2017 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Preview and Picks
One of the most anticipated races every Breeders' Cup is the BC Juvenile. More often than not, the BC Juvenile produces the winter book favorite on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. This year, should Bolt D'Oro win, there won't be an exception. I'll admit right away that it's difficult for me to see any horse beating Bolt D'Oro. I've pegged him as my top choice in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile. Keep reading to find out who else I like.
That was some win in the Frontrunner Stakes. What really impressed me was how he took that big step forward with no problems at all. It looks like the longer Bolt d'Oro runs the better he is. I don't see any other 2-year-old doing enough to beat this exciting Kentucky Derby prospect.
I like how Solomini kept fighting while Zatter, Bob Baffert's other colt in the Frontrunner, backpedaled to an off the board finish. Solomini has the same connections as American Pharoah. I'm not sure he'll improve enough to challenge Bolt d'Oro. I do believe he's good enough to get second in this.
The Chad Brown trained colt finished second to Firenze Fire in only his second lifetime start. That's a good sign that he can hang with the very best two-year-olds in the nation. Another good sign is that he was purchased for a cool million at the 2016 Keeneland September Sale. The fact that he's sired by Curlin from a Hard Spun mare means his upside is unlimited. Like Solomini, I'm not sure he improves enough to challenge a monster like Bolt d'Oro. If there is any horse that could take a huge leap forward in the Juvenile, though, he might be the one.
He already has my vote for best name for a two-year-old colt this year. His win in the Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland was ultra-professional. He didn't run like a 2-year-old. Trainer Dale Romans can get them ready for this race. Not This Time almost caught Classic Empire in last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile. I think he's a must use to pump exotic prices in a race where the favorite looks almost impossible to beat.
There's some big similarities between Montauk and Bolt d'Oro. Medaglia d'Oro sired both. A.P. Indy is both their grandsire on their mother's' side. Like Bolt d'Oro, Montauk looked great when breaking his maiden. So, why isn't Montauk part of my BC Juvenile Top 4?
He would be except I don't believe he runs. Todd Pletcher doesn't force his horses into major races. That's what they'd be doing with Montauk since he has yet to go 2 turns. The Juvenile can be a brutal race for many horses. I doubt Todd takes a chance on what could be his 3-year-old star in 2018.
If he does show up, I'm playing against to win. I do believe in his talent. I'm just not sure the BC Juvenile across the country in Del Mar is where he should make his 2-turn debut.
1. Bolt d'Oro
That was some win in the Frontrunner Stakes. What really impressed me was how he took that big step forward with no problems at all. It looks like the longer Bolt d'Oro runs the better he is. I don't see any other 2-year-old doing enough to beat this exciting Kentucky Derby prospect.
2. Solomini
I like how Solomini kept fighting while Zatter, Bob Baffert's other colt in the Frontrunner, backpedaled to an off the board finish. Solomini has the same connections as American Pharoah. I'm not sure he'll improve enough to challenge Bolt d'Oro. I do believe he's good enough to get second in this.
3. Good Magic
The Chad Brown trained colt finished second to Firenze Fire in only his second lifetime start. That's a good sign that he can hang with the very best two-year-olds in the nation. Another good sign is that he was purchased for a cool million at the 2016 Keeneland September Sale. The fact that he's sired by Curlin from a Hard Spun mare means his upside is unlimited. Like Solomini, I'm not sure he improves enough to challenge a monster like Bolt d'Oro. If there is any horse that could take a huge leap forward in the Juvenile, though, he might be the one.
4. Free Drop Billy
He already has my vote for best name for a two-year-old colt this year. His win in the Breeders' Futurity at Keeneland was ultra-professional. He didn't run like a 2-year-old. Trainer Dale Romans can get them ready for this race. Not This Time almost caught Classic Empire in last year's Breeders' Cup Juvenile. I think he's a must use to pump exotic prices in a race where the favorite looks almost impossible to beat.
What about Montauk?
There's some big similarities between Montauk and Bolt d'Oro. Medaglia d'Oro sired both. A.P. Indy is both their grandsire on their mother's' side. Like Bolt d'Oro, Montauk looked great when breaking his maiden. So, why isn't Montauk part of my BC Juvenile Top 4?
He would be except I don't believe he runs. Todd Pletcher doesn't force his horses into major races. That's what they'd be doing with Montauk since he has yet to go 2 turns. The Juvenile can be a brutal race for many horses. I doubt Todd takes a chance on what could be his 3-year-old star in 2018.
If he does show up, I'm playing against to win. I do believe in his talent. I'm just not sure the BC Juvenile across the country in Del Mar is where he should make his 2-turn debut.
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