Anthony Fontaine did not sit back and relax on his Island following Breeders’ Cup Friday. He didn’t go out to dinner, go to the movies or watch TV. No, he went right back to work with his past performances, replays and all his tools. Following are Anthony’s selections and analysis of the Breeders’ Cup 2020 Saturday races.
Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint
Race Four Selections: 9-7-5-3
#9 Bells the One has the ideal style for this race that is chocked full of speed. This horse likes to close late and has shown an affinity for the trip and surface. The price should also be square as others will draw lots of attention.
#7 Serengeti Empress has a heart as big as Texas and lays it on the line each and every time she gets to run sprint races. May be the final race of her career and what a career she has had. Expect her to be close to the pace once again and have a lot in reserve in this short stretch. Probably the toughest of the speed horses in this event to deny. #5 Sconsin is a deep late threat and this one loves to be rolling late. With the short stretch rider will have to be smart and time the move to be truly effective.
Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint
Race Five Selections: 7-12-8-6
#7 Leinster loves the course and distance and is in great form right now. This is a super competitive field however with a trouble-free trip this one will be tough to deny.
#12 Got Stormy has sprinted successfully the last two races and is a very classy mare. This one is dangerous right back, but rider will need to ensure to put her in a good position and avoid trouble this one will be formidable late. #8 Oleksandra is another solid runner that shows up each and every time and would be no surprise to sweep by the entire field late with a good trip. Ultra-consistent mare is a major player today.
Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile
Race Six Selections: 12-5-4-1
#12 Owendale should get an ideal set up in this event if the rider can somehow save ground form this wide post. Horse appears to have the right style and can sit back and stalk while the speed goes out and leave themselves vulnerable late.
#5 Knicks Go absolutely loves this course and the distance is perfect for him. He will have lots of company up front however there is something to be said about horse for course and expect a big performance today. #4 War of Will has to be respected however it is strange that all year this one ran on the turf now moves back to conventional dirt in an exceedingly difficult spot. Mixed signals.
Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Turf
Race Seven Selections: 11-7-4-9
This by far is the best race of the weekend. It is quite possible to select 7 horses in a multi race wager and still miss the winner. WHAT A LINEUP!
# 11Audarya has come to hand as of late and delivered some exceptionally good races. The price will be right as there are many others in here that will take lots of action. Will take a stand with this one at the nice price.
#7 Terebellum had lots of trouble last out and should be able to deliver a better performance today. Another runner that will be under the radar with a good chance. #4 Mean Mary is an up and coming turf filly that is coming to hand at the right moment. I have to say her trainer has had a bit of runner up “itis” however the future looks bright for this runner and she should be prominent throughout this event.
Breeders’ Cup Sprint
Race Eight Selections: 2-4-7-11
#2 C Z Rocket appears to be the best of the early speed that can withstand the heat and stay on to finish well. The ideal setup would see this one sit just off the front and pounce entering the turn as the stretch is short at Keeneland. Anticipate a solid performance today.
#4 Bon Raison is an interesting runner in this spot. This one is devoid of early speed and will make one run late and pick up the pieces. If a rapid pace were to develop and some of the more fancied runners get cooked on the front end this one could trigger a massive payout in the exotics and multi race wagers. Trainer knows how to have them ready to deliver big performances so beware. #7 Whitmore is as honest as the day is long. Always tries hard and feel this one may be able to deliver another good race in this spot.
Breeders’ Cup Mile
Race Nine Selections: 2-12-1-9
Another event full of evenly matched horses this race is difficult to forecast. The Europeans look formidable however yesterday they were found wanting as the Americans sent them back to the shed with resounding defeats. Will the European contingent rebound today? I certainly hope so for my wallet’s sake!
#2 Kameko has faced the best in Europe this year and held his own and achieved great success. Champion rider Murphy comes across the pond seeking Breeders’ Cup glory and may just get to the winners circle on this ultra-consistent runner.
#12 Uni got back on the beam impressively last out wearing down a stable rival for a nice victory. Race had to set this one up for todays challenge and should put this one in position to equal the great Miesque as a two-time Breeders Cup Mile winner. #1 Circus Maximus has been a major disappointment this year as great things were expected of this runner. May have had some reasons for a couple of the poor performances with different course conditions etc. Have a feeling this one will put it all together today and will be rolling late under Ryan Moore.
Breeders’ Cup Distaff
Race Ten Selections: 3-5-10-4
#3 Dunbar Road ran like a short horse last out after a freshening and returns today primed for a good performance. Has worked forwardly since the race and off that result will be a great price in this spot. Looking for a lights out run late to upset the applecart.
#5 Swiss Skydiver comes in off a scintillating Preakness victory looking for additional success. This runner has had a full year of great races, but one must wonder if she will tail off a bit and this is an exceedingly difficult spot, she has landed in. Respect this game filly but looking elsewhere for the winner. #10 Monomoy Girl is a legend that brings her A game every time. This will be her sternest test of the year and the post is no bargain however this super tough mare is strictly the one to beat once again in a very competitive renewal of the Distaff.
Breeders’ Cup Turf
Race Eleven Selections: 3-2-10-6
#3 Tarnawa comes in with a perfect 2020 campaign and looks to make a splash for the Aga Khan stables. All her success has been in restricted races for fillies and mares however her performances have been outstanding. Her regular and scheduled rider Christophe Soumillion tested positive for Covid-19 at Keeneland after flying in from France. He self quarantined with no symptoms. Trainer Dermot Weld indicated the filly was not the easiest to ride and tabbed former Irish Champion Jockey Colin Keane to ride. Look for this one to be tough to deny in the lane.
#2 Magical is the most accomplished runner in this field. A multi Grade One winner the world over she is the class of the field and is the one they all must deny to cash today. #10 Mogul appears to have a bright future as this three-year-old colt has come to hand late this season. A couple of these runners may be tough however expect this one to outrun his odds and may surprise.
Breeders’ Cup Classic
Race Twelve Selections: 1-8-10-4
On the surface this race appears to be competitive and frankly one of the best classic line ups in a few years. However deeper analysis tends to expose that not all that glitters is gold and many of the runners seem to be in tough today.
#1 Tacitus has burned lots of money and wins as often as Haley’s Comet appears in the sky. Will give this one another try as I feel Jose Ortiz should be able to watch the race develop and move at the right time. Price will be right, and rider is one of the best so look up in the sky and see the shooting star streak to the winners circle.
#8 Improbable appears to be the best of the west coast contingent. Horse has put it all together this year and rider wins everywhere. Strictly the one to dent. #10 Maximum Security has had the misfortune of lots of drama with rider and trainers however has put together an impressive resume of races. Horse did not appear comfortable at any point last time out however has trained forwardly since and looks ready and primed. Look out
