What a great weekend of racing coming up at Santa Anita!  The best horses in the world are running in the Breeders Cup and the best handicappers in the country are trying to make sense of it all!  I hope to be up to the challenge.

In race 3, The Breeders Cup Marathon at 1 3/4 miles, trainer Jonathan Sheppard has 9 year old Cloudy’s Night (#4) in great form, the distance and synthetic track should be no problem and there is enough speed in the race to set up his late kick.  I’m playing an exacta box with Muhannak (#2) and Mastery (#6) and keying in all doubles and pick 3’s.

In race 4, The Juvenile Turf, Smart Seattle (#3) gets back on turf and the mile distance may be perfect for her to get a good stalking trip and hold off Hatheer (#9) and House of Grace (#7).  I’m playing an exacta box and keying her in doubles and pick 3’s.

In race 7, The Sprint, Ventura (#9) and Informed Decision (#7) will be the heavy choices and figure to run well.  But in a race devoid of speed, Seventh Street (#8) can stay close and 7 furlongs may be just her thing and you know Bin Suroor will win at least one BC race.  I will play an exacta box and use her in doubles and pick 3’s.

Overall, you are probably better off playing horses who have run well on the track and have connections that have done well on Breeders Cup day.  However, keep on mind that speed may be a premium in some of the turf races and you will see that I picked some longshots.  Here’s the entire card and good luck!

Race 1: 4 with 7 and 9

Race 2: 7, 5 and 9

Race 3: 4 (Best Bet) with 2 and 6

Race 4: 3 (Best Bet) with 9 and 7

Race 5: 3 with 4 and 8

Race 6: 7, 4 and 1

Race 7: 8 (Best Bet) with 9 and 7

Race 8: 1 and 6

Race 9: 6, 9 and 11