2023 Breeders' Cup – Top Picks for Day 2

The 2023 Breeders' Cup features 14 races across two days.

The centerpiece is the Breeders' Cup Classic, which takes place on Saturday, November 4th.

Here are notes and the top picks for Day 2.

Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile Picks

Stage Raider

Made a successful start for this barn after switching from Chad Brown, landing a stakes contest at Ellis Park in August. Runner-up in the Grade 3 Ack Ack at Churchill Downs last time. This is his toughest test to date.

Cody’s Wish

Has a great back story and scored an emotional success in this last year at Keeneland. After defeat in the Whitney, got back on track by winning the Grade 2 Vosburgh last time. Only beaten twice in the last two seasons. Sets the standard.

Zozos

Won four times from six starts this year, all at a lower level. Latest came in the Grade 3 Ack Ack at Churchill Downs in September, where he was chased home by Stage Raider.

Charge It

Showed plenty of promise when bursting onto the scene last year. Won the 2022 Grade 3 Dwyer at Belmont last year by 23 lengths. Hasn’t quite hit those heights this year but is a smart performer, won the Grade 2 Suburban at that track in July. Seems best when allowed the lead and goes without the blinkers here.

Skippylongstocking

Third in the Belmont last year. Won twice this year, running up to his very best when making all in the Grade 2 Charles Town Classic when last seen in August.

Shirl’s Bee

Won on debut at Meydan before finishing a close second to a more experienced rival in the UAE 2000 Guineas. Made US debut in September when down the field in a stakes contest at Churchill Downs. Faces an uphill task.

National Treasure

Showed a good attitude from the front when challenged to land the Preakness. That was only the second success of his career, though matched that level when hitting the board in the Awesome Again at this track last time. Will need to pull out more for win purposes.

Verdict

CODY’S WISH looks to have scared off any stiff competition, plus with a couple of horses scratched since the draw, can double up last year’s success. Charge It ideally needs the lead though can emerge as second best from Preakness winner National Treasure.

Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf Picks

In Italian

Four-time Grade 1 winner, including the Jenny Wiley and Just A Game this season. Has gone down narrowly the last twice. Ran a fine race when second in this last year at Keeneland. The pick of the home team, this is the longest distance she’s faced but could be dangerous again on the front.

Warm Heart

Has a fine strike-rate of five wins from eight starts. Successful in the Group 2 Ribblesdale at Royal Ascot, and the Yorkshire Oaks at York and Prix Vermeille at Longchamp the last twice. Anything from this barn is highly respected and may be difficult to pass if getting her head in front in the stretch.

With The Moonlight

A smart filly who won a pair of Group 2s at the beginning of the year in the UAE. Runner-up twice in North American Grade 1s later in the season. Though her barn are always to be noted at this meet, it will require a career best to feature.

Moira

Wasn’t disgraced when fifth in this race at Keeneland last year, her only start away from Woodbine. Landed the Grade 2 Canadian two starts back. Likely to find a few too good once again.

Win Marilyn

Is a very-smart mare at her best but has yet to hit those heights from 3 starts this season. Seems to come into her own at this part of the year, and will need to here, but is fully capable of being in the mix if on a going day.

Inspiral

Has proved she retains all her ability this season, picking up her fifth top-level success in the Sun Chariot at Newmarket last time. It’s interesting that connections are pitching her in here, rather than the Mile, where she tries beyond that distance for the first time. She’s very much the one to beat.

Lindy

Won all three starts in France as a juvenile last year. Wasn’t disgraced when runner-up first two starts this season behind subsequent Prix de Diane winner, Blue Rose Cen. Opened her US account at the first time of asking after leaving Christophe Ferland, before finishing a staying-on second in the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland, to 1000 Guineas winner, and Mile hope, Mawj.

Fev Rover

Has won three times this year, finally opening her Grade 1 account with success in the Beverly D. at Colonial Downs and E. P. Taylor at Woodbine. Is consistent and should give her running.

Didia

A dual Grade 1 winner in 2021 when trained in South America. Has won 5 of her 6 starts in the US, including the Grade 3 Modesty at Churchill Downs and Grade 2 Rodeo Drive Stakes at Santa Anita.

McKulick

Won the Belmont Oaks last year. Whilst she’s failed to add to that top-level success, she generally gives her running. Won the four-runner Grade 3 Waya Stakes at Belmont at the Big A last month.

