There is a huge weekend of racing Stateside on Friday and Saturday when Del Mar opens its doors to the world for the Breeders Cup meeting, one of the biggest and best weekends in the sport which some hugely anticipated racing.
We have to wait until Saturday evening for the feature race of the meeting but the card on Friday is very hot too. We like the idea of attacking three races where we have four selections to build towards the big one on Saturday.
9.45 Del Mar: Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint
The first Breeders Cup race of the weekend is a race that the Europeans have dominated in recent times & I expect the same again although the fly in the ointment could be the current favourite, Ecoro Sieg, who is flying the flag for Japan. He’s won 2 from 2 & broken a couple of speed records in the process but this is a drop back in trip & the slow start he made last time would be of some concern. Big Mojo bids to emulate the feat of Big Evs from 12 months for the same connections & he has claims whilst Aiden O’Brien has 2 good chances with Whistlejacket & Ides Of March. Wathnam Racing also run 2, with Aesterius the choice of James Doyle. However, it’s their other runner, Shareholder, who is my selection here. After running green on debut but still prevailing, he then went & won the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot in some style. He travelled strongly all the way through the race & never really looked in much danger, disposing of 12 rivals. That was only his second race so, arguably, there’s more to come. His price would have been much shorter had he not completely fluffed his lines on his only start since when last of 12 to Whistlejacket in a Group 1 over in France. However, it’s forgivable given he was up in trip, didn’t settle & probably didn’t appreciate the cut in the ground. He was eased when his chance was gone. Without that run, his price would have been half what it is now so I’m happy to be onboard at the current odds.
Tips
Back Shareholder (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 10.00 William Hill (⅕ odds 1-4)
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11.05 Del Mar: Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf
The European challenge is 4-strong with Aiden O’Brien having the current favourite & 3rd favourite in Lake Victoria & Heavens Gate. The former is 4 from 4 & is currently a strong odds-on shot having won a pair of Group 1’s. If there’s a chink in her armour, it may be her first go at a mile plus the inside berth where she may need some luck in running if not the fastest from the gate. In a 14 strong field, there’s likely to be some each way value & I think that comes in the form of the Miss Grillo 1-2, Scythian & Virgin Colada. That race is typically a good trial for this & I expect this year to be no exception. The winner that day made 2 from 3, that win being her first in Graded company. She ran well & only had to be pushed out to win cosily by almost 3 lengths. I do prefer the chances of the 2nd horse hoe, Virgin Colada. She will appreciate this slightly bigger field & likely fast pace, as I think she’ll sit towards the rear of midfield & will be staying on as well as any when others have cried enough. It’s interesting that her trainer sends just one into battle, given it’s a race he likes to target having won it 6 times previous. I don’t think you can back one without the other so I’m going double handed especially at the prices.
Tips
Back Virgin Colada (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 23.00 Bet365 (⅕ odds 1-4)
Back Scythian (e/w) for a 0.75/10 stake at 21.00 Betfair Sportsbook (⅕ odds 1-4)
12.25 Del Mar: Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf
The last race of the night & another the Europeans have done well in, having landed the last 3 runnings. Andrew Balding, Charlie Appleby (x2) & Aiden O’Brien are responsible for the front 4 in the market so you’d think there’s a good chance of Europe extending the win run to 4 but I’m not convinced by any of them. New Century & Al Qudra were 1-2 in the Grade 1 Summer Stakes at Woodbine 7 weeks ago but I’m going for an upset & hoping that Dream On can turn the tables on them both. My selection raced far more prominently than the 1-2 that day & made his challenge a tad earlier than I’d have liked. When he kicked, he opened up by a good few lengths very quickly but then drifted markedly right, only giving way inside the last. An eyecatching jockey booking as well as a decent draw in 2 for a prominent racer are a couple of positives &, in honesty, I don’t get the price. At 25/1, he’s an each way bet not to be missed.
Tips
Back Dream On (e/w) for a 1/10 stake at 26.00 Bet365 (⅕ odds 1-4)
