Breeders’ Cup Rankings 2023: Classic Saturday

A handful of races will be held for the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Santa Anita on Nov. 4. Below is a list of my top domestic candidates for the handful of races to be held during Breeders' Cup on Saturday.

Dirt Mile (G1)

1. Cody’s Wish – Brilliant Mott trainee aims to go back-to-back in the contest
2. Senor Buscador – One-run closer had a fine prep for the tilt in Awesome Again
3. Practical Move – Grade 1 winner is four-for-four at The Great Race Place

Filly and Mare Turf (G1)

1. In Italian – Chad Brown starlet was a superb second in the affair last campaign
2. Didia – Classy Argentine had a perfect prep on the course in the Rodeo Drive
3. Moira – Canadian Champion looks to be sitting on a big effort for Attard

Filly and Mare Sprint (G1)

1. Goodnight Olive – The race still goes through this Ghostzapper mare
2. Society – Fleet Asmussen trainee is electric on her best day
3. Clearly Unhinged – Lightly raced sophomore has a high ceiling

Mile (G1)

1. Up to the Mark – Pletcher pupil can excel at any distance
2. Casa Creed – Seven-year-old aging like fine wine for Mott
3. In Italian – If the mare lands here, she will be prominent from the start

Distaff (G1)

1. Idiomatic – Rising star is the "now" horse in the division
2. Adare Manor – Bob Baffert pupil thrives over the local surface
3. Clairiere – Classy mare will rebound from her latest at Saratoga

Turf (G1)

1. War Like Goddess – English Channel mare was a fine third in the race in 2022
2. Get Smokin – Could get brave if he clears the field early on for Mark Casse
3. Soldier Rising – Christophe Clement charge seemingly always gets a share

Classic (G1)

1. Arcangelo – Standout sophomore continues to impress me
2. Saudi Crown – Late bloomer is the real deal for Brad Cox
3. Zandon – Late runner will have a swift pace to rally into in the Classic

Turf Sprint (G1)

1. Caravel – Defending champ is tough to topple with her best performance
2. Motorious – Local hope is an under the radar win contender for D’Amato
3. Our Shot –  John Terranova trainee has never run a bad one on the lawn

Sprint (G1)

1. Elite Power – Defending champ is a model of excellence
2. Dr. Schivel – 2021 runner-up rounding into top form for Mark Glatt
3. The Chosen Vron -- Superb Cal-bred is seven-for-eight on the oval