How Kenny Peck will bet Breeders' Cup Saturday 2019

The five races making up the pick five at Santa Anita on Saturday are quite compelling from a betting standpoint, which is exactly how the Breeders' Cup should be. But while they are difficult to decipher that also naturally means there is value to be had, especially in multi-race exotics, and a winning ticket in this sequence promises to be lucrative. Here's a look:

RACE 8: An extremely quick pace is obviously possible here, with world-class sprinters MITOLE and SHANCELOT in the line up. Most likely closers to pick up the pieces include CATALINA CRUISER, who has been going longer but who is 2 for 2 at the distance, including a 107 Beyer, and HOG CREEK HUSTLE, who had just a bit of traffic trouble in the lane in the Phoenix last time out. But I'll use them all and wrap the race up, with a single in Leg 2.

RACE 9: Spreads in several legs in this sequence necessitate taking a stand in a race or two, and CIRCUS MAXIMUS does seem to be worthy of single status. He could well be the main speed in this Mile, which is relatively light on pace, and if he can shake loose easily enough he's surely capable of stealing this for O'Brien and Moore. Obviously in good form in Europe.

RACE 10: MIDNIGHT BISOU is obviously a filly who will be on the vast majority of tickets in this sequence, and she is the most likely winner in this field. But perhaps SERENGETI EMPRESS is good enough to spring a big upset if she's allowed to get clear and set her own pace on the front end. Her only other try at this distance was her sensational win in the Kentucky Oaks, and she had pace/trip excuses in her three losses since. OLLIE'S CANDY was against the race flow in her latest but game in her prior try.

RACE 11: BRICKS AND MORTAR tries this distance for the first time in the Turf, and while it should pose no problem for this stretch runner, it does leave enough room for an upset candidate to be used along with him. ARKLOW has had his share of excuses this year but put it all together in the Turf Classic at Belmont last time, and he figures to get more pace today than he did in any of his prior starts this year.

RACE 12: Quite an interesting Classic from a betting perspective, as well as when trying to plot the pace. There's not really a pure front-runner in the field, which gives WAR OF WILL an edge, especially with the addition of blinkers. He could, in fact, be the one they have to catch. HIGHER POWER also merits respect due to his early foot, and he might be the one to get first run at the pacesetter. MCKINZIE is quick enough to stay close as well; expecting him to improve off his latest, where he was hurt by a controlled pace. CODE OF HONOR couldn't be much sharper and figures to be ready to make the last run if an honest pace does develop. Also adding ELATE, who may be good enough with the right trip.

PICK FIVE (RACES 8-12): ALL / 9 / 2, 4, 9 / 9, 11 / 4, 6, 7, 8, 11 = $150 Ticket