What to expect (and who to bet) for Saturday Breeders' Cup races.
Lord Nelson, the second favorite in Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Sprint, was scratched Thursday morning after a cut on the 4-year-old colt’s leg became infected.
Count them up. Three horses. Five Eclipse Awards. Two hall of fame jockeys. Two hall of fame trainers. Just shy of $10 million in earnings. Thirty-five victories in 47 starts (74% winners).
A newly revamped Santa Anita is hosting racing's premier contest, where a local horse is among the favorites, and Hollywood from Elizabeth Banks to Mel Brooks is hooked: "The thrill of the race is exhilarating."
Long about 4:30 on Friday afternoon, after he has set the feed and neatened up the double-wide stall of a certain chestnut racehorse, Raul Rodriguez will wander over to the Santa Anita Park grandstand in Arcadia, California, in time to watch the $2 million Breeders' Cup Distaff.
The Triple Crown winner will run his final race on Saturday.
The Breeders’ Cup is the horse player’s equivalent of Christmas and the Super Bowl all wrapped into one exciting package. This year, the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classic has shaped up to be a spectacular event and has the potential to be the single best race of the year.
Del Mar's second Bing Crosby Season to feature two days of Breeders' Cup action from Keeneland.
Triple Crown champion American Pharoah, two-time Breeders' Cup winner Beholder and Travers winner Keen Ice will square off in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Classic next week, with 2014 Belmont Stakes winner Tonalist in the field, too. They are among a total of 200 horses — one fewer than last year's record — who were pre-entered Wednesday for the $26 million, 13-race Breeders' Cup world championships, being held for the first time at Keeneland on Oct. 30 and 31. Ten were pre-entered for the 11/4-mile Classic, which will be shown live on NBC.
The $5 million investment to improve seating, facilities and the fan experience.
Bayern won the richest race in North America by taking the Breeders' Cup Classic in a very tightly contested race.