Not much has changed among the Breeders’ Cup Classic field since the final preps were run.
The biggest surprise among Breeders’ Cup pre entries was Skippylongstocking preferring the Classic and Seize the Grey choosing the Dirt Mile, but since they both have similar styles there is not much change to how I envision the race playing out.
There is certainly some homerism going on in the international markets, as Ireland’s City of Troy is favored with European bookmakers while Forever Young is chalk in his native Japan. What that means for the American pari-mutuel market I do not know.
Looking at my fair odds I’d honestly be surprised if Fierceness ends up an overlay, but if the Americans go as ham on City of Troy and Forever Young as their compatriot bettors are then maybe Fierceness will be worth a play.
Senor Buscador I think can be worth a look. His return was an obvious prep, and the California Crown was disappointing, but this was always the goal. Del Mar plays against him, for sure, but the price will be too good to ignore based on what we know he’s capable of.
As for the Japanese trio, I will be leaning on morning whispers as to how they look. I hate to be so dismissive of Derma Sotogake based on how well he ran behind White Abarrio last year, but that was an uninspiring prep. Ushba Tesoro I like, and again, if things go crazy on Forever Young, then maybe he’s the play from the Land of the Rising Sun.
As for City of Troy, he is a legitimate international superstar, but there is no way he will be playable given my opinion of his chances versus his actual odds.
Photo: Jason Moran / Eclipse Sportswire Jockey Mychel Sanchez will serve a seven-day suspension and pay an additional $1,750 in fines
Photo: Gulfstream Park / Lauren King Sovereignty, dramatic late-running winner of the Fountain of Youth (G2) March 1, is being pointed
Photo: Santa Anita / Benoit Photo Cavalieri and Alpha Bella, who finished one-two in the Grade 3 La Cañada in January at Santa Anita,
Photo: Gonzalo Anteliz Jr. / Eclipse Sportswire The stars will shine Saturday at Tampa Bay Downs, and not just in the Grade 3 Tampa Ba