Breeder's Cup Selections

First off, let me say that I have a terrible record in big races picking winners. I am keenly aware of my failing in this regard and I just want to make you all aware of it as I put these picks to paper at 1 AM Central Time on the morning of the Breeder's Cup.

Juvenille Fillies: No filly has ever won this race off of only 2 career starts, but Indian Blessing could be the one. Two easy wins including a track record at Saratoga in her debut. Stretching out to a mile, she drew away easily in the Gr1 Frizette earning her the 2nd best last race Beyer in this field. She's my pick here.

Juvenille: Trainer Nick Zito says he's sending War Pass to the front and if anyone wants to challenge him out of the gate to be his guest. Should someone rise to this challenge it'll be suicidal for both, but if no one does I think this is a romp. The trendy pick appears to be Pyro after his second to War Pass in the Gr1 Champagne. I'm not thrilled with the chalk, but I'm taking War Pass.

Filly & Mare Turf: This conversation starts with undefeated Nashoba's Key. She's sporting a 7 race win streak, so does this mean she's a gimme? Given that the ground'll be soft or yielding this afternoon, I think this race could be ripe for an upset with Danzon, Arravale and Argentina all having their top Beyers on off turf courses. European invader Passage of Time has shown the ability to handle the soft turf and with 1st time Lasix, she's my upset pick here.

Sprint: Midnight Lute is coming off a monster 124 Beyer in the Forego and a repeat of that performance will smoke this field. Smokey Stover looks to be a strong challenger, but in his single race on an off track he was handled at Calder. My choice here is Idiot Proof who's best Beyer came in this distance and should be a nice price.

Mile: The Euro miler Excellent Art appears to be the class of this field, but Kip Deville is the mile specialist in this field and Nobiz Like Shobiz has come alive on the turf (3 for 3). I'm not much of a trifecta player, but I'll box these three in a tri and exacta.

Distaff: There is a lot of speed on the front end in this one, so I look for a closer here - especially since closers did well on this track yesterday. I like the rateable Lady Joanne and the closing Lear's Princess in an exacta box.

Turf: The world LOVES Dylan Thomas in this race. No winner of the Arc has ever won the BC Turf and that's what he's attempting to do today. Defending champion Red Rocks overcame a bad start to finish 3rd to Dylan Thomas in the Irish Champion Stakes. For the second year in a row he is being freshened after a game effort will be back on Lasix and will have Dettori up. I like him in a repeat.

Classic: This is going to be a great race to watch, but a tough one to bet. Gun to my head I take the imroving Any Given Saturday, but I truly don't know and am very excited to watch this one unfold. Good luck!