Lumiere Rock

Has only won twice from eleven career starts but has hit the board on each other occasion. Won the Grade 2 Blandford at the Curragh in September before finishing third in the Prix de l’Opera at Longchamp last time. Needs more strictly from a form perspective.

State Occasion

Represents a trainer who has a fine record with his fillies and mares. Won a listed stakes in August but has come up short in group races otherwise this season.

Verdict

INSPIRAL will take all the beating. She missed her recent engagement at Ascot due to the ground and should be fresher than most as she tries this distance for the first time. In Italian should give another bold account from the front. Warm Heart has proved herself a tough customer and is the one for the show.

Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint Picks

Goodnight Olive

The defending champion who had an unbeaten season last year. Hasn’t quite gone on as expected after winning the Madison at Keeneland on her return. Beaten twice on her next three starts, though with excuses on one occasion. Couldn’t live with Echo Zulu when second in the Ballerina at Saratoga last time, that rival now unfortunately absent.

Clearly Unhinged

Has come a long way in a short amount of time. Won two of first three starts and the fortunate runner-up in Test at Saratoga two starts back. Caught late on after looking in control in Grade 3 Chillingworth at this track latest outing.

Eda

Won 8 of her first 10 races, including Grade 2 Great Lady M Stakes at Los Alamitos and Grade 3 Rancho Bernardo Handicap at Del Mar this year. Sole defeat at this venue when third in the Grade 3 Chillingworth Stakes last time. Has to reverse form with pair that better her then, but that’s not out of the question. Still must do better.

Matareya

Landed a four-timer last season. Has lacked consistency this time round, her standout effort when winning the Derby City Distaff in May. Dangerous to ignore but clearly comes with risks attached at present.

Kirstenbosch

A smart performer who won the Grade 3 La Canada here at the beginning of the year. Has run well the last twice when off the pace, finishing strongly to get up late in the Grade 3 Chillingworth Stakes at this track last time. The faster they go out in front the better.

Meikei Yell

Won three times in native Japan last season, including a pair of Group 2 events. Took a step forward on previous efforts this season when fifth in the Sprinters Stakes at Nakayama last time, though must take another considerable one to feature here.

Society

Very smart on her day. Biggest career success when winning the Cotillion at Parx last year. Has found the drop back to this distance much to her liking the last twice, comfortably landing the Grade 3 Chicago Stakes at Ellis Park and a stakes at Charles Town. Seems best with an uncontested lead and is back in the deep end here.

Three Witches

Has raced only at Gulfstream in her seven-race career. Much improved when winning last two starts, including the Grade 3 Princess Rooney Stakes last month. Has a bit on her plate here.

Yuugiri

Tasted success four times this year. Produced a career-best effort when overcoming Wicked Halo by a nose in the Grade 2 Thoroughbred Club of America Stakes at Keeneland last time, with the pair clear. Will need to replicate that effort to play a part here.

Verdict

GOODNIGHT OLIVE looks sure to give a bold account as she attempts to repeat last year’s success. Society may give her most to do if on a going day from the front. Matareya hasn’t been at her best this season but has enough form in the book to be a threat.

Breeders' Cup Mile Picks

Shirl’s Speight

Won three times in 2022, including second in this contest at Keeneland. Hasn’t quite matched that level of form this year despite hitting the board on last three starts and, whilst having a better draw than his Woodbine Mile conqueror, still has a bit to find with him.

Gina Romantica

Has won two Grade 1 contests at Keeneland, including the First Lady narrowly from fellow Chad Brown entrymate In Italian last time. Has few miles on the clock this season and can’t be discounted.

Casa Creed

Never out of the first three on each of his four starts this year. Won the Grade 3 Kelso and Fourstardave Handicap (for second year running) at Saratoga on two latest outings. This is his fourth Breeders’ Cup, ran in Turf Sprint last year, but has failed to land a blow against better opposition.

Win Carnelian

Won Group 3 Tokyo Shimbun Hai at Tokyo in February. Proved himself back to that level when fifth in Group 2 Mainichi Okan at same track last time. Has a bit to find.

Lucky Score

Has had all nineteen races at Woodbine (making the frame in all bar two of them). Landed the Grade 2 Highlander Stakes earlier in the season. Consistent but this will be a different test.

