How to bet the 2021 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf

Traditionally, the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) has been a race dominated by European raiders. Between 2007 and 2018, nine of the 12 winners prepped across the pond.

But the last two editions of the Juvenile Turf have been won by the home team, setting up an intriguing showdown in the 2021 Juvenile Turf on Friday at Del Mar. Will the Europeans rebound and walk away with a lucrative prize? Or will the Americans outrun expectations for the third year in a row?

Among the raiders, #14 Dubawi Legend (4-1) is the most accomplished after running second in the seven-furlong Dewhurst S. (G1) at Newmarket. The problem is, Dubawi Legend is marooned in a tricky outside post and risks an unfavorable wide trip.

A potentially stronger alternative is #1 Modern Games (5-1). One of two entrants trained by Charlie Appleby (who boasts a stellar 3-for-7 record at the Breeders’ Cup), Modern Games has plenty of tactical speed and enters off a decisive 2 1/2-length score in the seven-furlong Somerville S. (G3) at Newmarket. The Godolphin homebred figures to sit a perfect trip setting or stalking the pace from his inside draw, saving ground and maximizing his potential for a winning performance.

But there are some formidable faces among the home team, including #5 Slipstream (12-1). After breaking his maiden in gate-to-wire fashion sprinting seven furlongs at Belmont, Slipstream overcame challenging tactics to win Belmont’s six-furlong Futurity S. (G3). A troubled start left the son of More Than Ready fighting his rider at the back of the pack, but Slipstream soon shrugged off this setback to rally up the inside and between rivals to win by a length.

With a clean trip in his route debut, Slipstream is eligible to stick closer to the pace and produce a career-best performance under hot jockey Joel Rosario. Keep in mind, More Than Ready has already sired seven Breeders’ Cup winners, including 2010 Juvenile Turf hero Pluck.

Since Modern Games and Slipstream both offer solid odds on the morning line, we’ll plan on betting them both to win. Then we’ll key them in trifecta tickets to seek a big payday.

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Bets:

• $24 to win on #1 Modern Games
• $12 to win on #5 Slipstream
• $1 Trifecta: 1,5 with 1,5 with 2,4,6,8,10,14 ($12)
• $1 Trifecta: 1,5 with 2,4,6,8,10,14 with 1,5 ($12)
• Total: $60

Good luck!

The video below contains all available race replays for Breeders' Cup contenders' last racing effort, for your handicapping ease. TwinSpires has your back!