Closers Breeders Cup Friday Preview
The Super Bowl of horse racing commences in southern California as the world's best horses come together to compete for end of the season honors. 1045 The Team horse racing analyst and host of Closing Time on Saturday mornings at 9am is Brian " The Closer" Mariano has you covered with selections and analysis for both days of the Breeders Cup.
Future Stars Friday will have plenty of competitive races and a look at who could be the Kentucky Derby winner for next year in the Breeders Cup Juvenile. Closer will give you his breakdown of each race and his top 3 selections for each race.
You can follow him on Twitter @Mariano_Closer for updated selections and tickets throughout the weekend.
Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (Race 5 4:12pm ET)
(#7) Kimari (7-2 ML): This 2 year old daughter of Munnings showed she can win both on the lead and dropping far behind and making one run. Winning the Bolton landing two back at Saratoga where she set the pace and drew away in the stretch was impressive but nothing compared to her most recent start where she missed the break and circled the group to beat the boys in the Indian Summer at Keeneland. Wesley Ward has the 2 top choices on the morning line in this race but this filly will have plenty of options for John Velazquez when they break from the gate.
(#9) Four Wheel Drive (3-1 ML): this 2 year colt by American Pharoah is undefeated in his 2 starts, winning as the favorite both times. Irad ortiz Jr stays on after taking the Futurity at Belmont last time out. Drawing outside the speed is key for a trip just off the pace setters and he very well could be sitting off his stablemate going into the far turf. The one to beat on paper.
(#3) Another Miracle (15-1 ML): Another son of American Pharoah will be a little more forwardly placed and the inside draw might force the hand of Manuel Franco. His last blowout work was impressive going 34 and 2 for 3 furlongs at Belmont Park and shows he could be sharp enough to be on or close to the lead going into the turn. Worth a look and use in exotics at a big number.
Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf (Race 6 4:52pm ET)
(#10) Arizona (5-2 ML): This 2 year old colt has been highly touted for trainer Aidan O'Brien coming into the Breeders Cup. The outside post will force Ryan Moore to have early pace from the gate but that should not be a problem for him. If he runs back to his last race, he should be tough to beat here.
(#5) Vitalogy (10-1 ML): This 2 year old has had his fair share of problems in his last couple starts. Was way behind last out at Keeneland and made a huge run while drifting out through the stretch to run second. Bumped two starts back in the Summer stakes at Woodbine was enough to stop his momentum and failed to catch Decorated Invader. The mile should be perfect and with early pace, look for him to be flying late down the stretch.
(#2) Structor (5-1 ML): Jose Ortiz picks up the mount as his brother will opt for Decorated Invader. This undefeated son of Palace Malice looks to sit a nice trip right behind the front runners and have first run turning for home. Mechanicville native Chad Brown looks to take home another Breeders Cup turf race but will have to step up for this victory.
Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies (Race 7 5:32pm ET)
(#6) Bast (7-2 ML): This Baffert trained 2 year old looks tough after back to back Grade 1 victories. Picks up John Velazquez for the second time in as many starts and should sit right off the early pace. Will be tough with top connections.
(#4) British Idiom (7-2 ML): An impressive victory last out in the Alcibiades at Keeneland. Will look to take early command or sit just off and have first run into the stretch.
(#9) Comical (8-1 ML): Second behind Bast last time and she has run numbers that could be enough for a piece in here. Will be a big number and is a must use in exotics.
Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (6:12pm ET)
(#5) Daahyeh (5-1 ML): Running lines suggest she is game down the stretch and will have William Buick up for this one. First or second in each of her 5 starts, she will sit an ideal trip from the 5 post and could be tough to pass down the lane.
(#12) Sweet Melania (5-1 ML): Two wins and a second in her last 3 starts and was very impressive at Keeneland last out. The cut back to a mile could make it tough for anyone to pass her as she might be forced to the lead with an outside post. Look for Ortiz to be aggressive and force others to go and catch her.
(#4) Abscond (15-1 ML): A win in the Natalma last out a Woodbine looked impressive after a tough start. She chased Kimari two starts back at Saratoga and was a game second. Look for her to be up close and hold on for a piece at a big number.
Breeders Cup Juvenile (7:03pm ET)
(#6) Eight Rings (2-1): Two impressive victories for this 2 year old son of Empire Maker. In a barn of last years Juvenile winner as Bob Baffert looks to go back to back. The outside post will help Velazquez decide whether he wants the lead or to sit off any speed on the inside. Look to be tough down the stretch after having a win over the track already.
(#1) Dennis' Moment (8-5 ML): The inside post might force Irad's hand here and see if he can get to the lead. No real speed looks like he will be on the lead or alongside Eight Rings all the way around the track. Could be a big time battle down the stretch.
(#5) Scabbard (8-1 ML): Mike Smith gets the mount on this son of More Than Ready who will be around if there is a hot pace up front. Smith will sit behind the two favorites and hope to pick up the pieces if they slow down. Fill out your trifecta.