Breeders’ Cup Betting Guide

Horse racing betting is available for all 14 Breeders’ Cup races, and we have an overview of what bettors should expect from the features.

Breeders’ Cup Classic

The feature race of the two-day carnival is the Breeders’ Cup Classic, where Knicks Go is looking to hold off the age-group stars.

Knicks Go has the experience edge over the likes of Essential Quality, Medina Spirit, and Hot Rod Charlie, but the youngsters have speed to burn.

Trainer Brad Cox is confident with both of his runners.

“At this point in the year there’s not a whole lot we have to do with them in the mornings. Both horses are carrying incredible flesh,” Cox told Bloodhorse. “They look amazing. Essential Quality has expanded and gotten bigger since his last race. He’s thriving now, enjoying the cool weather. He seems to be on his toes.”

All eyes are on the Classic runners and bettors get value odds for the main chances. Knicks Go is paying +250, and there have been solid betting moves for Essential Quality at +300 and Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit at +400.

Breeders’ Cup Turf

Always an even field, the Breeders’ Cup Turf is where the Europeans get their chance to shine.

Tarnawa is one of the most exciting turf horses in the world after running second in the Arc de Triomphe, which always stands the test of time. The mare, who is +180 in betting markets, will be tough to beat, but she will be challenged by Teona, Gufo, and fellow European Yibir.

The sportsbook has excellent odds throughout the big field, so there isn’t a lack of value available.

Breeders’ Cup Distaff

It could be a two-horse race in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Letruska is a champion but rising star Malathaat is one to watch.

BREAKING: More insight of the unintentional work from Letruska with @TVGJoaquin pic.twitter.com/6zha0rCL9T

— Breeders’ Cup (@BreedersCup) October 30, 2021

There won’t be much over the field, which also includes Shedaresthedevil and Private Mission. Five of the runners are quoted at single-figure odds, so bookmakers are expecting a close race at Del Mar.

Letruska is the standout, so grab the value odds while they’re available.

Breeders’ Cup Mile

The Europeans get another chance to shine in the Breeders’ Cup Mile, where lightly tried Space Blues headlines the betting market.

It’s always a race that attracts plenty of betting attention on race day, and given the size of the field, bettors get lovely odds throughout.

Mo Forza and In Love are the biggest dangers to the favorite, but we wouldn’t be surprised to see a big upset from one of the unfancied runners.

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile

We love watching the young and exciting horses do battle for big money. That’s the case for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, where Jack Christopher is a runner worth following.

He could have the world at his feet if he’s able to navigate the talented field on Saturday, and betting online markets have him at +180. Most of the money has come for the juvenile to beat the likes of Corniche and Commandperformance.

Breeders’ Cup Sprint

The sprinting superstars will scorch the Del Mar dirt in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, which is headlined by Jackie’s Warrior.

He is the form runner of the field, and he’ll need to be good to win. Dr. Schivel, Following Sea, and C Z Rocket are all worthy contenders for the big prize, so we wouldn’t leave them off our tickets.

Meet the [owners of #BC21 @Qatar_Racing Sprint contender Jackie’s Warrior] Robisons. 📹 pic.twitter.com/Y59k4In1hz

— Breeders’ Cup (@BreedersCup) November 3, 2021

However, the favorite has backing for a reason, and Jackie’s Warrior could lead the charge.

Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint

Another one of the feature sprint races is the Turf Sprint, where bookmakers have framed an even betting market.

Golden Pal is the loose +350 favorite, but there could be a minor upset with the likes of Glass Slippers, Emaraaty Ana, and A Case For You.

The best betting strategy is to back a few runners in trifecta and first-four bets.

Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies

The Friday feature race includes some of the most exciting fillies in North America.

The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile boasts only a small field of six, but what an elite group they are. Echo Zulu heads the betting at -125 after going unbeaten at her first three starts.

She will have plenty of support, but Juju’s Map and Hidden Connection come off impressive wins, so they will provide a challenge.