The 31st running of the Breeders Cup Distaff is the featured race of Breeders Cup Friday October 31 at Santa Anita with a talented field of eleven set to contest the mile and an eighth event on the main track.
Many handicappers will focus on the top two betting choices in the Distaff, and rightfully so given the impressive credentials of Untapable (5/2) and Close Hatches (3/1). Close Hatches would certainly have been the favorite if not for an uncharacteristic poor performance in her last start – the Grade 1 Spinster where the Bill Mott trainee finished a distant fourth in her only defeat since finishing second in last year’s BC Distaff. The three year-old Untapable has been sensational this year winning five of six starts including three grade 1 victories. Her lone defeat came against males in the Grade 1 Haskell and she is working forwardly at Santa Anita for trainer Steve Asmussen.
As good as the top two are, the Distaff remains an intriguing betting event. Don’t Tell Sophia (5/1) soundly defeated Close Hatches last out in the Spinster and enters the Distaff in the best form of her career for trainer Phillip Sims. Belle Gallantey (6/1) is a multiple grade 1 winner this year and should find herself on or near the lead. Her speed figures are very competitive with the top contenders.
Tiz Midnight (10/1) is an interesting pace presence for trainer Bob Baffert. The four year-old daughter of former sprint champion Midnight Lute should show plenty of speed from the gate which could force Belle Gallantey to settle for a stalking trip.
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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