Breeders’ Cup Multi-race Picks for Saturday

By Ron Correll and Bob Hill —-

Here are our picks for the Saturday Breeders’ Cup card. As was the case with Friday’s picks, the suggestions are intended to inform your play in multi-race wagers such as the Pick 3, Pick 4, and Pick 5. These wagers typically produce sizeable payouts so we wish all good luck with your play.

Race 4: BCFMSprt-G1 7 furlongs for fillies and mares

Gamine (2) and Serengeti Express (7) are two very fast horses. Gamine will try to get to the front, go as fast as she can, and hold on to the finish line. Venetian Harbor (6) will be another filly knocking for the lead. Serengeti Express typically needs the lead to win, so something definitely has to give in this race. Perhaps, all this speed will take its toll on the pacesetters and set this race up for a deep closer. Bell’s the One (9) is the most accomplished of the closers, but when these races fall apart long shots can prevail. If you like this fall-apart scenario, play Sally’s Curlin (8) and Sconsin (5) at long odds.

Race 5: BCTrfSPT-G1 5-1/2 furlongs on turf

Get Stormy (12) won on this course at this distance last out. She takes on the boys here with a legitimate shot to win. Leinster (7) brings a two -race winning streak to this event, but he was beaten by Extravagant Kid (14) three races back. That one may be compromised by his far outside post draw. Big Runner (1) faces a class test here, but he has been very good this year. Imprimis (3) has won both his starts in 2020.

Race 6: BCDirtMi-G1 1 mile on dirt

Complexity (10) was terrific in the Kelso last month. A repeat of that race would make him a winner here. Knicks Go (5) is 7-2 on the ML, but he faces a big class test here. He has been dominant since moving into the red-hot Brad Cox barn. Art Collector (1) clunked in the Preakness, but if you can bring yourself to throw out that race he offers great value in a field where he fits quite well.

Race 7: BCFMTrf-G1 1-3/16 miles on turf for fillies and mares

Sistercharlie (2), a past champ in this division, is entered in this race, but she has not been the dominant runner she was prior to 2020. Her spot as top Chad Brown female turf runner has now been filled by Rushing Fall (6), a winner of three straight races. Her margins of victory have not been large, but such is the nature of turf racing. Mean Mary (4) is another very competitive filly from the barn of Graham Motion. However, It would be wise to pay attention to at least two Euros in this field. Audarya (11) exits two G1 races in France that produced a win and a third-place finish. Cayenne Pepper (14) has finished in the exacta in 7 of 8 life-time starts. She won a G2 last out at Curragh, and is a very accomplished three-year-old.

Race 8: BCSprint-G1 6 furlongs for 3yos and up

The scratch of Vekoma from this field after he spiked a fever this week leaves Yaupon (10) as the speed of the field. Expect this 3yo to hustle to the lead and try to hang on. He is not as experienced as most in this field, but he may be the most talented. C Z Rocket (2) brings a five-race win streak into this race, but none of those wins was in a G1 contest. In a different year he might be in deep water given that fact, but this weakened field offers him a chance. Frank’s Rockette (6) has finished in the exacta in all ten of her career starts. Her 10-1 ML is a mystery to me, but I do not expect to get those odds at race time.

Race 9: BCMile –G1 1 mile on turf for 3yos and up

Kameko (2) is a G1 and G2 winner shipping from Great Britain. We like his chances here. Safe Voyage (6) is another Euro shipper with G2 wins and G1 experience. He was beaten last out by One Master (9) (SCR), who also is a G1 winner. Uni (12) and Halladay (10) are American-based runners with real shots. Depending on how deep you can afford to go, Factor This (13) and Digital Age (5) are not without a chance, and the same can be said for Ivar (11). Whew.

Race 10: BCDistaf-G1 1-1/8 miles for fillies and mares 3yos and up

The long-awaited duel between Swiss Skydiver (5) and Monomoy Girl (10) is upon us. There are some other very nice fillies and mares in here, but we won’t waste your time complicating what’s not complicated.

Race 11: BCTurf – G1 1-1/2 miles on turf for 3yos and up

The top Euros look to be Magical (2), Tarnawa (3), Mogul (10), and Lord North (6). All are legit contenders. Channel Maker (9) and United (7) are the top U.S. entries. When paring down, stick with the Euros.

Race 12: BCClassic – G1 1-1/4 miles for 3yos and up

This is one of the deepest BC Classic fields in recent years. All those mentioned here have a shot at winning in our opinion. Tiz the Law (2) needs to run back to his Travers effort. Tom’s d’Etat (4) needs to run back to his Stephen Foster effort. Improbable (8) needs to run back to his Awesome Again win. Authentic (9) needs to duplicate his Kentucky Derby race, and Maximum Security (10) needs to prove he’s still as good as he was a year ago. What fun!