Mawj

Very-smart filly. After winning twice out in the UAE earlier this year, she returned to Britain and gained a battling victory over the chalk in the 1000 Guineas. She had a setback and wasn’t seen again until the Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland where she notched the four-timer.

Masteroffoxhounds

Seemingly retains ability for all he hasn’t won this season. Finished runner-up twice, the latest in the Grade 2 John Henry Turf Championship Stakes at this track last time. Faces a tough ask.

Du Jour

Missed 2022 but has proven his ability remains fully intact. Won a listed stakes at Del Mar before following up in the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile, having a clear run on the outer in the stretch. More required here.

Astronomer

Lightly-raced 4-y-o who missed last season. Raced three times this year, winning an allowance at Del Mar on the second of those. Took a marked step forward when finishing a close second in the Grade 2 City of Hope Mile Stakes here last time. Will need another to be involved. Gets the services of Ryan Moore.

Songline

Won Victoria Mile in May and Yasuda Kinen (for second year running) in June, both at Tokyo. Prepped for this when a nose second in the Group 2 Mainichi Okan at same course last time, having to wait for a clear run. Has few miles on the clock and rates a serious threat.

Kelina

French filly who won the Group 2 Prix de Sandringham at Chantilly in June. Down the field in a pair of Group 1s before breaking through at the top level last time in the Prix de la Foret over 7f. The return to this distance at this track should suit, as will fast turf.

Exaulted

Won first four stars having switched to turf at the beginning of the year, including the Shoemaker Mile at this track. Got no room early in the stretch when only second to Du Jour in the Grade 2 Del Mar Mile last time. May not be finished improving on this surface yet.

More Than Looks

Unraced as a juvenile and has gone on to success in four of his seven starts, notably the Grade 3 Manila Stakes at Belmont. Won a stakes at Churchill Downs last time.

Master Of The Seas

Withdrawn when reared in the gate for the 2021 Mile. Has proved better than ever in his last three starts, landing the Summer Mile Stakes at Ascot in July and Woodbine Mile in September, before being caught late by Up To The Mark in the Turf Mile at Keeneland last time. Should be in the mix but has been done no favours with the draw.

Verdict

This looks one of the more interesting races over the two days and Japan can gain another Breeders’ Cup success courtesy of SONGLINE. She has few miles on the clock for her age and her recent formlines look strong. Master of The Seas has a tough draw but is holding his form well at present and shouldn’t be too far away. Mawj made a winning return in a US Grade 1 last time though this is a tougher assignment.

Breeders' Cup Distaff Picks

Hoosier Philly

Won three times as a juvenile. Ran best race when runner-up in Grade 2 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico earlier this year. Comfortable winner of a stakes contest at Ellis Park next time. Hit the board in the Cotillion Stakes at Parx latest outing.

A Mo Reay

Completed hat-trick by winning the Beholder Mile at this track in March. Hasn’t been disgraced on the whole since, but still needs to step up on recent second in the Grade 2 Beldame at Belmont at the Big A.

Pretty Mischievous

Successful this year in Grade 2 Rachel Alexandra at Fair Grounds, Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs, Acorn at Belmont and Test at Saratoga. Runner-up on other two outings, including in Cotillion at Parx in the slop last time. Entitled to be in the mix but more needed for win purposes.

Idiomatic

Developed into a high-class performer this season, winning seven of her eight starts. Scored a couple of thumping successes at the top level the last twice in the Personal Ensign at Saratoga and Spinster at Keeneland. Has proven she doesn’t need the lead and may benefit from a stalking trip. Arrives at the top of her game.

Adare Manor

Has dominated small fields on each of her last five starts, including a trio of Grade 2s at this track and the Clement L. Hirsch at Del Mar. Loves this track and ability clear for all to see, though may not get such an easy lead this time.

Search Results

As good as ever this year, second in the Ogden Phipps at Belmont on second outing and winning Grade 3 Locust Grove at Churchill Downs when last seen in September. Well held in this last season.

Wet Paint

Smart filly who’s won four times this season. Biggest success came in Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga in July when showing a good attitude to prevail. Has four lengths to find with Randomized on their Alabama meeting last time.

Randomized

Very progressive sort. Has really come to herself since mid-summer and has recently completed a hat-trick. Comfortable winner of the Alabama at Saratoga and Grade 2 Beldame at Belmont at the Big A on last two outings. Could be the dark horse of the field.

