The $1 million Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) has been run since 2008. Among the prominent winners are Golden Pal (2021), Stormy Liberal (2017, 2018) and Mizdirection (2012, 2013).
Saturday's 5 1/2-furlong Turf Sprint is the fifth race on the second day of the Breeders' Cup's $34 million, 14-race, two-day extravaganza. Post time is 1:48 p.m. ET. The race will be televised by USA Network and Peacock.
The pre-entries will be announced on Wednesday, Oct. 21; the gate draw is Monday, Oct. 26.
The 3-year-old colt is the 3-2 favorite among British bookmakers. The son of Maclean’s Music is 4-for-5 on grass, including a 3 3/4-length rout in a 27-horse handicap at Royal Ascot. He also took the Nunthorpe (G1) at York by 1 1/4 lengths against a field of 18. “He's a horse of immense quality, a Grade 1 animal,” Ward said.
Betting angle: Looks like the horse to beat, but at short odds, maybe not the horse to bet to win. Might be wiser to key him in exotics with mid-priced horses.
What to watch: Bacio is a frontrunner who could be compromised by other speed horses.
The Ireland-based 4-year-old colt is the 3-1 second choice of the British bookies after Group 1 wins over 5 furlongs at Newmarket and the Curragh. O'Brien has been pointing him to the Breeders' Cup since the spring and is hoping for a firm course. "Quick ground is very important to him."
Betting angle: Serious contender can offer value if Bacio is overbet. Belongs in all exotics.
What to watch: He has tactical speed but doesn't need the lead. The Mile's pace is usually quick, which could put him in a great position tracking the leaders before making his move in the stretch.
Cy Fair (John Velazquez, George Weaver)
She beat the boys in last year's Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1), and Weaver thinks the 3-year-old filly is good enough to take on older horses. Throw out her last race, a bad-trip sixth, beaten by only two lengths, at quirky Kentucky Downs. The Music City Stakes (G2) was run at 6 1/2 furlongs, the longest distance she's tried, so that's a valid excuse.
Betting angle: Could be an overlay because her most recent race was a dud. Consider playing her across the board.
What to watch: Cy Fair has tactical speed but also has three victories coming off the pace. She's 5-for-7 on grass and won two Grade 3 stakes this year. Don't be surprised if she's ready to run big. "She's really, really good," Weaver said. "I'm embarrassed about the two times I got her beat."
She won the 5-furlong Prix de l'Abbaye (G1) on Arc day at Longchamp, extending her winning streak to three for England-based sprint specialist Burke. “She’s very tough and very quick,” he said. Big fields are no problem for the 3-year-old filly, who finished ahead of 42 opponents during her recent surge. “I can’t take much credit,” the 19-year-old Nicholls said. “She does everything herself and I’m just the lucky lad who gets to sit on top of her."
Why a value bet? She'll be a big price, so maybe use her as a saver in small win and place plays.
The risk: It will be her 10th race this year, so maybe the long season and trip across the ocean will be too much.
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.
