How to bet the Breeders' Cup Turf

A trio of standout turf performers headlines the lucrative $4 million Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) on Saturday. The second biggest event of the weekend will be contested at 1 ½ miles and an accomplished field of 12 is signed on for the grassy voyage at Santa Anita.

Turf Analysis:

#2 Acclimate (20-1) and #8 Bandua (20-1) are both fleet from the gate and will try for the early lead in the Turf. #4 Mount Everest (15-1), #6 Channel Cat (15-1) and #12 Channel Maker (10-1) will also be forwardly placed, as will #10 Old Persian (4-1).

The sharp and contested pace of this race will set the stage for a showdown between powerful late runners #5 Anthony Van Dyck (3-1) and #9 Bricks and Mortar (9-5) in the final furlong.

Turf Wagers:

• $5 Trifecta 5,9 with 5,9 with 3,4,10,11 = $40
• $1 Superfecta 9 with 4,5,10 with 3,4,5,10,11 with 3,4,5,10,11 = $36

Here is the Breeders' Cup Turf entries and morning line odds:

#1 ZULU ALPHA (20-1) -- Mike Maker trainee draws well on the rail in this demanding assignment. Street Cry gelding is a three-time graded winner in 2019, all ridden by today’s jockey Jose Ortiz. Six-year-old will stalk the pace along the fence.

#2 ACCLIMATE (20-1) -- Speedy sort wired the Del Mar H. (G2) two back, prior to a second-place effort in the John Henry (G2) on the course. Acclamation five-year-old has shown marked improvement since being stretched out to marathon trips, but he faces a tough task on Saturday. Martin Garcia will send the five-year-old from the start.

#3 UNITED (20-1) -- John Henry (G2) third has a consistent turn of foot for Richard Mandella, and the lightly raced four-year-old has room for further improvement. Kentucky-bred could rally for a share late at big odds under Flavien Prat.

#4 MOUNT EVEREST (15-1) -- The wildcard in the field lacks the resume of the top players in the field, but he sits as a clear fourth-choice in the overseas market. Galileo colt is lightly raced and comes in off of his initial stakes triumph for Aidan O’Brien, who has won this race on six occasions. Sophomore is out of Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Six Perfections and will have Wayne Lordan riding.

#5 ANTHONY VAN DYCK (3-1) -- Top Euro invader has been a high-class performer during both years of his racing. A Group 2 victor as a juvenile, the Classic winner has reached new heights in 2019 and had an excellent prep for the Turf when third behind the mighty Magical in the Irish Champion S. (Ire-G1) at Leopardstown.  Coolmore color bearer is imposing with Ryan Moore riding.

#6 CHANNEL CAT (15-1) -- Bowling Green (G2) winner has been consistently solid in 2019 but has just one tally for his efforts. Todd Pletcher trainee will be forwardly placed early in his toughest test to date.

#7 ALOUNAK (20-1) -- German-based son of Camelot proved his class when a rallying second in the Canadian International S. (Can-G1) at Woodbine most recently. Four-year-old colt has paired up strong races, though he will need further progression to threaten the best in this field.

#8 BANDUA (20-1) -- Arlington Million (G1) third prepped for this contest in the Shadwell Turf Mile (G1) and finished unplaced. The Factor colt has big early speed and will be sharp today coming off the one-mile race. Tyler Gaffalione will ride.

#9 BRICKS AND MORTAR (9-5) -- Classy five-year-old is five-for-five in 2019 with four Grade 1 wins and will hope to make his case for Horse of the Year with a tally in the Turf. Chad Brown charge has been consistently excellent this season, but he steps up to the 1 ½ miles trip for the initial time on Saturday. The race goes through the son of Giant’s Causeway and pilot Irad Ortiz Jr.

#10 OLD PERSIAN (4-1) -- Accomplished globe-trotter bagged the Dubai Sheema Classic (UAE-G1) in the spring, and comes off a decisive tally in the Northern Dancer S. (Can-G1) at Woodbine in September. Dubawi colt has the tactical speed to carve out his own trip under William Buick, and he will be a major player with a top showing in his Santa Anita debut.

#11 ARKLOW (12-1) -- Arch five-year-old finished best in a competitive Turf Classic S. (G1) at Belmont Park most recently. Five-year-old has won or placed in five graded races on the lawn in succession, and he could be a top-three contender with a career showing at The Great Race Place.

#12 CHANNEL MAKER (10-1) -- Hard-trying gelding always fires and comes off a brave showing when runner-up in the Turf Classic (G1). Bill Mott pupil is versatile and has the speed to overcome the widest draw in the early stages. John Velazquez will ride the Grade 1 star once again.

RELATED: Find all Breeders' Cup coverage by TwinSpires here.

Breeders' Cup Turf Entries