Breeders Cup

Del Mar Paddock

How to pick a Breeders Cup winner for the 2023 renewal

Horse racing is probably one of the most attended sporting events since its creation. While it's considered a unique sport because of its participants, the festivity it brings and its respect for the horses, makes this an extraordinary sport. 

Racehorse breeders, owners and trainers spend a huge amount of time, money, and effort in training horses to become one of the fastest animals on earth. 

When it comes to the Breeders Cup, to be hosted by Del Mar race track on Friday 5th November 2021, only the very best will be entered, such is the status of this prestigious event.

While horse racing is staged throughout the year, one of the things people enjoy the most is the fun of betting. Horse racing fans think nothing of spending long hours studying the form of each racehorse in the hope of earning a little extra money through betting.

There is indeed money to be made in horse racing if you can just keep your  eye on the prize. 

However, you must bear in mind that any bet is a gamble; winning depends on luck, determination, and timing. 

Although many bettors have  their own personal betting systems, as a newcomer you will need some advice on how best to pick those elusive winners. So, here are some helpful tips to make it just a wee bit easier.

Racing at Del Mar

Check out the runners 

Who else will be running on the card? Racecards will offer a lot of information on the form of the runners so check them all to assess their various merits.

If betting at the track take the opportunity to view the horses in the parade ring - horses that are calm but alert and on their toes should be noted. Don’t be swayed just by a famous name or face.

Check to see if the horse has competed previously at the distance of the race, form on the track surface and if they are effective on sprint, turf, or dirt tracks?  

Does the horse like to lead or stay off the pace?  Do they attract the eye and  look healthy in the paddock with a bright glossy coat and good muscle definition?

Have they competed in stakes races and are able to compete effectively as one of the Breeders Cup Classic contenders?

Focus On The Breeders Cup Trainers

As a bettor, it is also necessary to consider the trainers of the horses before betting on them. Consider the achievements of the trainer and how well he is able to place his top horses to play to their strengths. 

Breeders Cup Classic

There could be competition for the lead among the sprinters in the Breeders Cup Classic this year. 

Brad Cox runs two at the head of the betting Knicks Go 7-2 and Essential Quality 9-2. However the likes of Medina Spirit, Hot Rod Charlie and Art Collector could force the pace and set things up for one to come from behind.

Step forward Maxfield 20-1, trained by Brendan P. Walsh for Godolphin. He was runner up to Art Collector in the 9f Woodward this year and with the extra furlong of the Classic he could be staying on strongly when the leaders have cried enough.

Breeders Cup Juvenile

Chad Brown has the favourite for the Breeders Cup Juvenile with his entry Jack Christopher who is a general 11-4 in the betting.  Chad is hoping to add to his sole win in this race following his win at Del Mar four years ago with his maiden Good Magic.

Jack Christopher ran out a 8 ¾ length winner over 6 furlongs at Saratoga in August and won comfortably again 5 weeks later in the Champagne. The question is, can he see out the two turns he will now face in the Juvenile at Del Mar?

Hall of Fame trainer, Todd Pletcher, already has two successes in this race.

He runs Commandperformance who finished strongly in his maiden race after a slow start and again rallied well to finish 2nd in the Champagne.

His pedigree suggests the longer trip will be in his favour as his sire was a Belmont winner and dam is by the Belmont Stakes winner, Tapit. He could well defy his maiden status and odds of 12/1 to land the spoils.

Leading  Jockeys Jockeys are often underestimated by the novice bettor when it comes to picking a winner. The best jockeys are usually employed by the best trainers who are able to pay the higher fees. 

But look out for a less well known trainer who employs a top jockey for one of his runners as this is a tip in itself. The trainer is confident enough in his horse’s chances to pay for a top jockey.  

The top 4 jockeys in the States are currently Joel Rosario, Irad Ortiz Jr, Luis Saez, Flavien Prat.

Spot The Favorites 

In many sports betting events, you might notice that tipsters would say that you should avoid betting the favorites. This is a great technique you can apply for most sports including horse racing.

However if you are targeting the winner of a series of races such as the U.S. Triple Crown then the favourite may well offer the best chance of success.

Looking back in the U.S. Triple Crown Series, one of the most celebrated horse racing competitions, many horses who won the title were early favorites. Examples include Justify in 2018, American Pharoah in 2015 and the 1978 winner Affirmed.

Jockeys leave Del Mar Paddock

Study The Race Card 

Like taking an examination, the best way to pass the test is to review and scan your notes. You should employ the same strategy when betting a horse. Study the form to check that its past successes will apply to the race under consideration. Check its pedigree, its achievements and its earnings.

Final Thoughts 

Whatever personal strategy you use when betting on a racehorse, favourites or underdogs, stick to your method and don’t give up after a few losses as your luck will eventually change. 

But always be on the lookout for new betting systems as the world of racing is continuously changing.

Breeders Cup 2022 Contenders

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