Breeders’ Cup returns to its roots

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The concept of the Breeders’ Cup was first hatched here in the cradle of American racing, the Bluegrass country of Lexington, back in 1982. The event debuted two years later at Hollywood Park and has taken place all over North America since then, eight times down the road a piece at Churchill Downs in Louisville.

But not until Friday will the Breeders’ Cup have been run at Keeneland, the elegant jewel whose founders wanted to present “racing as it was meant to be.” As the Breeders’ Cup celebrates its 32nd edition, it finally has come home.

And it has grown up. Launched as a single day of seven races, the Breeders’ Cup now encompasses 13 races over two days. This year’s event kicks off Friday with four BC races – the Juvenile Turf, Dirt Mile, Juvenile Fillies Turf, and Distaff – races 6 through 9 on a 10-race card that begins at 12:30 p.m. Eastern.

The remaining nine Breeders’ Cup races – highlighted by the Classic with Triple Crown winner American Pharoah – are on Saturday.

The National Weather Service forecast for Friday predicts sunny skies and a high temperature of 61 degrees. It was supposed to be dry and cool on Thursday, finally giving the main track and turf course a chance to dry out a bit after the steady rain that soaked this area Tuesday and Wednesday. The main track can dry out quickly, and though the turf course is sand-based, it still figures to retain some moisture.

How all that will impact the races is yet another factor bettors will have to weigh in Breeders’ Cup races that, save for the Dirt Mile, lack an overwhelming favorite and look like meaty gambling opportunities.

The Juvenile Turf, race 6, has a full field of 14, with British invader Cymric the lukewarm 4-1 choice on the line of Daily Racing Form’s Brad Free, who has Airoforce next at 9-2. Mike Battaglia, who makes the track morning line at Keeneland, has Cymric favored at 7-2, then Airoforce at 4-1.

Liam’s Map is a heavy favorite in the Dirt Mile, race 7. Both Free and Battaglia have him at even-money. Free’s second choice is Lea at 5-1, while Battaglia has Wicked Strong the second choice at 5-1.

The Juvenile Fillies Turf, race 8, is another challenging betting race. Both Free and Battaglia rate Harmonize as the 7-2 favorite and have Illuminate and Catch a Glimpse next.

The Distaff, race 9, also is highly competitive. Free has Sheer Drama a slight favorite over Wedding Toast, while Battaglia has it the other way around. Their original lines will be tweaked because Untapable, the defending race winner, was withdrawn Tuesday.

The scratch of Untapable allowed Peace and War to get in from the also-eligible list.

Friday at 8 a.m. is scratch time for all Breeders’ Cup races both Friday and Saturday, so that is the last chance also-eligibles will have to get into their races.

All of Friday’s Breeders’ Cup races will be shown live on NBCSN in a three-hour telecast beginning at 3 p.m. Eastern.