Under-the-radar internationals for 2022 Breeders' Cup

Plenty of international star power is on display in the 2022 Breeders’ Cup. Indeed, there are so many logical contenders a few could be overlooked, especially those with a dark-horse vibe at Keeneland.

Here are internationals with credentials, but not as much fanfare on this side of the pond. Although some are more under-the-radar than others, they’re all intriguing at the price.

Much more detailed analysis is available in the International Scouting Report. Part of the Brisnet.com Ultimate Breeders’ Cup Handicapping Package, the Scouting Report covers all of the internationals in depth.

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1)

I wouldn’t have expected both #6 Persian Force and #4 Dramatised to be 15-1 on the morning line, so it will be intriguing to see if they’re bet down, or if one ends up being the main value. Both looked like budding stars earlier this season, and cutting back in trip could make all the difference to them. Persian Force has never been out of the trifecta while competing with the likes of Little Big Bear and Blackbeard. Dramatised aced the Queen Mary (G2), beating Love Reigns and leaving a still-learning The Platinum Queen up the track.

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Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1)

#7 Spirit Gal (20-1) is an overlay after winning the Star Appeal S. at Dundalk over the Aidan O’Brien colt Cairo, who would have been a real player in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1). A typically well-bred filly for owner/breeder Charles Fipke, Spirit Gal has good tactical speed.

Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1)

After the aforementioned Cairo didn’t ship, #1 Victoria Road (8-1) flies the Ballydoyle flag solo. Sporting a three-race winning streak, the improving colt beat Blue Rose Cen, the future Prix Marcel Boussac (G1) romper who probably would have been the Juvenile Fillies Turf favorite.

Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1)

Japan’s sole representative at this year’s Breeders’ Cup, #6 Chain of Love (20-1) held her own versus males in the major dirt sprints on Saudi Cup day and Dubai World Cup night. The deep closer will get plenty of pace.

Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1)

If #9 Naval Crown stays around his 30-1 morning line, the Godolphin homebred would be terrific value as the hero of the Platinum Jubilee (G1) at Royal Ascot over Highfield Princess and several others. But #5 Go Bears Go (30-1) figures to drift much higher. With some excellent form versus elders on his best day, last year’s Juvenile Turf Sprint near-misser is eligible to factor again.

Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1)

It sounds wrong to describe #5 Tuesday (8-1) as coming in under the radar, considering she's the reigning Epsom Oaks (G1) queen. But the O’Brien filly hasn’t won since, and the “what have you done for me lately” temptation could see her underappreciated. Yet her losses are more meritorious than a superficial glance would suggest, and she could be building up to a massive effort.

Breeders' Cup Mile (G1)

Although #3 Dreamloper was pegged at 6-1 on the morning line, chances are she’ll be a more attractive price by post time. Her connections aren’t as well known in North America, and her overall hit-or-miss record might obscure the main point: she’s thrashed males in two Group 1s in France.

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Breeders' Cup Turf (G1)

#3 Stone Age (15-1) isn’t as far off Nations Pride as their respective odds imply. The Galileo blueblood wasn’t seen to best effect stateside over the summer, but he’s turned in back-to-back sneaky races against world-class elders in Europe for O’Brien. Now Stone Age is back up to 1 1/2 miles for the first time since his Epsom Derby (G1) sixth, where he finished ahead of Nations Pride. Both have improved in the interim, but Stone Age could be sitting on a bigger step forward in the rematch.

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