Early 2022 Breeders' Cup Rankings

The Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships will be held at Keeneland on Nov. 4-5, and it’s never too early to start the handicapping process towards the most fantastic two-day event in the country. While many of the horses listed below in this piece will have another prep race in advance of the extravaganza, this is where I am ranking the following four divisions at the current moment.

Classic

1. Flightline – He’s in a league of his own at the moment for John Sadler
2. Epicenter – Travers S. (G1) star continues to improve this season
3. Hot Rod Charlie – Hunch that the Doug O’Neill Grade 1 winner has more to offer
4. Mishriff – John and Thady Gosden globetrotter would be a factor, if he enters the race
5. Olympiad – Bill Mott pupil rebounded well in the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1)

Distaff

1. Nest – Sublime sophomore is as genuine as they come for Todd Pletcher
2. Clairiere – Classy four-year-old gets a pass for her latest showing
3. Malathaat – Fantastic Shadwell colorbearer never runs a bad one
4. Blue Stripe – Underrated Argentine was excellent in the Clement L. Hirsch (G1)
5. Secret Oath – Kentucky Oaks (G1) victress still rates as a contender for the 'Coach,' D. Wayne Lukas

Dirt Mile

1. Life Is Good – Still think that this, not the Classic, is the right spot for the dynamic colt
2. Jack Christopher – Superb Chad Brown trainee rarely takes a misstep
3. Laurel River – Bob Baffert pupil just scratching the surface of his abilities
4. Early Voting – Preakness S. (G1) star could give Brown two chances
5. Cody’s Wish – Forego (G1) winner is peaking for Mott

Juvenile

1. Cave Rock – Del Mar Futurity (G1) winner has been ultra-impressive
2. Echo Again  – Exciting prospect looked special at first asking at Saratoga
3. Gulfport – Still feel that this colt has two-turn ability for Steve Asmussen
4. Forte – Hopeful (G1) star hasn’t done much wrong as of yet
5. Damon’s Mound – Saratoga Special (G2) hero has been sharp for Michelle Lovell