2026 Breeder's Cup Notes

This year, I decided to do a write up on some of the Breeder's Cup races with some thoughts and notes for you to consider as you handicap your races. I've been a bit preoccupied with another project at this time but the Breeder's Cup is too special to bypass. Hopefully, a few of these notes will aid your approach to a few of these races and give you some extra insight to consider.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 30th

RACE 8 - BREEDER'S CUP JUVENILE FILLIES TURF 8f

The greatest turf trainer in the world heads to Keeneland with a record 21 wins (tied with Baffert) and it is almost a 100% certainty that he will far extend that record this weekend. When handicapping any turf race, number one priority must always fall to Aiden's entries first, especially with the 2 year olds - filly or colt.

The two favorites far exceed here. Aiden's girl, Sun Goddess doesn't understand the word defeat. She even beat Folsom Blues who is a favored colt in the Race 10 Juvenile Turf that is trained by Aiden's son Joseph. She is throwing 117 RPR's and Aiden speaks very highly of her. Seems like a sure-fire single on top.

Of note for underneath boxed consideration if playing superfectas:

Amusingly, (last RPR 112) trained by Graffard, is on the upswing, but still not in the same league as Sun Goddess. Chad Brown has won this race 5 times in the past and enters Domestic Agenda who should have some run but no match for Aiden. Also, the daughter of Baaeed, Curracloe is very intriguing given her roots for a late run.

RACE 9 - BREEDER'S CUP JUVENILE 8.5f

Even money favorite Hughes has zero excuses and should blow this field away, securing the 2 year old Eclipse Award while he is at it. Baffert poised for a stone cold exacta blitz on this short field with Salahudin just behind his barnmate.

Irony lies with the short distance between the 4-1 early runner Coach Pope holding on for a piece and a very possible late killer explosion with 20-1 longshot Damavand. Easy single on top with Hughes, although a box super with a Pletcher surprise could produce a payout, otherwise, there really is no profit here.

RACE 10 - BREEDER'S CUP JUVENILE TURF 8f

14 entries can be cut down to 6 top considerations:

Great Barrier Reef, Haffner, Florida Bay, Man's Best Friend - trained by Aiden O'Brien

Folsom Blues - trained by Aiden O'Brien's son, Joseph.

How's Al Today - trained by Riley Mott

Turf track should be nice and firm. Haffner draws great post with Christophe Soumillon aboard. This guy has been running well, with one faltering race on a yielding track at Curragh two races back. Firm track and he excels. Last RPR at 109 matches Great Barrier Reef (Post 14, not the best gate) but falls short under Folsom Blues who posted 112 and 114 RPR's.

Aiden's other two entries, Florida Bay and Man's Best Friend along with Riley Mott's, How's Al Today all come in at 107, far exceeding the rest of the field. This is a Dad vs Son race with Haffner and Folsom Blues holding all the cards.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31st

Will update soon...

Race 5 - Breeders Cup Turf Sprint 5.5f

Race 6 - Breeders Cup Dirt Mile 8f

Race 8 - Breeders Cup Sprint 6f

Race 11 - Breeders Cup Turf 12f

Race 12 - Breeders Cup Classic 10f