This may not be a handicapping tip, but when it comes to close calls and commanding victories at the Breeders’ Cup, the Classic and the Distaff rule.
The 41st Breeders’ Cup is set for Del Mar on Nov. 1-2, with 14 races totaling more than $30 million in prize money.
Flightline. Benoit Photo.
While Future Stars Friday features five races for 2-year-olds, it’s the Distaff and Classic that have delivered many of the dramatic finishes, whether by a nose or by a runaway.
Of the 29 BC races decided by a nose, six have occurred in the 1 1/8-mile Distaff and five in the 1 ¼-mile Classic.
Of the 16 BC races with a winning margin of 6 lengths or more, the Distaff comes in with five; the Classic with four.
Who knows what will happen on Saturday, but star 3-year-old filly Thorpedo Anna may be a candidate to roll in the Distaff.
In the Classic? Fierceness, Forever Young, and City of Troy appear to be the standouts, but it’s a topnotch, competitive field that could end up waiting for photo decide the winner.
As for history …
The five Classic nose winners, with the hard-luck loser and year in parentheses:
Bayern (Toast of New York, 2014)
Mucho Macho Man (Will Take Charge, 2013)
Tiznow (Sakhee, 2001)
Ferdinand (Alysheba, 1997)
Alphabet Soup (Luis Quatorze, 1996)
The six Distaff nose winners, with hard-luck loser and year in parentheses:
Malathaat (Blue Stripe, 2022)
Marche Lorraine (Dunbar Road, 2021)
Beholder (Songbird, 2016)
Escena (Banshee Breeze, 1998)
Hollywood Wildcat (Paseana, 1993)
Personal Ensign (Winning Colors, 1988)
The four largest-margin Classic winners, with runner-up, margin, and year in parentheses:
Flightline (Olympiad, 8 ¼ lengths, 2022)
American Pharoah (Effinex, 6 ½ lengths, 2015)
Volponi (Medaglia d’Oro, 6 ½ lengths, 2002)
Skip Away (Deputy Commander, 6 lengths, 1997)
The five largest-margin Distaff winners, with runner-up, margin, and year in parentheses:
Pleasant Home (Society Selection, 9 ¼ lengths, 2005)
Inside Information (Heavenly Prize, 13 ½ lengths, 1995)
Bayakoa (Colonial Waters, 6 ¾ lengths, 1990)
Life’s Magic (Lady’s Secret, 6 ¼ lengths 1985)
Princess Rooney (Life’s Magic, 7 lengths, 1984)