The $1 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) is a 1-mile turf test for 2-year-old colts and geldings. It was inaugurated in 2007 at Monmouth Park and will be contested for the 19th time this year.
The event has been dominated by Europeans – seven from Irish trainer Aidan O’Brien alone, including the last three and all ridden by Ryan Moore. The Juvenile Turf is the ninth race of the “Future Star Friday” on October 31st. You can check the complete race card for the day:
| Race No. | Race Name | Post Time ET |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Pacific Shore (Allowance) | 2:35pm |
| 2 | The Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance Stakes | 3:10pm |
| 3 | Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes | 3:45pm |
| 4 | Senator Ken Maddy Stakes (L) | 4:25pm |
| 5 | Golden State Juvenile Stakes | 5:05pm |
| 6 | Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1) | 5:45pm |
| 7 | Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (G1) | 6:25pm |
| 8 | Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) | 7:05pm |
| 9 | Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) | 7:45pm |
| 10 | Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) | 8:25pm |
In 2009, the race went from ungraded to a Grade 2, and by the 2011 Breeders’ Cup at Churchill Downs, it became a Grade 1. The race has become a significant attraction for horse racing bettors, not only for its competitive field but also for its potential payoffs. Understanding the history of this race, including past winners and their odds, can provide valuable insights for serious bettors looking to make informed wagers.
Some of the more notable winners include Oscar Performance, Mendelssohn, Fire at Will, Modern Games, Victoria Road, and Henri Matisse.
The Juvenile Turf is typically oversubscribed. Since the first run, 237 horses have been listed as official starters with an average field of 13. The race is limited to 14 runners, with 12 being the fewest number of runners to break from the gate in any year. The average payout is $17.16, securing its place as one of the more attractive Breeders’ Cup wagering events.
In 2023. Unquestionable returned $5 at odds of 3-2. In 2020, Fire at Will paid $62.40 at odds of 30-1.
Since its inaugural race, the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf has seen its share of remarkable performances. Some of the standout winners include:
2007 – Donativum. This English import won the first Juvenile Turf at Monmouth Park. He started as a 4-1 favorite and established Europe’s stronghold in the race.
2014 – Hootenanny. At odds of 6-1, this Wesley Ward runner won with a strong performance, and signaled the Americans weren’t just giving this race up to the foreign entities.
2018 -- Line of Duty. The foreign racing entity struck again with this entry, running at odds of 7-1. Line of Duty’s victory underscored the trend of European horses excelling in the race.
2020 -- Fire At Will. This horse, despite being somewhat of an underdog at odds of 10-1, made headlines with a stunning victory, showcasing that surprises are always possible at the Breeders' Cup.
2021 -- Modern Games. At odds of 5-2, Modern Games sparked significant controversy for European trainer Charlie Appleby. The colt won the race but ran for purse money only after breaking through the gate when initially loaded. The incident still sparks significant outrage from bettors who missed out on cashing any wagers.
Analyzing past results can provide bettors with key insights about the Juvenile Turf. Traditionally, the race has produced a mix of favorites and longshots, making it crucial to consider both form and connections when placing bets.
For bettors, understanding the odds is just as important as knowing the horses. For example, the payoffs can vary significantly, depending on the odds set before the race. In 2018, Line of Duty offered a payout of $16.40 for a $2 win bet, while the payout for Hootenanny was slightly more moderate, sitting at around $14, a slight 6-1 outsider.
The Breeders' Cup Juvenile Turf has a rich history, featuring exciting races and excellent betting opportunities. For horse racing bettors, understanding the trends from past years—who the winners were, their odds, and the payoffs—can be invaluable when looking to place informed wagers.
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.
