Handicapping Breeders’ Cup Friday

Juvenile Turf Sprint

Soldier’s Call (#2) and Sergei Prokofiev (#8) are top contenders from overseas but I lack a strong opinion in the inaugural running of the Juvenile Turf Sprint. Stillwater Cove (#4), Moonlight Romance (#6), Pocket Dynamo (#12) and Big Drink of Water (#13) can be used in multi-race wagers.

Juvenile Fillies Turf

Newspaperofrecord (#6) will prove too good for her rivals as the favorite in my estimation. The Irish-bred daughter of Lope de Vega has posted impressive wins in both starts for Chad Brown, showing an affinity for soft ground, and her tactical speed is an edge.

Juvenile Fillies

Restless Rider (#4) exits a nice score in the Alcibiades (G1) at Keeneland and should receive an ideal stalking trip behind the front-runners. The Ken McPeek-trained chestnut likes Churchill Downs as well, posting an 11-length score in the Debutante during the summer. A hot and contested pace appears likely and a couple of longshots, Reflect (#1) and Sippican Harbor (#8), may have the right run style to take advantage from off the pace. I’ll include both in Pick 4 wagers.

Juvenile Turf

Line of Duty (#5) is receiving plenty of buzz and cuts back off a fine score at 1 1/8 miles in France. Arthur Kitt (#1) didn’t fire his best when fifth in the Royal Lodge (G2) last time but I liked his previous efforts and the price will be right (20-1 m/l). And respect the chances of Anthony Van Dyck (#14) but don’t the post. The domestic contingent includes Forty Under (#4) and Opry (#8), a pair of stakes winners with a solid finishing kick, will also be used.

Juvenile

Code of Honor is out due to a fever and the top two betting choices, Complexity (#6) and Game Winner (#9), appear formidable. I will also look to save with Dueling (#1), who finished well breaking his maiden last out for Jerry Hollendorfer; and Standard Deviation (#8), who adds blinkers and is eligible to improve upon a ridiculously wide third in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1).

50-cent Pick 5 wager (races 5-9)

2,4,6,8,12,13 with 6 with 4 with 1,4,5,8,14 with 6,9 ($30)

50-cent Pick 4 wager (races 6-9)

6 with 1,4,8 with 1,4,5,8,14 with 1,6,8,9 ($30)

Good luck on Breeders’ Cup Friday!