Key contenders in Breeders' Cup Sprint

Kobe’s Back
Benefitted from hot pace scenario when second in the Santa Anita Sprint, but could well catch a similar setup here, although he’s yet to win a race at six furlongs.

Stallwalkin’ Dude
Comes off his best yet from a Beyer Speed Figure standpoint, a 103, when narrowly beaten by Rock Fall in the Vosburgh. He loves the distance, having finished worse than third just once in 10 tries at six panels. Should trip out well from the second flight.

Limousine Liberal
Conceded the lead to Runhappy when second best to that one in the King’s Bishop. He is likely to get a better pace setup in the rematch. Expect to see him rated off the speed. He has the looks of a live longshot the way he’s been training recently over his home track.

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Runhappy
Freakish 3-year-old may not have peaked yet, although he does have some gate issues, which could put him in compromising position if some of the outside speed types are able to drop over in front of him during the opening furlong. He will be overbet but is fast enough to lead these on a merry chase if able to get in the clear from the outset.

Wild Dude
Won two of the six Breeders’ Cup Challenge races when taking advantage of lively pace scenarios to rally to victory in both the Bing Crosby and Santa Anita Sprint. If this race unfolds as expected, he should catch a similar setup again. Big question is whether he will be able to reproduce his best form outside of California.

Masochistic
He’s wickedly fast but will have to avoid the same type of speed battle that totally compromised his chances last out in the Santa Anita Sprint.

Salutos Amigos
Appears to be cycling back to his peak form after a big effort in the Vosburgh. He’s got the right running style for the projected race shape. Looking for him to be one of the ones coming best of all at the end at what may be a fairly square price.

Private Zone
The division leader also is the class of the field with four Grade 1 wins on his resume, including a huge effort in the Forego. He’s been idle since that race nine weeks earlier, and his training since arriving at Keeneland hasn’t gone quite like his connections had hoped. He’s still the one to beat on paper, but perhaps a bit vulnerable as one of the two betting favorites in the race along with Runhappy.

Favorite Tale
He has not been able to train up to the Breeders’ Cup in conventional fashion after being forced to shuttle around from one place to another due to a quarantine imposed at his home base at Parx Racing earlier this month. He’s lured multiple Eclipse Award-winning rider Javier Castellano, and his speed should put him in the early mix. He has a lot to overcome to still be hanging arou