Echo Zulu is one of the hype Thoroughbreds running at the Breeders’ Cup on Friday, and that’s reflected in betting markets.
Horse racing betting odds have the favorite at -125 to beat the six-horse field, so the race is hers for the taking.
The likes of Hidden Connection and Juju’s Map will provide a stiff test, and anything can happen in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies.
OFFICIAL: Post Positions for the $2 Million @NetJets #BreedersCup Juvenile Fillies at @DelMarRacing on #FutureStarsFriday.
ℹ️: https://t.co/EOlmqmhfGm #BC21 pic.twitter.com/AwIEN3dlut
— Breeders’ Cup (@BreedersCup) November 1, 2021
Echo Zulu Seeking Grade I Treble
Steven Asmussen is a seven-time Breeders’ Cup winner, and he could add to his record with Echo Zulu.
The 2-year-old daughter of Gun Runner is unbeaten after three starts, including wins in the Grade I Spinaway Stakes and Frizette Stakes.
She was dominant last time out, and that’s exceptional form for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies.
“The Spinaway and the Frizette – that sort of foundation and doing it multiple times gives you a tremendous amount of confidence,” Asmussen told Bloodhorse. “My worry was (starting in the) Spinaway off one 5½-furlong maiden race with the (lack of) seasoning.
“The Spinaway and Frizette have eased all those tensions; now it’s just up to how fast everybody is.”
She is a good-moving type, who could be the next big thing. Her odds at the sportsbook reflect as much, and although -125 is short for a runner with only three starts, she is the testing material.
Cox Runner Bringing the Juju
Brad Cox is no stranger to lining up quality runners, and he looks to have another with Juju’s Map.
The daughter of Liam’s Map finished second on debut at Ellis Park before winning over a mile second-up. It was her win in the Grade I Alcibiades Stakes that put her firmly in contention for Friday’s feature.
Good juju this morning for Juju’s Map. The @NetJets Juvenile Fillies contender is looking good and drew post position 5️⃣ for her #FutureStarsFriday race. #BC21 pic.twitter.com/jTSWMFwxke
— Breeders’ Cup (@BreedersCup) November 2, 2021
She broke the clock with the 4¼-length win, which hasn’t been missed by betting online markets. Juju’s Map is into +250 on that effort.
“She was well in hand throughout the work, and it was exactly what we were looking for at this stage,” Cox said. “This filly seemed to improve a little bit since her win in the Alcibiades, which is what these horses need to do this time of year leading into the Breeders’ Cup.”
We’re unsure if she’s at the same level as Echo Zulu, but she should give the favorite something to fight.
Hidden Connection Backed to Win
Another high-quality filly is Hidden Connection, who is unbeaten after two race day starts.
The Bret Calhoun-trained daughter of Connect scored an easy win on debut at Colonial Downs before winning the Grade III Pocahontas Stakes at Churchill Downs.
It’s not always the best form guide coming into the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, but take nothing away from her. She has beaten what has been put in front of her, and bookmakers are respecting her chances.
Hidden Connection is on the same line as Juju’s Map at +250. The talent is there and her turn-of-foot could be on display if they run quickly up front.
Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Picks
We are all aboard the hype train surrounding Echo Zulu, and she could be the talking point of the opening day.
We’re happy to take the -125 odds available against the small field, and although Juju’s Map and Hidden Connection are smart types, she looks the more mature runner.
They should be the first three runners home, so include them in our trifecta selections.
