This year marks the seventh running of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1), a 5-furlong dash over Del Mar’s Jimmy Durante turf course for 2-year-olds.
Interestingly, the distance depends on the host track’s ability to run it. In some cases, the distance is shortened to 5 furlongs to accommodate the turf sprinting limitations, as it was at Churchill Downs in 2018 and again this year in California.
The race was run initially in 2018 during the first day of the Breeders' Cup at Churchill Downs and was ungraded. It was bumped to a Grade 2 in 2019 and then to a Grade 1 in 2022.
In 2018, WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, and SF Racing’s Bulletin was a 2 ¾-length winner under the Twin Spires for trainer Todd Pletcher. The 2019 winner, Four Wheel Drive, went on the shelf after the Breeders’ Cup and stands at stud in Japan.
Irad Ortiz, Jr. is the leading rider with three wins and was aboard Wesley Ward-trained runners each time. Ward is the race’s leading trainer with three winners as well.
The Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint is often the first opportunity for bettors to witness the next generation of sprinting talent, providing thrilling racing action and lucrative betting opportunities.
Since its launch, the Juvenile Turf Sprint has produced a mix of favorites and surprising longshots. Each edition highlighted the unpredictability of horse racing, making it an exciting betting event.
2019 -- Four Wheel Drive. Trained by Wesley Ward. Under jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr., Four Wheel Drive delivered a stellar performance, earning loyalty from fans and bettors alike. The winning payout for a $2 bet on Four Wheel Drive was $10.40, marking a solid return in the race’s infancy.
2020 – Golden Pal. Ward struck again with this talented colt in a thrilling race. Golden Pal’s remarkable speed was evident as he powered down the homestretch, resulting in a payout of $8.40 for a $2 wager, confirming his status as a rising star.
2021 – Twilight Gleaming. Talented filly continued the trend of impressive performances for the Ortiz/Ward combo. She showcased her mettle and yielded a payout of $11.20 for a $2 win bet. Twilight Gleaming's victory reinforced the notion that bettors should not overlook female competitors against boys, especially juveniles.
2022 – Mischief Magic. The European import claimed the top prize, rounding out another exciting year for young grass sprinters. With a commanding performance, Mischief Magic’s victory translated to a payout of $9.30 for a $2 wager.
For bettors, the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint represents a critical opportunity to analyze the pedigree, training, and recent performances of promising 2-year-olds. With the growing impact of analytics in racing, more resources than ever are available to guide betting decisions.
Overall, 86 runners have been listed as official starters for the Juvenile Turf Sprint, with an average field size of 12. The largest field was 14, the shortest 12, and the average win payout is $11.84.
As always, it’s essential to consider factors such as post position, track conditions, and jockey statistics when preparing for this event. As the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint continues to evolve, it is expected to become a benchmark for early talent in horse racing. For bettors, it offers not just a chance for profits but the thrill of witnessing the dawn of potential equestrian stars.
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