Clairiere

Very-smart mare who’s hit the board in the last two runnings of this race. Successful this year in Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn and Ogden Phipps at Belmont (for second consecutive year). Well held in the slop in the Personal Ensign Stakes at Saratoga last time. Deep closer who needs a strong pace to aim at.

Desert Dawn

Won the Grade 2 Santa Anita Oaks in 2022 and in all but one race since. Generally gives her running but losing streak is a worry.

Le Da Vida

Ex-South American import. Won a listed stakes at Thistledown this year. Seemed to excel herself when 4¼ lengths second to Idiomatic in the Spinster at Keeneland last time. Needs to show that wasn’t a one off.

Verdict

IDIOMATIC is on a role and looks the one to be on to add another top-level success. Adare Manor will be a tough nut to crack, though this looks tougher than the small fields she’s dominated recently. Clairiere could be the one to take advantage should they both go full throttle up top.

Breeders' Cup Turf Picks

Shahryar

A high-class performer on his day who won the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan and finished runner-up in Japan Cup at Tokyo in 2022. Has a poor effort to overcome last time.

Onesto

Won Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp in 2022. Hit the board on seasonal reappearance and produced a career-best effort when third in the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at the same track last time, having raced at the back.

Gold Phoenix

Successful this year in Frank E. Kilroe Mile Stakes at Santa Anita, Grade 2 Eddie Read Stakes at Del Mar and Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap (for second year in a row). Versatile with regards to distance, but likely to find this a tough assignment.

Bolshoi Ballet

Back to best when landing the Sword Dancer on rain-sodden turf at Saratoga last time, his first success since the Belmont Derby in 2021. John Velazquez retains the ride. May find a couple too strong.

Auguste Rodin

Has built an all or nothing profile this season, wins in the Epsom Derby, Irish Derby at the Curragh and Irish Champion at Leopardstown mixed with two heavy defeats. Is certainly a key player if taking to Southern California.

Get Smokin

Won twice this year, including when dominating in the Grade 2 Turf Cup at Kentucky Downs last time. Pace angle but has plenty to do to figure.

Broome

A standing dish in international races. Won Dubai Gold Cup at Meydan but has been below form since his next start. Hard to see him bettering his second in this two years ago, this a stronger-looking race.

Up To The Mark

Much improved since switched to the turf this season, winning five of his six starts. Three of those have been at the top level, including getting up late to deny Master of The Seas in the Turf Mile at Keeneland last time. Tries a new distance and is best of the home team.

Mostahdaf

Sets the standard on his successes in the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot and International Stakes at York this summer. Has winning form over this distance and comes into this a fresher horse than most. The one to beat.

Adhamo

Won United Nations Stakes at Monmouth in 2022. Has finished third on both starts this season, though was comfortably held last time. Represents a strong turf trainer but will need a career-best to be involved.

King Of Steel

Rapidly progressed into a high-class performer. Followed his second in the Epsom Derby with a comfortable success in the Group 2 King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot. Suited by racing off the pace when landing the Champion Stakes at Ascot last time. Continues his rivalry with Auguste Rodin here, but it remains to be seen how much the Ascot run has taken out of him.

Balladeer

Has won three times this season, including the Grade 2 John Henry Turf Championship Stakes here last time. This is his most difficult assignment.

War Like Goddess

Leading US filly over this distance. Third in this race at Keeneland in 2022. Tasted success twice this season, including in Joe Hirsch Turf Classic at Belmont at the Big A last time for the second year running, impressing with how she quickened to lead. She’ll have to be at her very best to upset a better European challenge this time round.

Verdict

MOSTAHDAF hasn’t had a hard season and it’s hard to look past his claims given the races he’s won this year. Onesto hasn’t gone to the well too often either and a repeat of his last effort puts him bang in the mix. An on-song Auguste Rodin can chase them home.

Breeders' Cup Classic Picks

Zandon

Won the Blue Grass at Keeneland before finishing third in the 2022 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. Hit the board on next eight starts before landing the Grade 2 Woodward at Belmont at the Big A in good style last time. Unlikely to be far away but may have to settle for a minor role.

White Abarrio

Successful twice this year, including an allowance on final start for Saffie Joseph Jr in March. Stepped up considerably on second start for Rick Dutrow as he easily won the Whitney at Saratoga last time. That was a standout effort and is a player if in the same form.

