end: Dayatthespa (2014) and Intercontinental (2005).
SCENE SETTER: The retirement of Elite Power after back-to-back BC Sprint wins has opened the division in 2024, and a couple of late bloomers to the party emerged with blowout victories in just their second graded stakes bids each. MULLIKIN crushed his opposition in Saratoga’s Forego to announce his candidacy, and 6 weeks later FEDERAL JUDGE looked equally commanding in a Phoenix romp at Keeneland. They’ll meet local stars STRAIGHT NO CHASER and RAGING TORENT. Japan’s duo of DON FRANKIE and REMAKE showed their international prowess with top-4 finishes in the Dubai Golden Shaheen.
NOTES:
The average Sprint winner has paid $20.06 and 40% of its editions have been won at 10-1 or more odds.
Del Mar’s 2 Sprint renewals saw defending champ Roy H deliver for California in 2017 and Kentucky invader Aloha West score an 11-1 upset in 2021. Heavy favorites were out of the money in both.
Sprint wins all-time are nearly even between horses prepped in New York (15) and California (14). Kentucky (6) is a distant third.
The Ortiz Brothers have ridden 4 straight Sprint winers: Irad (2020, 2022, 2023) and Jose (2021).
3-year-olds have won the Sprint 9 times, but not since Runhappy and Drefong went back-to-back in 2015 and 2016.
SCENE SETTER: Godolphin and Charlie Appleby’s quest for an unprecedented fourth BC Mile in succession rides on the back of Sussex and 2000 Guineas winner NOTABLE SPEECH. He’s won 5 of 7 lifetime. UK star 3-year-old filly PORTA FORTUNA aims for a fourth straight G1 victory when she makes a return trip to California. She was a close second in last year’s BC Juvenile Fillies Turf and his been a force this season. French sophomore filly RAMATUELLE was elite on the Arc Day card at Longchamp and is another Justify coming home to the US. West coast star JOHANNES is perfect in 2024, including Del Mar’s Eddie Read, while CARL SPACKER has won 4 of 5 this year, including recent Grade 1s at Saratoga and Keeneland. They provide America’s top hopes.
NOTES:
The average Mile winner has paid $23.65 and 28% of its editions have been won at 10-1 or more odds.
Del Mar’s BC Mile editions saw US-based World Approval in 2017 and UK-based Space Blues in 2021. Both were favored at 5-2 and 2-1, respectively.
Europeans have won the Mile 4 straight years and 5 of the last 6, including 3 straight by the Godophin-Charlie Appleby Team (Space Blues, Modern Games, Master of the Seas).
10 fillies/mares have won the Mile, most of any open Breeders’ Cup division, most recently Uni in 2019. The 3YO filly Mawj missed by a nose last year when caught on the wire.
The Mile has produced 2 of the 4-largest $2 win payoffs in Breeders’ Cup event history: $148.60 Order of Australia (2020) and $131.60 Court Vision (2011).
SCENE SETTER: The Breeders' Cup curtain closer lacks a standout favorite and boasts a capacity field, everything a horseplayer wants in a get-out special. DOMESTIC PRODUCT has impressed in 2 straight since cutting back in distance. Like that one, MUFASA also extends off a big NYRA 7-furlong stakes win after banking 2 straight. Preakness winner SEIZE THE GREY can make a Champion 3-Year-Old case with a victory, while fellow sophomore MUTH looks to bounce back to his spring form. Speedsters SAUDI CROWN and SKIPPYLONGSTOCKING start from the extreme inside-outside posts, while Maryland's POST TIME looks to pick up steam late.
NOTES:
The average DM winner has paid $18.40 and 29% of its editions have been won at 10-1 or more odds.
Del Mar’s editions of the Dirt Mile produced longshot Battle of Midway (2017) from the west coast and heavily favored Life is Good (2021) from the east.
At least one 3-year-old has finished in the DM exacta each of the last 5 years, including National Treasure as last year’s runner-up.
The Dirt Mile pacesetter has a 7: 4-2-0 record over the past 7 years.
Five of 17 Dirt Mile winners exited sprint preps, exiting races like the Forego, Vosburgh and Santa Anita Sprint Championship.
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