Mucciolo: Five under the radar horses for Breeders’ Cup Saturday

Saturday, November 7th will display a great deal of talent for the Breeders' Cup. Who may be hovering under the radar? John Mucciolo looks at five Breeders' Cup contenders to watch.

Classic (G1)

Bill Mott’s Tacitus has a habit of hanging in the latter stages of his races, but that does not impact his chances of reaching the top-three at an inflated number in the big one. The ultra-consistent son of Tapit has never missed the board from six tries at the distance, and he will be fit and ready as an upset threat while making his local debut.

Distaff (G1)

I am expecting a lifetime-best performance from Chad Brown’s Dunbar Road on Saturday. Bay filly has not elevated her game as much as I thought she would this campaign, but she is a lot better than her third-place showing in the Beldame (G2) most recently. The Quality Road filly will be peaking on Saturday in her second try on the Keeneland surface.

Filly and Mare Sprint (G1)

The pace of the seven-furlong affair figures to be a rapid one, which will surely aid multiple Grade-3 heroine Sally’s Curlin. The Dale Romans charge is a one-run closer coming off a solid prep event when a late third in a Grade 1 tilt at Churchill Downs. I am not sure that she can defeat this superb field, but the Curlin miss could pick up a lot of pieces late and boost the vertical exotics at big odds.

Dirt Mile (G1)

Knicks Go is a Grade 1 winner at Keeneland who exits a 10-length allowance victory on the course while registering a robust 110 Brisnet Speed figure. Paynter 4-year-old has yet to be headed in two tries in 2020, and his affinity for the local strip makes him playable in a deep field at an expected healthy price for Brad Cox.

Sprint (G1)

Nashville has just two races to his credit to date, but the Speightstown colt has been dynamic in each effort. Asmussen pupil has never been headed, and the sophomore isn’t facing the deepest cast of sprinters compared to past editions. Bay continues to train in swift fashion on the surface, as well. He may be good enough despite his lack of seasoning.