2024 Breeders' Cup: 10 observations from morning-line odds

Morning-line odds for the 14 Breeders’ Cup races were released on Monday evening, giving handicappers an early look at how betting might unfold.

RELATED: 2024 Breeders' Cup News and Notes

Here are 10 observations about the 2024 Breeders’ Cup morning-line odds:

1. Thorpedo Anna is the heaviest favorite

Four-time Grade 1 winner #2 Thorpedo Anna is favored at 4-5 to win the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1). She’s the only odds-on favorite across the 14 races.

2. Juvenile Fillies Turf is billed as a two-horse race

The morning line views the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) as a two-way battle between European raider #1 Lake Victoria (8-5) and California standout #7 Thought Process (5-2). None of the other 15 entrants are listed at single-digit odds.

3. Ecoro Sieg, Notable Speech, Domestic Product are tepid favorites

#8 Ecoro Sieg in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1), #6 Notable Speech in the Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1), and #9 Domestic Product in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) are the highest-priced Breeders’ Cup favorites. Each is listed at 7-2.

4. Big winners offer big prices in Classic

The Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) is packed with talented horses offering double-digit odds, including Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) conqueror #2 Highland Falls (20-1), Saudi Cup (G1) winner #5 Senor Buscador (30-1), last year’s Classic runner-up #6 Derma Sotogake (20-1), flashy Whitney (G1) winner #12 Arthur’s Ride (15-1), and Santa Anita H. (G1) hero #13 Newgate (20-1).

5. Rebel’s Romance favored in quest to regain Turf title

2022 Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) winner #11 Rebel’s Romance is favored at 5-2 to become the first horse to win multiple editions of the Turf in non-consecutive years.

6. Cogburn, Bradsell dominate Turf Sprint morning line

Record-setting Jaipiur (G1) winner #9 Cogburn (7-5) and three-time Group 1-winning European raider #12 Bradsell (7-2) are expected to dominate betting in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1). None of the other 10 entrants are listed below 8-1 odds. 

7. Three-year-olds expected to perform well on dirt

Three-year-olds are favored to win four of the five dirt races on Saturday. Top-choice sophomores include #9 Ways and Means (5-2) in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1), #2 Thorpedo Anna (4-5) in the Distaff, #3 City of Troy (5-2) in the Classic, and #9 Domestic Product (7-2) in the Dirt Mile.

8. Sprint is absolutely wide open

An ultra-competitive field has assembled for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1). Six of the 11 entrants are listed at single-digit odds, led by runaway Phoenix (G2) winner #3 Federal Judge (3-1).

9. Appleby longshots offer appeal

Trainer Charlie Appleby has won with 10 of his 20 Breeders’ Cup starters. Handicappers hoping to bet Appleby trainees at enticing odds have a few options with #12 Aomori City (10-1) in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1), #6 Star of Mystery (10-1) in the Turf Sprint, and #1 Beautiful Love (20-1) in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1).

10. Godolphin could have a big weekend

Three morning-line favorites will race in the royal blue silks of Godolphin: #1 East Avenue (5-2) in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), #11 Rebel’s Romance (5-2) in the Turf, and #6 Notable Speech (7-2) in the Mile.