How would you like the $6 million Breeders’ Cup (G1) to play out at Santa Anita on Saturday?
Clapton, trained by Chad Summers|Scott Serio/Eclipse Sportswire/Breeders Cup
On Friday, the day before the Classic, several trainers had a final say about what they’d like to see unfold during the 1 ¼-mile race that might give their horse a winning chance.
The feeling is Arabian Knight (3-1) and Saudi Crown (12-1) are the early pacesetters, with others settling into a second tier, and the closers hanging back to make one big run at the finish line.
Breeders’ Cup Classic Contenders
Chad Summers (Clapton, 20-1): “There are no bones about their running styles and no bones about our running style. We’re not going to recreate the wheel here. We just hope they go fast up front. If we look up and see a 49 half, we’re not going to win. If we see a 46 4/5 or 47, we’ll be cooking.”
Todd Pletcher (Bright Future, 10-1): “An honest pace that he can sit just off of. He’s going to be in the second tier. Save some ground.”
Todd Pletcher (Dreamlike, 30-1): “A really hot pace up front and a clean trip. Save a little ground hopefully in one turn at least.”
John Sadler (Missed the Cut, 30-1): “Hopefully, there is a lot of speed. He likes to have a pace to run at. We feel good about his preparation, training, and conditioning, but he is going to have to step up.”
Todd Fincher (Senor Buscador, 30-1): “I would love to see a 45 (second opening half-mile). There is a long run to the first turn, so that should give them enough time to sort things out.”
Rick Dutrow, Jr. (White Abarrio, 4-1): “I look at the race like everyone else in the world. We all see that there are a couple of horses that have speed and they want to go. Our horse has got pace and speed. As long as he breaks well, I have a feeling that Irad is going to have him wherever he wants him because of the quickness of our horse, and he’s got natural speed. As long as our horse breaks with the field, we should get a good trip.”
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.