Missed The Cut

A four-time winner when trained in Britain last year. Has proved versatile over different surfaces and distances. Sole US success came last time in the Grade 3 Tokyo City Cup on the dirt at this track. Has work to do.

Derma Sotogake

Made a huge impression when winning the UAE Derby at Meydan from the front back in March. Wasn’t able to back that up in the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs next time. Hasn’t been seen since and has a bit to prove in this.

Saudi Crown

Yet to finish out of the first two in five starts. Beaten a nose in the Grade 3 Dwyer at Belmont and Grade 2 Jim Dandy at Saratoga (behind Forte) before landing the Pennsylvania Derby at Parx. Unlikely to get things his own way this time but remains with potential to do better still.

Clapton

Has upped his form this season, and in particularly on last two starts, winning the Grade 2 Lukas Classic Stakes at Churchill Downs last time. This is another test entirely.

Ushba Tesoro

Switched to dirt and improved to win seven of eight starts on the surface, including listed stakes at Kawasaki in February, Dubai World Cup at Meydan in March and another listed stakes at Funabashi in comfortable fashion when last seen in September. If his Dubai World Cup success is anything to go by, the faster they go here the better.

Senor Buscador

Won handicap at Sunland and Grade 2 San Diego Handicap at Del Mar this season. Has held his form well since the latter, finishing fourth in the Pacific Classic at Del Mar and then third in the Awesome Again at this track.

Dreamlike

Unraced as a juvenile. Earned his diploma at the fourth attempt at Saratoga in July. Ran Saudi Crown close as they came clear in the Pennsylvania Derby at Parx last time.

Bright Future

Smart performer who’s won three times this season. Landed a pair of allowance races at Gulfstream and Saratoga. Had to fight to land the spoils from Proxy in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at latter track last time. This demands more.

Arabian Knight

Front runner who’s won three of his four starts, including the Grade 3 Southwest at Oaklawn in January and Pacific Classic at Del Mar in September. Remains to be seen as to just how good he could be and looks the rightful favourite in this spot.

Proxy

Won Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap and Grade 3 Monmouth Cup this year. Also runner-up at the top level this season in Santa Anita Handicap and the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga last time, losing out on the nod to Bright Future.

Verdict

This doesn’t look the strongest running of the Classic by any means and perhaps ARABIAN KNIGHT is the one to be on. Only beaten once and there’s no guessing to how high his ceiling may be just yet; he gets the verdict. White Abarrio’s performance last time puts him on any shortlist, but he may find this a little tougher overall. The Dubai World Cup winner, Ushba Tesoro, can’t be ruled out granted a strong pace.

Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint Picks

Big Invasion

Won six on the spin in 2022. Successful twice this year, including Grade 2 Nearctic Stakes at Woodbine last time in a very close finish. Best effort when second to Caravel in Jaipur at Belmont in June.

Bradsell

A very smart performer who won the King's Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot from Highfield Princess this year. Acquitted himself well in the Nunthorpe at York on next start before excuses in Ireland last time. Lightly raced and should be able to get a perfect stalking trip.

Caravel

Completed the five-timer in the Jaipur at Belmont in the summer. Only hit the board both times since but shouldn’t be judged too harshly on those efforts, the first came on soft turf and the second she did well to be runner-up after chasing a strong pace. Should be primed to defend her title.

Tony Ann

Produced a career-best effort when beating Caravel in the Grade 2 Franklin at Keeneland last time, suited by the strong pace. Takes on the boys for the first time.

Live In The Dream

Has progressed and then some this season. Began the year winning two handicaps before making the first three in a pair of group races. Landed biggest success in the Nunthorpe at York two back. Wasn’t disgraced over 5.5f prep at Keeneland and this track should suit his front-running style better.

Gear Jockey

Only raced twice this season. Stepped up markedly on reappearance effort when winning Grade 2 Turf Sprint at Kentucky Downs. That was his second success in the race and it remains to be seen if he can replicate that here, significant improvement required nonetheless.

Nobals

Landed three wins this season, the biggest of which came in the Grade 2 Turf Sprint Stakes at Churchill Downs earlier in the year. Has been given low-key assignments since but ran a fine second in the Grade 3 Troy at Saratoga two starts back.

