The Breeders’ Cup is a world championship horse racing event and Grade I annual series of thoroughbreds.
The Cup was first a single-day racing event that started in 1984. From 2007, the race started being a two-day series. Apart from in 1996 when it was in Canada (Woodbine Racetrack), the Breeders’ Cup has always been in the U.S.
Many people flock to the Cup and the highest figure was in 2016 when over 118,000 people attended. With so many people heading to watch the races, it’s good to have a preview of what to expect. It’s not just horse racing odds you need to know about when coming to the races, let’s see what the Breeders’ Cup has to offer for 2022.
Potential contenders
These World Championships are a major attraction for European horses. In the last fifteen years European horses have taken home their share of the winnings. This year, there is $6,000,000 on offer for the Breeders’ Club Classic so let’s see who might be in the running for taking them home.
Breeders’ Cup Classic
This race will be the main focal point for lots of players. The 1 ¼ mile track will see the top racehorses of all ages try for the cup.
Among the hot contenders, we might see Flightline, Epicenter, and Happy Saver. These will potentially cross paths with the likes of Hot Rod Charlie, Country Grammer and others. Taiba, Zandon and a few other three-year olds remain possibilities to compete.
Breeders’ Cup Turf
The turf cup is a 1 ½ mile track on turf, which means many overseas horses tend to win. This race always welcomes the world’s best turf horses who come to compete against Canada’s and America’s best.
Given the track and distance at Keeneland, runners from Ireland and England often dominate this race. When Ascot’s Champions Day has taken place in mid-October, we’ll know for sure who the main contenders are likely to be. What we do know for sure so far is that Mishriff will be there after missing last year’s race. We should see the likes of Vadeni, Desert Crown, and Luxembourg too.
Breeders’ Cup Mile
As with the Breeders’ Cup Turf, European horses might be the top contenders in the Mile. Many overseas bettors wager on this race because there are usually top B-string types from Europe. Examples of contenders include Ivar – who last ran at Woodbine on 17th September – and Going Global a top contender from California. A local horse in the running is In Love.
Breeders’ Cup Sprint
A dash of six furlongs on dirt, this is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it race. In 2022, Steve Asmussen might try to repeat his success of a couple of years ago this time with Jackie’s Warrior or Gunite. However other favorites include Jack Christopher and Cody’s Wish.
Breeders’ Cup Distaff
This race covers 1 1/8 of a mile and brings the best mares and fillies to the track. Possible contenders include Letruska, Secret Oath, and Malathaat who won the 2021 Oaks. Other probable entrants include Steve Asmussen’s Clairiere, Todd Pletcher’s Nest, and Marcelo Polanco’s Blue Stripe.
Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf
The fillies and mares run 1 ¼ miles in the Turf race and European entrants often have the upper hand in this event. Every year, Chad Brown leads with multiple entrants. This year, we’ll probably see his Regal Glory. What’s more, Dreamloper, Above The Curve, Pearls Galore, and Nashwa, are also looking strong.
Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile
This race is a Breeders’ Cup recent addition to the line-up and has produced excellent editions. Contenders this year include Benevengo, Jack Christopher, and Laurel River. However, there are currently only these three probables at the moment so it’s all to play for.
Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint
This dirt sprint is up for grabs with only two probable horses listed so far. Who will join Chad Brown’s Goodnight Olive and Michael McCarthy’s Ce Ce this year?
Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint
This race is a full-field and wide-open event with many eligible horses. The local hopeful is Lieutenant Dan and he will face many East Coast horses like Golden Pal. There’ll also be many Europeans giving them a run for their money too. Other possible contenders include Casa Creed, Arrest Me Red, Flotus, and True Valour.
Final thoughts
With a couple of months to go, anything could happen in the run-up to the Breeders’ Cup 2022. Who knows what this race has in store?
Photo: Ernie Belmonte, Flightline
