The $1 million Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks May 6 at Churchill Downs figured to be a particularly competitive race when it was announced in mid-April that the undefeated Songbird wouldn’t make the race. That proposition has been fulfilled as a field of 14 is set to contest the mile and one eighth event that truly looks like a scramble on paper.
Rachel's Valentina, a daughter of 2009 runaway oaks winner Rachel Alexandra, is the 7/2 morning line favorite and will break from post 11 with regular jockey John Velazquez in the irons. The precocious filly isn't quite as accomplished at this point in her career as her mother was in hers, but she's still pretty impressive nonetheless. In just four career starts, Rachel's Valentina has won a grade 1 rance and finished second in two more. She was beaten just a neck in her last start - the Grade 1 Ashland - off a lengthy layoff and figures to be much tighter this time around. She's obviously well-bred for the distance and may only need a clean trip while avoiding ground loss from her outside position.
Weep No More was the 30/1 upsetter in the Ashland, narrowly besting Rachel's Valentina. Bettors will have to take a much shorter price on the George Arnold trainee this time around at 9/2 on the morning line, but this rapidly improving filly may be worth the risk. While clearly benefitting from a rapid early pace in the Ashland, Weep No More has demonstrated a strong closing kick in each of her last three starts and should once again be rolling late.
Cathryn Sophia (9/2) received her only loss while running third in the Ashland, but deserves a mulligan while trying two turns for the first time. The speedy filly while have to overcome a wide draw from post 12 while attempting the mile and an eighth distance which could prove to be her Achilles Heel.
Saturday, January 29 at Gulfstream Park is one of the biggest races of the year: the Pegasus World Cup (G1)! This $3 million race, covering a mile and an eighth on the Gulfstream dirt track, drew a field of nine handicap horses. The eyes of the racing world will be on Gulfstream on Saturday, and you can bet it from the comfort of your own home here in Canada!
The Kentucky Derby trail makes its way to Oklahoma on Friday, December 17 for the Remington Springboard Mile! The race drew a field of nine up-and-coming two-year-olds to go a mile on the main track. The prizes are rich: a $400,000 purse, as well as Road to the Kentucky Derby points (10-4-2-1) for the first four horses across the wire.
The Los Alamitos Futurity (G2), California’s most important Kentucky Derby Prep in December, is coming up on Saturday, December 11! The race features the most promising two-year-olds in California, set to go a mile and a sixteenth over the dirt at Los Alamitos Racecourse. The race offers a purse of $300,000, as well as Road to the Kentucky Derby points, apportioned 10-4-2-1 to the top four finishers.
Let's have a look at the 2021 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf betting picks and predictions.
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