Aesop’s Fables

Won first two starts as a juvenile last year, including the Futurity Stakes at the Curragh. Kept to sprinting this season without success, though easily ran best race when length third in the Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp last time.

Roses For Debra

Has won 7 of her 10 starts, the biggest of which came in the Grade 3 Caress Stakes at Saratoga in July. Was below par on soft turf when only third in the Grade 3 Turf Monster Stakes at Parx last time.

Motorious

Has really turned it on this season, never out of the first two from five starts. Last two of his three wins this year coming in Grade 3 contests, including here in the San Simeon in March and on latest outing in Green Flash Handicap at Del Mar after a four-month absence.

Jasper Krone

Japanese import who has won four times this year, notably a pair of Group 3 events at Chukyo and Kokura in the summer. Creditable fourth in the Group 1 Sprinters at Nakayama last time.

Arzak

Back to best last 2 starts, winning an allowance at Saratoga and Grade 2 Woodford at Keeneland. Draw doesn’t help but is clearly on good terms with himself.

One Timer

Won handicap at Belterra Park and listed stakes at Ellis Park this season. Ran well at Kentucky Downs for second consecutive year when head second in Grade 2 Turf Sprint last time.

Beer Can Man

Useful performer. Successful in listed stakes at Pimlico in May. In the money all 3 starts since, including Grade 2 Woodford at Keeneland last time.

Lane Way

Successful on two of three starts this year, namely stakes contest and Grade 2 Eddie D at this track.

Twilight Gleaming

Hasn’t quite built on the promise she showed as a juvenile, basically maintaining her useful level of form. Has failed to add to her listed stakes success at Keeneland earlier in the season. Ran a respectable fourth in Grade 2 Franklin Stakes there last time.

Verdict

LIVE IN THE DREAM has plenty of zip and should find this speed-favouring track more to his liking than last time. Bradsell should be well positioned to pick up the pieces late on, whilst Caravel is unlikely to give up her crown without a fight.

Breeders' Cup Sprint Picks

Nakatomi

Has won five times but never in a graded stakes, though deserves merit for consistently hitting the board. Can give his running without troubling the principals.

Dr. Schivel

Developed into a very smart performer back in 2021, notably winning the Bing Crosby at Del Mar and Grade 2 Santa Anita Sprint Championship. Ran Aloha West to a nose when second in the Breeders' Cup Sprint at Del Mar on next outing. Has had his issues since but landed this year’s Santa Anita Sprint Championship last time over Speed Boat Beach.

American Theorem

Successful three times last year, including in the Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar. Below best in three starts this season and has plenty to prove.

Hoist The Gold

Doesn’t win often but did score a first graded success in the Grade 2 Phoenix at Keeneland last time. Not discounted if in the same form for minor money.

Three Technique

Won twice this year, including the Grade 2 John A. Nerud Stakes at Belmont, which wasn’t a particularly strong running of that contest. This requires another career best over a distance he’s yet to win at.

The Chosen Vron

Has won thirteen of his seventeen races, including the last eight. Successful in four stakes contests at this track earlier in the year before landing the Bing Crosby at Del Mar. This will be tougher but he knows how to win and has worked very well leading up to this.

Speed Boat Beach

Lightly-raced colt whose only defeat in four starts last year came in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. Returned to the track this season in September and took a large step forward when beaten a head by Dr. Schivel in the Grade 2 Santa Anita Championship. Dangerous to underestimate.

Elite Power

Progressed well in 2022, culminating in winning this contest at Keeneland. Successful this year in Group 3 Riyadh Dirt Sprint in Saudi Arabia, Grade 2 True North Stakes at Belmont and Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap at Saratoga when beating Gunite a head. Possibly undone by a 6 Ibs pull at the weights with that rival in the Forego at the last-named track on latest outing. Has a big chance of turning the tables on his old rival once more.

Gunite

Won three times this year, including the Forego at Saratoga in August, where he was more favourably off at the weights against Elite Power. Failed to back that up in a listed stakes over 1m at Parx, so drops back in distance and attempts to take on his old rival again. Sure to be on or up with the pace.

Verdict

This doesn’t look the deepest race on paper and ELITE POWER can register back-to-back Sprint successes. Gunite may well be doing his best work at the finish and can follow the selection home. Dr. Schivel last time got back to something like the form that saw him go close in this two years ago and can be the one for the exacta.

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