Breeders' Cup Selections

Hey folks,

I've taken a bit of a break from gambling lately, but I'm back with the BC picks. I'm not picking the top three in any race, but rather giving my win selection and a couple of other options for the gimmicks. I will say, just about any horse can win any of these races. This is my best guess. Your mileage may vary. Good luck!

Friday:

Filly and Mare Sprint
Maryfield. I think the speedy favorites Dream Rush and La Traviata burn each other out, setting up this one's late run at a very square price. Miss Macy Sue could also benefit from the pace.

Juvenile Turf
Achill Island. He may not be the best European on paper, but I think he's the best prepared. His last trip was a nightmare yet he still only missed by 3 parts or a length. Prussian is the best American hope, but I'll go on record with Achill Island.

Dirt Mile
Discreet Cat. This one was a monster before things went bad. The connections say he's ready. If that's true, he destroys this field. For an outsider, look at Park Avenue Ball. He's 10 for 10 in the money at Monmouth and his career best performance came at this distance.

Saturday

Juvenile Fillies
Proud Spell. Although Indian Blessing will rightfully go favored, I'll take a shot with this unbeaten filly. Her wins have been impressive and she's shown an ability to close late which is a great trait in a race of speedballs. A to the Croft also fits the mold, but is stranded in post 14.

Juvenile
War Pass. He'll likely be the favorite, but he appears to be geared up for a big effort. He's undefeated and has put in a string of five straight bullets. Pyro's late-running style could benefit from a hot pace scenario.

Filly and Mare Turf
Honey Ryder. She didn't take to the soft footing at Arlington last out, but she is the classiest dame in the field, having raced successfully against the boys on several occasions. The undefeated Nashoba's Key with 17 year old rider Joe Talamo poses a considerable threat, but I'll take the veteran. Arravale would be a surprise, but she appears cranked up for a peak performance.

Sprint
Kelly's Landing. He last raced at Dubai in March and won the $2M Golden Shaheen. The layoff is a concern, but the work pattern is solid and he's proven to fire off the bench. If he's not ready, Smokey Stover is your gelding, fresh off a sharp win over this course in September.

Mile
Excellent Art. He's battle tested having only run in stakes company, and he's won 4 of 9. The Euros tend to dominate the lawn racing and this appears no different. My Typhoon has been the victim of a couple stumbles in her last two. I question the move to face boys here, but she may be good enough if she doesn't trip.

Distaff
Lear's Princess. She's never been worse than second and beat the Belmont winner Rags to Riches in her last effort. Granted, Rags probably wasn't too sharp for that effort, but she beat her nonetheless. Lots to like here. Octave is a professional bridesmaid and will likely get a minor slice. Hystericalady ran a sharp one over this surface this summer.

Turf
Dylan Thomas. Those of you playing the late pick 4, single this one and move on. He's the best 1 1/2 mile horse on the planet and should best this bunch. Last year's winner Red Rocks stands a shot to upset as a good price, but Dylan Thomas is the pick and most likely winner on the card.

Classic
Curlin. Our baby boy has grown up before our eyes this year. A green colt, unraced at two somehow found the board in the Derby. Then, he won the Preakness. In his last effort he bested morning line favorite Lawyer Ron in the Gold Cup. Of concern is his dull 3rd place effort in the Haskell at Monmouth in August. Lawyer Ron would be no surprise either after a couple monster wins this summer. Look for Tiago and Diamond Stripes to have a shot at hitting the superfecta ticket at very nice prices.